JP4947208B2 - Image forming apparatus provided with partition member - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a partition member .

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer that prints data, such as an image, on a sheet by a printing apparatus, foreign matter is introduced from a paper feed port provided in the housing in order to supply the sheet to a printing apparatus stored in the housing. May enter the interior of the housing. On the other hand, an image forming apparatus provided with a paper feed port cover for preventing foreign matter from entering the paper feed port is known (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

  In an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine in which a printer and an image scanner for reading a document are integrated, for example, a clip left on the upper surface of the document cover falls to the paper feed opening when the document cover is opened and closed, and the housing There is a risk of entering inside. According to the above-described paper feed port cover, it is possible to prevent foreign matters falling from the document cover from entering the paper feed port.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-125175

  However, the above-described conventional technology is configured to close the entire sheet feeding port when the sheet feeding port is not used. Therefore, there has been a problem that it is impossible to prevent the entry of foreign matters such as dust falling toward the paper feed port when using the paper feed port.

  In particular, in a multifunction machine or the like, the image scanner function and the printer function are used at the same time during a copy operation, and therefore, it is necessary to open the sheet feeding port for feeding sheets. At this time, when the document cover is opened in order to read the document with the image scanner, there is a problem that if there is a foreign matter on the document cover, the foreign matter enters the inside of the housing from the paper feed port.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus provided with a partition member that can prevent foreign matter from entering a paper feed slot and can be accommodated compactly when not needed, in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the prior art. And

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing including a paper feed port for printing, and protrudes from the paper feed port so that the paper feed port can be closed. A sheet supporting portion that supports the sheet; a rotating member that is disposed at an upper portion of the casing and is rotatably connected to the casing on the sheet feeding port side; the sheet feeding port; A partition member that partitions between the rotating member, receives a foreign matter that moves from above the rotating member to the paper feed port, and is connected to the rotating member so as to be rotatable. The paper support portion rotates so as to fall down toward the rotation member, and the paper support portion closes the paper feed port .

  According to the present invention, even when foreign matter is placed on the upper surface of the cover, the foreign matter that slides down from the upper surface of the cover toward the opening when the cover is opened is captured by the capturing member in the standing state. It can be captured and foreign matter can be prevented from entering the opening. On the other hand, this capture member can be stored in the stored state without protruding from the housing along the shape of the cover.

  In the fallen object capturing apparatus according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the capturing member is provided between the plurality of capturing plates and the plurality of capturing plates, and is connected to be able to bend the capturing plates. And a member.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of capture plates can be compactly accommodated along the shape of the cover by bending the connection member as a fulcrum.

  The fallen object capturing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a closing means for closing the opening in the invention described above, and the closing means is provided in the casing so as to be freely opened and closed, and is folded in a stored state. The opening is closed without interfering with the captured member.

  According to the present invention, when it is not necessary to cover the opening, the opening is closed by the closing means, so that foreign matters falling from above the opening can be prevented from entering the opening.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a housing in which a paper feed port is formed, a cover that can be opened and closed with respect to the housing, and between the paper feed port and the cover. And a capture member that takes up a standing state that prevents foreign matter on the cover from entering the paper feed opening and a storage state that is bent along the shape of the cover. .

  According to the present invention, even if a foreign object is placed on the upper surface of the cover, the foreign material that slides down from the upper surface of the cover toward the paper feed opening when the cover is opened is captured in a standing state. It is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the paper feed port. On the other hand, the capturing member can be stored in the stored state without protruding from the casing along the shape of the cover.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the invention described above, the capture member is provided between the plurality of capture plates and the plurality of capture plates, and the connection member that foldably connects the capture plates. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of capture plates can be compactly accommodated along the shape of the cover by bending the connection member as a fulcrum.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a closing unit that closes the sheet feeding port according to the invention described above, and the closing unit is provided in the casing so as to be openable and closable. The paper feed port is closed without interfering with the captured member.

  According to the present invention, when the sheet feeding port is not used, the opening is blocked by the blocking unit, so that foreign matters falling from above the sheet feeding port can be prevented from entering the sheet feeding port.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a printing unit that prints a predetermined image on a sheet in the above-described invention, and the printing unit feeds the sheet from the sheet feeding port. Features.

