Sheet feeder, pressing unit, image reading device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A sheet feeder includes a sheet loader (120), a sheet feeding portion (B), and a pressing member (151). The sheet supply unit supplies a sheet bundle placed on the sheet loader. The pressing member includes pressing portions (154a, 154b) that press the sheet bundle. The positions of the pressing member include: a pressing position at which the pressing portion presses the sheet bundle placed on the sheet loader; and a retracted position at which the pressing portion does not face the sheet loader.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a sheet feeder, a pressing unit, an image reading device, and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] A typical sheet feeder includes: a sheet loader; a sheet supply section that supplies a bundle of sheets placed in the sheet loader; and a pressing section that presses down the bundle of sheets placed in the sheet loader.

[0003] In the sheet feeder described in Patent Document 1, a pressing roller, which serves as a pressing part, is rotatably supported at the front end of a pivoting part, which in turn is a pressing member pivotally supported on the sheet feeder body. According to this structure, when a bundle of original documents consisting of multiple original documents of varying widths is placed in the sheet loader, the pressing roller presses down on the original documents placed in the sheet loader, thereby suppressing the skewing of small-sized original documents that are not restricted by side baffles. Furthermore, the pivoting part, which serves as a pressing member, in the sheet feeder described in Patent Document 1 moves between a pressing position where the pressing roller presses down on the original documents placed in the sheet loader and a retracting position where the pressing roller leaves the original documents on the sheet loader.

[0004] List of cited references Patent documents [PTL1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-104870 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues In the aforementioned sheet feeder, there is a possibility that the pressing component may prevent the user from setting the sheet bundle in the sheet loader.

[0006] Solution to the problem According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a sheet feeder includes: a sheet loader, a sheet supply section, and a pressing member. The sheet supply section supplies a bundle of sheets placed on the sheet loader. The pressing member includes a pressing portion that presses the bundle of sheets. The pressing member has positions including: a pressing position, in which the pressing portion presses the bundle of sheets placed on the sheet loader; and a retracted position, in which the pressing portion is not facing the sheet loader.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a pressing unit is detachably mounted on a sheet feeder. The pressing unit includes a pressing member, an arm, and a base. The pressing member includes a pressing portion for pressing a bundle of sheets placed in the sheet loader. The arm rotatably supports the pressing member. The base rotatably supports the arm, holding the arm and the pressing member together.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an image reading device includes: the aforementioned sheet feeder; and an image reader for reading an image from an original document supplied from the sheet feeder.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus includes: the sheet feeder described above; and an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet supplied from the sheet feeder.

[0010] Effects of the present invention According to the embodiments described above in this disclosure, the pressing component is unlikely to prevent the user from placing the sheet bundle in the sheet loader. Attached Figure Description

[0011] A more complete understanding of the embodiments and their many incidental advantages and features can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an automatic document feeder (ADF) according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a block diagram representing the structure of the controller that the ADF possesses.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic plan view of the ADF.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the pressing unit.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the sheet supply section of the ADF.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the main parts of a typical conventional pressing unit installed in an ADF according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8A This is a 3D view of the ADF when the pressure plate is not used.

[0019] Figure 8B This is a 3D view of the ADF when a pressure plate is used.

[0020] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the pressing plate of the pressing unit according to the comparative example is retracted onto the sheet supply cover.

[0021] Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the pressing plate of the pressing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is retracted onto the sheet supply cover.

[0022] Figure 10A-1 and Figure 10A-2 This indicates the pressing unit according to the comparative example when the ADF is opened and the pressing unit according to the comparative example when the sheet supply cover is opened.

[0023] Figure 10B-1 and Figure 10B-2 This refers to a pressing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention when the ADF is opened and a pressing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention when the sheet supply cover is opened.

[0024] Figure 11 This diagram shows the state of the mixed manuscript bundle set on the manuscript stage.

[0025] Figure 12A It is a diagram used to describe the skew of originals when they are supplied by the pickup rollers in a mixed-load original bundle without being pressed by the pressure rollers of the pressure plate.

[0026] Figure 12B It is a diagram used to describe the skewing of originals when they are supplied by pick-up rollers while the originals are being pressed by the pressure rollers of the pressure plate in a mixed load of originals.

[0027] Figure 13A It is a diagram used to describe the skewing of originals when they are separated by a pair of separating rollers in a mixed original bundle without being pressed by the pressing rollers of the pressing plate.

[0028] Figure 13B It is a diagram used to describe the skewing of originals when they are separated by a pair of separating rollers while the originals are being pressed by the pressing rollers of the pressing plate in a mixed load of originals.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a rough side view of the pressing plate.

[0030] Figure 15 It is a diagram used to describe the posture of the press plate when the movable stage is in the lowest position and the posture of the press plate when the movable stage is in the highest position.

[0031] Figure 16 It is a diagram used to describe the posture of the pressing plate when the support of the pressing plate is located at the upstream end in the original material supply direction, and the posture of the pressing plate when the movable stage is in the lowest position and the posture of the pressing plate when the movable stage is in the highest position.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a plan view of the press plate housed in the casing.

[0033] Figure 18 From Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the pressing plate as seen from the X-direction arrow.

[0034] Figure 19It is a plan view showing the state in which the press plate stored in the housing is moved to the use position.

[0035] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the pressing unit when the pressing plate housed in the housing is moved to the use position.

[0036] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a housing including a retainer.

[0037] Figure 22A This is a schematic diagram of an ADF when it is opened, provided in the housing with a pressing unit including a retainer.

[0038] Figure 22B This is an enlarged view of the area around the pressing unit when the ADF, which has a pressing unit including a retainer in the housing, is opened.

[0039] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting its scope. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Furthermore, throughout several views, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In describing the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, specific terminology has been used for clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology chosen, and it should be understood that each particular component includes all technical equivalents that have similar functionality, operate in a similar manner, and achieve similar results.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 1 shown has the functions of a copier, printer, fax machine, and scanner. Based on input data such as image data, the image forming apparatus 1 records full-color or monochrome images on recording paper and outputs them, or outputs them in a prescribed data format.

[0043] Image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet feeding device 5, an image forming device 8, and an image reading device 2. Image reading device 2 includes a scanner 4 and an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) 3.

[0044] The sheet supply device 5 includes, for example, multiple sheet supply cassettes and multiple sheet supply roller pairs. Each sheet supply cassette holds one or more cut sheets of recording paper. Each sheet supply roller pair removes recording paper from its corresponding sheet supply cassette for sheet supply. The sheet supply device 5 also includes a sheet transport path with various rollers to transport the recording paper supplied by one sheet supply roller pair to a predetermined imaging position in the image forming apparatus 8.

[0045] The image forming apparatus 8 includes, for example, an exposure unit, multiple photosensitive drums, a developer, an intermediate transfer unit, a secondary transfer unit, and a fuser. Each developer uses four toner colors: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K).

[0046] The exposure unit of the image forming apparatus 8 exposes photosensitive drums of each color based on image data read by the image reading device 2, forming an electrostatic latent image on each photosensitive drum. Then, the developing unit of the developing unit supplies toner of the corresponding color to the electrostatic latent image formed on the corresponding photosensitive drum, developing the electrostatic latent image into a visible toner image. The image forming apparatus 8 transfers the toner image formed on each color photosensitive drum to the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer unit in a single transfer, forming a composite toner image. The image forming apparatus 8 then transfers the composite toner image a second time onto the recording sheet in the secondary transfer unit. After the composite toner image is transferred a second time onto the recording sheet, the fixing unit fixes the toner image onto the recording sheet using heat and pressure, forming a color image on the recording sheet. Based on the image read by the scanner 4 or the second image reader described later, the image forming apparatus 8 forms an externally output image, such as an image original or data, that can be output to an external device. The image forming apparatus 8 is not limited to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus described above. For example, the image forming apparatus 8 can be an inkjet image forming device or any other image forming device employing other recording methods.

[0047] Next, ADF 3 will be described. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the general structure of ADF 3. ADF 3 includes a document setting unit A, a separation supply unit B, and a positioning unit C. The separation supply unit B functions as a sheet supply unit, separating and conveying originals one by one from the bundle of originals placed in the document setting unit A. The positioning unit C primarily contacts and aligns the conveyed originals, then leads out and conveys the aligned originals. ADF 3 also includes a rotating unit D. The rotating unit D rotates the conveyed originals, then positions them so that their surfaces face the reading side of the first image reader 131. Figure 2The ADF 3 also includes a first reading transport unit E and a second reading transport unit F. The first reading transport unit E is the part where the first image reader 131 reads the image of the surface of the original document from below the exposure glass of the scanner 4. The second reading transport unit F is the part where, after reading the image of the surface of the original document, the second image reader 132 reads the image of the back side of the original document. The ADF 3 also includes a sheet ejection unit G and a stacking unit H. The sheet ejection unit G is the part that ejects the original document to the outside of the ADF 3 after reading the images of the front and back sides of the original document. The stacking unit H stacks and holds the ejected original documents.

