JP3342061B2 - Paper feeder and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

(Field of Industrial Application of First Invention) The first invention relates to a sheet material feeding device used in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic apparatus, an electrostatic recording apparatus, and a laser beam printer. (Industrial application field of the second invention) The second invention relates to a sheet feeding device for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser printer, and particularly to a sheet feeding tray or a sheet feeding cassette of the same. is there. (Industrial application field of the third invention) The third invention relates to a sheet feeding apparatus for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser printer, and more particularly to a sheet tray or a sheet cassette of the apparatus. is there.

[0002]

[Prior art]

(First Conventional Example) Conventionally, a printer using an electrophotographic process is configured as shown in FIGS. In the figure, reference numeral 1101 denotes a printer main body; 1102, a cassette for storing a sheet material S1; the sheet material S1 is regulated at a predetermined position by side surfaces 1102a, 1102b of the cassette 1102; 1102c is provided. The cassette 1102 is moved from the direction of arrow A to the printer main body 110.
Inserted into 1. Here, positioning pins 1101a and 1101 for regulating the position of the cassette 1102 are provided on the bottom surface of the cassette 1102 insertion portion of the printer main body 1101.
b is provided, and the positioning pins 1101a, 1101
1b is a slit 1 provided in the cassette 1102.
102c, and positions the cassette 1102 in the left-right direction with respect to the printer main body 1101.
1103 is a middle plate, and the sheet material S1 is the middle plate 11
03 is maintained at a predetermined position at a predetermined pressure. 1104 is a paper feed roller, 1105 is a conveyance guide, 1
Reference numeral 106 denotes a registration roller that conveys the sheet material S1 at a predetermined timing. Reference numeral 1107 denotes a process cartridge, which includes a photosensitive drum 1107a, a primary charger (not shown), a developing device (not shown), and a cleaning device (not shown). ing. Reference numeral 1108 denotes a transfer roller, and 1109 denotes a fixing device, which includes a fixing roller 1109a, a pressure roller 1109b, and a fixing discharge roller 1109c. Reference numeral 1110 denotes a discharge roller, 1111 denotes a discharge tray on which the printed sheet material S1 is stacked, 1112 denotes a scanner unit for scanning the laser beam L, and 1113 denotes the laser beam L to the photosensitive drum 1107a.
A mirror that leads to

Next, the printing operation will be described. When printing is instructed by a connected host computer (not shown), the paper feed roller 1104 rotates, and one sheet material S1 in the cassette 1102 is fed,
The registration roller 11 is moved by the conveyance guide 1105.
06. The registration roller 1106 conveys the sheet material S1 to the transfer unit in synchronization with the image information formed on the photosensitive drum 1107a by the laser light L, and the image is transferred onto the sheet material S1. The sheet material S1 after the transfer is further conveyed to the fixing device 1109, where a fixing process is performed by heat and pressure.
The image is fixed on top. After the fixing process, the sheet material S1
Is the fixing device 11 by the fixing discharge roller 1109c.
The paper is discharged and stacked on the paper discharge tray 1111 by the paper discharge rollers 1110. (Second Conventional Example) A sheet cassette as a sheet feeding apparatus according to a second conventional example will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1202 denotes a paper loading table for loading paper and moving and holding the paper at a predetermined position;
Reference numeral 06 denotes a rotation center for rotating and moving the paper loading table 2,
Reference numeral 1204 denotes a trailing end regulating plate for determining the trailing end position of the paper on the sheet stacking table; 1213, a side regulating plate for determining the side position of the paper; 1205, for pressing the leading edge of the paper to separate the sheets one by one. A feeding claw 1208 for pushing up the paper stacking table upward at a predetermined pressure;
10 is a side reference plate for determining the reference of the side of the paper, 12
Reference numeral 07 denotes a paper cassette cassette for accommodating each of the symbol parts and the paper, and 1201 denotes a paper cassette composed of the above-mentioned parts. , And the sheets are fed one by one.

In the paper feed cassette 1201, the side regulating plate 1213 for regulating the side of the paper comprises a side spring 1213a and a holding member 1213b for holding the side spring, as shown in FIG. a
It can slide in two directions and can accommodate two or more types of papers having different widths.

