Accommodating system including accommodating unit accommodating recording material

Abstract

A storage system including a storage unit that stores a recording material is disclosed. The present invention guides the accommodating portion so as not to hinder insertion when the housing is inserted. The accommodation system includes an accommodation unit configured to hold a recording material and a connection unit connected to a lower portion of the accommodation unit. The accommodating unit comprises: a housing; and an accommodating portion configured to accommodate the recording material and movable between a first position pulled out from the housing and a second position inserted into the housing. The connecting unit includes a guide portion configured to guide movement of the accommodating portion. The accommodating portion is in contact with the guide portion and is guided upward in movement from the first position to the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing system including a housing unit for housing a recording material. Background Art

[0002] The image forming apparatus discussed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-108080 includes a housing unit capable of housing a recording material and a connection unit connected to the lower part of the housing unit as an option of the image forming apparatus. The housing unit includes a housing part for housing the recording material and a housing for supporting the housing part, and the housing part can be pulled out from and inserted into the housing.

[0003] In the image forming apparatus, it is desirable to guide the housing part in such a manner that the insertion of the housing part is not hindered when the housing part sags due to its own weight during insertion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention aims to guide the housing part in such a manner that the insertion of the housing part is not hindered during the process of inserting the housing part into the housing.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a housing system includes a housing unit configured to house a recording material and a connection unit configured to be connected to a lower part of the housing unit. The housing unit includes: a housing; and a housing part configured to house the recording material and movable between a first position and a second position, where, in the first position, the housing part is pulled out from the housing, and in the second position, the housing part is inserted into the housing. The connection unit includes a guiding part configured to guide the movement of the housing part. During the movement of the housing part from the first position to the second position in a first direction, the housing part contacts the guiding part and is guided upward.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an image forming unit according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a perspective view of a housing part according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4A And Figure 4B is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5A And Figure 5B is a perspective view of a first accommodating unit according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6A , Figure 6B And Figure 6C are a perspective view of a first accommodating unit and a perspective view of a first accommodating portion according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a support unit according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8A And Figure 8B are a plan view of an accommodating portion and a first accommodating unit according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9A And Figure 9B are a plan view of an accommodating unit and a connection unit according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10A And Figure 10B are a plan view of a first accommodating unit and a second accommodating unit according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11A And Figure 11B are a plan view of a second accommodating unit and a support unit according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figures 12A to 12C is a perspective view of a first accommodating unit according to a modified example. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the following exemplary embodiments should be appropriately changed according to the configuration and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0021] In the following description and the drawings, when the image forming unit 1 is mounted on a horizontal plane, the vertical direction is defined as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction, that is, the pulling-out direction and the inserting direction of the accommodating portion 30 described below, is defined as the X direction. The direction intersecting both the Z direction and the X direction is defined as the Y direction.

[0022] The axial direction of the photosensitive drum 51 described below is the Y direction. The X and Y directions are preferably horizontal. In addition, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are preferably orthogonal to each other. Further, as needed, the directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in each figure are referred to as the +X side, +Y side, and +Z side, respectively, and their opposite sides are referred to as the -X side, -Y side, and -Z side, respectively. In the following description, the +X direction may be referred to as the first direction, but the +X direction and the first direction are the same direction.

[0023] The first direction is also the direction from the first position to the second position, which will be described below. In the following description, the Y direction may be referred to as the second direction.

[0024] <Configuration of the image forming unit>

[0025] will be described with reference to Figure 1 the configuration of the image forming unit 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the image forming unit 1. The image forming unit 1 is a unit (accommodation system) including an image forming apparatus 1a, a first accommodation unit 100, a second accommodation unit 200, and a support unit 300.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 1a is a monochrome laser beam printer that forms an image on a recording material by an electrophotographic method. In the present exemplary embodiment, a laser beam printer is described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to image forming apparatuses such as copiers or inkjet printers.

[0027] The first accommodation unit 100 is a unit that can be connected to the lower part (the end on the -Z direction side) of the image forming apparatus 1a. The first accommodation unit 100 is an accommodation part capable of accommodating a recording material and can convey the recording material toward the image forming apparatus 1a. Therefore, by connecting the first accommodation unit 100 to the image forming apparatus 1a, the number of sheets of the recording material to be accommodated can be increased, thereby improving the usability for the user.

[0028] The second accommodation unit 200 is a unit that can be connected to the lower part (the end on the -Z direction side) of the first accommodation unit 100. The second accommodation unit 200 is an accommodation part capable of accommodating a recording material and can convey the recording material toward the first accommodation unit 100.

[0029] Therefore, by connecting the second accommodation unit 200 to the image forming apparatus 1a, the number of sheets of the recording material to be accommodated can be increased, thereby improving the usability for the user.

