Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that can apply an appropriate braking force to the opening and closing operation when the user opens and closes the opening and closing member. [Solution] The device comprises a main body, an opening / closing member rotatably supported with respect to the main body, a connecting member connecting the main body and the opening / closing member, having a first engaging portion that engages with the main body and a second engaging portion that engages with the opening / closing member, and being movable relative to the main body and the opening / closing member, a pressing member having a third engaging portion that rotatably engages with the connecting member, a pressing portion that can press the pressed portion of the opening / closing member, and an acting portion, and a biasing member that biases the acting portion so that the pressing portion is pressed against the pressed portion, wherein the second engaging portion is movable between a first position and a second position, the opening / closing member is rotatable between a closed position and an open position, and when the opening / closing member is between the closed position and the open position, the pressing portion moves relative to the pressed portion in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member, while pressing the pressed portion by the biasing force of the biasing member.

Description

Technical Field

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[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Some image forming apparatuses have an opening / closing member that is rotatably supported with respect to the apparatus main body. Examples of such an opening / closing member include a door that opens and closes an opening provided in the apparatus main body in order to attach and detach a cartridge to and from the apparatus main body, and a tray on which a recording medium is placed when manually printing on a special recording medium such as a postcard or label paper. A user performs an operation of opening and closing the opening / closing member as needed. Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe image forming apparatuses having a mechanism for applying a braking force to the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] [[ID=3⑧]] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of applying an appropriate braking force to an opening / closing operation when a user opens and closes an opening / closing member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] <000003②>The present invention includes an apparatus main body, an opening / closing member that is rotatably supported with respect to the apparatus main body and has a pressed portion, a connecting member that connects the apparatus main body and the opening / closing member, the connecting member having a first engaging portion engaged with the apparatus main body and a second engaging portion engaged with the opening / closing member, and being movable with respect to the apparatus main body and the opening / closing member, A pressing member having a third engaging portion that is rotatably engaged with the connecting member, a pressing portion capable of pressing the pressed portion, and an action portion, A biasing member capable of applying a biasing force to the acting portion so that the pressing portion is pressed against the portion to be pressed, Equipped with, The second engaging portion is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the opening / closing member in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member. The opening / closing member is rotatable between a closed position when the second engaging portion is in the first position and an open position when the second engaging portion is in the second position. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, when the opening / closing member is between the closed position and the open position, the pressing portion moves relative to the pressed portion while pressing it with the biasing force of the biasing member in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, an appropriate braking force can be applied to the opening and closing operation when the user opens and closes the opening and closing member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the image forming apparatus in the closed state of the manual feed tray in Example 1. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the image forming apparatus in the open state of the manual feed tray in Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the manual feed sheet feeding section with the manual feed tray in the open position in Example 1. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the manual sheet feeding unit in Example 1. [Figure 5(A)] This figure shows the manual feed tray in the closed position in Example 1. [Figure 5(B)] This figure shows the manual feed tray in the open position in Example 1. [Figure 6(A)]It is a diagram showing the state where the manual tray of Example 1 is slightly opened from the closed position. [Figure 6(B)] It is a diagram showing the state where the manual tray of Example 1 is slightly opened from the closed position. [Figure 7(A)] It is a diagram showing the state where the manual tray of Example 1 is more open than in FIG. 6. [Figure 7(B)] It is a diagram showing the state where the manual tray of Example 1 is more open than in FIG. 6. [Figure 8(A)] It is a diagram showing the state where the manual tray of Example 1 is more open than in FIG. 7. [Figure 8(B)] It is a diagram showing the state where the paper loading plate of Example 1 is in the paper feeding position. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing the manual sheet feeding unit of Example 2. [Figure 10] It is an exploded perspective view showing the main part of the manual sheet feeding unit of Example 2. [Figure 11(A)] It is a diagram showing the state where the manual tray of Example 2 is slightly opened from the closed position. [Figure 11(B)] It is a diagram showing the state where the manual tray of Example 2 is slightly opened from the closed position. [Figure 12(A)] It is a diagram showing the state where the manual tray of Example 2 is more open than in FIG. 11. [Figure 12(B)] It is a diagram showing the state where the manual tray of Example 2 is more open than in FIG. 11.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] ;] (Example 1) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be described using a four-drum color image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic system. Here, the image forming apparatus is a device that forms a toner image based on image information input from the outside by a known electrophotographic technique and transfers and fixes a color image onto a medium such as paper. For example, it includes a copying machine, a laser beam printer, a facsimile apparatus, etc. In Example 1, a color laser beam printer will be described as an example.

[0009] (Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) The image forming apparatus 1 of Example 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 with the manual feed tray 21 closed. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 with the manual feed tray 21 open. The image forming apparatus 1 is a printer that forms an image on a sheet S as a recording medium. The X, Y, and Z directions are defined as shown in FIG. 1. The X direction is the front-rear direction of the apparatus, and the right direction in the figure is the front of the apparatus. The Y direction is the left-right direction of the apparatus, and the Z direction is the up-down direction of the apparatus.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 1 mainly includes a scanner 2, a control unit 3, a front door 20, a sheet feeding unit 30, a transfer unit 40, a cartridge tray unit 50, and a fixing device 80.

[0011] The sheet feeding unit 30 includes a cassette 31 for loading a sheet S as a recording medium and a supply roller 32. By pulling out the cassette 31 in the direction (X direction) of the front door 20, the sheet S can be replenished.

[0012] The cartridge tray unit 50 includes a tray 51 and cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The tray 51 has a tray handle 52. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are detachably mounted on the tray 51.

[0013] Each of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be independently attached to and detached from the tray 51. Each cartridge contains yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner (developer), respectively. The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK have the same configuration except for the color of the toner they contain. Therefore, the configuration and operation of one of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, or PK may be described, and the descriptions of the others may be omitted. Also, when there is no need to distinguish between the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, they may simply be referred to as "cartridge P."

[0014] The cartridge tray unit 50 has four photosensitive drums 61 which are image carriers, four charging rollers 62 which are charging members, and four developing rollers 71 which are developer carriers. The rotational axis directions of the photosensitive drums 61, the developing rollers 71, and the charging rollers 62 are parallel to each other.

[0015] The photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 71 may be provided in either the cartridge P or the tray 51. In Example 1, the cartridge P has the photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, and the developing roller 71.

[0016] The transfer unit 40 includes a belt 41, a primary transfer roller 42, a cleaning unit 43, a drive roller 46 that drives the belt 41, and a tension roller 47 that is a driven roller. The image forming apparatus 1 has an optical sensor 44 that detects the toner image transferred to the belt 41. The belt 41 is positioned below the photosensitive drum 61 and is able to contact the photosensitive drum 61 so that the primary transfer section is formed. The image forming apparatus 1 also has a secondary transfer roller 45 that contacts the belt 41 so that the secondary transfer section 48 is formed. The rotational axis directions of the primary transfer roller 42, the drive roller 46, the tension roller 47, and the secondary transfer roller 45 are parallel to each other. A pair of registration rollers 4 is positioned upstream of the secondary transfer section 48.

