Sheet stacking unit and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To lower an uppermost position of a trajectory at one end of an extension member as compared with a case where a relative position between a rotation axis of the extension member and a loading part is constant and a relative position between the rotation axis of the extension member and the extension member is constant.SOLUTION: The sheet stacking portion includes a stacking portion that extends in one direction in which the sheet member is stacked, an extension member that rotates about a shaft along an intersecting direction intersecting the one direction such that one end of the extension member draws a trajectory above the shaft and moves between a storage position at which the extension member is stored in the stacking portion and an extension position at which the extension member protrudes from the stacking portion to extend the stacking portion, and a permitting portion that permits a movement of a relative position between the shaft and the stacking portion or a movement of a relative position between the shaft and the extension member such that a length of the extension member at a portion below a stacking surface of the stacking portion during the movement is longer than a length at a start of the movement when the extension member moves between the storage position and the extension position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet stacking unit and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a sheet stacking device equipped with a tray for accumulating discharged sheets, which allows the angle of the sheets in the tray to be changed. This angle is changed by changing the angle of a movable member provided on the sheet stacking surface of the tray. There may be one or more movable members, and in the case of multiple movable members, the movable member to be operated is selected according to the size of the sheets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-176676 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, a sheet stacking section includes a stacking section on which sheets are stacked and an extension member that extends the stacking section. Specifically, the extension member rotates and moves between a storage position where the extension member is stored in the stacking section and an extension position where the extension member protrudes from the stacking section and extends the stacking section. Here, the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the stacking section is constant, and the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the extension member is also constant. In such a configuration, one end of the rotating extension member traces a path above the loading section.

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to make the highest position of the trajectory at one end of the extension member lower compared to when the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the loading section is constant and the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the extension member itself is constant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sheet stacking section according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a stacking section that extends in one direction and on which sheet members are stacked; an extension member that rotates so that one end traces an upward trajectory around an axis along a transverse direction that intersects with the one direction, and that moves between a storage position where it is stored in the stacking section and an extension position where it protrudes from the stacking section and extends the stacking section; and an allowance section that allows movement of the relative position between the axis and the stacking section or movement of the relative position between the axis and the extension member so that, when the extension member moves between the storage position and the extension position, the length of the extension member that is below the stacking surface of the stacking section during the movement is longer than the length at the start of the movement.

[0007] A sheet stacking section according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the sheet stacking section described in the first aspect, the stacking section is formed with an axis portion extending in the intersecting direction from both sides of the intersecting direction toward the extension member, and the tolerance portion is formed on both sides of the intersecting direction in the extension member, and has an insertion portion that extends in the one direction and into which the axis portion is movably inserted when the extension member is arranged in the storage position.

[0008] A sheet stacking section according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the sheet stacking section according to the second aspect, further comprising a regulating portion that regulates a movement path of the extension member.

[0009] A sheet stacking portion according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the sheet stacking portion described in the third aspect, the regulating portion is a U-shaped curved surface formed in the stacking portion, contacts the other end of the rotating extension member, and is open upward when viewed from the intersecting direction.

[0010] A sheet stacking section according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the sheet stacking section according to the fourth aspect, characterized in that the curved surface is formed with a recessed recess into which the other end of the extension member fits.

[0011] A sheet stacking section according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the sheet stacking section described in the second aspect, the insertion portion formed in the extension member is groove-shaped, and the extension member is formed with a sliding groove that is narrower than the groove width of the insertion portion, extends from the insertion portion to the other end side of the extension member, and allows the shaft portion to slide.

[0012] The sheet stacking section according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the sheet stacking section described in the sixth aspect, the end of the sliding groove opposite the insertion section is wider than the groove width of the sliding groove.

[0013] The sheet stacking section according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the sheet stacking section described in the first aspect, the extension member is formed with an axis portion extending outward in the intersecting direction from both sides of the intersecting direction toward the stacking section, and the tolerance portion is formed on both sides of the intersecting direction in the stacking section so as to sandwich the extension member, is U-shaped with an open upper portion when viewed from the intersecting direction, and has a guide groove into which the axis portion is inserted and which guides the axis portion.

[0014] A sheet stacking section according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the sheet stacking section according to the eighth aspect, characterized in that the guide groove is formed with a recessed portion into which the shaft portion fits.