[0030] The support unit 300 is a unit that can be connected to the lower part (the end on the -Z direction side) of the second accommodation unit 200. The support unit 300 is a support part of the image forming apparatus 1a to which the first accommodation unit 100 and the second accommodation unit 200 are connected. The support unit 300 is provided with casters 301 and can move the image forming unit 1, thereby improving user usability.

[0031] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>

[0032] Next, with reference to Figure 1 the image forming apparatus 1a will be described. The image forming apparatus 1a includes a housing 76, a cartridge 50, an accommodation part 30, a paper feed roller 12, a first transfer roller 13, a separation roller 36, a second transfer roller pair 41, a transfer roller 52, a fixing unit 6, a discharge roller 8, a stacking unit 9, and a scanner 53. In addition, the cartridge 50 includes a photosensitive drum 51 and a developing roller 54. The accommodation part 30 is an accommodation part capable of accommodating a recording material.

[0033] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1a will be described. The scanner 53 irradiates the photosensitive drum 51 with light corresponding to an image signal to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 54 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 51 using the developer contained in the cartridge 50. Thus, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0034] In parallel with this image forming operation, the paper feed roller 12 conveys a bundle (S) of recording materials accommodated in the accommodation part 30 to the first transfer roller 13 and the separation roller 36. The separation roller 36 separates one recording material from the bundle of recording materials sent out from the paper feed roller 12. The separated recording material is conveyed to the second transfer roller pair 41 by the first transfer roller 13 and the separation roller 36. The second transfer roller pair 41 conveys the recording material to the clamping part formed by the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 52.

[0035] The transfer roller 52 transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 51 to the recording material conveyed to the clamping part. The fixing unit 6 fixes the toner image by heating and pressing the recording material onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roller 52. In addition, the fixing unit 6 conveys the recording material on which the toner image has been fixed to the discharge roller 8. The discharge roller 8 discharges the recording material conveyed from the fixing unit 6 to the stacking unit 9.

[0036] Next, with reference to Figure 2A and Figure 2B the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1a will be described. Figure 2A and Figure 2B are perspective views of the image forming apparatus 1a. In Figure 2A and 2BSome components of the image forming apparatus 1a are omitted.

[0037] As Figure 2A shown, the image forming apparatus 1a has a housing 76. The housing 76 has a main body right frame 90R (first frame) and a main body left frame 90L (second frame).

[0038] In addition, as Figure 2B shown, the main body right frame 90R has a support portion (right support portion) 80R, positioning holes 85c and 85d. In addition, the main body left frame 90L has a support portion (left support portion) 80L, positioning holes 85a, 85b, and a connector connection portion 87. In addition, the housing 76 has a connection portion 64.

[0039] The main body right frame 90R and the main body left frame 90L are members extending in the X direction and the Z direction, and are formed of a metal plate in the present exemplary embodiment. The main body right frame 90R supports the end portion of the cassette 50 on the +Y direction side, and the main body left frame 90L supports the end portion of the cassette 50 on the -Y direction side. The cassette 50 is disposed between the main body right frame 90R and the main body left frame 90L in the second direction (Y direction). In addition, the cassette 50 can also be removed from the main body right frame 90R and the main body left frame 90L. That is, the cassette 50 can be attached to the housing 76 and detached from the housing 76.

[0040] The connection portion 64 is a connection member connected to each of the main body right frame 90R and the main body left frame 90L, and is formed of a metal plate in the present exemplary embodiment. The end portion on the +Y direction side of the connection portion 64 is connected to the end portion on the -Z direction side of the main body right frame 90R. The end portion on the -Y direction side of the connection portion 64 is connected to the end portion on the -Z direction side of the main body left frame 90L. The distance between the downstream end portion of the housing 76 in the +X direction and the connection portion 64 is shorter than the distance between the upstream end portion of the housing 76 in the +X direction and the connection portion 64. In addition, the connection portion 64 (downstream connection portion) is located downstream of the support portion 80R and the support portion 80L in the +X direction. In addition, the upper end portion of the connection portion 64 is located below the upper end portion of the first guide portion 173 described below. In addition, a part of the connection portion 64 is located below the contact surface 80Rb and the contact surface 80Lb described below.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the accommodation portion 30 will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 4B FIGs. Figure 3A and Figure 3B are perspective views of the accommodation portion 30, respectively. Figure 4A and Figure 4B are perspective views of the image forming apparatus 1a, respectively. As Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, the accommodating portion 30 has a front plate 30F, a rear plate (first rear end) 30B, a supported portion 30R, and a supported portion 30L. The front plate 30F is located at the end portion of the accommodating portion 30 on the -X direction side. The rear plate 30B is located at the end portion of the accommodating portion 30 on the +X direction side. The supported portion 30R is located at the end portion of the accommodating portion 30 on the +Y direction side. The supported portion 30L is located at the end portion of the accommodating portion 30 on the -Y direction side.