As shown in FIG. 21, the side spring 1213a connects the side end of the sheet 1209 to the side spring 1
By utilizing the elastic force of the sheet 213a, the sheet 1209 is pressed against the side reference plate 1210 to regulate the side position of the sheet 1209 and to prevent the sheet 1209 from skewing when fed. (Third Conventional Example) A sheet cassette according to a third conventional example will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1302 denotes a paper loading table for loading paper and moving and holding the paper at a predetermined position;
Reference numeral 06 denotes a rotation center for rotating the paper loading table 2 and 1
Reference numeral 304 denotes a trailing end regulating plate for determining the trailing end position of the sheet on the sheet loading table, 1313 denotes a side regulating plate for determining the side position of the sheet, and 1305 presses the leading edge of the sheet to separate the sheets one by one. Claw 1308 is a paper feed spring for pushing up the paper loading table with a predetermined pressure, 1313.
10 is a side reference plate for determining the reference of the side of the paper, 13
Reference numeral 07 denotes a paper cassette cassette for accommodating each of the symbol parts and paper, and 1301 denotes a paper cassette composed of the above-mentioned parts, which accommodates paper and is mounted on a predetermined paper feeding unit of an image forming apparatus (not shown). Then, the sheets are fed one by one.

In the sheet cassette 1301, the side regulating plate 1313 for regulating the side edge of the sheet is provided as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a side spring 1313a and a holding member 1313b for holding the side spring are provided.
The holding member 1313b is made of a resin material, and grips the handle 1313e in the direction of arrow A, deflects the elastic portion 1313f, slides the side regulating plate 1313, and
When the handle 1313e is released by touching the side end of the holding member 309, the elastic portion 1313f of the holding member 1313b is released.
Is a triangular rib 1307a provided on the cassette orchestra 1307 in a state of being deflected by S1 as shown in FIG.
And the triangular rib 1313f 'of the elastic portion 1313f of the holding member 1313b are fixed in a state where they are engaged.

[0009]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

(First Problem) However, in the first conventional example, the positioning of the cassette 1102 in the left-right direction with respect to the printer main body 1101 is performed by positioning pins 1101a and 1101b.
And a slit 1102c provided in the cassette 1102.
And was performed only by fitting. Therefore, the side surface 1 of the cassette 1102 that regulates the position of the sheet material S1
If the sheets 102a and 1102b fall down and become distorted, the sheet material S1 stored in the cassette 1102 is deviated from a predetermined position.

In particular, since the cassette 1102 is generally formed of plastic, the side surface 110 of the cassette 1102
The upper portions 2a and 1102b often open outward. Particularly, in a cassette having a large depth in which a large amount of sheet materials S1 can be stacked, the tendency is remarkable.
The sheet material S1 in the cassette 1102 further deviates from a predetermined position.

If the sheet material S1 stored in the cassette 1102 deviates from a predetermined position, the printing accuracy deteriorates,
The fed sheet material S1 is caught on the transport guide 1105 or the like, causing a problem such as a paper jam. (Second Problem) In the second conventional example, if the side regulating plate 1213 is strongly pressed against the sheet 1209 (particularly in a large-capacity cassette), the sheet 1209 is As the paper is fed, the paper loading table 1202 is rotated in the direction of arrow b by the paper feed spring 1208 about the center of rotation of the paper 1206, but the sliding between the side spring 1213 a of the side regulating plate 1213 and the end of the paper 1209. resistance F _s acts as shown in FIG, sheet 12
Sheet feeding pressure F _p with the Paper roll 1211 for 09 becomes low, there is a disadvantage that tends to cause feeding problems and jams from the separation claw 1205 without missing sheet 1209.

