imaging device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an attachable / detachable storage unit having a positioned portion projecting downstream in an attachment direction of the storage unit, a conveying member, an image forming unit forming an image on a sheet conveyed by the conveying member, and a conveying unit moving between a first position and a second position. Engagement of the positioned portion with a positioned portion of the image forming apparatus positions the storage unit relative to the image forming apparatus. The conveying unit includes a contact portion and a recessed portion. In a case where the contact portion of the conveying unit is in contact with the storage unit and the conveying unit is moved from the second position to the first position by the storage unit, the positioned portion is not in contact with the recessed portion of the conveying unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to sheet conveying equipment and imaging equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Imaging devices such as copiers and printers are known, which are configured to form images on sheets conveyed from a transport tray disposed above a sheet feed cassette. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-222384 discusses a technique for performing jam removal to remove sheets stuck in such imaging devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an imaging apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet includes: a storage unit configured to be attached to and detached from the imaging apparatus and to store a sheet; a transport member configured to transport the sheet stored in the storage unit; an imaging unit configured to form an image on the sheet transported by the transport member; and a transport unit disposed above the storage unit, configured to transport the sheet to the transport member, and movable between a first position for transporting the sheet and a second position retracted downward from the first position, wherein the storage unit includes a storage unit relative to the imaging apparatus. The positioning portion protrudes downstream in the attachment direction, and the engagement of the positioning portion with the positioning portion of the imaging device causes the storage unit to be positioned relative to the imaging device. The transport unit includes a contact portion and a recessed portion. The contact portion is provided at the upstream end in the attachment direction and is configured to contact the storage unit. The recessed portion is provided at a position corresponding to the positioning portion and is recessed downstream from the contact portion in the attachment direction. The positioning portion does not contact the recessed portion of the transport unit when the contact portion of the transport unit contacts the storage unit and the transport unit moves from a first position to a second position through the storage unit.

[0004] Other features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the imaging device.

[0006] Figure 2A This is a perspective view showing the conveyor unit in its first position. Figure 2B This is a perspective view showing the conveyor unit in its second position. Figure 2C This is a perspective view showing the state in which the storage unit is in contact with the transport unit while the transport unit is in the second position.

[0007] Figure 3A It is a perspective view showing the state in which the transport unit is in the transport position (first position) to form a transport path and is installed into the imaging device. Figure 3B and 3C Each of these is a perspective view showing the conveyor unit.

[0008] Figure 4A This is a perspective view showing the conveyor unit. Figure 4B It is along Figure 4A The sectional view taken by section line C in the figure. Figure 4C It is along Figure 4A The sectional view taken by section line D in the diagram.

[0009] Figure 5A This is a perspective view showing the storage unit. Figure 5B It shows from and Figure 5A Perspective views of the storage cell viewed from different directions.

[0010] Figure 6A and 6B It is a view that shows the relationship between control components and operating components. Figure 6A This is a view showing the state in which the conveying unit is held in the first position. Figure 6B This is a view showing how to de-control the movement of the conveyor unit to move the conveyor unit from a first position to a second position.

[0011] Figure 7 It shows from and Figure 2C Perspective views of the transport and storage units viewed from different directions.

[0012] Figures 8A to 8D This is a view showing the relationship between the storage unit and the conveying unit during the process of moving the conveying unit from the second position to the first position.

[0013] Figures 9A to 9D This is another view showing the relationship between the storage unit and the conveying unit during the process of moving the conveying unit from the second position to the first position.

[0014] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the contacted part of the storage unit and the transport unit.

[0015] Figures 11A to 11C This is a view showing a comparative example.

[0016] Figures 12A to 12C It is a view showing the positional relationship between the linkage and the conveying unit.

[0017] Figures 13A to 13D This is a view showing the relationship between the conveying unit and the connecting components. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Reference Figures 1 to 13D A first exemplary embodiment will be described. A color laser beam printer will be described as an example of an imaging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. As an example of an imaging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment, an imaging apparatus will be described that sequentially transfers toner images of different colors on a photosensitive drum onto a tape, and then co-transfers the toner images on the tape onto a sheet material.

[0020] The imaging device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment may be a photocopier, a multifunction peripheral device, or a fax machine. The imaging method used by the imaging device 1 is not limited to electrophotographic methods, and any other imaging method such as electrostatic recording or inkjet methods may be used.

[0021] The side where the sheet feed cassette 115 is pulled out is defined as the front side of the imaging device 1. In the accompanying drawings, the forward direction in which the sheet feed cassette 115 is pulled out is denoted as front (F), and the backward direction in which the sheet feed cassette 115 is inserted and opposite to the forward direction is denoted as rear (B). Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the upward direction viewed from the front side of the imaging device 1 is denoted as up (U), and the downward direction viewed from the front side of the imaging device 1 is denoted as down (D). Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, the leftward direction viewed from the front side of the imaging device 1 is denoted as left (L), and the rightward direction viewed from the front side of the imaging device 1 is denoted as right (R).

