Sheet feeding apparatus and imaging apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sheet feeding apparatus including: an apparatus main body including an abutment portion; an opening / closing member; a stack member; a feeding member; a conveying unit including a separation portion; and a guide configured to guide a front edge of a sheet conveyed by the feeding member from the stack member toward the separation portion. The guide includes a supported portion pivotably supported by the apparatus main body and an abutted portion configured to abut against the abutment portion. The guide is configured to move in interrelation with a closing operation of the opening / closing member and is positioned inside the apparatus main body relative to the opening / closing member in a closed state of the opening / closing member. In an open state of the opening / closing member, the guide is configured to be restricted from pivoting by the abutted portion abutting against the abutment portion. The present disclosure also relates to an image forming apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device for feeding a sheet and an imaging device for forming an image on a sheet. Background Technology

[0002] Imaging devices such as printers, copiers, and multifunction devices are equipped with sheet feeding devices for feeding sheets used as recording material. Some sheet feeding devices, also known as manual sheet feeding components or multipurpose feeding components, are designed to support the sheet on a sheet feeding tray that is mounted on an outer cover that can be opened and closed relative to the device body of the imaging device.

[0003] This type of sheet feeding device includes a pick-up roller for feeding sheets from a sheet feed tray, and a pair of separation rollers for separating and conveying the sheets fed by the pick-up roller. Furthermore, a guide, also known as a clamping guide, is known to guide the leading edge of the sheet fed by the pick-up roller toward the clamping portion of the separation roller pair. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-178620 discloses a sheet feeding device equipped with a tray unit including a sheet stacking panel that is openable and closable relative to the device body; and a guide including a guide surface that guides the sheet to the clamping portion of the separation roller pair.

[0004] According to the structure disclosed in the aforementioned documents, when the tray unit is closed, the guide surface of the guide is positioned upstream of the separating roller pair relative to the sheet conveying direction at the clamping portion of the separating roller pair, and the tray unit is positioned further upstream of the guide. However, since the guide disclosed in the aforementioned documents is a component fixed to the frame body of the equipment body, the tray unit needs to be arranged so that the tray unit in the closed state does not interfere with the guide. Therefore, when observing the clamping portion of the separating roller pair along the sheet width direction with the tray unit closed, a larger width is required in the horizontal direction to arrange the guide and tray unit, which is one of the reasons for the increased size of the sheet feeding equipment and imaging equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This technology provides a miniaturized sheet feeding device and an imaging device.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, an imaging device includes: a device body including an abutment portion; an opening / closing member pivotally supported by the device body and configured to pivot between a closed state and an open state, wherein the opening / closing member in the closed state is positioned in a posture along a side of the device body, and wherein the opening / closing member in the open state protrudes beyond the device body relative to the side; a stacking member disposed on the opening / closing member and configured to support a sheet thereon in the open state of the opening / closing member; a feeding member configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a first direction and feed the sheet stacked on the stacking member; a conveying unit including a separation portion and configured to convey the sheet fed by the feeding member while separating the sheet one by one in the separation portion; and a guide configured to guide the leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the feeding member from the stacking member. The guide, which guides toward the separated portion, includes a supported portion pivotally supported by the device body and an abutted portion configured to abut against an abutting portion. The guide is configured to move in association with a closing operation of the opening / closing member and is configured to be positioned relative to the opening / closing member within the device body in the closed state of the opening / closing member, wherein (i) in the open state of the opening / closing member, the upstream end of the guide in a second direction is positioned at a first position, the second direction being a horizontal direction relative to the side of the device body pointing inward when viewed along the first direction; (ii) in the closed state of the opening / closing member, the upstream end of the guide in the second direction is positioned at a second position; and (iii) the second position is downstream of the first position in the second direction; and wherein in the open state of the opening / closing member, the guide is configured to be restricted from pivoting by abutting against the abutting portion.

[0007] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Each is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the manual sheet feeding device according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3A and Figure 3BEach is a perspective view showing a portion of the imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Each is a cross-sectional view showing a manual sheet feeding device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5A This is a perspective view showing the clamping guide and feed unit and their surrounding area in the closed state of the opening / closing member according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5B This is a perspective view of the clamping guide according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5C This is a perspective view of the sheet feed tray according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figures 6A to 6D Each is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the clamping guide according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figures 7A to 7C Each is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the clamping guide according to an embodiment. Specific Implementation

[0017] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an imaging device 1 according to this embodiment. The imaging device 1 described as an example in this embodiment is a color laser beam printer that forms a color image on a sheet S using an electrophotographic process employing four color toners. Sheets of various sizes and materials can be used as the recording material for the sheet S, including, for example, paper such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic film, cloth, surface-treated sheet materials (e.g., coated paper), and sheet materials of special shapes (e.g., envelopes and index paper).

[0019] In the following embodiments and figures, the vertical direction when the imaging device 1 is mounted on a horizontal plane is referred to as the Z direction. The direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drums 111, 112, 113, and 114 disposed on the imaging device 1 is referred to as the X direction or the first direction. The horizontal direction when viewed along the X direction (i.e., the direction perpendicularly intersecting the Z direction) is referred to as the Y direction or the second direction. The X direction is the main scanning direction during imaging, and it is also the sheet width direction perpendicularly intersecting the sheet transport direction inside the imaging device. The sheet width direction is perpendicularly intersecting the sheet thickness direction. The Y direction is the direction relative to the side 101R of the imaging device when viewed along the X direction or the sheet width direction. Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe manual sheet feeding device 400 is provided on the side of the device body 101 along a horizontal direction from the outside to the inside (from the outside to the inside). The X, Y, and Z directions are intersecting directions, and these directions are preferably orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions are used to describe the shape and arrangement of components that can be attached to and detached from the imaging device, based on the position and arrangement of the components in the state of being attached to the imaging device.

[0020] Imaging device 1 includes a manual sheet feed device 400, a cassette sheet feed unit 200, an imaging unit 100, a fixing unit 106, and a sheet discharge tray 116. The cassette sheet feed unit 200 is located in the lower portion of the device body 101 of imaging device 1. The cassette sheet feed unit 200 includes a cassette 201 that contains stacked sheets S and is detachably attached to the device body 101. The cassette sheet feed unit 200 includes a pick-up roller 210a that feeds the sheets S stacked in the cassette 201, and a pair of transport rollers 210 that separates and transports each sheet S fed by the pick-up roller 210a. An alignment roller pair 250 is arranged downstream of the transport roller pair 210 in the sheet transport direction.