As shown in FIG. 23, a rib 12 is provided on the side regulating plate 1214 to reduce the sliding resistance with the sheet 1209.
Although a configuration in which the side plate 14a is provided has been devised, when the side regulating plate 1214 is strongly pressed against the sheet 1209, the side edge of the sheet is easily damaged by the rib 1214a,
In addition, if the pressing method is weak, the paper is not sufficiently pressed against the side reference plate 1210 and causes skew feeding and poor printing accuracy when the paper is fed. (Third Problem) In the third conventional example, the cassette portion 113f is provided on the elastic portion 1313f of the side regulating plate 1313.
Since a force is always applied by a reaction force from the 307, plastic deformation occurs when a thermal shock force is applied due to a change in the use environment or the like, and the triangular rib 113 of the elastic portion 1313f shown in FIG.
313f 'and triangular rib 130 of cassette orchestra 1301
7a becomes loose and easy to move in the B direction, there is no force to press the paper 1309 against the side reference plate 1310, and it becomes easy to cause skew feeding during the paper feeding operation,
In addition, there is a problem that the sheet 1309 is easily detached from the separation claw 1305, and multiple feeding occurs frequently. (First object) The first invention has been made to solve the first problem, and an object of the invention is to provide a paper feeding apparatus capable of preventing deterioration of printing accuracy and paper jam due to the side of the cassette falling down. A paper device is provided. (Second object) The second invention is made to solve the second problem, and an object of the second invention is to make it possible to smoothly feed a sheet and to make the side edge of the sheet at that time. An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet feeding device that is not damaged. (Third Object) A third invention has been made to solve the third problem, and an object of the third invention is to provide a sheet feeding device in which a fixing means of a side regulating plate can securely fix. Is to do.

[0013]

(First invention) In order to achieve the first object, in the first invention, a sheet material is used.
Cassette to be stored and mounting section to which the cassette is mounted
And a sheet feeding device having:
Provided on the side surface along the insertion direction of the cassette
A positioning slit formed downward from the part,
On the mounting section, downward along the mounting direction of the cassette
And a positioning position that fits into the positioning slit.
And a member.

Preferably, the positioning means includes a positioning slit provided on the cassette and a positioning member provided on the mounting portion and fitted to the positioning slit. (Second invention) In the second invention to achieve the second object, the sheet feeding apparatus having the side regulating plates for regulating the side edges of the sheet material to be stacked, the side regulating plates Has a side spring that presses the side of the stacked sheet material by an elastic force, and at least one or more ribs provided in a direction adjacent to the side spring and intersecting the sheet material feeding direction, The height of the rib in the vertical direction from the side of the side regulating plate on the side of regulating the sheet material is set to a value smaller than the movable area of the side spring, and the side regulating plate regulates the side of the sheet material.
Then, while the side spring presses the side of the sheet material,
The side spring displaces the entire movable area.
Before the sheet is pressed against the side of the pressed sheet material.
The contact of the side spring reduces the deflection of the side spring.
It is characterized by restriction .

[0015]

[0016]

[Action]

(Operation of the First Invention) In the paper feeder of the first invention, by providing positioning means for regulating the position of the side surface of the cassette as positioning means for the cassette with respect to the mounting portion, the sheet material in the cassette is provided. However, deterioration of printing accuracy and paper jam due to deviation from a predetermined position with respect to the mounting portion are prevented. (Operation of the Second Invention) In the paper feeder according to the second invention, the side of the sheet is pressed by the pressing member to position the sheet. At this time, the sheet is provided on the side regulating plate. The rib prevents the side edge of the sheet from being damaged.

Further, by setting the height of the rib to a value smaller than the movable area for pushing the paper side on which the side spring is loaded, the loaded paper can be smoothly and relatively moved during the paper feeding operation. Can be performed. (Operation of the Third Invention) In the paper feeder according to the third invention, the ends of different paper sizes are regulated by sliding the side regulating plates.

In this case, the fixing means fixes the position of the side regulating plate by frictional force due to elastic deformation.

Further, since the elastic member is further used in combination with the fixing means, the fixing of the fixing means is ensured.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Embodiment of the First Invention] (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 show an embodiment that best illustrates the features of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a printer embodying the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 show cassettes for storing sheet materials.
FIG. 3 is a view of the cassette as viewed from above, and FIG. 3 is a view showing the back surface of the cassette.

1 to 3, reference numeral 101 denotes a printer main body, and reference numeral 102 denotes a cassette for storing a sheet material S1.
The printer main body 101 has a mounting portion 101 ′ into which a cassette 102 is inserted and mounted.
1 'includes the printer main body 10 of the cassette 102.
Positioning Pin 101 for Positioning Position 1
a, 101b, and positioning members 101c, 101d made of a rigid material such as a sheet metal. In the cassette 102, the sheet material S1 is regulated to a predetermined position by side surfaces 102a and 102b.
02, a slit 102c is provided on the back surface of the cassette 102 and slits 102d and 102e are provided on the upper surfaces of the side surfaces 102a and 102b as positioning slits with respect to the printer main body 101, respectively.