[0017] The fixing device 80 has a fixing section 81 and a discharge reversal section 5. The fixing device 80 can heat and pressurize the sheet S while it is in the use position. The fixing section 81 has a heating roller 82 which is a heating section including a heater, and a pressurizing roller 83 which is a pressurizing section. A pair of discharge rollers 6 is arranged downstream of the fixing section 81.

[0018] The front door 20 has a manual feed tray 21 that can be opened and closed relative to the main body 1a of the device. The manual feed tray 21 has a pivot point 22 and is rotatably supported by the front door 20 with the pivot point 22 as the center of rotation. If the front door 20 is considered as part of the main body 1a of the device, then it can also be said that the manual feed tray 21 is rotatably supported relative to the main body 1a of the device. The manual feed tray 21 is rotatable between the closed position shown in Figure 1 and the open position shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, when the manual feed tray 21 is in the open position, recording media can be loaded onto the manual feed tray 21, and the recording media can be supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 by the manual feed sheet feeding unit 33. In other words, the manual feed tray 21, which is an opening and closing member, functions as a tray on which recording media can be loaded when in the open position. The detailed configuration of the manual feed sheet feeding unit 33 will be described later.

[0019] (Operation of the image forming apparatus) The image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained using Figures 1 and 2. The control unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 starts the image forming operation on the sheet S based on the image signal received from the external host device 400. The external host device 400 is, for example, a personal computer, an image reader, and a facsimile machine.

[0020] First, a charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 62, causing the photosensitive drum 61 to rotate. A laser corresponding to the image information is shone from the scanner 2 onto the photosensitive drum 61, exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 that has been charged by the charging roller 62. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0021] The developing roller 71 carries toner. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 71, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 is developed by the toner supplied from the developing roller 71, forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0022] When forming a full-color image, toner images of each color are formed on the photosensitive drums 61 of each color. The image forming apparatus 1 performs full-color printing with the developing rollers 71 corresponding to cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in contact with the photosensitive drums 61. The toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drums 61 of each color are transferred to the belt 41 by the primary transfer roller 42 and transported toward the secondary transfer section 48 formed by the belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45.

[0023] The sheets S are supplied to the secondary transfer unit 48 by the sheet feeding unit 30. In the sheet feeding unit 30, the sheets S loaded in the cassette 31 are separated by the supply roller 32 at a predetermined timing, and one sheet S is transported through the first transport path 11 toward the secondary transfer unit 48 and the fixing unit 81. When printing on a sheet S loaded in the manual feed tray 21, as shown in Figure 2, the manual feed tray 21 is opened, and in the manual feed sheet feeding unit 33, the sheets S loaded in the manual feed tray 21 are separated by the manual feed supply roller 34 at a predetermined timing. Then, one sheet S is transported through the second transport path 12 toward the secondary transfer unit 48 and the fixing unit 81.

[0024] In the secondary transfer section 48, the toner image is transferred from the belt 41 to the sheet S. Any toner that is not transferred to the sheet S is removed from the belt 41 by a cleaning blade 43a, which is a cleaning member provided in the cleaning section 43.

[0025] In the secondary transfer section 48, the sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported toward the fuser section 81. In the fuser device 80, the sheet S is heated and pressurized in the fuser section 81, and the toner image is fixed to the sheet S. Downstream of the fuser section 81, a flapper 84, which is a transport path switching means, is provided. The flapper 84 can be switched between the position shown by the solid line and the position shown by the dashed line in the figure by an actuator (not shown). When printing on only one side of the sheet S, the flapper 84 is held in the position shown by the solid line in the figure, and the sheet S is transported toward the third transport path 13. Downstream of the third transport path 13, a pair of discharge rollers 6 is provided, and the sheet S is discharged outside the main unit by the pair of discharge rollers 6 and loaded onto the loading tray 7.

[0026] On the other hand, when printing on both sides of sheet S, the flapper 84 is held at the position indicated by the dashed line, and sheet S is transported to the fourth transport path 14 by the reversing roller pair 8 in the discharge reversal section 5. When the rear end of sheet S is transported to the vicinity of the nip of the reversing roller pair 8, the flapper 84 is switched from the position indicated by the dashed line to the position indicated by the solid line, and the rotation direction of the reversing roller pair 8 is reversed. As a result, sheet S is transported to the fifth transport path 15, which is a double-sided transport path, and then transported again to the secondary transfer section via the registration roller pair 4. After the toner image is transferred to the second side of sheet S in the secondary transfer section, it is heated and pressurized in the fixing section 81, and the toner image is fixed to sheet S. The flapper 84 is at the position indicated by the solid line in the figure. The sheet S is held in place and discharged outside the main unit via the third transport path 13 and loaded onto the loading tray 7.

[0027] (Configuration of the manual feed sheet supply unit) The configuration of the manual feed sheet feeding unit 33 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing details of the area around the manual feed sheet feeding unit 33 with the manual feed tray 21 in the open position. The manual feed sheet feeding unit 33 includes the manual feed tray 21, a paper stacking plate 90, an extension tray 91, a link member 92, a cam member 96, and a tension spring 97. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the manual feed tray 21 and the manual feed sheet feeding unit 33 disassembled. Note that the link member 92, the cam member 96, and the tension spring 97 are provided symmetrically, one each in the left-right direction (Y direction) of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 4 shows only the configuration of the left side of the image forming apparatus 1. Components provided on the left side (-Y direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 are denoted with the letter L (link member 92L, tension spring 97L, etc.), and components provided on the right side (+Y direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 are denoted with the letter R (link member 92R, tension spring 97R, etc.). When there is no particular need to distinguish between the left and right configurations, the L or R designation may be omitted in the explanation.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, one link member 92 is provided on each side (Y direction) of the device (link members 92L and 92R). The link members 92 are connecting members that link the device body 1a and the manual feed tray 21. The link members 92 are configured to be movable relative to the device body 1a and the manual feed tray 21.

[0030] First pivot shafts 93L and 93R are provided at one end of the link members 92L and 92R. The first pivot shafts 93L and 93R engage with pivot holes provided in the front door 20, and the link members 92L and 92R are rotatably supported by the front door 20. The first pivot shafts 93L and 93R are first engaging parts that are rotatably engaged with the main body 1a of the device. In Figure 3, for the sake of explanation, a portion of the left side (-Y direction) of the front door 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 is not shown.

