JP3869727B2 - Paper feeding device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device including a sheet feeding table on which a large number of sheets are stacked, and more particularly, to a manual sheet feeding device and an image forming apparatus including the manual sheet feeding device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a paper feeding device in an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine, a separation method using a frictional force is used to feed sheets one by one. As the separation method, a so-called friction pad method and a friction roller method are known as representative types. Of these, a separation method called a friction pad method is a method in which sheets between a paper feed roller and a friction pad such as a rubber cork are separated one by one using a difference in friction coefficient. The separation method referred to is that the sheet is fed between a pair of rollers having different rotation directions, and the sheet is fed when it is double fed by utilizing the difference in friction coefficient between the forward and reverse rollers and the sheet. This is a separation method.
[0003]
Here, a conventional typical paper feeding device 1 adopting a friction pad method will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the paper feeding device 1 is provided on the side surface 3 of the copying machine 2, for example, and is called a so-called manual paper feeding device. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a principal part showing a state in which the paper feeding device 1 is attached to the copying machine 2, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the paper feeding device, and FIG. 10 is a side view of the copying machine showing a state where the paper feeding device is closed and not used. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet feeding device, and FIG.
[0004]
In these drawings, the sheet feeding device 1 basically includes a sheet feeding table portion 10 and a sheet feeding mechanism 20. The sheet feeding table portion 10 includes a sheet feeding table 11, a bottom plate 12, a side guide 13, and a pressure lever. The sheet feeding table 11 is mainly supported by and attached to a storage portion 2 a on the side surface of the copying machine 2 by a fulcrum 15. The bottom plate 12 is swingably supported by a support fulcrum 16 on the free end side of the paper feed table 11, and a sheet (sheet) receiving position (stackable state) around the support fulcrum 16 by the pressure lever 14. 11 position) and a paper feed position (position pushed up to bring a bundle of paper into a paper feed roller, which will be described later, or paper unacceptable position-FIG. 10). The free end side of the bottom plate 12 is always elastically biased toward a later-described paper feed roller 21 by a bottom plate push-up spring (not shown), and a contact pressure that can be fed by the paper feed roller 21 against a bundle of sheets stacked on the bottom plate 12. Is granted. A pair of side guides 13 is provided on both sides of the sheet bundle, and has a function of sliding the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction to align the sheets with the center reference.
[0005]
The paper feed mechanism 20 is provided on the copier 2 side and includes a paper feed roller 21, a separation pad 22, a pad base 23, and a separation spring 24. The paper feed roller 21 is driven by a driving device (not shown) and conveys the paper stacked on the paper feed tray 11, and the separation pad 22 contacts the paper feed roller 21 and separates the paper one by one. The separation pad 22 is held by a pad base 23, and the pad base 23 is further elastically biased by a separation spring 24 so that the separation pad 22 is brought into contact with the paper feed roller 21 with a predetermined pressure.
[0006]
In the conventional manual sheet feeding device 1 configured as described above, the sheet feeding table 11 is in the state shown in FIG. 10 when the sheet feeding device 1 is not used. 21 and the bottom plate 12 are kept in contact with each other. In this state, since the sheet cannot be fed by the sheet feeding roller 21, it is necessary to hold the bottom plate 12 in a stackable state in order to supply the sheet. Therefore, in the manual sheet feeding device 1, in order to load the sheets on the sheet feeding table 11, the pressure lever 14 is rotated as shown in FIG. Is positioned at the lowest position. As a result, a predetermined gap is formed between the paper feed roller 21 and the bottom plate. By positioning the bottom plate 12 in the lowest position in this way, a gap in which a stack of sheets can be stacked appears between the paper feed roller 21 and the bottom plate 12, and for example, stacking and feeding a maximum of about 100 sheets of sheet bundles. Is possible.
[0007]
In order to adopt such a configuration, in the copying machine 2 equipped with this type of paper feeding device 1, it is explained in the operation manual that the operation of releasing the bottom plate is performed, and it is clearly stated that this operation is indispensable. The user is prompted to perform the operation when paper is used.
[0008]
On the other hand, an invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-189344 is also known as an apparatus that does not require such an operation. According to the present invention, in the manual sheet feeding device, the bottom plate is lifted and lowered (pushing pressure release operation for the bottom plate) using a motor, and the lifting and lowering operation is controlled according to the mode.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if the operation manual explains the operation to release the pressure at the bottom plate as described above, it is necessary for the operator to understand the operation as described above when actually operating. In addition, it is necessary to master the operation. Such understanding and proficiency varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone can do it easily.
[0010]
In the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-189344, as described above, a drive source such as a motor is required for the ascending / descending operation of the bottom plate, so that electric control is necessary, and the mechanical configuration is only complicated. In addition, the size of the apparatus is increased, and it is impossible to meet the recent demand for reduction in size and weight.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the actual situation of the prior art, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a paper feeding device that does not require skill in operation and can be used easily and appropriately by anyone. There is.