  According to the present invention, even in a printer or the like equipped with a printing means, foreign matter that slides down from the upper surface of the cover toward the paper feed port when the cover is opened is captured by the capturing member and supplied. It is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the paper mouth. Further, the capturing member can be accommodated along the shape of the cover without protruding from the housing.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may further include an image reading unit that reads an image from a document by opening and closing the cover, and the printing unit reads the image read by the image reading unit. Printing on the paper.

  According to the present invention, when the paper feed port of the printer is open for the copying operation of the multifunction peripheral and the cover of the image reading unit is opened, the upper surface of the cover is directed toward the paper feed port. The foreign matter that slides down can be captured by the capture member, and the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the paper feed port. Further, the capturing member can be accommodated along the shape of the cover without protruding from the housing.

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of an ASF unit and a printing mechanism unit. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the sheet feed port cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the sheet feeding port cover shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a side view of the paper feed port cover shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the paper feed port cover shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a scanner case. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a document cover is opened. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the multifunction device shown in FIG. 1 when paper is not fed. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the multifunction device shown in FIG. 1 when a scanner case is opened.

  Exemplary embodiments of a falling object capturing apparatus and an image forming apparatus using the same according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the overall configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the multifunction machine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of an ASF (auto sheet feeder) unit and a printing mechanism unit housed in a printer case provided in the multifunction machine shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function device 100 includes a scanner unit 110 at the top, a printer unit 120 at the bottom, and an operation panel 150 on the front side. The scanner unit 110 reads data such as graphics, texts, and photographs described in a document, and generates electronic data in a format corresponding to each data. As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner unit 110 includes a scanner case 111, a document cover 112, a document table 113, a scanner carriage 114, a carriage guide 115, a paper feed port cover receiver 116, and a protrusion 117. It is prepared for.

  The scanner case 111 is formed in a box shape with an open top, and stores members for reading data written on a document. The scanner case 111 is connected to the printer case 121 so that it can be opened and closed by a hinge formed on the back side. The document cover 112 is pressed against the document table 113 so as to cover the document placed on the document table 113 from above. The document cover 112 is provided with a plate-shaped protective mat having a size substantially the same as that of the document table 113 at a portion where the document is pressed. The document cover 112 is connected to the scanner case 111 so as to be opened and closed by a hinge formed on the back side. On the back side of the scanner case 111, a paper feed port cover 134, which will be described later, is rotatably connected, and a protrusion for locking the rotation of the paper feed port cover 134. 117 is formed. The details of the paper feed port cover receiver 116 and the protrusion 117 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The document table 113 is composed of a plate-like member made of a transparent glass material or the like, and is fixed so as to close an opening formed in the upper part of the scanner case 111. A document on which data to be converted into electronic data is written by the user is placed on the document table 113. The scanner carriage 114 stores members for reading an image inside and is accommodated in the scanner case 111. The scanner carriage 114 is engaged with a belt driven by a motor provided in the scanner unit 110, and reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction while being supported by the carriage guide 115 via the belt as the motor rotates. .

  Inside the scanner carriage 114, a scanning circuit board on which a linear image sensor is mounted, a lens, a mirror, and a light source are mounted. The light source is constituted by a fluorescent tube lamp or the like, and irradiates light on the original. The mirror and the lens form an image on the light receiving surface of the linear image sensor by using, as an optical image, reflected light or transmitted light of the light emitted from the light source.

  The linear image sensor is mounted on the scanning circuit board in a posture in which light receiving elements such as photodiodes are arranged in a straight line in the main scanning direction. The linear image sensor photoelectrically converts an optical image formed on the light receiving surface and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light received for each light receiving element. The carriage guide 115 is a rod-like member fixed to the scanner case 111, and supports the scanner carriage 114 so as to be slidable in the sub-scanning direction.

  The printer unit 120 prints data corresponding to electronic data transmitted from a PC (personal computer) or the like connected to the multifunction device 100 via a network on a sheet. The printer unit 120 includes a printer case 121, an ASF unit 130, and a printing mechanism unit 140 described later. The printer case 121 is formed in a box shape with an open top, and each member for printing data on paper is stored therein.