[0031] Slide shafts 94L and 94R are provided at the other ends of the link members 92L and 92R. The slide shafts 94L and 94R engage with slide grooves 95L and 95R provided in the manual feed tray 21. The slide shafts 94L and 94R are supported so as to be movable along the slide grooves 95L and 95R. The slide shafts 94L and 94R are second engaging parts that are movablely engaged with the manual feed tray 21.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the slide shaft 94 has a projection 943 that is movable relative to the slide groove 95 provided in the manual feed tray 21 when inserted into the slide groove 95. When the manual feed tray 21 rotates, the link member 92 also rotates in conjunction with it, and the slide shaft 94 moves within the slide groove 95. The slide shaft 94 is movable relative to the manual feed tray 21 between a first position 941, which abuts one end of the slide groove 95, and a second position 942, which abuts the other end, in conjunction with the rotation of the manual feed tray 21. This restricts the open position of the manual feed tray 21. The manual feed tray 21 is rotatable between a closed position (Figure 1) when the slide shaft 94 is in the first position 941, and an open position (Figure 2) when the slide shaft 94 is in the second position 942.

[0033] With the manual feed tray 21 shown in Figure 3 open, the sheets S can be placed on the paper stacking plate 90 and the extension tray 91, and the manual feed roller 34 can supply the sheets S into the main body 1a of the device. The manual feed roller 34 is a supply member that can supply the sheets S loaded on the manual feed tray 21 into the interior of the main body 1a of the device. The extension tray 91 is configured to slide relative to the manual feed tray 21 in the direction opposite to the sheet transport direction (approximately the X direction). The tray 91 is movable between the pull-out position shown in Figure 3 and a storage position (not shown) which is slid from the pull-out position in the sheet transport direction (approximately the -X direction). When using a sheet S that is long in the sheet transport direction, the extension tray 91 is pulled out to the pull-out position to support the bottom surface of the sheet S.

[0034] The cam members 96L and 96R are configured to rotate integrally with the manual feed roller 34 via the feed roller rotation shaft 98 (see Figure 3).

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the paper stacking plate 90 has a second pivot shaft 99. The second pivot shaft 99 engages with a pivot hole 100 provided in the link member 92, and the paper stacking plate 90 is rotatably supported by the link member 92. The second pivot shaft 99 is a third engaging portion that is rotatably engaged with the link member 92. The pivot hole 100 provided in the link member 92 is a fourth engaging portion that engages with the second pivot shaft 99. As shown in Figure 4, the pivot hole 100 is located between the first pivot shaft 93 and the slide shaft 94. Also, the distance between the pivot hole 100 and the slide shaft 94 is shorter than the distance between the pivot hole 100 and the first pivot shaft 93.

[0036] A first spring attachment portion 101 and a cam follower portion 105 are provided at one end of the paper stacking plate 90. A pressing portion 103 is provided at the opposite end (the other end) from the first spring attachment portion 101 with respect to the second pivot axis 99. In other words, the first spring attachment portion 101 and the pressing portion 103 are located on opposite sides of the second pivot axis 99. As shown in Figure 4, the distance between the second pivot axis 99 and the pressing portion 103 is shorter than the distance between the second pivot axis 99 and the first spring attachment portion 101.

[0037] One end of the tension spring 97 is hooked onto the first spring attachment portion 101. The other end of the tension spring 97 is hooked onto a second spring attachment portion 102, which is integrally provided on the front door 20. The first spring attachment portion 101 is the working portion to which one end of the tension spring 97 is attached, and the second spring attachment portion 102 is the mounting portion of the device body 1a to which the other end of the tension spring 97 is attached. The tension spring 97 is a biasing member capable of applying a biasing force to the working portion, the first spring attachment portion 101. The working portion can also be called a force receiving portion that receives the force of the tension spring 97.

[0038] The link member 92 and the tension spring 97, along with related components such as the slide groove 95, the second pivot shaft 99, the first spring attachment portion 101, and the second spring attachment portion 102, are provided symmetrically, one at a time, in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0039] When the manual feed tray 21 is in the open position, the cam follower section 105 is biased by the biasing force of the tension spring 97 to contact the outer surface of the cam member 96 (see Figures 3 and 4). When supplying sheets S from the manual feed sheet feeding section 33, the manual feed roller 34 and the cam member 96 are rotated by a driving means (not shown). Accordingly, the paper stacking plate 90 swings around the second pivot axis 99 (see Figure 4), and one sheet S is separated and fed by the manual feed roller 34 at a predetermined timing. As shown in Figure 3, a pair of sheet width direction restricting plates 106L and 106R are provided on the paper stacking plate 90 so as to be movable in the width direction (±Y direction) of the sheet S. The user can adjust the position of each sheet width direction restricting plate 106 to match the width of the sheet S.

[0040] (Brake configuration for manual feed tray) The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a user-operated manual feed tray 21 on its front. When supplying a sheet S using the manual feed sheet feeding unit 33, the user opens the manual feed tray 21 so that it is in the open position.

[0041] First, the configuration related to the opening and closing operation of the manual feed tray 21 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, when the manual feed tray 21 is open, the tension spring 97 biases the first spring attachment portion 101 of the paper stacking plate 90 in a direction away from the manual feed tray 21. When the tension spring 97 applies a biasing force to the first spring attachment portion 101, the paper stacking plate 90 rotates around the second pivot axis 99, and the pressing portion 103 swings toward the pressed portion 104 provided on the manual feed tray 21. In other words, the tension spring 97 is a biasing member that can apply a biasing force to the first spring attachment portion 101 in a direction that presses the pressing portion 103 toward the pressed portion 104. The pressed portion 104 is provided so as to correspond to the area in which the slide groove 95 is formed, and is located in a position that faces the pressing portion 103 during the opening and closing process of the manual feed tray 21.

[0043] The paper stacking plate 90 is a pressing member having a second pivot shaft 99, a pressing portion 103 capable of pressing the pressed portion 104, and a first spring attachment portion 101. The paper stacking plate 90 is a moving member that moves the recording medium loaded in the manual feed tray 21 to the manual feed roller 34. The paper stacking plate 90 rotates relative to the link member 92 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the manual feed tray 21.

[0044] Next, the operation of the brake mechanism in the opening and closing operation of the manual feed tray 21 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

[0045] Figure 5(A) shows the manual feed tray 21 in the closed position. Figure 5(B) shows the manual feed tray 21 in the open position. Figures 6(A) and 6(B) show the manual feed tray 21 slightly open from the closed position. Figures 7(A) and 7(B) show the manual feed tray 21 more open than in Figure 6. Figure 8(A) shows the manual feed tray 21 more open than in Figures 7(A) and 7(B). Figure 8(B) shows the manual feed tray 21 in the open position and the paper loading plate 90 in the paper feeding position. Figures 6(B) and 7(B) are enlarged views showing the pressing part 103 and the pressed part 104.

[0046] The pressed portion 104 is provided with a first contact portion 104a and a second contact portion 104b.

[0047] When the manual feed tray 21 is opened from the closed position, as shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the biasing force of the tension spring 97 acts on the paper stacking plate 90, causing the paper stacking plate 90 to rotate around the second pivot axis 99. As the paper stacking plate 90 rotates, the pressing part 103 comes into contact with the first contact part 104a of the pressed part 104. Due to the biasing force of the tension spring 97, the pressing part 103 applies a pressing force Na to the first contact part 104a of the pressed part 104.

