Feeding device and image forming device

Abstract

To provide a feeding device capable of easily replenishing a sheet-like medium.SOLUTION: A feeding device for feeding a sheet-like medium includes: a placement part in which the sheet-like medium is placed in a standing posture; a delivery part provided on the side opposing to one surface of the sheet-like medium place in the placement part, and for delivering the sheet-like medium from the placement part; a support member provided on the side opposing to the other surface of the sheet-like medium placed in the placement part, and capable of moving between a support position for supporting the sheet-like medium and a retreat position separated from the sheet-like medium; an insertion member which can be inserted between the sheet-like medium placed in the placement part and the support member; and fixing means for fixing the support member at the retreat position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printer feeder that includes a frame in which a pair of side panels are fixed upright to both widthwise ends of a bottom panel that is inclined at a required angle, a feed roller provided at the inclined lower part of the frame for feeding out the printed material one sheet at a time, and a feed mechanism that includes at least one pair of clamping feed rollers and feeds the printed material to a paper feeding section of the printer, and a printed material feeding mechanism that stocks the printed material within the frame and feeds it out in the feed roller section of the feed mechanism, the printed material feeding mechanism including a receiving plate for the printed material that is attached to a connecting shaft between both side panels of the frame above the tangential direction of the outer periphery of the feed roller of the feeding mechanism, and a pressing plate for the printed material that is provided between the both side panels so as to move under its own weight toward the receiving plate along inclined guide sections provided on both side panels of the frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-144595 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As in Patent Document 1, by providing a presser plate that holds down the print target (sheet medium) in a temporarily fixed manner, the user can use both hands to replenish the sheet medium in the feeder (feeding device). However, if the remaining amount of sheet medium is low or if a sheet medium with low rigidity is used, and the presser plate is removed from the sheet medium, the sheet medium falls over inside the feeding device, making it difficult to replenish the sheet medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is a feeding device for feeding sheet-like media, comprising: a loading section for loading the sheet-like media in an upright position; a payout section provided on the side opposite one side of the sheet-like media loaded on the loading section and paying out the sheet-like media from the loading section; a support member provided on the side opposite the other side of the sheet-like media loaded on the loading section and movable between a support position supporting the sheet-like media and a retracted position away from the sheet-like media; an insertion member capable of being inserted between the sheet-like media loaded on the loading section and the support member; and a fixing means for fixing the support member to the retracted position. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a feeding device that allows easy refilling of sheet media. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a feeding device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an end fence. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the end fence. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a temporary holding member. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the temporary holding member. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the side fence. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a storage unit for the temporary holding member. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sheet medium detection unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a temporary holding member detection unit. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a portion related to detection control of the sheet medium and the temporary holding member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0009] <Configuration of the Feeding Device> First, the configuration of the feeding device will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the feeding device, where Figure 1(a) is a front view of the feeding device, Figure 1(b) is a top view of Figure 1(a) seen from the direction of arrow Y, and Figure 1(c) is a side view of Figure 1(a) seen from the direction of arrow X.

[0010] The feeding device 90 includes a tray 91 , a stop plate 93 , a feed roller 95 , an end fence 97 , and a side fence 99 .

[0011] The tray 91 has a placement surface 91a on which a stack of sheets SB is placed. The stack of sheets SB is placed on the tray 91 with each sheet-like medium S in the stack standing upright on the placement surface 91a. Note that the above "standing upright on the placement surface 91a" does not only mean that the sheet-like medium S is in a position parallel to the vertical direction, but also includes a position inclined from the vertical direction as long as the position includes at least a vertical component. Here, the tray 91 is an example of a "placement section."

[0012] The abutment plate 93 is provided on the side facing one side of the sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S) placed on the tray 91. The abutment plate 93 holds the sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S) placed on the tray 91 between itself and an end fence 97, which will be described later, and prevents the sheet-like media S from falling over. The tray 91 and the abutment plate 93 are disposed with a gap therebetween so as to form a feed-out opening 90a for feeding the sheet-like media S between the left end of the tray 91 and the lower end of the abutment plate 93, as shown in FIG. 1(a).

[0013] The pay-out roller 95 is provided so that a part of its outer circumferential surface protrudes inward from the abutment plate 93 so as to be able to come into contact with the sheet medium S that is closest to the abutment plate 93 among the sheet stack SB placed on the tray 91. Specifically, the abutment plate 93 has an opening or notch at the location where the pay-out roller 95 is installed, and the pay-out roller 95 protrudes inward from the abutment plate 93 from this opening or notch to come into contact with the sheet medium S.