[0021] The manual sheet feeding device 400 includes a sheet feeding tray 401 on which sheets S are supported, and a feeding unit 405 for feeding sheets S one by one from the sheet feeding tray 401. Details of the manual sheet feeding device 400 are described below. The manual sheet feeding device 400 and the alignment roller pair 250 are connected by a transport path extending vertically in the Y direction between the imaging unit 100 and the cartridge 201. Multiple transport roller pairs 310, 320, and 330 are arranged on the transport path.

[0022] The imaging unit 100 includes four processing units P1, P2, P3, and P4, each comprising photosensitive drums 111, 112, 113, and 114 serving as image carriers or electrophotographic photosensitive components, and an intermediate transfer belt 130 serving as an intermediate transfer body. Each processing unit P1 to P4 performs corresponding steps of electrophotographic processing and includes a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning device arranged around the photosensitive drums 111 to 114. Furthermore, a laser scanner 120, serving as a processing unit or exposure unit, is arranged above the processing units P1 to P4. The intermediate transfer belt 130 is tensioned generally along the Y direction on the inner transfer roller 105 and the tension roller. Primary transfer rollers, opposite the corresponding photosensitive drums 111 to 114, are arranged inside the intermediate transfer belt 130, which is inserted between the photosensitive drum and the primary transfer roller.

[0023] A secondary transfer roller 122, serving as a transfer unit for transferring an image onto a sheet S, is positioned opposite the inner transfer roller 105, with an intermediate transfer belt 130 inserted between the secondary transfer roller and the inner transfer roller. The transfer portion (i.e., the secondary transfer portion) that performs the image transfer is formed as a clamping portion between the secondary transfer roller 122 and the intermediate transfer belt 130.

[0024] The fixing unit 106 is arranged downstream of the secondary transfer section in the sheet transport direction. The fixing unit 106 includes a fixing film 108, a pressure roller 107, and a heating unit, such as a ceramic heater, for heating the fixing film 108. A fixing clamping portion is formed between the pressure roller 107 and the heating unit opposite to the pressure roller 107, wherein the fixing film 108 is inserted between the pressure roller and the heating unit. A sheet discharge roller pair, consisting of a sheet discharge roller 109 and a delivery roller 110, is arranged downstream of the fixing unit 106 in the sheet transport direction. Furthermore, a sheet discharge tray 116, on which an image has been formed on the sheet S, is provided on the upper surface portion of the device body 101.

[0025] Imaging operation

[0026] When the controller of imaging device 1 receives an imaging command from an external computer, the sheet S is fed one by one from the manual sheet feed device 400 or the cassette sheet feed unit 200 and conveyed to the alignment roller pair 250. The sheet S fed from the manual sheet feed device 400 is conveyed to the alignment roller pair 250 via multiple conveyor roller pairs 310, 320, 330 and the conveyor roller pair 210 shared with the cassette sheet feed unit 200. After correcting the skew of the sheet S, the alignment roller pair 250 conveys the sheet S to the secondary transfer section at a time synchronized with the formation of the toner image at the imaging unit 100.

[0027] Parallel to the feeding of the sheet S, a toner image is formed at the imaging unit 100. Specifically, the photosensitive drums 111 to 114 of the corresponding processing units P1 to P4 are rotated, and the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 111 to 114 are uniformly charged by the charging unit. The laser scanner 120 exposes the photosensitive drums 111 to 114 by irradiating them with a laser based on image information received from an external computer, and writes an electrostatic latent image onto the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 111 to 114. The developing unit develops the image using a developer containing toner and visualizes the electrostatic latent image as a toner image. Thus, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color toner images are formed on the corresponding photosensitive drums 111 to 114.

[0028] The toner images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 111 to 114 are transferred in one step to the intermediate transfer belt 130 via a primary transfer roller. By transferring the respective color toner images to be superimposed on each other, a full-color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 130. The image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 130 is conveyed to the secondary transfer section by the intermediate transfer belt 130, and the image is transferred (i.e., secondary transfer) to the sheet S at the secondary transfer section.

[0029] The sheet S, having passed through the secondary transfer section, is pressed and heated by the fixing film 108 as it passes through the fixing clamp at the fixing unit. Thus, an image is formed on the sheet S. The sheet S, having passed through the fixing unit, is discharged from the equipment body 101 by the sheet discharge roller pair and rests as a product on the sheet discharge tray 116.

[0030] Manual sheet feeding device

[0031] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The construction of the manual sheet feeding device 400 used as a sheet feeding device according to this embodiment is described. In this embodiment, a feeding method is employed that separates the sheet S by applying a frictional force from the separating roller 411 to the sheet. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Each shows a cross-section of the feed unit 405 (and its surrounding area) of the manual sheet feed device 400, taken in a plane perpendicular to the X direction when viewed along the X direction.

[0032] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the manual sheet feeding device 400 includes a feeding unit 405 having a pick-up roller 402, a feed roller 403, and a separation roller 411; an opening / closing member 407 on which a sheet feeding tray is disposed; and a clamping guide 409. (See below for further details.) Figure 3A and Figure 3B Description of opening / closing component 407. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Both are shown with the opening / closing member 407 in the open position. The sheet feed tray 401 is a stacking member on which the sheet S is supported when the opening / closing member is in the open position. The sheet feed tray 401 is a plate-like member that includes a stacking surface 401c on which the sheet S is supported (see also...). Figure 5C ).

[0033] Pick-up roller 402 is a feed member for feeding the sheet S supported on the stacking member, i.e., a sheet feed roller. Pick-up roller 402 is rotatably supported by support member 406. Support member 406 is supported by the frame body of device body 101 and is able to swing in the vertical direction about the rotation axis of feed roller 403. By swinging support member 406 while sheet feed tray 401 is fixed, pick-up roller 402 comes into contact with and separates from sheet S supported on sheet feed tray 401. Device body 101 of imaging device 1 refers to the part of imaging device 1 excluding opening / closing member 407, feed unit 405 and clamping guide 409. In this embodiment, device body of manual sheet feed device 400 refers to device body 101 shared with imaging device 1.

[0034] Feed roller 403 and separating roller 411 are conveying units that convey the sheets S one by one in the separating clamping part N1, which serves as the separating section. Feed roller 403, which serves as a conveying roller, is arranged downstream of feed roller 403 (left side in the figure) in the sheet conveying direction. Separating roller 411 is in pressure contact with feed roller 403 with a predetermined pressure. Thus, separating clamping part N1 is formed between feed roller 403 and separating roller 411. Pick-up roller 402 and feed roller 403 are driven to rotate clockwise in the figure by a driving force transmitted from a motor, which serves as a drive source arranged within the device body 101. Separating roller 411 receives the input of driving force (i.e., delayed drive) via a torque limiter in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the sheet S at separating clamping part N1 (i.e., clockwise in the figure).