[0048] Furthermore, the pressing force Ga exerted by the projection 943 of the slide shaft 94 against the inner wall 951 of the slide groove 95 and the pressing force Na exerted by the pressing part 103 against the part to be pressed 104 have components in opposite directions. Therefore, the pressing force Ga and the pressing force Na act to sandwich and compress the part to be pressed 104 of the manual feed tray 21 between the slide shaft 94 and the pressing part 103. In other words, in this embodiment, the pressing force Ga has a component in the direction toward the pressing part 103 (the direction approaching the pressing part 103), and the pressing force Na has a component in the direction toward the projection 943 (the direction approaching the projection 943).

[0049] The pressing force Na generates a frictional force Fa at the contact point between the pressing portion 103 of the paper stacking plate 90 and the pressed portion 104 of the manual feed tray 21. The frictional force Fa acting on the manual feed tray 21 acts to resist the movement of the manual feed tray 21 in the direction of opening around the pivot point 22. Therefore, the frictional force Fa acting on the manual feed tray 21 resists the movement of the manual feed tray 21 in the direction of rotation relative to the pivot point 22. The component acts as a braking force Ba against the movement of the manual feed tray 21 attempting to open.

[0050] In the state shown in Figure 6(B), the pressing portion 103 is in contact with the first contact portion 104a. The pressing force Na is decomposed into a component Na1 perpendicular to the first contact portion 104a and a component Na2 horizontally. If μ is the coefficient of friction between the pressing portion 103 and the pressed portion 104, the difference between μNa1 and Na2 is the frictional force Fa acting on the first contact portion 104a. The component of the frictional force Fa in the direction of rotation of the manual feed tray 21 is the braking force Ba.

[0051] Furthermore, when the manual feed tray 21 is opened, as shown in Figures 7(A) and 7(B), the biasing force of the tension spring 97 acts on the paper stacking plate 90, causing the paper stacking plate 90 to rotate around the second pivot axis 99. As the paper stacking plate 90 rotates, the pressing part 103 comes into contact with the second contact part 104b of the pressed part 104. Due to the biasing force of the tension spring 97, the pressing part 103 applies a pressing force Nb to the second contact part 104b of the pressed part 104.

[0052] Furthermore, the pressing force Gb exerted by the projection 943 of the slide shaft 94 against the inner wall 951 of the slide groove 95 and the pressing force Nb exerted by the pressing part 103 against the pressed part 104 have components in opposite directions. Therefore, the pressing force Gb and the pressing force Nb act to sandwich and compress the manual feed tray 21 between the slide shaft 94 and the pressing part 103. In other words, in this embodiment, the pressing force Gb has a component in the direction toward the pressing part 103 (the direction approaching the pressing part 103), and the pressing force Nb has a component in the direction toward the projection 943 (the direction approaching the projection 943).

[0053] The pressing force Nb generates a frictional force Fb at the contact point between the pressing portion 103 of the paper stacking plate 90 and the pressed portion 104 of the manual feed tray 21. The frictional force Fb acting on the manual feed tray 21 acts as resistance to the movement of the manual feed tray 21 in the direction of opening around the pivot point 22. Therefore, the rotational component of the frictional force Fb relative to the pivot point 22 acts on the manual feed tray 21 as a braking force Bb against the movement of the manual feed tray 21 attempting to open.

[0054] In the state shown in Figure 7(B), the pressing portion 103 is in contact with the second contact portion 104b. The pressing force Nb is decomposed into a component Nb1 perpendicular to the second contact portion 104b and a component Nb2 horizontally. The difference between μNb1 and Nb2 is the braking force Bb acting on the second contact portion 104b. The component of the frictional force Fb in the direction of rotation of the manual feed tray 21 is the braking force Bb.

[0055] The first contact portion 104a is the first part of the pressed portion 104, and the second contact portion 104b is the second part of the pressed portion 104. The first angle θa is the angle between the direction of movement (parallel to Fa) when the pressing portion 103 moves relative to the first contact portion 104a in conjunction with the rotation of the manual feed tray 21, and the direction of the pressing force Na applied by the pressing portion 103 to the first contact portion 104a. The second angle θb is the angle between the direction of movement (parallel to Fb) when the pressing portion 103 moves relative to the second contact portion 104b in conjunction with the rotation of the manual feed tray 21, and the direction of the pressing force Nb applied by the pressing portion 103 to the second contact portion 104b. In this case, the first angle θa and the second angle θb are different.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, the distance between the first spring attachment point 101 and the second spring attachment point 102 increases as the manual feed tray 21 opens. Therefore, the amount of deformation of the tension spring 97 from its natural state increases as the manual feed tray 21 opens.

[0057] Thus, due to the relationship between the magnitude of the pressing force Nb and the magnitude and direction of the frictional force Fb, the braking force Bb is greater than the braking force Ba (Bb > Ba). Therefore, a braking mechanism acts on the manual feed tray 21, applying a braking force that increases as the manual feed tray 21 opens. It can be constructed.

[0058] The magnitudes of the pressing forces Na and Nb are determined by the magnitude of the biasing force of the tension spring 97, the direction of the biasing force that the tension spring 97 exerts on the first spring attachment part 101, and the distance from the second pivot axis 99 to the first spring attachment part 101 and the pressing part 103. The magnitudes of the pressing forces Na and Nb affect the magnitudes of the frictional forces Fa and Fb, respectively. By making the biasing force of the tension spring 97 increase as the manual feed tray 21 opens, the pressing force Nb can be made larger than the pressing force Na.

[0059] As described above, by appropriately setting the positional relationship between the second pivot axis 99, the first spring attachment part 101, the second spring attachment part 102, and the pressing part 103, the braking force can be increased as the manual feed tray 21 is opened. In Embodiment 1, the amount of deformation of the tension spring 97 from its natural state and the direction of the biasing force acting on the first spring attachment part 101 change depending on the degree to which the manual feed tray 21 is opened, so that the pressing force Nb is greater than the pressing force Na (Nb > Na).