[0015] A reading device according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that it comprises a conveying unit that conveys documents, a supply table on which documents to be supplied to the conveying unit are placed, a reading unit that reads an image formed on the documents conveyed by the conveying unit, and a sheet stacking unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, onto which the documents conveyed by the conveying unit are discharged and which is positioned below the supply table.

[0016] An image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by including the reading device according to claim 10 and an image forming section that forms an image read by the reading device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] In the sheet stacking section according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the stacking section is constant, and the uppermost position of the trajectory at one end of the extension member can be made lower compared to when the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the extension member is constant.

[0018] In the sheet stacking section according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, movement of the shaft relative to the extension member can be permitted.

[0019] In the sheet stacking portion according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the rotation trajectory of the extension member is stabilized compared to when the rotation of the extension member is not restricted.

[0020] In the sheet stacking section according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the movement path of the extension member can be regulated with a simpler configuration than when the movement path of the extension member is regulated using rails and wheels that move on the rails.

[0021] In the sheet stacking section according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the extension member can be held at a position midway through rotation.

[0022] In the sheet stacking portion according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the stacking portion can be extended compared to when the shaft portion moves only within the insertion portion.

[0023] In the sheet stacking portion according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a sense of moderation can be obtained when the stacking portion is extended, compared to when the end of the slide groove has the same width as the slide groove.

[0024] In the sheet stacking portion according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, movement of the shaft relative to the stacking portion can be permitted.

[0025] In the sheet stacking section according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the extension member can be held at a position midway through rotation.

[0026] In the reading device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the stacking section is constant, and the vertical space between the sheet stacking section and the supply table can be narrowed compared to a case where the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the sheet stacking section is constant.

[0027] In the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the height in the up-down direction can be reduced compared to an image forming apparatus that is not provided with the reading device according to the tenth aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming unit provided for image formation according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing the ejection tray according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which the extension member has been moved to a storage position and a state in which the extension member has been moved to an extended position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the ejection tray according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are front views showing the ejection tray according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the rotational positions of the extension member in time series. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are front views showing the ejection tray according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the rotational positions of the extension member in time series. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are front views showing the ejection tray according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the rotational positions of the extension member in time series. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are front views showing the ejection tray according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the rotational positions of the extension members. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are front views showing the discharge tray according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the extension member is further protruded from the loading section. [Figure 10]10A and 10B are front views showing the ejection tray according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the rotational positions of the extension member in time series. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are front views showing the ejection tray according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the rotational positions of the extension member in time series. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are front views showing the ejection tray according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the rotational positions of the extension member in time series. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are front views showing the ejection tray according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the rotational positions of the extension member in time series. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are front views showing the ejection tray according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the rotational positions of the extension member in time series. [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are front views showing the ejection tray according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the rotational positions of the extension member in time series. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] First Embodiment An example of a discharge section, a reading device, and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. Note that arrow H shown in each figure indicates the vertical direction, i.e., the up-down direction of the apparatus. Arrow W is perpendicular to arrow H and is horizontal, indicating the width direction of the apparatus. Arrow D is perpendicular to arrows H and W and is horizontal, indicating the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0030] (Overall configuration of image forming apparatus 10) 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a reading device 60 that reads an image, an image forming unit 12 that forms a toner image, and a conveying unit 14 that conveys a sheet material P along a conveying path 14a. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a storage member 18 that stores the sheet material P, and a control unit 48 that controls the entire apparatus.

[0031] In this configuration, in the image forming apparatus 10, the sheet material P stored in the storage member 18 is transported along the transport path 14a by the transport unit 14. Furthermore, a toner image is formed by the image forming unit 12 based on image data of an image read by the reading device 60. Furthermore, this toner image is formed on the sheet material P being transported, and the sheet material P with the toner image formed thereon is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0032] [Image forming unit 12] 1, the image forming unit 12 includes a plurality of toner image forming units 30 that respectively form toner images of each color, and a transfer unit 32 that transfers the toner images formed in the toner image forming units 30 onto a sheet member P. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 34 that fixes the toner images transferred onto the sheet member P by the transfer units 32 onto the sheet member P.

[0033] -Toner image forming unit 30- A plurality of toner image forming units 30 are provided to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, toner image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K are provided for a total of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the Y, M, C, and K attached to the reference numerals will be omitted.