[0022] Reference Figure 1 A summary describing the overall structure of imaging device 1. Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device 1. The sheet feeding unit 106, as a first sheet feeding device, includes a sheet feeding cassette 115 and a pickup roller 116. The sheet feeding cassette 115 is a storage unit in which sheet material S is to be stored. The pickup roller 116 is a feeding member for feeding the sheet material S. The sheet feeding unit 106 also includes a feed roller 117 and a separation roller 118. The feed roller 117 is a conveying member that transports the fed sheet material S to the alignment roller pair 250. The separation roller 118 is a separation member facing the feed roller 117. Each sheet material S is frictionally separated by a built-in torque limiter (not shown) arranged coaxially with the separation roller 118.

[0023] In this exemplary embodiment, the sheet feeding unit 106 forms part of the imaging device 1, and the sheet feeding box 115 can be attached to and detached from the imaging device 1. Figure 1 Arrow B in the diagram indicates the direction of the attached sheet feed box 115.

[0024] When the control unit (not shown) sends a print signal, the pickup roller 116 and the feed roller 117 move along the sheet during the sheet feeding process. Figure 1The sheet material S, stacked on the stacking plate 25, is fed to the alignment roller pair 250 in a clockwise direction. Then, the sheet material S is fed to the secondary transfer clamping section formed by the inner roller 105 and the secondary transfer roller 122. The inner roller 105 is located inside the intermediate transfer belt 130 and supports the intermediate transfer belt 130. The secondary transfer roller 122 faces the inner roller 105 across the intermediate transfer belt 130.

[0025] The imaging device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes imaging units 111, 112, 113 and 114.

[0026] Imaging units 111, 112, 113 and 114 each include at least a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image is to be formed, a developing roller for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image and developing the electrostatic latent image, and a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum.

[0027] In imaging units 111, 112, 113 and 114, electrostatic latent images are sequentially formed on the outer surface of each photosensitive drum by lasers from laser scanner 120, and then developed by developing rollers, thereby forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum.

[0028] The toner image formed on the photosensitive drums of imaging units 111, 112, 113, and 114 is transferred once onto the intermediate transfer belt 130. Then, the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 130 is jointly transferred onto the sheet material S, which is conveyed to the secondary transfer clamping section. The sheet material S with the transferred toner image is then conveyed to the clamping section between the fixing film 107 and the pressure roller 108. At this clamping section, the sheet material S is heated and pressurized, thereby fixing the toner image onto the sheet material S. The sheet material S with the fixed toner image is discharged by the discharge rollers 109 and 110.

[0029] The manual sheet feeding unit 206, as a second sheet feeding device, includes a sheet feeding tray 401 and a pick-up roller 402. The sheet feeding tray 401 is a stacking member on which sheet materials S will be stacked. The pick-up roller 402 is a feeding member for feeding the sheet materials S. The manual sheet feeding unit 206 also includes a feed roller 403 and a separation roller 421. The feed roller 403 is a conveying member that transports the fed sheet materials S to the conveyor roller pair 310. The separation roller 421 is a separation member.

[0030] When the control unit (not shown) sends a print signal, the pickup roller 402 and the feed roller 403 move along the sheet during the sheet feeding process. Figure 1The sheet material S, stacked on the sheet feed tray 401, is conveyed to the conveyor roller pair 310, conveyor roller pair 320, and conveyor roller pair 330, rotating clockwise. Then, a toner image is transferred onto the sheet material S, and the transferred toner image is fixed onto the sheet material S. Afterward, the sheet material S is discharged by the discharge rollers 109 and 110.

[0031] Figures 2A to 2C This is a perspective view showing the sheet feeding unit 106, the sheet feeding box 115, and the transport tray 22. The transport tray 22 is a transport unit configured to move within the imaging device 1. Figures 2A to 2C From and Figure 1 The cross-sectional view is a view taken from substantially the opposite direction. The conveyor tray 22 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The second position is the position where the conveyor tray 22 is retracted from the first position. The conveyor tray 22 is positioned above the sheet feed cassette 115.

[0032] Figure 2A The diagram shows the conveyor tray 22 in a first position. The first position is the location where the sheet conveying path P1 is formed on the upper side of the conveyor tray 22.