The slit 102c has a concave shape to be guided by the positioning pins 101a and 101b, while the positioning slits 102d and 102e have a shape in which the positioning members 101c and 101d enter and fit.

The positioning slits 102d, 1
02e and the positioning members 101c and 101d constitute the positioning means 100.

In the above configuration, the cassette 1
Reference numeral 02 is inserted into the mounting portion 101 'of the printer main body 101 from the direction of arrow A. At this time, the printer body 1
The positioning pins 101a and 101b of No. 01 are fitted in the positioning slits 2c of the cassette 102, and perform positioning of the cassette 2 with respect to the printer main body 1 in the left-right direction. Further, the mounting section 10 of the printer main body 101
1 ', positioning members 101c and 101d
Are positioning slits 102d, 102 provided on the side surfaces 102a, 102b of the cassette 102.
e, the side surfaces 102a, 1
02b to correct the position of the sheet material S1 and correct the position of the sheet material S1.
(b) is accurately positioned with respect to the printer main body 101. In this way, the cassette 102 is set on the printer main body 101 and the cassette 102
The sheet material S1 stored in the printer body 101 is fed to the printer main body 101 by a known sheet feeding mechanism and forms an image on the surface thereof through a known image forming process. Since S1 is accurately regulated at a predetermined position with respect to the printer main body 101, it is possible to prevent deterioration of printing accuracy and paper jam due to the sheet material S1 in the cassette 102 deviating from the predetermined position. It becomes possible. (Second Embodiment) FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a printer embodying the present embodiment, and FIG.
It is a cassette. In FIG. 4, positioning portions 101a, 101 'are attached to mounting portions 101, 101' of the printer main body 101.
101b and a positioning member 101c are provided.

In FIG. 5, the cassette 102 has a positioning slit 102c and the cassette side surface 102c.
A positioning slit 102d is provided in the upper part of the position a.

The cassette 102 has a width regulating plate 11.
4 and a width regulating spring 115 attached to the width regulating plate 114. The urging force of the width regulating spring 115 causes the sheet material S1 to be moved to the side surface 102 of the cassette 102.
The position of the sheet material S1 is defined by abutting the sheet material a.

Here, the positioning means 100 includes the positioning slit 102d and the positioning member 101c.

In the above configuration, the cassette 1
Reference numeral 02 is inserted into the mounting portion 101 'of the printer main body 101 from the direction of arrow A. At this time, the printer body 1
01 of the cassette 102 fits into the slit 102c of the cassette 102.
02 in the left-right direction. Further, the positioning member 101c of the printer main body 101 enters the slit 102d of the cassette 102, and
02, the side of the cassette 102 is corrected.
An accurate positioning of the second side surface 102d with respect to the printer main body 101 is performed. Here, the sheet material S1 set in the cassette 102 is
5, the side surface 102d of the cassette 102
Therefore, the sheet material S1 is accurately defined at a predetermined position with respect to the printer main body 101.

This embodiment is particularly effective for a printer that performs one-sided contact conveyance of the sheet material S1. In a printer that performs one-sided contact conveyance, the sheet material S1 is used.
The sheet material fed is placed in the cassette 1 using the side surface 102d of the cassette 102 as a transport reference surface.
02 while being pressed against the side surface 102d.
Therefore, if the side surface 102d of the cassette 102 deviates from a predetermined position with respect to the printer main body 101, the printing accuracy deteriorates and a paper jam occurs. In the present embodiment, the cassette 1 which is a one-side abutting conveyance reference surface is used.
Since the side surface 102d of 02 is accurately positioned with respect to the printer main body 101, it is possible to prevent deterioration of printing accuracy and paper jam. (Third Embodiment) FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a printer embodying the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 shows a cassette. In FIG. 6, positioning pins 101a and 101b are provided on a mounting portion 101 'of the printer main body 101.
And a positioning member 101c.

In FIG. 7, the cassette 102 has a positioning slit 102c and the cassette side surface 102c.
A positioning slit 102d is provided in the upper part of the position a. Further, the cassette 102 has a reference plate 116 fixed to the side surface 102a on the side surface 102a side, and the sheet material S1 is referenced by the width control spring 115 attached to the width control plate 114, similarly to the second embodiment. The position of the sheet material S1 with respect to the printer main body 101 is determined by abutting against the plate 116. In the case of a sheet feeding device that performs one-sided contact conveyance, the reference plate 116 is used as an abutment conveyance reference surface 116a, and the sheet material S
1 will be transported while being abutted.

