Image processing device

Abstract

This invention relates to an image processing apparatus. An embodiment of the image processing apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a paper feed tray, a pull-in member, and a pressure member. The paper feed tray is configured to be inserted into the apparatus main body. The pull-in member presses the paper feed tray from a pull-in start position to a pull-in completion position to pull the paper feed tray into the apparatus main body. The pressure member applies pressure to the pull-in member in the insertion direction. The pressure applied by the pressure member when the pull-in member is in a first position closer to the pull-in completion position than when the pressure member is in a second position closer to the pull-in start position than the pressure applied by the pressure member when the pull-in member is in a second position closer to the pull-in start position than the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to an image processing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Image processing apparatuses that form or erase images on paper include a paper tray for storing paper. The paper tray is detachable from the apparatus body. The paper tray is pulled into the apparatus body by an automatic pull-in mechanism. Sometimes the pulling force of the automatic pull-in mechanism is strongest at the start of the pull. In this case, when manually pulling out the paper tray, the load is added to the user, and it may not be possible to pull out the paper tray smoothly. On the other hand, if the pulling force of the automatic pull-in mechanism at the start of the pull is set to be relatively small, the paper tray may not be able to be pulled in. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The image processing apparatus of this embodiment includes an apparatus main body, a paper feed tray, a pull-in member, and a pressure member. The paper feed tray is configured to be inserted into the apparatus main body. The pull-in member presses the paper feed tray from a pull-in start position to a pull-in completion position to pull the paper feed tray into the apparatus main body. The pressure member applies pressure to the pull-in member in the insertion direction. The pressure applied by the pressure member when the pull-in member is in a first position closer to the pull-in completion position than the pressure applied by the pressure member when the pull-in member is in a second position closer to the pull-in start position than the first position. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 A perspective view of the image processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0005] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the space S at the bottom of the device body according to the embodiment.

[0006] Figure 3 A side view illustrating the pull-in mechanism of the embodiment.

[0007] Figure 4 A side view illustrating the pull-in mechanism of the embodiment.

[0008] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating the forces acting on the paper feed tray of the image processing apparatus in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0009] The image processing apparatus of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] In the following description, the depth direction is defined as the X-axis. The left-right direction is defined as the Y-axis. The up-down direction is defined as the Z-axis. The depth, left-right, and up-down directions are orthogonal to each other. In the diagram, the arrow in the X direction points to the front, and the opposite direction of the arrow in the X direction points to the inside. In the diagram, the arrow in the Y direction points to the right, and the opposite direction of the arrow in the Y direction points to the left. In the diagram, the arrow in the Z direction points to the top, and the opposite direction of the arrow in the Z direction points to the bottom.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The image processing apparatus 1 involved in this embodiment is, for example, an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction printer (MFP) or a copier. The image processing apparatus 1 will be described below as... Figure 1 An example of an image forming apparatus as shown will be given.

[0012] like Figure 1 As shown, the image processing apparatus 1 includes a display 2, a control panel 3, an image forming unit 4, an image reading unit 5, a main body 6, and a paper storage unit 7. The display 2 and control panel 3 are used by the user to operate the image processing apparatus 1. The image forming unit 4 forms images on paper. The image reading unit 5 digitizes text and images printed on paper.

[0013] The main body 6 is a housing that integrates the display 2, control panel 3, image forming unit 4, image reading unit 5, and paper storage unit 7. The paper storage unit 7 is housed within the lower space S of the main body 6. The paper storage unit 7 has a paper tray 20.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the space S at the lower part of the device body 6 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 In the text, the paper supply box 20 that constitutes the paper storage section 7 is omitted from the description except for one.

[0015] like Figure 2 As shown, the device body 6 has an inner surface 10 and a pull-in mechanism 15. The inner surface 10 is the inner surface of the device body 6. The inner surface 10 faces the front side in the depth direction. The inner surface 10 is opposite to the lower space S. An inlet hole 11 is formed in the inner surface 10. The inlet hole 11 penetrates the inner surface 10 and is approximately rectangular in frontal view. When the paper feed tray 20 is inserted into the device body 6, a portion of the paper feed tray 20 passes through the inlet hole 11.

[0016] The pull-in mechanism 15 pulls the paper feed tray 20 into the space S. The pull-in mechanism 15 applies a force to the paper feed tray 20 to insert it into the device body 6. The pull-in mechanism 15 is connected to the inner side of the inner surface 10 of the device body 6.