[0034] 2, each toner image forming unit 30 includes a rotating cylindrical image carrier 36 and a charger 42 that charges the image carrier 36. The toner image forming unit 30 also includes an exposure device 44 that irradiates the charged image carrier 36 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a development device 46 that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image with developer G containing toner. As a result, the toner image forming unit 30 for each color forms an image of each color using the toner of that color.

[0035] 1, the image carriers 36 of each color are in contact with a rotating transfer belt 50 (described in detail later). In the rotation direction of the transfer belt 50 (see the arrow in the figure), the toner image forming units 30 of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0036] -Transfer section 32- 1, the transfer unit 32 includes a transfer belt 50 and primary transfer rolls 52 disposed on the opposite side of the image carriers 36 of each color across the transfer belt 50. The primary transfer rolls 52 transfer the toner images formed on the image carriers 36 of each color onto the transfer belt 50.

[0037] The transfer unit 32 also includes a winding roll 56 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and a driving roll 58 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound and which transmits a rotational force to the transfer belt 50. This causes the transfer belt 50 to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0038] Furthermore, the transfer unit 32 includes a secondary transfer roll 54 disposed on the opposite side of the transfer belt 50 from the winding roll 56. The secondary transfer roll 54 transfers the toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 50 onto the sheet material P. A transfer nip NT for transferring the toner image onto the sheet material P is formed between the secondary transfer roll 54 and the transfer belt 50.

[0039] In this configuration, a toner image is primarily transferred onto a transfer belt 50 by a primary transfer roll 52 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toner image is then transferred from the transfer belt 50 by the secondary transfer roll 54 onto a sheet member P that is conveyed while being sandwiched between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roll 54. The sheet member P onto which the toner image has been transferred is then conveyed toward a fixing device 34.

[0040] -Fusing unit 34- 1, the fixing device 34 is disposed downstream of the transfer nip NT in the conveying direction of the sheet member P. The fixing device 34 applies heat and pressure to the toner image transferred to the sheet member P to fix it to the sheet member P.

[0041] [Transport unit 14] 1, the conveying unit 14 includes a feed roll 20 that feeds the sheet material P stored in the storage member 18 to the conveying path 14a, and a prevention roll 22 that prevents double feeding of the sheet material P fed by the feed roll 20. The conveying unit 14 also includes an adjustment roll 24 that adjusts the timing at which the sheet material P is fed to the transfer nip NT. The conveying unit 14 also includes an ejection roll 26 that ejects the sheet material P, on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 34, to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0042] [Reading device 60] As shown in FIG. 1, the reading device 60 is disposed above the discharge rolls 26 that discharge the sheet material P. The reading device 60 includes a document transport unit 62 and a document reading unit 64. The document transport unit 62 and the document reading unit 64 are connected by a hinge 64a provided in the document reading unit 64. The reading device 60 also includes a supply tray 66 on which the document S to be supplied to the document transport unit 62 is placed, and a discharge tray 68 on which the document S read by the document reading unit 64 is discharged. The supply tray 66 and the discharge tray 68 are attached to the document transport unit 62. The discharge tray 68 will be described in detail below.

[0043] In this configuration, by rotating the document transport unit 62 around the hinge portion 64a, the upper surface (platen glass) of the document reading unit 64 is opened upward. Then, the document reading unit 64 reads an image of the document S placed on the platen glass (not shown) arranged on the upper surface of the document reading unit 64 and an image of the document S transported by the document transport unit 62.

[0044] (Main part configuration) Next, the discharge table 68 provided in the reading device 60 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the document S is discharged from one side in the width direction (the left side in the figure) of the discharge tray 68. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the discharge tray 68 includes a stacking section 70 on which the document S to be discharged is stacked. Furthermore, the discharge tray 68 includes an extension member 80 that rotates and moves between a storage position (see FIG. 3A) where the document S is stored in the stacking section 70 and an extension position (see FIG. 3B) where the document S protrudes from the stacking section 70 and extends the stacking section 70. The discharge tray 68 also includes a permitting section 90 that permits movement of the relative position between the rotation axis of the extension member 80 and the extension member 80. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the discharge tray 68 includes a curved surface 72b that restricts the movement path of the extension member 80. The discharge tray 68 is an example of a sheet stacking section, and the document S is an example of a sheet member.