[0060] Furthermore, the magnitudes of the braking forces Ba and Bb generated during the rotation of the manual feed tray 21 from the closed position to the open position are determined by the magnitude and direction of the frictional forces Fa and Fb acting on the manual feed tray 21, respectively. The magnitude and direction of the frictional forces Fa and Fb are determined by the magnitudes of the pressing forces Na and Nb and the shape of the pressed portion 104. In Embodiment 1, the shapes of the first contact portion 104a and the second contact portion 104b of the pressed portion 104 are set such that the braking force Bb is greater than the braking force Ba.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5(A), when the manual feed tray 21 is in the closed position, the tension spring 97 does not act in a direction that rotates the paper stacking plate 90 relative to the second pivot axis 99. Therefore, when the manual feed tray 21 is in the closed position, the pressing part 103 does not apply any pressing force to the manual feed tray 21. In other words, when the manual feed tray 21 is in the closed position, the biasing force of the tension spring 97 does not act on the first spring attachment part 101 to press the pressing part 103 against the pressed part 104, and the pressing part 103 does not press against the pressed part 104. Therefore, no braking force is generated.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5(B), when the manual feed tray 21 is in the open position, the pressing part 103 does not come into contact with the manual feed tray 21. In other words, when the manual feed tray 21 is in the open position, the pressing part 103 does not come into contact with the part to be pressed 104, and therefore the pressing part 103 does not press the part to be pressed 104. Thus, when the manual feed tray 21 is in the open position, no braking force B is generated due to the action of the pressing part 103.

[0063] Thus, when the manual feed tray 21 is closed or open, no braking force acts on the manual feed tray 21. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from having difficulty closing or opening the manual feed tray 21 to a predetermined position.

[0064] When the manual feed tray 21 is between the closed and open positions, the pressing part 103 moves relative to the pressed part 104, pressing it with the biasing force of the tension spring 97 in conjunction with the rotation of the manual feed tray 21. When the manual feed tray 21 moves from the closed position (Figure 5(a)) to the open position (Figure 5(b)), the manual feed tray 21 passes through a third position (Figure 6) and a fourth position (Figure 7). Here, the fourth position is closer to the open position than the third position. The pressing force applied by the pressing part 103 to the pressed part 104 increases as the manual feed tray 21 approaches the fourth position from the third position. Also, the amount of deformation of the tension spring 97 from its natural state increases as the manual feed tray 21 approaches the fourth position from the third position. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1, a large braking force is applied as the manual feed tray 21 opens. A braking mechanism can be configured that can be applied to the manual feed tray 21, and in which case no braking force is applied in the open or closed position.

[0065] As mentioned above, in preparation for the sheet supply operation at the manual sheet feeding unit 33, when the manual tray 21 is in the open position, the biasing force of the tension spring 97 causes the cam follower portion 105 to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cam member 96 (see Figures 3 and 4). Here, the biasing force of the tension spring 97 when the cam follower portion 105 and the outer circumferential surface of the cam member 96 are in contact does not act as a braking force against the rotation of the manual tray 21. Therefore, a braking mechanism can be configured that does not apply a braking force when the manual tray 21 is in the closed or open position.

[0066] In the process of opening the manual feed tray 21, the pressing portion 103 contacts the pressed portion 104 before the cam follower portion 105 contacts the cam member 96. As shown in Figure 8(A), since the pressing portion 103 is in contact with the third contact portion 104c, the posture of the paper stacking plate 90 can be restricted, and the cam follower portion 105 can be guided to the outer surface of the cam member 96. Therefore, the cam member 96 does not hinder the user's operation of opening the manual feed tray 21 to the open position. Furthermore, even if the paper stacking plate 90 swings around the second pivot axis 99 when a sheet is supplied from the manual feed sheet feeding unit 33 with the manual feed tray 21 open, the pressing portion 103 does not come into contact with the manual feed tray 21, as shown in Figure 8(B). Therefore, the brake mechanism does not affect the paper feeding performance.

[0067] The tension springs 97L and 97R, the pressing parts 103L and 103R, and the pressed parts 104L and 104R are each provided in a symmetrical configuration on the left and right (Y direction) of the device. The pressed part 104 is provided on both ends of the manual feed tray 21 in the direction of the rotation axis of the manual feed tray 21. The pressing part 103 is provided on both ends of the paper stacking plate 90 in the direction of the rotation axis of the manual feed tray 21. Therefore, the braking force B can be applied equally to both sides, and the manual feed tray 21 will not twist or bend during opening and closing operations, allowing the user to operate it smoothly.

[0068] As explained above, by applying pressure with the pressing part 103, a compressive force is applied to the manual feed tray 21 by the pressing part 103 and the slide shaft 94, thereby enabling a braking force to be applied to the manual feed tray 21.

[0069] Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a space-saving and effective braking mechanism in the manual feed tray that the user opens and closes, thereby providing an image forming apparatus that improves the user experience during operation.

[0070] The operation of opening the manual feed tray 21 involves moving the manual feed tray 21 in the direction of gravity. In the image forming apparatus 1, a braking force is applied to the operation of opening the manual feed tray 21. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the manual feed tray 21 from opening forcefully against the user's will, and to prevent collision noises or bouncing when the manual feed tray 21 reaches the open position.

[0071] Furthermore, as the manual feed tray 21 opens, the center of gravity changes, and the moment acting around the pivot axis increases. In the image forming apparatus 1, a braking force is exerted according to the position of the manual feed tray 21, and a larger braking force is applied as the manual feed tray 21 opens. Therefore, an appropriate braking force can be applied throughout the opening and closing operation of the manual feed tray 21.

[0072] Furthermore, no braking force is applied to the manual feed tray 21 when it is in the open or closed position. In other words, a constant braking force is applied throughout the opening and closing operation of the manual feed tray 21. This configuration does not involve any braking force. Therefore, the user's operation of opening the manual feed tray 21 to the desired position or closing the manual feed tray 21 to the desired position is not hindered by a braking force.

[0073] Furthermore, the frictional force generated by the sliding motion of the pressing part 103 as it moves while pressing against the pressed part 104 acts as a braking force against the opening and closing operation of the manual feed tray 21. The pressed part 104 is provided with a first part 1041 and a second part 1042 so that the angle between the direction of movement of the pressing part 103 and the direction of the pressing force changes. In addition, the amount of deformation of the tension spring 97 from its natural state changes according to the degree of opening and closing of the manual feed tray 21. With this configuration, the braking force is changed according to the degree of opening and closing of the manual feed tray 21, so that the braking mechanism can be constructed in a space-saving manner, and the texture and operability of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

[0074] (Example 2) In Example 1, a configuration was described in which the pressing part 103 presses against the part to be pressed 104, and the manual feed tray 21 is sandwiched between the pressing part 103 and the slide shaft 94, and compressed, thereby applying a braking force. However, similar effects can be obtained with other configurations.

[0075] Example 2 describes a brake configuration that applies braking force to the manual feed tray, with a different configuration from Example 1. Only the parts that differ from Example 1 will be described, and the same configuration as Example 1 will not be explained.

[0076] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing details of the area around the manual feed sheet feeding unit 233 with the manual feed tray 221 in the open position. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the manual feed tray 221 and the manual feed sheet feeding unit 233 disassembled.