[0048] In the original document setting section A, a bundle of one or more original documents is set up as the reading target. Specifically, the original document bundle is set up on the original document table 120, which is a sheet loader and has a movable stage 121.

[0049] The ADF 3 is positioned adjacent to the exposure glass of the scanner 4. The ADF 3 can be opened and closed via a hinge mechanism located on the back side of the ADF 3.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a block diagram representing the structure of the controller possessed by ADF 3. For example... Figure 3 As shown, ADF 3 also includes a driver and a controller 160. The driver drives the original document feeding operation (original document transfer operation) in each of the mechanism sections A to H. The controller 160 includes circuitry that controls various operations including the driver operation. The driver includes a pickup motor 101, an original document feeding motor 102, an original document reading motor 103, an original document ejection motor 104, and a base plate lifting motor 105.

[0051] The controller 160 supplies power to the components disposed in the ADF 3 and controls the components disposed in the ADF 3 based on control signals sent from the device controller 6 disposed inside the housing of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0052] When reading the original image, a bundle of original documents is placed on the document stage 120 (sheet loader), which includes the movable stage 121, with the original document surface (first surface) facing upwards. The document stage 120 also includes a side baffle 122. The side baffle 122, acting as a limiting element, restricts the width direction of the document bundle (a direction orthogonal to the original document transport direction). The side baffle 122 is positioned to align with the width of the document bundle. The placement (placement state) of the document bundle is detected by a document placement sensor 115 installed on the movable stage 121. The document placement sensor 115 supplies the detection result to the device controller 6 via an interface (I / F).

[0053] The rear end (rear side in the original feeding direction) of the movable stage 121 is supported so that it can rotate about the rotation shaft 121a. The base plate lifting motor 105 causes the movable stage 121 to rotate about the rotation shaft 121a, causing the front end (front side in the original feeding direction) of the movable stage 121 to rise or fall.

[0054] Before the document bundle is placed on the document stage 120, the movable stage 121 of the document stage 120 is in its original position (lowered position). While the movable stage 121 is in its original position, the user places the document bundle on the document stage 120. At this time, the uppermost surface of the document bundle on the movable stage 121 in its original position moves away from the pickup roller 141.

[0055] When the document placement sensor 115 detects a document bundle on the document stage 120, the controller 160 causes the base plate lifting motor 105 to rotate forward, raising the movable stage 121. By raising the movable stage 121, the uppermost surface of the document bundle on the movable stage 121 is pushed upward by the pick-up roller 141, which serves as the sheet supply component. This state is detected by the stage lifting sensor 118. Upon receiving this detection signal, the controller 160 stops the drive of the base plate lifting motor 105, bringing the movable stage 121 to a suitable position.

[0056] That is, the stage rise sensor 118 detects that the movable stage 121 has reached the appropriate position, maintaining the upper surface of the document bundle at a suitable supply height. More specifically, if the stage rise sensor 118 is activated, the rise of the movable stage 121 is stopped. Then, by repeatedly supplying documents, the position of the uppermost surface of the document bundle decreases, causing the stage rise sensor 118 to deactivate. As a result, the movable stage 121 rises again. Then, if the stage rise sensor 118 is activated again, the rise of the movable stage 121 is stopped. By repeating this control action, the position of the uppermost surface of the document bundle (the height of the document at the uppermost surface of the document bundle) is maintained within a suitable height range for document supply.

[0057] Alternatively, the movable stage 121 can be raised or lowered without raising or lowering it, and the pickup roller can be raised or lowered while the movable stage 121 is fixed. Alternatively, the bottom of the document bundle on the stage with the document bundle can be supplied by a sheet supply component. In this case, the pickup roller can be positioned below the fixed worktable, entering the worktable from below through an opening or notch, and contacting the bottom of the document bundle above the stage.

[0058] Alternatively, the platform and the pickup roller protruding from the platform and contacting the bottom of the document bundle can rise together, with the uppermost surface of the document bundle contacting the upper surface restraining member, and the sheet supply member delivering the bottom of the document bundle from the platform on which the document bundle is located. Alternatively, instead of raising and lowering the platform and the pickup roller protruding from the platform, the upper surface restraining member can be lowered to contact the uppermost surface of the document bundle, and the bottom of the document bundle can be supplied by the sheet supply member. In this case, the contact state between the pickup roller and the document refers to the state where the uppermost surface of the document bundle contacts the upper surface restraining member, and the pickup roller contacts the document with a contact pressure that can appropriately supply the document. The separation state between the pickup roller and the document refers to the state where the uppermost surface of the document bundle does not contact the upper surface restraining member, and the pickup roller makes slight contact with the document with a small contact pressure that cannot appropriately supply the document.

[0059] When all the originals in the document bundle set on the document stage 120 are supplied, the document setting sensor 115 is turned off. When the document setting sensor 115 is off, the controller 160 causes the base plate lifting motor 105 to rotate in the opposite direction to lower the movable stage 121 to its original position, so that subsequent document bundles can be set on the document stage 120. In this embodiment, the ADF 3 includes a base plate original position sensor 117, which is disposed below the movable stage 121 to detect that the movable stage 121 is in its original position. The controller 160 determines whether the movable stage 121 is in its original position through the base plate original position sensor 117.

[0060] When the uppermost surface of the document bundle on the movable stage 121 is in contact with the pickup roller 141, and a document reading command is executed on the operation display 130 (when a document supply start command is input to the operation display), the device controller 6 sends a document supply signal (document supply start signal) to the controller 160 via an interface. In response, the controller 160 starts the document supply operation. While the uppermost surface of the document bundle on the movable stage 121 is held at a suitable height for document supply, the document supply motor 102 rotates in the positive direction to rotate the pickup roller 141. As a result, the pickup roller 141 picks up two or more documents (preferably one document) from the document stage 120. The rotation direction of the pickup roller 141 is the direction in which the document on the uppermost surface is conveyed towards the front of the document supply direction.

[0061] ADF 3 also includes a pair of separating rollers 142 serving as a separator. The pair of separating rollers 142 includes a feed roller 142A and a reverse roller 142B facing the feed roller 142A. The feed roller 142A rotates in the original document feeding direction by the forward rotation of the original document feeding motor 102. As the original document feeding motor 102 rotates in the forward direction, the reverse roller 142B rotates in the opposite direction to the original document feeding direction.

[0062] After the original document is separated from other original documents in the document bundle by the separating roller pair 142, it is further conveyed to the contact sensor 111 by the supply roller 142A, where the contact sensor 111 detects the leading edge of the original document. The original document is then further conveyed to the pull-out roller pair 143, which stops upon contact. The original document is then conveyed a predetermined distance from the detection timing of the contact sensor 111. Thus, the leading edge of the original document abuts against the pull-out roller pair 143 with a predetermined deflection. In this state, the original document supply motor 102 stops, halting the drive of the supply roller 142A that conveys the original document.

[0063] When the contact sensor 111 detects the leading edge of the original document, the controller 160 rotates the pickup motor 101, causing the pickup roller 141 to retract from the upper surface of the original document. As a result, the original document is conveyed by the conveying force of the supply roller 142A of the separation roller pair 142. Due to this action, the leading edge of the original document enters the clamping area between the rollers of the pull-out roller pair 143, aligning the leading edge of the original document. That is, the skewness of the original document is corrected. The pull-out roller pair 143 with skew correction function is driven by the reverse rotation of the original document supply motor 102 to convey the original document, which has undergone skew correction after separation, to the intermediate roller pair 144. When the original document supply motor 102 rotates in the reverse direction, the pull-out roller pair 143 and the intermediate roller pair 144 are driven, while the pickup roller 141 and the supply roller 142A are not driven.

[0064] Contact sensor 111 detects the front and rear ends of the original document to detect the length of the original document in the original document supply direction based on motor pulses. Pull-out roller pair 143 and intermediate roller pair 144 are driven to convey the original document from positioning section C to rotating section D. Thus, the conveying speed of the original document in positioning section C is set to be faster than the conveying speed of the original document in the first reading conveying section E. When reading inlet sensor 112 detects the front end of the original document, the original document conveying speed begins to decrease to equalize the reading conveying speed before the front end of the original document enters the clamping area between the rollers of reading inlet roller pair 145. Simultaneously, the original document reading motor 103 is driven to rotate in the positive direction to drive reading inlet roller pair 145, first reading outlet roller pair 146, and second reading outlet roller pair 147.

[0065] When the positioning sensor 113 detects the leading edge of the original document, the controller 160 temporarily stops the original document near the first reading conveyor E and sends a temporary stop signal to the device controller 6 via an interface. Then, when the controller 160 receives a reading start signal from the device controller 6, it accelerates the temporarily stopped original document to a predetermined conveying speed before the leading edge of the original document reaches the first reading conveyor E. When the pulse count of the original document reading motor 103 detects that the leading edge of the original document has reached the first reading conveyor E, the controller 160 sends a strobe signal to the first image reader 131. This signal indicates the effective image area in the sub-scanning direction of the first side of the original document. The controller 160 continues to send this strobe signal until the rear end of the original document passes the first reading conveyor E.

