Sheet feeder

Abstract

To provide a sheet feeder capable of properly feeding a smaller sheet which overlaps with a sheet stored in a feeding tray.SOLUTION: A sheet feeder 1 includes: a feeding tray 20; a feeding roller 21; a housing 3; and a restriction part 4. The feeding tray 20 stores sheets S. The feeding roller 21 transports the sheet S from the feeding tray 20. The housing 3 covers a part of the feeding tray 20. The restriction part 4 restricts the sheet S. The housing 3 has an upper housing part 30 formed at the upper side of the feeding tray 20. The restriction part 4 is formed extending from the upper housing part 30 toward the sheet S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device. [Background technology]

[0002] The document transport device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a device main body. The device main body includes an upper unit. A feed tray is provided above the device main body and below the upper unit. The feed tray is provided with a pair of left and right edge guides that guide the side edges of the document in the width direction. The edge guides are provided so as to be slidable relative to the feed tray according to the size of the document. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-120343 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when using the document transport device disclosed in Patent Document 1, it was necessary to replace the sheet based on the size of the sheet to be fed. As an example, when a user wants to transport a small size document such as A5 size after transporting a large size document such as A3 size, in order to guide the edge of the fed A5 size sheet, the user must first remove the large size document such as A3 size from the feed tray of the document transport device and then place the small size sheet such as A5 size on the feed tray. This caused a problem of low convenience for the user.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet feeding device capable of properly feeding a sheet of a smaller size that is stacked on top of sheets stored in a feeding tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sheet feeding device according to the present invention comprises a feed tray, a feed roller, a housing, and a regulating section. The feed tray stores sheets. The feed roller feeds the sheets from the feed tray. The housing covers a portion of the feed tray. The regulating section regulates the sheets. The housing has an upper housing section formed above the feed tray. The regulating section is formed to extend from the upper housing section towards the sheets. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet feeding device that can appropriately feed a sheet of a smaller size that is stacked on top of the sheets stored in the feeding tray. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an external appearance of a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the sheet feeding device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from the direction of arrow II (from right to left). FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a top view of the sheet feeding device according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2, seen from the direction of arrow III, with a housing removed to show a regulating portion. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged view of region IV shown in FIG. 3, as viewed in the direction of arrow G. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged top perspective view of a region V shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged top perspective view of region VI shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 13(a) to 13(c) are top views showing the movement of the cylindrical portion of the rotating portion relative to the opposing member. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a state in which the cursor portion is folded. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an aspect in which the cursor portion is opened. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a sheet feeding device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 9. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] First, the configuration of a sheet feeding device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an external view of the sheet feeding device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 1 also illustrates the internal configuration of the sheet feeding device 1.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, a sheet feeding device 1 according to this embodiment includes a feeding section 2, a housing 3, a regulating section 4, an optical device 5, and an operation device 6.

[0012] The sheet feeding device 1 feeds the sheet S through cooperation of components described below. The sheet feeding device 1 can be applied to a scanner, a printer, and a multifunction peripheral.

[0013] As an example, the sheets S include a first sheet S1 and a second sheet S2 that is narrower than the first sheet S1.

[0014] The feeding section 2 stores the sheets S and feeds the sheets S.

[0015] The housing 3 covers the transport function portion of the feeding section 2 .

[0016] The restricting portion 4 restricts the sheet S by pressing the sheet S. The restricting portion 4 restricts the edge of the sheet S.

[0017] The optical device 5 includes, for example, a light emitting section, an optical section, and a light receiving section.

[0018] An example of the light-emitting portion is an LED (Light-Emitting Diode). The LED emits light to be irradiated onto the sheet S.

[0019] The optical unit reflects the irradiated light and guides it to the sheet S. The optical unit is, for example, composed of a lens and a reflecting mirror.

[0020] The light receiving portion is a photodiode. The photodiode receives the light reflected from the sheet S and outputs image data.

[0021] The operation device 6 is an interface that accepts instructions from an operator.

[0022] The operation unit 8 includes, for example, buttons and a liquid crystal panel.

[0023] Next, the feeding section 2 includes a feeding tray 20, a feeding roller 21, a conveying path 22, and a discharge tray .

[0024] The feeding tray 20 stores the sheets S therein.

[0025] The feeding roller 21 picks up the sheet S from the feeding tray 20 and feeds the sheet S. The feeding roller 21 transports the sheet S through a transport path 22.