[0042] As Figure 4B shown, the supported portion 30R and the supported portion 30L are in contact with the support portion 80R and the support portion 80L, and are respectively supported by the support portion 80R and the support portion 80L. More specifically, the end portion of the supported portion 30R on the -Z direction side is in contact with the contact surface 80Rb which is the end portion of the support portion 80R on the +Z direction side, and the end portion of the supported portion 30L on the -Z direction side is in contact with the contact surface 80Lb which is the end portion of the support portion 80L on the +Z direction side. It can also be said that the main body right frame 90R supports the supported portion 30R, and the main body left frame 90L supports the supported portion 30L. It can also be said that the accommodating portion 30 is supported by the housing 76. That is, the accommodating portion 30 is connected to each of the main body right frame 90R and the main body left frame 90L. In addition, the accommodating portion 30 is located between the main body right frame 90R and the main body left frame 90L in the second direction.

[0043] As Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown, the accommodating portion 30 can move relative to the housing 76 to be in the first position (pull-out position) where the accommodating portion 30 is pulled out from the housing 76 ( Figure 4B ). In addition, the accommodating portion 30 can move relative to the housing 76 to be in the second position (insertion position) where the accommodating portion 30 is inserted into the housing 76 ( Figure 4A ). That is, the accommodating portion 30 can move relative to the housing 76 between the first position and the second position. By moving in the +X direction (insertion direction) relative to the housing 76, the accommodating portion 30 can move from the first position to the second position. In addition, by moving in the -X direction (pull-out direction) relative to the housing 76, the accommodating portion 30 can move from the second position to the first position.

[0044] <Configuration of the accommodating unit>

[0045] Next, the configurations of the first accommodating unit 100 and the second accommodating unit 200 will be described with reference to Figure 1 and Figures 5A to 6C . Figure 5A and Figure 5B are perspective views of the first accommodating unit 100.

[0046] Figure 6Ais a perspective view of the first accommodating unit 100. Figure 6B and Figure 6C is a perspective view of the first accommodating portion 130 described below.

[0047] The first accommodating unit 100 includes a first accommodating portion 130 capable of accommodating recording materials and a housing 176. The first accommodating portion 130 has the same configuration as the above-described accommodating portion 30. The first accommodating portion 130 includes a front plate 130F, a rear plate 130B, a first supported portion 130R, and a first supported portion 130L. The front plate 130F, the rear plate 130B, the first supported portion 130R, and the first supported portion 130L respectively correspond to the front plate 30F, the rear plate 30B, the supported portion 30R, and the supported portion 30L of the accommodating portion 30. Therefore, since the description of the accommodating portion 30 also applies to the first accommodating portion 130, the description of the first accommodating portion 130 will be omitted.

[0048] The first housing 176 includes a right side plate 167 (third frame), a left side plate 166 (fourth frame), first engagement pins 170 (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d), a connector 186, a first connector connection portion 187, a right cover 171a, a left cover 171b, a rear cover 171c, first guide portions 173 (173a, 173b), a first connection portion 163, a second guide portion 165, and a second connection portion 164. As Figure 1 shown, the first housing 176 has a first paper feed roller 112, a third transfer roller 113, a first separation roller 136, and a fourth transfer roller pair 141.

[0049] The first paper feed roller 112 transfers a bundle of recording materials (S) accommodated in the first accommodating portion 130 to the third transfer roller 113 and the first separation roller 136. The first separation roller 136 separates one recording material from the bundle of recording materials sent out from the first paper feed roller 112. The separated recording material is transferred to the fourth transfer roller pair 141 by the third transfer roller 113 and the first separation roller 136. The fourth transfer roller pair 141 transfers the recording material toward the second transfer roller pair 41.

[0050] The first engagement pins 170a to 170d are provided on the top surface of the first accommodating unit 100 and engage with the positioning holes 85a, positioning hole 85b, positioning hole 85c, and positioning hole 85d of the above-described image forming apparatus 1a. Therefore, the first accommodating unit 100 is connected to the lower portion of the image forming apparatus 1a. The connector 186 is connected to the above-described connector connection portion 87. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1a and the first accommodating unit 100 are electrically connected to each other. The first connector connection portion 187 is connected to a second connector 286 described below. Therefore, the second accommodating unit 200 and the first accommodating unit 100 are electrically connected to each other.

[0051] As Figure 5A and Figure 6A shown, the first connecting portion 163 is connected to each of the right side plate 167 and the left side plate 166 so as to be located between the right side plate 167 and the left side plate 166 in the second direction. Similarly, the second connecting portion 164 is also connected to each of the right side plate 167 and the left side plate 166 so as to be located between the right side plate 167 and the left side plate 166. The first connecting portion 163 constitutes an end portion on the upper side (+Z direction side) of the first accommodating unit 100, and the second connecting portion 164 constitutes an end portion on the lower side (-Z direction side) of the first accommodating unit 100. In addition, the end portion of the first connecting portion 163 on the -X direction side is located upstream of the first guiding portion 173 in the +X direction. The first connecting portion 163 is located downstream of the first supporting portion (first right supporting portion) 180R and the first supporting portion (first left supporting portion) 180L described below in the first direction. The second connecting portion 164 (second downstream connecting portion) is located downstream of the first supporting portions 180R and 180L described below in the first direction. In addition, the upper end portion of the second connecting portion 164 is located below the upper end portion of the third guiding portion 273 described below. That is to say, it can be said that the first guiding portion 173 is located above the second connecting portion 164. In addition, a part of the connecting portion 164 is located below the first contact surface 180Rb and the first contact surface 180Lb described below.