[0033] Figure 2B The diagram shows the conveyor tray 22 in a second position. This second position is in direction D, to which the conveyor tray 22 is lowered along the guide groove, which serves as a guide unit described below. In other words, the second position is the position retracted downwards from the first position. Moving the conveyor tray 22 to the second position separates the conveyor roller pairs 320 and 330 from the driven roller pairs 65 and 66, which are respectively opposite to the conveyor roller pairs 320 and 330. This facilitates the removal of jammed sheets.

[0034] The conveyor tray 22 can slide along the guide groove and can be moved from... Figure 2A Move the first position in the middle to Figure 2B The second position in the middle. The conveyor tray 22 can also be from... Figure 2B The second position in the middle is moved to Figure 2A The first position in the process. When the conveyor pallet 22 is in the position as shown... Figure 2A In the first position shown, the sheet feed box 115 can move relative to the sheet feed unit 106 in the pull-out direction and the insertion direction.

[0035] Figures 3A to 3C The sheet feeding unit 106 and the conveyor tray 22 are shown. Figure 3A This is a perspective view showing the state in which the conveyor tray 22 is in the conveying position (first position) to form the conveying path P1 and the sheet feed box 115 is attached to the sheet feed unit 106. Figure 3B and 3CThis is a perspective view showing the conveyor tray 22 as viewed from different directions.

[0036] The conveyor tray 22 rotatably supports the driven roller pair 65 and 66 and is biased by a biasing spring (not shown). When the conveyor tray 22 is in Figure 3A In the first position shown, the conveyor tray 22 and the conveyor rollers 320 and 330 of the sheet feeding unit 106 form a conveyor clamping section.

[0037] like Figure 3B and 3C As shown, the conveyor tray 22 includes tray protrusions 61, 62, 63, and 64. The tray protrusions 61, 62, 63, and 64 are protrusions projecting in the axial direction of the driven roller pairs 65 and 66. Tray protrusions 61 and 63 are first guided portions and are respectively disposed on one end side and the other end side in the axial direction. Tray protrusions 62 and 64 are second guided portions and are respectively disposed on one end side and the other end side in the axial direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 3C As shown, the conveyor tray 22 includes conveyor tray cam portions 67a and 67b. The conveyor tray cam portions 67a and 67b are cam portion members that project from the conveyor tray 22 in the direction D.

[0038] The conveyor tray 22 also includes tray contacts 69a and 69b located on the front (F) side of the conveyor tray 22. Tray contacts 69a and 69b are second contacts and are configured to contact box contacts 115f and 115g, which will be described below. Box contacts 115f and 115g are first contacts. Conversely, recesses 68a, 68b, and 68c are configured not to contact any part of the sheet feed box 115.

[0039] The tray protrusions 61 to 64 are guided along the guide groove (which serves as the guide portion of the guide unit to be described below), thereby allowing the transport tray 22 to move between a first position and a second position.

[0040] Figure 4A This is a perspective view showing the sheet feeding unit 106. The sheet feeding unit 106 includes a first side plate 70 and a second side plate 80. The first side plate 70 and the second side plate 80 support conveyor roller pairs 320 and 330. Rotating shafts 95 and 96 are supported between the first side plate 70 and the second side plate 80. When the rotating shafts 95 and 96 are rotated by a drive source (not shown), the conveyor roller pairs 320 and 330 rotate. Figure 4B It is along Figure 4A The cross-sectional view is taken by section line C and shows the guide groove of the first side plate 70, which is a first guide portion with an opening inside the first side plate 70. Figure 4BIn the first side plate 70, the guide groove includes horizontal portions 70a, 70b, and 70c, a forward inclined portion 70d, a rear inclined portion 70e, and a rear horizontal portion 70f. The horizontal portions 70a, 70b, and 70c guide the sliding portion 115b of the sheet feed cassette 115 to support the sheet feed cassette 115, allowing the sheet feed cassette 115 to slide in both the pull-out and insertion directions. The sliding portion 115b is the guided portion, which will be described below. The forward inclined portion 70d slidably guides the tray protrusion 61 of the conveyor tray 22.

[0041] The rear tilting portion 70e slidably guides the pallet protrusion 62 of the conveyor pallet 22. The rear horizontal portion 70f slidably guides the pallet protrusion 62 of the conveyor pallet 22, and when the conveyor pallet 22 is in the first position, the rear horizontal portion 70f supports the pallet protrusion 62 from the bottom.

[0042] Figure 4C It is along Figure 4A The sectional view taken by section line D in the diagram. For example... Figure 4C As shown, a guide groove, which is symmetrical in shape to the guide groove of the first side plate 70, is also provided on the inner side of the second side plate 80. The second side plate 80 includes horizontal portions 80a, 80b, and 80c, a forward inclined portion 80d, a rear inclined portion 80e, and a rear horizontal portion 80f, which serve as guide grooves. Similar to the first side plate 70, the tray protrusions 63 and 64 of the conveyor tray 22 are slidably guided along the guide groove of the second side plate 80.