[0026] The conveying path 22 is formed to extend from the feeding tray 20 to the discharge tray 23, and conveys the sheet S picked up by the feeding roller 21. A plurality of feeding rollers 21 may be disposed on the conveying path 22.

[0027] The discharge tray 23 stores the sheet S from which the image has been read by the optical device 5.

[0028] Next, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the sheet feeding device 1 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from the direction of arrow II (from right to left). The housing 3 covers a part of the feed tray 20. Specifically, the housing 3 covers a part of the left end side of the feed tray 20 in FIG.

[0029] The housing 3 has an upper housing section 30, a side housing section 31, and an opposing member 32 (chassis 32).

[0030] The upper housing portion 30 is formed above the feed tray 20 .

[0031] The lateral housing portion 31 includes a first wall portion 310 on the left side of the drawing and a second wall portion 311 on the right side of the drawing.

[0032] That is, the housing 3 covers a part of the left end side of the feed tray 20 with the upper housing section 30 and the side housing section 31 (the first wall section 310 and the second wall section 311).

[0033] The facing member 32 (chassis 32) may be formed on the lower side of the upper housing unit 30, spanning the first wall portion 310 and the second wall portion 311. The facing member 32 (chassis 32) may be formed as a part of the upper housing unit 30, spanning the lower side of the upper housing unit 30, from the first wall portion 310 to the second wall portion 311.

[0034] 6 to 9, the opposing member 32 has a movable rib 320 and a stopper 321. The movable rib 320 and the stopper 321 of the opposing member 32 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0035] 3 is a top view of the sheet feeding device 1 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2, seen from the direction of arrow III, with the housing 3 removed to show the configuration of the regulating unit 4. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an area IV shown in FIG. 3, seen from the direction of arrow G.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the regulating portion 4 is formed to extend from the housing 3 toward the feeding tray 20 and regulates the sheet S.

[0037] The restricting portion 4 is formed to extend from the upper housing portion 30 toward the sheet S.

[0038] According to this embodiment, a sheet S of a smaller size stacked on top of the sheets S stored in the feed tray 20 can be fed appropriately.

[0039] The restricting portion 4 is formed extending from the upper housing portion 30 toward the sheet S, and restricts the sheet S from shifting or meandering. Therefore, after the image forming process of the first sheet S1 is completed, the operator can feed the second sheet S2, which is smaller than the first sheet S1, in a state in which it is stacked on top of the first sheet S1, without removing the first sheet S1 from the feeding tray 20.

[0040] The restricting portion 4 includes a cursor portion 40 , a biasing portion 41 , an interlocking portion 42 , and a rotating portion 43 .

[0041] The cursor portion 40 is capable of coming into contact with and being separated from the feed tray 20, and regulates the width direction end A (width direction end B) of the sheet S.

[0042] The cursor portion 40 is a plate-shaped member.

[0043] The biasing portion 41 biases the cursor portion 40 in a direction approaching the feed tray 20 (the direction indicated by the arrow I).

[0044] An example of the biasing portion 41 is a torsion spring.

[0045] According to this embodiment, even the cursor portion 40 extending from the upper housing portion 30 of the housing 3 toward the feed tray 20 can appropriately regulate the width direction end A (width direction end B) of the sheet S.

[0046] As described above, the sheet S includes a first sheet S1 and a second sheet S2 that is smaller in size than the first sheet S1.

[0047] The cursor portion 40 urges the first sheet S1 in the direction indicated by the arrow I by the urging force H of the urging portion 41 while restricting the widthwise end A (widthwise end B) of the second sheet S2.

[0048] According to the present embodiment, as an example, the operator can move the restricting portion 4 to the widthwise end portion A (widthwise end portion B) of the second sheet S2. The restricting portion 4 can restrict the widthwise end portion A (widthwise end portion B) of the second sheet S2 while pressing the first sheet S1.

[0049] Therefore, for example, after the conveying process of the first sheet S1, the operator can place the second sheet S2 on the first sheet S1 and then continue the conveying process of the second sheet S2. This improves the convenience of the operator.

[0050] The interlocking portion 42 moves in the width direction D of the sheet S in conjunction with the movement of the cursor portion 40.

[0051] Specifically, the operator can manually operate the cursor portion 40. The operator can manually operate the cursor portion 40 to move it in the width direction D of the sheet S.