[0066] When reading a single-sided original, the original, having passed through the first reading conveyor E, is conveyed to the sheet discharge section G via the second reading conveyor F. At this time, when the discharge sensor 114 detects the leading edge of the original, the controller 160 drives the original discharge motor 104 to rotate in the forward direction, causing the discharge roller pair 148 to rotate. Furthermore, the controller 160 begins counting pulses of the original discharge motor 104 when the discharge sensor 114 detects the leading edge of the original. Then, the controller 160 reduces the drive speed of the original discharge motor 104 just before the trailing edge of the original leaves the clamping area between the rollers of the discharge roller pair 148. Therefore, the controller 160 controls the discharge to prevent the original from jumping out of the discharge tray in the stacking section H, and instead discharges it onto the discharge tray.

[0067] When reading double-sided originals, when the ejection sensor 114 detects the front end of the original that has passed through the first reading conveyor E, the controller 160 counts the pulses of the original reading motor 103. At the timing when the front end of the original reaches the second reading conveyor F, the controller 160 sends a gating signal indicating the effective image area in the sub-scanning direction to the second image reader 132. The controller 160 continues to send the gating signal until the rear end of the original passes through the second reading conveyor F, and then the original that has passed through the second reading conveyor F is conveyed to the sheet ejection section G.

[0068] Sometimes, a bundle of originals consisting of multiple originals of different widths (hereinafter referred to as a "mixed bundle of originals") is provided on the original platen 120. In this case, the original with the largest width in the mixed bundle of originals is restricted in the width direction by the side baffle 122, so that the original is supplied in a stable posture and is unlikely to be skewed.

[0069] However, the supply of originals other than those with the maximum width is not limited by the side baffle 122 in the width direction. Therefore, the originals are transported in an unstable posture, which easily leads to skew. In particular, lightweight, small, and thin originals are more prone to skew when supplied in an unstable posture.

[0070] In this embodiment, the ADF 3 includes a pressing unit 150 that presses the mixed document bundle placed on the document tray 120.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a schematic plan view of ADF 3 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 This indicates an unused pressing unit 150. The pressing unit 150 is disposed at the center of the width direction of the upstream end of the sheet supply cover 3a in the original document transport direction on the upper surface. The sheet supply cover 3a serves as a cover for the ADF 3. The pressing unit 150 is detachably mounted to the ADF 3. Specifically, the pressing unit 150 is mounted to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a, for example, using double-sided tape.

[0072] The sheet supply cover 3a is provided with an operating lever 3b to open the sheet supply cover 3a. The operating lever 3b is positioned closer to the front of the ADF 3 than the pressing unit 150. This prevents the pressing unit 150 from obstructing the user from operating the operating lever 3b.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the pressing unit 150. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the sheet supply section of the ADF. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This indicates that the pressing unit 150 is in use. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the pressing unit 150 includes a pressing plate 151 serving as a pressing member, an arm 152, and a housing 153 serving as a base. The arm 152 rotatably supports the pressing plate 151 and is rotatably supported by the housing 153.

[0074] Pressing rollers 154a and 154b, serving as pressing parts, are provided on the pressing plate 151. Specifically, pressing roller 154a is rotatably supported on the pressing plate 151 at its center in the width direction at the upstream end of the pressing plate 151 in the document transport direction. Pressing roller 154b is rotatably supported on the pressing plate 151 at its center in the width direction at the downstream end of the pressing plate 151 in the document transport direction. The pressing plate 151 includes a convex cover 151a. The cover 151a covers the pressing roller 154a, which is rotatably supported on the pressing plate 151 at its upstream end in the document transport direction. The surface portion of the pressing rollers 154a and 154b becomes a contact portion that at least contacts the document. This surface portion is made of an elastic material such as rubber to increase the friction with the document.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the pressing unit described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as "a conventional typical pressing unit") includes a pressing arm 157. The pressing arm 157 has a pressing roller 154 at its front end, and the pressing roller 154 can... Figure 7Arrow W indicates that the pressing arm 157 slides relative to arm 152. The amount by which the pressing arm 157 protrudes from arm 152 is adjusted by sliding the pressing arm 157, so that the pressing roller 154 contacts the shorter portion of the original in the original feeding direction. Because the amount by which the pressing arm protrudes from arm 152 needs to be adjusted according to the length of the placed original in the original feeding direction, this structure makes conventional pressing units inconvenient.

[0076] However, in this embodiment, the pressing rollers 154a and 154b are respectively disposed at the upstream and downstream ends of the pressing plate 151 in the original document conveying direction. Thus, when the pressing plate 151 is located... Figure 6 In the illustrated usage position, even for originals whose length in the original transport direction is so short that the rear end of the original will not detach from the upstream end of the original transport direction of the pressing plate 154, the downstream pressing roller 151b will still contact the original. Unlike the pressing mechanism described in Patent Document 1, this construction according to this embodiment improves convenience because the pressing roller contacts the original with a short length in the original supply direction without adjustment.

[0077] When the pressing plate 151 is biased by a biasing device such as a spring to press the original on the document tray 120, the pressing plate 151 rotates toward the use position under the biasing force. Therefore, when the pressing plate 151 moves from the use position to the retracted position, the pressing plate 151 moves against the biasing force applied by the biasing device. This configuration reduces the operability of the pressing plate 151.

[0078] In this embodiment, the original document on the document holder is pressed down by the weight of the pressing plate 151. As a result, compared with the case where the original document on the document holder is pressed down by the force of the force-applying mechanism, the pressing plate 151 can be moved from the working position to the retracted position more easily, thus improving the operability of the pressing plate 151.

[0079] like Figure 8A As shown, when the pressing plate 151 is not in use, the pressing plate 151 and the arm 152 are housed in the housing 153, such that the pressing plate 151 is placed on the arm 152 within the housing 153. Specifically, the pressing plate 151 is housed in the housing 153 such that the surface of the pressing plate 151 that faces the mounting surface of the original document stage 120 when in use becomes the upper surface.

[0080] When using the press plate 151, the user holds the press plate 151 housed in the housing 153 and rotates it approximately 180° to release the press plate 151 from its position on the arm 152. Then, as... Figure 8B As shown, the user brings the pressing rollers 154a and 154b of the pressing plate 151 into contact with the mounting surface of the document tray 120. Thus, the pressing plate 151 is positioned as a pressing position close to the document on the document tray 120.

[0081] A label 159, serving as an indicator, is affixed to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a, instructing the user on how to use the pressure plate 151. The label 159 specifies how to position the pressure plate 151 when setting up a mixed document bundle on the document tray 120. Figure 8B Instructions for the location of use are shown. Label 159 also contains instructions on how to set the mixed manuscript bundle on the manuscript table 120, which will be described later.

[0082] When, for example, the pressing unit 150 is mounted on the shaft of the pickup roller 141 and is located in the separation and supply section B, the pressing function may become unstable because the pickup roller 141 raises and lowers for each sheet. Furthermore, if a material with low rigidity, such as resin, is used as the component holding the pickup roller 141 and the pressing unit 150 to raise and lower them, deformation over time may occur in the raised position due to increased weight. Moreover, if a component with high rigidity is used as the component holding the pickup roller 141 and the pressing unit 150 to raise and lower them, the cost increases.

[0083] In this embodiment, since the pressing unit 150 is mounted on the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a, it is located at a different position from the separation and supply section B, which serves as a sheet supply section including the pickup roller 141 and the separation roller pair 142. Therefore, during the sheet supply operation, the pressing rollers 154a and 154b contact the document bundle on the document tray 120, thus ensuring stable pressing function. Furthermore, since a component with low rigidity, such as resin, is used to hold the pickup roller 141 and the pressing unit 150 to raise and lower them, this construction reduces the cost of the ADF 3.

[0084] In this embodiment, the pressing unit 150 is fixed to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a by double-sided tape. With this configuration, the pressing unit 150 can be removed from the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a by peeling it off from the double-sided tape. This allows the pressing unit 150 to be reused, helping to reduce environmental impact.

[0085] Figure 9A This indicates that the pressing plate 151 of the pressing unit 150' according to the comparative example is retracted to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a. The pressing plate 151 of the pressing unit 150' is supported by the arm 152 and cannot rotate. Figure 9B This indicates that the pressing plate 151 of the pressing unit 150 according to this embodiment is retracted to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a. The pressing plate 151 of the pressing unit 150 is supported by an arm 152, which is rotatable.

[0086] When all the originals placed on the document tray 120 have the same width and are thus limited by the side baffle 122 to prevent skewing, the pressure plate 151 is not used. In this case, the pressure plate 151 is retracted to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a. Therefore, the pressure plate 151 is retracted at a position where it does not face the document tray 120. Thus, when a bundle of originals is placed on the document tray 120, the pressure plate 151 will not obstruct the user from placing the bundle of originals. The position where the pressure plate 151 does not face the document tray 120 means that, when viewed from the vertical direction of the document mounting surface of the document tray 120, the pressure plate 151 does not overlap with a portion of the document mounting surface exposed from the ADF 3.

