JPH04292334A - Universal sheet feeding cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To relieve adverse operability wherein size switching operation and actuator position switching operation are effected before a cassette is attached to a sheet feeding device body and to prevent the occurrence of an erroneous printing and jamming with a sheet because of an actuator being left not switched on, in a universal sheet feeding cassette being attachable to and detachable from a sheet feeding device body and usable in a way to selectively charge sheets having various sizes. CONSTITUTION:At least both of a switching type size display means 6 to display the size of a containing and using sheet and a position switching type actuator 19 to recognize the size of a containing and using sheet in a cassette 1 in response to detecting means 31 and 32 on the sheet feeding device body side when the cassette 1 is attached to the sheet feeding device body are switched therebetween in linkage with display and a position responding to the size of a using sheet contained in the cassette.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper feed cassette for a removable paper feed device in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser beam printer, or other sheet using apparatus.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a universal paper feed cassette that can be used by selectively refilling sheets of various standard sizes.

Examples of sheets include transfer materials, recording paper, printing paper, OHP paper, manuscripts, postcards, envelopes, cards, and films. The material is not limited to paper, but may also be plastic, metal, cloth, etc. It also includes not only single sheets but also so-called multi-sheet papers such as slips and booklets that are bound in multiple sheets.

0004

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 14 to 16 show an example of a conventional universal paper feed cassette. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the cassette, FIG. 15 is a perspective view, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of essential parts.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a paper feed tray (cassette main body box), which can be inserted into and removed from a cassette mounting portion of a paper feed device main body (not shown).

Reference numeral 2 designates an intermediate plate disposed inside the paper feed tray 1, which can freely swing up and down about a support shaft 3 on the rear side, and is fed by an unillustrated bullet or a cassette. When attached to the main body of the paper feeder, it is lifted forward by lifting means on the main body of the paper feeder. Sheets of a desired size are stacked and stored on this intermediate plate 2.

4 and 5 are slide movement operations B and C, respectively, according to the size of the sheets stored in the cassette and used.
They are a side regulation plate and a rear end regulation plate.

6 is a sheet size display member, and the shaft 6a
It is mounted inside the paper feed tray 1 so as to be rotatable in the direction D about a rotation axis, and sheets of various sizes that can be refilled into the paper feed tray 1 are indicated on the circumferential side. When the knob 6b of the rotating shaft 6a is rotated, the display member 6 is rotated, and a desired size can be switched and displayed in the display window 1a provided on the front surface of the paper feed tray 1.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an actuator provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the paper feed tray 1 so that it can be slid up and down freely, and is slid to a desired size position of the size index 8.

Reference numerals 20a, 20b, and 20c are switches for sheet size recognition disposed on the main body of the paper feeder (not shown), and leaf springs 21a, 21b, and 21c are used to operate these switches.

The operator loads and stores sheets of the size to be used on the intermediate plate 2 in the paper feed tray 1, and slides and moves the side regulating plates 4 and rear end regulating plate 5 according to the sheet size to store the sheets. , operate the knob 6b to switch the display in the size display window 1a to the size display of the sheet being used, and slide the actuator 7 to the position of the size index of the sheet being used, and then press the paper feed tray 1. Attach it to the main body of the paper feeder.

With this installation, the projections 7a and 7b of the actuator 7 on the paper feed tray 1 side are connected to the switch 2 on the main body side of the apparatus.
0a, 20b, 20c leaf springs 21a, 21b, 21c
Selectively corresponds to and contacts the switches 20a, 20b, 20
By selectively pressing c, the size of the storage sheet in the installed paper feed tray 1 is recognized and input to the control system.

In this example, as described above, the paper feed tray 1 is operated to change its position according to the size of the sheet being used.
Switch 20a on the device main body side by actuator 7 on the side
- Various sheet sizes can be detected as shown in Table 1 by selectively turning on and off 20b and 20c.