  Above the printer case 121, a scanner case 111 is connected to be openable and closable by a hinge formed on the back side. An opening 121A is formed in the upper part of the printer case 121. By opening the scanner case 111 upward, the opening 121A is exposed, and each member stored in the printer case 121 is maintained. Can do.

  The ASF unit 130 is provided in the vicinity of the paper feed port 130A, and includes a paper feed roller 131, a paper support plate 132, a paper feed plate 133, a paper feed port cover 134 described later, and a hinge (not shown). The paper feed roller 131 is pivotally supported by the printer case 121 so as to be rotatable in the paper feed direction in the vicinity of the paper feed port 130A. The paper feed roller 131 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of a motor provided in the ASF unit 130 and the like, thereby drawing the paper pushed out by the paper feed plate 133 into the printer case 121 from the paper feed port 130A, and will be described later. The sheet is conveyed between the head 144 and the platen 145.

  The paper support plate 132 is a plate-like member formed above the paper feed plate 133 and is connected to the upper end of the paper feed plate 133 by a hinge (not shown) provided between the paper support plate 132 and the paper feed plate 133 so as to be opened and closed. Has been. As shown in FIG. 2, the paper support plate 132 is in a position where the front surface of the paper supply plate 133 and the front surface of the paper support plate 132 coincide with each other with the front surface open when paper is fed. Locked. The paper support plate 132 has a flat surface on the front surface, and the flat surface supports the back surface of the paper bundle 122 whose lower end is supported by the first support portion 133B.

  When the paper support plate 132 is not fed, the paper support plate 132 can be folded toward the front side of the multifunction peripheral 100 by a hinge (not shown) provided between the paper support plate 132 and the paper feed plate 133. The paper support plate 132 folded in this manner is locked when the upper front surface of the paper support plate 132 comes into contact with the document cover 112, thereby closing the paper feed port 130A.

  Further, on both outer sides of the paper support plate 132, a flat plate-like side wall portion 132A that protrudes in the direction of a paper feed port cover 134 described later is provided. The sheet feeding plate 133 is a plate-like member provided at a position where the sheet bundle 122 can be supplied to the sheet feeding opening 130 </ b> A, and holds the sheet bundle 122. The sheet feeding plate 133 includes a side wall portion 133A and a first support portion 133B.

  The sheet feeding plate 133 is a plate-like member in which a swing shaft provided at the upper end is supported by the side wall portion 133A. The side wall portion 133A is a flat surface provided in parallel on both outer sides of the sheet feeding plate 133, and the sheet bundle 122 is brought close to at least one of the side wall portions 133A. Thus, the sheet bundle 122 is positioned in the width direction at the standby position. The first support part 133 </ b> B is a flat surface provided below the sheet feeding plate 133 and supports the lower end of the sheet bundle 122. Thus, the sheet bundle 122 is positioned in the length direction at the standby position. The sheet feeding plate 133 swings with the rotation of the motor, and pushes the lower end of the sheet bundle 122 supported by the first support portion 133B and the side wall portion 133A toward the sheet feeding port 130A, whereby the sheet is fed to the sheet feeding port 130A. Slide it down.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printing mechanism unit 140 includes a printer carriage 141, an ink cartridge 142, a guide rod 143, a print head 144, a platen 145, a paper discharge roller 146, a stacker 147, and the like. The printer carriage 141 stores the ink cartridge 142 in a removable manner. The printer carriage 141 is engaged with a belt driven by a motor provided in the printing mechanism unit 140, and is supported by the guide rod 143 via the belt as the motor rotates, so that the axial direction of the guide rod 143 is achieved. Move back and forth.