Here, the positioning means 100 includes the positioning slit 102d and the positioning member 101c.

In the above configuration, the cassette 1
Numeral 02 is inserted into the mounting portion 101 'of the printer main body 101 from the direction of arrow A, and positions the printer main body 101 in the left-right direction in the same manner as in the second embodiment. Further, the positioning member 10 of the printer main body 101
1c penetrates into the slit 102d of the cassette 102 to correct the side surface 102d of the cassette 102 from falling. Accordingly, the inclination of the reference plate 116 is also indirectly corrected, so that the sheet material S1 is defined at a predetermined position with respect to the printer main body 101, and has an effect of improving printing accuracy and reducing paper jams. .

This embodiment is also particularly effective for a printer in which the sheet material S1 is abutted and conveyed to the reference plate 116 with the reference surface 116a on one side, similarly to the second embodiment. (Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 8 to 10 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a printer embodying the present invention, FIG. 9 shows a print sample, and FIG. 10 shows a printer with a cassette mounted. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 101 denotes a printer main body, and positioning pins 101a and 10a are provided in the same manner as in the second and third embodiments.
1b and a positioning member 101c are provided, and the abutting transport reference surface M of the positioning member 101c is a one-side abutting transport reference surface. The positioning member 101c is provided with slots 117 and 118.
Screws such as screws 9 and 120 are fixed to the printer main body 101 through elongated holes 117 and 118. Therefore, the positioning member 101c can be moved in the direction of arrow B by loosening the screws 119 and 120.
The cassette, similar to the cassette 102 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7 by the urging force of the width restricting spring 115, the position of the sheet substrate S1 by abutting the sheet material S ₁ to the reference plate 116 Is regulated. The surface 116a of the reference plate 116 against which the sheet material S1 abuts is a one-sided abutting transport reference surface. The sheet material S1 is abutted against the abutting transport reference surface 116a and the abutting transport reference surface M and has a predetermined surface. It will be transported while maintaining its position.

Here, a positioning slit 102d,
The positioning means 100 includes the positioning member 101c.

In the above configuration, the cassette 1
Numeral 02 is inserted into the printer main body 101 in the direction of arrow A and fixed at a predetermined position as in the second embodiment.

In this embodiment, the positioning member 10
1c is movable in the direction of arrow B, so that by moving the positioning member 101c in the direction of arrow B,
With respect to the abutting transport reference plane M of the positioning member 101c. Abutting and transporting reference surface 116 of the cassette 102
It is possible to arbitrarily adjust the position of a.

Here, in the printer 101, in particular, when performing one-side abutting conveyance, the printer main body 101
The relative positional relationship between the abutting transport reference plane M of the cassette 102 and the abutting transport reference plane 116a of the cassette 102 in the direction perpendicular to the sheet material S1 transport direction may change the printing accuracy such as the right angle at the leading end and the skew. Has been found experimentally.

[0039] In FIG. 9, S2 is a model of a sheet of printing a grid pattern, the tip perpendicularity that the perpendicularity of the main scanning line m ₁ ~m ₈ in the sub-scanning line m ₁ ~m _7, wherein the sub main scanning line m ₁ ~m ₈ to the scanning line m ₁ ~m ₇ is the vertical direction in the vertical scanning m ₁ ~m _7, when the deviated in the direction of arrow D (+), in the direction of arrow C The deviation is defined as (-). Further the skew, that the parallelism of the sub scanning line m ₁ ~m ₇ for one side abutting conveyance reference side l of the sheet material S1, with respect to l _1, sub-scanning line m ₁ ~m ₇ is l ₁ When it is shifted to the arrow E side with respect to the direction parallel to, it is defined as (-) and when it is shifted to the arrow F side is (+).

Here, the following facts have been found from experiments performed by us.

Referring to FIG.
When the abutment transfer reference surface 116a of the cassette 102 moves in the direction of the arrow G with respect to the abutment transfer reference surface M, the perpendicularity of the leading end moves in the plus direction, and the skew also moves in the plus direction. When the abutting transport reference surface 116 of the cassette 102 moves in the direction of arrow H, the perpendicularity of the tip changes in the minus direction, and the skew moves in the minus direction.

