Feeding cassette and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a configuration that can suppress operator errors. [Solution] The rear end regulating plate 205 has a base portion 2051, a first contact member 2052, and a second contact member 2053. In a first state, when the first contact member 2052 is in a first upright position and the second contact member 2053 is in a second tilted position, the position of the rear end of a first-size sheet can be regulated by the first contact surface 2052b of the first contact member 2052. In a second state, when the first contact member 2052 is in a first tilted position and the second contact member 2053 is in a second upright position, the rear end of a second-size sheet, which is smaller than the first size, can be regulated by the second contact surface 2053b of the second contact member 2053. The rear end regulating plate 205 has a display portion 210 in a position visible in the second state that indicates that the second state corresponds to a second-size sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a feed cassette for accommodating a sheet fed along a predetermined feed direction and an image forming apparatus provided with the feed cassette.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus has a feed cassette for accommodating a sheet to be fed to an image forming unit. The feed cassette includes a side regulating plate that regulates positions at both ends in the width direction intersecting the sheet feed direction within the cassette body, and a rear end regulating plate (rear end regulating member) that regulates the upstream end (rear end) of the sheet in the feed direction. The rear end regulating plate engages with a guide portion formed on the bottom plate of the cassette body and is movable along the feed direction according to the size of the sheet. For example, in the case of a sheet of a first size with a relatively small size, the rear end regulating plate moves to the downstream end in the feed direction of the guide portion.

