Sheet storage device and image forming system with the same

Abstract

To improve workability in assembling a cover.SOLUTION: A sheet storage device includes a first frame and a second frame, a cover supported so as to pivot between a closed position and an open position, and a torque holding mechanism having a shaft that rotates in conjunction with the pivoting of the cover and generates resistance torque against the rotation of the shaft in conjunction with the pivoting of the cover toward the closed position. The torque holding mechanism includes a first torque holding mechanism disposed on the first frame, and a second torque holding mechanism disposed on the second frame. The first torque holding mechanism and the second torque holding mechanism each have a separate shaft. The shaft of the first torque holding mechanism is attached to a first support part disposed on the first frame side, and the shaft of the second torque holding mechanism is attached to a second support part disposed on the second frame side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet storage device and an image forming system including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional sheet storage device includes a cover that is supported so as to be openable (rotatable). When the cover is opened (rotated in the open direction), a sheet storage area is exposed, and when the cover is closed (rotated in the closed direction), the sheet storage area is blocked.

[0003] For example, the cover is supported so as to be openable and closable by a torque retention mechanism including a torque generating unit such as a torque limiter. This generates torque when the cover rotates in the closing direction. On the other hand, no torque is generated (the cover is in a free state) when the cover rotates in the opening direction. Such a torque retention mechanism (opening and closing mechanism) is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-96031 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, the torque retention mechanism is composed of a gear train including a torque generating unit and multiple gears connected to it. In this configuration, the phase (position in the rotational direction) of the gear train must be appropriately adjusted so that torque is generated in response to the rotation of the cover in the closing direction, which makes the work of assembling the cover difficult.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a sheet storage device and an image forming system equipped with the same that can improve workability when assembling a cover in a configuration in which the cover that opens and closes relative to the sheet storage area is supported by a torque retaining mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a sheet storage device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first frame and a second frame arranged to face each other in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction across a sheet storage area, a cover supported to rotate between a closed position and an open position with an end portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction as a fulcrum, covering the storage area from above when in the closed position and opening the upper side of the storage area by rotating from the closed position to the open position, and a torque retaining mechanism having a shaft that serves as a rotation axis of the cover and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the cover, generating a resistance torque against the rotation of the shaft when the cover rotates toward the closed position. The torque retaining mechanism includes a first torque retaining mechanism arranged in the first frame and a second torque retaining mechanism arranged in the second frame. The first torque retaining mechanism and the second torque retaining mechanism each have a separate shaft. The shaft of the first torque retaining mechanism is attached to a first support portion arranged on the first frame side of the cover. The shaft of the second torque retaining mechanism is attached to a second support portion disposed on the second frame side of the cover.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system including the sheet storage device described above and an image forming device connected to the sheet storage device. The sheet storage device feeds sheets to the image forming device. The image forming device prints on the sheets fed from the sheet storage device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] In the configuration of the present invention, in a configuration in which a cover that opens and closes relative to a seat storage area is supported by a torque retaining mechanism, workability when assembling the cover can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sheet storage device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system including a sheet storage device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sheet storage device according to the embodiment in a state where an outer cover is not provided. [Figure 4] 11 is a perspective view of a lifting mechanism for a set plate of a sheet storage device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 6 is a perspective view of a winding motor of the lifting mechanism shown in FIG. 5 and its periphery. [Figure 6] 4 is a plan view of a sheet storage area of ​​the sheet storage device according to the embodiment, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram (a plan view seen from above) of a mechanism for moving a pair of width direction regulating cursors of a sheet storage device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is a perspective view showing a positional relationship between an upper cover and a torque retaining mechanism of the sheet storage device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure of an upper cover to a torque retaining mechanism (shaft) of a sheet storage device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of a torque retaining mechanism of the sheet storage device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a sheet storage device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention and an image forming system 100S including the same will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] <Image forming system configuration> The sheet storage device 100 has an external appearance as shown in Fig. 1. The sheet storage device 100 is connected to an image forming apparatus 1000 as shown in Fig. 2. When the sheet storage device 100 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1000, it constitutes an image forming system 100S together with the image forming apparatus 1000. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the image forming system 100S (i.e., the sheet storage device 100 connected to the image forming apparatus 1000). Fig. 2 corresponds to a front view of the image forming system 100S.