[0014] The pay-out roller 95 is a drive roller connected to a drive motor, and is driven to rotate clockwise as shown in FIG. 1(a) to send the sheet medium S to the pay-out outlet 90a and pay out the sheet medium S from the feeding device 90. The drive motor of the pay-out roller 95 is not limited to being provided in the feeding device 90, but may also be provided in another device (e.g., an image forming device) that is used in connection with the feeding device 90. In the latter case, for example, when the other device recognizes that the feeding device 90 is connected, the drive motor becomes operable and the power of the drive motor is transmitted to the pay-out roller 95. Here, the pay-out roller 95 is an example of a "pay-out section."

[0015] The end fence 97 is provided on the side facing the other side of the sheet bundle SB (sheet-like medium S) placed on the tray 91, i.e., on the opposite side to the side on which the abutment plate 93 is provided. The end fence 97 holds the sheet bundle SB (sheet-like medium S) placed on the tray 91 between itself and the abutment plate 93, preventing the sheet bundle S from falling over. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the end fence 97 is movable in the direction of arrow A relative to the tray 91, and is provided so as to be movable between a support position that supports the sheet bundle SB and a retracted position away from the sheet bundle SB. The support position and the retracted position will be described later. Here, the end fence 97 is an example of a "support member."

[0016] 1(b) and 1(c), the side fence 99 is composed of a side fence 99a that regulates the position of the front side of the sheet bundle SB placed on the tray 91, and a side fence 99b that regulates the position of the rear side of the sheet bundle SB. As shown in FIG. 1(b), the side fences 99a and 99b are movable relative to the tray 91 in a direction (arrow B direction) perpendicular to the moving direction (arrow A direction) of the end fence 97. In this way, the side fences 99a and 99b regulate the position of the sheet bundle SB in the direction (arrow B direction) perpendicular to the moving direction of the end fence 97. Here, the side fences 99 (99a and 99b) are an example of a "pair of regulating members."

[0017] The feeding device 90 having the above configuration is used by being attached so that the pay-out port 90a is connected to a sheet conveying path P of another device (e.g., an image forming device) that is connected to the feeding device 90. A conveying roller R is provided on the sheet conveying path P. The conveying roller R includes a drive roller connected to a drive motor and a driven roller that rotates in contact with the drive roller. The sheet medium S that is fed from the feeding device 90 to the sheet conveying path P by the rotation of the pay-out roller 95 is delivered to the conveying roller R. The conveying roller R sends out the sheet medium S delivered from the feeding device 90 toward a processing section (e.g., an image forming unit of the image forming device) of the other device (e.g., an image forming device), where the sheet medium S is subjected to a desired process. Note that the sheet conveying path P and the conveying roller R are not necessarily always provided in the other device (e.g., an image forming device) that is connected to the feeding device 90 and used, and may be provided in the feeding device 90.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a feeding device according to an embodiment. In Fig. 2, Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 2(b) show a state in which the end fence 97 is in a support position where it supports the sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S), and Fig. 2(c) shows a state in which the end fence 97 is in a retracted position away from the sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S).

[0019] In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the feeding device 90 includes a fixing mechanism 98 that fixes the end fence 97 to a retracted position away from the sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S). The feeding device 90 also includes a temporary holding member 92 that can be inserted between the sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S) placed on the tray 91 and the end fence 97.

[0020] The fixing mechanism 98 is not particularly limited in configuration as long as it can fix the end fence 97 to a retracted position away from the sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S) as shown in Fig. 2(c). For example, the fixing mechanism 98 is configured by installing a magnet 98a on the upstream side (right side in Fig. 2) of the end fence 97 in the sheet stack feeding direction, and forming the surface of the end fence 97 facing the magnet 98a from a magnetic material. As a result, the surface of the end fence 97 made of a magnetic material is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 98a, and the end fence 97 is held in the retracted position. Here, the fixing mechanism 98 is an example of a "fixing means".

[0021] The temporary holding member 92 is a plate-like member that can be inserted between the existing sheet bundle SB (sheet media S) placed on the tray 91 and the end fence 97 when refilling the sheet bundle SB (sheet media S) in the feeding device 90. When the state of FIG. 2(a) changes to the state of FIG. 2(b) as the sheet bundle S is consumed and it becomes necessary to refill the sheet bundle SB (sheet media S), first, the temporary holding member 92 is inserted between the existing sheet bundle SB (sheet media S) and the end fence 97. As a result, even if the end fence 97 is moved to the retracted position, the sheet bundle SB (sheet media S) is supported by the temporary holding member 92, so that the sheet bundle SB (sheet media S) is prevented from falling on the tray 91.

