Sheet storage device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sheet storage device and an image forming apparatus. A sheet storage device attached to an apparatus main body in an attachment direction includes a sheet storage portion configured to store a sheet, a moving unit movably supported by the sheet storage portion in a moving direction parallel to the attachment direction, wherein the moving unit includes a tube control member including a tube control surface that controls a position of the sheet stored in the sheet storage portion in the moving direction, and a first bonding surface extending in the moving direction, and an extension member including a second bonding surface extending in parallel with the first bonding surface, and wherein the first bonding surface and the second bonding surface are configured to be bonded to each other by an adhesive.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a sheet storage device that stores a sheet, and an image forming apparatus including the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, an image forming apparatus such as a printer includes a cassette that can store a sheet at a lower portion of the apparatus, and forms an image on a sheet fed from the cassette. The cassette is arranged to be attachable to and detachable from a main body of the apparatus, and a pair of cursors that govern positions of side edges of the stored sheet are movably arranged in the cassette.

[0003] Hitherto, an image forming apparatus in which a recess is formed in a front side wall of a cassette main body and a protrusion is arranged on each of the cursors has been proposed (refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-89151). When the cassette is attached to the main body of the apparatus, a movable carriage that supports the pair of cursors moves, and the protrusions arranged on the pair of cursors engage with the recess in the front side wall of the cassette main body. Thereby, the strength of the pair of cursors against an external force in a width direction increases, and the cursors can withstand such an impact even if the cassette is pushed into the main body of the apparatus.

[0004] However, since the image forming apparatus described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-89151 requires a link mechanism that moves the movable carriage in conjunction with attachment and detachment of the cassette, the number of components and assembly man-hours increase. Therefore, the cost increases. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, a sheet storage device that is attached to a main body of an apparatus in an attachment direction includes a sheet storage portion configured to store a sheet, and a moving unit movably supported by the sheet storage portion in a moving direction parallel to the attachment direction, wherein the moving unit includes a governing member and an extending member extending in the moving direction, the governing member includes a governing surface that governs a position of the sheet stored in the sheet storage portion in the moving direction, and a first joining surface extending in the moving direction, the extending member includes a second joining surface extending in parallel with the first joining surface, and wherein the first joining surface and the second joining surface are configured to be joined to each other by an adhesive.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present application, a sheet storage device attached to a device main body in an attachment direction includes a sheet storage portion configured to store a sheet, and a moving unit movably supported by the sheet storage portion in a moving direction parallel to the attachment direction, wherein the moving unit includes a guide member and an extension member extending in the moving direction, the guide member includes a guide surface that guides a position of the sheet stored in the sheet storage portion in the moving direction, and a first bonding surface extending in the moving direction, the extension member includes a second bonding surface extending in parallel with the first bonding surface, and wherein the first bonding surface and the second bonding surface are configured to be bonded to each other by a double-sided tape.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present application, a sheet storage device attached to a device main body in an attachment direction includes a sheet storage portion configured to store a sheet, and a moving unit movably supported by the sheet storage portion in a moving direction parallel to the attachment direction, wherein the moving unit includes a guide member and an extension member extending in the moving direction, the guide member includes a guide surface that guides a position of the sheet stored in the sheet storage portion in the moving direction, and a first bonding surface extending in the moving direction, the extension member includes a second bonding surface extending in parallel with the first bonding surface, and wherein the first bonding surface and the second bonding surface are configured to be bonded to each other without being fixed by a fastening member.

[0008] Further features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall arrangement of a printer with respect to a first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge has been pulled out of the device main body.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a sheet storage device.

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a pair of side guide plates.

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a bonding portion of a guide member.

[0014] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a bonding portion of a rack member.

[0015] Figure 7A is a perspective view showing a guide member that has been coated with an adhesive.

[0016] Figure 7B is a perspective view showing a state in which the rack member is being inserted into the tube member.

[0017] Figure 8A is a perspective view showing a state in which the hook portion has been inserted into the rectangular hole.

[0018] Figure 8B is a perspective view showing a state in which the rack member has been slid with respect to the tube member.

[0019] Figure 9A is a sectional view showing a state in which the sheet is being replenished into the cartridge.

[0020] Figure 9B is a sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge is being attached to the device main body.

[0021] Figure 9C is a sectional view showing a state in which the tube member has been abutted on the cartridge main body.

[0022] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the coupling portion of the tube member with respect to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the coupling portion of the rack member.

[0024] Figure 12A is a perspective view showing a state in which the double-sided tape is adhered to the tube member.

[0025] Figure 12B is a perspective view showing a state in which the rack member is being inserted into the tube member.

[0026] Figure 12C is a perspective view showing a state in which the boss portion has been engaged with the positioning hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] First Embodiment

[0028] Overall Arrangement

[0029] First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. A printer 1 as an image forming apparatus with respect to the first embodiment is a laser beam printer of an electrophotographic system. Note that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the sizes, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the respective members described in the following embodiments unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0030] As Figure 1As shown, the printer 1 includes an image forming unit 100 that forms an image on a sheet P, a sheet feeding unit 15, a fixing unit 20, a sheet discharge roller pair 23, and a reversing roller pair 25. The image forming unit 100 includes four process cartridges 90Y, 90M, 90C, and 90K that form toner images of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively, and a scanner unit 4.