[0087] like Figure 9A As shown, in the comparative example, the pressing plate 151 of the pressing unit 150' is supported by the arm 152 and therefore cannot rotate. In the comparative example, when the pressing plate 151 is retracted to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a, the height from the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a to the uppermost part of the pressing unit 150' is H.

[0088] In this embodiment, such as Figure 9B As shown, the pressing plate 151 is supported by the arm 152 and is rotatable. This configuration allows the pressing plate 151 to retract to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a when it is placed on the arm 152. As a result, the height h from the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a to the uppermost part of the pressing unit 150 is less than the height H of the pressing unit 150' according to the comparative example, in which the pressing plate 151 is supported by the arm 152 and cannot rotate.

[0089] When the pressing plate 151 of the pressing unit 150' according to the comparative example retracts to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a, the height from the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a is relatively large. Therefore, as Figure 10A-1 As shown, when ADF 3 is opened, there is a possibility that the pressing plate 151 may come into contact with the wall K1 on the rear side facing the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 10A-2 As shown, when the sheet supply cover 3a is opened, there is a possibility that the pressing plate 151 may come into contact with the wall K2 on the left side facing the image forming apparatus 1. In this way, when the ADF 3 or the sheet supply cover 3a is opened, the pressing plate 151 of the pressing unit 150' according to the comparative example may impact the wall or object near the image forming apparatus 1 and be damaged. Furthermore, the pressing plate 151 of the pressing unit 150' according to the comparative example may damage the wall or object near the image forming apparatus 1.

[0090] In this embodiment, the pressing plate 151 is rotatably supported on the arm 152. Therefore, when the pressing plate 151 retracts to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a, it is positioned on the arm 152. Consequently, the height from the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a to the uppermost part of the pressing plate 151 decreases. Therefore, when... Figure 10B-1 When ADF 3 is opened as shown, or when... Figure 10B-2 When the sheet supply cover 3a is opened, the pressing plate 151 is unlikely to come into contact with the wall or object near the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, this configuration reduces the chance of damaging the pressing plate 151 or the wall and object near the image forming apparatus 1.

[0091] When the ADF 3 or sheet supply cover 3a is suddenly opened, the arm 152 or the pressing plate 151 rotates, releasing the pressing plate 151 from its position on the arm 152 within the housing 153, thereby causing the pressing plate 151 to pop out of the housing 153. However, even when the pressing plate 151 pops out of the housing 153 and comes into contact with a wall or object near the image forming apparatus 1 (see...), Figure 10B-1 and Figure 10B-2 (as shown by the dotted line), the pressure plate 151 will also rotate to release the impact of the contact. Therefore, even if the pressure plate 151 impacts a wall or object near the image forming device 1, this configuration minimizes damage to the pressure plate 151 and the wall or object near the image forming device 1.

[0092] Figure 11 This diagram shows a bundle of mixed original documents placed on the original document holder 120. (Example) Figure 11 As shown, the pressing rollers 154a and 154b of the pressing plate 151 are centered at the transport reference O2 in the width direction and are aligned in a straight line with the pickup roller 141 and the separating roller pair 142 in the original document supply direction. Therefore, the force applied to the original document in the width direction during original document transport can be reduced, and the occurrence of skew can be effectively suppressed.

[0093] When setting up a bundle of mixed originals including multiple originals of different widths, the user holds the pressure plate 151, which is housed in the housing 153 and positioned in the retracted position, and rotates the pressure plate 151 approximately 180° to release it from its position on the arm 152. The user then brings the pressure rollers 154a and 151b of the pressure plate 154 into contact with the mounting surface of the document tray 120. Thus, the pressure plate 151 is positioned close to the usage position of the originals on the document tray 120.

[0094] As described above, label 159 is affixed to the upper surface of the sheet supply cover 3a to instruct the user on how to use the pressing plate 151. According to the instructions on label 159, the user moves the pressing plate 151 to the usage position when setting up the mixed manuscript bundle.

[0095] After setting the pressure plate 151 in the use position, the user sets the mixed document bundle according to the instructions on how to set the mixed document bundle as described on label 159. Specifically, as follows: Figure 11 As indicated by the arrow, the user inserts the mixed document bundle sequentially into the space between the pressure plate 151 and the document table 120, starting from the bottommost document in the mixed document bundle, from the upstream side of the document transport direction. At this time, the pressure rollers 154a and 154b, rotatably supported by the pressure plate 151, rotate as the documents are inserted. This allows the documents to be smoothly inserted between the pressure plate 151 and the document table 120.

[0096] At this time, each original document is inserted into the space between the pressing plate 151 and the document holder 120 such that the center of each original document in the width direction is located at the center of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction. In this embodiment, as... Figure 11 As shown, the pressing plate 151 has a convex cover 151a at its center in the width direction. The cover 151a covers the pressing roller 154a, which is rotatably supported at the upstream end of the pressing plate 151 in the document feeding direction. By using the cover 151a as a guide mark, the user can easily position the center of each document in the width direction at the center of the pressing plate 151. In addition, by covering the pressing roller 154a, the cover 151a can prevent the front end of the document from passing over the pressing roller 154a when the front end of the document curls upward.

[0097] The length of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction is less than or equal to the maximum width of the original document that the ADF 3 can transport. Therefore, when a original document is placed, both sides of the original document extend from the pressing plate 151 in the width direction. This allows the user to adjust the position of the original document on the document tray 120 in the width direction so that the extension amount of the original document extending from one side edge of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction is the same as the extension amount of the original document extending from the other side edge of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction. As a result, the center of the original document in the width direction is aligned with the transport reference O2.

[0098] Label 159 also describes how to set up the mixed document bundle. Specifically, label 159 provides the user with instructions on how to align the center of each document in the width direction with the center of the cover 151a of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction, and how to position the documents such that the amount of document protruding from one side edge of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction is the same as the amount of document protruding from the other side edge of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction. Therefore, label 159 enables the user to set up the mixed document bundle according to the instructions recorded on label 159.

[0099] like Figure 11As shown, in this embodiment, the pressing plate 151 is arc-shaped at its upstream end in the document feeding direction, such that the center of the pressing plate 151 at its upstream end in the width direction is located on the upstream side of the document feeding direction compared to its two end edges. Therefore, when the front end of the document is curled upwards, the upstream end of the pressing plate 151 in the document feeding direction allows the curled front end of the document to be released from the center of the width direction outwards while simultaneously inserting the front end between the pressing plate 151 and the document table 120. Thus, even if the front end of the document is curled upwards, the document will not be stuck by the pressing plate 151 and can be inserted.

[0100] Therefore, in the space between the pressing plate 151 and the document tray 120, starting from the upstream side in the document transport direction, the mixed document bundle is inserted sequentially from the lowest document in the mixed document bundle. Thus, the center of each document's width direction roughly coincides with the center of the transport path's width direction (hereinafter referred to as the transport reference position). This prevents the documents other than the widest document in the mixed document bundle from becoming skewed.

[0101] With all the originals in the mixed document bundle inserted into the space between the pressure plate 151 and the document table 120, the user moves the side baffles 122 in the width direction so that the side baffles 122 contact the opposite side edges of the originals in the mixed document bundle that have the maximum width in the width direction. This completes the setup of the mixed document bundle. After setting up the mixed document bundle, the user operates the aforementioned operation display 130 to begin feeding the mixed document bundle in mixed document mode.

[0102] The feed speed in the mixed manuscript mode is lower than the feed speed in the normal mode when feeding a bundle of manuscripts of the same width. In this embodiment, the pressing rollers 154a and 154b are supported by the pressing plate 151 and are rotatable, rotating as the manuscripts are fed. This prevents friction of the manuscripts and suppresses damage to them.

[0103] In a mixed manuscript bundle, manuscripts other than the one with the largest width are not restricted in the width direction by the side baffle 122. Therefore, manuscripts other than the one with the largest width placed on the manuscript table 120 may move and gradually skew as the manuscripts move in the width direction during transport. Supplying manuscripts at the normal manuscript supply speed results in high kinetic energy, thereby increasing the force exerted by the normally supplied manuscript on the pre-supply manuscript placed on the manuscript table 120. This increases the likelihood of the pre-supply manuscript moving on the manuscript table 120.

[0104] In this embodiment, the supply speed in the mixed manuscript mode is lower than the supply speed in the normal mode. This reduces the force exerted by the manuscript during transport on the manuscript placed on the manuscript table 120 before supply. Therefore, it suppresses the skewing of manuscripts other than the widest manuscript on the manuscript table 120, and prevents supply defects.

[0105] Since the originals in the mixed original bundle, except for the one with the largest width, are not restricted in the width direction by the side baffle 122, there is a possibility that the originals may be positioned so that their center is offset from the transport reference position in the width direction. As a result, such as Figure 12A As shown, the original document set on the original document stage 120 is conveyed with its center G in the width direction offset by a (mm) from the conveying reference position toward one side in the width direction (the back side of ADF 3). At this time, the conveying force of the pickup roller 141 is applied to the other side in the width direction, thereby causing the original document to move along... Figure 12A The arrow rotates in the direction of the arrow. Therefore, during manuscript feeding, manuscripts in the mixed manuscript bundle that are not restricted by the side baffle 122, except for those with the maximum width, can rotate along... Figure 12A The arrow rotates in the direction of the direction. Therefore, as... Figure 12A As shown by the dotted line, the original manuscript is tilted and skewed.