[0022] Once the temporary holding member 92 has been inserted between the existing sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S) and the end fence 97, the end fence 97 is then retracted to the position of the fixing mechanism 98 as shown in Fig. 2(c). As a result, the end fence 97 is fixed to the retracted position by the fixing mechanism 98, and a space is secured between the temporary holding member 92 and the end fence 97 for replenishing a new sheet stack SB.

[0023] With the above configuration, when refilling the sheet bundle SB (sheet-like medium S), the user can easily refill the new sheet bundle SB using both hands without pressing the existing sheet bundle SB (sheet-like medium S) or the end fence 97 with his / her hands. Once the new sheet bundle SB (sheet-like medium S) has been refilled, the end fence 97 is released from its fixed position and returned to its support position. Thereafter, the temporary holding member 92 is removed from the sheet bundle SB (between the existing sheet bundle and the newly refilled sheet bundle), thereby completing the refilling of the sheet bundle SB (sheet-like medium S). Here, the temporary holding member 92 is an example of an "insertion member."

[0024] As described above, the present embodiment is a feeding device 90 for feeding a sheet medium S, and includes a tray 91 on which the sheet medium S is placed in an upright position, a feed roller 95 provided on the side opposite one side of the sheet medium S placed on the tray 91 and feeding the sheet medium S from the tray 91, an end fence 97 provided on the side opposite the other side of the sheet medium S placed on the tray 91 and movable between a support position supporting the sheet medium S and a retracted position away from the sheet medium S, a temporary holding member 92 insertable between the sheet medium S placed on the tray 91 and the end fence 97, and a fixing mechanism 98 for fixing the end fence 97 to the retracted position. This makes it possible to provide a feeding device that allows easy refilling of sheet media.

[0025] <End fence configuration> Next, the configuration of the end fence will be described. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the end fence, in which Fig. 3(a) shows a state when the number of sheet stacks on the tray is large, and Fig. 3(b) shows a state when the number of sheet stacks on the tray is small.

[0026] When mounting the end fence 97, which is an example of a support member, it is preferable that the end fence 97 be configured so as to be biased in a direction (support position) in which the end fence 97 supports the sheet stack SB.

[0027] For example, the tray 91 has a through hole or a notch that matches the movement range of the end fence 97 so as not to impede the movement of the end fence 97, and the end fence 97 extends below the tray 91 through the through hole or the notch. A roller 97b is provided at the lower end of the end fence 97, and the roller 97b moves on a guide member 94 such as a guide rail provided below the tray 91.

[0028] Further, the end fence 97 is provided with a pressure spring 97a. One end of the pressure spring 97a is fixed to the end fence 97, and the other end is fixed to a housing member F such as a frame of the feeding device 90 or another device (e.g., an image forming device) that is used in connection with the feeding device 90. Here, the pressure spring 97a is an example of a "biasing means." In the above configuration having the pressure spring 97a, the end fence 97 is always pulled toward the abutment plate 93 by the elastic force (restoring force) of the pressure spring 97a, so the placement surface 91a of the tray 91 may be a horizontal surface instead of an inclined surface as shown in the figure.

[0029] As described above, in this embodiment, the end fence 97 is biased to the support position by the pressure spring 97a, so that the sheet medium on the tray is pressed toward the abutment plate by the end fence, and the sheet medium can be reliably supplied to the feed roller.

[0030] 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the end fence, in which Fig. 4A shows a state where the number of sheet stacks on the tray is large, and Fig. 4B shows a state where the number of sheet stacks on the tray is small.

[0031] 4, the end fence 97 is moved toward the support position by its own weight. In this configuration example, the placement surface 91a of the tray 91 is inclined so that the side where one surface of the sheet stack SB is located (the side where the feed roller 95 is provided) is lower in the vertical direction than the side where the other surface is located (the side where the end fence 97 is provided).

[0032] For example, the tray 91 has a through hole or a notch that matches the movement range of the end fence 97 so as not to impede the movement of the end fence 97, and the end fence 97 extends below the tray 91 through the through hole or the notch. A base member 97c equipped with a roller 97d, for example, is provided at the lower end of the end fence 97, and the roller 97d moves on a guide member 94, such as a guide rail, provided below the tray 91, using the weight of the end fence 97 as power.

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, the placement surface 91a of the tray 91 is inclined so that the side on which the feed roller 95 is provided is lower in the vertical direction than the side on which the end fence 97 is provided.

[0034] As described above, the end fence 97 moves to the support position due to its own weight.

[0035] As a result, the sheet media on the tray is pressed toward the abutment plate by the end fence, so that the sheet media can be reliably supplied to the feed roller.