[0043] Figure 5A and 5B This is a perspective view showing the sheet feed box 115. Figure 5A and 5B This is a perspective view showing the sheet feed box 115 as viewed from different directions. (See image.) Figure 5A As shown, a sliding part 115a is provided on one side of the sheet feed box 115, and a sliding part 115b is provided on the other side of the sheet feed box 115. The sliding parts 115a and 115b are slidable when the sheet feed box 115 is inserted into the sheet feed unit 106.

[0044] like Figure 5B As shown, the sheet feed cassette 115 includes positioning bosses 115c and 115d as positioning portions, and the positioning bosses 115c and 115d protrude downstream in the attachment direction. When the sheet feed cassette 115 is inserted into the sheet feed unit 106, the contact surface 106j between the sheet feed cassette 115 and the sheet feed unit 106 (see...) Figure 2B ) contact. The positioning part 106i of the sheet feed unit 106 (see Figure 2BThe sheet feed cassette 115 engages with positioning bosses 115c and 115d, thereby positioning the sheet feed cassette 115 relative to the sheet feed unit 106. The sheet feed cassette 115 includes a sensor rib 115e located on the rear (B) side of the sheet feed cassette 115. The sensor rib 115e is the detected part. When the sheet feed cassette 115 is attached to the sheet feed unit 106, the sensor rib 115e engages with the detection sensor (not shown) of the sheet feed unit 106. As a result, the imaging device 1 detects that the sheet feed cassette 115 is attached to the sheet feed unit 106.

[0045] The sheet feed cassette 115 also includes cassette contacts 115f and 115g located on the rear (B) side of the sheet feed cassette 115. The cassette contacts 115f and 115g are configured to contact the pallet contacts 69a and 69b of the transport pallet 22. The cassette contacts 115f and 115g are the contacts, and the pallet contacts 69a and 69b are the contacts. The pallet contacts 69a and 69b are located at the upstream end of the transport pallet 22 in the attachment direction of the sheet feed cassette 115.

[0046] Box rib 115j and box cam portion 115h are located on the right (R) side of the sheet feed box 115, and box rib 115k and box cam portion 115i are located on the left (L) side of the sheet feed box 115. Box ribs 115j and 115k are pressing portions. Box ribs 115j and 115k, as well as box cam portions 115h and 115i, are slidable relative to the conveyor tray cam portions 67b and 67a of the conveyor tray 22, respectively.

[0047] Next, locking components 75 and 85 will be described (see Figure 3A Locking members 75 and 85 are configured to position the conveyor tray 22 relative to the sheet feed unit 106.

[0048] The sheet feeding unit 106 includes locking members 75 and 85 and an operating lever 76 to hold the conveyor tray 22 in a first position. Locking members 75 and 85 are control members, and the operating lever 76 is an operating member configured to move the locking members 75 and 85. Locking member 75 is located inside the first side plate 70, while locking member 85 is located outside the second side plate 80.

[0049] Figure 6A and 6B The relationship between the locking member 85 and the operating lever 76 is shown. Figure 6A The image shows the conveyor tray 22 held in the first position. (As shown) Figure 6AAs shown, the locking member 85 includes a locking contact portion 85a, an inclined surface 85b, and a control portion 85c. The locking contact portion 85a contacts the operating lever 76, and the inclined surface 85b contacts the tray protrusion 63. When the transport tray 22 moves from the second position to the first position, the tray protrusion 63 is guided along the forward inclined portion 80d, thereby bringing the inclined surface 85b and the tray protrusion 63 into contact with each other.

[0050] An operating lever 76 is disposed at the front (F) of the locking member 85, and the operating lever 76 is slidable back and forth on the guide portion 80g of the second side plate 80. The operating lever 76 includes a contact portion 76a located on the rear side (B) and a pressed portion 76b located on the front side (F). A biasing spring 77 is configured to bias the locking member 85 in the direction R1.

[0051] During the movement of the transport pallet 22 from the second position to the first position, the pallet protrusion 63 rises and contacts the inclined surface 85b. Thereafter, the pallet protrusion 63 moves further upward, and the locking member 85 is pushed by the pallet protrusion 63 and rotates in direction R2. As the pallet protrusion 63 passes the inclined surface 85b, the locking member 85 rotates in direction R1 by the bias spring 77. At this point, the pallet protrusion 63 engages with the control unit 85c, thereby holding the transport pallet 22 in the first position.