[0031] Note that the four process cartridges 90Y, 90M, 90C, and 90K are identical in configuration except for the color of the image formed. Therefore, only the configuration and image forming process of the process cartridge 90Y will be described, and the description of the other process cartridges 90M, 90C, and 90K will be omitted here.

[0032] The process cartridge 90Y includes a photosensitive drum 2, a charging roller 3, a developing roller 5, and a cleaning blade 6. The photosensitive drum 2 has an organic photoconductive layer applied to the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum cylindrical body, and is rotatably driven by a drive motor not shown. Further, in the image forming unit 100, an intermediate transfer belt 8 is arranged so as to be wound around a drive roller 9 and a tension roller 10, and primary transfer rollers 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K are arranged inside the intermediate transfer belt 8. Further, a secondary transfer roller 11 is arranged opposite the drive roller 9 with the intermediate transfer belt 8 interposed therebetween, and the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the secondary transfer roller 11 form a transfer nip N1 that transfers an image to a conveyed sheet P.

[0033] The sheet feeding unit 15 is arranged at the lower portion of the printer 1, and includes a cassette 16 that stores the sheet P, a pickup roller 17 (as a sheet feeding unit) supported by the cassette 16 and capable of feeding the sheet P, and a separation roller 14. The fixing unit 20 includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller to apply heat and pressure to the sheet.

[0034] Next, the image forming operation of the printer 1 configured as described above will be described. When an image signal is input from a personal computer or the like not shown to the scanner unit 4, a laser beam corresponding to the image signal is irradiated from the scanner unit 4 onto the photosensitive drum 2 in the process cartridge 90Y.

[0035] At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 has been uniformly charged with a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging roller 3 in advance, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by irradiation with the laser beam by the scanner unit 4. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is developed by the developing roller 5, and a toner image of yellow (Y) is formed on the photosensitive drum 2.

[0036] Similarly, laser beams are irradiated from the scanner unit 4 to each of the photosensitive drums 2 in the process cartridges 90M, 90C, and 90K, and toner images of magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are formed on each of the photosensitive drums. The toner images of each color formed on each of the photosensitive drums are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 8 by the primary transfer rollers 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K, and are conveyed to the transfer nip Nl by the intermediate transfer belt 8 which is rotationally driven by the driven roller 9. Note that the imaging process of each color is performed at a certain timing, superimposing the toner image on the upstream toner image which has already been primary-transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 8. Note that the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 2 after the toner image has been transferred by the primary transfer roller 7Y is collected by the cleaning blade 6.

[0037] In parallel with this imaging process, the sheets P stored in the cassette 16 of the sheet feed unit 15 are fed out by the pickup roller 17, and are separated one by one by the separation roller 14. Then, the skew of the sheets P is corrected by the pair of convey rollers 18 and the pair of alignment rollers 19, and the sheets P are conveyed by the pair of alignment rollers 19 at a predetermined timing in synchronization with the transfer timing of the image at the transfer nip Nl. Note that the printer 1 includes a manual feed tray 13 on which the sheets P are loaded, and it is also acceptable to feed the sheets P loaded on the manual feed tray 13 by a manual feed roller 13a and a separation roller 13b.

[0038] Then, the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is transferred to the sheet P at the transfer nip Nl by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 11. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is collected by a cleaning device not shown. The sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred is applied with a predetermined heat and pressure at the fixing unit 20, and the toner is fused and adhered (fixed). The sheet P passed through the fixing unit 20 is guided by the guide member 26 to the sheet discharge roller pair 23, and is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 24 by the sheet discharge roller pair 23.

[0039] When a double-sided printing job of forming an image on both sides of the sheet P is input, the sheet P on which the image has been formed on one side by the transfer nip Nl is guided by the guide member 26 to the reversing roller pair 25. Then, the sheet P is reversed by the reversing roller pair 25, and is conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 27. The sheet P guided to the double-sided conveyance path 27 is again conveyed to the pair of alignment rollers 19, and after an image has been formed on the back side at the transfer nip Nl, the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 24 by the sheet discharge roller pair 23.

[0040] Sheet storage device

[0041] Next, with respect to the sheet storage device 60, the cassette 16 and the internal configuration of the cassette 16 will be described in detail. As Figures 2 to 4As shown, the sheet storage device 60 includes a cartridge 16 that can be attached to and removed from the device body 1A of the printer 1. Specifically, the sheet storage device 60, including the cartridge 16, is attached to the device body 1A along the attachment direction AD. The cartridge 16 includes a cartridge body 30 serving as a storage portion for storing sheet P, and a pair of guide rails 35. These guide rails 35, as guided portions, are arranged on both sides of the cartridge body 30, extending along the attachment direction AD, and slide towards the device body 1A when the sheet storage device 60 is attached to the device body 1A along the attachment direction AD.

[0042] Furthermore, the sheet storage device 60 includes a lifting plate 34 that is pivotally supported relative to the box body 30 about a pivot 34a as a center and for stacking sheets P, and a pair of side control plates 31 and 131 that are movably supported relative to the box body 30 in the movement direction MD. Additionally, the sheet storage device 60 includes a rear edge control plate 65 that controls the position of the rear edge of the sheets P stacked on the lifting plate 34, and a pinion gear 33 (as a gear component) that is rotatably supported relative to the box body 30. Note that in this embodiment, the movement direction MD is a direction parallel to the attachment direction AD and the pull-out direction of the box 16 relative to the device body 1A, and is a width direction orthogonal to the sheet feed direction. Furthermore, directions parallel to the attachment direction AD include directions within 10 degrees of the attachment direction AD, and it is also acceptable for the movement direction MD to be within 10 degrees of the attachment direction AD.