[0013] The sheet storage device 100 is installed on a floor surface together with the image forming apparatus 1000. The direction perpendicular to the floor surface (flat surface) on which the sheet storage device 100 is installed corresponds to the "up-down direction".

[0014] Here, one of the horizontal directions perpendicular to the up-down direction corresponds to the “first direction”, and the other direction perpendicular to the one direction corresponds to the “second direction”. In the following description, one horizontal direction is given the symbol D1 and is simply referred to as the first direction D1, and the other horizontal direction is given the symbol D2 and is simply referred to as the second direction D2.

[0015] The first direction D1 corresponds to the front-rear direction when the sheet storage device 100 is viewed from the front. One side of the first direction D1 is the front side (i.e., the near side when viewed from the front of the device), and the other side opposite to the one side of the first direction D1 is the rear side (i.e., the far side when viewed from the front of the device).

[0016] The second direction D2 corresponds to the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the sheet storage device 100. One side of the second direction D2 is the right side, and the other side opposite to the one side of the second direction D2 is the left side.

[0017] The sheet storage device 100 is detachable from the image forming apparatus 1000. The sheet storage device 100 may be an optional device. The sheet storage device 100 is disposed on the right side of the image forming apparatus 1000.

[0018] The sheet storage device 100 stores sheets S. For example, the sheets S are paper. The sheet storage device 100 feeds the sheets S to the image forming apparatus 1000. That is, the sheet storage device 100 functions as a feeding device.

[0019] The sheet storage device 100 is located on the right side of the image forming apparatus 1000 and feeds the sheet S from the right side to the left side of the image forming apparatus 1000. That is, the direction from the right side to the left side of the second direction D2 is the feeding direction of the sheet S from the sheet storage device 100 to the image forming apparatus 1000. In this configuration, the first direction D1 is a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the sheet S.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 1000 prints an image on the sheet S fed from the sheet storage apparatus 100. The printing method of the image forming apparatus 1000 is an electrophotographic method. The printing method of the image forming apparatus 1000 may be an inkjet method.

[0021] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> The image forming apparatus 1000 transports the sheet S fed from the sheet storage apparatus 100 along a transport path. The image forming apparatus 1000 prints an image on the sheet S being transported. In FIG. 2, the transport path for the sheet S is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 1000 includes a photoconductor drum 1001 and a transfer roller 1002. The photoconductor drum 1001 carries a toner image on its peripheral surface. The transfer roller 1002 is in pressure contact with the photoconductor drum 1001, forming a transfer nip between the photoconductor drum 1001 and the transfer roller 1002. The transfer roller 1002 rotates together with the photoconductor drum 1001. When a sheet S being conveyed enters the transfer nip, a transfer process is performed on the sheet S, and the toner image is transferred to the sheet S.

[0023] Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 1000 further includes a charging device, an exposure device, and a developing device. The charging device charges the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 1001. The exposure device forms an electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 1001. The developing device develops the electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 1001 into a toner image.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 1000 includes a pair of fixing rollers 1003. The pair of fixing rollers 1003 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller has a built-in heater. The pressure roller is pressed against the heating roller to form a fixing nip between the heating roller and the pressure roller. The pressure roller rotates together with the heating roller. When the sheet S being transported enters the fixing nip, a fixing process is performed on the sheet S, and the toner image is fixed to the sheet S. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing nip is discharged to an output tray ET.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 1000 includes a feed roller 1004. The feed roller 1004 feeds a sheet S to a conveying path from a sheet cassette CA in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1000. That is, the image forming apparatus 1000 is also capable of printing on a sheet S set in the sheet cassette CA.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 1000 also includes an image reading apparatus 1005. The image reading apparatus 1005 reads an original document and generates image data of the original document. The image forming apparatus 1000 is capable of printing an image based on the image data of the original document onto a sheet S (i.e., copying the original document).

[0027] <Configuration of the Sheet Storage Device> As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet storage device 100 includes a front frame Ff and a rear frame Fr. The front frame Ff corresponds to the "first frame" and the rear frame Fr corresponds to the "second frame". The front frame Ff and the rear frame Fr are plate-shaped frames made of sheet metal. The front frame Ff is disposed on the front side, and the rear frame Fr is disposed on the rear side. The front frame Ff has a front surface portion whose thickness direction is the first direction D1, and the rear frame Fr has a rear surface portion whose thickness direction is the first direction D1. The front frame Ff and the rear frame Fr are disposed such that the front surface portion and the rear surface portion face each other in the first direction D1.