[0014]
Table 1
switch
20a 20b
20c seat size
0 0
0 Legal size 1 0
0 A4 size 1 1
0 Letter size 0 1
1 B5 size 0 0
1 Executive size * 1... Switch - ON
,0...Switch-OFF

[0015]

Problems to be solved by the conventional universal paper feed cassette include the following.

(1) The size display switching operation and the actuator position switching operation must be performed before the cassette is attached to the main body of the paper feeder, resulting in poor operability.

(2) The operator may forget to change the size display or actuator position according to the size of the sheets to be stored and install the cassette in the main body of the paper feeder, especially if the actuator Forgetting to switch can cause printing errors and paper jams in image forming apparatuses, for example.

The present invention aims to solve the above problems (1) and (2).

[0019]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention is a universal paper feed cassette characterized by the following configuration.

(1) Freely attachable to and detachable from the main body of the paper feeder;
A universal paper feed cassette that can be used by selectively refilling sheets of various sizes has a switchable size display means that displays the size of the sheet being stored, and a paper feed cassette that displays the size of the sheet being stored and used when the cassette is installed in the main body of the paper feeder. At least a position-switchable actuator that recognizes the size of the sheet to be stored in the cassette corresponding to the detection means on the device main body side, and a display and position corresponding to the size of the sheet to be stored in the cassette and at least both A universal paper feed cassette characterized in that it is configured to perform a switching operation in conjunction with.

(2) It is detachable from the main body of the paper feeding device;
A universal paper feed cassette that can be used by selectively refilling sheets of various sizes has a sheet position regulating member that moves according to the size of the sheets being stored, and a cassette that is attached to the main body of the paper feed device. and a position-switchable actuator that recognizes the size of the sheet to be stored in the cassette in response to the detection means on the main body of the paper feeding device; A universal paper feed cassette characterized by being configured to switch in conjunction with the position.

(3) It is detachable from the main body of the paper feeder;
In a universal paper feed cassette that can be used by selectively refilling sheets of various sizes, a sheet position regulating member that moves according to the size of the sheet to be stored and a switch that displays the size of the sheet to be stored. A universal paper feed cassette, characterized in that the size display means are configured to be switched in conjunction with each other in positions corresponding to the sizes of sheets stored in the cassette.

(4) It is detachable from the main body of the paper feeder;
In a universal paper feed cassette that can be used by selectively refilling sheets of various sizes, the position of the sheet position regulating member is moved according to the size of the sheet to be stored, and the sheet to be used for storage is A switchable size display means that displays the size of the sheet, and a position switch that recognizes the size of the sheet stored in the cassette in response to the detection means on the paper feeder main body when the cassette is attached to the paper feeder main body. A universal paper feed cassette characterized in that the actuator of the type is configured to be switched to a position corresponding to the size of the sheet to be stored and used in the cassette.

[0024]

[Function] When the operator switches the size display according to the size of the sheet to be stored, the actuator will also be linked and automatically switched to the position that matches the size, improving operability. Moreover, occurrence of malfunction due to forgetting to change the position of the actuator is also prevented.

[0025]

Embodiment Embodiment 1 (FIGS. 1 to 3) FIG. 1 is a plan view of a cassette, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main parts. Components and portions common to those of the conventional cassette described above are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

10 is a rotating shaft 6 of the sheet size display member 6
a bevel gear integrally provided, 11 is this bevel gear 1
0 and the meshed bevel gear, 12 is this bevel gear 11
13 is a knob shaft provided vertically in the paper feed tray 1; 14 is a knob integrated with the upper end of the shaft and exposed on the upper surface of the paper feed tray 1; 15 is a knob provided on the shaft; 13
This is a spur gear integrally provided at the lower end of the gear 12, and meshes with the spur gear 12.