[0043] The pair of guide rails 35 slide on the device body side rail (not shown) arranged on the device body 1A, thereby smoothly guiding the box 16 toward the device body 1A. When the imaging operation begins, the lifting plate 34 rises to the position where the uppermost sheet stacked on the lifting plate 34 contacts the pickup roller 17.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the side control plate 31, serving as a moving unit and the first moving unit, is composed of a control component 31A (serving as a first control component) and a rack component 32 (serving as an extension component and a first extension component). The control component 31A includes a control surface 31B that controls the position of the sheet stored in the box body 30 in the moving direction MD. The side control plate 131, serving as the second moving unit, is also composed of a control component 131A as a second control component and a rack component 132 as a second extension component. The control component 131A includes a control surface 131B that controls the position of the sheet stored in the box body 30 in the moving direction MD. The box body 30 and control components 31A and 131A are made of resin material, while rack components 32 and 132 are made of metal material (e.g., metal plate).

[0045] Rack components 32 and 132 each include rack portions 42 and 142 capable of meshing with pinion 33, and these rack portions 42 and 142 are arranged facing each other across pinion 33. Thus, when either side control plate 31 or 131 is moved by the user along the movement direction MD, the other side control plate 31 or 131 is configured to also move in the movement direction MD via the action of rack portions 42 and 142 and pinion 33. At this time, side control plates 31 and 131 move in opposite directions along the movement direction MD. For example, when side control plate 31 moves in a predetermined direction along the movement direction MD, side control plate 131 moves in the opposite direction of the predetermined direction.

[0046] In the following text, since the side control plates 31 and 131 have almost similar structures, only the side control plate 31 will be described in detail, while the description of the side control plate 131 will be omitted here.

[0047] Detailed structure of the joint part of the side control panel

[0048] As described later, the control component 31A and the rack component 32 that constitute the side control plate 31 are bonded together by adhesive. First, the control component 31A and the rack component 32 that constitute the side control plate 31 are bonded together by adhesive. Figure 5 The connecting part 61 of the control component 31A is described in detail. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the bonding portion 61 includes a bonding surface 36 (as a first bonding surface) extending parallel to the direction of movement MD, a pair of guide ribs 31G and 31G protruding from the bonding surface 36, and a control rib 31F arranged to connect the guide ribs 31G and 31G to each other. The bonding surface 36 includes adhesive coating surfaces 36A and 36B on which adhesive 40 is applied by an adhesive coating machine 41.

[0049] The pair of guide ribs 31G and 31G, which form the wall portion, are arranged facing each other across adhesive-coated surfaces 36A and 36B in an orthogonal direction OD, which is orthogonal to the movement direction MD, and extend along the movement direction MD. A control rib 31F extends along the orthogonal direction OD to connect the pair of guide ribs 31G and 31G to each other. Therefore, these guide ribs 31G, 31G and control rib 31F are generally formed as rectangles with an opening on one side, allowing for easy positioning of the rack component 32.

[0050] The head end portion 32C of the rack component 32 (reference) is adaptable to the rack component 32 Figure 6 The insertion hole portion 31C is formed below the control rib 31F. Furthermore, a hook portion 31D with an L-shaped cross-section and protruding from the mating surface 36, and a latching portion 31E protruding from the mating surface 36 are formed on the mating surface 36. Since the groove 31H is formed as a rectangle with an opening on one side around the latching portion 31E, the latching portion 31E can easily deform elastically in the height direction.

[0051] Detailed structure of the mating parts of the rack and pinion assembly

[0052] Next, we will utilize Figure 6 The engaging portion 62 of the rack component 32 is described in detail. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the connecting portion 62 includes a first portion 43 containing a head end portion 32C, a second portion 44 containing a rack portion 42, and a stepped portion 45 connecting the first portion 43 and the second portion 44. The stepped portion 45 connects one end of the first portion 43 to one end of the second portion 44 in the height direction.

[0053] The upwardly protruding bulge 44a is formed on the second part 44 by pressing or the like, and is formed longitudinally over approximately the entire length of the second part 44 in the direction of movement MD. The strength of the rack component 32 is improved by these stepped portions 45 and bulges 44a.

[0054] The rack component 32 includes a mating surface 37 serving as a second mating surface, which is bonded to the mating surface 36 of the control component 31A by adhesive 40 and extends parallel to the first mating surface 36. The mating surface 37 includes a first adhesive surface 37A formed on the second portion 44 and capable of bonding to the adhesive-coated surface 36A of the control component 31A, and a second adhesive surface 37B formed on the first portion 43 and capable of bonding to the adhesive-coated surface 36B of the control component 31A. A rectangular hole 32D is formed in the protrusion 44a of the second portion 44, and a snap-fit ​​hole 32E is formed in the first portion 43.

[0055] Combination method of control components and rack components

[0056] Next, we will use Figures 7A to 8B The method for engaging the control component 31A and the rack component 32 is described. First, as... Figure 7A As shown, the assembly worker (hereinafter referred to as the worker) uses an adhesive applicator 41 to apply adhesive 40 to the adhesive application surfaces 36A and 36B of the control component 31A. Note that the assembly process in this embodiment is not limited to manual operation by personnel; it is also acceptable to perform the process by mechanical means.