  The ink cartridge 142 is a container in which each color ink is stored, and is detachably stored in the printer carriage 141. The ink stored in the ink cartridge 142 is supplied to the nozzles of the print head 144 through the ink passage. The guide rod 143 is a rod-shaped member fixed to the printer case 121 and supports the printer carriage 141 so as to be slidable in the lateral width direction of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The print head 144 is provided below the printer carriage 141, and fixes the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 142 to the paper by an inkjet method. The print head 144 is provided with a nozzle for discharging ink, an ink passage, and the like. The print head 144 reciprocates in the axial direction of the guide rod 143 together with the printer carriage 141. In this embodiment, ink jet printing means is used, but a laser method, a sublimation method, an impact method, or the like may be used.

  The platen 145 is a bar-like member that is located below the print head 144 and has a flat surface above it, and is fixed to the printer case 121. The plane formed above the platen 145 is in sliding contact with the printing paper and positions the printing paper at a position slightly away from the printing head 144. The paper discharge roller 146 is provided to be rotatable in the paper discharge direction in the vicinity of the paper discharge port 140A. The paper discharge roller 146 rotates by driving a motor or the like provided in the printing mechanism unit 140, thereby pulling out the printed paper and discharging it from the paper discharge port 140A to the outside of the printer case 121. The paper discharged to the outside of the printer case 121 by the paper discharge roller 146 is deposited on the upper surface of the stacker 147 supported by the printer case 121 so as to be swingable.

  The operation panel 150 is provided on the front side of the printer case 121, and receives various processing requests such as image reading processing and printing processing for the multifunction peripheral 100 when operated by the user. The operation panel 150 is provided with a liquid crystal panel 151, a plurality of push buttons 152, and the like. The liquid crystal panel 151 displays a setting menu, an operation menu, a processing status, and the like. The user requests the MFP 100 for processing by pressing a push button 152 corresponding to the processing request.

  Next, the configuration of the paper feed port cover 134 corresponding to the falling object capturing device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7.

  FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the sheet feeding port cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a rear perspective view of the paper feed port cover shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of the sheet feed port cover shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the paper feed port cover shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the paper feed port cover 134 includes a first catching plate 401 and a second catching plate 402. The first catching plate 401 is a rectangular plate-like member having a lateral width W in the longitudinal direction and a height H1 in the lateral direction. As for the 1st capture plate 401, front 401A, back 401B, bearing part 401C, and opening part 401D are comprised by integral molding.

  The front surface 401 </ b> A is a flat surface that is formed to capture a fallen object from above the multifunction peripheral 100. The bearing portion 401C is formed so as to protrude from the lower end portion of the first catching plate 401, and has a cylindrical shape with the horizontal direction of the first catching plate 401 as the axial direction. The bearing portion 401C is pivotally supported by a first shaft portion 402C (see FIG. 7) formed on a second catching plate 402 described later, and functions as a hinge.

  An opening 401D for fitting a first shaft portion 402C of a second capture plate 402, which will be described later, is formed below the bearing portion 401C. In the present embodiment, the bearing portions 401C are formed at two locations in the width direction of the first capture plate 401, but only one location having a predetermined length may be used as long as it functions as a hinge in the width direction. Alternatively, three or more locations may be formed.

  The second capturing plate 402 is a rectangular plate-like member having a lateral width W in the longitudinal direction and a height H2 in the short direction. The second capture plate 402 is configured by integrally molding a front surface 402A, a back surface 402B, a first shaft portion 402C, a side wall portion 402D, a second shaft portion 402E, a protruding portion 402F, and a locking portion 402G. ing. A resin material or a metal material can be used for the first capture plate 401 and the second capture plate 402.

  The front surface 402 </ b> A is a flat surface formed for capturing falling objects from above the multifunction peripheral 100 together with the front surface 401 </ b> A of the first capturing plate 401. As shown in FIG. 7, the first shaft portion 402 </ b> C has a cylindrical shape that is formed at the upper end portion of the second capturing plate 402 and has the longitudinal direction of the second capturing plate 402 as the axial direction.

  The first shaft portion 402C is fitted to the bearing portion 401C of the first catch plate 401 and has a rotatable diameter. A locking surface 401Ca is formed on the back side of the first shaft portion 402C. The locking surface 401Ca abuts on a locking surface 402Ga formed on the locking portion 402G of the second capturing plate 402. The first shaft portion 402C functions as a hinge that pivotally supports the bearing portion 401C formed on the first catching plate 401.