[0045] [Loading section 70] 1, 3A, and 3B, the stacking section 70 extends in a direction (one direction) inclined with respect to the width direction so that the other side in the width direction (the right side in the figure) is higher than the one side in the width direction. The stacking section 70 has a stacking surface 74 on which the documents S are stacked.

[0046] The loading section 70 is also formed with a storage recess 72 for storing the extension member 80 that has been moved to the storage position, and a pair of cylindrical shafts 72a that protrude in the depth direction.

[0047] -Storage recess 72, shaft portion 72a- 4, the storage recess 72 is formed on the other side in the width direction of the loading section 70 and has a rectangular shape extending in the width direction when viewed from above. The extension member 80, which has been moved to the storage position, is stored in the storage recess 72 (see FIG. 3(A)).

[0048] The shaft portions 72a are formed as a pair so as to protrude from the rear and front portions of the storage recess 72 in the depth direction toward the inside of the storage recess 72. The shaft portions 72a are cylindrical and extend in the depth direction.

[0049] [Extending member 80, tolerance portion 90] As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the extension member 80 is plate-shaped and has a rectangular shape extending in the width direction when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0050] 4, the tolerance section 90 has recessed insertion sections 82 formed on a pair of side surfaces 80a of the extension member 80 facing the depth direction. The insertion sections 82 extend along the plate surface of the extension member 80. In other words, the insertion sections 82 extend in the direction (one direction) in which the extension member 80 extends when the extension member 80 is placed in the storage position. The shaft section 72a of the loading section 70 is movably inserted into the insertion sections 82.

[0051] In this configuration, the extension member 80 rotates about an axis (rotation axis) along the depth direction that intersects with the direction in which the extension member 80 extends (one direction), and moves between the stored position and the extended position.

[0052] [Curved surface 72b] As shown in Fig. 4, the curved surface 72b is formed in the storage recess 72 of the loading unit 70, and is U-shaped with an open top. As shown in Figs. 5(A) and 5(B), the curved surface 72b restricts the movement path of the extension member 80 by rotating the extension member 80 while bringing the end 80b on the other widthwise side of the rotating extension member 80 into contact with the curved surface 72b. The curved surface 72b is an example of a restricting portion, and the end 80b is an example of the other end.

[0053] 〔others〕 The ejection platform 68 includes a limiting portion 72c and a limiting portion 76 that limit the rotation range of the rotating extension member 80.

[0054] The limiting portion 72c is a portion that limits the rotation range of the rotating extension member 80 in order to place the rotating extension member 80 in the storage position. As shown in Fig. 5(A), this limiting portion 72c is formed in the storage recess 72 of the loading portion 70, and is configured to come into contact with the plate surface of the extension member 80 that has moved to the storage position.

[0055] The limiting portion 76 is a portion that limits the rotation range of the rotating extension member 80 in order to place the rotating extension member 80 in the extended position. As shown in Fig. 7(B), this limiting portion 76 is formed on the loading portion 70 and is configured to come into contact with the plate surface of the extension member 80 that has moved to the extended position.

[0056] (action) Next, the steps by which the extension member 80 moves between the retracted position and the extended position will be described. As shown in FIG. 5(A), when the extension member 80 is in the storage position, the shaft portion 72a is located at the portion of the insertion portion 82 on the end portion 80b side.

[0057] 5(B), when the end 80c of the extension member 80 opposite to the end 80b is lifted, the extension member 80 rotates about an axis extending in the depth direction. Specifically, the end 80c of the extension member 80 is lifted while the end 80b of the extension member 80 is in contact with the curved surface 72b. Furthermore, the shaft portion 72a moves from the portion of the insertion portion 82 on the end 80b side toward the end 80c side. In other words, the rotation axis of the extension member 80 moves relative to the extension member 80. The end 80c is an example of one end.

[0058] 6(A) and 6(B), the extension member 80 is rotated counterclockwise so that the end 80c of the extension member 80 traces a trajectory. Specifically, the extension member 80 is rotated counterclockwise while the end 80b of the extension member 80 is maintained in contact with the curved surface 72b. Furthermore, the shaft portion 72a moves toward the end 80c in the insertion portion 82.

[0059] Here, as shown in FIG. 6(B), when the end 80c of the extension member 80 is closest to the supply table 66, the shaft portion 72a is disposed in the portion of the insertion portion 82 on the end 80c side.