[0028] The sheet storage device 100 has a sheet storage area, which is an area between the front frame Ff and the rear frame Fr in the first direction D1. Sheets S are stored in the sheet storage area. The front frame Ff and the rear frame Fr are arranged to face each other in the first direction D1 with the sheet storage area in between. The sheet storage device 100 has a top cover CV (see Figures 1 and 2). The top cover CV corresponds to a "cover." The sheet storage area is covered from above by the top cover CV.

[0029] The top cover CV is rotatably supported by the front frame Ff and the rear frame Fr. The top cover CV is rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction D1. The top cover CV rotates around the left end in the second direction D2 as a fulcrum, so that the right end in the second direction D2 swings up and down. In other words, the top cover CV opens and closes with respect to the upper opening of the sheet storage area.

[0030] By rotating the right end of the top cover CV upward (in other words, opening the top cover CV), the upper opening of the sheet storage area is exposed. Then, with the top cover CV open, sheets S are stored in the sheet storage area through the upper opening of the sheet storage area. From this state, by rotating the right end of the top cover CV downward (in other words, closing the top cover CV), the upper opening of the sheet storage area is blocked. The opening and closing mechanism of the top cover CV will be described in detail later.

[0031] The sheet storage device 100 includes a set plate 1. The set plate 1 is made of sheet metal. The set plate 1 is disposed in a sheet storage area, which is an area between the front frame Ff and the rear frame Fr in the first direction D1. In other words, the front frame Ff and the rear frame Fr are disposed to face each other in the first direction D1 with the set plate 1 in between. In further words, the front frame Ff and the rear frame Fr are disposed outward in the first direction D1 with respect to the set plate 1. The front frame Ff is disposed in front of the set plate 1 in the first direction D1. The rear frame Fr is disposed in rear of the set plate 1 in the first direction D1.

[0032] The outward side in the first direction D1 is a direction from the center of the first direction D1 of the sheet storage area toward the front side or rear side of the first direction D1 of the sheet storage area. For example, the outward side in the first direction D1 of the front frame Ff is the front side of the first direction D1 of the front frame Ff (i.e., the outside opposite the sheet storage area side of the front frame Ff), and the outward side in the first direction D1 of the rear frame Fr is the rear side of the first direction D1 of the rear frame Fr (i.e., the outside opposite the sheet storage area side of the rear frame Fr).

[0033] On the other hand, the inward side in the first direction D1 is a direction from the front or rear side of the first direction D1 of the sheet storage area toward the center of the first direction D1 of the sheet storage area. For example, the inward side in the first direction D1 of the front frame Ff is the rear side of the first direction D1 of the front frame Ff (i.e., the sheet storage area side of the front frame Ff), and the inward side in the first direction D1 of the rear frame Fr is the front side of the first direction D1 of the rear frame Fr (i.e., the sheet storage area side of the rear frame Fr).

[0034] The setting plate 1 has a setting section 10 in which the sheets S are set in a sheet storage area. The sheets S are stacked in the vertical direction on the setting plate 1. The setting plate 1 is supported so as to be movable back and forth in the vertical direction.

[0035] The sheet storage device 100 includes a lifting mechanism 2. The configuration of the lifting mechanism 2 is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The lifting mechanism 2 moves the setting plate 1 in the vertical direction. The lifting mechanism 2 raises the setting plate 1 to maintain the vertical position of the uppermost sheet S set on the setting plate 1 at a predetermined position.

[0036] The lifting mechanism 2 includes a wire 20 connected to the set plate 1. The wire 20 includes a first wire 201 having one end connected to the right front end of the set plate 1, a second wire 202 having one end connected to the left front end of the set plate 1, a third wire 203 having one end connected to the right rear end of the set plate 1, and a fourth wire 204 having one end connected to the left rear end of the set plate 1. The lifting mechanism 2 lifts and lowers the set plate 1 by winding and unwinding the wire 20.