[0052] lie in Figure 3A The locking member 75 on the left (L) is similar to the locking member 85, so its redundant description will be omitted. When the operating lever 76 is pressed, the locking member 75 moves in a similar manner to the locking member 85.

[0053] Next, we will refer to Figure 6B Describe how to unlock the conveyor tray 22 and move it from the first position to the second position. (Example) Figure 6B As shown, when the user presses the pressed portion 76b of the operating lever 76 in the rearward direction (direction B), the operating lever 76 moves in the rearward direction (direction B), and the locking member 85 rotates in direction R2 against the bias spring 77. At this time, the tray protrusion 63 separates from the control portion 85c of the locking member 85, and the tray protrusion 61 located on the left side (L) also separates from the locking member 75. As a result, the tray protrusions 61 to 64 descend along the guide grooves of the first side plate 70 and the second side plate 80, thereby moving the transport tray 22 to the second position. During the process of lowering the transport tray 22 to the second position, the transport tray 22 is lowered by a force greater than the weight of the transport tray 22, by means of the force of the bias springs (not shown) on the driven rollers of the biased transport tray 22 against the bias springs of 65 and 66.

[0054] Figure 2AThe image shows the sheet feed cassette 115 being pulled out of the sheet feed unit 106 and the transport tray 22 being in a first position. Subsequently, when the sheet feed cassette 115 is inserted into the sheet feed unit 106, the imaging device 1 is ready for printing. Figure 2B The diagram shows the sheet feed cassette 115 being pulled out of the sheet feed unit 106 and the transport tray 22 being in the second position. To prepare for printing, the transport tray 22 will move from the second position to the first position.

[0055] When the conveyor tray 22 is pushed in the rearward direction (direction B), the conveyor tray 22 moves obliquely upward along the guide groove, and the tray protrusions 61 and 63 are controlled by locking members 75 and 85 respectively, thereby keeping the conveyor tray 22 in the first position.

[0056] like Figure 2C As shown, when the sheet feed cassette 115 is inserted into the imaging device 1, the sheet feed cassette 115 can push the transport tray 22 in a rearward direction (direction B). First, in Figure 2B In this state, when the user moves the sheet feed box 115 in the rearward direction (direction B), the sheet feed box 115 contacts the conveyor tray 22, such as... Figure 2C As shown.

[0057] Figure 7 It shows from and Figure 2C Observing from different directions Figure 2C This is a perspective view of the state. In this state, the box contacts 115f and 115g of the sheet feed cassette 115 contact the tray contacts 69a and 69b of the transport tray 22. Conversely, since the recesses 68a, 68b, and 68c are provided in the transport tray 22, the positioning bosses 115c and 115d and the sensor rib 115e do not contact the transport tray 22.

[0058] In this state, when the sheet feed cassette 115 is inserted in the rearward direction (direction B), the sheet feed cassette 115 pushes the transport tray 22 in the rearward direction (direction B), and the transport tray 22 rises along the guide groove. Thereafter, the transport tray 22 is held in the first position, and the sheet feed cassette 115 is attached to the imaging device 1.

[0059] According to this exemplary embodiment, the positioning bosses 115c and 115d and the sensor rib 115e of the sheet feed cassette 115 are configured to not interfere with the transport tray 22 during the insertion of the sheet feed cassette 115 into the imaging device 1, even when the transport tray 22 is in the second position.

[0060] Therefore, the sheet feed cassette 115 can raise and move the transport tray 22 to a first position, and the sheet feed cassette 115 can be attached to the imaging device 1. This improves user operability.

[0061] Reference Figures 11A to 11C Description of comparative examples. According to this exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 3B As shown, the conveyor pallet 22 includes pallet contact portions 69a and 69b, and the pallet contact portions 69a and 69b are configured to respectively contact with... Figure 7 The box contacts 115f and 115g are shown in contact. The tray contacts 69a and 69b protrude from the transport tray 22. Therefore, the recesses 68a and 68c of the transport tray 22 are positioned corresponding to the positioning bosses 115d and 115c of the sheet feed box 115 in directions intersecting the attachment direction, and are configured not to contact the positioning bosses 115d and 115c. The box contacts 115f and 115g correspond to the tray contacts 69a and 69b, respectively, and each box contact has a shape extending in the height direction (vertical direction), such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0062] Conversely, the upstream portion 169 of the conveyor tray 220 according to the comparative example has, for example, the upstream portion 169 of the conveyor tray 220 ... according to the comparative example. Figure 11A The flat surface shown. Figure 11B This shows the state where the conveyor tray 220 is in the second position and the sheet feed cassette 115 is being inserted into the sheet feed unit 106. (Refer to the following...) Figure 11B Section line E in the middle is cut off Figure 11C Describe this state. The upstream portion 169 of the conveyor tray 220 slides below the positioning boss 115c of the sheet feed box 115.