[0003] Here, as the feed cassette, it is desirable to be compatible with a sheet of a second size that is even smaller than the sheet of the first size. However, since a mechanism for moving the side regulating plate and a lifting plate for raising and lowering the sheet accommodated in the cassette body are arranged closer to the downstream side in the feed direction of the cassette body, it may be difficult to extend the guide portion further downstream in the feed direction.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a rear end regulating plate composed of two contact members, each capable of contacting the rear end of a sheet, thereby regulating the rear end of a second-size sheet, which is even smaller than a first-size sheet. In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the rear end regulating plate has a base portion that is movable along a guide portion, a first contact member that is rotatably supported relative to the base portion, and a second contact member that is rotatably supported relative to the first contact member. For the first-size sheet, the first and second contact members are folded and erected on the bottom plate of the cassette body in a first state, and the rear end of this sheet is regulated by the contact surface of the first contact member. On the other hand, for the second-size sheet, the first contact member is folded so as to overlap the bottom plate of the cassette body, and the second contact member is erected in a second state, thereby regulating the rear end of this sheet by the contact surface of the second contact member (second state). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-20334 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, with the rear end regulating plate configured to take on both a first and second state as described above, it is difficult to determine which state corresponds to which seat. As a result, inexperienced operators may have difficulty setting the rear end regulating plate to the appropriate state for a given seat, potentially leading to incorrect operation.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a configuration in which a rear end regulating member has two contact members and the state of the rear end regulating member is changed according to the size of the sheet, thereby suppressing operator error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention comprises a cassette body containing a sheet to be fed in a predetermined feeding direction, a guide portion formed on the bottom plate of the cassette body in the feeding direction, and an upstream end restricting member that is movably supported along the guide portion and contacts the upstream end of the sheet contained in the cassette body in the feeding direction to restrict the position of the upstream end of the sheet in the feeding direction, wherein the upstream end restricting member has a base portion that engages with the guide portion and is movable along the guide portion, and a first contact surface that can contact the upstream end of the sheet contained in the cassette body in the feeding direction A first contact member having a first back surface which is the back surface of the first contact surface, supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the base portion about a first pivot axis, and capable of changing its posture between a first posture in which the first contact surface faces downstream in the feeding direction and the first contact surface is upright in a direction intersecting the bottom plate, and a second posture in which the first contact surface is tilted so as to overlap the bottom plate by rotating from the first posture about the first pivot axis, a second contact surface that can contact the upstream end in the feeding direction of the sheet housed in the cassette body, and a second back surface which is the back surface of the second contact surface The first contact member is supported so as to be rotatable about a second pivot axis, and the second contact member is capable of changing its orientation from a third orientation in which the second back surface overlaps with the first back surface, to a fourth orientation in which the second contact surface stands upright in a direction intersecting the first contact surface by rotating from the third orientation about the second pivot axis, and the first contact surface provides the first size sheet to be fed in the first state in which the first contact member is in the first orientation and the second contact member is in the third orientation, and the base portion is positioned at the downstream end of the guide portion in the feeding direction, the first contact surface provides the first size sheet to be fed The feeding cassette is characterized in that the position of the upstream end in the feeding direction can be restricted, and when the base portion is positioned at the downstream end in the feeding direction of the guide portion in a second state in which the first contact member is in the second position and the second contact member is in the fourth position, the position of the upstream end in the feeding direction of a second size sheet having a smaller width in the feeding direction than the first size can be restricted by the second contact surface, and the upstream end restricting member has a display portion in a position visible in the second state that indicates that the second state corresponds to a second size sheet.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising: a feeding cassette for containing sheets; an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet fed from the feeding cassette in a predetermined feeding direction; an operation unit having a display screen capable of displaying information and an input unit for the operator to input the size of the sheet on which to form an image; and a control unit, wherein the feeding cassette comprises: a cassette body for containing sheets fed along the predetermined feeding direction; a guide portion formed on the bottom plate of the cassette body along the feeding direction; and a support that is movable along the guide portion, and the cassette body The cassette body comprises an upstream end restricting member that abuts against the upstream end of the sheet housed in the cassette body in the feeding direction and restricts the position of the upstream end of the sheet in the feeding direction, the upstream end restricting member having a base portion that engages with the guide portion and is movable along the guide portion, a first contact surface that can abut against the upstream end of the sheet housed in the cassette body in the feeding direction, and a first back surface which is the back surface of the first contact surface, and is supported so as to be rotatable about a first pivot axis relative to the base portion, with the first contact surface facing downstream in the feeding direction and the first contact surface intersecting the bottom plate A first contact member whose posture can be changed between a first posture in which it is upright in the direction of feeding and a second posture in which it is tilted so that the first contact surface overlaps the bottom plate by rotating from the first posture around the first pivot axis, a second contact surface that can contact the upstream end in the feeding direction of the sheet housed in the cassette body, and a second back surface which is the back surface of the second contact surface, and is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the first contact member around the second pivot axis, and a third posture in which the second back surface overlaps the first back surface, and the second contact surface is tilted so that it overlaps the bottom plate by rotating from the third posture around the second pivot axis The device has a second contact member whose orientation can be changed, and a fourth orientation in which it is upright in a direction intersecting the first contact surface, and when the base portion is positioned at the downstream end of the guide portion in the feeding direction in a first state in which the first contact member is in the first orientation and the second contact member is in the third orientation, the position of the upstream end of the first size sheet in the feeding direction can be restricted by the first contact surface, and when the base portion is positioned at the downstream end of the guide portion in the feeding direction in a second state in which the first contact member is in the second orientation and the second contact member is in the fourth orientation,The second contact surface can restrict the position of the upstream end in the feeding direction of a second-size sheet, which has a smaller width in the feeding direction than the first size. The control unit, when inputting a second-size sheet as the sheet size for image formation from the input unit, displays an explanation or diagram on the display screen indicating that the upstream end restricting member is in the second state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, in a configuration in which the rear end regulating member has two contact members and the state of the rear end regulating member is changed according to the size of the sheet, operator error can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) perspective view, (b) plan view, in a feeding cassette according to the first embodiment, where the rear end restricting plate is located at the upstream end in the feeding direction of the guide recess in the first state. [Figure 3] (a) an enlarged perspective view of the rear end regulating plate according to the first embodiment in the first state, (b) an enlarged perspective view in the third state, and (c) an enlarged perspective view in the second state. [Figure 4] A schematic side view showing the second state of the rear end restricting plate according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] (a) perspective view, (b) plan view, in a feeding cassette according to the first embodiment, where the rear end restricting plate is located at the downstream end of the guide recess in the feeding direction in the first state. [Figure 6] (a) perspective view, (b) plan view, in a feeding cassette according to the first embodiment, where the rear end restricting plate is located at the downstream end of the guide recess in the feeding direction in the third state. [Figure 7] (a) perspective view, (b) plan view, in a feeding cassette according to the first embodiment, where the rear end restricting plate is located at the downstream end in the feeding direction of the guide recess in the second state. [Figure 8]Control block diagram of the paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Diagram showing the home screen on the operation panel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Diagram showing the system menu screen on the operation panel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Diagram showing the cassette setting screen on the operation panel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Diagram showing the setting screen of cassette 1 on the operation panel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Diagram showing the paper size setting screen on the operation panel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Diagram showing the paper type setting screen on the operation panel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Diagram showing the screen when an envelope is selected on the operation panel according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Control block diagram of the paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] Diagram showing the screen when it is selected to display that the position of the rear end regulating plate is incorrect for the envelope on the operation panel according to the third embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. First, the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described using FIG. 1.