[0012]
A second object of the present invention is to provide a small sheet feeder that can automatically move the bottom plate up and down with a simple mechanical configuration.
[0013]
Furthermore, the third purpose is a paper feeding device that does not require any skill in operation and can be used easily by anyone, or a small paper feeding device that can automatically raise and lower the bottom plate with a simple mechanical configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus provided with the apparatus.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the first object, the first means is supported by the apparatus main body so as to be swingable, and has a sheet feeding position in which a paper stacking position and a storage position in the apparatus main body are set, and a movement to the sheet feeding table. In a paper feeding device that is supported movably and has a bottom plate on which sheets are stacked, and a lever that holds the bottom plate in a paper receiving position and is set to a paper feeding position, Lever operating means that engages with the lever when opening, rotates the lever according to the opening operation of the paper feed base, and holds the bottom plate at the paper receiving position is provided on the apparatus main body side, and the lever The operating means is characterized by being formed in a cross-sectional saddle shape by an elastic member .
[0015]
In order to achieve the first object, the second means includes a paper feed base that is swingably supported by the apparatus main body and in which a paper stacking position and a storage position in the apparatus main body are set, and the paper supply base. And a lever for holding the bottom plate at a paper receiving position and setting the paper feeding position to the paper feeding position. Engaging with the lever when opening from the side, rotating the lever according to the opening operation of the paper feed table, and providing lever operating means on the apparatus main body side to hold the bottom plate at the paper receiving position; The lever operating means protrudes from the apparatus main body side, is swingable to the support portion fixed to the apparatus main body, and the tip of the support portion, and the swinging operation is restricted at a predetermined position when the lever is rotated. A contact portion supported on the shaft. To.
[0016]
In order to achieve the first object, the third means is the first or second means, wherein the lever operating means is engaged with the lever only when the paper feed base is opened, and the lever The lever is allowed to pass while the bottom plate is set at the paper feed position during the closing operation .
[0018]
In order to achieve the second object, the fourth means is the lever in the first or second means when the sheet bundle is set on the bottom plate while the bottom plate is held at the paper receiving position. It further comprises release means for releasing the holding state.
[0019]
Further, in order to achieve the third object, the fifth means includes a paper feeding device according to the first to fourth means and an image that forms a visible image on the paper fed from the paper feeding device. An image forming apparatus is formed of the forming unit .
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the conventional example shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 described above, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate.
[0021]
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the manual sheet feeder according to the first embodiment of the present invention when not in use.
[0022]
The sheet feeding device 1 includes a sheet feeding table portion 10 and a sheet feeding mechanism 20. The paper feed table portion 10 is mainly composed of a paper feed table 11, a bottom plate 12, a side guide 13, and a pressure lever 14, and the paper feed table 11 can be swung to an opening on the side surface of the copier 2 by a fulcrum 15. Supported and attached. The bottom plate 12 is swingably supported by a support fulcrum 16 on the free end side of the paper feed table 11 and is moved by the pressure lever 14 to a paper receiving position and a paper feed position around the support fulcrum 16. Be able to.
[0023]
The paper feed mechanism 20 is provided on the copier 2 side and includes a paper feed roller 21, a separation pad 22, a pad base 23, and a separation spring 24. The paper feed roller 21 is driven by a driving device (not shown) and conveys the paper stacked on the paper feed tray 11, and the separation pad 22 contacts the paper feed roller 21 and separates the paper one by one. The separation pad 22 is held by a pad base 23, and the pad base 23 is further elastically biased by the separation spring 5, so that the separation pad 22 is brought into contact with the paper feed roller 21 with a predetermined pressure.
[0024]
These configurations are the same as those of the above-described conventional example, but in this embodiment, a lever operation unit 30 is provided on the copying machine main body side with respect to the paper feeding device 1 shown in FIGS. Features. Here, the lever operation unit 30 is made of an elastic member represented by a rubber (including a synthetic resin material), for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the lever operating portion 30 is formed in a saddle shape in cross section, and the position where the free end side portion 30 a of the saddle shape is engaged with the end portion 14 a on the free end side of the pressure lever 14, that is, In FIG. 8, the movement operation of the bottom plate 12 to the sheet receiving position by the pressure lever 14 is interlocked with the opening operation of the sheet feeding table 11 provided on the side surface of the storage portion 2 a of the sheet feeding device 1 on the near side of the copying machine 2. Can be done.
[0025]
The other parts are configured in the same way as the conventional example described above.