[0035] The clamping guide 409 is a guide that guides the leading edge of the sheet fed from the stacking member by the feed member toward the separation portion. The clamping guide 409 includes a guide surface (i.e., the sheet-passing surface) 409b, which is located in the region between the sheet feed tray 401 and the separation clamping portion N1, facing downwards from the conveying path of the sheet S in the Y direction. The guide surface 409b is inclined upwards toward the extension line of the upper surface of the sheet feed tray 401 (i.e., the stacking surface on which the sheet S is placed) relative to the downstream side of the sheet feed direction Fd. Furthermore, the separation clamping portion N1 is located at a position separating upwards relative to the extension line of the upper surface of the sheet feed tray 401. Therefore, the clamping guide 409 functions to guide the leading edge (i.e., the downstream edge in the sheet feed direction Fd) of the sheet S fed from the sheet feed tray 401 by the pick-up roller 402 toward the separation clamping portion N1 via the guide surface 409b.

[0036] like Figure 2AAs shown, in the state where the sheet S is not being fed (i.e., non-sheet feeding state), the pick-up roller 402 is maintained by the support member 406 at a position where the sheet S is separated upward relative to the sheet feed tray 401 (i.e., standby position or separation position).

[0037] like Figure 2B As shown, when the feeding operation of sheet S begins, the pick-up roller 402 descends and moves to a position (i.e., the feed position or contact position) by the swinging of the support member 406, contacting the upper surface of the uppermost sheet S supported on the sheet feed tray 401. In this state, the pick-up roller 402 rotates about a rotation axis X4 extending along a first direction, feeding the uppermost sheet S from the sheet feed tray 401 along the sheet feed direction Fd. The first direction is the same as (i.e., parallel to) the X direction. The pick-up roller 402... Figure 2B The sheet S that has reached the separating clamping section N1 is further fed by the feed roller 403. In this state, if only one sheet S enters the separating clamping section N1, the separating roller 411 rotates counterclockwise as shown in the figure by moving together with the feed roller 403 via a torque limiter that slides due to the force received from the sheet S. If multiple sheets S enter the separating clamping section N1, the separating roller 411 rotates clockwise as shown in the figure by a driving force transmitted via the torque limiter. As a result, the sheets S other than the uppermost sheet S in contact with the feed roller 403 are pushed back towards the upstream side in the sheet feeding direction Fd and remain on the upstream side of the separating clamping section N1. Thus, one sheet S is fed from the separating clamping section N1.

[0038] The delayed-drive separation roller 411 is an example of a separation member, and, for example, a separation roller connected to a shaft member via a torque limiter, the shaft member being fixed to the frame body of the device body 101, can be used as a separation member. Furthermore, a pad-shaped elastic member that is in pressure contact with the feed roller 403 by a predetermined pressure can be used as a separation member.

[0039] Sheet feed tray and opening / closing components

[0040] Next, we will refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B as well as Figure 5C Describe the sheet feed tray 401 and the opening / closing component 407. Figure 3A This is a perspective view showing a portion of the imaging device 1, wherein the opening / closing component 407 is in an open state or a first state, and Figure 3B It is a perspective view showing a portion of the imaging device 1, wherein the opening / closing component 407 is in the closed state or the second state. Figure 4AThe image shows a cross-section of the manual sheet feeder 400 taken in a plane perpendicular to the X direction with the open / close member 407 in the open state when viewed along the X direction. Figure 4B The image shows a cross-section of the manual sheet feeder 400 taken in a plane perpendicular to the X direction with the open / close member 407 in the open state when viewed along the X direction. Figure 5C This is a perspective view of the sheet feed tray 401.

[0041] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the opening / closing member 407 is pivotally or openably / closeably supported by a support shaft 408 disposed on the device body, and pivots in both the R1 direction (i.e., the closing direction) and the R2 direction (i.e., the opening direction), the R2 direction being the direction opposite to the R1 direction about the support shaft 408 which serves as a fulcrum. In other words, the opening / closing member 407 is rotatable about a rotation axis X2 (see also...). Figures 6A to 6D The rotation axis X2 extends in a direction parallel to the X direction. Opening / closing component 407... Figure 3B and Figure 4B In the closed state, the device body 101 is positioned along its side 101R in the following posture (i.e., the outer surface 407d of the opening / closing member 407 extends approximately vertically along the X direction in the view). In the closed state, the opening / closing member 407, together with the side 101R of the device body 101, forms the upstream side surface of the imaging device 1 in the Y direction, which has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. That is, the opening / closing member 407 serves as the outer cover of the imaging device 1. In the closed state of the opening / closing member 407, the position of the sheet feed tray 401 is determined as the stacking surface 401c ( Figure 5C (roughly vertical posture)

[0042] An opening 101S is provided on the upstream side 101R of the device body 101 in the Y direction, thereby forming a space open towards the upstream side in the Y direction. Figure 3A and Figure 4A If the device body 101 is viewed along the Y direction with the opening / closing member 407 closed, the opening portion 101S is covered by the opening / closing member 407. Figure 3B and Figure 4BFurthermore, in the closed state of the opening / closing member 407, components constituting the manual sheet feeding device 400, such as the clamping guide 409, the feeding unit 405, the sheet feeding tray 401, and the arms 412 and 512, are accommodated in the opening portion 101S. That is, in the closed state of the opening / closing member 407, components such as the clamping guide 409 are positioned downstream of the opening / closing member 407 in the Y direction, i.e., positioned inside the device body 101 relative to the side 101R. Therefore, if the width of the space occupied by the clamping guide 409, etc., in the Y direction in the closed state of the opening / closing member 407 can be reduced, the position of the opening / closing member 407 in the closed state can be arranged further downstream in the Y direction, thereby achieving a reduction in the size of the manual sheet feeding device 400 and the imaging device 1 in the Y direction.

[0043] Furthermore, the opening / closing member 407 protrudes from the side 101R to the outside of the device body 101 (i.e., the upstream side in the Y direction) by pivoting in the R2 direction from the closed state toward the outside of the device body 101. Figure 3A and Figure 4A The open state shown is the state in which the opening / closing member 407 is positioned at a predetermined pivot angle from the closed state. That is, the opening / closing member 407 is a member that pivots between a closed state positioned along the side 101R of the device body 101 and an open state protruding from the side 101R to the outside of the device body 101; that is, a pivoting member or door member. In the open state, the user can place the sheet S on the sheet feed tray 401 from above the opening / closing member 407.

[0044] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the two end portions of the opening / closing component 407 in the X direction are connected to the device body 101 via arms 412 and 512. Figure 4A As shown, arm 412 pivots about an axis extending in the X direction along the R3 direction and the opposite R4 direction by pivotally supporting shaft 412a on the device body 101. Shaft 401a is adapted to a hole portion 412b provided on the end portion opposite to shaft 412a of arm 412, and shaft 401a is adapted to a groove 407a provided on the end portion of opening / closing member 407 in the X direction.