[0060] 7(A) and 7(B), the extension member 80 is rotated counterclockwise so that the end 80c of the extension member 80 traces a trajectory. Specifically, the extension member 80 is rotated counterclockwise while the end 80b of the extension member 80 is maintained in contact with the curved surface 72b. Additionally, the shaft 72a moves from the portion of the insertion portion 82 on the end 80c side toward the end 80b side.

[0061] 7(B), the plate surface of the rotating extension member 80 comes into contact with the limiting portion 76, thereby restricting the rotation of the extension member 80 and positioning the extension member 80 in the extended position. In this state, the extension member 80 protrudes from the stacking portion 70 to the other side in the width direction, thereby extending the stacking portion 70. In this embodiment, "the extension member 80 extends the stacking portion 70" means that the stackable range of the documents S to be loaded on the stacking portion 70 is extended and widened.

[0062] 7(B) shows a rotation locus K01 of the end 80c of the extension member 80 and a rotation locus K11 of the end of the extension member when the rotation shaft of the extension member 80 is fixed to the extension member 80. As can be seen from comparing the rotation locus K01 and the rotation locus K11, the uppermost position of the rotation locus K01 is lower than the uppermost position of the rotation locus K11. In other words, when the extension member 80 moves between the storage position and the extended position, the length L1 (see FIG. 6(B)) of the portion of the extension member 80 that is lower than the loading surface 74 of the loading section 70 during the movement is longer than the length L2 (see FIGS. 5(B) and 7(B)) at the start of the movement.

[0063] When the extension member 80 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the steps are performed in the reverse order to the steps described above.

[0064] (summary) As described above, in the discharge platform 68, the relative position between the rotation axis of the extension member 80 and the extension member 80 moves. Then, the length L1 (see FIG. 6(B)) of the extension member 80 that is below the loading surface 74 of the loading section 70 during movement is made longer than the length L2 (see FIG. 5(B)) at the start of movement. As a result, the uppermost position of the trajectory of the end 80c of the extension member 80 becomes lower compared to when the relative positions of the rotation axis of the extension member and the loading section are constant and the relative positions of the rotation axis of the extension member and the extension member are constant.

[0065] Furthermore, in the discharge platform 68, the allowing portion 90 that allows the extension member 80 to move is provided with a concave insertion portion 82 into which the shaft portion 72a of the loading portion 70 is movably inserted. The insertion portion 82 extends in the direction (one direction) that the extension member 80 extends when the extension member 80 is placed in the storage position. This allows the movement of the rotation axis of the extension member 80 relative to the extension member 80.

[0066] Furthermore, the discharge table 68 has a curved surface 72b that restricts the movement path of the extension member 80. This stabilizes the rotation trajectory of the extension member 80 compared to when the rotation of the extension member is not restricted.

[0067] Furthermore, in the discharge platform 68, the rotation of the extension member 80 is restricted by bringing the end 80b of the extension member 80 into contact with the curved surface 72b. This restricts the rotation of the extension member 80 with a simpler configuration than when the movement path of the extension member is restricted using rails and wheels that move on the rails.

[0068] The reading device 60 is also provided with a discharge table 68. Compared to a case where the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the loading section is constant and the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the extension member itself is constant, the vertical space between the discharge table 68 and the supply table 66 is narrower.

[0069] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, by providing the reading device 60, the height in the vertical direction becomes lower compared to when the reading device 60 is not provided.

[0070] Second Embodiment Next, a discharge section according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that, with regard to the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0071] 8(A) and 8(B), a concave recess 120 into which the end 80b of the extension member 80 fits is formed on the curved surface 72b of the discharge portion 118 according to the second embodiment. A plurality of the recesses 120 are provided side by side in the circumferential direction of the curved surface 72b and extend in the depth direction.

[0072] In this configuration, by fitting the end 80b of the extension member 80 into the recess 120 while it is rotating, the extension member 80 is held in a position while it is rotating.

[0073] <Third embodiment> Next, a discharge section according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Note that, with regard to the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0074] 9(A), an insertion portion 82 and a sliding groove 142 are formed on a side surface 80a of an extension member 80 of a discharge portion 138 according to the third embodiment. The sliding groove 142 extends from the insertion portion 82 toward an end portion 80b of the extension member 80, and the groove width of the sliding groove 142 is narrower than the groove width of the insertion portion 82.