  The side wall portion 402D is a flat plate formed so as to sandwich the first shaft portion 402C at both ends of the first shaft portion 402C. The side wall portion 402D regulates the movement of the bearing portion 401C of the first catch plate 401 fitted to the first shaft portion 402C in the lateral width direction. The second shaft portion 402E has a cylindrical shape that is formed so as to protrude from the lower end portion of the second trapping plate 402 and that has the longitudinal direction of the second trapping plate 402 as the axial direction. The second shaft portion 402E is pivotally supported by a bearing portion 116A (see FIG. 8) formed in a sheet feed port cover receiver 116 described later and functions as a hinge.

  Both ends of the first shaft portion 402C are fitted to a bearing portion 116A formed on the sheet feed port cover receiver 116 and have a diameter that can be freely rotated. The protrusion 402F is formed so as to be fitted into the groove 116C (see FIG. 8) of the paper feed port cover receiver 116 when the second catching plate 402 is incorporated in a paper feed port cover receiver 116 described later. Yes. The protrusion 402 </ b> F suppresses rattling of the second capture plate 402 in the lateral width direction with respect to the paper feed port cover receiver 116.

  The locking portion 402G is a protrusion formed below the first shaft portion 402C. The locking portion 402G locks the rotation of the first capture plate 401 fitted to the first shaft portion 402C in the direction of the back surface 401B. A locking surface 402Ga is formed on the locking part 402G. The locking surface 402Ga abuts on a locking surface 401Ca formed on the bearing portion 401C of the first capture plate 401.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first catching plate 401 and the second catching plate 402 configured as described above include a first shaft portion 402 </ b> C of the second catching plate 402 and a bearing portion 401 </ b> C of the first catching plate 401. By fitting, the first catching plate 401 is rotatably connected about the first shaft portion 402C of the second catching plate 402 as an axis.

  When the first capture plate 401 is rotated in the direction of the back surface 401B, the locking surface 402Ga of the locking portion 402G formed on the second capture plate 402 and the first capture plate 401 formed on the first capture plate 401 When the locking surface 401Ca of the uniaxial portion 402C abuts, the rotation of the first capture plate 401 in the direction of the back surface 401B is locked. Thereby, the first catching plate 401 can maintain a state in which a fallen object from above can be caught. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, this state has a predetermined height (H1 + H2) so that the surface of the first capture plate 401 and the surface of the second capture plate 402 are substantially the same surface. .

  FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the scanner case. Next, the configuration of the paper feed port cover receiver 116 and the protrusion 117 formed on the back side of the scanner case 111 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the sheet feed port cover receiver 116 includes a bearing portion 116A, a curved surface portion 116B, and a groove portion 116C.

  116 A of bearing parts are circular opening parts formed in the both ends of the curved surface part 116B so that the both ends of the 2nd shaft part 402E of the 2nd capture board 402 may be fitted. The bearing portion 116 </ b> A functions as a hinge that pivotally supports the second shaft portion 402 </ b> E of the second capturing plate 402. The curved surface portion 116B is a concave curved surface formed so that the second shaft portion 402E formed on the second capturing plate 402 slides.

  116 C of groove parts are formed so that the projection part 402F of the 2nd capture board 402 may be fitted. The groove 116 </ b> C reduces backlash in the lateral width direction of the second capture plate 402 with respect to the paper feed port cover receiver 116.

  Further, the protruding portion 117 is bent so as to protrude toward the back side from the sheet feeding port cover receiver 116 and further protrude upward. The protrusion 117 locks the rotation of the second catching plate 402 with respect to the paper feed port cover receiver 116 when the back surface 402B (see FIG. 6) of the second catching plate 402 abuts.

  A paper feed port cover 134 is connected to the paper feed port cover receiver 116 configured as described above. Then, when the second shaft portion 402E of the second catching plate 402 of the paper feed port cover 134 is fitted to the bearing portion 116A of the paper feed port cover receiver 116, the paper feed port cover 134 is moved to the second catching plate 402. The second shaft portion 402E can be freely rotated.