[0106] In this embodiment, as Figure 12B As shown, the mixed manuscript bundle is pressed and supplied by two pressing rollers 154a and 154b of the pressing plate 151. As a result, when the manuscript is supplied with a deviation of a (mm) from the center G in the width direction of the manuscript towards one side in the width direction (towards the back side of ADF 3) from the transport reference position, the pressing force of the pressing rollers 154a and 154b restricts the manuscript along... Figure 12B The arrow rotates in the direction of the direction. Therefore, as... Figure 12B As shown, it can suppress the skewness of the original manuscript.

[0107] As described above, the surface portions of the pressure rollers 154a and 154b that contact the original document include an elastic material such as rubber to increase friction with the original document. Therefore, the pressure rollers 154a and 154b can more reliably restrict the original document from moving towards the original document. Figure 12B Rotating in the direction of the arrow can better suppress the skewness of the original manuscript.

[0108] When a manuscript set on the manuscript table 120 is supplied with a (mm) deviation from the conveying reference O2 toward the width direction (towards the back side of ADF 3) at its center G in the width direction, there is a possibility that the manuscript may be skewed at the separation roller pair 142 as follows. That is, if Figure 13A As shown, when originals other than the topmost original are returned by the reverse roller 142B of the separation roller pair 142, the return force is applied to the opposite side in the width direction. As a result, some originals may... Figure 13A The arrow direction may rotate or become skewed.

[0109] In this embodiment, the mixed manuscript bundle is pressed by two pressing rollers 154a and 154b of the pressing plate 151. Therefore, due to the pressing force of the pressing rollers 154a and 154b, the manuscripts returned by the reverse roller 142B, except for the topmost manuscript, are difficult to move towards the center. Figure 13B The arrow rotates in the direction of the direction. Therefore, it can suppress... Figure 13B The skewness of the original manuscript is shown.

[0110] Figure 14 This is a schematic side view of the pressing plate 151. In this embodiment, the pressing plate 151 includes a support member 151b, which is rotatably supported by an arm 152 and disposed at both ends of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction. The support member 151b is disposed downstream of the center of the pressing plate 151 in the original document feeding direction.

[0111] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the postures of the pressing plate 151 when the movable stage 121 is in its lowest and highest positions. As described above, the support member 151b is positioned downstream of the center of the pressing plate 151 in the document feeding direction. Consequently, when the movable stage 121 is in its lowest position, the pressing plate 151 tilts due to its own weight, with the upstream end of the pressing plate 151 in the document feeding direction positioned downwards. Therefore, when the movable stage 121 is in its lowest position, the pressing roller 151a, located upstream of the pressing plate 154 in the document feeding direction, contacts the document table 120. Thus, with the document placed on the document table 120 being pressed by the pressing roller 154a, the next document can be inserted between the pressing plate 151 and the document table 120. Therefore, when the next original is inserted between the pressing plate 151 and the original platen 120, the original placed on the original platen 120 will not shift in the width direction.

[0112] When the pressing plate 151 is in the use position, the pressing roller 154b, located downstream in the document feeding direction, is covered by the arm 152. On the other hand, the pressing roller 154a, located upstream in the document feeding direction, is not covered by the arm 152. Therefore, as... Figure 15 As shown, since the support member 151b is arranged at a position downstream of the center of the original document conveying direction compared to the pressing plate 151, the pressing roller 154a arranged upstream of the original document conveying direction contacts the movable table 121. Therefore, the user can easily confirm that the pressing roller 154a is in contact with the original document table 120.

[0113] As described above, this configuration reduces the distance L1 between the document tray 120 and the cover 151a, which serves as a guide mark to position the center of the document in the width direction at the center of the pressure plate 151 in the width direction when the document is placed. This reduces the deviation between the apparent position of the cover 151a on the movable stage 121 and its actual position when viewed from a position offset from directly above it. Consequently, it reduces the deviation between the center of the placed document in the width direction and the transport reference position.

[0114] As the movable platform 121 rises from its lowest position, the pressing plate 151 moves towards the support member 151b as a fulcrum. Figure 15 It rotates counterclockwise. When the movable stage 121 reaches its uppermost position, as... Figure 15 As shown, the two pressing rollers 154a and 154b are in contact with the movable stage 121. Therefore, when the original is supplied, the original is pressed by the pressing rollers 154a and 154b.

[0115] Alternatively, the support member 151b can be positioned upstream of the center of the pressing plate 151 in the original material feeding direction. Thus, as... Figure 16 As shown, when the movable stage 121 is in its lowest position, the pressing plate 151 tilts due to its own weight, with the downstream end of the pressing plate 151 in the document feeding direction positioned downwards. Therefore, when the movable stage 121 is in its lowest position, the pressing roller 154b, located at the downstream end of the pressing plate 151 in the document feeding direction, contacts the document table 120. In this way, the support member 151b can be positioned upstream of the center of the pressing plate 151 in the document feeding direction. In this case, the next document can be inserted between the pressing plate 151 and the document table 120 while the document placed on the document table 120 is being pressed down by the pressing roller 154b.

[0116] When the support member 151b is positioned upstream of the center of the pressing plate 151 in the document transport direction, the distance between the upstream end of the pressing plate 151 in the document transport direction and the movable stage 121 is L2, which is greater than... Figure 15 The distance L1 of the structure shown is large. (And) Figure 15 Compared to the configuration shown, this configuration makes it easier to insert the original document from upstream in the original document supply direction into the space between the pressure plate 151 and the document tray 120. Therefore, this configuration advantageously facilitates the setting of the original document.

[0117] Figure 17 This is a plan view of the press plate 151 housed in the housing 153. Figure 18 From Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the pressure plate 151 viewed in the X direction of the arrow. (See diagram below.) Figure 17 As shown, the pressing plate 151 is housed in the housing 153 in a manner that overlaps with the arm 152.

[0118] like Figure 18 As shown, pedestal-shaped receiving portions 153b are respectively arranged on both sides of the housing 153 in the width direction. When the pressing plate 151 is housed in the housing 153, the opposite sides of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction are received by the corresponding receiving portions 153b, so that a predetermined gap B is provided between the pressing plate 151 and the bottom surface 153c of the housing 153. The gap B between the pressing plate 151 and the bottom surface 153c of the housing 153 is the gap through which a part of the user's finger enters.

[0119] When the pressing plate 151 is housed in the housing 153, it is located on the opposite side of the document tray 120, and its central protruding end in the width direction is arc-shaped. When the pressing plate 151 is used, the arc-shaped end is located upstream in the document feeding direction; therefore, the arc-shaped end is referred to hereinafter as the upstream end 151c. With the pressing plate 151 housed in the housing 153, the distance L10 between the two edges in the width direction of the aforementioned upstream end 151c of the pressing plate 151 from the rotation center O1 of the arm 152 relative to the housing 153 is greater than the distance L10 from the rotation center O1 of the arm 152 relative to the housing 153 to the pressing plate 151. Figure 17 The distance L11 between the central portions of the left-end pressing plate 151 in the width direction is small (L10 < L11).

[0120] The distance L12 between the rotation center O1 of arm 152 relative to housing 153 and the portion of the bottom surface 153c of housing 153 corresponding to the central portion in the width direction of the upstream end 151c is greater than Figure 17 The distance L11 (L12 > L11) is between the rotation center O1 of the arm 152 relative to the housing 153 and the center of the upstream end 151c of the left end of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction. Therefore, a step is formed between the bottom surface 153c of the housing 153 and the upstream end 151c of the pressing plate 151.

[0121] Figure 19 This is a plan view showing the state in which the press plate 151, housed in the housing 153, is moved to the use position. Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the pressing unit 150 when the pressing plate 151 housed in the housing 153 is moved to the use position.

[0122] To move the pressure plate 151 housed in the housing 153 to the use position, the user approaches the upstream end 151c of the pressure plate 151 from the front side of the ADF 3. With the pressure plate 151 housed in the housing 153, the upstream end 151c of the pressure plate 151 is located on the opposite side of the document tray 120. When using the pressure plate 151, the upstream end 151c of the pressure plate 151 is located upstream in the document transport direction. According to this embodiment, the upstream end 151c of the pressure plate 151 is arc-shaped, causing it to protrude at its center in the width direction. Therefore, the user places their fingers near the center of the upstream end 151c in the width direction. This configuration allows the user to apply force to the pressure plate 151 substantially uniformly in the width direction when lifting it.

[0123] As described above, a gap B is formed between the pressing plate 151 and the bottom surface 153c of the housing 153, allowing a portion of the user's finger to enter. This allows the user to easily place their finger on the upstream end 151c of the pressing plate 151.