[0075] Specifically, the groove width of slide groove 142 is smaller than the shaft diameter of shaft portion 72a. Shaft portion 72a is slidably moved within slide groove 142. Furthermore, a circular terminal end portion 142a that is wider than the groove width of slide groove 142 is formed at the end of slide groove 142 opposite to insertion portion 82.

[0076] In this configuration, as shown in Fig. 9(A), with the extension member 80 placed in the extended position, the extension member 80 is pulled in the direction in which the sliding groove 142 extends. Then, as shown in Fig. 9(B), the shaft portion 72a moves while sliding within the sliding groove 142, and the extension member 80 further protrudes from the loading section 70 to the other side in the width direction. As a result, the loading section 70 is extended compared to when the shaft section 72a moves only within the insertion section 82.

[0077] In addition, the outer diameter of the terminal end 142a of the sliding groove 142 is made larger than the groove width of the sliding groove 142. Therefore, compared to when the diameter of the terminal end of the sliding groove is the same as the groove width of the sliding groove, a sense of moderation can be obtained when the loading section 70 is extended.

[0078] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a discharge section according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Note that with regard to the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 10(A), an extension portion 150 is formed on a side surface 80a of an extension member 80 of a discharge portion 148 according to the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, a guide groove 152 that movably guides the extension portion 150 is formed in the storage recess 72 of the loading portion 70. Furthermore, a curved surface 154 formed in the storage recess 72 is larger than the curved surface 72b according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 5(A)).

[0080] The extending portions 150 are cylindrical and extend in the depth direction. Specifically, the extending portions 150 are formed on the side surface 80a so as to extend in the depth direction from the portion of the side surface 80a on the end portion 80b side relative to the insertion portion 82. A pair of guide grooves 152 are provided with the extension member 80 therebetween. The guide grooves 152 are U-shaped with an open top.

[0081] 10(A), (B), 11(A), and (B), when the extension member 80 is rotated, the extension portion 150 moves in the guide groove 152. Note that the end portion 80b of the rotating extension member 80 and the curved surface 154 are spaced apart. In this way, the extension portion 150 moves in the guide groove 152, thereby restricting the rotation of the extension member 80.

[0082] Fifth Embodiment Next, a discharge section according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Note that, with regard to the fifth embodiment, differences from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 12(A), a recess 152a is formed in the guide groove 152 of the discharge portion 168 according to the fifth embodiment. By fitting the extending portion 150 of the rotating extension member 80 into the recess 152a, the extension member 80 is held in a position midway through rotation, as shown in Fig. 12(B).

[0084] Sixth Embodiment Next, a discharge section according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Note that with regard to the sixth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0085] 13(A), no insertion portion is formed on the side surface 80a of the extension member 80 of the discharge portion 188 according to the sixth embodiment. A shaft portion 190 that protrudes in the depth direction is formed on the side surface 80a of the extension member 80. Specifically, the shaft portion 190 is formed on the side surface 80a at a portion on the end portion 80b side.

[0086] Furthermore, the storage recess 72 of the loading section 70 does not have a shaft portion formed therein, but has a guide groove 194 formed therein to movably guide the shaft portion 190. The guide groove 194 functions as an allowance portion 192 that allows the rotation axis of the extension member 80 to move relative to the loading section 70.

[0087] Furthermore, the curved surface 196 formed on the storage recess 72 is larger than the curved surface 72b (see FIG. 5(A)) according to the first embodiment.

[0088] 13(A), (B), 14(A), and (B), when the extension member 80 is rotated, the shaft portion 190 moves in the guide groove 152. Note that the end portion 80b of the rotating extension member 80 and the curved surface 154 are spaced apart.

[0089] Seventh Embodiment Next, a discharge section according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Note that, with regard to the seventh embodiment, differences from the sixth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 15(A), a recess 194a is formed in the guide groove 194 of the discharge portion 218 according to the seventh embodiment. By fitting the shaft portion 190 of the rotating extension member 80 into the recess 194a, the extension member 80 is held in a position midway through rotation, as shown in Fig. 15(B).