[0036] <Configuration of the temporary holding member> Next, the configuration of the temporary holding member will be described. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the temporary holding member, where Fig. 5(a) is a front view of the feeding device when the temporary holding member is in use, and Fig. 5(b) is a top view of Fig. 5(a) seen from the direction of arrow Y. Fig. 5(c1) is a front view of the temporary holding member, Fig. 5(c2) is a top view of Fig. 5(c1) seen from the direction of arrow Y, and Fig. 5(c3) is a side view of Fig. 5(c1) seen from the direction of arrow X.

[0037] The temporary holding member 92, which is an example of an insertion member, has a shaft portion 92a and a plate-like portion 92b protruding from a part of the shaft portion 92a. The shaft portion 92a and the plate-like portion 92b may be integrally formed, or may be formed by joining separate members.

[0038] The shaft portion 92a has a length greater than the width of the plate-shaped portion 92b, and ends T1, T2 of the shaft portion 92a are provided so as to protrude from both sides of the plate-shaped portion 92b.

[0039] When the plate-like portion 92b of the temporary holding member 92 configured as described above is inserted between the abutment plate 93 and the end fence 97, the ends T1 and T2 of the shaft portion 92a are supported by the upper surfaces (upper edges) of the side fences 99a and 99b as shown in Fig. 5(b). Here, the ends T1 and T2 of the shaft portion 92a are an example of a "support portion."

[0040] As described above, this embodiment has a pair of side fences 99 (99a, 99b) that regulate the position of the sheet medium S placed on the tray 91 in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the end fence 97, and the temporary holding member 92 has ends T1, T2 supported by the pair of side fences 99 (99a, 99b). This makes it easier to find the temporary holding member inserted between an existing sheet stack and a newly added sheet stack, and makes it easier to remove the temporary holding member from the sheet stack.

[0041] Although the shape of the shaft 92a of the temporary holding member 92 is not particularly limited, if at least the cross-sectional shape of the ends T1, T2 of the shaft 92a is circular, the temporary holding member 92 itself can easily correct the position and orientation of the plate-shaped portion 92b. In other words, if the cross-sectional shape of the ends T1, T2 is circular when the ends T1, T2 are placed on the side fence 99, the plate-shaped portion 92b will easily rotate in the direction of gravity under its own weight with the shaft 92a as a fulcrum, making it easier to maintain the vertical orientation of the plate-shaped portion 92b.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the temporary holding member 92 has a shaft portion 92a whose section forming at least the ends T1, T2 is formed to have a circular cross section, and a plate-shaped portion 92b provided on the shaft portion 92a except for the ends T1, T2, and the plate-shaped portion 92b is inserted between the sheet stack SB (sheet media S) placed on the tray 91 and the end fence 97. This makes it easier to keep the orientation of the plate-shaped portion of the temporary holding member vertical, so that a new sheet stack (sheet media) to be replenished can also be replenished in the correct orientation with reference to the plate-shaped portion of the temporary holding member.

[0043] Furthermore, the upper surfaces (upper edges) of the side fences 99a, 99b that contact the ends T1, T2 of the shaft portion 92a preferably form a guide portion G that is parallel to the placement surface 91a of the tray 91. The guide portion G may be formed by processing the side fences 99a, 99b themselves so that the upper surfaces (upper edges) of the side fences 99a, 99b are parallel to the placement surface 91a, or by joining a separate member to the upper surfaces (upper edges) of the side fences 99a, 99b.

[0044] As described above, in this embodiment, the pair of side fences 99 are formed so that the portions supporting the ends T1, T2 of the shaft portion 92a are parallel to the placement surface 91a of the tray 91. This reduces the inclination of the temporary holding member in the axial direction of the shaft portion, so that the sheet stack (sheet-like media) can be supported in the correct posture and the sheet stack (sheet-like media) can be held evenly in the axial direction of the shaft portion.

[0045] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the temporary holding member, where Fig. 6(a) is a front view of the feeding device when the temporary holding member is in use, and Fig. 6(b) is a top view of Fig. 6(a) seen from the direction of arrow Y. Fig. 6(c1) is a front view of the temporary holding member, Fig. 6(c2) is a top view of Fig. 6(c1) seen from the direction of arrow Y, and Fig. 6(c3) is a side view of Fig. 6(c1) seen from the direction of arrow X.

[0046] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 6, a temporary holding member 92 has a shaft portion 92a provided with rotating members 92c such as rollers at both ends thereof, and the temporary holding member 92 is supported by side fences 99a and 99b via the rotating members 92c.

[0047] The temporary holding member 92, which is an example of an insertion member, has a shaft portion 92a, a plate-shaped portion 92b protruding from a part of the shaft portion 92a, and a rotating member 92c rotatably supported at both ends of the shaft portion 92a. The shaft portion 92a and the plate-shaped portion 92b may be integrally molded, or may be formed by joining separate members. The rotating member 92c is provided so as to protrude from both sides of the plate-shaped portion 92b.