[0052] As Figure 6A shown, the right side plate 167 has a first supporting portion 180R, and the left side plate 166 has a first supporting portion 180L. The first supported portion 130R and the first supported portion 130L are respectively supported by the first supporting portion 180R and the first supporting portion 180L. More specifically, the end portion of the first supported portion 130R on the -Z direction side contacts the first contact surface 180Rb which is the end portion of the first supporting portion 180R on the +Z direction side, and the end portion of the first supported portion 130L on the -Z direction side contacts the first contact surface 180Lb which is the end portion of the first supporting portion 180L on the +Z direction side. That is to say, it can be said that the right side plate 167 supports the first supported portion 130R, and the left side plate 166 supports the first supported portion 130L. It can also be said that the first accommodating portion 130 is supported by the first housing 176.

[0053] As Figure 5B shown, the first accommodating portion 130 can move in the +X direction relative to the first housing 176 to be in a third position (pulled-out position) where the first accommodating portion 130 is pulled out from the first housing 176. In addition, as Figure 5AAs shown, the first receiving part 130 can move in the -X direction relative to the first housing 176 to be in the fourth position (insertion position) where the first receiving part 30 is inserted into the first housing 176. That is, the first receiving part 130 can move between the third position and the fourth position relative to the first housing 176.

[0054] In addition, as Figure 6A shown, the first receiving unit 100 has a first positioning hole 185a, a first positioning hole 185b, a first positioning hole 185c, and a first positioning hole 185d. The first positioning holes 185a to 185d are respectively connected to second engaging pins 270a to 270d included in the second receiving unit 200 described below. Therefore, the second receiving unit 200 is connected to the lower part of the first receiving unit 100.

[0055] Next, with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 5A and 5B the configuration of the first guiding part 173 will be described. As Figure 5A and 5B shown, the rear cover (outer part) 171c is the outer part of the downstream end and the upper end on the first direction side in the first receiving unit 100. The rear cover 171c includes the first guiding part 173. The first guiding part 173 contacts the upper end part of the first connecting part 163 and is located above the first connecting part 163. In addition, the first guiding part 173 constitutes the end part on the upper side (+Z direction side) of the first receiving unit 100. In addition, the first guiding part 173 is located between the right side plate 167 and the left side plate 166 in the Y direction.

[0056] As Figure 1 shown, the first guiding part 173a and the first guiding part 173b respectively have a first contact surface 175a and a first contact surface 175b. The first contact surface 175 constitutes the end part of the first guiding part 173 on the +Z direction side. In addition, the first contact surface 175 extends upward as it extends along the first direction. The functions of the first guiding parts 173a and 173b will be described below.

[0057] Next, the second guiding part (guiding part) 165 will be described. The second guiding part 165 is provided at the upstream end of the first connecting part 163 in the first direction. The second guiding part 165 can be integrated with the first connecting part 163 and can be the upstream end part of the first connecting part 163 in the first direction. An inclined surface 165a is formed at the end of the second guiding part 165 on the +Z direction side, and the inclined surface 165a extends upward as it extends in the first direction. In addition, the second guiding part 165 is located upstream of the first guiding part 173 and the connecting part 64 in the first direction. In addition, the second guiding part 165 is located below the first guiding part 173. The function of the second guiding part 165 will be described below.

[0058] Next, with reference to Figure 1 and Figures 5A to 6C the configuration of the second accommodating unit 200 will be described. The second accommodating unit 200 differs from the first accommodating unit 100 only in that the second accommodating unit 200 does not include the second guiding part 165 included in the first accommodating unit 100, and other configurations are the same as those of the first accommodating unit.

[0059] The second accommodating unit 200 includes a second accommodating part 230 and a second housing 276. The second accommodating part 230 includes a front plate 230F, a rear plate 230B, a second supported part 230R, and a second supported part 230L. The second accommodating part 230 has the same configuration as the above-mentioned accommodating part 30. That is, the front plate 230F, the rear plate 230B, the second supported part 230R, and the second supported part 230L respectively correspond to the front plate 30F, the rear plate 30B, the supported part 30R, and the supported part 30L of the accommodating part 30. Therefore, since the description of the accommodating part 30 also applies to the second accommodating part 230, the description will be omitted.