[0091] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Modifications, deletions, additions, and combinations are possible as long as they do not contradict the technical concept of the present invention, which can be recognized by those skilled in the art from the claims, the specification, and the drawings.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the discharge tray has been described as an example, but the configuration of the present disclosure may be applied to a sheet feed tray or the like as long as it is a sheet stacking section on which sheet-like sheet members are stacked.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the extension member 80 is flat, but it may be curved.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, one extension member 80 is provided, but two extension members may be provided spaced apart in the depth direction.

[0095] Furthermore, in the first to fifth embodiments, a pair of inserting portions 82 is formed on each of the side surfaces 80a, but the pair of inserting portions 82 may be connected at their bottoms.

[0096] (((1))) a loading section extending in one direction and on which sheet members are loaded; an extension member that rotates around an axis along a transverse direction that intersects with the one direction so that one end thereof traces a trajectory upward, and that moves between a storage position where the extension member is stored in the loading section and an extension position where the extension member protrudes from the loading section and extends the loading section; a permitting portion that permits movement of the relative position between the shaft and the loading portion or movement of the relative position between the shaft and the extension member so that, when the extension member moves between the storage position and the extension position, the length of the portion of the extension member that is below the loading surface of the loading portion during the movement becomes longer than the length at the start of the movement; A sheet stacking section comprising:

[0097] (((2))) The loading portion is formed with shaft portions extending in the intersecting direction from both sides in the intersecting direction toward the extension member, the allowing portion is formed on both sides of the extension member in the intersecting direction, and includes an insertion portion that extends in the one direction and into which the shaft portion is movably inserted when the extension member is placed at the storage position. The sheet stacking section according to (((1))).

[0098] (((3))) a restricting portion that restricts the movement path of the extension member; The sheet stacking section according to (((2))).

[0099] (((4))) the restricting portion is a U-shaped curved surface formed on the loading portion, contacting the other end of the rotating extension member, and having an open upper portion when viewed from the intersecting direction. The sheet stacking section according to (((3))).

[0100] (((5))) The curved surface has a recess formed therein into which the other end of the extension member fits. The sheet stacking section according to (((4))).

[0101] (((6))) The insertion portion formed in the extension member is groove-shaped, The extension member has a slide groove formed therein, the slide groove being narrower than the groove width of the insertion portion, extending from the insertion portion to the other end of the extension member and allowing the shaft portion to slide thereon. The sheet stacking section according to any one of (((2))) to (((5))).

[0102] (((7))) an end portion of the slide groove opposite to the insertion portion is wider than a groove width of the slide groove; The sheet stacking section according to (((6))).

[0103] (((8))) The extension member is formed with a shaft portion extending outward in the intersecting direction from both sides in the intersecting direction toward the loading portion, The tolerance portions are formed on both sides of the loader in the intersecting direction so as to sandwich the extension member, and include a guide groove into which the shaft portion is inserted, the guide groove being U-shaped with an open upper portion as viewed from the intersecting direction, and guiding the shaft portion. The sheet stacking section according to (((1))).

[0104] (((9))) The guide groove has a recessed portion formed therein into which the shaft portion fits. The sheet stacking section according to (((8))).

[0105] (((10))) a conveying unit that conveys the document; a supply table on which a document to be supplied to the transport section is placed; a reading unit that reads an image formed on the document transported by the transport unit; a sheet stacking unit according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))) disposed below the supply table and onto which the document conveyed by the conveying unit is discharged; A reading device comprising:

[0106] (((11))) A reading device according to (((10))), an image forming unit that forms an image read by the reading device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0107] In the sheet stacking section according to (((1))), the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the stacking section is constant, and the uppermost position of the trajectory at one end of the extension member can be made lower than when the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the extension member is constant.

[0108] In the sheet stacking portion according to (((2))), movement of the shaft relative to the extension member can be permitted.

[0109] In the sheet stacking portion according to (((3))), the rotational trajectory of the extension member is stable compared to when the rotation of the extension member is not restricted.

[0110] In the sheet stacking section according to (((4))), the movement path of the extension member can be regulated with a simpler configuration than when the movement path of the extension member is regulated using rails and wheels that move on the rails.

[0111] In the sheet stacking section according to (((5))), the extension member can be held in a position midway through rotation.

[0112] In the sheet stacking section according to (((6))), the stacking section can be extended in comparison with the case where the shaft section moves only within the insertion section.