[0057] Then, as Figure 7B As shown, the worker tilts the rack component 32 relative to the control component 31A while inserting the head portion 32C into the hole portion 31C, so that the rack component 32 does not contact the adhesive coating surfaces 36A and 36B. Next, as... Figure 8AAs shown, the worker rotates the rack member 32 and fits the joint surface 37 of the rack member 32 on the joint surface 36 of the control member 31A. Note that at this time, the hook portion 31E of the control member 31A is elastically deformed downward due to being pressed by the rack member 32.

[0058] Since the pair of guide ribs 31G and 31G are formed on the control member 31A, the rack member 32 can be easily positioned correctly by rotating the rack member 32 between the guide ribs 31G and 31G. Further, since the guide ribs 31G and 31G are arranged so as to surround the adhesive application surfaces 36A and 36B, even if the adhesive 40 of low viscosity is applied to the adhesive application surfaces 36A and 36B, the adhesive 40 can be reduced from flowing out of the joint surface 36 to other areas. Further, since the joint surface 36 is separated from other areas by the guide ribs 31G and 31G, the application position of the adhesive 40 can be determined. Thus, the assembly performance can be improved.

[0059] Then, when the joint surfaces 36 and 37 are fitted to each other, the hook portion 31D of the control member 31A is inserted into the rectangular hole 32D of the rack member 32. Next, the worker positions the hook portion 31E and the hook hole 32E at the correct position by slidingly moving the rack member 32 to the head end portion 32C side. Thereby, the hook portion 31E is engaged with the hook hole 32E. Note that the similar assembly and positioning method as described above is also applicable to the side control plate 131.

[0060] In a state where the rack member 32 is assembled to the control member 31A, the relative movement of the control member 31A and the rack member 32 in a debonding direction of the joint surfaces 36 and 37 (i.e., in the normal direction ND of the joint surfaces 36 and 37) is controlled by the hook portion 31D and the control rib 31F. More specifically, the hook portion 31D and the control rib 31F of the control member 31A are engaged with the edge portion 32Da and the head end portion 32C of the rectangular hole 32D formed in the rack member 32, respectively. In other words, when viewed in the normal direction ND, the hook portion 31D and the control rib 31F are positioned at positions overlapping with the edge portion 32Da and the head end portion 32C, respectively. Note that the hook portion 31D and the control rib 31F constitute first engagement portions, and the edge portion 32Da and the head end portion 32C constitute second engagement portions.

[0061] Thus, the strength of the adhesive 40 in the debonding direction (the normal direction ND) can be supplemented, and the accuracy of the relative position of the control member 31A and the rack member 32 in the normal direction ND can be improved.

[0062] Further, by engagement of the engaging portion 31E with the engaging hole 32E, the relative movement of the pipe control member 31A and the rack member 32 in the shearing direction of the bonding surfaces 36 and 37 (i.e., in the direction parallel to the bonding surfaces 36 and 37) is controlled. Therefore, after the bonding surfaces 36 and 37 are bonded by the adhesive 40, during the time until the adhesive 40 hardens to a practical shearing strength, it is not necessary to lock the pipe control member 31A and the rack member 32 by a clamping tool or the like. For example, in the case where the practical shearing strength of the adhesive 40 is equal to or greater than 23 kgf (kilogram force), the adhesive 40 takes approximately 8 minutes to harden. Note that the engaging portion 31E constitutes a third engagement portion, and the engaging hole 32E constitutes a fourth engagement portion that engages with the third engagement portion.

[0063] As described above, by temporarily fixing the pipe control member 31A and the rack member 32 by means of engagement of the engaging portion 31E with the engaging hole 32E, the pipe control member 31A and the rack member 32 can be assembled at low cost and easily without a special tool. Furthermore, if no external force is applied to the pipe control member 31A and the rack member 32 in the temporarily fixed state, it is possible to proceed to the next assembly process and continue the assembly into the cartridge 16.

[0064] Supplement of sheet to cartridge

[0065] Next, the operation of supplementing the cartridge 16 with a sheet will be described. As shown in Figure 9A , when supplementing the cartridge 16 with a sheet P, first, the user pulls out the cartridge 16 from the device main body 1A. Then, the user places the sheet P in the cartridge 16, and aligns the side pipe control plates 31 and 131 with the side edges of the sheet P.

[0066] Thereafter, as shown in Figure 9B , the user attaches the cartridge 16 to the device main body 1A in the attachment direction AD. At this time, the cartridge 16 is smoothly attached to the device main body 1A by the guide rails 35 arranged on the cartridge 16. Then, the cartridge 16 is positioned at the attachment position by abutting the positioning portion or the guide rail 35 arranged on the cartridge 16 to the abutting portion arranged on the device main body 1A.

[0067] At this time, consider the case where the cartridge 16 is roughly pushed into the device main body 1A. When the cartridge 16 abuts against the device main body 1A at the attachment position, the sheet P presses the side pipe control plates 31 in the movement direction MD (in the attachment direction AD) due to the law of inertia.

[0068] At this time, in the present embodiment, the pipe control member 31A and the rack member 32 are bonded by bonding the bonding surfaces 36 and 37 extending parallel to the movement direction MD with the adhesive 40. Therefore, the load applied from the sheet P to the pipe control member 31A of the side pipe control plate 31 acts as a shearing force on the bonding surfaces 36 and 37 between the pipe control member 31A and the rack member 32.

