JP4827792B2 - Discharge tray support structure and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a support structure for a paper discharge tray in an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, an MFP (multifunction printer), a copying machine, and a printer, and the image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, as a support structure for a paper discharge tray of an image forming apparatus, for example, a rear portion of the paper discharge tray is used as a rotation fulcrum so that the paper discharge tray can be rotated inward of the apparatus, and the rotation angle thereof is set. There is one that can be held in stages and supported so that the installation angle of the discharge tray can be changed.
According to this structure, by changing the length, installation angle, and position of the discharge tray according to the paper size, it is possible to save space and reduce costs with a simple mechanism (patent) Reference 1).
The image forming apparatus exemplified in Patent Document 1 is a so-called in-body discharge type image forming apparatus in which recording paper is discharged from the inside of the apparatus main body, but depending on the image forming apparatus, from the top surface thereof. Some recording paper is carried out. In this case, the paper discharge tray is often integrated by using the casing constituting the image forming apparatus as it is.
By the way, this type of image forming apparatus includes a small type and a large type, but a small image forming apparatus has a degree of freedom in its installation place unlike a large image forming apparatus. There are many cases that are installed in high places such as a sideboard.
JP 2002-226119 A

However, the above-described conventional paper discharge tray is integrated using the rear portion of the paper discharge tray as a rotation fulcrum so that the paper discharge tray can be rotated upward, or the housing constituting the image forming apparatus. Therefore, if an image forming apparatus equipped with such a paper discharge tray is installed in a high place such as a rack or a sideboard, the recording paper on the paper discharge tray is difficult to take out, which is not convenient. It was.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a discharge tray support structure and an image forming apparatus that can solve the above problems.

In order to solve the above technical problem, a support structure for a paper discharge tray according to a first aspect of the present invention is supported on an upper surface of an image forming apparatus main body including an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording sheet. A support structure for a paper discharge tray on which recording paper discharged from a paper discharge unit provided in a main body of the forming apparatus is placed, and the paper discharge tray is formed and discharged by the image forming unit. A tray surface on which the recording paper is placed, a first position where the recording paper is placed on the tray surface, and a second position for taking out the recording paper on the tray surface by inclining the tray surface downward A moving mechanism for moving the tray surface between the image forming apparatus and at least a downstream end of the tray surface in the recording paper discharge direction when the discharge tray is at the second position. Projecting from the side of the main body and forming the image Located below the upper surface of the Okimoto body, the paper discharge tray, as protruded from the tray surface, wherein the rotatable rollers are pivotally to the tilting direction of the discharge tray, the rollers are And the support surface and the discharge tray are engaged with each other so that the discharge tray protrudes from the tray surface when the discharge tray is in the second position, and the discharge tray is in the first position. It is characterized in that it is provided in the paper discharge tray through a retracting mechanism that is inserted into the paper discharge tray when it is in the position.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the discharge tray support structure according to the first aspect, wherein the main body of the image forming apparatus includes a support surface for supporting the discharge tray, and the discharge tray faces upward from the support surface. And is pivotally supported by the image forming apparatus main body at a required rotation angle so as to be able to collide with the image forming apparatus main body.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a discharge tray support structure according to the second aspect, further comprising biasing means for biasing the discharge tray in the abutting direction.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a discharge tray support structure according to the first aspect, wherein the image forming apparatus main body includes a storage recess for storing the discharge tray with a support surface for supporting the discharge tray as a bottom surface. A paper discharge tray and the image forming apparatus main body engage the paper discharge tray with the housing recess so that the paper discharge tray can protrude from the image forming apparatus main body, and the paper discharge tray protruded from the image forming apparatus main body faces downward. The paper discharge tray is configured to be able to collide with the image forming apparatus main body at a required rotation angle with an elastic member interposed therebetween. It is characterized by.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the discharge tray support structure according to the fourth aspect, wherein the engagement means is an engagement formed by a long hole or a long groove extending in the sliding direction of the discharge tray on the inner surface of the storage recess. And an engaged portion formed of a pivot projecting from the outer surface of the paper discharge tray and loosely fitted in the long hole or the long groove.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the discharge tray supporting structure according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the discharge tray is provided inside the housing recess and protrudes from the image forming apparatus main body. It is characterized by having a pulling means for pulling to the side.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a discharge tray support structure according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the discharge tray is tilted toward a discharge direction side of the discharge section. It is supported by the apparatus main body.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the discharge tray supporting structure according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the discharge tray is tilted in a direction perpendicular to the sheet discharge direction of the sheet discharge portion. Further, the image forming apparatus is supported by the main body of the image forming apparatus .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a discharge tray support structure according to the first aspect , wherein the discharge tray is formed so that a gap is formed between the tray surface and the support surface, The mechanism includes a recess formed in the tray surface, a bearing loosely fitted in the recess and pivotally supporting the roller, and is stretched between the bearing and the recess to bias the bearing upward. An elastic member, a boss adjacent to the recess and projecting from the support surface, and a shaft support portion suspended from the back surface opposite to the tray surface. The other end is disposed so as to be engageable with the boss, and is provided with a seesaw-like rocking link, and when the paper discharge tray is in the first position, the boss One end of the link is pushed up so that the roller is in the discharge tray. Immersive capable to, and the when the discharge tray is in said second position, the boss and the one end and the roller engagement is released of the link is configured to be projected from the tray surface It is characterized by becoming.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the support structure for the discharge tray according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the discharge tray can be projected and retracted from the lower end of the tray when the discharge tray is at the second position. An extension tray is provided and extends the tray surface.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paper discharge tray support structure according to the tenth aspect , wherein a handle is provided on the extension tray.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the discharge tray support structure according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the sensor detects that the discharge tray has moved. And a control means for stopping the print job when the sensor detects that the paper discharge tray has moved.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising the discharge tray support structure according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the sensor detects that the discharge tray has moved. And a control means for discharging the recording paper being conveyed and stopping the printing operation when the printing operation is in progress when the sensor detects that the paper discharge tray has moved. And

According to the present invention, the downstream end portion of the tray surface on which the recording paper is placed in the recording paper discharge direction protrudes from the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body and is positioned below the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body. Since the paper discharge tray can be tilted and the first position and the second position of the paper discharge tray can be selected, the paper discharge tray is set to the first position to discharge paper from the paper discharge unit. The recording sheet can be reliably placed on the tray surface, and by setting the paper discharge tray to the second position, the recording sheet can be taken out from the horizontal direction of the image forming apparatus body or from below the image forming apparatus body. it can. Further, when the paper discharge tray is in the second position, a roller that can rotate in the tilt direction side of the paper discharge tray protrudes from the tray surface.
Therefore, even if the image forming apparatus is installed at a high place such as a rack or a side board, the recording paper can be easily taken out by inclining the paper discharge tray, and convenience can be improved.