[0113] In the sheet stacking section according to (((7))), a sense of moderation can be obtained when the stacking section is extended, compared to when the end of the sliding groove has the same width as the sliding groove.

[0114] In the sheet stacking portion according to (((8))), the shaft can be allowed to move relative to the stacking portion.

[0115] In the sheet stacking section according to (((9))), the extension member can be held in a position midway through rotation.

[0116] In the reading device according to (((10))), the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the stacking section is constant, and the vertical space between the sheet stacking section and the supply table can be narrowed compared to a case where the reading device is provided with a sheet stacking section in which the relative position of the rotation axis of the extension member and the extension member is constant.

[0117] In the image forming apparatus according to (((11))), the height in the vertical direction can be reduced compared to an apparatus that is not provided with the reading device according to (((10))). [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10 Image forming device 12 Image forming unit 60 Reading device 62 Document transport unit (an example of a transport unit) 64 Document reading unit (example of reading unit) 66 Supply stand 68 Discharge stand (example of sheet stacking section) 70 Loading section 72a Shaft 72b Curved surface (an example of a restricting portion) 74 Loading surface 80 Extension member 80b End (an example of the other end) 80c End (example of one end) 82 Insertion section 90 Tolerance section 118 Discharge section (example of sheet stacking section) 120 recess 138 Discharge section (example of sheet stacking section) 142 sliding groove 142a End portion (an example of an end portion) 148 Discharge section (example of sheet stacking section) 168 Discharge section (example of sheet stacking section) 188 Discharge section (example of sheet stacking section) 190 Shaft 192 Tolerance section 194 Guide groove 194a Recess 218 Discharge section (example of sheet stacking section)

Claims

1. a loading section extending in one direction and on which sheet members are loaded; an extension member that rotates around an axis along a transverse direction that intersects with the one direction so that one end thereof traces a trajectory upward, and that moves between a storage position where the extension member is stored in the loading section and an extension position where the extension member protrudes from the loading section and extends the loading section; a permitting portion that permits movement of the relative position between the shaft and the loading portion or movement of the relative position between the shaft and the extension member so that, when the extension member moves between the storage position and the extension position, the length of the portion of the extension member that is below the loading surface of the loading portion during the movement becomes longer than the length at the start of the movement; A sheet stacking section comprising:

2. The loading portion is formed with shaft portions extending in the intersecting direction from both sides in the intersecting direction toward the extension member, the allowing portion is formed on both sides of the extension member in the intersecting direction, and includes an insertion portion that extends in the one direction and into which the shaft portion is movably inserted when the extension member is placed at the storage position. The sheet stacking section according to claim 1 .

3. a restricting portion that restricts the movement path of the extension member; The sheet stacking section according to claim 2 .

4. the restricting portion is a U-shaped curved surface formed on the loading portion, contacting the other end of the rotating extension member, and having an open upper portion when viewed from the intersecting direction. The sheet stacking section according to claim 3 .

5. The curved surface has a recess formed therein into which the other end of the extension member fits. The sheet stacking section according to claim 4 .

6. The insertion portion formed in the extension member is groove-shaped, The extension member has a slide groove formed therein, the slide groove being narrower than the groove width of the insertion portion, extending from the insertion portion to the other end of the extension member and allowing the shaft portion to slide thereon. The sheet stacking section according to claim 2 .

7. an end portion of the slide groove opposite to the insertion portion is wider than a groove width of the slide groove; The sheet stacking section according to claim 6 .

8. The extension member is formed with a shaft portion extending outward in the intersecting direction from both sides in the intersecting direction toward the loading portion, the allowing portions are formed on both sides of the loading portion in the intersecting direction so as to sandwich the extension member, the allowing portions have a U-shape into which the shaft portion is inserted and which is open upward when viewed from the intersecting direction, and include a guide groove that guides the shaft portion. The sheet stacking section according to claim 1 .

9. The guide groove has a recessed portion formed therein into which the shaft portion fits. The sheet stacking section according to claim 8 .

10. a conveying unit that conveys the document; a supply table on which a document to be supplied to the transport section is placed; a reading unit that reads an image formed on the document transported by the transport unit; a sheet stacking unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, to which the originals conveyed by the conveying unit are discharged and which is disposed below the supply table; A reading device comprising:

11. A reading device according to claim 10; an image forming unit that forms an image read by the reading device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images