[0063] In this state, when the sheet feed cassette 115 is further pushed in the rearward direction (direction B), the transport tray 220 attempts to rise in the upward direction (direction U) along the forward inclined portion 70d and the rear inclined portion 70e, which serve as guide grooves. However, the upstream portion 169 of the transport tray 220 interferes with the positioning boss 115c of the sheet feed cassette 115. This prevents the transport tray 220 from rising in the upward direction (direction U), and the user cannot insert the sheet feed cassette 115 into the imaging device 1. Therefore, the user must first remove the sheet feed cassette 115 from the imaging device 1, then grasp the transport tray 220 and raise it to the first position.

[0064] According to this exemplary embodiment, the tray contact portions 69a and 69b are as follows: Figure 3BThe sheet feed cassette 115 protrudes as shown, and the recesses 68a, 68b, and 68c are configured not to contact the sheet feed cassette 115. Therefore, even when the conveyor tray 22 is in the second position, the sheet feed cassette 115 pushes the conveyor tray 22 during insertion, allowing the conveyor tray 22 to move from the second position to the first position. (Refer to...) Figures 8A to 8D The details are described in 9A to 9D.

[0065] Reference Figures 8A to 8D Sections 9A to 9D describe how to move the conveyor tray 22 from the second position to the first position. Figure 8A It is along Figure 2C The sectional view taken by section line A in the diagram. Figure 9A It is along Figure 2C The sectional view taken by section line B in the diagram.

[0066] Figure 8A The sheet feed box 115 and the conveyor tray 22 are located in the same position as... Figure 9A The sheet feed box 115 and the conveyor tray 22 are in the same position. Similarly, Figure 8B , 8C The sheet feed box 115 and the conveyor tray 22 in 8D are respectively located at the same level as... Figure 9B , 9C It is in the same position as the sheet feed box 115 and the conveyor tray 22 in 9D.

[0067] exist Figure 8A and 9A In the middle, the conveyor pallet 22 is in the second position, while... Figure 8D and 9D In the middle, the conveyor pallet 22 is in the first position. Figure 8A , 8B The insertion of the sheet feed box 115 is shown sequentially in 8C and 8D. Although Figures 8A to 8D Figures 9A through 9D show the operation on the left (L), but the operation on the right (R) is similar to that on the left (L).

[0068] First, such as Figure 8A As shown, the box contact portion 115f of the sheet feed box 115 contacts the pallet contact portion 69a of the conveyor tray 22. Figure 8B As shown, when the sheet feed box 115 is inserted in the rearward direction (direction B), the tray contact portion 69a moves in the upward direction (direction U) along the box contact portion 115f while simultaneously moving in the rearward direction (direction B). At this time, as... Figure 9B As shown, tray protrusion 61 rises along the forward inclined portion 70d, and tray protrusion 62 rises along the rear inclined portion 70e.

[0069] Reference Figure 10Describe the shape of the box contact portion 115f. Figure 10 It shows Figure 8B The area near the box contact portion 115f shown. Assuming θ1 is the angle of the box contact portion 115f relative to the insertion direction (rearward direction or direction B) of the sheet feed box 115, and θ2 is the moving direction of the conveyor tray 22, satisfying the relationship θ1 > θ2, therefore the conveyor tray 22 moving in the rearward direction (direction B) can also move in the upward direction (direction U). Although the cross-sectional shape of the box contact portion 115f is in... Figure 10 The cross-section is a straight line, but the cross-sectional shape is not limited to a straight line; it can be a curved or bent shape.

[0070] like Figure 8C As shown, when the sheet feed cassette 115 is further inserted in the rearward direction (direction B), the conveyor tray cam portion 67a of the conveyor tray 22 slides into contact with the cassette rib 115k of the sheet feed cassette 115. At this time, as... Figure 9C As shown, the tray protrusion 62 engages with the rear horizontal portion 70f, thereby determining the position of the tray protrusion 62 in the height direction. At this time, the tray protrusion 61 contacts the locking member 75 but is not held.

[0071] like Figure 8D As shown, when the sheet feed cassette 115 is further inserted in the rearward direction (direction B) to attach the sheet feed cassette 115 to the sheet feed unit 106, the cassette cam portion 115i of the sheet feed cassette 115 moves in the rearward direction (direction B) while raising the transport tray cam portion 67a of the transport tray 22. At this time, the tray protrusion 61 is held by the locking member 75 after rising in the upward direction (direction U), so that the transport tray 22 is held in the first position.