[0052] At this time, even if the conveying process of the first sheet S1 has already been completed, the operator does not need to remove the first sheet S1 from the feed tray 20. The operator can set the second sheet S2 on top of the first sheet S1 while the first sheet S1 is still placed on the feed tray 20.

[0053] The rotating portion 43 is connected to the cursor portion 40 via the biasing portion 41. The rotating portion 43 is rotatably connected to the interlocking portion 42. That is, the cursor portion 40 is rotatable with respect to the interlocking portion 42 by the rotating function of the rotating portion 43.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the rotating portion 43 includes a first rotating portion 430 and a second rotating portion 431.

[0055] Next, the cursor portion 40 includes a first cursor 400 (left cursor 400) and a second cursor 401 (right cursor 401) which face each other in the width direction D when viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0056] The first cursor 400 is movable in the width direction D of the sheet S, and regulates one end A of the sheet S in the width direction (end A in the width direction).

[0057] The second cursor 401 is movable in the width direction D of the sheet S, and regulates the other end B of the sheet S in the width direction (end B in the width direction).

[0058] Specifically, the operator can operate the first cursor 400 by hand. The operator can operate the first cursor 400 by hand to move it in the width direction D of the sheet S. The operator moves the first cursor 400 to one end A of the sheet S in the width direction. Therefore, the first cursor 400 restricts the one end A of the sheet S in the width direction.

[0059] The urging portion 41 includes a first urging member 410 (left side urging member 410), a second urging member 411 (right side urging member 411), one end 41a, and the other end 41b.

[0060] The interlocking portion 42 includes a rack portion 420 , a transmission portion 421 , a protruding portion 422 , and a protruding portion 423 .

[0061] The rack section 420 includes a first rack 420a and a second rack 420b.

[0062] The first rack 420 a has a first series of teeth 4200 .

[0063] The second rack 420b has a second series of teeth 4201.

[0064] The transmission portion 421 is, for example, a pinion gear 421a. The pinion gear 421a has a third continuous tooth 4210.

[0065] The overhanging portion 422 includes a first overhanging portion 422a (left overhanging portion 422a) and a second overhanging portion 422b (right overhanging portion 422b).

[0066] The protrusion 423 includes a first protrusion 423a and a second protrusion 423b.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3, the interlocking portion 42 of the regulating portion 4 has a first rack 420a, a second rack 420b, and a pinion gear 421a.

[0068] More specifically, the interlocking portion 42 has a rack portion 420 and a transmission portion 421 .

[0069] The rack portion 420 moves in the width direction D of the sheet S in accordance with the movement of the first cursor 400 and the second cursor 401 .

[0070] The transmission portion 421 rotates in association with the movement of the rack portion 420 .

[0071] The rack section 420 includes a first rack 420a and a second rack 420b.

[0072] The first rack 420 a is connected to the first cursor 400 .

[0073] The first rack 420a is formed to extend in the width direction D of the sheet S.

[0074] The first rack 420 a has a first series of teeth 4200 .

[0075] The first rack 420a is, for example, a rod-shaped member formed in the width direction D of the sheet S. A first continuous tooth 4200 is formed on a surface of the first rack 420a facing the second cursor 401.

[0076] The second rack 420b is connected to the second cursor 401.

[0077] The second rack 420b is formed to extend in the width direction D of the sheet S.

[0078] The second rack 420b has a second series of teeth 4201.

[0079] The second rack 420b is, for example, a rod-shaped member formed in the width direction D of the sheet S. A second continuous tooth 4201 is formed on a surface of the second rack 420b facing the first cursor 400.

[0080] The first rack 420a and the second cursor 401 may be disposed in parallel.

[0081] The transmission part 421 may be a pinion gear 421a.

[0082] The pinion gear 421a rotates in accordance with the movement of the first rack 420a and the second rack 420b.

[0083] The pinion gear 421 a has third continuous teeth 4210 that mesh with the first continuous teeth 4200 and the second continuous teeth 4201 .

[0084] A third continuous set of teeth 4210 is formed on the circumferential surface of the pinion gear 421a.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the operator can align both the first cursor 400 and the second cursor 401 with the widthwise end A (widthwise end B) of the second sheet S2 by moving the first cursor 400. This improves the operability of the restriction unit 4.