[0017] Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 A side view showing the pull-in mechanism 15 of the embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 3 As shown, the pull-in mechanism 15 includes a frame 30, a cover 40, a pull-in component 50, a pressure-applying component 60, an intermediate rod 70, and an auxiliary pressure-applying component 80.

[0018] The frame 30 is generally plate-shaped. The frame 30 is connected to the inner side 10 of the device body 6 with its front and back surfaces facing left and right. In frontal view, the frame 30 overlaps with the inlet hole 11 of the inner side 10 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0019] An inlet groove 31 and a guide groove 32 are formed in the frame 30. The inlet groove 31 is formed at the near-front edge of the frame 30. The spacing of the edges of the inlet groove 31 narrows towards the inward side. The guide groove 32 extends inward from the inlet groove 31 with a generally constant width. The guide groove 32 extends slightly upward towards the inward side. However, the guide groove may also extend in a manner parallel to the depth direction.

[0020] The cover 40 is a generally box-shaped structure with an opening. The cover 40 opens to the right. The cover 40 engages with the frame 30 such that the edge of the opening of the cover 40 is aligned with the edge of the frame 30. The cover 40 has a locking portion 41, a first abutting portion 42, a second abutting portion 43, and a third abutting portion 44 on its inner side. The locking portion 41 has a cylindrical shape with its axis running in the left-right direction. The pull-in member 50 abuts against the first abutting portion 42. The intermediate rod 70 abuts against the second abutting portion 43 and the third abutting portion 44.

[0021] The pull-in component 50 is located inside the cover 40. The pull-in component 50 is configured to rotate relative to the device body 6 about a first axis A in the left-right direction. The first axis A is located above the guide groove 32. The pull-in component 50 is capable of... Figure 3 The pull-in start position and Figure 4 The pull-in member 50 rotates bidirectionally about a first axis A between the shown pull-in completion positions. Regarding the circumference about the first axis A, the direction in which the pull-in member 50 rotates from the pull-in start position toward the pull-in completion position is defined as the first rotation direction. The direction opposite to the first rotation direction is defined as the second rotation direction. The pull-in member 50 abuts against the first abutment portion 42 at the pull-in completion position. By abutting against the first abutment portion 42, the rotation of the pull-in member 50 in the first rotation direction is limited relative to the pull-in completion position.

[0022] In the following description of the pull-in member 50, unless otherwise specified, the description refers to the pull-in member 50 in the pull-in start position. Viewed from the left and right, the pull-in member 50 has a first connecting portion 51 and a hook 52 located away from the first axis A. A pressure-applying member 60 is connected to the first connecting portion 51 via a connecting member 61. The connecting member 61 is supported by the pull-in member 50 and is rotatable. The pressure applied by the pressure-applying member 60 acts on the first connecting portion 51. The position of the first connecting portion 51 is set such that the vector Fa of the pressure applied by the pressure-applying member 60 to the first connecting portion 51 always passes through the side closer to the guide groove 32 than the first axis A. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 51 is located lower than the first axis A. The hook 52 can disengage and engage with the locking portion 41 of the cover 40.

[0023] The pull-in component 50 has a side 53 opposite to the frame 30. The side 53 faces to the right. An engagement groove 54 is formed on the side 53. Viewed from the left and right, the engagement groove 54 has a first end 541 at the position where it overlaps with the guide groove 32. The first end 541 opens towards the front side. The first end 541 is located closer to the guide groove 31 of the frame 30 relative to the first axis A. The engagement groove 54 extends from the first end 541 toward the first axis A. The engagement groove 54 extends with a generally constant width.

[0024] In this embodiment, the pull-in member 50 has a base 56 and a movable part 57. The base 56 is rotatable about a first axis A and cannot be displaced relative to the first axis A. The base 56 has a first connecting part 51. The movable part 57 is located away from the first axis A. The movable part 57 is configured to rotate relative to the base 56 about an axis in the left-right direction. The axis of rotation of the movable part 57 is located higher than the guide groove 32. The movable part 57 has an engaging groove 54 and a hook 52. The engaging groove 54 is located closer to the guide groove 31 than the axis of rotation of the movable part 57. When viewed from the left-right direction, pressure is applied to the movable part 57 in the same direction as the second rotation direction. Figure 3 At the position of the base 56 shown, when viewed from the left and right, the movement of the movable part 57 is restricted in the same direction as the second rotation direction, while the movement of the movable part 57 is allowed to rotate in the same direction as the first rotation direction.