[0069] However, since the adhesive 40 has a high shear strength, the coupling of the coupling surfaces 36 and 37 is maintained when the above load is applied, and the breakage of the regulating member 31A and the rack member 32 can be reduced. Further, since the coupling of the coupling surfaces 36 and 37 by the adhesive 40 is achieved without fastening by a fastening member such as a screw and at a low cost, the side regulating plate 31 can be constructed at a low cost and with high strength. Therefore, the wobble between the regulating member 31A and the rack member 32 can be suppressed, and the fluctuation in printing accuracy can be reduced. Further, since a damping member such as a damper does not need to be arranged between the cartridge 16 and the device main body 1A, the cost of the device can be reduced and the device can be downsized.

[0070] Further, in the case where the cartridge 16 is pushed into the device main body 1A, as shown in FIG. 6, in some cases, the regulating member 31A of the side regulating plate 31 comes into contact with the cartridge main body 30 due to being pushed by the sheet P. At this time, in synchronization with the side regulating plate 31, the side regulating plate 131 moves in a direction away from the sheet P. The regulating member 31A of the side regulating plate 31 comes into contact with the cartridge main body 30 while being subjected to some braking by the meshing resistance between the rack members 32 and 132 of the side regulating plates 31 and 131 and the pinion 33 and the sliding resistance when the side regulating plates 31 and 131 move. Figure 9C

[0071] Further, since the sheet P stored in the cartridge 16 is also not a rigid body, the impact is absorbed by the sheet P when the regulating member 31A comes into contact with the cartridge main body 30. Further, since the regulating member 31A and the cartridge main body 30 are formed of a resin material, the regulating member 31A and the cartridge main body 30 each elastically deform, thereby absorbing the impact. Further, since the regulating member 31A is formed of a resin material, the regulating member 31A does not bend by plastically deforming like a metal plate when colliding with the cartridge main body 30, and thus can accurately regulate the position of the sheet.

[0072] As described above, since the load applied to the regulating member 31A from the sheet P is alleviated to some extent by the high shear strength of the above adhesive 40, the deformation and positional displacement of the regulating member 31A and the rack member 32 can be reduced. Further, since the rack member 32 is formed of a metal material, bending can be suppressed, and thus the tooth jump with respect to the pinion 33 can be reduced.

[0073] Shear strength

[0074] Next, the shear strength of the adhesive 40 applied to the coupling surfaces 36 and 37 in the present embodiment will be described. For example, in the case where 500 sheets of a sheet having a basis weight of 80 g / m 2 ​The weight of the A4 size sheets stacked in the cassette 16 is about 2.5 kg. Next, assume that the cassette 16 is attached at a cassette attachment speed of 2.2 m / sec in a case where the cassette 16 is pushed into the device main body 1A, which is about 1.5 times the normal cassette attachment speed (about 1.5 m / sec).

[0075] When the cassette 16 abuts against the abutment portion of the device main body 1A at this speed, the impact (load) W exerted on the control member 31A by the sheets P stored in the cassette 16 is as follows according to equation (1) on kinetic energy.

[0076] W = 1 / 2mv 2 (W: work (Joule (J)), m: mass (kg), v: velocity (m / sec))

[0077] = 6.05 ···· (1)

[0078] The control member 31A slides a few millimeters from the position corresponding to the A4 size sheets and collides with the cassette main body 30. At this time, the impact force F is determined according to equation (2) of motion, equation (3) of velocity / linear motion, and equation (4) on work.

[0079] F = ma ···· (2)

[0080] (F: force (Newton (N), m: mass (kg), a: acceleration (m / sec 2 ))

[0081] as: = 1 / 2v 2 ···· (3)

[0082] (a: acceleration (m / sec 2 ), s: braking distance (m), v: velocity (m / sec))

[0083] W = Fs ···· (4)

[0084] (W: work (J), F: force (N), s: braking distance (m))

[0085] Therefore,

[0086] W = (ma)s = m(as) = m(1 / 2v 2 )

[0087] F = (1 / 2mv 2 ) / s

[0088] = (6.05) / s (N)

[0089] Since the actual impact is absorbed by the elasticity of the sheet P, the sliding resistance between the rack member 32 and the pinion 33, the bending and deformation of the control member 31A, the bending and deformation of the cartridge body 30, and the like compared to the calculation formula, it is assumed that the braking distance is about 10 mm.

[0090] If s is equal to 0.01 m, F becomes:

[0091] F = 6.05 / 0.01 = 605 (N) = 62 (kgf)

[0092] Therefore, it is assumed that the impact force (shear strength) applied to the joint surfaces 36 and 37 of the control member 31A and the rack member 32 is 62 kgf.

[0093] Note that the adhesive 40 used in this embodiment is an acrylic two-component structural adhesive (for example, 3921 / 3926 (trade name) manufactured by ThreeBond Holdings Co., Ltd., Y611 KuroS, Y612 BLACK (trade name) manufactured by CEMEDINE Co., Ltd., and the like). The strength per unit area is 0.38 kgf / mm 2 .

[0094] Since the total area of the adhesive-coated surfaces 36A and 36B of the control member 31A is 327 mm 2 , the shear strength is 125 kgf. Therefore, there is a strength margin that is twice the calculated impact force, which is 62 kgf. Incidentally, in the case where the control member 31A and the rack member 32 are fixed with m3 screws (screws with a nominal diameter of 3 mm), since the shear strength of one m3 screw is about 16 kgf, the calculated impact force of 62 kgf cannot be borne by a single screw, and thus it is necessary to be fixed with multiple screws.