As described above, in the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to adjust the printing accuracy such as the right angle of the tip and the oblique direction. Printing accuracy can be improved by a method such as adjusting the position. [Embodiment according to the second invention] (Fifth embodiment) FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a side regulating plate showing a fifth embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B,
The side spring 203a as a member has a substantially L-shaped cross section.
To the hole 204 formed in the holding member 203b
Have been killed. The rib plate 203c includes a side spring 203a.
Fixed so as to sandwich a part between it and the holding member 203b
Have been.

The end portions 203d, 20 of the side spring 203a
Reference numeral 3e denotes a portion for pressing the side end portion of the stacked sheets, and as shown in FIG. 16A, the height S2 of the rib 203c is
The value is set smaller than the movable area S1 of the ends 203d and 203e of the side spring 203a. FIG.
(B) shows a state in which the side restricting plate 203 is pressed against the sheet 209, the ends 203d and 203e of the side spring 203a are bent by S3 (S1-S2) , and the sheet 209 is pressed against the side reference plate 1210 (shown in FIG. 19). I have. (6th
FIG. 17A is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment, and FIG. 17B is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.

In this embodiment, a plurality of ribs 203c 'are provided on a holding member 203b' for holding a side spring 203a 'as a pressing member, and the rib 203c' is provided on the side spring 203a '. It protrudes from the hole 205 toward the paper side end.

As in the fifth embodiment, the height of the rib 203c 'of the holding member 203b' is set to a smaller value than the movable regions of the ends 203d 'and 203e' of the side spring 203a '. ing. (Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a side regulating plate showing a seventh embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line C of FIG.

A part which does not move as a spring, that is, a holding member 203 is provided between the side springs 203a "as a pressing member.
b "is provided with a plurality of ribs 203c".

The height of the rib 203c "is set to a smaller value as compared with the movable area of the ends 203d 'and 203e", as in the fifth embodiment. [Embodiment according to the third invention] (Eighth embodiment) Fig. 24A is a main sectional view of a side regulating plate of a sheet feeding device according to an eighth embodiment, and Fig. 24B is the same embodiment. It is a rear view of the side regulation plate of an example.

The side regulating plate 303 includes a side spring 303.
a and a holding member 303b for holding the
A torsion coil spring 315 is attached to the fixing means d of the holding member 303b to the cassette orifice 301 as shown. The torsion coil spring 315 applies a force that the fixing means 320 receives from the cassette orch 307 in a direction opposite to f ₁ to prevent the fixing means 320 from exceeding the allowable stress even when a thermal shock force is applied. , So that no plastic deformation occurs.

Here, the fixing means 320 is provided with the rib 303
f ′ and an elastic portion 303d, and the rib 303
f 'is positioned by clicking the rib 307a of the apparatus main body. Ninth Embodiment FIG. 25A is a rear view of a side regulating plate according to a ninth embodiment.

The torsion coil spring 315 in the eighth embodiment
Instead of a compression coil spring 3 as an elastic member as shown in FIG.
16 and fixing means 32 of the holding member 303b '.
This prevents the 0 'elastic portion d' from being plastically deformed.

The other points are the same as in the eighth embodiment. (Tenth Embodiment) FIG. 25B is a rear view of a side regulating plate according to a tenth embodiment.

Holding member 303 for side regulating plate 303 "
A metal leaf spring 317 as an elastic member is insert-molded at b "as shown in the figure, and the step 318 of the fixing means 320 is attached to the leaf spring 317 by insertion or the like, so that a plastic deformation occurs. It is not.

The other points are the same as in the eighth embodiment.

[0055]

【The invention's effect】

(Effect of the First Invention) According to the first invention, by providing positioning means for regulating the position of the side surface of the cassette as positioning means for the cassette with respect to the mounting portion, the sheet material can be fixed to the mounting portion. In addition to preventing paper jams and the like due to deviation from the position, there is an effect of improving printing accuracy by accurately positioning the sheet material. (Effect of the Second Invention) In the paper feeder according to the second invention, the side of the sheet is pressed by the pressing member to position the sheet. At this time, the sheet is provided on the side regulating plate. The rib prevents the side edge of the sheet from being damaged.