[0060] In addition, the second housing 276 includes a second right side plate 267 (fifth frame), a second left side plate 266 (sixth frame), second coupling pins 270 (270a, 270b, 270c, 270d), a second connector 286, a second connector connecting part 287, a second right cover 271a, a second left cover 271b, a second rear cover 271c, a third guiding part 273 (273a, 273b), a third connecting part 263, and a fourth connecting part 264. In addition, the second housing 276 has a second paper feed roller 212, a fifth transfer roller 213, a second separation roller 236, and a sixth transfer roller pair 241.

[0061] In addition, the third guiding part 273a and the third guiding part 273b respectively include a second contact surface 275a and a second contact surface 275b.

[0062] In addition, the second right side plate 267 has a second support portion (second right side support portion) 280R, and the second left side plate 266 has a first support portion (second left side support portion) 280L.

[0063] In addition, the second accommodation unit 200 has second positioning holes 285a to 285d. The second positioning holes 285a to 285d are respectively connected to third engagement pins 380a to 380d included in the support unit 300 described below. Accordingly, the support unit 300 is connected to the lower portion of the second accommodation unit 200.

[0064] As Figure 5B shown, the second accommodation portion 230 can move in the -X direction relative to the second housing 276 to be in a fifth position (pull-out position) where the second accommodation portion 230 is pulled out from the second housing 276, and as Figure 5A shown, it can move in the +X direction relative to the second housing 276 to be in a sixth position (insertion position) where the second accommodation portion 230 is inserted into the second housing 276. That is, the second accommodation portion 230 can move between the fifth position and the sixth position relative to the second housing 276.

[0065] Since each configuration of the above-described second accommodation unit 200 is the same as that of the first accommodation unit 100, its description will be omitted.

[0066] <Configuration of Support Unit 300>

[0067] Next, the configuration of the support unit 300 will be described with reference to Figure 7 description. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the support unit 300. The support unit 300 includes fourth guide portions 373a and 373b, third engagement pins 380a to 380d, and casters 301a to 301d.

[0068] The fourth guide portion 373 forms an end portion of the support unit 300 on the +Z direction side. The fourth guide portion 373a and the fourth guide portion 373b respectively have a third contact surface 375a and a third contact surface 375b. The third contact surfaces 375a to 375b form an end portion of the fourth guide portion 373 on the +Z direction side. In addition, each of the third contact surface 375a and the third contact surface 375b extends upward as it extends in the first direction.

[0069] <Drooping of Accommodation Portion 30>

[0070] Next, the drooping of the accommodation portion 30 during insertion will be described with reference to Figure 8A and Figure 8B description. Figure 8A and Figure 8BThey are respectively the plan views of the accommodating portion 30 and the first accommodating unit 100.

[0071] In the following description, a unit capable of accommodating a recording material may be referred to as an accommodating unit, and a unit connected below the accommodating unit may be referred to as a connecting unit. For example, the image forming apparatus 1a according to the present exemplary embodiment may be referred to as an accommodating unit, and the first accommodating unit 100 may be referred to as a connecting unit. Further, the first accommodating unit 100 may be referred to as an accommodating unit, and the second accommodating unit 200 may be referred to as a connecting unit. Further, the second accommodating unit 200 may be referred to as an accommodating unit, and the support unit 300 may be referred to as a connecting unit.

[0072] A case where the accommodating portion 30 of the image forming apparatus 1a (accommodating unit) sags toward the first accommodating unit 100 (connecting unit) will be described.

[0073] As Figure 8A shown, when the accommodating portion 30 moves from the first position to the second position, the +X direction side of the accommodating portion 30 may sag in the -Z direction. The reason for the sagging of the accommodating portion 30 is related to, for example, the number of sheets of the recording material accommodated in the accommodating portion 30, the configuration of the support portion 80, and the space 500 described below.

[0074] First, with reference to Figure 8A and Figure 8B the arrangement of the support portion 80 will be described. The end portion 80Re is the downstream end portion of the support portion 80R in the first direction (+X direction). The end portion 80Le is the downstream end portion of the support portion 80L in the first direction (+X direction). The end portion 90Rb is the downstream end portion of the main body right frame 90R in the first direction (+X direction). The end portion 90Lb is the downstream end portion of the main body left frame 90L in the first direction (+X direction). The end portion 90Rf is the upstream end portion of the main body right frame 90R in the first direction (+X direction). The end portion 90Lf is the upstream end portion of the main body left frame 90L in the first direction (+X direction).

[0075] As Figure 8A and Figure 8B shown, the shortest length between the end portion 80Re and the end portion 90Rf in the first direction is shorter than the shortest length between the end portion 80Re and the end portion 90Rb in the first direction. Further, as Figure 8A and Figure 8B shown, the shortest length between the end portion 80Le and the end portion 90Lf in the first direction is shorter than the shortest length between the end portion 80Le and the end portion 90Lb in the first direction.

[0076] Next, with reference to Figures 8A to 9B the space 500 will be described. Figure 9A and Figure 9BIt is a plan view showing a part of the accommodation unit and a part of the connection unit.