Reference numeral 17 indicates a slide plate provided in the paper feed tray 1 so as to be able to slide freely in the F direction, 17a indicates a rack tooth provided on this slide plate, and 16 indicates a connection between the rack tooth 17a and the spur gear 15 of the knob shaft 13. This is an idler gear meshed with the

Reference numeral 18 denotes a vertical side plate integral with the slide plate 17, and a plurality of actuator protrusions 19 are provided on the outer surface of this vertical side plate. Vertical side plate 18 provided with this protrusion 19
The outer surface of the paper feed tray 1 faces the outside through a window hole 1b provided in the side plate of the paper feed tray 1.

The operator loads and stores sheets of the size to be used on the intermediate plate 2 in the paper feed tray 1, and turns the knob 14 so that the size that matches the sheet size is displayed in the size display window 1a. . When the knob 14 is turned, the rotational force is transmitted to the rotating shaft 6a of the sheet size display member 6 via the knob shaft 13 → spur gear 15 → spur gear 12 → bevel gear 11 → bevel gear 10, and the sheet size is displayed. Rotate member 6 to display the desired sheet size display window 1
It can be switched to position a.

At the same time, when the knob 14 is rotated, its rotational force is transmitted to the rack teeth 17a via the knob shaft 13 → spur gear 15 → idler gear 16, and the slide plate 1
7 is slid to a position corresponding to the switched and displayed sheet size.

That is, size display switching and actuator 1
9 position switching is executed in conjunction with each other.

Next, when the paper feed tray 1 is attached to the main body of the paper feed apparatus, the actuator protrusion 19 on the paper feed tray 1 side is connected to the plate springs 2 of the switches 20a, 20b, and 20c on the main body side of the apparatus.
By selectively contacting corresponding ports 1a, 21b, and 21c and selectively pressing the switches 20a, 20b, and 20c, the size of the storage sheet in the installed paper feed tray 1 is recognized and input to the control system.

In this example, as described above, the actuator protrusion 19 on the paper feed tray 1 side switches the position of the switch 20 on the apparatus main body side according to the size of the sheet used.
Various sheet sizes can be detected as shown in Table 2 by selectively turning on and off a, 20b, and 20c.

[0034]
Table 2
switch
20a 20b
20c seat size
1 1
0 Legal size 0 1
0 A4 size 0 1
1 Letter size 0 0
1 B5 size 1 0
1 Executive size * 1... Switch - ON
, 0... Switch - OFF Thus, the operator no longer needs to set both the size display member and the actuator before installing the cassette into the main body of the paper feeder, and only needs to set the size display member at the predetermined position. This improves operability. It is also possible to prevent printing errors and paper jams caused by forgetting to set the actuator.

[0035] In this embodiment, members such as racks and gears are used to interlock the size display member and the actuator, but the invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient if the mechanism for notifying the staff and the mechanism for displaying the sheet size are linked.

<Embodiment 2> (FIGS. 4 to 7) FIG. 4 is a plan view of the cassette, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4, and FIG.
is a perspective view of main parts. Components and portions that are common to the conventional cassette and the cassette of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a vertical cam shaft, which can be rotated freely by a knob 31. This vertical cam shaft 30 is provided with three sector-shaped cam projections 30a, 30b, and 30c along the shaft.

Actuators 32a, 32b, and 32c are provided corresponding to the respective cam projections 30a, 30b, and 30c, and all of them are supported for free rotation about a vertical shaft 33. The tip end portions of each actuator 32a, 32b, and 32c are exposed to the outside through a window hole 1b provided in a side plate of the paper feed tray 1.

A spur gear 34 is provided concentrically at the lower end of the vertical camshaft 30, and the spur gear 34 and the bevel gear 1
1 and a concentric spur gear 12 are meshed with each other via an idler gear 35.

When the knob 14 is rotated, the rotational force is transmitted to the rotation axis of the seat size display member 6 via the vertical cam shaft 30 → spur gear 34 → idler gear 35 → spur gear 12 → bevel gear 11 → bevel gear 10. 6a, and by rotating the sheet size display member 6, the desired sheet size can be switched and displayed on the display window 1a.