[0077] First, the configuration of the manual feed sheet feeding unit 233 will be explained with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, the manual feed sheet feeding unit 233 includes a manual feed tray 221, a paper stacking plate 290, a link member 292, and a tension spring 297. The link member 292 and the tension spring 297 are provided symmetrically, one each in the left-right direction (Y direction) of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, components related to the link member 292 and the tension spring 297, such as the slide groove 295, the second pivot axis 299, the first spring attachment part 201, and the second spring attachment part 202, are also provided symmetrically, one each in the left-right direction (Y direction). Components provided on the left side (-Y direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 are denoted with the letter L (link member 292L, tension spring 297L, etc.), and components provided on the right side (+Y direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 are denoted with the letter R (link member 292R, tension spring 297R, etc.).

[0079] The manual feed tray 221 is provided with a pivot point 222, and the front door 220 rotatably supports the manual feed tray 221 with the pivot point 222 as the center of rotation. The manual feed tray 221 is an opening and closing member that is rotatably supported with respect to the main body 1a of the device.

[0080] The link member 292 has a first pivot shaft 293 at one end and a slide shaft 294 at the other end. The first pivot shaft 293 engages with a pivot hole provided in the front door 220, and the link member 292 is rotatably supported by the front door 220. The first pivot shaft 293 is a first engaging part that is rotatably engaged with the device body 1a. The slide shaft 294 engages with a slide groove 295 provided in the manual feed tray 221 and is supported so as to be movable along the slide groove 295. The slide shaft 294 is a second engaging part that is movably engaged with the manual feed tray 221. The link member 292 is a connecting member that connects the device body 1a and the manual feed tray 221.

[0081] When the manual feed tray 221 rotates, the link member 292 also rotates in conjunction, and the slide shaft 294 moves within the slide groove 295. The slide shaft 294 has a projection 2943 that is movable relative to the slide groove 295 when inserted into the slide groove 295 provided in the manual feed tray 221. The slide shaft 294 is movable relative to the manual feed tray 221 in conjunction with the rotation of the manual feed tray 221 between a first position 2941 in contact with one end of the slide groove 295 and a second position 2942 in contact with the other end. This restricts the open position of the manual feed tray 221. The manual feed tray 221 is rotatable between a closed position when the slide shaft 294 is in the first position 2941 and an open position when the slide shaft 294 is in the second position 2942.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, the paper stacking plate 290 has a second pivot shaft 299. The second pivot shaft 299 engages with a pivot hole 200 provided in the link member 292, and the paper stacking plate 290 is rotatably supported by the link member 292. The second pivot shaft 299 is a third engaging portion that is rotatably engaged with the link member 292. The pivot hole 200 provided in the link member 292 is a fourth engaging portion that engages with the second pivot shaft 299. The pivot hole 200 is located between the first pivot shaft 293 and the slide shaft 294. The distance between the pivot hole 200 and the slide shaft 294 is shorter than the distance between the pivot hole 200 and the first pivot shaft 293.

[0083] A first spring attachment portion 201 and a cam follower portion 105 are provided at one end of the paper stacking plate 290. A pressing portion 203 is provided at the opposite end (the other end) from the first spring attachment portion 201 with respect to the second pivot axis 299. In other words, the first spring attachment portion 201 and the pressing portion 203 are located on opposite sides of the second pivot axis 299. As shown in Figure 10, the distance between the second pivot axis 299 and the pressing portion 203 is shorter than the distance between the second pivot axis 299 and the first spring attachment portion 201.

[0084] One end of the tension spring 297 is hooked onto the first spring attachment portion 201. The other end of the tension spring 297 is hooked onto a second spring attachment portion 202, which is integrally provided on the front door 220. The first spring attachment portion 201 is the working portion to which one end of the tension spring 297 is attached, and the second spring attachment portion 202 is the mounting portion of the device body 1a to which the other end of the tension spring 297 is attached. The tension spring 297 is a biasing member capable of applying a biasing force to the working portion, the first spring attachment portion 201.

[0085] As shown in Figure 9, when the manual feed tray 221 is open, the tension spring 297 biases the first spring attachment portion 201 of the paper stacking plate 290 in a direction away from the manual feed tray 221. As shown in Figure 10, when the tension spring 297 applies a biasing force to the first spring attachment portion 201, the paper stacking plate 290 rotates around the second pivot axis 299, and the pressing portion 203 swings toward the pressed portion 204 provided on the manual feed tray 221. In other words, the tension spring 297 is a biasing member that can apply a biasing force to the first spring attachment portion 201 in a direction that presses the pressing portion 203 toward the pressed portion 204. The pressed portion 204 is positioned to correspond to the area where the slide groove 295 is formed, and is located in a position that faces the pressed portion 203 during the opening and closing process of the manual feed tray 221.

[0086] The paper stacking plate 290 is a pressing member having a second pivot axis 299, a pressing portion 203 capable of pressing the pressed portion 204, and a first spring attachment portion 201. The paper stacking plate 290 is a moving member that moves the recording medium loaded in the manual feed tray 221 to the manual feed roller 34. The paper stacking plate 290 rotates relative to the link member 292 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the manual feed tray 221.

[0087] Next, the operation of the brake mechanism in the opening and closing operation of the manual feed tray 221 will be explained with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

[0088] Figures 11(A) and 11(B) show the manual feed tray 221 slightly open from the closed position. Figures 12(A) and 12(B) show the manual feed tray 221 further open than in Figure 11. Figures 11(B) and 12(B) are enlarged views showing the pressing portion 203 and the pressed portion 204.

[0089] The pressed portion 204 is provided with a first contact portion 204a and a second contact portion 204b.

[0090] When the manual feed tray 221 is opened from the closed position, as shown in Figures 11(A) and 11(B), the biasing force of the tension spring 297 acts on the paper stacking plate 290, causing the paper stacking plate 290 to rotate around the second pivot axis 299. As the paper stacking plate 290 rotates, the pressing part 203 comes into contact with the first contact part 204a of the pressed part 204. Due to the biasing force of the tension spring 297, the pressing part 203 applies a pressing force N'a to the first contact part 204a of the pressed part 204.

[0091] Furthermore, the pressing force G'a exerted by the projection 2943 of the slide shaft 294 against the inner wall 2951 of the slide groove 295, and the pressing force N'a exerted by the pressing part 203 against the pressed part 204, have components moving away from each other. Therefore, the pressing forces G'a and N'a act between the slide shaft 294 and the pressing part 203 to pull the pressed part 204 of the manual feed tray 221 away from the inner wall 2951. In other words, in this embodiment, the pressing force G'a has a component moving away from the pressing part 203 (away from the pressing part 203), and the pressing force N'a has a component moving away from the projection 2943 (away from the projection 2943).

[0092] The pressing force N'a generates a frictional force F'a at the contact point between the pressing portion 203 of the paper stacking plate 290 and the pressed portion 204 of the manual feed tray 221. The frictional force F'a acting on the manual feed tray 221 acts as resistance to the movement of the manual feed tray 221 in the direction of opening around the pivot point 222. Therefore, the rotational component of the frictional force F'a relative to the pivot point 222 acts on the manual feed tray 221 as a braking force B'a against the movement of the manual feed tray 221 attempting to open.