Next, an embodiment of a support structure for a paper discharge tray according to the present invention will be described.
The paper discharge tray support structure according to the present embodiment is applied to a so-called top surface paper discharge type image forming apparatus. 1 to 9 show the first embodiment, FIGS. 10 to 15 show the second embodiment, FIGS. 16 to 21 show the third embodiment, and FIG. 22 shows the fourth embodiment. 23 shows the fifth embodiment, FIG. 24 shows the sixth embodiment, FIGS. 25 and 26 show the seventh embodiment, and FIGS. 27 to 30 show the eighth embodiment.
[First Embodiment]
First, an outline of the main body A (image forming apparatus) will be described before detailing the support structure of the paper discharge tray according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the main body A discharges a casing 1 that forms the external shape of the main body A and houses each functional part, and a recording sheet that is provided on the top surface of the casing 1 and on which an image is recorded. The paper discharge unit 2, the paper supply unit 3 that stores recording paper before image recording in a stackable manner and feeds the recording paper for each single sheet, and the paper supply unit 3 and the paper discharge unit 2 are formed and connected. A recording paper transport path 4 through which paper is transported, a toner image forming section 5 provided between the paper feed section 3 and the paper discharge section 2 to form a toner image based on image data, and the toner image forming section 5 The transfer unit 6 for transferring the toner image formed in step 1 to the recording sheet on the recording sheet conveyance path 4 and the recording sheet to which the toner image is transferred provided between the transfer unit 6 and the sheet discharge unit 2 are pressed. And the fixing unit 7 for fixing the toner image on the recording paper by heating, and the recording paper conveyance path 4 so as to straddle the transfer unit 6 and the fixing unit 7. It is constituted by a reversing portion 8 for reversing the is recording paper.

The main body A configured as described above transfers the toner image formed on the basis of the image data to the recording paper, fixes it, and ejects it from the paper ejection unit 2 on the top surface to record the image by a known process. It is like that. Hereinafter, the support structure of the paper discharge tray according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
The discharge tray support structure according to the first embodiment includes the above-described casing 1, the discharge tray 9, the urging means 10, the roller portion 11, and the extension tray 12. .
The casing 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape so that the above-described components can be housed inside, and is adjacent to the middle step 1a formed on one side in plan view and one end of the middle step 1a. The upper step 1b formed so as to be adjacent to the upper step 1b and the middle step 1a, and the lower step 1c surrounded by the two sides, is formed in a spiral step shape on the top surface side. It becomes.
Among these, the paper discharge unit 2 described above is provided in the middle of the side wall surface of the lower step 1c of the upper step 1b, and the bottom surface of the lower step 1c formed below the paper discharge unit 2 is a discharge tray 9 described later. Is a bearing surface S that is supported substantially horizontally.

Further, an intersection portion between the lower edge portion 1c edge of the paper discharge portion 2 in the paper discharge direction and the upper edge portion of the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction is formed in an inclined shape at a required angle to form an abutting portion 1d. In addition, a pair of pivots 13 that pivotally support a later-described sheet discharge tray 9 is provided at a corner in a direction orthogonal to the abutting portion 1d in plan view.
As shown in FIG. 2, one pair of the pivots 13 protrudes outward from a vertical wall surface in a direction orthogonal to the paper discharge direction and the other is a casing on the axis of the pivot 13. 1 is projected inside. It should be noted that the latter support that is directly above the pivot in the housing 1 so that the pivot protruding inside the housing 1 and the bearing portion 9e of the paper discharge tray 9 are engaged in the housing 1. A part of the surface S is cut out in a substantially rectangular shape (the cutout portion and the pivot in the housing are not shown).
As shown in FIG. 3, the paper discharge tray 9 has one side (the paper discharge unit 2 side) bent downward in a convex curve and the other side (rotation center side) formed in a substantially horizontal shape. A substantially rectangular top plate 9a having a required size on which the bearing surface S can be mounted, four side walls 9b, 9c, 9d, 9d suspended from the peripheral edge of the top plate 9a, and the other side ( Provided in the lower part of the side wall 9b on the other side of the side wall 9b in the direction orthogonal to the plan view and the side wall 9b on the other side in the direction perpendicular to the plan view. And a bottom plate 9f provided at the bottom on the other side, and is placed on the support surface S so as to be disposed below the paper discharge unit 2.

Further, the discharge tray 9 has both side walls 9d formed in a convex curve shape so as to substantially follow the convex curve shape of the top plate 9a, and the end of the convex curve side of the top plate 9a is opposed to one side. The horizontal end of the top plate 9a is provided so as to be positioned in the middle of the side wall 9c and substantially flush or flush with the top of the other side wall 9b. When the paper tray 9 is placed, a gap is formed between the upper surface of the top plate 9a and the support surface S, which is the tray surface T on which the recording paper is placed. In addition, an intrusion mechanism described later is provided in the gap portion.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper end edge on the convex curve side of both side walls 9d is higher than the terminal end on the convex curve side of the top plate 9a (on the paper discharge unit 2 side). ) And the side wall 9c, 9d are erected in three directions on the convex curved side of the top plate 9a. By forming the upper surface of the paper discharge tray 9 on the paper discharge unit 2 side in this way, when the recording paper is placed on the tray surface T, the rear portion of the recording paper is surely dropped to a predetermined position, and the recording is performed. By bending the paper on one side (directly under the paper discharge unit), the width direction of the recording paper can be naturally aligned.

In addition, since the side wall 9b, 9d and the tray surface T are substantially flush or flush with each other and the width direction of the recording paper is not restricted, when the recording paper is placed on the tray surface T, the tip of the recording paper The portion can be smoothly slid on the tray surface T without being caught on the side wall 9b, and the user can easily hold the recording paper when the paper discharge is completed.
Further, the sheet discharge tray 9 has a block-like thick portion 9g formed on the back surface of the top plate 9a above the bottom plate 9f, and a slit-like shape in which the other side wall 9b communicates with the thick portion 9g. A guide hole 9h is formed. The guide hole 9h has a horizontal portion extending in the width direction of the side wall 9b as viewed from the side of the other side wall 9b, and a vertical portion extending upward from two midway portions of the horizontal portion. Consists of parts. An extension tray 12, which will be described later, is slidably fitted into the guide hole 9h.
The paper discharge tray 9 configured in this manner is pivotally supported by the pivot 13 provided in the housing 1 via the bearing 9e, so that the pivot 13 is pivoted and the bottom plate 9f collides. The rotation is restricted by abutting with the portion 1d, and the tray surface T is tilted in the paper discharge direction of the paper discharge unit 2 so that the tray surface T is inclined downward from the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction.
The inclination angle of the paper discharge tray 9 is preferably an inclination angle such that the recording paper on the tray surface T naturally slides down the outside of the housing 1, but the user of the image forming apparatus is at least horizontal. The angle is not particularly limited as long as it is an angle at which the recording sheet on the tray surface T can be gripped from the direction or the downward direction (see FIGS. 8 and 14).