[0124] A step is formed between the bottom surface 153c of the housing 153 and the upstream end 151c of the pressing plate 151. This reduces the likelihood of the user's fingers getting caught on the end of the bottom surface 153c of the housing 153 and the upstream end 151c of the pressing plate 151, and prevents the force from escaping when the user lifts the pressing plate 151.

[0125] The configuration according to this embodiment makes it easier for the user to hook their fingers near the center of the upstream end 151c of the press plate 151 in the width direction when the user lifts the press plate 151 from the housing 153, thereby preventing force escape. Therefore, this configuration makes it easier for the user to lift the press plate 151 and move it to the use position.

[0126] When the user lifts the upstream end 151c of the pressing plate 151, the arm 152 rotates around the support of the housing 153, which serves as a fulcrum. After the arm 152 rotates more than 90°, the arm 152 rotates under its own weight, and the pressing plate 151 rotates around the arm 152 under its own weight, reaching the use position.

[0127] like Figure 21As shown, the housing 153 may be provided with a retainer 156. In this case, the retainer 156, which holds the pressing plate 151 in the housing 153, is positioned near the pivot point around which the ADF 3 rotates relative to the scanner 4. The pivot point is located on the rear side of the ADF 3. The retainer 156 is integrally formed with the housing 153 and has a foot 156c and a protrusion 156a. The foot 156c is elastically deformable outward in the width direction. The protrusion 156a is configured to protrude inward in the width direction from the top of the foot 156c. Compared to the case where the retainer 156 and the housing 153 are formed separately, this configuration reduces the number of parts and lowers the cost of the ADF 3.

[0128] When the pressing plate 151 is housed in the housing 153, one edge of the pressing plate 151 in the width direction contacts the protrusion 156a of the retainer 156 from vertically above. In this state, when the user presses the pressing plate 151, as... Figure 21 As shown by the dotted line, the foot 156c of the retainer 156 elastically deforms, and the protrusion 156a moves outward in the width direction. As a result, the pressing plate 151 passes over the protrusion 156a and is received by the receiving portion 153b, retracting into its stored position. When the pressing plate 151 passes over the protrusion 156a, the elastic deformation of the foot 156c is released, and the protrusion 156a faces the pressing plate 151 from above, thus retaining the pressing plate 151 within the housing 153.

[0129] Figure 22A This is a schematic diagram of an ADF when it is opened, provided in the housing with a pressing unit including a retainer. Figure 22B This is an enlarged view of the area surrounding the pressing unit 150 when the ADF, which includes a retainer within the housing, is opened. The retainer 156 holds the pressing plate 151 within the housing 153. Therefore, as... Figure 22A As shown, when the ADF 3 is opened, the protrusion 156a of the retainer 156 prevents the press plate 151 from jumping out of the housing 153 due to the kinetic energy of the opening action of the ADF 3. This structure prevents the press plate 151 from hitting a wall or object near the image forming device 1.

[0130] Due to dimensional errors in the components, the pressing plate 151 may wobble in the width direction. As described above, the housing 153 includes a retainer 156, which is configured near the pivot point around which the ADF 3 rotates relative to the scanner 4. The pivot point is located on the rear side of the ADF 3. Therefore, as... Figure 22BAs shown, when the ADF 3 is open, the retainer 156 is located below the press plate 151. Therefore, when the ADF 3 is open, the press plate 151 moves towards the retainer 156 due to its own weight, thereby increasing the overlap between the press plate 151 and the protrusion 156a. With this configuration, the press plate 151 is reliably held in the housing 153 when the ADF 3 is open.

[0131] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention. Therefore, many additional modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings. For example, within the scope of the invention, elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with and / or substituted for each other. Any of the above operations may be performed in various other ways, for example, in an order different from that described above.

[0132] For example, the technology of the present invention can be applied to the manual sheet feeding device of image forming apparatus 1. The manual sheet feeding device using the technology of the present invention can be applied not only to image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic methods, but also to image forming apparatuses using other recording methods such as inkjet printing.

[0133] The above applications are merely examples; the present invention has unique effects in the following aspects.

[0134] Aspect 1 The sheet feeder includes a sheet loader such as a document tray 120, a sheet supply section such as a separation and supply unit B, and a pressing member such as a pressing plate 151. The sheet supply section supplies a bundle of sheets, such as documents, placed on the sheet loader. The pressing member, such as the pressing plate 151, includes pressing portions such as pressing rollers 154a and 154b, which press the bundle of sheets placed on the sheet loader. The position of the pressing member includes a pressing position and a retracted position. In the pressing position, the pressing portion presses the bundle of sheets placed on the sheet loader, and in the retracted position, the pressing portion does not face the sheet loader. In Patent Document 1, when the pressing member is in the retracted position where the pressing rollers have moved away from the sheet bundle of the sheet loader, the pressing member is opposite to the sheet loader. Therefore, there is a possibility that the pressing member may prevent the user from placing the bundle of sheets on the sheet loader. Conversely, as described in the above embodiments, when a user sets a bundle of sheets of the same width, the user can place all the sheets of the bundle at the desired position on the sheet loader using a side baffle, such as side baffle 122. According to this structure, when it is not necessary to press the sheet bundle by the pressing part, the user can position the pressing member in a retracted position that does not face the sheet loader. Compared to Patent Document 1, this configuration ensures that the pressing member does not obstruct the user from setting the sheet bundle. As mentioned above, the position where the pressing member does not face the sheet loader refers to the position where, when viewed from the vertical direction of the original document mounting surface, the pressing member does not overlap with the portion of the original document mounting surface of the sheet loader exposed from the sheet feeder such as ADF 3.

[0135] Aspect 2 In the sheet feeder according to aspect 1, the pressing member is rotatably supported by an arm. According to this structure, the pressing member can be positioned in a retracted position, overlapping with the arm. Therefore, protrusion of the pressing member from the body of the sheet feeder can be prevented, and contact between the pressing member and surrounding objects can be prevented when the pressing member is in the retracted position. Even when the pressing member contacts a surrounding object, it can rotate relative to the arm, releasing the impact of contact with the surrounding object. Therefore, breakage of the pressing member can be prevented.

[0136] Aspect 3 In the sheet feeder according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, the retracted position is on a cover such as sheet feed cover 3a. The cover covers the sheet feed section. As described in the above embodiment, this configuration allows the pressing member, such as the pressing plate 151, to retract to a position where the pressing member does not face the sheet loader, such as the document tray 120. Therefore, when the user places all sheets of a bundle of sheets of the same width in the desired position on the sheet loader using a side baffle such as the side baffle 122, the pressing member will not obstruct the user from placing the sheets. In addition, since the pressing member is supported by an arm and can rotate, the pressing member retracts in a manner that overlaps with the arm on the cover. According to this structure, the pressing member protruding from the cover can be suppressed. Therefore, in the state where the pressing member is retracted onto the cover, the pressing member is less likely to collide with surrounding objects.

[0137] Aspect 4 In the sheet feeder according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, the sheet feed section of the separating and feeding section B, etc., includes: a sheet feed member such as a pick-up roller 141, which feeds the sheet bundle placed on a sheet loader such as a document tray 120; and a separator such as a separating roller pair 142, which separates the sheet from the sheet bundle supplied by the sheet feed member. Pressing portions such as pressing rollers 154a and 154b press the sheet bundle upstream of the sheet feed member in the sheet feed direction. With this configuration, since the sheet bundle supplied by the sheet feed member is pressed by pressing portions such as pressing rollers 154a and 154b, the occurrence of skewness in the supplied sheet is reduced. Furthermore, since the sheet returned by the separator is pressed by the pressing portions, the occurrence of skewness in the returned sheet is reduced.

[0138] Aspect 5 In the sheet feeder according to aspect 4, pressing portions such as pressing rollers 154a and 154b, sheet feeding components such as pick-up roller 141, and separators such as separating roller pair 142 are arranged in a straight line in the sheet feeding direction. As described in the above embodiment, with this configuration, the position of the conveying load caused by the pressing portions in the width direction and the position of the conveying force imparted by the sheet feeding components and separators in the width direction become the same. This configuration reduces the occurrence of skewing of sheets other than the sheet with the maximum width in the mixed sheet bundle, which is not restricted by side baffles such as side baffle 122 during sheet feeding.

[0139] Aspect 6 In the sheet feeder according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, the pressing part includes a plurality of pressing parts of the pressing rollers 154a, 154b, etc., and the pressing member of the pressing plate 151, etc., includes a plurality of the pressing parts in the sheet feeding direction. As described in the above embodiments, with this configuration, the pressing parts press the sheet bundle, such as the original document, at their respective positions to reduce the occurrence of skewing of sheets other than the sheet with the maximum width in the mixed sheet bundle, and the sheet is fed without being restricted by side baffles such as side baffles 122. Furthermore, the pressing part located on the downstream side in the sheet feeding direction presses the sheet bundle with a short length in the sheet feeding direction.