[0026]
When the lever operation unit 30 is provided in this way, when the paper feed base 11 is opened from the state of FIG. 1 and rotated to the position of FIG. 2, the free end 14 a side of the pressure lever 14 is the free end of the lever operation unit 30. It abuts on the 30a side and prevents the pressure lever 14 from moving. As a result, the pressure lever 14 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 2 about the fulcrum 14b, and when the free end of the pressure lever 14 passes through the free end 30a of the lever operating portion 30, the pressure lever 14 is moved. The shape, size, and attachment position of the pressure lever 14 and the lever operation unit 30 are set so as to be positioned at the lock position of the bottom plate 12. Then, in a locked state, as shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined amount is opened between the bottom plate 11 and the paper feed roller 21, and it becomes possible to set a paper or a paper bundle.
[0027]
In this state, when the pressure lever 14 is returned (the cam c is released from the dead point by a slight return and the locked state is released), the bottom plate 11 is pushed up by the elastic biasing force of the bottom plate push-up spring (not shown). Then, the sheet bundle loaded on the bottom plate 11 comes into contact with the sheet feeding roller 21 with a predetermined contact pressure, and sheet feeding becomes possible.
[0028]
When the paper feed table is stored, if the paper feed table 11 is rotated counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 3, the free end 14a of the pressure lever 14 contacts the free end 30a of the lever operation unit 30. The free end 30a side is elastically deformed to the main body side of the copying machine 2 due to the elastic force of 30, and the free end 14a of the pressure lever 14 passes through the free end 30a without being caught by the free end 30a of the lever operation unit 30, The paper base 11 is stored smoothly.
[0029]
Note that the copying machine 2 is an electrophotographic system including a document reading unit, an image forming unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit, and the read document image is digitally processed and light-written based on digital information. Therefore, by inputting image information from the outside using an interface, it functions not only as a copying machine but also as a printer or FAX. When an image is formed based on image data input from an information processing apparatus or a scanner, not only the above-described electrophotographic printing means but also known printing means including an ink jet method are employed.
[0030]
<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the bottom plate 12 is locked at the paper receiving position by the pressure lever 14 and the sheet bundle is set on the bottom plate 12, and then the pressure lever 14 is slightly returned to unlock the cam 14c. In this second embodiment, the bottom plate 12 is shifted to the paper feeding state. This operation is also automated.
[0031]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a lever return spring 17 is mounted around the fulcrum 14b of the pressure lever 14, and the pressure lever 14 is always elastic in the unlocking direction (clockwise in FIG. 4). In other words, the pressure applied to the bottom plate push-up spring can be released when the cam 14c of the pressure lever 14 is removed from the dead point. In this example, the bottom plate 12 is locked at the paper receiving position in the same manner as in the first embodiment. From this position, the sheet bundle P is set on the bottom plate 12 as shown in FIG. When 12 sinks downward, in other words, when it rotates slightly counterclockwise around the fulcrum 12a, the cam 14c of the pressure lever 14 is unlocked. When the lock is released, the pressure lever 17 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the elastic force of the lever return spring 17 and the bottom plate 12 is also rotated in the clockwise direction in the figure to load the stacked sheet bundle P toward the paper feed roller 21. Pushed up and ready to feed. Since the cam 14c is unlocked by the weight of the sheet bundle P in this way, the bottom plate 12, the cam 14c, the paper feed base 11 and the gap 18 that allow the bottom plate 12 to be lowered by the weight of the sheet bundle P are estimated in advance. The positional relationship is set.
[0032]
With this configuration, the bottom plate 12 can be locked and unlocked automatically with only a mechanical configuration.
[0033]
In addition, each part which is not demonstrated especially is comprised similarly to the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment and a prior art example, and functions equivalently.
[0034]
<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the lever operation unit 30 locks the bottom plate 12 or puts the pressure lever 14 in the original position depending on the engagement state between the free end 30a and the free end 14a of the pressure lever 14. I am returning. At this time, the lever operation unit 30 is formed of a lock elastic member, and enables the operation by deformation due to its own elastic force. The third embodiment is another configuration example of the lever operation unit 30 in the first embodiment.
[0035]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part of the lever operation unit 30 in the third embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a view showing an operation when the paper feed base 11 is returned. In these drawings, the lever operation unit 30 includes a shaft portion 31, a contact portion 32, and a support portion 33. The abutting portion 32 is freely rotatable about the shaft portion 31 as a fulcrum. However, when the sheet feeding base 11 is rotated in the opening direction, the rotation stops when the abutting portion 32 comes into contact with the support portion 33. Therefore, even if the contact portion 32 and the free end 14a side of the pressure lever 14 contact each other, the contact portion 32 does not escape, and the pressure lever 14 is surely positioned at the lock position, and the bottom plate 12 is held at the paper receiving position. can do. On the other hand, when the paper feed tray 11 is stored (FIG. 7), even if the abutment portion 32 and the free end 14a of the pressure lever 14 abut, the abutment portion 32 rotates (clockwise in the drawing), so that it does not get caught. It can be smoothly accommodated in the copying machine 2. The shaft portion 31 is supported by the support portion 33 at a position shown in FIG.