[0037] The lifting mechanism 2 includes a winding drum 21, a relay pulley 22, and a winding motor M. The winding drum 21 includes a first winding drum 211 to which the other end of the first wire 201 is connected, a second winding drum 212 to which the other end of the second wire 202 is connected, a third winding drum 213 to which the other end of the third wire 203 is connected, and a fourth winding drum 214 to which the other end of the fourth wire 204 is connected. Each of the first to fourth winding drums 211 to 214 rotates forward to wind up the wire 20 connected thereto, and rotates backward to unwind the wire 20 connected thereto.

[0038] The first winding drum 211 and the second winding drum 212 are disposed outward in the first direction D1 of the front frame Ff. The third winding drum 213 and the fourth winding drum 214 are disposed outward in the first direction D1 of the rear frame Fr.

[0039] The first winding drum 211 and the second winding drum 212 are arranged in this order from the front frame Ff side toward the outside in the first direction D1. The fourth winding drum 214 and the third winding drum 213 are arranged in this order from the rear frame Fr side toward the outside in the first direction D1.

[0040] The first to fourth winding drums 211 to 214 are supported rotatably around the same axis extending in the first direction D1. Specifically, the first to fourth winding drums 211 to 214 are attached to the same rotating shaft 210 and rotate together with the rotating shaft 210. The rotating shaft 210 extends parallel to the first direction D1 with one end in the axial direction rotatably supported by the front frame Ff and the other end opposite to the one end in the axial direction rotatably supported by the rear frame Fr. The first winding drum 211 and the second winding drum 212 are disposed at the right end of the front frame Ff in the second direction D2, and the third winding drum 213 and the fourth winding drum 214 are disposed at the right end of the rear frame Fr in the second direction D2. That is, one end of the rotating shaft 210 is rotatably supported on the right end of the front frame Ff in the second direction D2, and the other end of the rotating shaft 210 is rotatably supported on the right end of the rear frame Fr in the second direction D2.

[0041] The winding motor M is driven to rotate the rotating shaft 210. The rotation of the rotating shaft 210 rotates the first to fourth winding drums 211-214. The winding motor M is disposed outside the rear frame Fr in the first direction D1. The winding motor M is connected to the rear end of the rotating shaft 210 via a transmission mechanism 23 including a plurality of gears such as a screw gear.

[0042] Three relay pulleys 22 are disposed on the outside of the front frame Ff in the first direction D1 and three relay pulleys 22 are disposed on the outside of the rear frame Fr in the first direction. The three front relay pulleys 22 are rotatably supported by the front frame Ff, and the three rear relay pulleys 22 are rotatably supported by the rear frame Fr. Each relay pulley 22 is located above the rotation shaft 210 in the up-down direction.

[0043] The first wire 201 is extended from the set plate 1, wound around one relay pulley 22, and reaches the first winding drum 211. The second wire 202 is wound around two relay pulleys 22. One relay pulley 22 for the second wire 202 is located to the left of the other relay pulley 22 for the second wire 202 in the second direction D2. The other relay pulley 22 for the second wire 202 rotates around the same axis as the relay pulley 22 for the first wire 201. The second wire 202 is extended from the set plate 1, wound around two relay pulleys 22, and reaches the second winding drum 212.

[0044] The third wire 203 is extended from the set plate 1, wound around one relay pulley 22, and reaches the third winding drum 213. The fourth wire 204 is wound around two relay pulleys 22. One relay pulley 22 for the fourth wire 204 is located to the left of the other relay pulley 22 for the fourth wire 204 in the second direction D2. The other relay pulley 22 for the fourth wire 204 rotates around the same axis as the relay pulley 22 for the third wire 203. The fourth wire 204 is extended from the set plate 1, wound around two relay pulleys 22, and reaches the fourth winding drum 214.

[0045] When the winding motor M rotates in the forward direction, the wire 20 is wound by the winding drum 21. This causes the set plate 1 to rise. On the other hand, when the winding motor M rotates in the reverse direction, the wire 20 is unwound from the winding drum 21. This causes the set plate 1 to fall.

[0046] 2 and 3, the sheet storage device 100 includes a feeding unit 3. The feeding unit 3 feeds a sheet S from the sheet storage device 100 (i.e., a sheet storage area) to the image forming apparatus 1000. The feeding unit 3 includes a pickup roller 31 and a transport roller pair 32.