As shown in FIG. 3, the urging means 10 has a vertical wall surface at a required position where the coil portion is loosely inserted into the pivot 13 and one end of the arm is inward of the casing 1 from the pivot 13 (in the direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction). The other end of the arm is formed by a torsion coil spring that is hooked on the bottom plate 9f of the paper discharge tray 9, and urges the paper discharge tray 9 in the abutting direction. It has become.
The torque of the biasing means 10 formed of the torsion coil spring is such that the discharge tray 9 that has been abutted and inclined is directed toward the support surface S at a moderate speed. A torque that maintains the state may be used. In this case, in order to maintain the state where the paper discharge tray 9 is placed on the support surface S, it is preferable to provide a latching means including a hook (latching member) and a pin (latching member).
The roller unit 11 includes a roller 11a and a retracting mechanism.
The roller 11a is a disk-shaped member having a required diameter that is pivotally supported by the paper discharge tray 9 so as to be rotatable in the tilting direction of the paper discharge tray 9, and can protrude and retract from the tray surface T via a protrusion / retraction mechanism described later. . Further, four rollers 11a are arranged on the tray surface T so as to be substantially rectangular as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the retracting mechanism includes a slit hole 11 b, a storage portion 11 c, a bearing 11 e, an elastic member 11 f, a boss 11 g, and a link portion.
The slit hole 11b is a hole through which a part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 11a protrudes and retracts from the tray surface T. The slit hole 11b is formed to extend in the rotating direction of the paper discharge tray 9 and has a substantially rectangular shape on the tray surface T. As shown in FIG.
The storage portion 11c is formed in a box shape that is suspended from the back surface of the tray surface T so as to surround the slit hole 11b.
Further, the storage portion 11c has a substantially rectangular shape in a cross-sectional plan view, and a communication hole 11d is provided in the upper portion of one side wall in the longitudinal direction so as to communicate the inside and outside of the storage portion 11c.
The bearing 11e is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view so that it can be loosely fitted in a box-shaped storage portion 11c, and is substantially U-shaped as shown in FIG. A roller 11a is pivotally supported on the upper part between the opposed longitudinal side walls. The bearing 11e thus configured is loosely fitted in the storage portion 11c so as to be movable up and down.

The elastic member 11f is composed of a compression spring stretched between the inner bottom surface of the bearing 11e and the outer bottom surface of the storage portion 11c, and biases the bearing 11e upward.
The boss 11g is formed in a substantially bar shape with a required length protruding from the support surface S so as to be adjacent to the communication hole 11d.
The link portion has a shaft support portion 11h suspended from the outer bottom surface of the top plate 9a between the boss 11g and the communication hole 11d, a midway portion is pivotally supported by the shaft support portion 11h, and one end thereof is stored in the storage portion 11c. The link 11k is configured to be engageable with the top surface of one side of the bearing 11e through the communication hole 11d and the other end is configured to be engageable with the boss 11g so as to be swingable like a seesaw. And comprising.
Further, the link 11k is rotated clockwise when the other end of the link 11k is engaged with the boss 11g when the discharge tray 9 is not inclined (when the discharge tray 9 is placed on the support surface S). At the same time, the roller 11a is depressed from the tray surface T by pushing down the bearing 11e at one end of the link 11k (see FIGS. 3 and 4).
When the discharge tray 9 is inclined, the other end of the link 11k is separated from the boss 11g, and the bearing 11e is made to be slit into the slit hole 11b by a compression spring stretched between the inner bottom surface of the bearing 11e and the outer bottom surface of the storage portion 11c. The link 11k rotates counterclockwise at the same time as it rises until it contacts the back surface of the surrounding tray surface T, and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 11a protrudes from the tray surface T (FIGS. 5 and 5). 6).

The extension tray 12 includes a flat plate portion 12a slidably fitted in the horizontal portion of the guide hole 9h, and a side wall on the other side of the discharge tray 9 at an end portion of the flat plate portion 12a on the outer side of the discharge tray 9. The first stopper 12b, which is substantially L-shaped and protrudes higher than 9b and prevents slipping of the recording paper, and projects upward from the inner end of the discharge tray 9 of the flat plate portion 12a. A second stopper 12c that is in contact with the side surface of the thick portion 9g formed in the paper discharge tray 9 to prevent it from being pulled out, and is slidably inserted into the vertical portion of the guide hole 9h. A pair of substantially fan-shaped ribs 12d protruding from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 12a on the one stopper 12b side, and a band-shaped buffer member 12e provided on the inner surface of the first stopper 12b to protect the edge of the recording paper; The tray width direction from the pair of ribs 12d of the flat plate portion 12a A latching hole 12f that is drilled on the side and latches a linear pulling member (for example, braid), and a handle 12g that projects horizontally on the outer surface of the first stopper 12b, When the paper discharge tray 9 is inclined, it can be projected and retracted from the lower end of the tray.
By providing the extension tray 12, it is possible to place recording paper having a size larger than the tray surface T of the paper discharge tray 9.

Further, by providing the pair of substantially fan-shaped ribs 12d, friction with the recording paper is reduced (because of line contact), and the recording paper makes the tray surface T easy to slide. Therefore, for example, when a plurality of recording sheets are stacked on the tray surface T and the discharge tray 9 is tilted in this state, the upper recording sheet can be prevented from falling apart and loaded. The recording paper can be easily grasped by floating the recording paper.
When the extension tray 12 is not provided, the other side wall 9b of the paper discharge tray 9 is formed to be higher than the tray surface T. Also in this case, the other side wall 9b of the paper discharge tray 9 is formed in a substantially L shape with the top bent inward, like the first stopper 12b, and the buffer member 12e is provided on the inner side, It is preferable to provide a handle 12g on the tray surface T and a latch hole 12f on the upper surface of the tray surface T or the other side wall 9b.