[0036]
If comprised in this way, operation | movement can be reliably performed by the part which is not elastically deformed rather than using an elastic member for the lever operation part 30. FIG.
[0037]
In addition, each part which is not demonstrated especially is comprised similarly to the above-mentioned 1st and 2nd embodiment and a prior art example, and functions equivalently.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the lever is engaged when the paper feed base is opened from the apparatus main body side, the lever is rotated according to the opening operation of the paper feed base, and the bottom plate is moved to the paper receiving position. The lever operating means is provided on the apparatus main body side, the lever operating means is formed in a cross-sectional saddle shape by an elastic member, and the lever operating means protrudes from the apparatus main body side and is fixed to the apparatus main body. Operation part is required because the support part and the abutting part pivotally supported so that the swinging movement is regulated at a predetermined position when the lever is rotated are supported. Anyone can easily use it by simply opening the paper feeder.
[0039]
In addition, according to the present invention, since the bottom plate is held at the paper receiving position, the release means for releasing the holding state by the lever when the sheet bundle is set on the bottom plate is provided. It is possible to provide a small paper feeding device capable of automatically raising and lowering the bottom plate.
[0040]
Further, according to the present invention, the lever is engaged when the paper feed base is opened from the apparatus main body, and the lever is rotated in accordance with the opening operation of the paper feed base to hold the bottom plate at the paper receiving position. Since the visible image is formed by the image forming means on the paper fed by the paper feeding device provided on the apparatus main body side, there is no need for mastering the operation, and anyone can use it easily and appropriately. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus including a paper feeding device or a small paper feeding device that can automatically move the bottom plate up and down with a simple mechanical configuration.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-use state of a manual sheet feeding device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the paper feed tray of the manual paper feeder according to the first embodiment of the present invention is opened and the pressure lever is operated.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sheet receiving state in which the sheet feeding table of the manual sheet feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is opened.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sheet receiving state in which a sheet feeding table of a manual sheet feeding device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is opened.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation when a bundle of sheets is set on a sheet feeding table of a manual sheet feeding device according to a second embodiment of the present invention and the sheet receiving state is automatically canceled.
FIG. 6 is a main part perspective view showing a state of a lever operation unit according to a third embodiment when the lever is operated.
FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state of the lever operating unit according to the third embodiment when the paper feed table is closed.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a conventional copying machine and a paper feeding device.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional paper feeding device.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-use state of a conventional manual sheet feeder.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a sheet receiving state of a conventional manual sheet feeder.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper feeder 2 Copy machine 10 Paper feed stand part 11 Paper feed stand 12 Bottom plate 14 Pressure lever 14a Free end 14b Support point 14c Cam 15, 16 Support point 17 Lever return spring 18 Gap 20 Feed hole 21 Feed roller 22 Separation pad 23 Pad base 24 Separation spring 30 Lever operation part 30a Free end 31 Shaft part 32 Contact part 33 Support part

Claims (5)

A paper feed base that is swingably supported by the apparatus main body and has a paper stacking position and a storage position in the apparatus main body set; a bottom plate that is swingably supported by the paper feed base and on which paper is stacked; In a paper feeding device that holds a bottom plate at a paper receiving position and has a lever that is set to a paper feeding position
Lever operating means that engages with the lever when opening the paper feeding base from the apparatus main body side, rotates the lever according to the opening operation of the paper feeding base, and holds the bottom plate at the paper receiving position. Provided on the device body side ,
The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the lever operating means is formed in a bowl shape by an elastic member . A paper feed base that is swingably supported by the apparatus main body and has a paper stacking position and a storage position in the apparatus main body set; a bottom plate that is swingably supported by the paper feed base and on which paper is stacked; In a paper feeding device that holds a bottom plate in a paper receiving position and has a lever that is set to a paper feeding position,
Lever operating means that engages with the lever when opening the paper feeding base from the apparatus main body side, rotates the lever according to the opening operation of the paper feeding base, and holds the bottom plate at the paper receiving position. Provided on the device body side,
The lever operating means protrudes from the apparatus main body side, is swingable to the support portion fixed to the apparatus main body, and the tip of the support portion, and the swinging operation is restricted at a predetermined position when the lever is rotated. sheet feeding apparatus you, comprising the axially supported by the abutment portion. The lever operating means engages with the lever only during the opening operation of the paper feed base and rotates the lever, and allows the lever to pass with the bottom plate set to the paper feeding position during the closing operation. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The feeding device according to claim 1, further comprising a release unit that releases the holding state by the lever when the sheet bundle is set on the bottom plate while the bottom plate is held at the paper receiving position. Paper device. A sheet feeding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises an image forming section for forming a visible image, against the fed sheet from the paper feed device Image forming apparatus.

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