[0025] The intermediate rod 70 is located inside the cover 40. The intermediate rod 70 is positioned closer to the inside than the pull-in member 50. The intermediate rod 70 is configured to rotate relative to the device body 6 about a second axis B along the left-right direction. The intermediate rod 70 has a second connecting portion 71 and a third connecting portion 72. A pressure-applying member 60 is connected to the second connecting portion 71. An auxiliary pressure-applying member 80 is connected to the third connecting portion 72. The second connecting portion 71 and the third connecting portion 72 are positioned in opposite directions to each other, based on the torque applied by the pressure-applying member 60 and the torque applied by the auxiliary pressure-applying member 80. In the illustrated example, the second connecting portion 71 is positioned higher relative to the second axis B. In the illustrated example, the third connecting portion 72 is positioned lower relative to the second axis B. Regarding the circumference about the second axis B, the direction in which the second connecting portion 71 rotates towards the front is defined as the third rotation direction, and the direction opposite to the third rotation direction is defined as the fourth rotation direction. When the pull-in member 50 is in the pull-in start position, the intermediate rod 70 abuts against the second abutment portion 43. By abutting against the second abutment portion 43, the intermediate rod 70 is restricted from rotation in the third rotation direction. When the pull-in member 50 is in the pull-in complete position, the intermediate rod 70 abuts against the third abutment portion 44. By abutting against the third abutment portion 44, the intermediate rod 70 is restricted from rotation in the fourth rotation direction.

[0026] The pressure-applying component 60 is located inside the cover 40. The pressure-applying component 60 is a tension coil spring. The pressure-applying component 60 applies pressure to bring the first connecting portion 51 of the pull-in component 50 and the second connecting portion 71 of the intermediate rod 70 closer together. The pressure-applying component 60 is connected to the first connecting portion 51 via a connecting component 61. The pressure-applying component 60 applies pressure inward to the base 56 of the pull-in component 50, applying a torque in a first rotational direction to the base 56. The pressure-applying component 60 applies pressure towards the front of the second connecting portion 71. The pressure-applying component 60 applies a torque in a third rotational direction to the intermediate rod 70.

[0027] The angle θ1 is defined as the angle formed by the direction of the pressure applied by the pressure member 60 to the pull-in member 50 when viewed from the left and right sides, and the line segment La passing through the first axis A and the first connecting part 51. θ1 is the angle formed by the vector Fa of the pressure applied by the pressure member 60 to the first connecting part 51 and the vector pointing from the first connecting part 51 to the first axis A. θ1 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position. θ1 is an acute angle in all states of the pull-in member 50 between the pull-in start position and the pull-in completion position. The states of the pull-in member 50 between the pull-in start position and the pull-in completion position include the states where the pull-in member 50 is in the pull-in start position and the pull-in completion position respectively.

[0028] The angle formed by the direction of the pressure applied by the pressure member 60 to the intermediate rod 70 when viewed from the left and right sides, and the line segment Lb passing through the second axis B and the second connecting part 71, is defined as θ2. θ2 is the angle formed by the vector Fb of the pressure applied by the pressure member 60 to the second connecting part 71 and the vector pointing from the second connecting part 71 to the second axis B. θ2 decreases as the pulling member 50 moves from the starting position to the completed position. θ2 is an obtuse angle when the pulling member 50 is in the starting position. θ2 is an acute angle when the pulling member 50 is in the completed position.

[0029] The auxiliary pressure-applying component 80 is located inside the cover 40. The auxiliary pressure-applying component 80 is a tension coil spring. The auxiliary pressure-applying component 80 is connected to the third connecting portion 72 of the intermediate rod 70 and the cover 40. The auxiliary pressure-applying component 80 applies pressure to the third connecting portion 72 relative to the cover 40 towards the front. The auxiliary pressure-applying component 80 applies a torque in a fourth rotational direction to the intermediate rod 70.