As described above, the support structure of the discharge tray according to the first embodiment is provided with the support surface S on which the discharge tray 9 is placed substantially horizontally below the discharge portion 2 that discharges the recording paper. An intersecting portion between the support surface S and the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction is inclined at a required angle to provide an abutting portion 1d, and extends in a direction orthogonal to the paper discharge direction of the paper discharge portion 2 in plan view. A pair of pivot shafts 13 is provided in the vicinity of the abutting portion 1d, and a bearing portion 9e is rotatably engaged with the pivot shaft 13 so that the paper discharge tray 9 can be pivoted with respect to the housing 1, and the required The bottom plate 9f of the paper discharge tray 9 is provided so as to abut the abutting portion 1d at a rotation angle, and one end side of the arm is locked to the housing 1 and the other end side of the arm is locked to the paper discharge tray 9 to form a coil. The tray surface T on which the recording paper is placed is provided with a vertical wall in the paper discharge direction. And so that the downward inclination, becomes the discharge tray 9 in the structure tiltable from.
In addition, the discharge tray support structure according to the first embodiment has a roller 11a that can be rotated in the tilt direction of the discharge tray 9, and a roller 11a that protrudes from the tray surface T when the discharge tray 9 is inclined. In addition, an extension tray 12 that extends through the tray surface T of the discharge tray 9 is provided via a retracting mechanism that inserts the roller 11a into the discharge tray 9 when the discharge tray 9 is not inclined. Are provided so as to be able to appear and disappear from the lower end of the tray.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus having the discharge tray support structure according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. Note that the image forming process in the main body A is omitted. Further, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus is placed on a desk D as shown in FIG.
First, a state in which the paper discharge tray 9 is placed on the support surface S ( first position, where image formation is normally performed in this state) will be described. The other end of the link 11k constituting the retracting mechanism is the support surface. Engage with the boss 11g protruding from S, one end of the link 11k pushes down the bearing 11e, and the roller 11a is submerged from the tray surface T. In addition, the extension tray 12 is pulled out as needed.
When a series of image forming processes is completed on the main body A side, paper discharge starts from the paper discharge unit 2 provided above the paper discharge tray 9.
First, the leading end of the recording paper is in contact with the tray surface T and moves in the paper discharge direction along the tray surface T. At the same time as the paper discharge is completed, the rear portion of the recording paper naturally falls and is placed on the tray surface T.
At this time, since the roller 11a does not protrude from the tray surface T, the leading end portion of the recording paper slides smoothly on the tray surface T. Further, the buffer member 12e protects the edge of the recording paper.

In the case of discharging two or more sheets, as a matter of course, the recording sheets are gradually placed so as to be stacked on the recording sheets already placed on the tray surface T. At this time, the recording paper is bent on one side, so that the width direction of the recording paper is naturally aligned.
When the desired number of recording papers are placed on the tray surface T, the user holds the handle 12g of the extension tray 12 and pushes it downward, for example, so that the paper discharge tray 9 rotates upwardly about the pivot 13. The bottom plate 9f of the paper discharge tray 9 abuts with the abutting portion 1d at a required rotation angle.
At this time, the other end of the link 11k constituting the retracting mechanism is separated from the boss 11g protruding from the bearing surface S, and is compressed by a compression spring stretched between the inner bottom surface of the bearing 11e and the outer bottom surface of the storage portion 11c. The link 11k rotates counterclockwise at the same time as the bearing 11e rises until it contacts the back surface of the tray surface T around the slit hole 11b, and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 11a protrudes from the tray surface T.
In this way, when the tray surface T on which the recording paper is placed is inclined downward from the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction ( second position ), the user can move from the horizontal direction of the main body A as shown in FIG. Remove the recording paper. At this time, a part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 11a protrudes from the tray surface T and can be easily taken out.

When the removal of the recording paper is completed, the user releases his / her hand from the handle 12g and the like, and the paper discharge tray 9 is rotated toward the support surface S at a moderate speed by the biasing means 10 made of a torsion coil spring. Return to the initial position. Of course, the user may forcibly push down the discharge tray 9.
At this time, the other end of the link 11k starts to engage with the boss 11g and rotates clockwise, and the bearing 11e is pushed down at one end of the link 11k, so that the roller 11a is submerged from the tray surface T and returns to the initial state. .
As described above, since the discharge tray support structure according to the first embodiment enables selection of the non-inclined state and the inclined state of the discharge tray 9, the discharge tray 9 is set to the non-inclined state. The recording paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 2 can be reliably placed on the tray surface T, and the recording paper can be taken out from the horizontal direction of the main body A or from the lower side of the main body A by setting the discharge tray 9 in an inclined state. Can be done.
Therefore, even if the image forming apparatus is installed at a high place such as the desk D, for example, the user can easily take out the recording paper without standing up by setting the discharge tray 9 in an inclined state. Improves sex.

The discharge tray support structure according to the first embodiment is exemplified by the discharge tray 9 supported by the main body A so as to be tilted to the discharge direction side of the discharge unit 2. As shown, the paper discharge tray 18 may be supported by the main body A via the pivot 13 and the bearing 9e so as to be tilted in a direction orthogonal to the paper discharge direction of the paper discharge unit 2. Note that the shape of the paper discharge tray 18 illustrated in FIG. 9 is slightly different from the shape of the paper discharge tray 9 described above (the shape of the side wall and the top surface). The shape of the paper tray 9 is not particularly limited.
In the explanation of the operation of the first embodiment, for example, the grip 12g of the extension tray 12 is grasped and pushed down. However, a braid or the like is inserted into the latching hole 12f, and the braid is pulled downward. The paper discharge tray 9 may be rotated.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a paper discharge tray support structure according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the configuration related to image formation of the main body B (image forming apparatus) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
The discharge tray support structure according to the second embodiment includes a housing 14, a discharge tray 15, an engagement means, a pulling means 17, a roller 11 a, and an extension tray 12. Yes.
The casing 14 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape so that each functional unit for image formation can be housed, and a middle step portion 14a formed on one side in plan view, and one end side of the middle step portion 14a So as to be adjacent to the upper stage 14b, the second middle stage 14c formed so as to face the middle stage 14a, the upper stage 14b, the middle stage 14a, and the second middle stage 14c. In addition, the top surface side is formed in a concavo-convex shape with the storage concave portion 14d formed in a concave shape so as to extend inward of the main body B from the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction. The storage recess 14d stores the paper discharge tray 15, and its bottom surface is a support surface S that supports the paper discharge tray 15 described below in a substantially horizontal shape.

