JPH06183581A - Sheet housing vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To house paper sheets having a comparatively small size in a manner to be arranged in a planar state in a storage position and a using position and to facilitate movement of the paper sheets from the storage position to the using position through simple constitution without increasing a cost. CONSTITUTION:Paper sheets having a comparatively small size are housed in a comparatively large vessel body 15 in a state to be arranged in a planar state as using sheets Sa and storage sheets Sb. The rear ends of the loaded paper sheets Sa and Sb are regulated by means of end faces 19 and 20 and an end face 19 between the loaded paper sheets Sa and Sb is removably arranged. When the using paper sheets Sa run out, the end fence 19 is removed and the storage sheets Sb are moved to the using position through manual pressing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a printer, a copying machine,
The present invention relates to a sheet storage container such as a paper feed cassette or a paper feed tray used for a facsimile or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art It is uneconomical to make a sheet storage container of this type for each sheet size. Therefore, conventionally,
In this type of sheet storage container, many sheets of various sizes can be stored in a relatively large sheet storage container, and side edges and rear ends of the sheet are regulated by side fences and end fences, respectively.

However, in such a sheet storage container,
Since the maximum size sheet can be stored, when storing a relatively small size sheet, a wasteful space is generated in the container, and the space cannot be effectively used.

Therefore, conventionally, in the sheet storage container,
In order to eliminate the useless space generated in the container and effectively use the space, for example, as shown in FIG. 56, a sheet having a relatively small size is used sheet 1 and storage sheet 2
As shown in FIG. 57, the movable means t shown in FIG.
There is one in which the storage sheet 2 is moved to the use position when the use sheet 1 is used up. The transfer means t
Is a drive motor 3, a drive roller 4 driven by the drive motor 3, and a driven roller 5 parallel to the drive roller 4.
And a belt 6 wound around the driving roller 4 and the driven roller 5 and an end fence 7 attached to the belt 6 (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-223031).

[0005]

However, in such a conventional sheet storage container, since the transfer means t is provided,
There is a problem that the cost is increased due to the complicated structure.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to allow sheets of a relatively small size to be stored side by side in a storage position and a use position, and the sheet can be stored from the storage position to the use position without increasing cost with a simple structure. To be able to move easily.

[0007]

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in the following illustrated embodiments, a used sheet Sa and a storage sheet Sb are stacked and stored side by side in a plane, The rear ends of the stacked sheets S are regulated by end fences 19 and 20, respectively, and the end fence 19 provided between the stacked sheets S is detachably provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in the following embodiments, the sheet storage container 11 according to the first aspect has the end fence 19 provided between the stacked sheets S and the storage sheet. It is characterized in that a bent portion 19a that enters under Sb is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in the following illustrated embodiment, a used sheet Sa and a storage sheet Sb are stacked and arranged side by side in a plane, and the rear ends of the stacked sheets S are stored. End fence 19 and 20 respectively
The end fence 19 provided between the stacked sheets S is regulated by the guide portion 43 with respect to the container body 15.
It is characterized in that it is provided so as to be movable in the sheet feeding direction by being guided by.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in the following illustrated embodiment, in the sheet storage container 11 according to the third aspect, the front portion of the container body 15 in the sheet feeding direction is A storage unit 46 for storing and storing the end fence 19 between the stacked sheets S is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in the following illustrated embodiment, in the sheet storage container 11 of the first or third aspect, the last end fence 20 in the sheet feeding direction is a container. It is characterized in that the main body 15 is provided so as to be guided by its guide portion 15e so as to be movable in the sheet feeding direction.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in the following illustrated embodiments, in the sheet storage container 11 according to the first or third aspect, the end fence 20 at the end in the sheet feeding direction is An urging member 55 for urging the stacked sheets S in the sheet feeding direction is provided.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the used sheet Sa and the storage sheet Sb are arranged side by side in a plane and stored.
The rear ends are regulated by end fences 19 and 20, respectively. When the used sheet Sa is used up, the end fence 19 of the used sheet Sa is removed, and the storage sheet Sb is manually moved to the use position.