[0045] like Figure 5CAs shown, shaft 401a is disposed on one of the ends of sheet feed tray 401 in the X direction. Therefore, each of the following pairs of components—open / close member 407 and arm 412, sheet feed tray 401 and arm 412, and open / close member 407 and sheet feed tray 401—is connected relatively movably via shaft 401a. That is, open / close member 407 and arm 412 are pivotally connected via shaft 401a and slidably connected by being adapted to groove 407a via shaft 401a. Sheet feed tray 401 and arm 412 are pivotally connected via shaft 401a. Open / close member 407 and sheet feed tray 401 are slidably connected by being adapted to groove 407a via shaft 401a.

[0046] In addition, another shaft 401b is arranged on the sheet feed tray 401 at a position away from shaft 401a. For example... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, shaft 401b is slidably adapted to groove 407b provided on opening / closing member 407. When viewed along the X direction, grooves 407a and 407b extend in the directions in which sheet feed tray 401 moves toward and away from clamping guide 409. In other words, groove 407a extends in a direction intersecting the circumference of the rotation axis around clamping guide 409. Regarding the sliding direction of sheet feed tray 401 along grooves 407a and 407b, the direction separating from clamping guide 409 is referred to as direction L1, and the direction approaching clamping guide 409 is referred to as direction L2. Clamping guide 409 is arranged close to separation clamping part N1. Therefore, direction L1 can also be defined as the direction in which sheet feed tray 401 moves away from separation clamping part N1, and direction L2 is the direction in which sheet feed tray 401 moves closer to separation clamping part N1. Furthermore, the clamping guide 409 is positioned close to the support shaft 408 of the opening / closing member 407. Therefore, the L1 direction can also be defined as the direction in which the sheet feed tray 401 slides away from the support shaft 408 relative to the opening / closing member 407, and the L2 direction is the direction in which the sheet feed tray 401 slides toward the support shaft 408 relative to the opening / closing member 407.

[0047] Preferably, the grooves 407a and 407b are arranged substantially parallel to each other at a distance equal to the distance between the axes 401a and 401b of the sheet feed tray 401. In this case, as described later, while the sheet feed tray 401 slides relative to the opening / closing member 407 as the opening and closing member 407 is opened and closed, the sheet feed tray 401 slides while maintaining a substantially fixed posture relative to the opening / closing member 407.

[0048] Shafts 401g and 401h are also provided on the other end portion of the sheet feed tray 401 in the X direction. Shaft 401g is adapted to a hole portion (not shown) on the arm 512. A groove (not shown) slidably adapted to shaft 401g is provided on the other end portion of the opening / closing member 407 (i.e., Figure 3A The shaft 401h is adapted to a recess (not shown) on the opening / closing member 407. The method for connecting the arm 512, the opening / closing member 407 and the sheet feed tray 401 (including shafts 401g and 401h and arm 512) at another end portion in the X direction is similar to the method on the first side in the X direction mentioned above, and therefore its detailed description is omitted.

[0049] The foregoing has described an example of a configuration in which shafts 401a, 401b, 401g, and 401h are disposed on sheet feed tray 401, but other configurations may also be used. For example, functionality similar to that of this embodiment can be achieved by providing shafts on arms 412, 512 that slidably fit into grooves 407a of the opening / closing member 407 and by providing holes on sheet feed tray 401 that pivotally fit into shafts on sheet feed tray 401.

[0050] Open / close component opening operation

[0051] The operation of the corresponding parts of the manual sheet feed device 400 that accompanies the opening and closing of the opening / closing member 407 will be described below. First, the opening operation that moves the opening / closing member 407 from the closed state to the open state will be described.

[0052] When using the manual sheet feed device 400, the user will keep the open / close component 407 in place. Figure 3B and Figure 4B The open / close member 407 is pivoted in the R2 direction as shown in the closed state. Since the shaft 401a moves in the R2 direction as the open / close member 407 pivots in the R2 direction, the arm 412 pivots in the R4 direction. Furthermore, as the open / close member 407 pivots in the R2 direction, the shaft 401a slides in the L2 direction within the groove 407a. Thus, the sheet feed tray 401 slides relative to the open / close member 407 in the L2 direction. In other words, the sheet feed tray 401 slides in relation to the opening operation of the open / close member 407 in the direction approaching the support shaft 408 and the separation clamping portion N1 (i.e., the L2 direction). Additionally, another shaft 401b of the sheet feed tray 401 also slides in the L2 direction within the groove 407b due to the sliding of the sheet feed tray 401 in the L2 direction.

[0053] like Figure 4AAs shown, when the opening / closing member 407 pivots to a predetermined angle, the shaft 401a abuts against the abutment portion a1, which is the end portion of the groove 407a (see...). Figure 4B Thus, the opening / closing member 407 is controlled to prevent pivoting in the R2 direction beyond a predetermined angle. Therefore, the opening / closing member 407 is in an open state at a predetermined angle. Furthermore, with the shaft 401a positioned by abutting the abutment portion a1 of the groove 407a, the movement of the sheet feed tray 401 in the L2 direction is controlled, and the sheet feed tray 401 is positioned relative to the opening / closing member 407. Therefore, the sheet feed tray 401 is maintained at a position pivoted to approximately the predetermined angle equal to that of the opening / closing member 407, and in this state, the user can place the sheet S onto the stacking surface 401c from above.

[0054] Furthermore, an extension tray 413 that can slide in the L1 and L2 directions is provided on the opening / closing member 407. For example... Figure 4A As shown, in the open state of the opening / closing member 407, the extension tray 413 can be pulled out along the L1 direction, thereby enabling a longer sheet to be supported on it relative to the opening / closing member 407 and the sheet feed tray 401.

[0055] Open / close component closing operation

[0056] Next, the closing operation that moves the opening / closing member 407 from the open state to the closed state will be described. When closing the opening / closing member 407 in the open state, the user pre-slides the extension tray 413 in the L2 direction with the extension tray 413 in the pulled-out position. In this state, a stop portion (not shown) provided on the extension tray 413 moves the extension tray 413 to a position where it abuts against a stop portion (not shown) provided on the sheet feed tray 401. Therefore, the extension tray 413 is accommodated in the space formed between the sheet feed tray 401 and the opening / closing member 407.

[0057] Next, the user holds the open / close member 407 and pivots it in the R1 direction. The shaft 401a moves in the R1 direction as the open / close member 407 pivots in the R1 direction, thereby pivoting the arm 412 in the R3 direction. Furthermore, in relation to the pivoting of the open / close member 407 in the R1 direction, the shaft 401a slides in the L1 direction within the groove 407a. As a result, the sheet feed tray 401 slides relative to the open / close member 407 in the L1 direction. In other words, the sheet feed tray 401 slides in relation to the closing operation of the open / close member 407 in the direction of separation relative to the support shaft 408 and the separation clamping part N1 (i.e., the L1 direction). Furthermore, due to the sliding of the sheet feed tray 401 in the L1 direction, another shaft 401b of the sheet feed tray 401 also slides in the L1 direction within the groove 407b.