[0140] Aspect 7 In the sheet feeder according to any of aspects 1 to 6, the pressing part includes a first pressing part such as the pressing roller 154a and a second pressing part such as the pressing roller 154b. The first pressing part is located upstream of the pressing member, such as the pressing plate 151, in the sheet feeding direction, and the second pressing part is located downstream of the pressing member in the sheet feeding direction. The pivot point of the pressing member is located downstream of the central position of the pressing member in the sheet feeding direction. As described in the above embodiment, with this configuration, the pressing member, such as the pressing plate 151, tilts under its own weight in the sheet feeding direction, such that the pressing member is located downward at its downstream end in the sheet feeding direction. As a result, when the sheet loader, such as the movable table, is in its lowest position, the first pressing part located upstream of the pressing member in the sheet feeding direction contacts the sheet bundle placed in the sheet loader. Therefore, the sheet bundle, such as the original document, placed in the sheet loader is pressed by the pressing part such as the pressing roller, and thus does not move. The first pressing part, located upstream of the pressing member in the sheet feeding direction, is not obstructed by the arm. Therefore, the pivot point of the pressing member is located downstream of the center position in the sheet feeding direction. Furthermore, when the sheet loader, such as a movable table, is in the lowered position, the first pressing part, located upstream of the pressing member in the sheet feeding direction, contacts the sheet bundle. With this structure, the user can easily confirm that the first pressing part is in contact with the sheet bundle.

[0141] Aspect 8 In the sheet feeder according to aspect 7, the sheet loader includes a movable loader such as a movable table 121, which is movable at least at its downstream end in the sheet feeding direction. When the movable loader is in its lowest position, a first pressing portion, such as a pressing roller 154a, located at the upstream end of a pressing member such as a pressing plate 151 in the sheet feeding direction, contacts the sheet loader. Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, in order to prevent the sheet bundle, such as a manuscript, placed on the sheet loader from moving, the sheet bundle is pressed by the first pressing portion, such as a pressing roller 154a, located at the upstream end of the pressing member in the sheet feeding direction.

[0142] Aspect 9 In the sheet feeder according to aspect 8, when the movable loader, such as the movable table 121, is raised to the sheet feeding position, the pressing portions, including a first pressing portion such as pressing roller 154a and a second pressing portion such as pressing roller 154b, contact the sheet bundle placed in the sheet loader. As described in the above embodiment, with this configuration, the pressing portions, such as multiple pressing rollers, press the sheet bundle being fed. Therefore, in the mixed sheet bundle, sheets other than the sheet with the maximum width are not restricted by side baffles such as side baffles 122, and the above structure effectively reduces the occurrence of skewing of sheets other than the sheet with the maximum width in the mixed sheet bundle when feeding is performed under the above conditions.

[0143] Aspect 10 In the sheet feeder according to any of aspects 1 to 9, the pressing portion of the pressing rollers 154a, 154b, etc., includes a rotating body. As described in the above embodiments, with this configuration, the pressing portion rotates as a bundle of sheets, such as a manuscript, is supplied. This prevents the sheet bundle during transport from sliding on the pressing portion, thereby suppressing damage to the manuscript. Furthermore, the pressing portion rotates when sheets in the mixed sheet bundle are inserted into the space between the pressing member, such as the pressing plate 151, and the sheet loader. This configuration facilitates the insertion of the sheet bundle.

[0144] Aspect 11 In the sheet feeder according to any of aspects 1 to 10, the pressing portion has a contact portion that contacts the sheet bundle, the contact portion comprising an elastic material. As described in the above embodiments, this construction increases the friction with sheets such as original documents, and the sheets in the mixed sheet bundle, except for the sheet with the maximum width, are not restricted by side baffles such as side baffle 122. The above structure reduces the occurrence of skewing of the sheets in the mixed sheet bundle, except for the sheet with the maximum width, under the above conditions.

[0145] Aspect 12 In the sheet feeder according to any of aspects 1 to 11, the pressing member such as the pressing plate 151 is rotatably supported by an arm such as the arm 152, the pressing member being positioned in the retracted position so that the pressing member rests on the arm. As described in the above embodiments, when the pressing member is placed in the retracted position, this configuration reduces the protrusion of the pressing member, such as the pressing plate 151, from the main body of the sheet feeder, such as the sheet feed cover 3a, and reduces the chance of the pressing member in the retracted position contacting the surrounding wall or object.

[0146] Aspect 13 In the sheet feeder according to aspect 12, a pressing member such as a pressing plate 151 is rotatably supported on an arm 152. The sheet feeder includes a base such as a housing 153, which is mounted on the main body of the sheet feeder and rotatably supports the arm 152. The pressing member such as the pressing plate 151 is located in the retracted position at the base, such that the pressing member is placed on the arm 152. In the retracted position, the distance L11 between the center of the sheet width direction of the base from the support portion that rotatably supports the arm 152 to the end of the pressing member opposite to the support portion is greater than the distance L10 between two opposite end edges of the base in the sheet width direction from the support portion that rotatably supports the arm 152 to the end of the pressing member opposite to the support portion. With this configuration, as described in the above embodiment, when a pressing member, such as the pressing plate 151, moves from the retracted position to the pressing position, the user's finger contacts the end of the pressing member opposite to the support portion near the center in the width direction. According to this configuration, finger force can be applied uniformly to the pressing member in the width direction, allowing the pressing member to move smoothly from the retracted position to the pressing position.

[0147] Aspect 14 In the sheet feeder according to aspect 12 or 13, a pressing member such as a pressing plate 151 is rotatably supported on an arm 152. The sheet feeder includes a base such as a housing 153, which is mounted on the body of the sheet feeder and rotatably supports the arm 152. The pressing member such as the pressing plate 151 is located in the retracted position at the base, such that the pressing member is placed on the arm 152. When the pressing member is in the retracted position, a space is formed between the bottom surface 153c of the base and the pressing member, allowing a portion of the user's finger to enter. As described in the above embodiment, this configuration makes it easier for the user to hook their finger on the end of the pressing member opposite to the support side when the pressing member, such as the pressing plate 151, is moved from the retracted position to the pressing position.

[0148] Aspect 15 In the sheet feeder according to any of aspects 12 to 14, a pressing member such as a pressing plate 151 is rotatably supported on an arm 152. The sheet feeder includes a base such as a housing 153, which is mounted on the body of the sheet feeder and rotatably supports the arm 152. The pressing member such as the pressing plate 151 is located in the retracted position at the base, such that the pressing member is placed on the arm 152. When the pressing member is in the retracted position, the end of the pressing member opposite to the support portion of the base that rotatably supports the arm is located within the bottom surface 153c of the base. As described in the above embodiments, with this configuration, a step is formed between the bottom surface 153c of the base and the end of the pressing member opposite to the support portion of the rotatably supporting arm of the base. With this design, when a user hooks their finger onto the end of the pressing member opposite to the support portion of the base of the rotatably supported arm to move the pressing member, such as the pressing plate 151, from the retracted position to the pressing position, the user's finger is unlikely to hook onto the end of the bottom surface 153c of the base. Therefore, this design allows the user to lift the pressing member from the base without the force of the finger escaping to the bottom surface 153c of the base.

[0149] Aspect 16 In the sheet feeder according to any of aspects 12 to 15, a pressing member such as a pressing plate 151 is rotatably supported on an arm 152. The sheet feeder includes a base such as a housing 153, which is mounted on the body of the sheet feeder and rotatably supports the arm 152. The pressing member such as the pressing plate 151 is located in the retracted position at the base, such that the pressing member is placed on the arm 152. The sheet feeder further includes a retainer 156 that holds the pressing member at the base. As described in the above embodiments, when the pressing member is in the retracted position, this configuration prevents the pressing member, such as the pressing plate 151, from jumping out of the base such as the housing 153.

[0150] Aspect 17 In the sheet feeder according to any of aspects 1 to 16, a pressing member such as a pressing plate 151 is rotatably supported on an arm 152. The sheet feeder includes a base such as a housing 153, which is mounted on the body of the sheet feeder and rotatably supports the arm 152. The base, arm 152, and pressing members such as the pressing plate 151 are integrally formed into a pressing unit 150 detachably mounted to the sheet feeder. With this configuration, as described above, when the sheet feeder is replaced, the pressing unit 150 is removed from the sheet feeder and installed in a replacement sheet feeder for use. Thus, the pressing unit 150 can be reused, which helps to reduce environmental impact.

[0151] Aspect 18 In the sheet feeder according to aspect 17, the base of the housing 153, etc., is fixed to the body of the sheet feeder with double-sided tape. As described in the above embodiment, this configuration allows the pressing unit 150 to be removed from the body of the sheet feeder by peeling off the base from the double-sided tape, and can be reused.

[0152] Aspect 19 In the sheet feeder according to any of aspects 1 to 18, a base such as a housing 153 is further included, which is mounted on a cover such as a sheet feed cover 3a, and rotatably supports the arm 152. The cover covers the sheet feed section, such as the separation and feed section B. The pressing member is rotatably supported by the arm, and the cover includes an operating lever 3b that is operated at least when the cover is open, with its base disposed on the back side of the operating lever 3b of the sheet feeder. As described in the above embodiments, this configuration prevents the pressing unit 150 from interfering with the user's operation of the operating lever 3b.