[0048] When the plate-shaped portion 92b of the temporary holding member 92 configured as described above is inserted between the abutment plate 93 and the end fence 97, the rotating members 92c provided at both ends of the shaft portion 92a are supported by the upper surfaces (upper edges) of the side fences 99a, 99b as shown in Fig. 6(b). Here, the rotating members 92c are an example of a "support portion".

[0049] As described above, in this embodiment, the temporary holding member 92 is provided with the rotating members 92c at least on both ends of the shaft portion 92a, which improves the sliding property of the temporary holding member relative to the side fences and improves operability during operations such as replenishing sheet stacks.

[0050] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the side fence.

[0051] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7 of a side fence 99, which is an example of a restricting member, the side fences 99 (99a, 99b) are provided with engagement portions for positioning the temporary holding members 92.

[0052] For example, the engaging portion is made of a notch 99c having a size that allows the end T1, T2 (or the rotating member 92c) of the shaft portion 92a of the temporary holding member 92 to engage with it, and a necessary number of engaging portions are provided on the side fence 99. Note that the engaging portion is not limited to being formed between the end T1, T2 (or the rotating member 92c) of the temporary holding member 92 and the side fence 99. For example, a recess with which the lower end of the temporary holding member 92 can engage may be provided on the upper surface of the tray 91, and the temporary holding member 92 may be positioned by the lower end of the temporary holding member 92 and the tray 91.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the tray 91 or the side fence 99 has an engagement portion that engages with a part of the temporary holding member 92 to position the temporary holding member 92 at a predetermined position. This fixes the temporary holding member at the predetermined position, thereby increasing the rigidity of the temporary holding member.

[0054] <Storage of temporary holding parts> Next, storage of the temporary holding members will be described. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a storage section for the temporary holding members, Fig. 8(a) is a front view of the feeding device, and Fig. 8(b) is a side view of Fig. 8(a) as seen from the direction of the arrow X.

[0055] The feeding device 90 may include a storage section for storing the temporary holding member 92, which is an example of an insert member, when the temporary holding member 92 is not in use.

[0056] Since the temporary holding member 92 has a planar shape as a whole for functional reasons, for example, by forming an opening 91b in the tray 91 into which the temporary holding member 92 can be inserted, a storage section for the temporary holding member 92 can be secured. Here, the opening 91b is an example of a "storage section".

[0057] Further, instead of the opening 91b, the storage section may be configured such that a tray-shaped or box-shaped receiving section is provided on the bottom surface of the tray 91 into which the temporary holding member 92 is inserted.

[0058] As described above, in this embodiment, the tray 91 has the opening 91b for storing the temporary holding member 92. This makes it possible to prevent the temporary holding member 92 from being lost, deformed, or damaged.

[0059] <Detection of sheet media> Next, detection of sheet media S placed on tray 91 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sheet media detection means, Fig. 9(a) is a top view of the feeding device, and Fig. 9(b) is a side view of the feeding device from the end fence side.

[0060] The amount of the sheet stack SB (sheet media S) placed on the tray 91 is calculated, for example, by providing one or more sheet media sensors 96a on the side fence 99a and determining the amount based on a detection signal from the sheet media sensor 96a. The sheet media sensor 96a may be any sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of the sheet stack SB (sheet media S), and the type of sensor is not particularly limited.

[0061] For example, the sheet media sensor 96a is a reflective sensor in which a light-projecting section and a light-receiving section are integrated. When light emitted from the light-projecting section of the reflective sensor is incident on the light-receiving section, it means that the light is being reflected by the sheet bundle SB (sheet media S), and it detects that the sheet bundle SB is present facing the sheet media sensor 96a. Conversely, when light is not incident on the light-receiving section, it means that the light is not being reflected by the sheet bundle SB (sheet media S), and it detects that the sheet bundle SB is not present facing the sheet media sensor 96a.

[0062] As an example other than the reflective sensor, the sheet stack SB may be detected by a transmission sensor having a light-projecting portion provided on one side fence 99a and a light-receiving portion provided on the other side fence 99b. Also, a line sensor having a plurality of elements arranged thereon, such as a contact image sensor (CIS), may be installed on the side fence 99a (or the side fence 99b) to continuously detect the sheet stack SB.

[0063] The number of sheet media sensors 96a is not limited to the three shown in Fig. 9(a). The number of sensors may be two or less or four or more, and may be appropriately set according to the position (loading amount) to be detected. Furthermore, the location of the sheet media sensor 96a is not limited to the side fence 99a (side fence 99b). The sheet media sensor 96a may be configured to be embedded in the loading surface 91a of the tray 91, for example.