[0072] As described above, according to this exemplary embodiment, even when the transport tray 22 is in the second position for releasing the sheet transport path P1, the sheet feed box 115 can be inserted into the imaging device 1 and the transport tray 22 can be moved to the first position for forming the sheet transport path P1.

[0073] Therefore, the user does not need to grasp the transport tray 22 and move it to the first position for forming the sheet transport path P1 before inserting the sheet feed cassette 115 into the imaging device 1. This improves operability.

[0074] Reference Figures 12A to 12C 13A to 13D describe a linkage member that moves the conveyor tray 22 to a first position by inserting the sheet feed box 115 without fully attaching the conveyor tray 22.

[0075] Figure 12AThe positional relationship between the linkage member 501, the conveyor tray 22, and the first side plate 70 is shown. The linkage member 501 is a connecting member. Figure 12B The area near the link member 501 is shown as viewed from the direction R of the main body of the imaging device 1. Figure 12C This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the area near the connecting rod member 501 as viewed from the direction L of the main body of the imaging device 1.

[0076] like Figure 12A , 12B As shown in Figure 12C, the support end 501a of the linkage member 501 engages with a tray protrusion 61 provided on the upstream side of the conveyor tray 22, and the support end 501b of the linkage member 501 is supported by a first side plate 70 in a manner that allows the support end 501b to move linearly. The support end 501a is the engagement portion, and the support end 501b is the fulcrum portion. Furthermore, the linkage member 501 includes a boss 501c. The boss 501c is a pressed portion that is pressed by a cam portion 115i to push the conveyor tray 22 upward toward the conveying position (upward direction or direction U). The cam portion 115i is the pressing portion. The boss 501c is provided between the support ends 501a and 501b in the longitudinal direction of the linkage member 501.

[0077] Figures 13A to 13D It is along Figure 12A A view of section CC in the figure shows the position where the conveyor tray 22 is removed from the jam ( Figure 13A (middle) move to the conveying position ( Figure 13D The process (in Chinese). For example... Figure 13A As shown, with the conveyor tray 22 in the jam-clearing position (second position), the support end 501a of the linkage member 501 moves along the moving path of the conveyor tray 22. Then, the support end 501a moves linearly along the linkage groove 70g of the first side plate 70 to a certain position in the F direction and is supported at that position by the first side plate 70.

[0078] like Figure 13B As shown, during the movement of the conveyor tray 22 to the conveying position, the support end 501a of the linkage member 501 moves along the moving path of the conveyor tray 22, moves linearly along the linkage groove 70g of the first side plate 70 to a certain position in direction B, and is supported at that position by the first side plate 70.

[0079] like Figure 13CAs shown, just before the conveyor tray 22 is locked in the first position, the support end 501a of the linkage member 501 moves along the movement path of the conveyor tray 22, linearly moving along the linkage groove 70g of the first side plate 70 to a certain position in direction B, and is supported at that position by the first side plate 70. If the conveyor tray 22 is not fully pushed into the locking position during the process of moving the conveyor tray 22 from the jam removal position to the conveying position, inserting the sheet feed box 115 can push the conveyor tray 22 into the first position.

[0080] When the sheet feed box 115 moves along direction B, the box cam portion 115i pushes the boss 501c of the connecting rod member 501 along direction U. The connecting rod member 501... Figure 12C The support end 501b shown is the pivot point along... Figure 13C The conveyor rotates clockwise and pushes the conveyor tray 22 toward the conveying position (direction U) via the support end 501a. As a result, the support end 501a causes the tray protrusion 61 to reach the controlled position where the tray protrusion 61 contacts the locking member 75. At this time, the locking member 75 engages with the tray protrusion 61 and holds the conveyor tray 22 in the first position.

[0081] like Figure 13D As shown, after the sheet feed box 115 is inserted into the conveying position while the conveying pallet 22 is in the conveying position, the boss 501c separates from the sheet feed box 115, and the connecting rod member 501 is supported by the pallet protrusion 61 of the conveying pallet 22 and the connecting rod groove 70g of the first side plate 70.

[0082] The connecting rod member 501 can be disposed in the second side plate 80 in the R direction. Alternatively, the connecting rod member 501 can be disposed in the first side plate 70 and the second side plate 80.

[0083] The linkage member 501 enables a configuration in which the conveyor tray 22 is reliably moved to a first position by inserting the sheet feed box 115 when the conveyor tray 22 is not fully attached.

[0084] In this exemplary embodiment, a configuration in which a tray protrusion 61 protruding in the axial direction of the conveyor tray 22 moves via a linkage member 501 from the sheet feed cassette 115 has been described. Without the linkage member 501, for example, ribs protruding from the conveyor tray 22 in direction D could be provided in the conveyor tray 22. To raise the conveyor tray 22 using these ribs protruding in direction D, the height of the ribs extending from the conveyor tray 22 in direction D would be increased to the height of the opening for insertion into the sheet feed cassette 115. This makes it difficult to ensure a large clearance space for jamming. Therefore, the configuration according to this exemplary embodiment is more advantageous in terms of size reduction.