Further, the vertical cam shaft 30 rotates to a predetermined position for each sheet size, and one of the three cam protrusions 30a, 30b, and 30c is rotated as shown in FIGS. Some are actuators 32a, 32b, 32c
By pressing , some of the switches 20a, 20b, and 20c are selectively activated via the leaf springs 21a, 21b, and 21c. Cam projections 30a, 30b, 3
0c corresponds to the display sheet size of the size display member 6, for example, switches 20a, 20b, etc. as shown in Table 2 above.
20c, the apparatus main body can detect the sheet size in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The structure of this embodiment has the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and since the camshaft 30 rotates, the knob 31 rotates smoothly. Switches 20a, 20b, 20 can be used for all seat sizes with just three actuators 32a, 32b, and 32c arranged vertically in one row.
This has the advantage that the device can be made smaller and less expensive because it can operate c.

<Embodiment 3> (FIGS. 8 to 10) FIG. 8 is a plan view of the cassette, FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rotary disk and actuator. .

In this embodiment, the display switching operation of the size display member 6 and the position switching operation of the actuator are executed in conjunction with the sliding movement operation of the rear end regulating plate 5.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a rotary disk, which is fixed concentrically to the size display member 6 and rotates together with the size display member 6. The rotary disk 40 is an actuator 32a
- A plurality of protrusions 40a on the side facing 32b and 32c
is provided. Further, a gear 41 is provided between the size display member 6 and the rotary disk 40.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a slide plate, which is attached so as to be movable in the direction of arrow H. The rear end portions are fixed to the rear end regulating plate 5 at 42a. Further, the upper side of the distal end side is formed into a stepped portion 42b as shown in FIG.

A lever 43 is rotatable in the I direction about a support shaft 44 fixed to the paper feed tray 1, and is constantly urged to rotate counterclockwise by a tension spring 45. A gear 43a is cut at the tip of the front arm of this lever 43, and is meshed with the gear 41 on the size display member 6 side. Also, a boss 43b is provided at the tip of the rear arm of the lever 43.
A stepped portion 42b of the plate 42 is provided.
is riding on top of.

Then, when the operator performs a slide movement operation C of the rear end regulating plate 5 in accordance with the size of the sheet being used, the plate 42 moves back and forth in response to the movement, and the boss 43b of the lever 43 moves accordingly. The position of the plate 42 on which it rests on the stepped portion 42b changes, and the rotation angle of the lever 43 changes. The rotation angle of the gear 41 is changed by the gear 43a in accordance with the rotation angle, and the size display member 6 is rotated, so that the display window 1a corresponds to the size of the sheet used by moving the rear end regulating plate 5. The displayed size will be automatically displayed.

In conjunction with the above, the rotary disk 40 integrated with the size display member 6 also rotates to a predetermined position, and as shown in FIG.
By pressing either a, 32b, or 32c, when the paper feed cassette is installed in the main body as in the first and second embodiments described above, the main body of the apparatus can detect the size of the sheet being used stored in the cassette. can.

In this embodiment, simply by moving the rear end regulating plate 5 in accordance with the sheet size, the size display member 6 is automatically switched in conjunction with the movement, and the actuators 32a,
Since 32b and 32c are also switched, operability is improved and it is possible to reduce forgetting to switch between the size display and the actuator.

In this embodiment, the size display member 6 and the actuators 32a, 32b, 32c are configured to be linked to the rear end regulating plate 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. The actuator for detecting the sheet size may be interlocked with the member that regulates the position of the sheet.

<Embodiment 4> (FIGS. 11 to 13) FIG. 11 is a plan view of the cassette, FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12--12 in FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the main parts.

In this embodiment, the structure of the size display means is different from that of the second embodiment. The actuator switching mechanism is the same.

50 is a helical shaft with a helical groove 50a cut on its circumferential surface, and a spur gear 51 is concentrically provided at the lower end of the shaft.
It is meshed with a spur gear 34 that is coaxially integrated with the vertical camshaft 30 via an idler gear 52.