Further, by setting the height of the rib to a value smaller than the movable area for pushing the sheet side on which the side spring is loaded , the sliding between the sheet material and the side regulating plate is achieved.
Resistance decreases. By reducing the sliding resistance,
In the feeding operation, lowering of the feeding pressure is prevented and stable
Sheet material can be fed.

It should be noted that the greater the number of ribs provided on the side regulating plate, the greater the effect of preventing the side edges of the sheet from being damaged. (Effect of the Third Invention) In the paper feeder according to the third invention, the fixing means is securely fixed by further using an elastic member together with the fixing means.

As a result, plastic deformation of the resin material of the fixing means due to thermal shock caused by a change in the use environment is prevented, and the position of the side regulating plate is firmly fixed. This solves the problem of skew and double feeding by separating from the separation claw, thereby improving paper feeding performance.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to a first embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cassette of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the cassette.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cassette of the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cassette of the apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a print sample of the apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the same device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sheet feeding device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cassette of the apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the cassette.

FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer to which the apparatus is applied.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a side regulating plate of a sheet feeding device according to a fifth embodiment of the second invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line A.

16A is a plan view of the apparatus, and FIG. 16B is a plan view of the apparatus in a state where a sheet is pressed.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a side regulating plate of a sheet feeding device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17B is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a side regulating plate of a sheet feeding device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to a second conventional example.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a side regulating plate of the device.

21A is a plan view of the apparatus, and FIG. 21B is a plan view of the apparatus with a sheet pressed.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the same device.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another sheet feeding device according to the conventional example.

FIG. 24A is a main-stage view of a sheet feeding device according to an eighth embodiment of the third invention, and FIG. 24B is a rear view of a side regulating plate of the sheet feeding device.

FIG. 25A is a rear view of a sheet feeding device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25B is a rear view of the sheet feeding device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to a third conventional example.

27A is a main cross-sectional view of the device, and FIG. 27B is a rear view of a side regulating plate of the device.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 positioning means 101 ′ mounting portion 102 cassette 102 positioning slit 101 c, 101 d positioning member 203, 203 ′, 203 ″ side regulating plate 203 a, 203 a ′, 203 a ″ side spring (pressing member) 203 c, 203 c ′, 203 c ″ rib 303 , 303 ', 303 "Side regulating plate 320 Fixing means 315 Torsion coil spring (elastic member) 316 Compression coil spring (elastic member) 317 Leaf spring (elastic member)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tomoyo Araki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Makoto Nishigaki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo No. Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-56-78737 (JP, A) JP-A-61-188336 (JP, A) JP-A-2-99361 (JP, A) Jpn. (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B65H 1/26 312 G03G 15/00 516

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] A cassette for housing 1. A sheet material, the sheet feeding apparatus which have a, a mounting portion to which the cassette is loaded, the insertion direction of the cassette is provided on a side surface of said cassette
Formed downward from the top of the side surface along
The positioning slit and the mounting section, facing downward along the mounting direction of the cassette
And a positioning position that fits into the positioning slit.
Sheet feeding apparatus characterized by having a fit member. 2. The positioning device according to claim 1 , wherein said positioning means is provided on one side of said cassette.
Slits and a reference section that serves as a sheet material transport reference position
Is provided on the other side surface of the cassette by an elastic force.
That a width regulating spring is provided to abut against the reference part.
The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein 3. The positioning member according to claim 1, further comprising :
The movable member is provided so as to be movable in the width direction of the material.
Item 3. The paper feeding device according to item 1 or 2. 4. A sheet feeding device having a side regulating plate for regulating a side end portion of a stacked sheet material, wherein the side regulating plate presses a side of the stacked sheet material by an elastic force; At least one or more ribs provided adjacent to the side spring in a direction intersecting the sheet material feeding direction, and a direction perpendicular to a surface of the side regulating plate on which the ribs regulate the sheet material. Height is set to a value smaller than the movable region of the side spring , when the side regulating plate regulates the side of the sheet material,
The side spring deflects while pressing the side of the sheet material.
Before the side spring displaces the entire movable area.
The ribs are provided on the side of the sheet material being pressed.
Limits the deflection of the side spring by contact
A sheet feeding device. A holding member for holding said side spring;
The rib according to claim 4, wherein a rib is provided.
Paper feeder. 6. A power supply according to claim 1, wherein
Forming a paper device, an image on a sheet material fed from the sheet feeding device
Image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit for the.