[0058] Clamping guide

[0059] Next, refer to Figures 5A to 5C and Figures 6A to 6D This section explains the structure and operation of the clamping guide 409. Figure 5A This is a view showing the clamping guide 409 in its attached state to the device body 101, and also showing the area surrounding the clamping guide 409 and the feed unit 405 in the closed state of the opening / closing member 407. Figure 5A The opening / closing component 407, sheet feed tray 401, and extension tray 413 are not shown. Figure 5B This is a perspective view of the clamping guide 409 in its disassembled state from the device body 101. Figures 6A to 6D The entire view shows a cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the clamping guide 409 cut in a plane perpendicular to the X direction. Figures 6A to 6D The cross-sectional view showing the opening 409e of the clamping guide 409 in the X direction and the rib 401e of the sheet feed tray 401, described later, is shown in the visible location. Furthermore, Figure 6A This shows the open / closed state of component 407. Figure 6D The closed state of the open / close component 407 is shown, and Figure 6B and Figure 6C This indicates a state between the open and closed states.

[0060] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the clamping guide 409 includes a pivot portion 409a, a guide surface 409b, an abutment surface 409g, openings 409d and 409e, a cut 409h, and a guided portion 409f. Furthermore, as... Figure 6AAs shown, the clamping guide 409 includes an abutting portion 409c of an abutting rib 414, which serves as an abutting portion of the device body, described later.

[0061] The guide surface 409b is the surface that guides the leading edge of the sheet S fed from the sheet feed tray 401 by the pick-up roller 402 toward the separation clamping part N1. When the opening / closing member 407 is in the open state ( Figure 6A When viewed from the upstream side in the sheet feed direction Fd, the guide surface 409b overlaps with the outer periphery of the separating roller 411. Preferably, when viewed from the upstream side in the sheet feed direction Fd, the lower edge of the guide surface 409b (i.e., the corner portion between the abutment surfaces 409g described below) is positioned below the downstream edge of the stacking surface 401c of the sheet feed tray 401. This reduces the likelihood of the front edge of the sheet S entering the gap between the clamping guide 409 and the stacking surface 401c. Furthermore, when viewed from the upstream side in the sheet feed direction Fd with the opening / closing member 407 in the open state, the upper edge of the guide surface 409b extends to the region near the separating clamping portion N1. Moreover, the guide surface 409b preferably extends in the X direction over the entire area including the outer periphery of the separating roller 411.

[0062] like Figure 5A As shown, fixing guides 410L and 410R, fixed to the device body 101, are provided on both sides of the clamping guide 409 in the X direction. The fixing guides 410L and 410R function to guide the side edge portions of the sheet S fed from the sheet feed tray 401 by the pick-up roller 402 at both sides of the separation clamping part N1 in the X direction. In the open state of the opening / closing member 407, the guide surface 409b of the clamping guide 409 protrudes upstream of the fixing guides 410L and 410R in the Y direction. Therefore, the central portion of the sheet S is more reliably guided to the separation clamping part N1 by the guide surface 409b of the clamping guide 409.

[0063] The pivot portion 409a is a portion pivotally supported by a shaft member provided on the device body 101. The pivot portion 409a serves as a supported portion of the clamping guide 409 supported by the device body 101. The pivot portion 409a is formed at a position separate from the opening / closing member 407 and the sheet feed tray 401. The pivot portion 409a is provided at both ends of the clamping guide 409 in the X direction. The clamping guide 409 pivots about the pivot portion 409a about a rotation axis X1 extending substantially in the X direction along the R5 direction and the opposite R6 direction. The R5 direction is the direction in which the clamping guide 409 pivots in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407, i.e., the first direction, and the R6 direction is the direction in which the clamping guide 409 pivots in relation to the opening operation of the opening / closing member 407, i.e., the second direction.

[0064] The abutment surface 409g is the upstream surface of the clamping guide 409 in the Y direction. The abutment surface 409g is a portion that, in the closed state of the opening / closing member 407, is opposite to and abuts against the abutment surface 407c of the opening / closing member 407 in the Y direction. The opening / closing member 407 has the abutment surface 407c on the side opposite to the outer surface 407d, i.e., downstream in the Y direction in the closed state. The abutment surface 407c abuts against the guide during the closing operation of the opening / closing member and serves as a first contact portion that moves the guide from its position in the open state of the opening / closing member to its position in the closed state of the opening / closing member.

[0065] Openings 409d and 409e are formed from the portion of the guide surface 409b on the upstream edge in the sheet feed direction Fd to the portion on the upstream edge of the abutment surface 409g. In this embodiment, openings 409d and 409e are holes formed in the clamping guide 409, but openings 409d and 409e can also be recessed portions. That is, openings 409d and 409e can be recesses formed from the upstream side of the sheet feed direction Fd toward the downstream side. Openings 409d and 409e can be formed such that the portion of the guide surface 409b on the upstream edge in the sheet feed direction Fd is recessed toward the downstream side. Openings 409d and 409e can also be formed such that the portion on the upper edge of the abutment surface 409g is recessed toward the downward side.

[0066] like Figure 5C As shown, ribs 401d and 401e protruding towards the downstream side in the sheet feed direction Fd are provided near the center portion of the sheet feed tray 401 in the X direction, within the downstream edge in the sheet feed direction Fd. Figure 6AAs shown, ribs 401d and 401e are portions that enter the openings 409d and 409e of the clamping guide 409 when the opening / closing member 407 is in the open state and press down on the lower edges of the openings 409d and 409e from above. Ribs 401d and 401e serve as second contact portions that contact the guide when the opening / closing member 407 is in the open state and push the guide toward the abutment portion, namely, rib 414 of the device body, which will be mentioned later. The openings 409d and 409e and the abutment surface 409g are located in different positions.

[0067] Furthermore, preferably, at least a portion of the upper edges of ribs 401d and 401e are formed as surfaces continuous with the stacked surface 401c. Additionally, when in Figure 6A When viewed along the X direction in the open state of the shown opening / closing member 407, it is preferable that the upper edges of the ribs 401d and 401e intersect with the guide surface 409b of the clamping guide 409. This reduces the likelihood that the front edge of the sheet S will enter the gap between the clamping guide 409 and the stacking surface 401c.