[0030] The angle θ3 is defined as the angle formed by the direction of the pressure applied by the auxiliary pressure component 80 to the intermediate rod 70 when viewed from the left and right sides, and the line segment Lc passing through the second axis B and the third connecting part 72. θ3 is the angle formed by the vector Fc of the pressure applied by the auxiliary pressure component 80 to the third connecting part 72 and the vector pointing from the third connecting part 72 to the second axis B. θ3 increases as the pull-in component 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position. θ3 is an acute angle in all states of the pull-in component 50 between the pull-in start position and the pull-in completion position.

[0031] Figure 2 The paper feed cassette 20 shown is inserted into the device body 6. The insertion direction of the paper feed cassette 20 into the device body 6 is along the inside. The paper feed cassette 20 is displaced bidirectionally in the depth direction between a pulled-out position (from the device body 6 to the front) and an insertion position (fully inserted into the device body 6). The paper feed cassette 20 is formed as a box with its bottom surface 21 facing upwards. Multiple sheets of paper are loaded in the vertical direction in the mounting surface 21. The paper feed cassette 20 holds a stack of papers at a height below the maximum loading height.

[0032] The paper feed tray 20 has a pull-in end 22 and a guide pin 23. The pull-in end 22 is located at the inner end of the paper feed tray 20. When the paper feed tray 20 is inserted into the device body 6, the pull-in end 22 passes through the guide hole 11 on the inner side surface 10 of the device body 6. The pull-in end 22 is located on the inner side surface 10 along the right side surface of the frame 30 of the pull-in mechanism 15.

[0033] The guide pin 23 protrudes from the pull-in end 22. The guide pin 23 has a length in the left-right direction. For example, the guide pin 23 is cylindrical with a central axis in the left-right direction. The guide pin 23 protrudes to the left from the pull-in end 22. When the paper feed tray 20 is inserted into the device body 6, the guide pin 23 passes through the inlet groove 31 and guide groove 32 of the frame 30.

[0034] Regarding the operation of the pull-in mechanism 15 when the paper feed box 20 is inserted into or removed from the main body 6 of the device, refer to... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 Please provide an explanation.

[0035] If the paper tray 20 is inserted into the main body 6 of the device, the pull-in end 22 passes through the inlet hole 11 on the inner side 10. The guided pin 23 is guided into the guide groove 32 through the inlet groove 31 of the frame 30 of the pull-in mechanism 15. If the guided pin 23 enters the inner side along the guide groove 32, the front end of the guided pin 23 enters the engagement groove 54 of the pull-in component 50. Figure 3 The initial state is shown with the paper tray 20 inserted into the device body 6 and the guide pin 23 in contact with the pull-in component 50.

[0036] If the paper feed tray 20 is further inserted, the guide pin 23 pushes the pull-in member 50 inward within the engagement groove 54. By pressing the pull-in member 50 inward, the engagement between the locking part 41 and the hook 52 is released. In this embodiment, by pressing the movable part 57 of the pull-in member 50 inward by the guide pin 23, the movable part 57 rotates relative to the base 56, and the engagement between the locking part 41 and the hook 52 is released.

[0037] If the locking part 41 and the hook 52 disengage, a torque in the first rotational direction is applied from the pressure member 60 to the pull-in member 50. The pull-in member 50 begins to rotate in the first rotational direction from the pull-in start position toward the pull-in completion position. As the pull-in member 50 rotates in the first rotational direction, the guide pin 23 of the paper feed tray 20 is pressed inward by the side of the engaging groove 54. The guide pin 23 enters inward along the guide groove 32 by the pressing force applied from the pull-in member 50. The guide pin 23 passes under the first axis A as it enters inward along the guide groove 32. The paper feed tray 20 is inserted into the device body 6 as the guide pin 23 moves inward. If the pull-in member 50 reaches the pull-in completion position, the rotation of the pull-in member 50 stops. The paper feed tray 20 is now fully inserted into the device body 6.

[0038] If the pull-in member 50 rotates in the first rotational direction from its starting position, the first connecting portion 51 displaces inward. The second connecting portion 71 of the intermediate rod 70 is connected to the first connecting portion 51 via the pressure-applying member 60. If the first connecting portion 51 displaces inward, the second connecting portion 71 of the intermediate rod 70 also displaces inward, and the intermediate rod 70 rotates in the fourth rotational direction. If the intermediate rod 70 rotates in the fourth rotational direction, the third connecting portion 72 displaces towards the front, and the auxiliary pressure-applying member 80 retracts. Because θ3 increases at an acute angle during the retraction of the auxiliary pressure-applying member 80, the torque applied by the auxiliary pressure-applying member 80 to the intermediate rod 70 in the fourth rotational direction also increases.