Further, the paper discharge unit 2 is provided in the middle of the side wall surface of the storage recess 14d of the upper step portion 14b. Further, the intersection of the storage recess 14d in the paper discharge direction of the paper discharge unit 2 and the upper edge of the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction is formed in an inclined shape at a required angle to form an abutting portion 14e. In addition, an engaging portion 14f made of a long hole extending to a required length in the paper discharge direction is provided on the vertical wall surfaces of the middle step portion 14a and the second middle step portion 14c. The engaging portion 14f may be a long groove (provided on the inner wall surface) instead of the long hole.
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the abutting portion is formed so that the elastic member 16 made of a leaf spring formed in a substantially V shape in a side view with the inclination angle of the abutting portion 14e is flush with the bearing surface S. 14e.
The torque of the elastic member 16 made of a leaf spring is such that the sheet discharge tray 15 (described later) that has been brought into contact and inclined returns to a horizontal state at a moderate speed, or the pulling means 17 described later. The torque is such that it returns to a horizontal state at a moderate speed. It should be noted that a torque that lifts lightly by simply applying a weak force to the inclined sheet discharge tray 15 or a torque as a simple buffer function (prevents being tilted vigorously (preventing breakage)). . Moreover, the speed | rate which operates quickly can be used. In this case, it is preferable to attach a buffer member to each contact surface.

Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the leaf | plate spring is illustrated as the elastic member 16, if it is a member which has restoring force, such as a synthetic resin material and rubber | gum, it will not specifically limit.
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the paper discharge tray 15 is basically the same in shape as the paper discharge tray 15 illustrated in the first embodiment. The engaged portion 15a, which is a portion, will be described in detail.
The engaged portion 15a protrudes outward from the discharge portion 2 side of both side walls 15b (of the discharge tray 15) formed in a convex curve shape so as to substantially follow the convex curve shape of the top plate. The pivot shaft is loosely fitted in the engagement portion 14f made of a long hole.
The engaged portion 15a and the above-described engaging portion 14f constitute an engaging means, and the paper discharge tray 15 and the main body B are connected via the engaging means, whereby the storage recess 14d. The paper discharge tray 15 accommodated in the paper can protrude from the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction, and the paper discharge tray 15 protruded from the vertical wall surface moves downward with the engaged portion 15a as the rotation center. It is possible to turn toward it. In addition, the discharge tray 15 has the bottom plate 15e abutted against the abutting portion 14e, so that the tray surface T is inclined downward from the vertical wall surface in the sheet ejection direction. It is designed to be tilted by.

One end of the pulling means 17 is locked in the housing 14 through an opening 14g provided on the side wall of the upper step portion 14b directly below the paper discharge section 2, and the other end is one side of the paper discharge tray 15 (the paper discharge section 2). The paper discharge tray 15 that protrudes from the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction is pulled inward of the main body B.
This pulling force is such a force that the discharge tray 15 returns to the initial position at a moderate speed, but is set to a force that easily returns to the initial position only by applying a weak force to the discharge tray 15. Anyway. Further, a simple buffer function (because it is not pulled out vigorously (preventing damage)) may be used. Further, the pulling force may be such that the paper discharge tray 15 operates (retracts) quickly. In this case, it is preferable to attach a buffer member to each contact surface. Instead of this leaf spring, a winding mechanism having a well-known structure may be built in the housing 14, and a linear member such as a wire connected to the winding mechanism may be locked to the side wall 15c.
The pulling means 17 pulls the paper discharge tray 15 that protrudes horizontally from the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction back to the storage recess 14d, and the elastic member 16 causes the paper discharge tray 15 in the inclined state to be horizontal. The pulling means 17 also serves to return the inclined discharge tray 15 to a horizontal state.

The roller 11a is pivotally attached to the back surface side of the tray surface T so as to protrude from the tray surface T. In addition, although this roller 11a is not attached via the raising / lowering mechanism illustrated in 1st Embodiment, you may attach via the raising / lowering mechanism similarly to 1st Embodiment. In this case, in the present embodiment in which the paper discharge tray 15 is slid in the horizontal direction, the link and the boss projecting from the support surface S interfere with each other at the time of sliding. The retracting mechanism cannot be applied as it is, however, for example, instead of the boss, a plate cam extending in the sliding direction and having an inclined cam surface is engaged with the plate cam at the other end of the link. By providing the cam follower, it is possible to configure a retracting mechanism corresponding to the sliding operation.
The extension tray 12 has the same configuration as the paper discharge tray 15 illustrated in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted by assigning the same reference numerals.
As described above, the discharge tray support structure according to the second embodiment has the storage recess 14d for storing the discharge tray 15 placed in a substantially horizontal state under the discharge section 2 for discharging the recording paper. And an abutting portion 14e is formed by forming an intersecting portion of the support surface S and the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction at an inclined angle with a required angle, and the engaging portion 14f formed of a long hole is provided as the wall surface of the housing recess 14d. Are provided so as to extend in the sliding direction of the paper discharge tray 15, and an engaged portion 15a made of a pivot is provided so as to protrude from the outer surface of the paper discharge tray 15, and an engaging portion 14f is provided on the engaged portion 15a. The bottom plate 15e of the paper discharge tray 15 can be slid (drawn out) and rotatable with respect to the housing 14 and the bottom plate 15e of the paper discharge tray 15 holds the elastic member 16 with the elastic member 16 therebetween. Ejection protruding from the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction Pulling means 17 comprising a tension spring is provided so as to pull the tray 15 inward of the main body B, and the tray surface T on which the recording paper is placed is discharged so as to be inclined downward from the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction. The paper tray 15 can be tilted.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus including the discharge tray support structure according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described. Note that the image forming process in the main body B is omitted. Further, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus is placed on the rack R as shown in FIG. 14, and the extension tray 12 is pulled out as necessary.
When a series of image forming processes is completed on the main body B side, paper discharge starts from the paper discharge unit 2 provided above the paper discharge tray 15.
First, the leading end of the recording paper is in contact with the tray surface T and moves in the paper discharge direction along the tray surface T. At the same time as the paper discharge is completed, the rear portion of the recording paper naturally falls and is placed on the tray surface T.
When the desired number of recording sheets is placed on the tray surface T, the user holds the handle of the extension tray 12 and pulls the discharge tray 15 toward the front, for example, and protrudes from the vertical wall surface in the discharge direction. Is pushed downward to rotate the paper discharge tray 15 about the engaged portion 15a having a pivot, and the bottom plate 15e of the paper discharge tray 15 and the abutting portion 14e are rotated at a required rotation angle. Collide.
In this way, when the tray surface T on which the recording paper is placed is inclined downward from the vertical wall surface in the paper discharge direction (second position) , the user can record from below the main body B as shown in FIG. Remove the paper.