[0068] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the cut 409h has a recessed shape, wherein the portion of the guide surface 409b at its downstream edge in the sheet feed direction Fd is recessed toward the upstream side in the sheet feed direction Fd. The cut 409h is formed at least relative to the X direction over the entire area including the outer periphery of the feed roller 403. As mentioned below, the cut 409h forms a space for receiving a portion of the feed roller 403 in the closed state of the opening / closing member 407. In the closed state of the opening / closing member, the cut 409h serves as a first recessed portion for receiving the conveyor roller, i.e., a receiving portion. Furthermore, the guide surface 409b extends in the sheet feed direction Fd between the openings 409d and 409e and the cut 409h, in the X direction between the openings 409d and 409e, and in the X direction on the outer side of the openings 409d and 409e and on the outer side of the cut 409h.

[0069] The guided portion 409f is a protrusion that extends from one side of the clamping guide 409 in the X direction toward the outer side in the X direction. For example... Figure 5CAs shown, a guide rib 401f protruding downstream in the sheet feed direction Fd is provided on the downstream edge of the sheet feed tray 401. The guide rib 401f is positioned in the X direction corresponding to the guided portion 409f. The guide rib 401f contacts the guide during the opening operation of the opening / closing member and serves as a third contact portion, which causes the guide to move from its position in the closed state of the opening / closing member to its position in the open state of the opening / closing member. The guided portion 409f of the clamping guide 409 is the contacted portion that contacts the guide rib 401f for guiding the movement of the clamping guide 409 when the opening operation of the opening / closing member 407 is performed.

[0070] Open / close the open state of the component

[0071] The position of the clamping guide 409 in the open state of the opening / closing member 407 will be described. Figure 6A In the open state of the shown opening / closing member 407, the clamping guide 409 attempts to pivot in the R6 direction by its own weight. The device body 101 is provided with a rib 414, which serves as an abutment portion for positioning the clamping guide 409, i.e., a positioning portion or a stop. The rib 414 can be a fixing member fixed to the frame body of the device body 101. The clamping guide 409 is positioned by abutting against the rib 414 through the abutted portion 409c provided on the lower portion of the clamping guide 409. Figure 6A The position shown restricts the clamping guide 409 from pivoting in the R6 direction. In the open state of the opening / closing member 407, the rib 414 serves as an abutting portion of the guide by abutting the abutted portion 409c of the guide.

[0072] With the opening / closing member 407 in the open state, the ribs 401d and 401e, which are protrusions on the sheet feed tray 401, enter the openings 409d and 409e on the clamping guide 409 and press down on the clamping guide 409. The clamping guide 409 receives the weight of the sheet feed tray 401, the weight of the sheet S supported on the sheet feed tray 401, and the pressure applied by the ribs 401d and 401e when the pick-up roller 402 contacts the sheet S. The clamping guide 409 is positioned more reliably by the aforementioned forces received from the sheet feed tray 401. Furthermore, the ribs 401d and 401e of the sheet feed tray 401, which receive the weight of the sheet S and the pressure applied by the pick-up roller 402, are supported by the clamping guide 409 in a state of abutting against the ribs 414 of the device body 101. In other words, in the open state of the opening / closing component, the second contact portion of the sheet feed tray 401, which serves as a stacking component, is supported by a guide abutting the contact portion. This tends to result in less deformation of the sheet feed tray 401. Since the sheet feed tray 401 tends to deform less, it is not necessary to thicken the sheet feed tray 401 or add reinforcing ribs to increase rigidity, which is also advantageous from the viewpoint of miniaturizing the manual sheet feed device 400 and the imaging device 1. The number and arrangement of the openings 409d and 409e or the ribs 401d and 401e can be arbitrarily changed; however, as an example, from the viewpoint of suppressing deformation of the sheet feed tray 401, it is preferable to arrange the openings and ribs at multiple locations symmetrical about the X-direction relative to the center position of the separation clamping portion N1.

[0073] During the closing operation of the open / close component

[0074] Next, the operation of the clamping guide 409 during the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407 will be described. When Figure 6A When the opening / closing member 407 shown pivots in the R1 direction from the open state to close the opening / closing member 407, the sheet feed tray 401 slides in the L1 direction in relation to the opening / closing member 407. The L1 direction is the direction in which the sheet feed tray 401 moves away from the clamping guide 409. Therefore, as Figure 6B As shown, the ribs 401d and 401e of the sheet feed tray 401 are retracted or separated from the openings 409d and 409e of the clamping guide 409. That is, the clamping guide 409 is released from the pressing force applied by the ribs 401d and 401e, and the clamping guide 409 is allowed to pivot in the R5 direction. That is, as the protruding portion of the stacking member retracts from the second recessed portion in association with the closing operation of the opening / closing member, the guide is allowed to move from the position of the guide in the open state of the opening / closing member to the position of the guide in the closed state of the opening / closing member.

[0075] When the opening / closing component 407 pivots further in the R1 direction, as Figure 6C As shown, the abutment surface 407c of the opening / closing member 407, which serves as the first contact portion, abuts against the abutment surface 409g of the clamping guide 409 and presses the clamping guide 409. Therefore, the clamping guide 409 pivots in the R5 direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 6D As shown, the member 407 is opened / closed to reach the closed state while maintaining contact between the abutting surface 407c and the abutting surface 409g.

[0076] Now, when viewed along the X direction, the end position of the clamping guide 409 on the upstream side in the Y direction when the opening / closing member 407 is in the open state is referred to as Y1. Figure 6A The end position of the clamping guide 409 on the upstream side in the Y direction when the opening / closing member 407 is in the closed state is referred to as Y2. Figure 6D In other words, when viewed along the X direction, in the open state of the opening / closing member 407, the end portion of the clamping guide 409 on the upstream side in the Y direction is located at end position Y1 (i.e., the first position). Furthermore, in the closed state of the opening / closing member 407, the end portion of the clamping guide 409 on the upstream side in the Y direction is located at end position Y2 (i.e., the second position). In this embodiment, end position Y1 in the open state is the position of the corner formed by the guide surface 409b and the abutment surface 409g, and end position Y2 in the closed state is the position of the abutment surface 409g, which is approximately perpendicular to it. Figure 6A and Figure 6D As shown, since the clamping guide 409 pivots in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407, the end position Y2 of the clamping guide 409 in the closed state is positioned downstream of the end position Y1 of the clamping guide 409 in the open state in the Y direction. That is, the end position Y2 is positioned downstream of the end position Y1 in the Y direction. In other words, the clamping guide 409 moves in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407 to retract into the inner side of the device body 101.

[0077] In the comparative example where the clamping guide 409 is fixed to the device body 101, even when the opening / closing member 407 is closed, the clamping guide 409 will maintain the same position as when the opening / closing member 407 is open. Therefore, compared to this embodiment, the opening / closing member 407 is arranged upstream in the Y direction so that the opening / closing member 407 does not interfere with the clamping guide 409 when it is closed.