[0095] At a normal cartridge attachment speed of 1.5 m / sec, the impact force is about 25 kgf, which is about 20% of the shear strength of the adhesive, which is 125 kgf. Therefore, since about 100,000 impacts can be borne according to the estimation of the repeated breaking strength of the adhesive, there is a sufficient margin to bear the impact even if the product life is considered.

[0096] As described above, the joint surfaces 36 and 37 can be joined by the adhesive 40 at low cost, and the side control plate 31 can be constructed at low cost and high strength.

[0097] Second Embodiment

[0098] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, but the second embodiment is configured by using a double-sided tape 50 in place of the adhesive 40 of the first embodiment. Therefore, configurations similar to the first embodiment will be omitted from illustration or described with the same reference numerals added to the drawings.

[0099] Detailed configuration of the coupling portion of the side control plate

[0100] As described later, the control plate 231A as the first control member with respect to the present embodiment and the rack member 232 as the extension member and the first extension member are coupled to each other by the double-sided tape 50. First, the coupling portion 261 of the control plate 231A will be described in detail. Figure 10 The coupling portion 261 includes a coupling surface 36 extending in parallel to the moving direction MD, a pair of guide ribs 31G and 31G protruding from the coupling surface 36, and a control rib 31F arranged to couple the guide ribs 31G and 31G to each other, as shown. Figure 10 A hole portion 31C capable of accommodating the head end portion 32C (refer to FIG. 6) of the rack member 232 is formed below the control rib 31F. Further, a boss portion 51 protruding from the coupling surface 36 and having a cylindrical cross section is formed on the coupling surface 36.

[0101] Figure 11 The coupling portion 261 includes a coupling surface 36 extending in parallel to the moving direction MD, a pair of guide ribs 31G and 31G protruding from the coupling surface 36, and a control rib 31F arranged to couple the guide ribs 31G and 31G to each other, as shown.

[0102] Detailed configuration of the coupling portion of the rack member

[0103] Next, the coupling portion 262 of the rack member 232 will be described in detail. Figure 11 Figure 11 As shown, the coupling portion 262 includes a first portion 243 including the head end portion 32C, a second portion 244 including the rack portion 42, and a step portion 245 connecting the first portion 243 and the second portion 244. The step portion 245 couples one end of the first portion 243 to one end of the second portion 244 in the height direction.

[0104] The boss portion 44a protruding upward is formed on the second portion 244 by press working or the like, and is formed longitudinally over substantially the entire length of the second portion 244 in the moving direction MD. The strength of the rack member 232 is improved by these step portions 245 and boss portion 44a.

[0105] The rack member 232 includes a coupling surface 37 coupled to the coupling surface 36 of the control member 231A by the double-sided tape 50 and extending in parallel to the first coupling surface 36. The positioning hole 52 is formed in the boss portion 44a of the second portion 244.

[0106] Method of coupling the control member and the rack member ​​

[0107] Next, a method of combining the control member 231A and the rack member 232 will be described. Figures 12A to 12C First, as shown in FIG. 19, a worker attaches the double-sided tape 50 to the combining surface 36 of the control member 231A and removes the release paper. Note that the assembly process of the present embodiment is not limited to manual work by a person, and it is acceptable to perform the process by mechanical means. Figure 12A

[0108] Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the worker inserts the head end portion 32C into the hole portion 31C while tilting the rack member 232 with respect to the posture of the control member 231A so that the rack member 232 does not come into contact with the double-sided tape 50. Figure 12B Figure 12C Next, as shown in FIG. 21, the worker rotates the rack member 232 and fits the combining surface 37 of the rack member 232 to the combining surface 36 of the control member 231A.

[0109] Since the pair of guide ribs 31G and 31G are formed on the control member 231A, the rack member 232 can be easily positioned by rotating the rack member 232 between the guide ribs 31G and 31G. Further, since the guide ribs 31G and 31G separate the combining surface 36 from other areas, the position of the attachment of the double-sided tape 50 can be determined. Thus, the assembly performance can be improved.

[0110] Then, when the combining surfaces 36 and 37 are fitted to each other, the boss portion 51 of the control member 231A is inserted into the positioning hole 52 of the rack member 232. In this way, the relative movement of the control member 231A and the rack member 232 in the shearing direction of the combining surfaces 36 and 37 (i.e., the direction parallel to the combining surfaces 36 and 37) is controlled, and the control member 231A and the rack member 232 are positioned to each other. Note that the boss portion 51 constitutes a third engagement portion, and the positioning hole 52 constitutes a fourth engagement portion engaged with the third engagement portion. Further, the assembly and positioning method similar to the above is also applicable to the side control plate 131.

[0111] Since the shearing strength of the double-sided tape 50 is strong, as described in the first embodiment, even if a load is applied to the control member 231A from the sheet P, the combination of the combining surfaces 36 and 37 can be maintained, and the breakage of the control member 231A and the rack member 232 can be reduced. Further, since the combination of the combining surfaces 36 and 37 with the double-sided tape 50 is performed without fastening by a fastening member such as a screw and is achieved at low cost without requiring any special tool, the side control plate 31 can be constructed at low cost and high strength.