[0077] As Figure 9A shown, a space 500 exists between the inside of the image forming apparatus 1a and the first accommodation unit 100. The space 500 is located between the main body right frame 90R and the main body left frame 90L in the second direction (Y direction). Further, the length of the space 500 in the second direction is longer than the length of the rear plate 30B in the second direction, and the rear plate 30B is the downstream end of the accommodation portion 30 in the first direction (+X direction side). Further, as Figure 9A and Figure 9B shown, the length of the space 500 in the first direction is shorter than the length of the accommodation portion 30 in the first direction. Further, the length of the space 500 in the first direction is longer than the length of the support portion 80 in the first direction.

[0078] The space 500 is located downstream in the first direction with respect to the support portion 80R and the support portion 80L. Further, as Figure 8A and Figure 8B shown, the space 500 is located below the support portion 80R and the support portion 80L in the vertical direction. Further, as Figure 8A and Figure 8B shown, the space 500 is located above the first accommodation portion 130 in the vertical direction.

[0079] As Figure 9B shown, the space 500 is located below the support portion 80R and the support portion 80L. When viewed from the first direction, the space 500 overlaps with each of the connection portion 64, the first guide portion 173, and the second guide portion 165.

[0080] During the process of moving the accommodation portion 30 from the first position to the second position, the rear plate 30B, which is the end of the accommodation portion 30 on the first direction side, reaches downstream of the support portion 80R and the support portion 80L in the first direction. In the case where the accommodation portion 30 further moves in the first direction, the rear plate 30B enters the space 500 and moves downward ( Figure 8A ). At this time, at least a part of the accommodation portion 30 enters the space 500 and is located below the upper end of the connection portion 64.

[0081] In the case where the first guide portion 173 and the second guide portion 165 are not provided in the first accommodation unit 100, the rear plate 30B may interfere with the upstream end of the connection portion 64 in the first direction or the upstream end of the first connection portion 163 in the first direction, and may hinder the insertion of the accommodation portion 30. Further, in the case where the number of sheets of the recording material accommodated in the accommodation portion 30 is large, the weight of the entire accommodation portion 30 increases, and thus the possibility of sagging further increases.

[0082] Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first guiding portion 173 and the second guiding portion 165 are arranged in such a manner as not to hinder the insertion of the accommodating portion 30. The first guiding portion 173 and the second guiding portion 165 are located in the space 500. More specifically, the first contact surface 175 of the first guiding portion 173 and the inclined surface 165a of the second guiding portion 165 are located in the space 500.

[0083] During the process of the accommodating portion 30 moving from the first position to the second position, the rear plate 30B of the accommodating portion 30 enters the space 500. In addition, when the accommodating portion 30 moves from the first position to the second position, the accommodating portion 30 comes into contact with each of the first guiding portion 173 and the second guiding portion 165 and is guided upward. More specifically, during the process of the accommodating portion 30 moving from the first position to the second position, the accommodating portion 30 is guided upward by contacting the first contact surface 175 of the first guiding portion 173 and the inclined surface 165a of the second guiding portion 165.

[0084] The upper end of the first guiding portion 173 is higher than the connecting portion 64. Therefore, the accommodating portion 30 is guided by the first guiding portion 173 to a position above the connecting portion 64. As a result, contact between the accommodating portion 30 and the accommodating portion 130 and the connecting portion 64 is prevented. Finally, the accommodating portion 30 can reach the second position, as Figure 8B shown. When the accommodating portion 30 is in the second position, the downstream end portion of the accommodating portion 30 is downstream of the upstream end portion of the connecting portion 64 in the +X direction.

[0085] It can also be said that the first guiding portion 173 and the second guiding portion 165 are guiding members that come into contact with the accommodating portion 30 and guide the accommodating portion 30 upward during the process of the accommodating portion 30 moving from the first position to the second position.

[0086] <Drooping of the accommodating portion 130>

[0087] In the above description, the drooping of the accommodating portion 30 has been described. The case where the first accommodating portion 130 of the first accommodating unit 100 (accommodating unit) droops toward the second accommodating unit 200 (connecting unit) will be described. The above description of the drooping of the accommodating portion 30 also applies to the drooping of the first accommodating portion 130, and thus its detailed description will be omitted.

[0088] During the process of the first receiving portion 130 moving from the third position to the fourth position, the rear plate 130B of the first receiving portion 130 enters the space 1000. In addition, when the first receiving portion 130 moves from the third position to the fourth position, the first receiving portion 30 contacts the third guiding portion 273 and is guided upward. More specifically, the first receiving portion 130 is guided upward by contacting the second contact surface 275 of the third guiding portion 273. As Figure 10B shown, the first receiving portion 130 can reach the fourth position by being guided by the third guiding portion 273.