According to the second aspect, the storage sheet S
When storing b, the bent portion 19a of the end fence 19
Is pressed and held by the storage sheet Sb. Then, the end fence 19 regulates the rear end of the used sheet Sa. After that, when the used sheet Sa is used up, the storage sheet Sb is manually pushed while the end fence 19 of the used sheet Sa is slightly lifted to move to the use position.

According to the third aspect, the use sheet S
The sheet a and the storage sheet Sb are arranged side by side and stored, and the rear ends thereof are regulated by the end fences 19 and 20, respectively. Then, when the used sheet Sa is used up, the end fence 19 of the used sheet Sa is moved in the sheet feeding direction, and the storage sheet Sb is manually moved to the used position.

According to the fourth aspect, at that time, the moved end fence 19 is stored and stored in the storage section 46.

According to the fifth aspect, the storage sheet S
When storing b, the end fence 20 is moved to adjust the gap with the storage sheet Sb. Also, the used sheet S
When a is used up, the end fence 20 is moved to move the storage sheet Sb in the sheet feeding direction.

According to the sixth aspect, when the end fence 20 regulates the rear end of the storage sheet Sb, the urging member 55 urges the stacked sheets Sa and Sb in the sheet feeding direction.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a laser printer including a sheet storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 10 in the figure denotes the apparatus main body. The apparatus main body 10 has a mounting opening 10a formed on the lower front side on the front right side in the drawing, and the sheet storage container 11 is detachably mounted in the mounting opening 10a in the arrow A direction.

In the illustrated laser printer, however, the stacked sheets Sa are sent out one by one from the inside of the sheet storage container 11, the image formed on the photoconductor (not shown) is transferred to the sheet for recording, and after the recording, the sheet S is recorded. Are discharged to the paper discharge stack section and stacked.

By the way, the above-mentioned sheet storage container 11
Is constructed in detail as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 1 in the figure
Reference numeral 5 denotes a container body capable of accommodating maximum A3 size stacked sheets. The container body 15 is made of a conductive material and is formed in a box shape having an upper opening.
The cover member 35 is attached to the left side of the drawing, and the left side of the drawing is the rear portion in the sheet feeding direction and the right side is the front portion in the sheet feeding direction.

On the bottom portion 15a of the container body 15, a center line L extends from the center in the sheet feeding direction to the rear portion.
The attachment part 16 of the end fence is provided on the top. The mounting portion 16 is provided with straight convex portions 17 on the left and right in parallel to the center line L, and a plurality of left and right mounting grooves 18 are provided inside the convex portion 17 for each sheet size.

End fences 19 and 20 for restricting the rear end of the stacked sheets are detachably provided on the mounting portion 16. The end fences 19 and 20 are each formed in a substantially rectangular thin plate shape.

A bottom plate 23 is provided on the bottom portion 15a from the center to the front portion in the sheet feeding direction. The bottom plate 23 is substantially H-shaped in plan view, and both sides of the rear part are vertically rotatably attached to both side plates 15b of the container body 15 by pins 24, respectively, and a front part is formed by a pressure spring 25 between the bottom plate 23 and the bottom part 15a. Push upwards. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom plate 23 has a hook 23a downward at the center of the front end, and is engageable with an engaging member 27 on the container body 15 side. The engagement member 27 has the engagement protrusion 2
7a and an engagement releasing projection 27b, which is movably provided in a concave portion 15c of the bottom portion 15a of the container body 15 between an engaging position and a non-engaging position, and one end of which is attached to the protrusion 15d. On the contrary, the engagement release protrusion 27b can be pushed from the outside to the non-engagement position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the container body 15
A pair of side fences 30 is movably provided on the bottom portion 15a from both side plates 15b in a direction orthogonal to the sheet feeding direction. Each of the side fences 30 has a length that extends over the rear portion in the sheet feeding direction and the front portion in the sheet feeding direction, and rotatably mounts the separation claws 33 having substantially triangular claw portions 33a, and also mounts the racks 31 respectively. It becomes. Each rack 31 extends in a direction orthogonal to the sheet feeding direction, faces each other, and meshes with the pinion gear 32 on the center line L.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the cover member 35 is provided with a sheet size display portion 36 facing the front. The sheet size display section 36 opens a display window 37 and internally uses a used sheet display plate 38 and a storage sheet display plate 3.
9 is provided. The used sheet display plate 38 is provided so as to be removable. On the other hand, the storage sheet display plate 39 is formed of a transparent material, is arranged outside the used sheet display plate 38, and is provided so as to be movable in the arrow direction.