[0086] That is, the first cursor 400 is connected to the first rack 420a. The second cursor 401 is connected to the second rack 420b. The first rack 420a and the second rack 420b are connected to each other via a pinion gear 421a.

[0087] As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator moves the first cursor 400 to one widthwise end portion A of the second sheet S2.

[0088] The first continuous teeth 4200 of the first rack 420a mesh with the third continuous teeth 4210 of the pinion gear 421a. Therefore, as shown in FIG 3, when the first rack 420a moves to the other width direction side F of the sheet S, the pinion gear 421a rotates.

[0089] The third continuous teeth 4210 of the pinion gear 421a mesh with the second continuous teeth 4201 of the second rack 420b. Therefore, when the pinion gear 421a rotates, the second rack 420b moves to one side E in the width direction of the sheet S.

[0090] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the restricting portion 4 has a cursor portion 40, a biasing portion 41, an interlocking portion 42, and a rotating portion 43.

[0091] The interlocking portion 42 moves in the width direction D of the sheet S in conjunction with the movement of the cursor portion 40.

[0092] The interlocking portion 42 has a rack portion 420 .

[0093] The rack portion 420 moves in the width direction D of the sheet S in association with the movement of the cursor portion 40.

[0094] The urging portion 41 (first urging member 410) is connected to the rotating portion 43 at one end 41a.

[0095] The biasing portion 41 (second biasing member 411) has the other end 41b connected to the cursor portion .

[0096] The rotation unit 43 rotates the cursor unit 40 .

[0097] More specifically, the rotation portion 43 rotates the cursor portion 40 relative to the interlocking portion 42 .

[0098] The rotating portion 43 includes a body portion 430a and a tube portion 430b.

[0099] The body portion 430 a is connected to one end 41 a of the biasing portion 41 .

[0100] The tube portion 430b is connected to the body portion 430a on the side opposite to the cursor portion 40 side of the body portion 430a.

[0101] More specifically, the rotating portion 43 has a first rotating portion 430 (left rotating portion 430) and a second rotating portion (right rotating portion 431).

[0102] The second rotating portion 431 (right rotating portion 431) has a body portion 431a and a tube portion 431b.

[0103] The cylindrical portion 431b has a bottom surface 431c.

[0104] A fixing rib 431d is formed on the bottom surface 431c.

[0105] Similarly, the first rotating portion 430 (left rotating portion 430) has a body portion 430a and a tube portion 430b.

[0106] The cylindrical portion 430b has a bottom surface 430c.

[0107] A fixing rib 430d is formed on the bottom surface 430c.

[0108] The first rotating part 430 has a body part 430a and a cylinder part 430b. The body part 430a and the cylinder part 430b of the first rotating part 430 are symmetrical to the body part 431a and the cylinder part 431b of the second rotating part 431, and therefore are not shown in the figure.

[0109] Next, Fig. 5 is an external perspective view in which an area V shown in Fig. 4 is enlarged, and Fig. 6 is an external perspective view in which an area VI shown in Fig. 5 is enlarged.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tube portion 431b is formed to extend in a circumferential direction L of a rotation center line K of the body portion 431a.

[0111] The interlocking portion 42 includes a protruding portion 422 and a protruding portion 423 .

[0112] The extension portion 422 is formed to extend from the rack portion 420 to the upstream side or the downstream side in the feeding direction J of the sheet S.

[0113] That is, the protruding portion 422 is formed so as to bend from the rack portion 420 extending to the other widthwise side F (FIG. 3) of the sheet S toward the upstream side in the feeding direction J of the sheet S, and further protrude.

[0114] The protrusion 423 is formed to extend from the protruding portion 422 toward the sheet S.

[0115] That is, the protrusion 423 is formed such that the protruding portion 422, which protrudes and extends to the upstream side in the feeding direction J of the sheet S, is bent in the downward direction Z and further extends in the downward direction Z.

[0116] The protrusion 423 may be formed on the rack portion 420 .

[0117] That is, the protrusion 423 may be formed to extend from the rack portion 420 toward the sheet S. The protrusion 423 passes through the tube portion 430b and is rotatably connected to the tube portion 430b.

[0118] According to this embodiment, the rotating portion 43 is capable of rotating with respect to the rack portion 420 by the cylindrical portion 430 b rotating around the protruding portion 423 .