[0089] The upper end of the third guiding portion 273 is higher than the second connecting portion 164. Therefore, the first receiving portion 130 is guided by the third guiding portion 273 to a position above the second connecting portion 164. As a result, contact between the first receiving portion 130 and the second receiving portion 230 and the second connecting portion 164 is prevented. Finally, the first receiving portion 130 can reach the fourth position, as Figure 10B shown. When the first receiving portion 130 is in the fourth position, the downstream end portion of the first receiving portion 130 is downstream of the upstream end portion of the second connecting portion 164 in the +X direction.

[0090] It can also be said that the third guiding portion 273 is a guiding member that contacts the first receiving portion 130 and guides the first receiving portion 130 upward during the process of the first receiving portion 130 moving from the third position to the fourth position.

[0091] <Drooping of the second receiving portion 230>

[0092] In the above description, the drooping of the receiving portion 30 has been described. The case where the second receiving portion 230 of the second receiving unit 200 (receiving unit) droops toward the support unit 300 (connecting unit) will be described. Figure 11A and Figure 11B are respectively the plan views of the second receiving unit 200 and the support unit 300. The above description of the drooping of the receiving portion 30 also applies to the drooping of the second receiving portion 230, so its detailed description will be omitted. It has been described that the space 500 is located above the first receiving portion 130 in the vertical direction. However, Figure 11A and Figure 11B the space 1500 shown is located above the support unit 300.

[0093] During the process of the second receiving portion 230 moving from the fifth position to the sixth position, the rear plate 230B of the second receiving portion 230 enters the space 1500. In addition, when the second receiving portion 230 moves from the fifth position to the sixth position, the second receiving portion 230 contacts the fourth guiding portion 373 and is guided upward. More specifically, the second receiving portion 230 is guided upward by contacting the third contact surface 375 of the fourth guiding portion 373. As Figure 11B shown, the second receiving portion 230 can reach the sixth position by being guided by the fourth guiding portion 373.

[0094] The upper end of the fourth guiding portion 373 is higher than the fourth connecting portion 264. Therefore, the second receiving portion 230 is guided by the fourth guiding portion 373 to a position above the fourth connecting portion 264. As a result, contact between the second receiving portion 230 and the support unit 300 and the fourth connecting portion 264 is prevented. Finally, the second receiving portion 230 can reach the sixth position, as Figure 11B shown. When the second receiving portion 230 is in the sixth position, the downstream end portion of the second receiving portion 230 is located downstream of the upstream end portion of the fourth connecting portion 264 in the +X direction.

[0095] It can also be said that the fourth guiding portion 373 is a guiding member that contacts the second receiving portion 230 and guides the second receiving portion 230 upward during the process of the second receiving portion 230 moving from the fifth position to the sixth position.

[0096] (Alternative embodiment)

[0097] Next, reference will be made to Figures 12A to 12C to describe alternative embodiments to which the present invention can be applied. Figures 12A to 12C are perspective views of the first receiving unit 100 showing the first to third alternative embodiments respectively. The shape of the first guiding portion 173 described in the first exemplary embodiment can be any shape as long as the first guiding portion 173 can guide the receiving portion 30 upward, and the shape of the first guiding portion 173 can be changed to the shapes shown in Figure 12A and Figure 12B shown. Similarly, the shapes of the third guiding portion 273 and the fourth guiding portion 373 can be changed to the shapes shown in Figure 12A and Figure 12B shown. In addition, the shape of the second guiding portion 165 described in the first exemplary embodiment can be any shape as long as the second guiding portion 165 can guide the receiving portion 30 upward, and the shape of the second guiding portion 165 can be changed to the shape shown in Figure 12C shown.

[0098] In the following description, Figures 12A to 12CThe shape is applied to an example of the first receiving unit 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment, but Figures 12A to 12C the shape can be applied to the third guiding portion 273 of the second receiving unit 200 or the fourth guiding portion 373 of the supporting unit 300.

[0099] Figure 12A A first modification is shown. The fifth guiding portion 473 is a rotating member provided in the first connecting portion 163 and rotatable about the second direction (Y direction). The fifth guiding portion 473 upwardly guides the receiving portion 30 by rotating about the second direction when contacting the receiving portion 30.

[0100] Figure 12B A second modification is shown. The sixth guiding portion 573 is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that the sixth guiding portion 573 is a part of the first connecting portion 163. The sixth guiding portion 573 has a sixth contact surface 575. The sixth contact surface 575 contacts the inserted receiving portion 30 and upwardly guides the receiving portion 30.

[0101] Figure 12C A third modification is shown. The end portion of the first connecting portion 163 on the -X direction side has an inclined surface 163c. Thus, in the case where the inclined surface 163c contacts the receiving portion 30, the inclined surface 163c upwardly guides the receiving portion 30.

[0102] The shapes of the first guiding portion 173, the second guiding portion 165, the third guiding portion 273, and the fourth guiding portion 373 described in the first exemplary embodiment can be appropriately changed, and are not limited to Figures 12A to 12C the modifications. For example, the shape of the first guiding portion 173 can be any shape as long as the first guiding portion 173 contacts the receiving portion 30 and upwardly guides the receiving portion 30 when the receiving portion 30 moves from the first position to the second position.