However, when accommodating a relatively large size sheet such as A3, the side fence 30 is moved and the end fence 20 is attached. Then, the bottom plate 23 is pushed down against the pressure spring 25 and set. Then, the bottom plate 23 is pin 2
4 as a fulcrum, the hook 23a is engaged with the engaging protrusion 27a.
When it exceeds, it engages with it and assumes a substantially horizontal posture. Then, the sheets to be used are stacked on the bottom plate 23, and the claw portions 33a are placed on the upper surfaces of the corners of the leading ends of the sheets. Then, the sheet storage container 11 is mounted in the apparatus main body 10. At that time, the engaging member 27 is externally operated to release the engagement with the hook 23a, and is biased by the pressure spring 25 to press the stacked sheets against a sheet feeding roller (not shown).

After the sheet storage container 11 is attached, the sheet size display plate 38 is attached to the sheet size display section 36.

On the other hand, when using a relatively small size sheet such as A4 or B5, after moving the side fence 30 to a predetermined position, the sheet to be used is stacked on the bottom plate 23 as described above. The claw portion 33a is placed on the upper surface of the corner portion at the tip of the sheet. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the used sheet Sa is stored in the front portion in the sheet feeding direction. After that, as shown in the drawing, an end fence 19 is attached to the attachment groove 18 of the attachment portion 16 to regulate the rear end of the used sheet Sa. Then, the use sheet S
The storage sheet Sb is housed side by side with a. Then, the end fence 20 is attached to the attachment groove 18 to regulate the rear end of the storage sheet Sb. Then, the sheet storage container 11 is mounted in the main body of the apparatus. At that time, the engaging member 27 is externally operated to release the engagement with the hook 23a, and is biased by the pressure spring 25 to press the stacked sheets against a sheet feeding roller (not shown).

After mounting the sheet storage container, the storage sheet display plate 39 is moved to the display window 37 side as shown in FIG.
9a and sheet size display 3 of the used sheet display plate 38
8a is displayed together on the display window 37.

After that, when the used sheet Sa is used up, the sheet storage container 1 is removed from the apparatus main body 10.
1, the bottom plate 23 is pushed down, the hook 23a is engaged with the engaging member 27, and the end fence 19 between the stacked sheets Sa and Sb is removed. Then, the storage sheet S
Move b to the use position by hand. Then, the removed end fence 19 is attached to the attachment portion 16 again to regulate the rear end of the used sheet Sb. Then, the sheet storage container 11 is attached to the apparatus main body 10 again. At this time, the storage sheet display plate 39 is moved from the display window 37, and only the sheet size display 38a of the used sheet display plate 38 is displayed in the display window 37, as shown in FIG.

In the sheet storage container 11 of the illustrated embodiment described above, when the stacked sheets Sa and Sb of relatively small size such as A4 and B5 are stored side by side,
An end fence 19 provided between the stacked sheets Sa and Sb is detachably provided on the mounting portion 16 to regulate the rear end of the used sheet Sa. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the end fence 19 provided between the stacked sheets S is made of an elastic material that can be deformed in a certain case to have an L-shaped cross section, and a bent portion 19a that enters under the storage sheet Sb is formed at the lower end. Alternatively, the partition portion 19h may be provided to control the rear end of the used sheet Sa.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the stacked sheets S are set in the sheet storage container 11, the used sheet Sa is stored in the front portion in the sheet feeding direction, and then the folding portion 1 is inserted.
The end fence 19 is placed on the bottom portion 15a of the container body 15 with 9a facing the storage sheet Sb. Next, the storage sheet Sb is stored side by side with the used sheet Sa, and the rear end of the storage sheet Sb is regulated by the end fence 20. At that time, the folded portion 19a that has entered under the storage sheet Sb is pressed by the storage sheet Sb to load the stacked sheet Sa.
The end fence 19 between Sb is held upright. And
The sheet Sa used at the partition 19h of the end fence 19
Regulate the rear end of the.