[0078] Meanwhile, according to this embodiment, the clamping guide 409 moves in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407, allowing the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407 to be completed without interfering with the clamping guide 409, even though the position of the opening / closing member 407 is set downstream in the Y direction compared to the comparative example. In fact, the position of the opening / closing member 407 in the closed state can be set to a distance corresponding to the distance between the end positions Y1 and Y2 of the clamping guide 409 in the open and closed states, relative to the comparative example, in the downstream Y direction. The distance between the end positions Y1 and Y2 of the clamping guide 409 in the open and closed states is the distance by which the clamping guide 409 retracts towards the inside of the device body 101 in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407. Therefore, the Y-direction dimension of the manual sheet feed device 400 in the closed state of the opening / closing member 407 can be miniaturized, and thus, the Y-direction dimension of the imaging device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0079] Furthermore, in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407, the pick-up roller 402 is pressed by the sheet feed tray 401, thereby causing the support member 406 of the pick-up roller 402 to pivot in the R3 direction. Figure 3A and Figure 3B When the opening / closing member 407 is in the open state, the support member 406 protrudes upstream in the Y direction from the clamping guide 409. When the support member 406 retracts downstream in the Y direction in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407, the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407 can be completed without interfering with the support member 406.

[0080] The movement of the clamping guide 409 and the cutout 409h of the clamping guide 409, which are associated with the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407, will be further described. Figures 6A to 6D As shown, when viewed from above in the open state of the opening / closing member 407, the guide surface 409b of the clamping guide 409 is located at a position overlapping with the separating roller 411. Furthermore, when the clamping guide 409 is pivoted in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407, the guide surface 409b pivots to separate upwards from the separating roller 411. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the clamping guide 409, which includes the guide surface 409b for guiding the sheet S upstream of the separating clamping part N1, separates the guide surface 409b from above the separating roller 411. Thus, the clamping guide 409 can pivot in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407 without interfering with the separating roller 411.

[0081] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the rotation axis X1 of the clamping guide 409 is positioned downstream of the rotation axis X11 of the separating roller 411 in the Y direction. Consequently, the guide surface 409b moves upward in the R5 direction in relation to the closing operation of the clamping guide 409 and the opening / closing member 407. Additionally, according to this embodiment, the rotation axis X11 of the separating roller 411 is positioned upstream of the rotation axis X3 of the feed roller 403 in the Y direction. When viewed from above, the upstream portion of the outer peripheral surface of the separating roller 411 in the Y direction is not covered by the feed roller 403. Therefore, the movement of the guide surface 409b of the clamping guide 409 is achieved using the space above the upstream portion of the separating roller 411 in the Y direction.

[0082] When the clamping guide 409 pivots in the R5 direction in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407, the guide surface 409b moves upward and toward the downstream side in the Y direction, bringing the guide surface 409b closer to the feed roller 403. A notch 409h, as mentioned above, serving as a first recessed portion, is provided on the downstream edge of the guide surface 409b in the Y direction. Figure 5B In the closed state of the opening / closing member 407, the clamping guide 409 accommodates a portion of the feed roller 403 on the inside of the cut 409h. Figure 6D That is, when the opening / closing member 407 is viewed along the X direction in the closed state, the outer periphery of the feed roller 403 and the guide surface 409b overlap on both sides of the cut 409h in the X direction. Figure 6D ).

[0083] According to this configuration, compared to the case without the notch 409h, the area where the clamping guide 409 can pivot in the R5 direction without interfering with the feed roller 403 is expanded. That is, the distance by which the clamping guide 409 retracts toward the inside of the device body 101 in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407 (i.e., the distance between end positions Y1 and Y2) can be increased. As a result, the manual sheet feeding device 400 and the imaging device 1 can be further miniaturized.

[0084] Furthermore, the position of the clamping guide 409 is not particularly limited, as long as the end position Y2 of the clamping guide 409 in the closed state of the opening / closing member 407 is positioned downstream of the end position Y1 in the open state of the opening / closing member 407 in the Y direction. As an example, the end position Y2 of the clamping guide 409 in the closed state of the opening / closing member 407 can be located opposite the fixing guides 410L and 410R arranged on the two outer sides of the clamping guide 409. Figure 5A At approximately the same position on the upstream side in the Y direction.

[0085] During the opening / closing operation of the component

[0086] Next, the movement of the clamping guide 409 during the opening operation of the opening / closing member 407 and the function of the guide rib 401f of the sheet feed tray 401 will be described. As described above, the clamping guide 409 is configured to pivot in the R6 direction by its own weight. However, if the friction of the pivot portion 409a of the clamping guide 409 is large or the imaging device 1 is tilted, the clamping guide may not pivot in the R6 direction by its own weight, even if the opening / closing member 407 is open.

[0087] Therefore, according to this embodiment, a structure is adopted in which the guide rib 401f serves as the third contact portion provided on the sheet feed tray 401. Figure 5C The guided portion 409f of the clamping guide 409 is pressed in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing member 407. Figure 5B Therefore, the clamping guide 409 can pivot more reliably in the R6 direction in relation to the opening operation of the opening / closing member 407.

[0088] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 7A to 7C Describe the detailed operation of guide rib 401f. Figures 7A to 7C The illustrations show the area surrounding the clamping guide 409, which is cut in a plane perpendicular to the X direction, and viewed along the X direction. Figures 7A to 7C A cross-sectional view is shown at the location of the guided portion 409f passing through the clamping guide 409 and the guide rib 401f of the sheet feed tray 401 in the X direction. Figure 7A The closed state of the open / close component 407 is shown. Figure 7C The open / closed state of component 407 is shown, and Figure 7B This indicates a state between the open and closed states.

[0089] exist Figure 7A When the opening / closing member 407 is in the closed state, the sheet feed tray 401 is positioned separately from the clamping guide 409 (i.e., on the L1 direction side). In this state, the guide ribs 401f of the sheet feed tray 401 are separated from the guided portion 409f of the clamping guide 409.

[0090] When the opening / closing component 407 pivots in the R2 direction to open, as Figure 7BAs shown, the sheet feed tray 401 moves in the L2 direction in relation to the opening / closing member 407 and approaches the clamping guide 409. Then, before the opening / closing member 407 reaches the open state, the guide rib 401f abuts against the guided portion 409f.

[0091] When the opening / closing member 407 pivots further in the R2 direction after the guide rib 401f abuts against the guided portion 409f, the guided portion 409f is pressed by the guide rib 401f, and a rotational force in the R6 direction acts on the clamping guide 409. Thus, even if the pivoting of the clamping guide 409 in the R6 direction due to its own weight has not yet begun, the clamping guide 409 pivots in the R6 direction by being pressed by the guide rib 401f.