[0047] The pickup roller 31 is supported rotatably. The pickup roller 31 is disposed at a position where it can come into contact with the downstream end of the sheet S in the feeding direction from above when the sheet S is set on the set plate 1. The pickup roller 31 is supported rotatably. The pickup roller 31 comes into contact with the sheet S set on the set plate 1 from above, and rotates in that state to pull out the sheet S from the set plate 1.

[0048] The transport roller pair 32 is supported rotatably. The transport roller pair 32 is a pair of rollers that are in pressure contact with each other. The transport roller pair 32 is disposed downstream of the pickup roller 31 in the feeding direction. The transport roller pair 32 nips the sheet S pulled out from the set plate 1 by the pickup roller 31 and rotates. In this way, the transport roller pair 32 transports the sheet S toward the image forming apparatus 1000. The number of transport roller pairs 32 to be installed is not particularly limited, and can be changed according to the length of the transport path of the sheet S from the pickup roller 31 to the image forming apparatus 1000, etc.

[0049] The sheet S on the set plate 1 is sent from the right side to the left side in the second direction D2. That is, on the set plate 1, the left end of the sheet S in the second direction D2 is the front end, and the right end of the sheet S in the second direction D2 is the rear end. Also, on the set plate 1, the first direction D1 (i.e., the front-to-rear direction) is the width direction of the sheet S.

[0050] The lifting mechanism 2 raises the setting plate 1 to bring the topmost sheet S on the setting plate 1 into contact with the pickup roller 31. When the sheets S are continuously fed from the sheet storage device 100 to the image forming apparatus 1000, the lifting mechanism 2 repeatedly raises and stops the setting plate 1. This maintains the contact between the topmost sheet S on the setting plate 1 and the pickup roller 31.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the sheet storage device 100 includes width direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B and a rear end restriction cursor 4C. The width direction restriction cursor 4A, the width direction restriction cursor 4B, and the rear end restriction cursor 4C are supported so as to be movable back and forth in the horizontal direction. The width direction restriction cursor 4A, the width direction restriction cursor 4B, and the rear end restriction cursor 4C move in the horizontal direction by the user's operation. The width direction restriction cursor 4A, the width direction restriction cursor 4B, and the rear end restriction cursor 4C contact the edge of the sheet S set on the set plate 1 from the horizontal direction. As a result, the width direction restriction cursor 4A, the width direction restriction cursor 4B, and the rear end restriction cursor 4C restrict the horizontal positional deviation of the sheet S on the set plate 1.

[0052] The width direction regulating cursors 4A and 4B move in a first direction D1 to come into contact with the edge of the sheet S on the set plate 1 from the first direction D1, regulating misalignment of the sheet S on the set plate 1 in the first direction D1. The width direction regulating cursors 4A and 4B sandwich the sheet S on the set plate 1 in the first direction D1. The rear end regulating cursor 4C moves in a second direction D2 to come into contact with the edge of the sheet S on the set plate 1 from the second direction D2, regulating misalignment of the sheet S on the set plate 1 in the second direction D2.

[0053] In addition, when viewed from above, the set plate 1 has openings (reference numbers omitted) on the movement paths of the width direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B, and has an opening (reference number omitted) on the movement path of the rear end restriction cursor 4C. Therefore, even if the width direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B move in the first direction D1, they do not come into contact with the set plate 1. Even if the rear end restriction cursor 4C moves in the second direction D2, it does not come into contact with the set plate 1. In other words, even if the sheet S is small compared to the set plate 1 when viewed from above, the width direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B can be brought into contact with the edge of the sheet S without coming into contact with the set plate 1, and the rear end restriction cursor 4C can be brought into contact with the edge of the sheet S without coming into contact with the set plate 1. In FIG. 6, the set plate 1 is hatched.

[0054] The width direction restriction cursor 4A contacts the edge of the sheet S from the front side in the first direction D1, and the width direction restriction cursor 4B contacts the edge of the sheet S from the rear side in the first direction D1. Specifically, the width direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B each have a plate-shaped side portion 40 that contacts the edge of the sheet S. The side portions 40 of the width direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B stand upright in the vertical direction, and the first direction D1 is the plate thickness direction. The side portions 40 of the width direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B face each other in the first direction D1.