After that, when the used sheet Sa is used up, as shown in FIG.
Is slightly lifted in the direction of arrow B, and is pushed by hand to move the storage sheet Sb in the direction of arrow C. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the storage sheet Sb is placed on the bottom plate 23, and then the end fence 19 is lifted in the arrow D direction and pulled out. The rear end of the moved storage sheet Sb is restricted by attaching an end fence (not shown).

In the end fence 19 having the bent portion 19a, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a concave portion 19b is provided on the bent portion 19a so that a friction member 40 such as a rubber member is attached. Can also be Then, when the storage sheet Sb is moved together with the end fence 19 being slightly lifted, the storage sheet Sb is prevented from sliding off the end fence 19.

In the sheet storage container 11 of the illustrated embodiment described above, the end fence 1 provided between the stacked sheets S is used.
9 is provided so as to be simply removable from the container body 15. However, as shown in FIG.
The end fence 19 provided between Sb may be guided to the container body 15 by its guide portion 43 so as to be movable in the sheet feeding direction. In FIG. 14, the bottom portion 15a at the rear of the container body 15 in the sheet feeding direction is
On the center line L, a linear convex portion 41 sandwiches a concave portion 42.
To form. The bottom plate 23 in the container body 15 is provided with a recess 23a having a predetermined width on the center line L. Then, the concave portion 23a and the concave portion 42 are continuously provided to form a guide portion 43. On the other hand, the end fence 19 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 16, it is formed to have an L-shaped cross section, and the fitting protrusion 19c is provided downward on the bent portion 19a.

Then, in FIG. 14, after the used sheet (not shown) is stored, the fitting convex portion 19c is fitted into the concave portion 42 with the bent portion 19a facing the storage sheet Sb. next,
The storage sheet Sb is stored side by side with the sheet to be used, and the rear end thereof is regulated by the end fence 20. At that time, the folded portion 19a that has entered under the storage sheet Sb is pressed by the storage sheet Sb to stack the stacked sheets S.
The end fence 19 is held upright in the meantime, and the rear end of the used sheet is regulated by the end fence 19.

When the used sheet is used up, it is pushed by hand to move the storage sheet Sb in the arrow E direction. At that time, the movement of the end fence 19 is guided by the guide portion 4
3 to prevent the stacking state of the storage sheets Sb from being disturbed.

As shown in FIG. 17, a rib 44 is provided at a position slightly deviated from the center line L in the recess 42 at the rear portion of the sheet feeding direction, while as shown in FIG. It is also possible to provide a concave portion 19d in the fitting convex portion 19c. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, when the fitting convex portion 19c is inserted into the guide portion 43, the rib 44 and the concave portion 19d are fitted and attached. Thereby, the bent portion 19a of the end fence 19
To be attached toward the use sheet Sa side.

By the way, as described above, the stacked sheets Sa are
In the sheet storage container 11 provided with the end fence 19 provided between Sb so as to be movable in the sheet feeding direction,
As shown in FIG. 0 and FIG. 21, a storage unit 46 for storing and storing the end fence 19 may be provided at the front of the container body 15 in the sheet feeding direction. The storage unit 46 is configured by providing a recessed portion on the bottom portion 15a at the front portion of the container body 15 in the sheet feeding direction. Then, as illustrated, the bent portion 1 of the moved end fence 19
9a is dropped into the recess 47 and stored and stored.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 22, an end fence 1 provided between the stacked sheets Sa and Sb while the female magic tape 48 is attached inside the storage section 46.
As shown in FIG. 23 and FIG.
A male magic tape 48 may be attached to the outer surface and the lower surface of the fitting protrusion 19c. Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the end fence 19 moved together with the storage sheet Sb is fixed with a magic tape 48, and the storage section 46 is fixed.
Store inside. When the magic tape 48 is used, as shown in FIG.
It is possible to prevent the curl by pressing the rear end of the sheet.