When the removal of the recording paper is completed, the user removes his / her hand from the handle and the like, whereby the paper discharge tray 15 returns to a horizontal shape at a moderate speed by the elastic member 16 and the pulling means 17, and the storage recess 14 d is pulled by the pulling means 17. It is pulled back at a moderate speed to return to the initial position (first position) . In this way, the discharge tray 15 returns to the initial position when the user simply removes the hand from the handle or the like (one action), so that the structure is extremely user-friendly. Of course, the user may forcibly return the paper discharge tray 15 to the storage recess 14d.
As described above, since the discharge tray support structure according to the second embodiment enables selection of the non-inclined state and the inclined state of the discharge tray 15, the discharge tray 15 is set to the non-inclined state. The recording paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 2 can be reliably placed on the tray surface T, and the recording paper can be taken out from the horizontal direction of the main body B or from the lower side of the main body B by setting the discharge tray 15 in an inclined state. Can be done.
Therefore, even if the image forming apparatus is installed at a high place such as the rack R, the recording paper can be easily taken out from the lower side of the image forming apparatus by setting the discharge tray 15 to be inclined. It is improving.

In addition, although the discharge tray support structure according to the second embodiment is illustrated as being supported by the main body B so that the discharge tray 15 is tilted to the discharge direction side of the discharge unit 2, As shown in FIG. 15, the discharge tray 19 is supported by the main body B via the engaging portion 14 f and the engaged portion 15 a so as to be tilted in the direction orthogonal to the discharge direction of the discharge portion 2. May be. Note that the shape of the paper discharge tray 15 illustrated in FIG. 15 is slightly different from the shape of the paper discharge tray 15 described above (the shapes of the side walls 15b and 15c and the top surface). In addition, the shape of the paper discharge tray 15 is not particularly limited.
Although the present embodiment has been described above, the above-described embodiment shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto and does not depart from the gist thereof. Various modifications can be made within the range.
In the present exemplary embodiment, the support structure for the paper discharge tray is illustrated, but an image forming apparatus including the support structure for the paper discharge tray described above may be used. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a facsimile, an MFP (multifunction printer), a copier, a printer, and the like. In this case, the support structure of the paper discharge tray is arranged according to the arrangement position of the paper discharge unit 2 (the top surface or the body of the main body B).

[Third Embodiment]
Next, as a third embodiment, an image forming apparatus provided with a discharge tray support structure in the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to FIG.
A transmissive photo interrupter is installed as a tray sensor 101 at an appropriate position of the lower step 1 c of the image forming apparatus main body according to the present embodiment. A rib 102 is provided at the bottom of the paper discharge tray 9.
When the discharge tray 9 is placed on the support surface S (hereinafter referred to as “initial state”), the rib 102 blocks between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the photo interrupter. However, when the paper discharge tray 9 is lifted, the ribs 102 are also lifted, and it is detected that the paper discharge tray 9 is not in the initial state.
Note that the tray sensor 101 is not limited to the optical sensor as in the present example, and a mechanical switch or the like can be used because it is only necessary to detect that the paper discharge tray 9 has been lifted.

The flow in FIG. 17 shows the operation of the image forming apparatus having the tray sensor 101.
When the image forming apparatus receives a print job, the image forming apparatus detects whether or not the paper discharge tray 9 is in an initial state by the tray sensor 101 (S1). When the paper discharge tray 9 is not in the initial state, the energization to the main motor of the image forming apparatus is stopped after executing the paper feed clutch off process (S2) or without performing the paper feed clutch process to form the image. The operation of the apparatus is temporarily stopped (S3).
On the other hand, when the paper discharge tray 9 is in the initial state, energization to the main motor of the image forming apparatus is continued (S4). In some cases, a reprinting process is executed (S5). Thus, when the paper discharge tray 9 is moved, the printing operation is temporarily stopped, and the risk of stacking paper discharge failure can be reduced. The reprinting process will be described later.
FIG. 18 shows an operation flow of the paper feed clutch off process (S2).
In this process, whether or not a recording sheet is present in the transport path is detected by a sensor provided in the transport path (S201). If it is determined that there is recording paper in the transport path, the paper feed clutch is turned off to temporarily stop the paper feed operation (S202), and the transporting recording paper is discharged. Such processing is performed until it is determined in step S201 that there is no recording paper in the transport path.

FIG. 19 shows another operation flow of the paper feed clutch off process (S2).
In this process, whether or not a recording sheet is present in the transport path is detected by a sensor provided in the transport path (S211). When it is determined that there is a recording sheet in the transport path, the remaining print information is temporarily stored in the memory (S212), and discharged without printing on the recording sheet being transported (S213). Thereafter, the paper feed clutch is turned off (S214). Such processing is performed until it is determined in step S201 that there is no recording paper in the transport path.
After executing the above processing, the power supply to the main motor of the image forming apparatus is stopped (S3 in FIG. 17), and the operation of the image forming apparatus is temporarily stopped. When the paper discharge tray 9 returns to the initial state, energization of the main motor is resumed (S4), and reprinting processing is executed.

FIG. 20 shows an operation flow of the reprinting process.
In the reprinting process, the paper feed clutch is turned on (S501), and the temporarily stored remaining print information is called from the memory to perform printing (S502).
Further, the paper feed clutch off process (S2) may be as follows.
FIG. 21 shows an operation flow of the paper feed clutch off process (S2).
In this procedure, whether or not a recording sheet is present in the transport path is detected by a sensor provided in the transport path (S221). When there is a recording sheet in the transport path, the remaining print information is temporarily stored in the memory (S222). For example, the user can use the image forming apparatus on the operation panel for operating the apparatus. Is displayed (S223), and the paper on which “printing is in progress” is discharged (S224). Thereafter, the paper feed clutch is turned off (S225). The subsequent operation is as described above. When the paper discharge tray 9 returns to the initial state, the energization of the main motor is resumed (S4), and the reprinting process is executed.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, as a fourth embodiment, an image forming apparatus provided with a discharge tray support structure in the first and second embodiments will be described.
The image forming apparatus of FIG. 22 has a discharge paper sensor 103 that can confirm the presence or absence of discharge paper at an appropriate position on the lower part 1c of the main body. This sensor can use, for example, a mechanical push button switch pressed by the weight of discharged paper, a photo reflector using light reflection, or the like. By attaching this sensor, it is possible to detect that the recording paper is discharged when the paper discharge tray 9 is not in the initial state.
If recording paper is present at the bottom of the paper discharge tray 9, the paper discharge tray 9 may not be set at a normal position, which may cause a paper discharge stack failure. When the discharge paper sensor 103 detects the presence of the recording paper, the user can be alerted by the display of a message on the operation panel or the warning sound, etc. The possibility of waking up can be reduced.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, as a fifth embodiment, an image forming apparatus equipped with a discharge tray support structure according to the present invention, to which a discharge tray lock mechanism is attached, will be described with reference to FIG.
A shaft 105 is installed at an appropriate position in a portion facing the support surface S at the bottom of the sheet discharge tray 9, and a substantially inverted L-shaped lock claw 106 is installed in the image forming apparatus main body. 105 is configured to be hookable. The pedestal of the lock claw 106 is provided with a shaft 107 projecting from the center thereof, the main body discharge portion side of the pedestal is connected to the lock claw solenoid 108, and the other is connected to the coil spring 109.
In addition, a slide hole 110 is provided on a vertical wall surface below the support surface S of the main body and in the paper discharge direction and the plane orthogonal direction so as to engage the shaft 107 in the paper discharge direction and the plane orthogonal direction. The lock claw 106 moves in the paper discharge direction and the direction orthogonal to the plan view.