[0064] Also, the position of the end fence 97 that moves together with the sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S) as the sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S) is consumed may be detected. For example, a distance measuring sensor may be provided on either the end fence 97 or the fixing mechanism 98, and the placement amount may be calculated from the distance between the end fence 97 and the fixing mechanism 98.

[0065] Here, the sheet media sensor 96a is an example of a “sheet media detection means.” A detection signal from the sheet media sensor 96a is sent to, for example, a control unit included in another device (e.g., an image forming device) that is used in connection with the feeding device 90, and processed there (the control unit will be described later).

[0066] As described above, this embodiment includes the sheet medium sensor 96a that detects the sheet stack SB (sheet media S) on the tray 91. This makes it possible to grasp the current amount of the sheet stack (sheet media) on the tray.

[0067] <Detection of temporary holding parts> Next, detection of the temporary holding member 92 inserted into the sheet stack SB (sheet-like media S) will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a temporary holding member detection means, in which Fig. 10(a) is a top view of the feeding device, and Fig. 10(b) is a side view of the feeding device from the end fence side.

[0068] During the sheet stack refilling operation, there is a risk that the temporary holding member 92 is not removed and is left between the existing sheet stack and the newly refilled sheet stack. Therefore, in this embodiment, the temporary holding member 92 left in the sheet stack is detected by, for example, a temporary holding member sensor 96b provided on the side fence 99a. The temporary holding member sensor 96b is provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the abutment plate 93 and detects that the temporary holding member 92 has come close to the abutment plate 93.

[0069] The temporary hold down member sensor 96b is not particularly limited in type as long as it can detect the temporary hold down member 92. For example, the temporary hold down member sensor 96b can be a reflective sensor, a transmission sensor, a line sensor, or the like, similar to the above-mentioned sheet media sensor 96a. Also, the temporary hold down member sensor 96b and the sheet media sensor 96a do not necessarily need to be separate, and for example, the sheet media sensor 96a may be configured to perform both (detection of the sheet media and the temporary hold down member).

[0070] Here, the temporary holding member sensor 96b is an example of an "insertion member detection means." A detection signal by the temporary holding member sensor 96b is sent to, for example, a control unit included in another device (e.g., an image forming device) that is used in connection with the feeding device 90, and processed therein (the control unit will be described later).

[0071] As described above, this embodiment includes the temporary hold down member sensor 96b that detects the presence or absence of the temporary hold down member 92 on the tray 91. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as improper feeding of the sheet medium caused by forgetting to remove the temporary hold down member.

[0072] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0073] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet cassette 10 (10a, 10b), an image forming unit 30, a discharge tray 50, an operation panel 70, a feeding device 90, and the like.

[0074] One or more sheet cassettes 10 are provided, for example, at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 11 illustrates a configuration including two sheet cassettes, an upper sheet cassette 10a and a lower sheet cassette 10b. The sheet cassette 10 mainly contains so-called paper sheets (sheets) in a commonly used form, and the paper sheets (sheets) sent out from the sheet cassette 10 pass through a sheet transport path P1 and are supplied to the image forming unit 30.

[0075] The image forming unit 30 forms an image on a sheet fed from the sheet cassette 10 or on a sheet-like medium S fed from the feeding device 90 by a known method such as an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Here, the image forming unit 30 is an example of an "image forming means."

[0076] The discharge tray 50 receives the individual sheets or sheet-like media S that have been sent out after image formation in the image forming unit 30 has been completed.

[0077] The operation panel 70 includes a display screen 70a for displaying information to be conveyed to the user, and operation buttons 70b for inputting information necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, etc.

[0078] The feeding device 90 is used by being attached so as to be connected to a sheet transport path P2 for manual feeding provided in the image forming apparatus 1. The feeding device 90 is not limited to feeding single sheets, but can also feed sheet-like media in a bag-like form, such as an envelope or a medicine bag. The sheet-like medium S sent out from the feeding device 90 passes through the sheet transport path P2 and is supplied to the image forming unit 30.

[0079] As described above, the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus 1 including a feeding device 90 and an image forming unit 30 that forms an image on a sheet medium S supplied from the feeding device 90. This makes it possible to provide an image forming apparatus that allows easy refilling of the feeding device with sheet media.

[0080] <Configuration for detecting and controlling sheet medium and temporary holding member> Next, the detection control configuration for the sheet medium and the temporary holding member will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a part related to the detection control for the sheet medium and the temporary holding member.

[0081] Another device (such as the image forming device 1 shown in FIG. 11) used in connection with the feeding device 90 includes, for example, a control unit 500, a memory unit 501, a display unit 502, an operation unit 503, a sheet media detection unit 504, and a temporary holding member detection unit 505.