When the storage sheet 46 is stored in the storage section 46 as described above, as shown in FIG. 26, the detection device 51 for detecting the stored and stored end fence 19 is provided to store the storage sheet S.
The presence or absence of b can be automatically displayed outside. In the storage section 46 of the end fence 19, a window hole 52 is formed in the center through the bottom portion 15a, and a female magic tape 48 is attached to the periphery of the window hole 52. On the other hand, the end fence 19 is shown in FIG. 28 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the detection surface 19 is provided at the center of the lower surface of the bent portion 19a.
While providing f, a male type magic tape 48 is attached around it. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, the detection device 51 is attached to the main body frame 10a of the main body 10 of the device, arranged below the window hole 52, and electrically connected to a control device (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 27, when the end fence 19 is stored and stored in the storage section 46, the presence of the end fence 19 is detected by the detection device 51 through the window hole 52. As a result, as shown in FIG. 30, the detection device 52 is turned on and sends the detection signal to the control device.
Then, under the control of the control device, for example, the LED is turned on or a warning display such as "order of spare sheet" or "set of storage sheet" is displayed on the operation panel such as liquid crystal. When the storage sheet is replenished, the detection device 51 is turned off and the display on the operation panel is turned off.

By the way, the stacking sheets Sa and Sb whose rear ends are regulated by the end fences 19 and 20, when the temperature and humidity change, as is clear from the relationship between the temperature and humidity and the expansion and contraction rate of the sheets shown in FIG. The expansion / contraction rate changes accordingly. Therefore, the regulation of the end fences 19 and 20 may vary. Also, as shown in FIG.
For example, A4 size used sheet Sa and storage sheet Sb
Stacked sheets Sa and Sb
Since the end fence 19 is provided between them, A shown in FIG.
When the mounting position of the end fence 20 at the end in the sheet feeding direction is slightly different from the case where the 3 size used sheet Sa is stored, when the A 3 size used sheet Sa is stored, the space between the sheet and the end fence 20 is increased. There may be a gap in.

Therefore, in still another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 34, the urging member 55 for urging the stacked sheets Sa and Sb in the sheet feeding direction is applied to the last end fence 20 in the sheet feeding direction. Is provided. The biasing member 55 is formed by bending the base end portion of the leaf spring into a U-shape and attaching it to the upper end portion of the end fence 20, and is flexibly provided with a gap from the end fence 20.

When the sheets are stored side by side, the urging member 55 is pressed against the rear end of the storage sheet Sb to urge the stacked sheets Sa and Sb in the sheet feeding direction. Then, the biasing member 55 absorbs the variation in the stacked sheets Sa and Sb or the gap generated between the end fence 20 and the sheets.

By the way, when the end fence 20 is attached, if the biasing member 55 is slid along the rear end of the storage sheet Sb as shown in FIG. 35, as shown in FIG. The storage sheet Sb on the lower surface may be pinched by the tip. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 37, the end fence 20 may be configured such that the tip of the biasing member 55 is bent slightly inward to provide the bent portion 55a. Then, FIG.
As shown in, the tip of the biasing member 55 does not pinch the storage sheet Sb.

Further, as shown in FIG. 39, the end fence 20 is preferably configured to be elevated by a height H from the uppermost surface of the storage sheet Sb. Then, when the end fence 20 is attached, the urging member 55 can be bent by pinching the upper end portion of the end fence 20 as shown in FIG. 40, and the end sheet 20 can be attached without touching the rear end of the storage sheet Sb.