  Of the functions of the falling object capturing apparatus and the image forming apparatus using the falling object capturing apparatus, the casing is the scanner case 111 and the printer case 121, the cover is the document cover 112, and the capturing member is the paper feed port cover 134. However, the plurality of capture plates are the first capture plate 401 and the second capture plate 402, and the connecting member is the first shaft portion 402C of the second capture plate 402 and the bearing portion 401C of the first capture plate 401. The blocking means is the paper support plate 132, the printing means is the printer unit 120, and the image reading means is the scanner unit 110.

  Next, the operation of the paper feed port cover 134 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12.

  FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the multifunction device shown in FIG. 1 when the document cover is opened. The state shown in FIG. 9 is a state in which the paper support plate 132 is opened at a predetermined angle toward the back side of the multi-function device 100 from the state in which the document cover 112 is closed (see FIG. 1). As a result, the multifunction peripheral 100 can feed the paper to the paper feed port 130A. Then, the document cover 112 is opened at a predetermined angle toward the back side of the multifunction peripheral 100. As a result, the multifunction peripheral 100 can place a document on the document table 113. As described above, in the multi-function device 100, for example, when performing a copy operation or the like, it is necessary to open the document cover 112 while keeping the paper feed opening 130A open.

  At this time, as the document cover 112 is opened toward the back side direction (direction A) of the multifunction peripheral 100, the paper feed port cover 134 stored so as to lean against the inclined surface 112A of the document cover 112 is: It is pushed out by the inclined surface 112A of the document cover 112, and rotates in the rear side direction (direction B) of the multifunction machine 100.

  Then, the paper feed port cover 134 rotated in the rear side direction of the multifunction peripheral 100 first rotates the second catching plate 402 when the rear face 402B of the second catching plate 402 abuts the upper end of the protrusion 117. The movement is locked. Next, the first capture plate 401 is rotated in the rear side direction of the multi-function device 100 by the inertial force generated with the rotation of the second capture plate 402.

  Then, the locking surface 401 </ b> Ca formed on the first capture plate 401 and the locking surface 402 </ b> Ga formed on the second capture plate 402 come into contact with each other, whereby the rotation of the first capture plate 401 is locked. As a result, the paper feed port cover 134 captures foreign matter or the like from the upper surface 112B of the document cover 112 toward the paper feed port 130A (direction C) without interfering with the paper bundle 122 held by the paper support plate 132. This state is determined as an open state.

  As described above, even when the paper feed opening 130A is opened, the paper feed opening cover 134 can be opened as the document cover 112 is opened. As a result, when the document cover 112 is opened, the multi-function device 100 moves from the upper surface 112B toward the paper feed port 130A even if a foreign object such as a clip is placed on the upper surface 112B of the document cover 112. Thus, the foreign matter that slides down can be captured by the paper feed port cover 134 having a predetermined height (H1 + H2) to prevent the foreign matter from entering the paper feed port 130A.

  Note that the paper feed port cover 134 may be opened in advance before the document cover 112 is opened. In this case as well, foreign matter that slides down from the upper surface 112B of the document cover 112 toward the paper feed port 130A is captured by the paper feed port cover 134 to prevent foreign matter from entering the paper feed port 130A. Can do.

  Further, when the paper supply port cover 134 and the paper support plate 132 are stored, for example, the paper supply port cover 134 may be stored so as to lean against the paper support plate 132. According to such a configuration, even before the document cover 112 is opened, by opening the paper support plate 132 toward the back side of the multi-function device 100, the paper feed port cover 134 is weighted by its own weight. It can be rotated toward the back side of 100 to be in an open state. When the paper feed port 130A is opened, the paper feed port cover 134 can always be opened.

  FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, when the paper feed port cover 134 is stored, the paper feed port cover 134 is rotated toward the front side of the multifunction peripheral 100 about the paper feed port cover receiver 116.

  Then, the first catching plate 401 is rotated about the first shaft portion 402C toward the front side of the multifunction machine 100, and the front face 401A of the first catching plate 401 is formed on the back side of the document cover 112. Surface contact is made so as to lean against the inclined surface 112A. The paper feed port cover 134 is localized with the state shown in FIG.