[0055] The width direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B move in the first direction D1 in conjunction with each other. When the width direction restriction cursor 4A moves rearward, the width direction restriction cursor 4B moves forward, narrowing the distance between the width direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B in the first direction D1. When the width direction restriction cursor 4A moves frontward, the width direction restriction cursor 4B moves rearward, widening the distance between the width direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B in the first direction D1.

[0056] In order to link the movements of the width-direction restriction cursors 4A and 4B in the first direction D1, the width-direction restriction cursor 4A is provided with a rack 401 extending rearward in the first direction D1, and the width-direction restriction cursor 4B is provided with a rack 402 extending forward in the first direction D1, as shown in Fig. 7. A gear 400 that rotates about an axis extending in the vertical direction is provided between the racks 401 and 402 in the second direction D2. The gear 400 meshes with the racks 401 and 402.

[0057] The sheet storage device 100 includes a cursor movement mechanism including a guide shaft 51 and a guide rail GL to enable the width-direction restriction cursor 4A to move back and forth in the first direction D1. The guide shaft 51 and the guide rail GL extend in the first direction D1 and guide the width-direction restriction cursor 4A to move back and forth in the first direction D1. The cursor movement mechanism also includes a stopper (not shown). The stopper is connected to the width-direction restriction cursor 4A.

[0058] The stopper has a guide hole into which the guide shaft 51 is inserted. When the stopper is tilted, the movement of the width direction regulating cursor 4A in the first direction D1 is restricted by contact resistance between the guide shaft 51 and the inner edge of the guide hole. The stopper is constantly biased to be tilted by a biasing member (not shown) such as a coil spring.

[0059] The cursor movement mechanism includes a lever 61 for transitioning the stopper from a tilted state to an upright state. The lever 61 is operated by the user. When the lever 61 is operated, it presses the stopper in a direction in which the stopper transitions from the tilted state to the upright state. When the lever 61 is operated, the stopper in the tilted state is raised, and the stopper transitions to the upright state. This enables the width-direction restricting cursor 4A to move back and forth in the first direction D1.

[0060] <Top cover opening / closing mechanism> As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the top cover CV has a right end portion in the second direction D2 as an operation unit 70. When opening or closing the top cover CV (i.e., when storing sheets S), the user grips the operation unit 70. The top cover CV opens when the operation unit 70 is lifted, and closes when the operation unit 70 is pushed down. For example, a part of the top cover CV may be recessed downward, and the recessed part may serve as the operation unit 70. The top cover CV is rotatable around its left end portion in the second direction D2 as a fulcrum, so that the operation unit 70, which is the right end portion in the second direction D2, swings. The top cover CV opens and closes with respect to the upper opening of the sheet storage area by rotating.

[0061] The top cover CV is supported so as to rotate between a closed position and an open position. In Fig. 2, the position of the top cover CV shown by the solid line is the closed position, and the position of the top cover CV shown by the dashed line is the open position. When in the closed position, the top cover CV covers the sheet storage area from above. When the top cover CV rotates from the closed position to the open position, it opens up the top of the sheet storage area.

[0062] The sheet storage device 100 supports the top cover CV by an opening / closing mechanism as shown in Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. Specifically, the sheet storage device 100 includes a torque retaining mechanism 8 to support the top cover CV rotatably (i.e., openably and closably). The top cover CV also has a support portion 9 supported by the torque retaining mechanism 8.

[0063] The torque holding mechanism 8 has a shaft 81. The shaft 81 is a round bar, and has an axial direction in the first direction D1 (i.e., extends in the first direction D1). The shaft 81 is supported rotatably. The shaft 81 is attached to a support portion 9.

[0064] For example, the shaft 81 has a D-cut portion 810 that is D-cut. The support portion 9 has a portion (reference numeral omitted) that can be fitted into the D-cut portion 810. The periphery of the D-cut portion 810 of the shaft 81 is shown in FIG.

[0065] The support portion 9 is fitted into the D-cut portion 810. This results in a state in which the top cover CV is attached to the shaft 81. In this state, the shaft 81 is disposed at the left end portion of the top cover CV in the second direction D2. The shaft 81 rotates in conjunction with the rotation (i.e., opening and closing) of the top cover CV. Although FIG. 9 shows the shaft 81 and the second support portion 9B of the second torque retaining mechanism 8B described later, the first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the first support portion 9A described later also have the same structure.