[0092] At the point in time when the opening operation of component 407 is completed, such as Figure 7C As shown, the ribs 401d and 401e of the sheet feed tray 401 contact from above the openings 409d and 409e of the clamping guide 409 as described above (i.e., the surfaces constituting the openings 409d and 409e) (see See Figure 6A Meanwhile, in the open state of the opening / closing member 407, the guide rib 401f does not contact the guided portion 409f. This is because, in order to reduce deformation of the sheet feed tray 401 caused by the weight of the sheet S or the pressure of the pick-up roller 402 in the open state of the opening / closing member 407, it is advantageous for the ribs 401d and 401e, which are located at the center of the sheet feed tray 401, to be supported by the clamping guide 409.

[0093] As described above, by providing guide ribs 401f of the sheet feed tray 401 and guided portion 409f of the clamping guide 409, the clamping guide 409 can pivot more reliably during the opening operation of the opening / closing member 407.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a portion of the sheet feed tray 401 contacts the clamping guide 409 during the opening operation of the opening / closing member 407. However, the clamping guide 409 can also pivot by other methods during the opening operation of the opening / closing member 407. For example, a spring member that pushes the guide rib 401f in the R6 direction can be provided. Additionally, a configuration can be adopted in which a portion of the opening / closing member 407 (i.e., the portion other than the sheet feed tray 401) contacts the clamping guide 409 during the opening operation of the opening / closing member 407.

[0095] As described above, the structure according to this embodiment enables miniaturization of the sheet feeding device and the imaging device.

[0096] Other embodiments

[0097] According to the above embodiments, a configuration has been shown in which a portion of the opening / closing member 407 contacts the clamping guide 409 during the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407, and the clamping guide 409 pivots in the R5 direction in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407. This disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the clamping guide 409 can pivot in the R5 direction by contacting other components associated with the opening / closing member 407, as long as the configuration allows the clamping guide 409 to pivot in the R5 direction in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member 407.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a configuration has been shown in which the sheet feed tray 401 slides relative to the opening / closing member 407 in relation to the opening and closing of the opening / closing member 407. This technology is not limited to this, and in a simpler configuration, the sheet feed tray may be configured as part of the opening / closing member 407, i.e., the upper surface of the plate-shaped opening / closing member 407 in the open state.

[0099] Furthermore, the clamping guide 409 is an example of a guide, and its shape, size, and arrangement can be arbitrarily changed.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a color laser beam printer has been described as an example of an imaging device, but this technology can be applied to imaging devices equipped with imaging units other than an electrophotographic system, such as an inkjet system.

[0101] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation in order to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A sheet feeding device, comprising: The device body includes an abutting portion; An opening / closing member is pivotally supported by the device body and configured to pivot between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the opening / closing member is positioned in a posture along the side of the device body, and in the open state, the opening / closing member protrudes out of the device body relative to the side. A stacking member disposed on the opening / closing member and configured to support a sheet thereon in the opening / closing member in the open state; A feed member configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a first direction and feed sheets stacked on the stacking member; A conveying unit, the conveying unit including a separation section and configured to convey the sheets fed by the feeding member in the separation section while separating the sheets one by one; as well as A guide, configured to guide the leading edge of a sheet conveyed by the feed member from the stacking member toward the separating portion, the guide including a supported portion pivotally supported by the device body and an abutting portion configured to abut against an abutting portion, the guide being configured to move in association with a closing operation of the opening / closing member and configured to be positioned relative to the opening / closing member within the device body in the closed state of the opening / closing member. Wherein (i) in the open state of the opening / closing member, the upstream end of the guide in the second direction is positioned at a first position, the second direction being a horizontal direction relative to the side of the device body pointing inward when viewed along the first direction; (ii) in the closed state of the opening / closing member, the upstream end of the guide in the second direction is positioned at a second position; and (iii) the second position is downstream of the first position in the second direction. In the open state of the opening / closing member, the guide is configured to be restricted from pivoting by abutting the abutting portion against the abutting portion.

2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, in, The conveying unit includes a conveying roller and a separating roller. The conveying roller is configured to convey a sheet, and the separating roller is configured to abut against the conveying roller such that a separated portion is formed between the conveying roller and the separating roller. The guide includes a guide surface configured to guide the leading edge of the sheet fed by the feed member from the stacking member toward the separation portion. When viewed from above in the open state of the opening / closing member, the guide surface overlaps with a portion of the separating roller, and The guide surface is configured to move upward to separate from the separation roller as the guide moves in relation to the closing operation of the opening / closing member.

3. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, in, The guide also includes a receiving portion disposed at the downstream end of the guide surface in the second direction and configured to receive the conveying roller in the closed state of the opening / closing member.

4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, in, The supported portion is configured such that the guide pivots about an axis extending in the first direction, and The axis is positioned downstream of the rotation axis of the separating roller in the second direction.

5. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein, The opening / closing member includes a first contact portion configured to contact the guide during a closing operation of the opening / closing member, and to move the guide from a position of the guide in the open state of the opening / closing member toward a position of the guide in the closed state of the opening / closing member.

6. The sheet feeding device according to claim 5, wherein, The first contact portion is configured to separate from the guide in the open state of the opening / closing member.

7. The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The abutting portion of the guide is configured to separate from the abutting portion in the closed state of the opening / closing member.

8. The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The stacking member includes a second contact portion configured to contact the guide and push the guide toward the abutment portion in the open state of the opening / closing member. The second contact portion is a protrusion that extends from the stacking surface of the stacking member on which the sheet is supported toward the sheet feeding direction through the feed member, and The guide includes an opening configured to receive the protruding portion in the open state of the opening / closing member.

9. The sheet feeding device according to claim 8, in, The stacking member is configured to move relative to the opening / closing member in association with the opening and closing of the opening / closing member to approach or separate from the guide. In the open state of the opening / closing member, the protruding portion is configured to enter the opening and press the guide toward the abutting portion, and The protruding portion is configured to retract from the opening in association with the closing operation of the opening / closing member.

10. The sheet feeding device according to claim 9, further comprising: An arm, which is pivotally supported by the device body; A groove is provided in the opening / closing member and is formed along the direction of the stacking member approaching or separating from the guide; A shaft, which is disposed on either the stacked member or the arm and is configured to slidably fit into the groove; as well as Holes are provided on the other of the stacked member and the arm and are configured to pivotally fit to the shaft.

11. The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The stacking member includes a third contact portion configured to contact the guide during an opening operation of the opening / closing member, so as to cause the guide to begin moving from a position of the guide in the closed state of the opening / closing member toward a position of the guide in the open state of the opening / closing member.

12. An imaging device, comprising: Sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; as well as An imaging unit configured to form an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding device.

Images