  In this way, the first capture plate 401 is configured to be pivotally connected about the first shaft portion 402C of the second capture plate 402 as an axis. Thus, the multifunction peripheral 100 can store the paper feed port cover 134 along the shape of the document cover 112 without protruding when the paper feed port cover 134 is not used.

  FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the multifunction device shown in FIG. 1 when the paper feed port is not used. As shown in FIG. 11, when the paper feed port is not used, the paper support plate 132 is further moved between the paper support plate 132 and the paper feed plate 133 from the state in which the paper feed port cover 134 is stored (see FIG. 10). The hinge 100 (not shown) is rotated toward the front side of the multifunction machine 100.

  The paper support plate 132 closes the paper feed port 130A in a state of leaning against the document cover 112 by the side wall portion 132A coming into contact with the inclined surface 112A formed on the back side of the document cover 112. This state is localized as the storage state. As described above, the multifunction peripheral 100 can close the paper feed port 130A by placing the paper support plate 132 in the housed state.

  An escape portion 132B is formed above the front side of the paper support plate 132 to prevent interference with the paper feed port cover 134 stored so as to lean against the inclined surface 112A. Thereby, the paper support plate 132 can close the paper feed port 130 </ b> A without interfering with the paper feed port cover 134 even in the stored state.

  As described above, when the sheet feeding is not performed, the sheet feeding port cover 134 is accommodated, and the sheet supporting plate 132 can be accommodated so as to close the sheet feeding port 130A. As a result, the multifunction peripheral 100 can block the paper feed port 130A when paper is not fed, and prevent foreign matter falling from above the paper feed port 130A from entering the paper feed port 130A.

  Further, the paper support plate 132 is formed with a side wall 132A. The side wall portion 132 </ b> A pushes out the paper feed port cover 134 that is open as the paper support plate 132 is stored. As a result, the paper feed port cover 134 transitions to the stored state.

  As described above, by storing the paper support plate 132, the sheet feeding port cover 134 which has been opened is also stored at the same time. As a result, even if the paper feed port cover 134 is in the open state, the multifunction device 100 simply closes the paper feed port 130A and operates the multifunction device 100 from above by simply operating to store the paper support plate 132. It is possible to prevent a fallen object such as dust falling toward the entrance of the paper feed port 130A.

  12 is a side sectional view of the multifunction device shown in FIG. 1 when the scanner case is opened. The state shown in FIG. 12 is a state in which the scanner case 111 is opened at a predetermined angle from the state in which the document cover 112 is closed (see FIG. 1) toward the back side of the multifunction peripheral 100. The multifunction peripheral 100 can maintain each member (for example, the ink cartridge 142) stored in the printer case 121 from the exposed opening 121A of the printer case 121 by opening the scanner case 111. .

  As the scanner case 111 is opened, the paper feed port cover 134 that is housed so as to lean against the inclined surface 112A of the document cover 112 is rotated toward the back side of the multi-function device 100 to be in the open state. Become. As a result, the paper feed port cover 134 can capture foreign matter or the like from the upper surface 112B of the document cover 112 toward the paper feed port 130A.

  As described above, the paper feed port cover 134 can be opened as the scanner case 111 is opened. As a result, the multi-function device 100 is configured such that, for example, a clip or other foreign matter is placed on the upper surface 112B of the document cover 112 when the scanner case 111 is opened as well as when the document cover 112 is opened. The foreign matter sliding down from the upper surface 112B toward the paper feed port 130A is captured by the paper feed port cover 134 having a predetermined height (H1 + H2) to prevent the foreign matter from entering the paper feed port 130A. Can do.

  Note that the paper feed port cover 134 may be opened in advance before the scanner case 111 is opened. In this case as well, foreign matter that slides down from the upper surface 112B of the document cover 112 toward the paper feed port 130A when the scanner case 111 is opened is captured by the paper feed port cover 134 and supplied. It is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the paper mouth 130A.