[0093] In the state shown in Figure 11(B), the pressing portion 203 is in contact with the first contact portion 204a. The pressing force N'a is decomposed into a component N'a1 perpendicular to the first contact portion 204a and a component N'a2 horizontally. If μ is the coefficient of friction between the pressing portion 203 and the pressed portion 204, the sum of μN'a1 and N'a2 is the frictional force F'a acting on the first contact portion 204a. The component of the frictional force F'a in the direction of rotation of the manual feed tray 221 is the braking force B'a.

[0094] Furthermore, when the manual feed tray 221 is opened, as shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B), the biasing force of the tension spring 297 acts on the paper stacking plate 290, causing the paper stacking plate 290 to rotate around the second pivot axis 299. As the paper stacking plate 290 rotates, the pressing part 203 comes into contact with the second contact part 204b of the pressed part 204. Due to the biasing force of the tension spring 297, the pressing part 203 applies a pressing force N'b to the second contact part 204b of the pressed part 204.

[0095] Furthermore, the pressing force G'b exerted by the projection 2943 of the slide shaft 294 against the inner wall 2951 of the slide groove 295, and the pressing force N'b exerted by the pressing part 203 against the pressed part 204, have components that move away from each other. Therefore, the pressing forces G'b and N'b act on the slide shaft 294 and the pressing part 203 to pull the pressed part 204 of the manual feed tray 221 away from the inner wall 2951. In other words, in this embodiment, the pressing force G'b has a component that moves away from the pressing part 203 (in the opposite direction from the pressing part 203), and the pressing force N'b is directed away from the projection 294 It has a component in the opposite direction to 3 (away from the projection 2943).

[0096] The pressing force N'b generates a frictional force F'b at the contact point between the pressing portion 203 of the paper stacking plate 290 and the pressed portion 204 of the manual feed tray 221. The frictional force F'b acting on the manual feed tray 221 acts as resistance to the movement of the manual feed tray 221 in the direction of opening around the pivot point 222. Therefore, the rotational component of the frictional force F'b relative to the pivot point 222 acts on the manual feed tray 221 as a braking force B'b against the movement of the manual feed tray 221 attempting to open.

[0097] In the state shown in Figure 12(B), the pressing portion 203 is in contact with the second contact portion 204b. The pressing force N'b is decomposed into a component N'b1 perpendicular to the second contact portion 204b and a component N'b2 horizontally. The sum of μN'b1 and N'b2 is the frictional force F'b acting on the second contact portion 204b. The component of the frictional force F'b in the direction of rotation of the manual feed tray 221 is the braking force B'b.

[0098] The first contact portion 204a is the first part of the pressed portion 204, and the second contact portion 204b is the second part of the pressed portion 204. The first angle θ'a is the angle between the direction of movement (parallel to F'a) when the pressing portion 203 moves relative to the first contact portion 204a in conjunction with the rotation of the manual feed tray 221, and the direction of the pressing force N'a applied by the pressing portion 203 to the first contact portion 204a. The second angle θ'b is the angle between the direction of movement (parallel to F'b) when the pressing portion 203 moves relative to the second contact portion 204b in conjunction with the rotation of the manual feed tray 221, and the direction of the pressing force N'b applied by the pressing portion 203 to the second contact portion 204b. In this case, the first angle θ'a and the second angle θ'b are different.

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the distance between the first spring attachment portion 201 and the second spring attachment portion 202 increases as the manual feed tray 221 opens. Therefore, the amount of deformation of the tension spring 297 from its natural state increases as the manual feed tray 221 opens.

[0100] Thus, due to the relationship between the magnitude of the pressing force N'b and the magnitude and direction of the frictional force F'b, the braking force B'b becomes greater than the braking force B'a (B'b > B'a). Therefore, a braking mechanism can be configured that applies a braking force to the manual feed tray 221 that increases as the manual feed tray 221 opens.

[0101] The magnitudes of the pressing forces N'a and N'b are determined by the magnitude of the biasing force of the tension spring 297, the direction of the biasing force that the tension spring 297 exerts on the first spring attachment part 201, and the distance from the second pivot axis 299 to the first spring attachment part 201 and the pressing part 203. The magnitudes of the pressing forces N'a and N'b affect the magnitudes of the frictional forces F'a and F'b, respectively. By making the biasing force of the tension spring 297 increase as the manual feed tray 221 opens, the pressing force N'b can be made larger than the pressing force N'a.

[0102] As described above, by appropriately setting the positional relationship between the second pivot axis 299, the first spring attachment part 201, the second spring attachment part 202, and the pressing part 203, the braking force can be increased as the manual feed tray 221 is opened. In Embodiment 2, the amount of deformation of the tension spring 297 from its natural state and the direction of the biasing force acting on the first spring attachment part 201 change depending on the degree to which the manual feed tray 221 is opened. As a result, the pressing force N'b is configured to be greater than the pressing force N'a (N'b > N'a).

[0103] Furthermore, the magnitudes of the braking forces B'a and B'b generated during the rotation of the manual feed tray 221 from the closed position to the open position are determined by the magnitude and direction of the frictional forces F'a and F'b acting on the manual feed tray 221, respectively. The direction is determined by the magnitudes of the pressing forces N'a and N'b and the shape of the pressed portion 204. In Embodiment 2, the shapes of the first contact portion 204a and the second contact portion 204b of the pressed portion 204 are set such that the braking force B'b is greater than the braking force B'a.

[0104] As explained above, the pressing of the pressing part 203 applies opposing forces to the inner wall of the slide groove 295 of the manual feed tray 221 by the pressing part 203 and the slide shaft 294, thereby enabling a braking force to be applied to the manual feed tray 221. Furthermore, the pressing part 203 and the pressed part 204 are positioned with respect to the second pivot axis 299 such that the components N'a2 and N'b2 of the pressing force N'a and pressing force N'b in the direction of movement of the pressing part 203 act in the same direction as the frictional forces F'a and F'b. As a result, braking forces B'a and B'b can be generated more effectively.

[0105] Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a space-saving and effective braking mechanism for the manual feed tray that the user opens and closes, thereby providing an image forming apparatus that improves the user experience during operation.