[0082] The sheet medium detection unit 504 includes the above-mentioned sheet medium sensor 96a, and detects the presence or absence of the sheet stack B (sheet medium S) placed on the tray 91 using the sheet medium sensor 96a, and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 500.

[0083] The temporary holding member detection unit 505 includes the temporary holding member sensor 96 b described above, and causes the temporary holding member sensor 96 b to detect the presence or absence of the temporary holding members 92 placed on the tray 91 and transmits a detection signal thereof to the control unit 500 .

[0084] The control unit 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an I / F (interface), etc. Among these, the CPU is an arithmetic device that performs overall control of the feeding device 90 and other devices used in connection with the feeding device 90, and executes sequential, branching, and iterative processing by executing a program stored in the ROM.

[0085] The ROM is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs to be executed by the CPU, and stores programs for controlling the operations of the feeder 90 and other devices, as well as other fixed data.

[0086] RAM is memory that acts as a work area for the CPU's operations.

[0087] The I / F inputs and outputs various command signals and data for operating the feed device 90 and other devices.

[0088] Based on a detection signal from the sheet medium detection unit 504, the control unit 500 refers to a management table stored in the memory unit 501, which will be described later, to determine the remaining amount of sheet medium S, and causes the display unit 502 to display information relating to the determined remaining amount. Also, based on a detection signal from the temporary hold member detection unit 505, the control unit 500 refers to the management table stored in the memory unit 501 to determine whether or not the temporary hold member 92 is present, and causes the display unit 502 to display information relating to the presence or absence of the temporary hold member 92.

[0089] The memory unit 501 stores various information, such as a management table that links the detection position of the sheet media by the sheet media sensor 96a, the detection position of the temporary holding member 92 by the temporary holding member sensor 96b, and the amount of sheet media loaded (remaining amount) at each detection position of each sensor.

[0090] The display unit 502 includes the above-mentioned display screen 70a, and displays the current amount of sheet media S placed on the tray 91, and information to prompt the user to replenish sheet media when the amount of sheet media S falls below a specified value, and notifies the user. The display unit 502 also displays information indicating that the temporary holding member 92 remains in the sheet stack B, and notifies the user.

[0091] The operation unit 503 includes the above-mentioned operation button 70b, and is used to input information (size, material, shape, etc. of the sheet medium) required for performing a desired process on the sheet medium S in the feeding device 90 and in another device (e.g., image forming device 1) used in connection with the feeding device 90. The display unit 502 and the operation unit 503 may be configured to be operated on a single screen such as a touch panel.

[0092] What has been described above is one example, and other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, and other changes can be made within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can imagine. As long as the effects of the present invention are achieved in any of the following aspects, they are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0093] [Aspect 1] Aspect 1 is a feeding device for feeding sheet-like media, characterized in that it comprises a loading section (e.g., tray 91) for loading the sheet-like media in an upright position, a payout section (e.g., payout roller 95) provided on the side opposite one side of the sheet-like media loaded on the loading section and for paying out the sheet-like media from the loading section, a support member (e.g., end fence 97) provided on the side opposite the other side of the sheet-like media loaded on the loading section and movable between a support position supporting the sheet-like media and a retracted position away from the sheet-like media, an insertion member (e.g., temporary holding member 92) capable of being inserted between the sheet-like media loaded on the loading section and the support member, and a fixing means (e.g., fixing mechanism 98) for fixing the support member to the retracted position.

[0094] [Aspect 2] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the first aspect, the supporting member is biased to the supporting position by a biasing means (for example, a pressure spring 97a).

[0095] [Aspect 3] Aspect 3 is characterized in that in aspect 1 or aspect 2, the loading surface of the loading section (e.g., loading surface 91a of tray 91) is inclined so that the side on which the payout section is provided is vertically lower than the side on which the support member is provided.

[0096] [Aspect 4] A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the third aspect, the support member moves to the support position by its own weight.

[0097] [Aspect 5] Aspect 5 is characterized in that, in any of aspects 1 to 4, it has a pair of regulating members (e.g., side fences 99, 99a, 99b) that regulate the position of the sheet-like medium placed on the loading section in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the support member, and the insertion member has a support portion (e.g., ends T1, T2) supported by the pair of regulating members.

[0098] [Aspect 6] Aspect 6 is characterized in that, in aspect 5, the insertion member has an axial portion (e.g., axial portion 92a) having a circular cross-section at least in the portion forming the support portion, and a plate-shaped portion (plate-shaped portion 92b) provided on the axial portion excluding the support portion, and the plate-shaped portion is inserted between the sheet medium placed on the placement portion and the support member.