[0039] The torque applied to the intermediate rod 70 by the pressure-applying member 60 increases due to its balance with the torque applied to the intermediate rod 70 by the auxiliary pressure-applying member 80. To increase the torque applied to the intermediate rod 70, the pressure-applying member 60 gradually elongates, at least when θ2 is an acute angle. In this embodiment, the pressure-applying member 60 also gradually elongates when θ2 is an obtuse angle. As the pressure-applying member 60 gradually elongates, the pressure applied by the pressure-applying member 60 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position.

[0040] As the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position, θ1 increases. The torque applied by the pressure member 60 to the pull-in member 50 increases at least when θ1 is an acute angle. In this embodiment, since θ1 is always an acute angle, the torque applied by the pressure member 60 to the pull-in member 50 gradually increases throughout the entire process of the pull-in member 50 moving from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position. As a result, the force by which the pull-in member 50 presses the paper tray 20 inward always increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position.

[0041] When the paper tray 20 is pulled out from the device body 6, the pull-in member 50 is pressed forward by the guide pin 23 in the engagement groove 54 and rotates in the second rotation direction. The force with which the pull-in member 50 presses the paper tray 20 inward always decreases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in completed position to the pull-in start position. If the pull-in member 50 reaches the pull-in start position, the guide pin 23 retracts from the engagement groove 54, and the hook 52 engages with the locking portion 41 of the cover 40. The pull-in member 50 is held in the pull-in start position by the hook 52 engaging with the locking portion 41 of the cover 40.

[0042] The first and second positions of the pull-in member 50 are defined as follows. The first position is a position closer to the pull-in completion position than the pull-in start position. The second position is a position closer to the pull-in start position than the first position. By forming the pull-in mechanism 15 as described above, the pull-in mechanism 15 satisfies the following conditions: The pressure applied by the pressure member 60 when the pull-in member 50 is in the first position is greater than the pressure applied by the pressure member 60 when the pull-in member 50 is in the second position. The force with which the pull-in member 50 presses the paper feed tray 20 in the first position is greater than the force with which the pull-in member 50 presses the paper feed tray 20 in the second position. The first and second positions are not particularly limited; in this embodiment, the first position includes the pull-in completion position, and the second position includes the pull-in start position.

[0043] The image processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a pull-in member 50 that pulls the paper tray 20 into the apparatus main body 6, and a pressure member 60 that applies pressure inward to the pull-in member 50. The pressure applied by the pressure member 60 to the pull-in member 50 in a first position is greater than the pressure applied by the pressure member 60 to the pull-in member 50 in a second position. The first position is closer to the pull-in completion position than the pull-in start position. The second position is closer to the pull-in start position than the first position. Therefore, the force by which the pull-in member 50 presses the paper tray 20 inward is smaller when the pull-in member 50 is in the second position, which is closer to the pull-in start position than the first position. Compared to a configuration where the pressure applied by the pressure member increases as the pull-in member moves from the pull-in completion position to the pull-in start position, the load on the operator when pulling out the paper tray 20 can be reduced. Furthermore, even when the load on the pull-in member 50 is greater in the first position than in the second position, the pull-in member 50 can still pass through the first position. Therefore, it is possible to automatically and accurately pull the paper feed box 20 into the main body of the device while reducing the load when pulling out the paper feed box 20.

[0044] The first position includes the pull-in complete position. Therefore, even if the load on the paper feed tray 20 is greater in the pull-in complete position than in the second position, the pull-in member 50 can accurately reach the pull-in complete position. Thus, the paper feed tray 20 can be accurately pulled into the innermost insertion position by pressing the pull-in member 50.

[0045] The pressure applied by the pressure member 60 to the pull-in member 50 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position. Therefore, the torque applied by the pressure member 60 to the pull-in member 50 can increase as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position. Thus, even if the load acting on the paper feed tray 20 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position, the paper feed tray 20 can still be pulled in all the way.

[0046] The force exerted by the pull-in member 50 when pressing the paper feed tray 20 in the first position is greater than the force exerted by the pull-in member 50 when pressing the paper feed tray 20 in the second position. Therefore, even when the load applied to the paper feed tray 20 is greater in the first position than in the second position, the paper feed tray 20 can still be moved through the first position by the pressing of the pull-in member 50.