[0013] [Image Forming Apparatus] The image forming apparatus 100 is a tandem type intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus in which image forming stations PY, PM, PC, and PK are arranged in series along the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 12. Such an image forming apparatus 100 forms a full-color image on a sheet S (paper, plastic sheet, etc.) as a recording material by an electrophotographic method in response to an image signal transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer or an image signal from a document reading apparatus.

[0014] Such an image forming apparatus 100 is capable of performing an image forming operation for forming an image on the sheet S, and is disposed within the apparatus main body 101 and includes an image forming unit 110 for forming an image on the sheet S, a fixing device 13, a feeding unit 28, and the like. The image forming unit 110 includes a plurality of image forming stations PY, PM, PC, PK, an exposure device 10, an intermediate transfer belt 12 as an intermediate transfer member, and the like. In the image forming stations PY, PM, PC, PK, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images are respectively formed.

[0015] The four image forming stations PY, PM, PC, PK included in the image forming apparatus 100 have substantially the same configuration except that the developing colors are different. Therefore, hereinafter, the image forming station PY will be described as a representative, and the configurations of the other image forming stations will be shown by replacing the subscript "Y" of the reference numerals attached to the configuration in the image forming station PY with M, C, K, respectively, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0016] In the image forming station PY, a cylindrical photosensitive member, that is, a photosensitive drum 5Y is disposed as an image carrier. The photosensitive drum 5Y is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Around the photosensitive drum 5Y, a charger 7Y as charging means, a developing device 8Y as developing means, a primary transfer roller 4Y as primary transfer means, and the like are arranged. Further, an exposure device (laser scanner) 10 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 5Y in the figure.

[0017] The photosensitive drum 5Y, charger 7Y, and developer 8Y are mounted in a detachable cartridge 22Y on the main unit 101. The primary transfer roller 4Y can change position by operating a solenoid (not shown), which can switch between contact and separation between the intermediate transfer belt 12 and the photosensitive drum 5Y.

[0018] The photosensitive drum 5Y is constructed by coating the outer circumference of an aluminum cylinder with an organic photoconductive layer, and rotates when the driving force of a drive motor (not shown) is transmitted to it. The drive motor rotates the photosensitive drum 5Y in the clockwise direction shown in Figure 1 according to the image forming operation. The charger 7Y is equipped with a charging roller 7YR that rotates in contact with the photosensitive drum 5Y, and uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 5Y. The exposure apparatus 10 irradiates the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 5Y with exposure light (laser light), selectively exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 5Y and forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5Y.

[0019] As described above, the developer unit 8Y can develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5Y using a developer. Specifically, the developer unit 8Y contains toner as the developer and is equipped with a developing roller 8YR. The developing roller 8YR, acting as a developer carrier, is positioned opposite the photosensitive drum 5Y and rotates while carrying the developer inside the developer unit 8Y. Then, using the toner transported by the developing roller 8YR to the part opposite the photosensitive drum 5Y, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 5Y is developed to form a toner image.