  Further, the paper feed port cover 134 that is opened when the scanner case 111 is opened contacts the side wall portions 132A provided on both outer sides of the paper support plate 132, so that it does not interfere with the paper bundle 122. To be localized. As described above, the multifunction peripheral 100 opens the scanner case 111 and stores it in the printer case 121 without damaging the paper bundle 122 even when the paper support plate 132 holds the paper bundle 122. Each member (such as the ink cartridge 142) that has been subjected to maintenance can be maintained.

  In the present embodiment, as an example of the image forming apparatus using the falling object capturing apparatus according to the present invention, the multifunction machine 100 having a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function is used. For example, a printer, a copier, a facsimile, or the like may be used as long as the device has a mouth.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as an example of an image forming apparatus using the falling object capturing apparatus according to the present invention, a composite capable of feeding the sheet bundle 122 to the printing mechanism unit 140 only from the sheet feeding port. For example, the printer 100 includes the second paper feeding unit that can hold the paper bundle 122 inside the printer case 121 and can feed the paper to the printing mechanism unit 140. It may be a multifunction device or a printer.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as an example of an image forming apparatus using the falling object capturing apparatus according to the present invention, the sheet feed port cover 134 is positioned at a position where the foreign matter from the upper surface of the document cover 112 toward the sheet feed port 130A is captured. However, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the paper feed port cover 134 is provided at a position for capturing foreign matter from other than the document cover 112 toward the paper feed port 130A.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as an example of an image forming apparatus using the falling object capturing device according to the present invention, two capturing plates, a first capturing plate 401 and a second capturing plate 402, are provided on the paper feed port cover 134. However, according to the shape of the document cover 112, for example, a configuration using three or more capture plates may be used.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as an example of an image forming apparatus using the falling object capturing apparatus according to the present invention, a connection functioning as a so-called hinge that rotatably connects the second capturing plate 402 and the scanner case 111. Although the member is provided at one place in the width direction, the structure may be provided at two or more places in the width direction.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as an example of an image forming apparatus using the falling object capturing apparatus according to the present invention, the first capturing plate 401 and the second capturing plate 402 are configured using flat plates. As long as it is a shape that does not protrude from the housing when it is in a state and can capture a falling object that is directed toward the paper feed port 130A when it is in an open state, A configuration using a concave curved plate can also be used.

  100 MFP, 110 Scanner Unit, 111 Scanner Case, 112 Document Cover, 112A Inclined Surface, 112B Top Surface, 116 Paper Feed Port Cover Receptacle, 117 Projection Portion, 120 Printer Unit, 121 Printer Case, 121A Opening Portion, 122 Paper Bundle, 130 ASF unit, 130A paper feed port, 132 paper support plate, 132A side wall, 132B escape portion, 133 paper feed plate, 134 paper feed port cover, 401 first catch plate, 401A front surface, 401B back surface, 401C bearing portion, 401Ca engagement Stop surface, 401D opening, 402 second capture plate, 402A front surface, 402B back surface, 402C first shaft portion, 402D side wall portion, 402E second shaft portion, 402F protrusion, 402G locking portion, 402Ga locking surface.

Claims (2)

A housing provided with a paper feeding port on the top surface;
A paper support that protrudes from the paper feed opening, pivots so as to close the paper feed opening, and supports paper;
An opening / closing member disposed at an upper portion of the casing and connected to the casing so as to be openable and closable on the paper feed port side;
A partition member that partitions the gap between the sheet feeding port and the opening / closing member, receives a foreign substance that moves from the top of the opening / closing member to the sheet feeding port, and is rotatably coupled to the opening / closing member;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the partition member and the paper support portion rotate so as to fall down toward the opening / closing member, and the paper support portion closes the paper feed port . A housing provided with a paper feeding port on the top surface;
A paper support that protrudes from the paper feed opening, pivots so as to close the paper feed opening, and supports paper;
An opening / closing member disposed at an upper portion of the casing and connected to the casing so as to be openable and closable on the paper feed port side;
A partition member that is adjacent to the opening / closing member side of the sheet feeding port, the opening / closing member is erected in a closed state with respect to the housing, and is rotatably connected to the opening / closing member;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the partition member and the paper support portion rotate so as to fall down toward the opening / closing member, and the paper support portion closes the paper feed port .

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