[0047] The first position includes the pull-in complete position. Therefore, even if the load on the paper feed cassette 20 is greater in the pull-in complete position than in the second position, the paper feed cassette 20 can be accurately pulled in to the innermost position by the pull-in member 50.

[0048] Generally, image forming apparatuses include mechanisms for detecting the paper stored in the paper tray and mechanisms for bringing the paper feed rollers closer to and away from the paper tray. In this case, the various mechanisms are driven by the action of inserting the paper tray into the main body of the apparatus. As a result, the load on the paper tray increases as the paper tray approaches the pull-in complete position. The force required to press the paper tray needs to exceed the load when the paper tray approaches the pull-in complete position. Assuming that the paper tray is pressed with the force of a single coil spring, the coil spring approaches a no-load state as the paper tray moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position. Therefore, the force of the coil spring pressing the paper tray increases as the paper tray moves from the pull-in complete position to the pull-in start position. The pull-in force acting on the paper tray increases to more than required at the pull-in start position. When the paper tray is manually pulled out, a load is added to the user.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the forces acting on the paper feed tray 20 of the image processing apparatus 1 in this embodiment. Figure 5 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the position of the paper feed tray 20 in the insertion direction. On the horizontal axis, the position where the guide pin 23 is engaged with the pull-in member 50 in the initial pull-in position is designated Ps. The position where the guide pin 23 is engaged with the pull-in member 50 in the completed pull-in position is designated Pe. The vertical axis represents the magnitude of the force acting on the paper feed tray 20. Fp is the force acting in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the paper feed tray 20 during insertion. Fi is the force exerted by the pull-in member 50 to press the paper feed tray 20 in the insertion direction.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the force exerted by the pull-in member 50 on the paper feed tray 20 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position. Therefore, even if the load acting on the paper feed tray 20 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position, the paper feed tray 20 can still be pulled into the pull-in completion position. Thus, it is possible to automatically and accurately pull the paper feed tray 20 into the main body of the device while reducing the load when pulling out the paper feed tray 20.

[0051] The aforementioned θ1 is an acute angle in at least a portion of the states between the pull-in start position and the pull-in complete position of the pull-in member 50. The aforementioned θ1 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position. At least when θ1 is an acute angle, the torque applied to the pull-in member 50 by the pressure member 60 increases from the pull-in complete position to the pull-in start position, independent of the pressure applied by the pressure member 60. Therefore, it is possible to accurately pull the paper feed tray 20 into the device body 6 while reducing the load when pulling out the paper feed tray 20.

[0052] The image processing apparatus 1 includes an intermediate rod 70 that is pressed by a pressure-applying member 60 toward a pull-in member 50, and an auxiliary pressure-applying member 80 that presses the intermediate rod 70 in a direction opposite to the pressure direction based on the pressure-applying member 60. The torque applied to the intermediate rod 70 by the auxiliary pressure-applying member 80 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position. Therefore, the force acting on the pressure-applying member 60 from the intermediate rod 70 can increase as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position. Thus, it is relatively easy to obtain a configuration in which the pressure applied by the pressure-applying member 60 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position.

[0053] The aforementioned θ2 is an acute angle in at least a portion of the states between the pull-in start position and the pull-in complete position of the pull-in member 50. The aforementioned θ2 decreases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position. At least when θ2 is an acute angle, the force acting on the pressure member 60 from the intermediate rod 70 can increase independently of the pressure applied by the auxiliary pressure member 80 as the pull-in position moves towards the pull-in complete position. Therefore, it is relatively easy to obtain a configuration where the pressure applied by the pressure member 60 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position.

[0054] The aforementioned θ3 is an acute angle in at least a portion of the states between the pull-in start position and the pull-in complete position of the pull-in member 50. The aforementioned θ3 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position. At least when θ2 is an acute angle, the torque applied to the intermediate rod 70 by the auxiliary pressure member 80 can increase independently of the pressure applied by the auxiliary pressure member 80 as it moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position. Therefore, the force acting on the pressure member 60 from the intermediate rod 70 can increase as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position. Thus, it is relatively easy to obtain a configuration where the pressure applied by the pressure member 60 increases as the pull-in member 50 moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position.