Further, the storage sheet Sb whose rear end is regulated by the end fence 20 may come off from the urging member 55 when the sheet rear end on the upper surface curls as shown in FIG. Then, the regulation is not performed, and variations occur and the sheet feeding is deteriorated. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the end fence 20 preferably has a configuration in which substantially circular convex ribs 20a are projected on both sides of the upper end toward the storage sheet Sb side. Then, the rear end of the upper surface of the storage sheet Sb is pressed by the convex rib 20a to prevent the sheet from coming off due to curling.

By the way, the last end fence 20 in the sheet feeding direction as described above is the stacked sheet Sa.
As with the end fence 19 provided between Sb, as shown in FIG.
4 and 45, the container body 15 may be guided by its guide portion 15e so as to be movable in the sheet feeding direction.

As shown in FIG. 44, a center line L is formed on the bottom portion 15a at the rear of the container body 15 in the sheet feeding direction.
The lower concave step portion 15d is linearly provided on the left and right, and the guide groove portion 15e penetrating the bottom portion 15a is provided on the center line L.

On the other hand, the end fence 20 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, it has a fence main body 20A. The fence main body 20A is provided with a trapezoidal portion 20b in the lower portion, and a convex portion 20c is provided downward in approximately the center of the lower surface of the fence main body 20A. The upright portion 20e is provided upward. The standing portion 20d is provided with a lateral hole 20f penetrating the lower portion thereof, and a pair of brackets 20g is provided on the rear surface on the left side in the drawing.
A stopper 61 is rotatably attached to the bracket 20g by a shaft 62. The stopper 61 has substantially the same height as the rising portion 20e, a lower end thereof is covered with a rubber cap 63, and an engaging protrusion 61a is laterally provided above the rubber cap 63. A coil spring 65 is wound around the shaft 62. The coil spring 65 has one end pressed against the stopper 61 and the other end pressed against the standing portion 20e. On the other hand, a biasing member 55 is attached to the upper end of the upright portion 20e by bending the upper end into a U-shape. The urging member 55
Is provided on the right front surface of the fence main body 20A in a flexible manner with a gap between the fence main body 20A and a U-shaped bent portion 55b at its lower end, and the bent portion 55b is passed through the lateral hole 20f to engage the engaging projection. It is hung on 61a.

Then, the convex portion 20c of the end fence is fitted into the guide groove portion 15e, and is screwed to the mounting plate 59 below the bottom portion 15a with the screw 58 penetrating the trapezoidal portion 20b so that it can slide in the concave step portion 15d. To be installed. At that time, the rubber cap 63 is moved to the concave step portion 1 by the coil spring 65.
The movement of the end fence 20 is stopped by pressing against 5d.

Therefore, when the end fence 20 is moved, the upper end of the stopper 61 is pulled in the arrow T direction as shown in FIG. Then, the stopper 61 rotates clockwise against the coil spring 65, and the rubber cap 63 is rotated.
Moves away from the recessed step portion 15d to release the stop by the stopper 61. Therefore, the end fence 20 is moved to an appropriate position in the right or left direction in the figure. Then stopper 6
When the hand is released from 1, the state shown in FIG. 45 is restored again, and the rubber cap 63 is pressed against the recessed step portion 15d and the end fence 20.
Prevent the movement of. And a storage sheet Sb not shown
The biasing member 55 is elastically pressed against the rear end of the rear end.

On the other hand, when the used sheet Sa (not shown) has been used up, the end fence 19 (not shown) between the stacked sheets Sa and Sb is removed, and then the stopper 6 described above is removed.
End fence 2 with the stop by 1 released
0 is moved to the front in the sheet feeding direction as shown in FIG. 47 to transfer and set the storage sheet Sb.

At this time, the removed stacked sheets Sa.S
As shown in the drawing, the end fence 19 between b is horizontally stored and stored in a storage recess 67 provided on the front side of the container body 15. The storage recess 67 may have a protrusion 67a provided therein as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 49, the end fence 19 is supported by the protrusion 67a and stored and stored without play.