[0020] During full-color image formation, the intermediate transfer belt 12 rotates counterclockwise while in contact with the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. In the primary transfer section, the toner images of each color are transferred by the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K. Then, by gripping and transporting the sheet S at the position of the secondary transfer roller 9, the full-color toner images are simultaneously superimposed and transferred onto the sheet S.

[0021] On the other hand, during monochrome image formation, the intermediate transfer belt 12 rotates counterclockwise while in contact only with the photosensitive drum 5K, and in the primary transfer section, the toner image is transferred by the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer roller 4K. Then, by gripping and transporting the sheet S at the position of the secondary transfer roller 9, the monochrome toner image is transferred to the sheet S. The primary transfer rollers 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K and the secondary transfer roller 9 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0022] The sheet S is housed in the feed cassette 200 of the feed unit 28. The sheet S is then transported from the feed cassette 200 through the transport path 25 to the registration roller pair 3 by the pickup rollers 32A, 32B, feed rollers 33A, 33B, and the pull-out roller pair 34A, 34B. Furthermore, the sheet S is transported by the registration roller pair 3 to the position of the secondary transfer roller 9 (secondary transfer unit) in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12, and the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 12 as described above. The sheet S can also be fed from a manual feed tray (not shown), and sheets fed from the manual feed tray are also transported to the secondary transfer unit via the registration roller pair 3.

[0023] The fuser unit 13 transports the sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 12, and fixes the transferred toner image to the sheet. Such a fuser unit 13 includes a fuser roller 14 for heating the sheet S and a pressure roller 15 for pressing the sheet S against the fuser roller 14. The fuser roller 14 and the pressure roller 15 are formed in a hollow shape, and a heater is built into the fuser roller 14, which is controlled to reach a temperature suitable for the specified type of sheet S. The sheet S holding the toner image is transported by the fuser roller 14 and the pressure roller 15, and the toner is fixed to the surface by applying heat and pressure. After the toner image has been fixed, the sheet S is discharged into the discharge tray 27 by the discharge roller pair 31. This completes the image forming operation.

[0024] The control unit 120 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. This control unit 120 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU controls each part while reading programs corresponding to control procedures stored in the ROM. The RAM stores working data and input data, and the CPU controls the apparatus by referring to the data stored in the RAM based on the aforementioned programs.

[0025] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 has an operation panel 35 as an operating unit. The operation panel 35 has a display screen capable of displaying information and an input unit into which the operator can input the size of the sheet on which to form an image. In this embodiment, the operation panel 35 is a touch-operable screen, and information can be input or selected by touching the buttons displayed on the screen. The control unit 120 controls the image forming apparatus 100 based on the information input from the operation panel 35. For example, if the size and type of sheet are input, the control unit feeds the sheet from the corresponding cassette or manual feed tray.

[0026] [Feeding Cassette] The feed cassette 200 of this embodiment will be described using Figures 2(a) to 5(b). The feed cassette 200 contains sheets and, when mounted on the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus 100, the contained sheets are fed along a predetermined feeding direction (the direction of arrow α in Figure 2(b), hereinafter referred to as "feeding direction α"). The feed cassette 200 can be inserted into and pulled out of the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 along the width direction (the direction of arrow β in Figure 2(b), hereinafter referred to as "width direction β") which intersects (orthogonal in this embodiment) the feeding direction α. ​​The width direction β is the front-to-back direction of the image forming apparatus 100, and the feed cassette 200 can be pulled out to the front to replenish sheets, and can be inserted to the rear to mount it on the main body 101.

[0027] The front of the image forming apparatus 100 is the side where the operator operates the control panel 35, and the rear is the opposite side from the front. In the following explanation, "right side" and "left side" refer to the right and left sides when viewing the image forming apparatus 100 from the front. Therefore, the feeding direction α is the left-right direction.

[0028] The above-mentioned feeding cassette 200 includes a cassette body 201, a guide recess 202 as a guide section, a mounting plate 203 as a lifting member, a pair of side restricting plates 204 as a pair of side restricting members, and a rear end restricting plate 205 as an upstream end restricting member.