[0153] Aspect 20 A pressing unit is detachably mounted to a sheet feeder. The pressing unit includes a pressing member, such as a pressing plate 151, an arm 152, and a base, such as a housing 153. The pressing member includes pressing portions, such as pressing rollers 154a and 154b, which press a bundle of sheets placed in a sheet loader, such as a document tray 120. The arm 152 rotatably supports the pressing member. The base, such as the housing 153, rotatably supports the arm 152, holding the arm 152 and the pressing member in place. Thus, as described in the above embodiment, when replacing the sheet feeder, the pressing unit 150 is removed from the sheet feeder and installed in the new sheet feeder. This allows the pressing unit 150 to be reused, helping to reduce environmental impact. When the pressing member is not in use, the base holds the pressing member, allowing the pressing member to be retracted to a position where it does not face the sheet loader. According to this structure, when the pressing component is not used, it will not hinder the user from placing the sheet bundle into the sheet loader. Furthermore, the pressing component is rotatable and supported by the arm, thus it can be held at the base by being mounted on the arm. Therefore, when the pressing component is not used, it can prevent it from protruding from the base and prevent it from contacting surrounding objects.

[0154] Aspect 21 An image reading device includes a sheet feeder and an image reader. The image reader reads an image from a document supplied by the sheet feeder. The image reading device uses a sheet feeder according to any one of aspects 1 to 19 as the sheet feeder. In a mixed sheet bundle, sheets other than the sheet with the largest width are not restricted by side baffles such as side baffles 122, and the above structure reduces the occurrence of skewing of sheets other than the sheet with the largest width in the mixed sheet bundle under the above conditions. Therefore, images of the document other than the widest original can be read well.

[0155] Aspect 22 An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feeder and an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet supplied from the sheet feeder. The image forming apparatus uses a sheet feeder according to any one of aspects 1 to 19 as the sheet feeder. In a mixed sheet bundle, sheets other than the sheet with the maximum width are not restricted by side baffles such as side baffles 122, and the above structure reduces the occurrence of skewness of sheets other than the sheet with the maximum width in the mixed sheet bundle under the above conditions. Therefore, images can be formed well on sheets other than the sheet with the maximum width.

[0156] This invention can be implemented in any convenient form, such as using dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and software. This invention can be implemented as computer software implemented by one or more networked processing devices. Processing devices include any suitably programmed device, such as a general-purpose computer, a personal digital assistant, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) or third-generation (3G) compatible mobile phone, etc. Since this invention can be implemented as software, each aspect of this invention includes computer software that can be implemented on a programmable device. The computer software can be provided to the programmable device using any conventional carrier medium (carrier device). Carrier media include transient carrier media, such as electrical, optical, microwave, acoustic, or radio frequency signals carrying computer code. An example of such a transient medium is Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) signals carrying computer code over an IP network such as the Internet. Carrier media also include storage media for storing processor-readable code, such as floppy disks, hard disks, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), magnetic tape devices, or solid-state storage devices.

[0157] The functions of the elements disclosed herein can be implemented using circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), conventional circuitry, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. Processors are considered processing circuitry or circuitry because they include transistors and other circuitry therein. In this disclosure, circuitry, units, or devices are hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the stated functions. The hardware can be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known, programmed or configured to perform the stated functions.

[0158] The memory stores a computer program that includes computer instructions. These computer instructions provide logic and procedures that enable hardware (e.g., processing circuitry or circuitry system) to perform the methods disclosed herein. The computer program may be implemented in known formats as a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, and / or a memory of an FPGA or ASIC.

[0159] This patent application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-178142, filed with the Japan Patent Office on October 16, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0160] List of reference numerals 1: Image forming equipment 2: Image reading device 3:ADF 3a: Sheet supply cover 3b: Control lever 4: Scanner 8: Image forming apparatus 15: Pressing Unit 120:Original table 121: Movable Stage 121a: Rotating shaft 122: Side panel 130: Operation display 141: Pickup roller 142: Separating roller pair 142A: Feed Roller 142B: Reverse Roller 150: Pressing unit 151: Pressing plate 151a: Cover 151b: Support 151c: Upstream end 152: Arm 153: Shell 153b: Receiving Department 153c: Bottom surface 154a: Pressing roller 154b: Press roller 156: Retainer 156a: Protrusion 156c: Feet 157: Pressing arm 159: Tags 160: Controller A: Original Manuscript Setup Department B: Separation and Supply Department

Claims

1. A sheet feeder, comprising: Sheet loader; The sheet supply section supplies a bundle of sheets placed in the sheet loader; and The pressing component, including a pressing part, presses the sheet bundle, and the pressing component is positioned as follows: At the pressing position, the pressing part presses down on the sheet bundle placed in the sheet loader; and In the retracted position, the pressing part is not facing the sheet loader.

2. The sheet feeder according to claim 1, further comprising an arm, wherein, The pressing component is rotatably supported by the arm.

3. The sheet feeder according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cover covering the sheet feed portion. in, The retraction position is on the cover.

4. The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The sheet supply unit includes: A sheet supply component supplies the sheet bundle placed in the sheet loader; and The separator separates sheets from the sheet bundle supplied by the sheet supply component, and The pressing part presses the sheet bundle upstream of the sheet supply component in the sheet supply direction.

5. The sheet feeder according to claim 4, wherein, The pressing part, the sheet supply component, and the separator are arranged in a straight line in the sheet supply direction.

6. The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The pressing part includes multiple pressing parts, and The pressing component includes the plurality of pressing portions in the sheet feeding direction.

7. The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The pressing part includes a first pressing part and a second pressing part. The first pressing part is disposed at the upstream end of the pressing member in the sheet feeding direction, and the second pressing part is disposed at the downstream end of the pressing member in the sheet feeding direction. The pivot point of the pressing component is located downstream of the center of the sheet feeding direction of the pressing component.

8. The sheet feeder according to claim 7, in, The sheet loader includes a movable loader such that the movable loader is movable and liftable at least at its downstream end in the sheet feeding direction, and When the movable loader is in its lowest position, the first pressing part located at the upstream end of the pressing member in the sheet feeding direction contacts the sheet loader.

9. The sheet feeder according to claim 8, wherein, When the movable loader is raised to the sheet supply position, the pressing part, including the first pressing part and the second pressing part, comes into contact with the sheet bundle placed on the sheet loader.

10. The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The pressing part includes a rotating body.

11. The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The pressing part has a contact portion that contacts the sheet bundle, and the contact portion includes an elastic material.

12. The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in, The pressing component is rotatably supported by the arm, and The pressing component is positioned in the retracted position so that it rests on the arm.

13. The sheet feeder according to claim 12, It further includes a base mounted on the body of the sheet feeder, which rotatably supports the arm. in, The pressing component is located at the base in the retracted position, such that the pressing component is placed on the arm, and When the pressing member is in the retracted position, the distance between the center of the sheet width direction of the base from the support portion that rotatably supports the arm to the end of the pressing member opposite to the support portion is greater than the distance between the two opposite end edges of the sheet width direction of the base from the support portion that rotatably supports the arm to the end of the pressing member opposite to the support portion.

14. The sheet feeder according to claim 12 or 13, It further includes a base mounted on the body of the sheet feeder, which rotatably supports the arm. in, The pressing component is located at the base in the retracted position, such that the pressing component is placed on the arm, and When the pressing member is in the retracted position, a space is formed between the bottom surface of the base and the pressing member.

15. The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 12 to 14, It further includes a base mounted on the body of the sheet feeder, which rotatably supports the arm. in, The pressing component is located at the base in the retracted position, such that the pressing component is placed on the arm, and When the pressing member is in the retracted position, the end of the pressing member opposite to the support portion of the base that rotatably supports the arm is located inside the bottom surface of the base.

16. The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising: The base, mounted on the body of the sheet feeder, rotatably supports the arm; and The retainer holds the pressing member in place at the base. in, The pressing component is located at the base in the retracted position, such that the pressing component is placed on the arm.

17. The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 16, It further includes a base mounted on the body of the sheet feeder, which rotatably supports the arm. in, The pressing component is rotatably supported by the arm, and The base, the arm, and the pressing component are integrally formed as a pressing unit that can be detachably mounted to the sheet feeder.

18. The sheet feeder according to claim 17, wherein, The base is fixed to the body of the sheet feeder with double-sided tape.

19. The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 18, The device further includes a base mounted on a cover that rotatably supports the arm, the cover covering the sheet supply section. in, The pressing component is rotatably supported by the arm. The cover includes an operating lever that is operated at least when the cover is opened, and The base is disposed on the back side of the operating lever of the sheet feeder.

20. A pressing unit detachably mounted to a sheet feeder, the pressing unit comprising: The pressing component includes a pressing part that presses down on a bundle of sheets placed in a sheet loader; An arm, rotatably supporting the pressing component; and The base rotatably supports the arm and holds the arm and the pressing member.

21. An image reading device, comprising: The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and An image reader reads an image from the original document supplied by the sheet feeder.

22. An image forming apparatus, comprising: The sheet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet supplied from the sheet feeder.

Images