[0085] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, the imaging apparatus comprising: A storage unit configured to be attached to and detached from the imaging device, and to store sheet material; A conveying component configured to convey sheets stored in a storage unit; An imaging unit is configured to form an image on a sheet conveyed by a transport member; and A conveying unit, arranged above the storage unit, is configured to convey the sheet to the conveying member and move between a first position for conveying the sheet and a second position retracting downward from the first position. The storage unit includes a positioning portion that protrudes downstream relative to the imaging device in the attachment direction of the storage unit, and the engagement of the positioning portion with the positioning portion of the imaging device positions the storage unit relative to the imaging device. The conveying unit includes a contact portion and a recessed portion. The contact portion is located at an upstream end in the attachment direction and is configured to contact the storage unit. The recessed portion is located at a position corresponding to the positioned portion and is recessed downstream from the contact portion in the attachment direction. Specifically, when the contact portion of the conveying unit contacts the storage unit and the conveying unit moves from the second position to the first position via the storage unit, the positioned portion does not contact the recessed portion of the conveying unit. The imaging device also includes a contact surface configured to contact a storage unit to be attached to the imaging device. The positioning part is a positioning hole in the contact surface that opens along the attachment direction. The positioning part is a boss that can be inserted into the positioning hole. The plurality of protrusions include the protrusions and are arranged in a direction intersecting the attachment direction, and The recessed portion, including the recessed portion, is provided corresponding to the plurality of protrusions in a direction intersecting the attachment direction.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The multiple contact portions of the conveying unit include the contact portions and are arranged in a direction intersecting the attachment direction, and In the case where the plurality of contact portions of the conveying unit are in contact with the storage unit, the plurality of contact portions are positioned at positions corresponding to the positions between the plurality of bosses.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, When the conveying unit is moved from the second position to the first position via the storage unit, the portion of the storage unit that contacts the contact portion of the conveying unit also includes a contacted portion having a shape that extends in the height direction.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The conveying unit also includes a driven roller configured to be driven to convey the sheet.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, further comprising a first guide unit, in, The conveying unit also includes a first guided portion protruding in the axial direction of the driven roller, and the first guided portion is configured to guide the first guided portion as the conveying unit moves from a first position to a second position.

6. The imaging apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a control member configured to control the first guided portion to hold the delivery unit in the first position.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein, The conveying unit also includes a second guided portion, which is arranged downstream of the first guided portion in the attachment direction and protrudes in the axial direction of the driven roller.

8. An imaging apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, the imaging apparatus comprising: A storage unit configured to be attached to and detached from the imaging device, and to store sheet material; A conveying component configured to convey sheets stored in a storage unit; An imaging unit is configured to form an image on a sheet conveyed by a transport member; and A conveying unit, arranged above the storage unit, is configured to convey sheets to a conveying member and move between a first position for conveying the sheets and a second position retracting downwards from the first position. The linkage component is configured to contact the storage unit and move the transport unit by contacting the storage unit. During the process of attaching the storage unit to the imaging device, the linkage component moves the transport unit located at the second position to the first position by contacting the storage unit. The conveying unit includes a driven roller configured to be driven to convey the sheet material. The imaging device also includes a first guide section. The conveying unit further includes a first guided portion protruding in the axial direction of the driven roller, and the first guided portion is configured to guide the first guided portion as the conveying unit moves from a first position to a second position. The imaging device also includes a control member configured to control the first guided portion to hold the delivery unit in a first position, wherein the linkage member includes a engagement portion configured to engage with the first guided portion, a fulcrum portion serving as a pivot point, and a pressing portion disposed in the longitudinal direction of the linkage member between the engagement portion and the fulcrum portion and configured to be pressed upward by the storage unit. The storage unit includes a pressing part configured to press the pressed part during the process of attaching the storage unit to the imaging device.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein, During the process of attaching the storage unit to the imaging device, the pressing part presses the pressed part to cause the linkage member to pivot about the fulcrum part, and the pivoting of the linkage member causes the engagement part to move the first guided part to a control position in which the first guided part contacts the control member.

10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein, After the first guided part is moved to a control position where the first guided part contacts the control member at the joint, the pressing part separates from the pressed part so that the linkage member is supported by the first guided part.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein, The conveying unit also includes a second guided portion, which is arranged downstream of the first guided portion in the attachment direction of the storage unit and protrudes in the axial direction of the driven roller.

Images