The lock claw 106 moves away from the shaft by moving in the direction opposite to the main body discharge portion by the restoring force of the coil spring 109, and the lock of the discharge tray 9 is released. Then, the paper discharge tray 9 can be moved freely. Further, the lock claw 106 is moved to the main body discharge portion side by the suction force of the solenoid 108, whereby the lock claw 106 is hooked on the shaft 105, and the discharge tray 9 can be fixed in the initial state.
With such a configuration, the paper discharge tray 9 can be fixed in the initial state during the printing operation, and the paper discharge tray 9 is not moved by mistake during the printing operation. Therefore, since no recording paper is discharged between the paper discharge tray 9 and the lower stage 1c, the paper discharge tray can always be set at a normal position, and a paper discharge stack failure can be prevented. .
Further, in the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, whether the paper discharge tray 9 is fixed during the printing operation or can be released can be freely set according to the use situation. By doing so, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is more user-friendly and meets the needs of the user.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, as a sixth embodiment, an image forming apparatus provided with a discharge tray support structure according to the present invention and provided with a discharge tray 9 automatic raising / lowering function will be described with reference to FIG.
A biasing means 10 is provided on the pivot 13 which is a rotation fulcrum of the discharge tray 9, and a force is applied in the direction of opening the tray.
A discharge tray 9 raising solenoid 111 is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side. The pulling portion of the lifting solenoid 111 is connected to the paper discharge tray 9 so that the paper discharge tray 9 can be raised or lowered by turning on / off the lifting solenoid 111.
Further, the extension tray 12 is provided with an extension tray solenoid 112 and an urging means 113 (in this example, a coil spring) so that the extension tray 12 can be operated by turning the extension tray solenoid 112 on and off. .
By adopting such a configuration, the paper discharge tray 9 and the extension tray 12 can be automatically moved, and the user can save time and effort to put in and out the tray.

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a switch for operating the tray is provided in the image forming apparatus in the sixth embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given based on FIGS. 25 and 26.
The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 25 is supported by the main body A so that the paper discharge tray 9 is tilted toward the paper discharge direction of the paper discharge unit 2. In this embodiment, the tray operation switch 114 is provided at the lower front of the main body. Is an example. In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 26, the paper discharge tray 18 is supported by the main body A so as to be tilted in a direction orthogonal to the paper discharge direction of the paper discharge unit 2. This is an example in which a switch 114 for operating the tray is provided.
By providing a switch for operating the tray, it is possible to quickly insert and remove the tray with a single switch. Further, by providing a switch for operating the tray at the lower part of the main body, it is easy to press the switch even when the image forming apparatus is installed at a high place. Furthermore, an easy-to-use image forming apparatus can be provided by changing the installation position of the switch according to the shape of the paper discharge tray.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Next, as an eighth embodiment, an operation when the tray operation switch of the image forming apparatus in the seventh embodiment is pressed will be described with reference to FIG.
When switch-on for tray operation is detected (S11-1), it is detected by a sensor provided in the transport path whether or not recording paper is present in the transport path (S12). If there is recording paper in the transport path, after all print jobs in the memory are finished (S13-1), the paper feed clutch is turned off to temporarily stop the paper feed operation (S14), and the transport is in progress. Eject the recording paper. The energization to the main motor of the image forming apparatus is stopped (S15), the tray raising solenoid is turned off, the discharge tray 9 is raised (S16), the extension tray solenoid is turned off, and the extension tray is ejected (S17). ). When the tray operation switch-off is detected (S18), the extension tray solenoid is turned on and returned to the original extension tray (S19), the tray raising solenoid is turned on, and the discharge tray 9 is lowered (S20). Then, energization to the main motor of the image forming apparatus is resumed (S21).
As a result, even if the switch is pressed during the printing operation, the tray moves after the print job is completed, so that it is possible to reduce the cause of jamming or stacking failure.

FIG. 28 is another operation flow when the tray operation switch of the image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment is pressed. The same steps as those in FIG. 27 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the operation flow shown in FIG. 28, instead of “end all print jobs in the memory” in step S13-1 shown in FIG. 27, “end print job being printed” is ended as step S13-2. If the control of S14 to S21 is performed later, even when there are many print jobs, the time required to lower the tray can be reduced, and the printing operation can be performed efficiently.
FIG. 29 shows still another operation flow when the tray operation switch of the image forming apparatus in the seventh embodiment is pressed. The same steps as those in FIG. 27 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the operation flow shown in FIG. 29, control for temporarily stopping the paper feeding operation is performed without step S13 shown in FIGS. In this way, it is possible to lower the paper discharge tray after printing and discharging only the recording paper in the transport path, so even when there is a volume print job, the time required for the tray to lower Can be reduced, and printing can be performed efficiently.
If the control of FIGS. 27 to 29 can be freely set by the operator, a more convenient image forming apparatus can be provided.
FIG. 30 is still another operation flow when the switch for operating the tray of the image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment is pressed. In the operation flow shown in FIG. 30, a discharge tray full detection sensor is provided in the image forming apparatus, and the control of S14 to S21 is performed when “discharge tray full detection” is detected in step S11-2. In this way, it is possible to reduce the trouble of lowering the discharge tray after the full detection sensor is activated.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an outline of an image forming apparatus provided with a support structure for a paper discharge tray according to a first embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus including a support structure for a paper discharge tray according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of a main part of the image forming apparatus including the support structure for the paper discharge tray according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken along line (X1)-(X1) in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a side view of the main part when the extension tray of the image forming apparatus including the discharge tray support structure according to the first embodiment is extended and tilted. FIG. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken along line (X2)-(X2) in FIG. 5. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus including the discharge tray support structure according to the first embodiment when the extension tray is extended and tilted. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of use of an image forming apparatus including a paper discharge tray support structure according to the first embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the other aspect of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus including a support structure for a paper discharge tray according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view of a main part of an image forming apparatus including a discharge tray support structure according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus having a discharge tray support structure according to a second embodiment when the extension tray is extended and in an inclined state. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus having a discharge tray support structure according to a second embodiment when the extension tray is extended and in an inclined state. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage example of an image forming apparatus including a support structure for a paper discharge tray according to a second embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the other aspect of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with a tray sensor. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus having a tray sensor. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus having a tray sensor. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus having a tray sensor. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus having a tray sensor. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus having a tray sensor. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with a discharge paper sensor. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus including a discharge tray locking mechanism. 2 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus having an automatic lifting / lowering function of a paper discharge tray. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus including a tray operation switch. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus including a tray operation switch. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus including a tray operation switch. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus including a tray operation switch. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus including a tray operation switch. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus including a tray operation switch.

