JPH0515473Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] (Technical Field) The present invention relates to a cleaning structure for a photo sensor for detecting paper in a copying machine, printer, etc. having a cassette type automatic paper feeding mechanism.

(Prior Art) Photo sensors have been commonly used in copying machines, printers, and the like having cassette-type automatic paper feeding mechanisms as means for detecting the presence or absence of paper.

However, when a facing type photo sensor is used, the sensor disposed at the bottom of the cassette is covered with paper powder, dust, etc., resulting in a decrease in detection output, which has the disadvantage of requiring frequent cleaning.

(Purpose of the invention) In order to eliminate these drawbacks, the object of the invention is to provide a structure that automatically cleans the photo sensor without bothering the operator of a copying machine, printer, etc.

(Structure of the Invention) For this reason, the present invention is structured so that the photo sensor can be automatically cleaned by moving together with the cassette that is installed and removed. The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

(Example) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a main part showing a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figs. 2 and 3 are side sectional views showing the states of the first embodiment when the cassette is attached and removed, respectively. It is. In the figure, 1 is a cassette, 2 is a felt,
A cleaning member such as a brush, 3 a holding fitting for holding the cleaning member 2, 4 a slide plate, 5 a base, 5
Reference numerals a and 5b denote shafts mounted on opposing bent portions of the base 5, 6a and 6b are photo sensors for paper detection, and 7 is a spring fitted to the shaft 5a to constantly press the slide plate 4. There is.

Next, the operation of this embodiment configured as above will be explained.

First, when the cassette 1 is inserted into the cassette placement part of the main body in the direction of the arrow, the front peripheral edge 1a of the cassette 1
The lower part and the cleaning member 2 in the state shown in FIG. 3 are joined and moved as one body against the spring 7 to the state shown in FIG. 2, and during this time, the cleaning member 2 wipes the head of the photo sensor 6a. , remove paper powder, dust, etc. accumulated on the photo sensor 6a. On the contrary, the second
When the cassette 1 is removed from the state shown in the figure, the slide plate 4 is simultaneously pushed back to the stopping position by the spring 7 as shown in FIG. 3, and at this time the cleaning member 2 wipes the top surface of the photo sensor 6a.

In this manner, each time the cassette 1 is removed, the cleaning member 2 wipes the top surface of the photo sensor 6a, so the photo sensor is automatically cleaned, eliminating the need for the operator to clean it directly.

(Effects of the invention) As explained above, the present invention provides a cleaning member on a base disposed at a predetermined position of the cassette mounting portion of the main body, and automatically and accurately cleans the photo sensor by attaching and detaching the cassette. This structure frees the operator from the trouble of having to clean frequently, and eliminates the need for the sensor to detect the presence or absence of paper due to a decrease in the detection output of the sensor due to the operator accidentally forgetting to clean, unlike in conventional devices. This has the effect of preventing such situations from occurring. Furthermore, the above-mentioned effects are not limited to a limited number of cassettes, but can be applied to a wide variety of cassettes, ensuring reliable and stable cleaning.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of essential parts showing an embodiment of the present invention;
2 and 3 are side views showing the photo sensor cleaning structure when the cassette of the embodiment shown in FIG. , 4... slide board, 5...
Base, 5a, 5b... Shaft, 6a, 6b...
Photo sensor, 7...spring.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claim for Utility Model Registration] In order to optically detect the presence or absence of paper in a cassette that can be attached to and removed from the main body, a cleaning structure for a photo sensor that is arranged oppositely above and below the mounting position of the cassette, A shaft is mounted parallel to the cassette insertion direction on opposing bent portions of a base disposed at a predetermined position of the cassette, and is slidably inserted into the shaft and brought to a stopping position by a spring provided through the shaft. A cleaning member is provided on the extended slide plate, and this cleaning member is provided so as to be able to contact the top surface of the photo sensor located below the cassette mounting position, so that when the cassette is mounted, the front surface of the cassette resists the bias of the spring. A cleaning structure for a photo sensor, characterized in that the cleaning member moves and cleans the upper surface of the photo sensor by the biasing force of the spring when the cassette is removed by pushing the slide plate.