[0106] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) The main body of the device, An opening / closing member having a pressed portion and being rotatably supported with respect to the main body of the device, A connecting member for connecting the device body and the opening / closing member, having a first engaging portion that engages with the device body and a second engaging portion that engages with the opening / closing member, and being movable relative to the device body and the opening / closing member, A pressing member having a third engaging portion that is rotatably engaged with the connecting member, a pressing portion capable of pressing the pressed portion, and an action portion, A biasing member capable of applying a biasing force to the acting portion so that the pressing portion is pressed against the portion to be pressed, Equipped with, The second engaging portion is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the opening / closing member in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member. The opening / closing member is rotatable between a closed position when the second engaging portion is in the first position and an open position when the second engaging portion is in the second position. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the opening / closing member is between the closed position and the open position, the pressing portion moves relative to the pressed portion while pressing it with the biasing force of the biasing member in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the acting portion and the pressing portion are located on opposite sides of the third engaging portion. (Composition 3) When the opening / closing member moves from the closed position to the open position, the opening / closing member passes through the third position and the fourth position, with the fourth position being closer to the open position than the third position. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the pressing force applied by the pressing portion to the portion to be pressed increases as the opening / closing member approaches the fourth position from the third position. (Composition 4) The biasing member is a spring with one end attached to the acting part and the other end attached to the mounting part of the device body. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the amount of deformation of the spring increases as the opening and closing member approaches the fourth position from the third position. (Composition 5) The connecting member has a fourth engaging portion that engages with the third engaging portion, The fourth engaging portion is located between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the configurations 1 to 4. (Composition 6) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5, wherein the distance between the fourth engaging portion and the second engaging portion is shorter than the distance between the fourth engaging portion and the first engaging portion. (Composition 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the distance between the third engaging portion and the pressing portion is shorter than the distance between the third engaging portion and the working portion. (Composition 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein when the opening / closing member is in the closed position, the pressing portion does not press the portion to be pressed. (Composition 9) The image forming apparatus according to any one of the configurations 1 to 8, wherein when the opening / closing member is in the closed position, the biasing force of the biasing member does not act on the working part to press the pressing part against the pressed part. (Composition 10) The image forming apparatus according to any one of the configurations 1 to 9, wherein when the opening / closing member is in the open position, the pressing portion does not press the portion to be pressed. (Composition 11) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 10, wherein when the opening / closing member is in the open position, the pressing portion does not come into contact with the portion to be pressed. (Composition 12) The pressed portion has a first portion and a second portion, The first angle is defined as the angle between the direction of movement of the pressing portion relative to the first portion in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member and the direction of the pressing force applied by the pressing portion to the first portion. If the second angle is defined as the angle between the direction of movement of the pressing portion relative to the second portion in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member and the direction of the pressing force applied by the pressing portion to the second portion, The first angle and the second angle are different configurations according to any one of the configurations 1 to 11 of the image forming apparatus. (Composition 13) The opening / closing member functions as a tray on which recording media can be loaded when in the open position. The image forming apparatus further includes a supply member capable of supplying the recording medium loaded on the tray into the main body of the apparatus, The pressing member is a moving member that moves the recording medium loaded on the tray to the supply member. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the moving member rotates relative to the connecting member in conjunction with the opening and closing of the tray. (Composition 14) The pressing portion is provided on both ends of the tray in the direction of the tray's rotation axis, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 13, wherein the pressing portion is provided on both ends of the moving member in the direction of the rotation axis. (Composition 15) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the second engaging portion has a projection that is movable relative to the groove when inserted into the groove provided in the opening / closing member. (Composition 16) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 15, wherein the pressing force exerted by the projection against the inner wall of the groove and the pressing force exerted by the pressing portion against the pressed portion have components in opposite directions to each other. (Composition 17) The pressing force exerted by the projection against the inner wall of the groove, and the pressing force exerted by the pressing portion against the pressed portion The image forming apparatus according to configuration 15, wherein the pressing force has components in directions away from each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1: Image forming apparatus, 1a: Apparatus body, 21: Manual feed tray, 92: Link member, 93: First pivot axis, 94: Slide axis, 97: Tension spring, 99: Second pivot axis, 101: First spring attachment part, 103: Pressing part, 104: Pressed part, 941: First position, 942: Second position

Claims

1. The main body of the device, An opening / closing member having a pressed portion and being rotatably supported with respect to the main body of the device, A connecting member for connecting the device body and the opening / closing member, having a first engaging portion that engages with the device body and a second engaging portion that engages with the opening / closing member, and being movable relative to the device body and the opening / closing member, A pressing member having a third engaging portion that is rotatably engaged with the connecting member, a pressing portion capable of pressing the pressed portion, and an action portion, A biasing member capable of applying a biasing force to the acting portion so that the pressing portion is pressed against the portion to be pressed, Equipped with, The second engaging portion is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the opening / closing member in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member. The opening / closing member is rotatable between a closed position when the second engaging portion is in the first position and an open position when the second engaging portion is in the second position. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the opening / closing member is between the closed position and the open position, the pressing portion moves relative to the pressed portion while pressing it with the biasing force of the biasing member in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acting portion and the pressing portion are located on opposite sides of the third engaging portion.

3. When the opening / closing member moves from the closed position to the open position, the opening / closing member passes through the third position and the fourth position, with the fourth position being closer to the open position than the third position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing force applied by the pressing portion to the portion to be pressed increases as the opening / closing member approaches the fourth position from the third position.

4. The biasing member is a spring with one end attached to the acting part and the other end attached to the mounting part of the device body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the amount of deformation of the spring increases as the opening and closing member approaches the fourth position from the third position.

5. The connecting member has a fourth engaging portion that engages with the third engaging portion, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fourth engaging portion is located between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the distance between the fourth engaging portion and the second engaging portion is shorter than the distance between the fourth engaging portion and the first engaging portion.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the third engaging portion and the pressing portion is shorter than the distance between the third engaging portion and the working portion.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the opening / closing member is in the closed position, the pressing portion does not press the portion to be pressed.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the opening / closing member is in the closed position, the biasing force of the biasing member does not act on the working part to press the pressing part against the pressed part.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the opening / closing member is in the open position, the pressing portion does not press the portion to be pressed.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the opening / closing member is in the open position, the pressing portion does not contact the portion to be pressed.

12. The pressed portion has a first portion and a second portion, The first angle is defined as the angle between the direction of movement of the pressing portion relative to the first portion in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member and the direction of the pressing force applied by the pressing portion to the first portion. If the second angle is defined as the angle between the direction of movement of the pressing portion relative to the second portion in conjunction with the rotation of the opening / closing member and the direction of the pressing force applied by the pressing portion to the second portion, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first angle and the second angle are different.

13. The opening / closing member functions as a tray on which recording media can be loaded when in the open position. The image forming apparatus further includes a supply member capable of supplying the recording medium loaded on the tray into the main body of the apparatus, The pressing member is a moving member that moves the recording medium loaded on the tray to the supply member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving member rotates relative to the connecting member in conjunction with the opening and closing of the tray.

14. The pressing portion is provided on both ends of the tray in the direction of the tray's rotation axis, The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the pressing portion is provided on both ends of the moving member in the direction of the rotation axis.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second engaging portion has a projection that is movable relative to the groove when inserted into the groove provided in the opening / closing member.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the pressing force exerted by the projection against the inner wall of the groove and the pressing force exerted by the pressing portion against the pressed portion have components in opposite directions to each other.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the pressing force exerted by the projection against the inner wall of the groove and the pressing force exerted by the pressing portion against the pressed portion have components that are in directions away from each other.

Images