[0029] The cassette body 201 houses the sheets that are fed along the feeding direction α. ​​The cassette body 201 has a box shape with an open top and has a bottom plate 201a, side plates 201b and 201c located on both sides in the front-to-back direction, and side plates 201d and 201e located on both sides in the left-to-right direction. The sheets can be housed in the space enclosed by these bottom plate 201a and side plates 201b, 201c, 201d, and 201e. A cover 206 is provided on the front side plate 201b of the cassette body 201. When the feeding cassette 200 is installed in the device body 101, the cover 206 closes the front opening of the space into which the feeding cassette 200 is inserted in the device body 101. The cover 206 is also provided with a hook recess 206a for hooking a hand or the like to pull the feeding cassette 200 out of the device body 101.

[0030] A guide recess 202 is formed in the bottom plate 201a along the feeding direction α. ​​The guide recess 202 is formed in the bottom plate 201a approximately in the center of the width direction β, extending from near the left side plate 201d to slightly downstream of the center in the feeding direction α. ​​Therefore, with respect to the feeding direction α, the upstream end of the guide recess 202 is located near the left side plate 201d, but the downstream end is located away from the right side plate 201e.

[0031] The mounting plate 203 is supported so as to be able to move up and down relative to the bottom plate 201a, and moves the sheet housed in the cassette body up and down. At least a portion of the mounting plate 203 is located further downstream than the downstream end of the guide recess 202 with respect to the feeding direction α. ​​That is, the mounting plate 203 has a main body portion 203a located approximately in the center of the width direction β, and upstream extensions 203b and downstream extensions 203c extending from the main body portion 203a on both sides in the width direction β. The upstream extensions 203b have a shape that extends from the upstream portion of the main body portion 203a in the feeding direction α to both sides in the width direction β. The downstream extensions 203c have a shape that extends from the downstream portion of the main body portion 203a in the feeding direction α to both sides in the width direction β. In addition, the main body portion 203a has a notch portion 203d that is cut out from the upstream end toward the downstream side with respect to the feeding direction α. The guide recess 202 is formed to penetrate the notch 203d, and the portion of the guide recess 202 that penetrates the notch 203d is exposed upward through the notch 203d.

[0032] Such a mounting plate 203 is rotatably supported by a pivot axis (not shown) on both front-rear plates 201b and 201c at its upstream end in the feeding direction α. ​​A lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the mounting plate 203 is provided between the mounting plate 203 and the bottom plate 201a, and by operating the lifting mechanism, the mounting plate 203 rotates around the pivot axis. This causes the mounting plate 203 to tilt upward as it moves downstream in the feeding direction α, allowing the downstream end of the sheet in the feeding cassette 200 in the feeding direction α to approach or come into contact with the feeding roller 33A or 33B, as shown in Figure 1. For example, when the feeding cassette 200 is mounted on the device body 101, the mounting plate 203 is raised to allow the sheet in the feeding cassette 200 to be fed by the feeding roller 33A or 33B. On the other hand, when the feed cassette 200 is withdrawn from the main body 101 of the device, the mounting plate 203 is lowered before the feed cassette 200 is withdrawn to prevent the stored sheet from interfering with the feed roller 33A or 33B when the feed cassette 200 is withdrawn.

[0033] A pair of side regulating plates 204 are supported so as to be movable in the width direction β relative to the bottom plate 201a of the cassette body 201, and regulate the position of both ends of the sheet housed in the cassette body 201 in the width direction β. At least a portion of the pair of side regulating plates 204 is located further downstream than the downstream end of the guide recess 202 with respect to the feeding direction α. ​​In this embodiment, the pair of side regulating plates 204 are located between the upstream extension 203b and the downstream extension 203c of the mounting plate 203.