[0066] The shaft 81 serves as a rotation axis for the top cover CV. That is, the top cover CV rotates (i.e., opens and closes) around the shaft 81 as a fulcrum. When the top cover CV rotates toward the closed position, the shaft 81 rotates in one direction. When the top cover CV rotates toward the open position, the shaft 81 rotates in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

[0067] The torque retaining mechanism 8 generates a resistance torque against the rotation of the shaft 81 when the top cover CV rotates toward the closed position (i.e., rotation in one direction). In other words, the torque retaining mechanism 8 restricts the rotation of the top cover CV toward the closed position by generating a resistance torque against the rotation of the shaft 81 in one direction. On the other hand, the torque retaining mechanism 8 does not generate a resistance torque against the rotation of the shaft 81 when the top cover CV rotates toward the open position (i.e., rotation in the other direction), causing the shaft 81 to rotate freely.

[0068] In this configuration, when opening the top cover CV, it is possible to rotate the top cover CV toward the open position without much resistance (i.e., with a small force). On the other hand, when closing the top cover CV, it is necessary to press down the top cover CV with a relatively large force.

[0069] The torque retaining mechanism 8 allows the shaft 81 to rotate in one direction by applying a torque of a certain level or more to the shaft 81 in one direction. The torque retaining mechanism 8 does not allow the top cover CV to rotate toward the closed position by its own weight. This allows the torque retaining mechanism 8 to retain the top cover CV in any position between the open position and the closed position.

[0070] Here, the torque retaining mechanism 8 includes a first torque retaining mechanism 8A and a second torque retaining mechanism 8B. The first torque retaining mechanism 8A is disposed on the front frame Ff. The second torque retaining mechanism 8B is disposed on the rear frame Fr. In addition, the top cover CV is provided with a first support portion 9A and a second support portion 9B as the support portion 9. The first support portion 9A is disposed on the front frame Ff side. The second support portion 9B is disposed on the rear frame Fr side.

[0071] The first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B each have a separate shaft 81. The first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B each have one shaft 81.

[0072] The shaft 81 of the first torque retaining mechanism 8A is attached to the first support portion 9A, and the shaft 81 of the second torque retaining mechanism 8B is attached to the second support portion 9B. That is, the first torque retaining mechanism 8A supports the top cover CV from the front frame Ff side, and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B supports the top cover CV from the rear frame Fr side.

[0073] The shafts 81 of the first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B are arranged on the same axis. However, the shafts 81 of the first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B are not directly connected to each other. That is, both ends of a single shaft extending from the front side to the rear side in the first direction D1 are not the shafts 81 of the first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B. The shafts 81 of the first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B can rotate independently. Each of the first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B generates a resistance torque against the rotation of its own shaft 81 in one direction.

[0074] Each of the first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B has a torque generating unit 80 connected to its own shaft 81. The torque generating unit 80 includes, for example, a torque limiter. The torque generating unit 80 generates a resistance torque against rotation in one direction of the connected shaft 81. The torque generating unit 80 causes the connected shaft 81 to rotate idly in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

[0075] Each of the first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B has a drive train connecting its own shaft 81 to the torque generating unit 80. Each of the first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B has, as the drive train, a sector gear 82 attached to the shaft 81 and rotating together with the shaft 81, and a gear 83 meshing with the sector gear 82. The torque generating unit 80 is connected to a rotation shaft 830 of the gear 83.

[0076] 8 and 9 do not show the torque generating unit 80. Instead, the configuration of the torque holding mechanism 8, which includes the torque generating unit 80, the shaft 81, the sector gear 82, and the gear 83, is shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 corresponds to a plan view of the torque holding mechanism 8 as viewed from the first direction D1.

[0077] The upper diagram of Fig. 10 shows a state when the top cover CV is in the closed position. The lower diagram of Fig. 10 shows a state when the top cover CV is in the open position. When the top cover CV rotates in the opening direction toward the open position from the state shown in the upper diagram of Fig. 10, the shaft 81 (sector gear 82) rotates counterclockwise and the gear 83 rotates clockwise. When the top cover CV rotates in the closing direction toward the closed position from the state shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 10, the shaft 81 (sector gear 82) rotates clockwise and the gear 83 rotates counterclockwise.