[0099] [Aspect 7] A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the fifth aspect, the pair of regulating members are formed so that the portions that support the support portion are parallel to the mounting surface of the mounting portion.

[0100] [Aspect 8] Aspect 8 is characterized in that in aspect 5, the insertion member (e.g., temporary holding member 92) has a rotating member (e.g., rotating member 92c) at least at both ends of the shaft portion (e.g., shaft portion 92a).

[0101] [Aspect 9] Aspect 9 is characterized in that, in aspect 5, the placement portion or the pair of regulating members has an engagement portion (e.g., a notch portion 99c) that engages with a portion of the insertion member and positions the insertion member at a predetermined position.

[0102] [Aspect 10] A tenth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to ninth aspects, characterized in that the placement section includes a storage section (for example, an opening 91b) for storing the insertion member.

[0103] [Aspect 11] Aspect 11 is characterized in that in any one of Aspects 1 to 10, a sheet medium detection unit (for example, a sheet medium sensor 96a) is provided for detecting the sheet medium in the loading section.

[0104] [Aspect 12] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, an insertion member detection means (for example, a temporary holding member sensor 96b) is provided for detecting the presence or absence of the insertion member in the placement portion.

[0105] [Aspect 13] Aspect 13 is an image forming apparatus comprising a feeding device of any one of aspects 1 to 12, and an image forming means (e.g., image forming unit 30) that forms an image on the sheet medium supplied from the feeding device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Image forming device 10 Sheet Cassette 30 Image forming unit (image forming means) 50 Output Tray 70 Operation Panel 90 Feeding device 90a Payout outlet 91 Tray (Placement) 91a Placement surface 91b Opening (Storage) 92 Temporary holding member (insertion member) 92a Shaft 92b Plate-shaped part 92c Rotating member 93 Stop plate 94 Guide member 95 Payout roller (payout section) 96a Sheet media sensor (sheet media detection means) 96b Temporary holding member sensor (insertion member detection means) 97 End fence (support member) 97a Pressure spring (biasing means) 97b Roller 97c Base material 97d Roller 98 Fixing mechanism (fixing means) 98a Magnet 99, 99a, 99b Side fence (a pair of control members) 99c Notch part (engaging part) 500 Control section 501 Storage section 502 Display section 503 Operation section 504 Sheet media detection unit 505 Temporary holding member detection unit F. Housing material G Guide part P Sheet transport path R Conveyor roller S Sheet media SB Sheet bundle T1, T2 ends

Claims

1. A feeding device for feeding a sheet of media, comprising: a placement section for placing the sheet medium in an upright position; a feeding section provided on a side opposite to one surface of the sheet medium placed on the placement section, the feeding section feeding the sheet medium from the placement section; a support member provided on a side opposite to the other surface of the sheet medium placed on the placement section, the support member being movable between a support position for supporting the sheet medium and a retracted position spaced apart from the sheet medium; an insertion member that can be inserted between the sheet medium placed on the placement section and the support member; a fixing means for fixing the support member to the retracted position; A feeding device comprising:

2. 2. The feeding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said supporting member is biased to said supporting position by a biasing means.

3. 2. The feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the placement surface of the placement portion is inclined so that the side where the payout portion is provided is lower in the vertical direction than the side where the support member is provided.

4. 4. The feeding device according to claim 3, wherein the support member moves to the support position under its own weight.

5. a pair of regulating members that regulate the position of the sheet medium placed on the placement section in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the support member; The feeding device according to claim 1 , wherein the insertion member includes a support portion supported by the pair of regulating members.

6. The insert member is At least a portion of the shaft portion that constitutes the support portion is formed to have a circular cross section; a plate-shaped portion provided on a portion of the shaft portion excluding the support portion, 6. The feeding device according to claim 5, wherein the plate-like portion is inserted between the sheet medium placed on the placement portion and the support member.

7. 6. The feeding device according to claim 5, wherein the pair of regulating members are formed such that portions supporting the support portion are parallel to the placement surface of the placement portion.

8. 6. The feeding device according to claim 5, wherein the insert member includes rotating members at least on both ends of the shaft portion.

9. The feeding device according to claim 5 , wherein the placement portion or the pair of regulating members includes an engagement portion that engages with a part of the insertion member to position the insertion member at a predetermined position.

10. The feeding device according to claim 1 , wherein the placement section includes a storage section for storing the insertion member.

11. 2. The feeding device according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet medium detection means for detecting the sheet medium on the placement portion.

12. 2. The feeding device according to claim 1, further comprising an insertion member detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the insertion member on the placement portion.

13. A feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet-like medium supplied from the feeding device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images