[0119] As an example, an operator can fold the cursor portion 40 by rotating the cursor portion 40 connected to the rotating portion 43. Since the sheet feeding device 1 is configured so that the cursor portion 40 can be folded, damage to the cursor portion 40 is suppressed.

[0120] Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 3 further includes an opposing member 32 (chassis 32) in addition to the side housing portion 31 (FIG. 2).

[0121] The side housing portions 31 are formed on both sides of the feed tray 20 .

[0122] As shown in FIG. 5, the opposing member 32 (chassis 32) faces the cylindrical portion 431b.

[0123] The facing member 32 (chassis 32 ) may be hung across the lateral housing portion 31 .

[0124] The opposing member 32 (chassis 32) may assist the movement of the cursor portion 40.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 6, the cylindrical portion 431b has a bottom surface 431c.

[0126] The bottom surface 431c faces the opposing member 32.

[0127] A fixing rib 431d is formed on the bottom surface 431c.

[0128] 6 and 7, the cylindrical portion 431b has a bottom surface 431c. A fixing rib 431d is formed on the bottom surface 431c.

[0129] A bottom surface 430c and a fixing rib 430d of the cylindrical portion 430b are symmetrical to a bottom surface 431c and a fixing rib 431d of the cylindrical portion 431b, and therefore are not shown in the figure.

[0130] The fixing rib 430d is formed extending from the bottom surface 430c toward the opposing member 32. The fixing rib 430d is formed extending downward from the bottom surface 430c.

[0131] The opposing member 32 is formed with a movable rib 320 and a stopper 321. As an example, the movable rib 320 includes a rib on the upper end of a coil spring.

[0132] The movable rib 320 is formed so that the fixed rib 431d can get over it.

[0133] 7(a) to (c) are diagrams showing FIG. 6 as viewed from above in the direction of arrow VII.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 7(a), when the rotating portion 43 rotates counterclockwise in the circumferential direction L, the fixed rib 431d hits the movable rib 320.

[0135] The movable rib 320 is movable in the up and down direction by the coil spring. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the fixed rib 431d can ride up the movable rib 320. When the fixed rib 431d rides up the movable rib 320, the rib at the upper end of the movable rib 320 is biased downward by the fixed rib 431d.

[0136] Therefore, the coil spring of the movable rib 320 contracts downward, and the upper end rib moves downward.

[0137] The rotating portion 43 can further rotate counterclockwise in the circumferential direction L from FIG. 7(b). As shown in FIG. 7(c), the stopper 321 is formed so that the fixed rib 431d cannot get over it. The stopper 321 is made of a resin or the like that is not easily deformed even when the fixed rib 431d collides with it. Therefore, the fixed rib 431d collides with the stopper 321 and is stopped.

[0138] The stopper 321 may be formed on the rotation path of the bottom surface 431c caused by the rotation of the cylindrical portion 431b.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the movable rib 320 is formed in a position where it will not collide with the fixed rib 431d of the tube portion 431b even if the cursor portion 40 moves in the width direction D of the sheet S while facing the width direction D of the sheet S.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the stopper 321 is formed at a position where it will not collide with the fixed rib 431d of the tube portion 431b even if the cursor portion 40 moves in the width direction D of the sheet S while facing the width direction D of the sheet S.

[0141] The movable rib 320 is formed at a position where it collides with the fixed rib 431d when the cursor portion 40 moves in the width direction D of the sheet S while facing the upstream side in the feeding direction J of the sheet S.

[0142] The movable rib 320 is formed at a position where it collides with the fixed rib 431d when the cursor portion 40 moves in the width direction D of the sheet S while facing the upstream side in the feeding direction J of the sheet S.

[0143] According to this embodiment, when the cursor portion 40 faces the width direction D of the sheet S (when the cursor portion is folded), the fixed rib 431d of the rotating portion 43 does not collide with the movable rib 320 and the stopper 321 of the opposing member 32. Therefore, the cursor portion 40 can be moved in the width direction D of the sheet S according to the size of the sheet S.

[0144] Next, when the cursor portion 40 is opened, the fixed rib 431 d of the rotating portion 43 climbs over the movable rib 320 of the opposing member 32 and enters between the movable rib 320 of the opposing member 32 and the stopper 321 .

[0145] Furthermore, when the cursor portion 40 faces the upstream side in the feeding direction J of the sheet S, the fixed rib 430d of the rotating portion 43 collides with and is locked by the stopper 321 of the opposing member 32. Therefore, the cursor portion 40 can more appropriately regulate the width direction end A (width direction end B) of the sheet S.