[0078] The positional relationship between the shaft 81 and the gear 83 as viewed from the first direction D1 is not particularly limited. As viewed from the first direction D1, the gear 83 may be disposed on either one side or the other side of the shaft 81 in the second direction D2. Also, as viewed from the first direction D1, the gear 83 may be disposed on either the upper side or the lower side of the shaft 81.

[0079] Here, in this embodiment, since the sector gear 82 is used, the meshing between the sector gear 82 and the gear 83 may be disengaged depending on the position of the sector gear 82 in the rotational direction. If the meshing between the sector gear 82 and the gear 83 is disengaged, it is not possible to generate a resistance torque. For this reason, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the position of the sector gear 82 in the rotational direction so that the meshing between the sector gear 82 and the gear 83 is not disengaged.

[0080] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first torque retaining mechanism 8A and the second torque retaining mechanism 8B each have a separate shaft 81. This allows the rotational position of the D-cut portion 810 to be adjusted separately on both sides in the first direction D1. As a result, the rotational position of the sector gear 82 can be easily adjusted. In other words, in a configuration in which the top cover CV is supported by the torque retaining mechanism 8 so as to be openable and closable, the workability of assembling the top cover CV is improved. If a single long shaft reaching from the front frame Ff to the rear frame Fr is used as the shaft 81 attached to the top cover CV, the rotational position of the D-cut portion 810 cannot be adjusted separately on both sides in the first direction D1.

[0081] In this embodiment, the front side in the first direction D1 is the front of the device, and the work of assembling the top cover CV is performed from the front side in the first direction D1. That is, the worker who assembles the top cover CV performs the work from the front side to the rear side in the first direction D1.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment, at least the sector gear 82 and the gear 83 of the first torque retaining mechanism 8A are disposed on the side opposite to the seat accommodating area of ​​the front frame Ff. At least the sector gear 82 and the gear 83 of the second torque retaining mechanism 8B are disposed on the seat accommodating area side of the rear frame Fr. This is convenient for the worker assembling the top cover CV because almost all work can be done from one direction. In other words, the workability when assembling the top cover CV is further improved.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 8 Torque holding mechanism 8A First torque holding mechanism 8B Second torque holding mechanism 9A 1st support part 9B 2nd support part 80 Torque generating section 81 Shaft 82 Sector Gear 83 Gear 100 Sheet storage device 100S Image Forming System 810 D-cut section 830 Rotational axis 1000 Image forming device CV top cover (cover) D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction Ff Previous frame (first frame) Fr Rear frame (2nd frame) S Seat

Claims

1. a first frame and a second frame arranged to face each other in a first direction perpendicular to the up-down direction with a seat storage area therebetween; a cover that is supported so as to rotate between a closed position and an open position around an end portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the horizontal direction as a fulcrum, the cover covering the storage area from above when in the closed position and opening an upper portion of the storage area by rotating from the closed position to the open position; a torque holding mechanism that has a shaft that serves as a rotation axis of the cover and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the cover, and that generates a resistance torque against the rotation of the shaft when the cover rotates toward the closed position, The torque holding mechanism includes: a first torque retaining mechanism disposed on the first frame; a second torque retaining mechanism disposed on the second frame, the first torque holding mechanism and the second torque holding mechanism each have the shaft separately; the shaft of the first torque holding mechanism is attached to a first support portion of the cover that is disposed on the first frame side, The shaft of the second torque retaining mechanism is attached to a second support portion of the cover that is disposed on the second frame side.

2. The first torque holding mechanism and the second torque holding mechanism each have a sector gear attached to the shaft and adapted to rotate with the shaft; a gear that meshes with the sector gear; The sheet storage device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a torque generating section connected to a rotation shaft of the gear and configured to generate the resistance torque.

3. At least the sector gear and the gear of the first torque retaining mechanism are disposed on a side of the first frame opposite to the accommodation area, The sheet storage device according to claim 2 , wherein at least the sector gear and the gear of the second torque retaining mechanism are disposed on a side of the second frame facing the storage area.

4. A sheet storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, an image forming apparatus connected to the sheet storage device, the sheet storage device feeds the sheet to the image forming device; The image forming system, wherein the image forming apparatus prints on the sheets fed from the sheet storage apparatus.

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