The movable end fence 20 at the end of the sheet feeding direction described above may be configured to automatically detect the sheet size in conjunction with the movement thereof, as shown in FIG. The end fence 20 is connected to one end of the detection member 70. The detection member 70 is in the shape of an elongated plate, and is provided on the outer surface of the bottom of the container body 15 so as to be long in one direction orthogonal to the sheet feeding direction.
Three detectors 71 are provided at the other end along the side plate 15b at predetermined intervals in the sheet feeding direction. On the other hand, four size detection switches 72 are arranged in the container body 15 (not shown) at predetermined intervals in the moving direction of the detection unit 71. The size detection switch 72 is electrically connected to a control device (not shown).

Then, the used sheet S is placed in the container body 15.
After storing a and the storage sheet Sb, the end fence 20
Move and press against the rear edge of the sheet to regulate. At that time, the detection unit 7 is interlocked with the movement of the end fence 20.
1 moves to a predetermined position. And the sheet storage container 11
Is attached to the inside of the apparatus main body 10, the size detecting switch 72a ... Then, in response to the detection signal, the control device
As shown in 1, the sheet size is displayed by the paper size detection code on the operation panel. For example, as shown in (1), one size detection switch 72a is turned on when the sheet size is A3, and two size detection switches 72a and 72b are turned on when the sheet size is B4. in this case,
When storing A4 size and B5 size side by side, another paper size detection code shown in (2) can be changed from the operation unit (not shown) of the apparatus main body 10.

The end fence 19 for restricting the rear end of the used sheet Sa is formed in an L-shaped cross section as shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, and the partition 19g has an uneven portion 19h and a print 19i. It is preferable to display the maximum stacking position of the stacked sheets Sa and Sb. in this case,
The end fence 19 shown in FIG. 53 is made of a transparent material. Further, as shown in FIG. 54, the partition 19g itself of the end fence 19 may be bent to provide a bent portion 19j. Then, as shown in FIG. 55, the bent portion 19j of the end fence 19 is inserted into the side surface of the storage sheet Sb. Then, excess sheets are prevented by removing the sheets above the bent portion 19j.

[0061]

Therefore, according to the present invention, in the sheet storage container in which the stacked sheets are arranged and stored in a plane and the rear ends of the stacked sheets are regulated by the end fences, the end fences provided between the stacked sheets are provided. The device according to claim 1 is detachably provided,
Since the structure described in (1) is configured to be movable, the stacking sheets of various sizes can be regulated by a simple structure and can be efficiently stored without creating a wasteful space inside.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the end fences are mounted between the stacked sheets, the bent portions are pressed by the storage sheet to hold the end fences. It is possible to reduce the cost by simplifying the structure without providing.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the moved end fence is stored and stored in the storage section at that time, it is possible to prevent the end fence from being lost.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the storage sheet is moved in the sheet delivery direction by moving the last end fence in the sheet delivery direction, it is possible to easily move the storage sheet.

According to the sixth aspect, since the stacked sheets are urged in the sheet feeding direction by the urging member, it is possible to easily adjust the variation of the sheets and the gap.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sheet storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view on the center line of the front portion in the sheet feeding direction.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view of a sheet size display portion of the sheet storage container.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the sheet storage container showing a state in which a used sheet and a storage sheet are arranged side by side in a plane in the container body.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a sheet size display section showing a stored state of the used sheet and the storage sheet.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the sheet size display section showing a state in which only used sheets are stored.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a laser printer including the sheet storage container.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another example of the end fence provided between the stacked sheets.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a sheet storage container showing a state where the end fence is attached between stacked sheets.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of moving the end fence and the storage sheet when the used sheet is used up.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram when the end fence is removed during the movement.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another example of the end fence.

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view thereof.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a sheet storage container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an end fence provided between the stacked sheets.

FIG. 16 is a side view thereof.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of another example of the sheet storage container.

FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a mounting portion of an end fence provided between the stacked sheets.

FIG. 19 is a state diagram of the end fence before being attached.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a front portion in a sheet feeding direction in a sheet storage container which is still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a vertical sectional view thereof.

FIG. 22 is a vertical sectional view of another example of the sheet storage container.