[0146] Fig. 8 is a front view of the sheet feeding device 1 showing a state in which the cursor portion 40 is folded, and Fig. 9 is a front view of the sheet feeding device 1 showing a state in which the cursor portion 40 is opened.

[0147] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, after the feeding process of the first sheet S1 is completed, the operator can release the cursor portion 40 from the restriction of the first sheet S1 and fold it.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 9, the operator can move the cursor portion 40 in the folded state to the second sheet S2 and open the cursor portion 40 again.

[0149] Therefore, the operator can move the cursor portion 40 to the widthwise end portion A (widthwise end portion B) of the second sheet S2 and use the cursor portion 40 to regulate the widthwise end portion A (widthwise end portion B) of the second sheet S2.

[0150] The embodiments of the invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of the respective components for ease of understanding, and the number of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual number due to the convenience of drawing. Furthermore, the components shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0151] The present invention can be used in the field of sheet feeding devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1 Sheet Feeding Device 2 Feeding section 20 Feeding Tray 3. Chassis 30 Upper housing part 32 Opposing member (chassis) 320 Movable Rib 321 Stopper 4. Regulatory Department 40 Cursor section 400 First Cursor 401 Second Cursor 41 Pressurizing section 410 First biasing member 411 Second biasing member 42 Interlocking part 420 Rack 420a 1st rack 4200 First quadrant 420b 2nd Rack 4201 Second set of teeth 421 Transmission section 421a Pinion Gear 4210 Third set of teeth 422 Overhang 423 Protrusion 43 Rotating part 431a Body part 431b Cylinder part 431c bottom 431d Fixed rib

Claims

1. A feed tray for storing sheets; a feed roller that conveys the sheet from the feed tray; A housing that covers a part of the feed tray; a regulating portion for regulating the sheet; Equipped with the housing has an upper housing portion formed above the feed tray, The regulating portion is formed to extend from the upper housing portion toward the sheet.

2. The regulating portion is a cursor portion that can come into contact with and be separated from the feed tray and that regulates an end portion of the sheet in a width direction; a biasing portion that biases the cursor portion in a direction approaching the feed tray; The sheet feeding apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The sheets include a first sheet and a second sheet having a size smaller than that of the first sheet, The sheet feeding device according to claim 2 , wherein the cursor portion urges the first sheet by the urging force of the urging portion while restricting a width direction end of the second sheet.

4. The cursor unit is a first cursor that is movable in a width direction of the sheet and that restricts one end of the sheet in the width direction; a second cursor that is movable in the width direction of the sheet and that regulates the other end of the sheet in the width direction; Including, The regulating portion is a first rack connected to the first cursor and extending in the width direction of the sheet, the first rack having a first continuous tooth; a second rack connected to the second cursor and extending in the width direction of the sheet, the second rack having a second continuous tooth; a pinion gear that rotates in association with the movement of the first rack and the second rack; having 4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, wherein the pinion gear has a third continuous set of teeth that meshes with the first continuous set of teeth and the second continuous set of teeth.

5. the cursor portion is movable in a width direction of the sheet, The regulating portion is A rotation unit that rotates the cursor unit; a rack portion that moves in the width direction of the sheet in accordance with the movement of the cursor portion; having the biasing portion has one end connected to the rotation portion and the other end connected to the cursor portion; The rotating portion is a body portion connected to the one end of the biasing portion; a tubular portion that is connected to the body portion on the side opposite to the cursor portion and extends in a circumferential direction of a rotation center line of the body portion; Including, 4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, wherein the rack portion is formed with a protrusion that extends toward the sheet and penetrates the cylindrical portion.

6. The housing includes: Further, a facing member facing the cylindrical portion is provided. The cylindrical portion has a bottom surface facing the opposing member, A fixing rib is formed on the bottom surface, the fixing rib extending from the bottom surface toward the opposing member, A stopper is formed on the opposing member, The stopper is When the cursor portion is facing the width direction of the sheet, even if the cursor portion moves in the width direction of the sheet, the cursor portion does not collide with the fixed rib, The sheet feeding device according to claim 5 , wherein the cursor portion is formed at a position where it collides with the fixed rib when the cursor portion moves in the width direction of the sheet while facing upstream in the sheet feeding direction.

Images