[0055] Although θ1 is always an acute angle in the above embodiments, it is not limited to this configuration. θ1 can also be an obtuse angle when the pull-in component is in the fully pulled-in position. The same applies to θ3.

[0056] In the above embodiment, although θ2 is an obtuse angle when the pull-in member 50 is in the pull-in start position, it is not limited to this configuration. θ2 can always be an acute angle.

[0057] In the above embodiment, although the pull-in member 50 is configured to rotate relative to the device body 6, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the pull-in member may also be configured to move parallel to the depth direction while engaged with a part of the paper feed box 20.

[0058] In the above embodiment, although the pressure-applying member 60 is connected to the pull-in member 50 via the connecting member 61, the configuration is not limited to this. The pressure-applying member 60 may also be directly connected to the pull-in member 50. Alternatively, at least one of the pressure-applying member 60 and the auxiliary pressure-applying member 80 may be connected to the intermediate rod 70 via the connecting member.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the insertion direction of the paper feed tray 20 is inward, but it is not limited to this configuration. The image processing apparatus may also be configured such that the insertion direction of the paper feed tray is either left or right.

[0060] According to at least one embodiment described above, the paper feed box can be automatically and accurately pulled into the main body of the device while reducing the load when pulling in the paper feed box.

[0061] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and likewise within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0063] 1: Image processing device; 6: Device body; 20: Paper feed box; 50: Pull-in component; 51: First connecting part; 60: Pressure applying component; 70: Intermediate rod; 71: Second connecting part; 72: Third connecting part; 80: Auxiliary pressure applying component; A: First axis; B: Second axis.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus comprising: Main body of the device; The paper feed tray is configured to be inserted into the main body of the device; The pull-in component presses the paper feed tray from the start position to the finish position to pull the paper feed tray into the main body of the device; and A pressure-applying component applies pressure to the pull-in component in the insertion direction. The pressure applied by the pressure-applying component when the pull-in component is in a first position closer to the pull-in completion position than the pressure applied by the pressure-applying component when the pull-in component is in a second position closer to the pull-in start position than the first position. The force with which the pull-in component presses the paper feed box at the first position is greater than the force with which the pull-in component presses the paper feed box at the second position.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first position includes the position where the pull-in is complete.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure applied by the pressure-applying component to the pull-in component increases as the pull-in component moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The force with which the pull-in component presses against the paper feed box increases as the pull-in component moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The pull-in component has a first connecting portion that connects to the pressure-applying component, and is configured to rotate relative to the device body about a first axis orthogonal to the insertion direction of the paper feed tray. The pull-in component presses the paper feed tray toward the insertion direction by rotating in the first rotation direction from the pull-in start position to the pull-in completion position. When the angle formed by the direction of the pressure applied by the pressure-applying component to the first connecting portion, as viewed from the first axial direction, and the line segment passing through the first axis and the first connecting portion is defined as θ1,... The angle θ1 is an acute angle in at least a portion of the states in which the pull-in component is in the pull-in start position and the pull-in complete position, and increases as the pull-in component moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The image processing device also includes: The intermediate rod is configured to rotate relative to the main body of the device about a second axis along a second axis orthogonal to the insertion direction, and is pressed by the pressure-applying member toward the pull-in member side; as well as An auxiliary pressure-applying component applies pressure to the intermediate rod in a direction opposite to the pressure direction applied by the pressure-applying component. The torque applied to the intermediate rod by the auxiliary pressure component increases as the pulling component moves from the starting position to the completed position.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The intermediate rod includes a second connecting portion for connecting the pressure-applying component. When the angle formed by the line segment passing through the second axis and the second connecting part as viewed from the second axis and the direction of the pressure applied by the pressure-applying component to the intermediate rod is defined as θ2, The angle θ2 is an acute angle in at least a portion of the states in which the pull-in component is in the pull-in start position and the pull-in complete position, and decreases as the pull-in component moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The intermediate rod has a third connecting portion for connecting to the auxiliary pressure-applying component. When the angle formed by the line segment passing through the second axis and the third connecting part as viewed from the second axis and the direction of the force applied by the auxiliary pressure member to the intermediate rod is defined as θ3, The angle θ3 is an acute angle in at least a portion of the states in which the pull-in component is in the pull-in start position and the pull-in complete position, and increases as the pull-in component moves from the pull-in start position to the pull-in complete position.

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