[0112] ​​In a state where the rack member 232 is fitted to the control member 231A, the relative movement of the control member 231A and the rack member 232 in the debonding direction of the bonding surfaces 36 and 37 (i.e., the normal direction ND of the bonding surfaces 36 and 37) is controlled by the control rib 3 IF. Thus, the strength of the double-sided tape 50 in the debonding direction (the normal direction ND) can be supplemented, and the accuracy of the relative position of the control member 231A and the rack member 232 in the normal direction ND can be improved.

[0113] Further, since the double-sided tape 50 does not require a hardening time of the kind required by the adhesive 40 of the first embodiment, a curing time is not required. Moreover, since the double-sided tape 50 can be peeled off and reattached in the event of a bonding error, the fitting performance can be improved. Thus, the control member 231A and the rack member 232 can be more easily assembled, and the fitting performance can be improved while reducing costs.

[0114] Shear strength

[0115] Next, the shear strength of the double-sided tape 50 adhered to the bonding surfaces 36 and 37 in the present embodiment will be described. The double-sided tape 50 used in the present embodiment is, for example, #8616CH (trade name) manufactured by DIC Corporation, and the shear strength of the double-sided tape 50 is 0.09 kgf / mm 2 Thus, in order to obtain the shear strength of 62 kgf calculated in the first embodiment, a bonding area of 689 mm 2 is required. Thus, by expanding the bonding area of the double-sided tape 50 as much as possible, a margin of the shear strength can be ensured.

[0116] Other embodiments

[0117] While the sheet storage device 60 in any of the above embodiments includes a pair of side control plates that are movable in a direction in which they approach or separate from each other, this is not limiting. For example, it is also acceptable for the sheet storage device 60 to be configured such that one side of the side control plates is arranged immovably and only the other side is arranged movably.

[0118] Further, while the side control plates in any of the above embodiments are composed of a control member that controls the position of the sheet in the movement direction MD and a rack member that engages with the pinion, this is not limiting. For example, it is also acceptable for a guide member to be applied instead of the rack member to guide the side control plates with respect to the cartridge main body 30 in the movement direction MD. With regard to the guide member, it is not necessary to arrange a rack portion.

[0119] Further, although the surfaces 36 and 37 are arranged parallel to the moving direction MD in any of the above-described embodiments, it is not limited thereto. For example, it is also acceptable that the surfaces 36 and 37 extend in a direction along the moving direction MD. In other words, it is also acceptable that the surfaces 36 and 37 extend in a direction having a component of the moving direction MD. Furthermore, although the moving direction MD is a direction parallel to the attaching and detaching direction of the cartridge 16, it is not limited thereto.

[0120] Further, although the control member 31A and 231A is formed of a resin material and the rack member 32 and 232 is formed of a metal material in any of the above-described embodiments, it is not limited thereto. For example, it is also acceptable that both the control member and the rack member are formed of a resin material, and that both the control member and the rack member are formed of a metal material.

[0121] Furthermore, although the surfaces 36 and 37 are bonded by the adhesive 40 or the double-sided tape 50 in the above-described embodiments, it is not limited thereto. For example, it is also acceptable that the surfaces 36 and 37 are bonded by using both the adhesive 40 and the double-sided tape 50. Furthermore, it is also acceptable that the surfaces 36 and 37 are bonded by a method other than the adhesive 40 and the double-sided tape 50. For example, it is acceptable that the surfaces 36 and 37 are bonded by welding and insert molding, and it is also acceptable that the surfaces extending along the moving direction MD are bonded to each other by a method other than a fastening member such as a screw.

[0122] Further, although the relative movement of the control member 31A and the rack member 32 in the normal direction ND is controlled by the hook portions 31D and the control ribs 31F engaging with the edge portions 32Da and the head end portions 32C, respectively, in the first embodiment, it is not limited thereto. For example, it is acceptable that only either of the engagements, i.e., the engagement of the hook portions 31D with the edge portions 32Da and the engagement of the control ribs 31F with the head end portions 32C, is arranged, and it is also acceptable that neither of the two engagements is arranged. Further, the shapes of these hook portions 31D, edge portions 32Da, and head end portions 32C are not limited.

[0123] Further, although the hook portions 31D and the control ribs 31F are arranged in the control member 31A and the edge portions 32Da and the head end portions 32C are arranged in the rack member 32 in the first embodiment, it is not limited thereto. For example, it is acceptable that the edge portions 32Da and the head end portions 32C are arranged in the control member 31A and the hook portions 31D and the control ribs 31F are arranged in the rack member 32. That is, it is acceptable that the hook portions 31D and the control ribs 31F are arranged in either of the control member 31A and the rack member 32 and the edge portions 32Da and the head end portions 32C are arranged in the other of the control member 31A and the rack member 32.

[0124] Further, although in the first embodiment the snap portion 31E is arranged in the tube control member 31A and the snap hole 32E is arranged in the rack member 32, it is not limited thereto. For example, it is acceptable that the snap hole 32E is arranged in the tube control member 31A and the snap portion 31E is arranged in the rack member 32. That is, it is acceptable that the snap portion 31E is arranged in either one of the tube control member 31A and the rack member 32 and the snap hole 32E is arranged in the other one of the tube control member 31A and the rack member 32. Further, the shape of the snap portion 31E and the snap hole 32E is not limited.