53 is a size display frame, and its boss portion 53
a is inserted into the helical groove 50a of the helical shaft 50. In addition, a slit-shaped display section 1c is cut out on the front side of the paper feed tray 1, and the sheet size is written on it as shown in FIG. I'm taking it.

When the knob 31 is rotated, the rotational force is transmitted to the helical shaft 50 via the vertical cam shaft 30 → spur gear 34 → idler gear 52 → spur gear 51, and the size display frame 53 is rotated by the rotation of the helical shaft 50. can be moved up and down along the slit-shaped display section 1c by the spiral groove 50a and the engagement boss 52a, and positioned at a predetermined sheet size display section to display the size.

[0057] The interlocking operation of the actuator switching mechanism is the same as in the second embodiment, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0058]

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, in the universal paper feed cassette of the present invention, when the size display is switched according to the size of the sheets to be stored and used, the actuator is also linked and automatically switched to the position that matches the size. This improves operability and prevents malfunctions caused by forgetting to switch the actuator.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1] Plan view of the cassette of the first embodiment

[Figure 2]
Cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in Figure 1

[Figure 3] Perspective view of main parts

[Figure 4] Plan view of the cassette of the second embodiment

[Figure 5]
Cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in Figure 4

[Figure 6] Perspective view of main parts

[Figure 7] (a), (b), and (c) are relationship diagrams between the actuator and the corresponding cam

[Figure 8] Plan view of the cassette of the third embodiment

[Figure 9]
Cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in Figure 10

[Figure 10] Perspective view of rotary disk and actuator

[Fig. 11] Plan view of the cassette of the fourth embodiment

[Figure 12] Cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in Figure 11

[Figure 13] Perspective view of main parts

[Figure 14] Plan view of an example of a conventional cassette

[Figure 15]
Its perspective view

[Figure 16] Perspective view of main parts

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Paper feed tray 2 Middle plate 6 Size display member 19 Actuator 20a/20b/20c switch

Claims (4)

[Claims] Claim 1: In a universal paper feed cassette that is detachable from the main body of a paper feed device and can be used by selectively refilling sheets of various sizes, there is provided a switchable size display that displays the size of the sheets being stored. and a position-switchable actuator that recognizes the size of the sheets stored in the cassette in response to the detection means on the paper feeder main body when the cassette is attached to the paper feeder main body, are mutually mounted in the cassette. A universal paper feed cassette characterized in that it is configured to be switched in conjunction with the display and position corresponding to the size of the sheet being stored. Claim 2: In a universal paper feed cassette that is detachable from the main body of the paper feed device and can be used by selectively refilling sheets of various sizes, the cassette is moved in position according to the size of the sheets to be stored. The sheet position regulating member and the position switching type actuator that recognizes the size of the sheet stored in the cassette in response to the detection means on the paper feeder main body when the cassette is attached to the paper feeder main body are mutually connected. A universal paper feed cassette characterized in that the cassette is configured to switch in conjunction with the position corresponding to the size of the sheet being stored in the cassette. 3. In a universal paper feed cassette that is detachable from the main body of the paper feed device and can be used by selectively refilling sheets of various sizes, the position of the cassette is moved according to the size of the sheets to be stored. The sheet position regulating member and the switchable size display means for displaying the size of the sheet to be stored and used are configured to be switched in conjunction with each other to a position corresponding to the size of the sheet to be stored and used in the cassette. Features a universal paper feed cassette. 4. In a universal paper feed cassette that is detachable from the main body of the paper feed device and can be used by selectively refilling sheets of various sizes, the cassette is moved in position according to the size of the sheets to be stored. Compatible with a switchable size display means that displays the size of the sheet to be stored in conjunction with the position movement of the sheet position regulating member, and a detection means on the paper feeder main body when a cassette is attached to the paper feeder main body. and a position-switchable actuator that recognizes the size of the sheet to be stored and used in the cassette. Paper cassette.