Explanation of symbols

  A, B ... main body, 1 ... housing, 1d, 14e ... abutting part, 2 ... paper discharge part, 9, 15, 18, 19 ... paper discharge tray, 9f, 15e ... bottom plate, 10 ... biasing means, 11a ... roller, 11b ... slit hole, 11c ... storage part, 11d ... communication hole, 11e ... bearing, 11f ... elastic member, 11g ... boss, 11h ... shaft support, 11k ... link, 12 ... extension tray, 12d ... rib, 12e ... buffer member, 12f ... retaining hole, 12g ... handle, 13 ... pivot, 14d ... storage recess, 14f ... engaging part, 15a ... engaged part, 16 ... elastic member, 17 ... pulling means, S ... bearing surface , T ... tray surface, 101 ... tray sensor, 102 ... rib, 103 ... discharged paper sensor, 105 ... shaft, 106 ... lock claw, 107 ... shaft, 108 ... solenoid for lock claw, 110 ... slide hole, 111 ... for lifting Solenoid, 11 ... extension tray solenoid, 113 ... biasing means, 114 ... tray operation switch

Claims (13)

A paper discharge tray that is supported on the upper surface of an image forming apparatus main body provided with an image forming section for forming an image on recording paper and on which recording paper discharged from a paper discharge section provided in the image forming apparatus main body is placed. A support structure,
The paper discharge tray has a tray surface on which the recording paper formed and discharged by the image forming unit is placed, a first position where the recording paper is placed on the tray surface, and the tray surface below And a moving mechanism for moving the tray surface between a second position for taking out the recording paper on the tray surface by inclining,
When the paper discharge tray is in the second position, at least the downstream end of the tray surface in the recording paper discharge direction protrudes from the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body and is higher than the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body. Located below ,
The discharge tray is pivotally attached with a roller that can rotate in a tilting direction of the discharge tray so as to protrude from the tray surface, and the roller is connected to the support surface and the discharge tray. Linked to the engagement, the discharge tray protrudes from the tray surface when the discharge tray is in the second position, and is immersed in the discharge tray when the discharge tray is in the first position. A support structure for the paper discharge tray, which is provided on the paper discharge tray via a retracting mechanism . The image forming apparatus main body includes a support surface for supporting the paper discharge tray,
The paper discharge tray is pivotally supported so as to be able to turn upward from the support surface and to be able to collide with the image forming apparatus main body at a required turning angle. 2. A support structure for a paper discharge tray according to 1.   The discharge tray support structure according to claim 2, further comprising an urging unit that urges the discharge tray in an abutting direction. The image forming apparatus main body includes a storage recess for storing the paper discharge tray with a support surface for supporting the paper discharge tray as a bottom surface,
The paper discharge tray and the image forming apparatus main body engage the paper discharge tray with the housing recess so that the paper discharge tray can protrude from the image forming apparatus main body, and lower the paper discharge tray protruding from the image forming apparatus main body. The paper discharge tray is connected to the image forming apparatus main body at a required rotation angle with an elastic member interposed therebetween. The discharge tray support structure according to claim 1, wherein the discharge tray support structure is provided.   The engaging means includes an engaging portion formed of a long hole or a long groove extending in the sliding direction of the paper discharge tray on the inner surface of the storage recess, and a protruding from the outer surface of the paper discharge tray. The discharge tray support structure according to claim 4, further comprising: an engaged portion including a pivot that is loosely fitted in the long groove.   6. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a pulling unit that is provided inside the housing recess and pulls the discharge tray protruding from the main body of the image forming apparatus toward the inner side of the main body of the image forming apparatus. 2. A support structure for the discharge tray described in 1.   The said paper discharge tray is supported by the said image forming apparatus main body so that it may incline to the paper discharge direction side of the said paper discharge part, The Claim 1 thru | or 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Support structure for the output tray.   7. The image forming apparatus main body according to claim 1, wherein the sheet discharge tray is supported by the image forming apparatus main body so as to be tilted in a direction orthogonal to the sheet discharge direction of the sheet discharge unit. The support structure of the discharge tray according to one item. The discharge tray is shaped so that a gap is formed between the tray surface and the support surface,
The haunting mechanism is
A recess formed in the tray surface;
A bearing loosely fitted in the recess and pivotally supporting the roller;
An elastic member that is stretched between the bearing and the recess and biases the bearing upward;
A boss adjacent to the recess and projecting from the bearing surface;
A halfway portion is pivotally supported by a shaft support portion suspended from the back surface opposite to the tray surface, and one end is disposed to be engageable with the bearing and the other end is disposed to be engageable with the boss. A link that can swing in a shape,
When the paper discharge tray is in the first position, one end of the link is pushed up by the boss so that the roller can be immersed in the paper discharge tray, and the paper discharge tray is in the second position. 2. The discharge tray support according to claim 1 , wherein the engagement between the boss and one end of the link is released, and the roller is configured to protrude from the tray surface. Construction. It said discharge tray is provided so as to be retractable from the tray edge to be lower when in the second position, according to claim 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises an extension tray to extend the tray surface The support structure of the paper discharge tray according to any one of the above. The support structure for the paper discharge tray according to claim 10 , wherein a handle is provided on the extension tray. An image forming apparatus comprising the discharge tray support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a sensor that detects that the paper discharge tray has moved; and a control unit that stops a print job when the sensor detects that the paper discharge tray has moved. . An image forming apparatus comprising the discharge tray support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ,
When the sensor detects that the paper discharge tray has moved and when the sensor detects that the paper discharge tray has moved, the recording paper being conveyed is discharged and the print operation is performed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that stops the operation.

Images