[0125] Further, although in the second embodiment the boss portion 51 is arranged in the tube control member 231A and the positioning hole 52 is arranged in the rack member 232, it is not limited thereto. For example, it is acceptable that the positioning hole 52 is arranged in the tube control member 231A and the boss portion 51 is arranged in the rack member 232. That is, it is acceptable that the boss portion 51 is arranged in either one of the tube control member 231A and the rack member 232 and the positioning hole 52 is arranged in the other one of the tube control member 231A and the rack member 232. Further, the shape of the boss portion 51 and the positioning hole 52 is not limited. Further, it is also acceptable that the boss portion 51 and the positioning hole 52 are omitted.

[0126] Further, although in any of the above-described embodiments the printer 1 using an electrophotographic system is described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to an image forming apparatus of an inkjet system that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting liquid ink through a nozzle.

[0127] While the present application has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be given the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A sheet storage device attachable to a device main body in an attachment direction, the sheet storage device comprising: a sheet storage portion configured to store a sheet; and a moving unit movably supported by the sheet storage portion in a moving direction parallel to the attachment direction, and the moving unit including: (1) a guide member extending in the moving direction, and the guide member including: (a) a guide surface that guides a position of the sheet stored in the sheet storage portion in the moving direction; and (b) a first coupling surface extending in the moving direction; and (2) an extension member extending in the moving direction and including a second coupling surface extending in parallel with the first coupling surface, wherein the first coupling surface faces the second coupling surface in a stacking direction in which a plurality of sheets are stacked in the sheet storage portion, and wherein the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface are configured to be coupled to each other with an adhesive.

2. The sheet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a guided portion arranged in the sheet storage portion and configured to slide with respect to the device main body in a case where the sheet storage portion is attached to the device main body in the attachment direction, the guided portion extending in the attachment direction.

3. The sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein The first coupling surface and the second coupling surface extend in parallel with the moving direction.

4. The sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein Either one of the guide member and the extension member includes a first engagement portion, and wherein the other one of the guide member and the extension member includes a second engagement portion configured to guide a position of the guide member and the extension member in a normal direction of the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface by engaging with the first engagement portion.

5. The sheet storage device according to claim 4, wherein Either one of the guide member and the extension member includes a third engagement portion, and wherein the other one of the guide member and the extension member includes a fourth engagement portion configured to guide a position of the guide member and the extension member in a direction parallel to the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface by engaging with the third engagement portion.

6. The sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein The guide member includes: a first wall portion extending in the moving direction; a second wall portion extending in the moving direction; and a third wall portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction and connecting the first wall portion to the second wall portion, and wherein the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion surround the first coupling surface.

7. The sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein The guide member is made of a resin material, and wherein the extension member is made of a metal material.

8. The sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein The moving unit, the guide member, and the extension member are a first moving unit, a first guide member, and a first extension member, respectively, wherein the sheet storage device further includes: a second moving unit configured to be movably supported by the sheet storage portion in the moving direction; and a gear member configured to be rotatably supported by the sheet storage portion, wherein the second moving unit includes a second guide member configured to guide a position of the sheet stored in the sheet storage portion in the moving direction, and a second extension member extending in the moving direction, and wherein the first extension member and the second extension member each include a rack portion engaged with the gear member.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: The sheet storage apparatus according to claim 1, and the apparatus main body including an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet.

10. The imaging apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The apparatus main body includes a sheet feeding unit configured to feed the sheet stored in the sheet storage apparatus in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction.

11. A sheet storage apparatus attachable to an apparatus main body in an attachment direction, the sheet storage apparatus comprising: a sheet storage portion configured to store a sheet; and a moving unit movably supported by the sheet storage portion in a moving direction parallel to the attachment direction, and the moving unit including: (1) a control member extending in the moving direction, and the control member including: (a) a control surface that controls a position of the sheet stored in the sheet storage portion in the moving direction; and (b) a first coupling surface extending in the moving direction; and (2) an extension member extending in the moving direction and including a second coupling surface extending in parallel with the first coupling surface, wherein the first coupling surface faces the second coupling surface in a stacking direction in which a plurality of sheets are stacked in the sheet storage portion, and wherein the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface are configured to be coupled to each other by a double-sided tape.

12. The sheet storage apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a guided portion arranged in the sheet storage portion and configured to slide with respect to the apparatus main body in a case where the sheet storage portion is attached to the apparatus main body in the attachment direction, the guided portion extending in the attachment direction.

13. The sheet storage device according to claim 11, wherein, The first coupling surface and the second coupling surface extend in parallel with the moving direction.

14. The sheet storage device according to claim 11, wherein, Either of the control member and the extension member includes a first engagement portion, and wherein the other of the control member and the extension member includes a second engagement portion configured to control a position of the control member and the extension member in a direction normal to the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface by engaging with the first engagement portion.

15. The sheet storage device according to claim 14, wherein, Either of the control member and the extension member includes a third engagement portion, and wherein the other of the control member and the extension member includes a fourth engagement portion configured to control a position of the control member and the extension member in a direction parallel to the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface by engaging with the third engagement portion.

16. The sheet storage device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, The control member includes: a first wall portion extending in the moving direction; a second wall portion extending in the moving direction; and a third wall portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction and connecting the first wall portion to the second wall portion, and wherein the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion surround the first coupling surface.

17. An image forming apparatus comprising: the sheet storage apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15; and the apparatus main body including an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet.

18. The imaging apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The apparatus main body includes a sheet feeding unit configured to feed the sheet stored in the sheet storage apparatus in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction.

Images