FIG. 23 is a side view of an end fence provided between the stacked sheets.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the end fence as seen from the side in contact with the used sheet.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet storage container showing a state where the end fence is stored and stored in a storage unit.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a storage portion of the apparatus body including the sheet storage container in another example of the sheet storage container having the storage portion.

FIG. 27 is a side view thereof.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the end fence.

FIG. 29 is a side view thereof.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart for displaying that the end fence has been stored and stored in a storage unit by a detection device and displays a warning.

FIG. 31 is a relationship diagram showing changes in temperature and humidity and the expansion / contraction rate of a sheet.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet storage container that stores used sheets of A3 size.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet storage container in which A4 size used sheets and storage sheets are arranged side by side in a plane.

FIG. 34 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the rear end of the sheet storage container in the sheet feeding direction according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a state explanatory view when the last end fence in the sheet feeding direction is attached.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing that the seat may be pinched by the urging member at the time of attachment.

FIG. 37 is a side view showing another example of the last end fence in the sheet feeding direction.

FIG. 38 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the rear end of the sheet storage container to which the end fence is attached in the sheet feeding direction.

FIG. 39 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the rear end of the sheet storage container in the sheet feeding direction, showing still another example of the end fence, in a state in which the end fence is attached.

FIG. 40 is a state diagram when the end fence is attached.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the trailing edge of the curled storage sheet is disengaged from the end fence.

FIG. 42 is a plan view of a rear end of the sheet storage container in a sheet feeding direction showing a state in which the end fence is attached, in still another example of the end fence.

FIG. 43 is a side view thereof.

FIG. 44 is a plan view of an end fence portion at a rear portion in the sheet feeding direction in a sheet storage container which is still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a vertical sectional view thereof.

FIG. 46 is a vertical cross-sectional view when the stopper is released.

FIG. 47 is a plan view of the sheet storage container when the end fence is moved and the storage sheet is moved.

FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of the storage recess portion.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view showing a state in which the end fence removed between the stacked sheets is stored in the storage recess.

FIG. 50 shows another example of the sheet storage container in which the rear end fence in the sheet feeding direction is provided movably,
It is a one part perspective view.

51 is a detection code for displaying the paper size detected in conjunction with the movement of the end fence, (1) is A3
And B4, etc., (2) is A4 or B instead of A3 or B4.
The case of 5 etc. is shown.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of another example of the end fence provided between the stacked sheets.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of an end fence of yet another example.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an end fence of yet another example.

FIG. 55 is a state explanatory view showing a state in which the end fence is inserted into the side surface of the storage sheet.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a conventional sheet storage container.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing the internal mechanism thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 15e Guide part 19 End fence between stacked sheets 19a Bent part 20 End end fence of sheet feeding direction 43 Guide part 46 Storage part 55 Biasing member Sa Used sheet Sb Storage sheet

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A used sheet and a storage sheet are stacked and stored side by side in a plane, and the rear ends of the stacked sheets are regulated by end fences, of which the end fence provided between the stacked sheets can be removed. A sheet storage container provided. 2. The sheet storage container according to claim 1, wherein the end fence provided between the stacked sheets is provided with a bent portion that is inserted under the storage sheet. 3. A used sheet and a storage sheet are stacked and stored side by side in a planar manner, and the rear ends of the stacked sheets are regulated by end fences, of which the end fence provided between the stacked sheets is provided in the container body. On the other hand, a sheet storage container that is provided so as to be guided by the guide portion and movable in the sheet feeding direction. 4. The sheet storage container according to claim 3, wherein a storage unit for storing and storing the end fence between the stacked sheets is provided at a front portion in the sheet feeding direction in the container body. 5. The sheet storage according to claim 1, wherein the last end fence in the sheet feeding direction is provided so as to be movable in the sheet feeding direction by guiding the end fence with respect to the container body. container. 6. The sheet storage container according to claim 1, wherein the end fence that is the last in the sheet feeding direction is provided with a biasing member that biases the stacked sheets in the sheet feeding direction.