[0103] The first exemplary embodiment and the modifications have been described above as examples to which the present invention can be applied.

[0104] In a first exemplary embodiment, the first accommodating unit 100 is connected to the lower part of the image forming apparatus 1a, the second accommodating unit 200 is connected to the lower part of the first accommodating unit 200, and the support unit 300 is connected to the lower part of the second accommodating unit 200. However, the number and order of the units to be connected may be appropriately changed. For example, an accommodating unit having the same configuration as the first accommodating unit 100 may be further added between the second accommodating unit 200 and the support unit 300 to the image forming unit 1 described in the first exemplary embodiment. Further, for example, in the image forming unit 1 described in the first exemplary embodiment, the second accommodating unit 200 may be connected to the lower part of the image forming apparatus 1a. Further, the support unit 300 may be connected to the lower part of the image forming apparatus 1a.

[0105] The second accommodating unit 200 according to the first exemplary embodiment does not include the second guiding part 165, but the second accommodating unit 200 may include the second guiding part 165.

[0106] In the first exemplary embodiment, the first guiding part 173 includes two guiding parts, namely, the first guiding part 173a and the first guiding part 173b. However, the number of the guiding parts of the first guiding part 173 may be one or more.

[0107] According to the present invention, during the process of inserting the accommodating part into the housing, the accommodating part may be guided in a manner that does not hinder the insertion of the accommodating part.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A housing system, comprising a housing unit configured to house a recording material and a connecting unit configured to be connected to a lower portion of the housing unit, the housing unit comprising: case; and a housing portion configured to house the recording material and movable between a first position in which the housing portion is pulled out of the housing and a second position in which the housing portion is inserted into the housing, the connecting unit including a guide portion configured to guide movement of the housing portion, Wherein, during the movement of the accommodating portion from the first position to the second position along the first direction, the accommodating portion contacts the guide portion and is guided upward.

2. The containment system according to claim 1, in, The housing includes a first frame extending in the first direction, a second frame extending in the first direction, and wherein the accommodation portion is located between the first frame and the second frame in a second direction orthogonal to each of the first direction and a vertical direction.

3. The containment system according to claim 2, in, The first frame contacts the accommodating portion and includes a right supporting portion supporting the accommodating portion, and The second frame contacts the receiving portion and includes a left supporting portion supporting the receiving portion.

4. The containment system according to claim 3, in, In the second direction, a space is formed between the first frame and the second frame, wherein, relative to each of the right supporting portion and the left supporting portion, the space is located downstream in the first direction and below in the vertical direction, wherein the accommodating portion has a first rear end as a downstream end of the accommodating portion in the first direction, wherein the length of the space in the second direction is longer than the length of the first rear end in the second direction, and Wherein, in the process of the accommodating part moving from the first position to the second position, when the first rear end reaches the downstream of the right supporting part and the left supporting part in the first direction and the accommodating part further moves in the first direction, the first rear end enters the space and moves downward.

5. The containment system according to claim 4, in, the connecting unit includes a downstream connecting portion connected to each of the first frame and the second frame so as to be located between the first frame and the second frame in the second direction, wherein the downstream connecting portion is located downstream of the guiding portion in the first direction, wherein the upper end portion of the downstream connecting portion is located below the upper end portion of the guiding portion, and Wherein, when viewed in the first direction, the downstream connecting portion and the guide portion overlap with the space.

6. The containment system according to claim 5, in, The guide portion has a contact surface, wherein the contact surface extends in the first direction in which the accommodating portion moves from the first position to the second position, and extends upward as the contact surface extends along the first direction, and Wherein, in the process of moving from the first position to the second position, the accommodating portion contacts the contact surface and is guided upward.

7. The containment system of claim 6, wherein: The contact surface is within the space.

8. The containment system according to claim 4, in, the connecting unit includes a connecting portion connected to each of the first frame and the second frame so as to be located between the first frame and the second frame in the second direction, and The connecting portion is located downstream of the right supporting portion and the left supporting portion in the first direction, and the guiding portion is in contact with an upper end portion of the connecting portion and is located above the connecting portion.

9. The containment system according to claim 8, in, The connecting unit includes a guide portion located at an upstream end of the connecting portion in the first direction, and Wherein, in the process that the accommodating portion moves from the first position to the second position, the accommodating portion contacts the guide portion and is guided upward.

10. The containment system according to claim 1, in, The connecting unit has an exterior portion as a downstream end portion of the connecting unit in the first direction and an upper end portion of the connecting portion, and Wherein, the outer casing includes the guide portion.

11. The containment system of claim 3, wherein: In the first direction, a shortest distance between a downstream end of the right supporting portion and an upstream end of the first frame is shorter than a shortest distance between the downstream end of the right supporting portion and a downstream end of the first frame.

Images