[0034] Each of the pair of side regulating plates 204 has a rack gear (not shown), and each rack gear meshes with a pinion gear supported by the bottom plate 201a. When either of the side regulating plates 204 is moved, the rack gear fixed to that side regulating plate 204 rotates the pinion gear. Then, due to the meshing of the rack gear and pinion gear fixed to the other side regulating plate 204, the other side regulating plate 204 also moves in the width direction β. As a result, the pair of side regulating plates 204 move synchronously in the width direction β. This makes it possible to move the position of the pair of side regulating plates 204 in the width direction β to a position corresponding to the size of the sheet housed in the cassette body 201.

[0035] [Rear end regulation plate] The rear end regulating plate 205 is supported so as to be movable along the guide recess 202 and contacts the upstream end (hereinafter also referred to as the "rear end") of the sheet housed in the cassette body 201 in the feeding direction α to regulate the position of the rear end of the sheet. The rear end regulating plate 205 will be described with reference to Figures 3(a) to 7(b). The rear end regulating plate 205 has a base portion 2051, a first contact member 2052, and a second contact member 2053.

[0036] In this embodiment, the rear end regulating plate 205 has a first contact member 2052 and a second contact member 2053 that contact the rear end of the sheet housed in the cassette body 201 and function as a regulating member that regulates the position of the sheet in the feeding direction α. ​​Furthermore, the rear end regulating plate 205 can take on three states, as shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c). Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c) are enlarged perspective views of the area around the rear end regulating plate 205 in each of the respective states. Figure 3(a) shows the first state in which the position of the rear end of the sheet is regulated by the first contact member 2052, and Figure 3(c) shows the second state in which the position of the rear end of the sheet is regulated by the second contact member 2053. Figure 3(b) shows the third state in which the first contact member 2052 and the second contact member 2053 are folded and collapsed into the guide recess 202 when transitioning from the first state to the second state.

[0037] The rear end regulating plate 205 can be positioned at a desired position in the feeding direction α by engaging racks formed on both sides in the width direction β of any of the base portion 2051, the first contact member 2052, and the second contact member 2053 with racks formed on both sides in the width direction β of the guide recess 202. When moving the rear end regulating plate 205 along the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α, this is basically done in the first state shown in Figure 3(a), but the rear end regulating plate 205 can also be moved along the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α in the third state shown in Figure 3(b) or the second state shown in Figure 3(c).

[0038] Normally, the rear end restricting plate 205 is moved along the feeding direction α in the first state to position it according to the size of the sheet, thereby restricting the rear end position of the corresponding sheet. In this case, if the size of the sheet whose rear end position can be restricted when the rear end restricting plate 205 is positioned at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α in the first state is defined as the first size, then in the first state, the rear end position of a second size sheet, which is smaller than the first size sheet, cannot be restricted. For example, if the first size is A5 size, then the rear end position of a second size sheet, such as an envelope, which has a width in the feeding direction α smaller than the first size, cannot be restricted by the rear end restricting plate 205 in the first state.

[0039] As described above, further downstream from the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α, there is a portion of the mounting plate 203 and a portion of the pair of side restricting plates 204. The mounting plate 203 is a mechanism that moves up and down by a lifting mechanism, and such a lifting mechanism is located further downstream from the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α, between the mounting plate 203 and the bottom plate 201a. Also, since the pair of side restricting plates 204 are configured to move in conjunction, there is a mechanism that moves the side restricting plates 204, such as a pinion gear, between the pair of side restricting plates 204, further downstream from the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α. ​​Therefore, it is difficult to extend the guide recess 202 further downstream.

[0040] Therefore, in this embodiment, the rear end regulating plate 205 is configured to have a first contact member 2052 and a second contact member 2053, and as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b) described later, the rear end regulating plate 205 is in a second state, and the second contact member 2053 can regulate the rear end position of the second size sheet described above. The configurations of the rear end regulating plate 205 will be described in detail below.

[0041] The base portion 2051 is movable along the guide recess 202. That is, the base portion 2051 is positioned within the guide recess 202, and the base portion 2051 is made movable along the guide recess 202 by engaging, for example, a projection protruding downward from the lower surface of the base portion 2051 with a guide hole (not shown) formed on the inside of the guide recess 202 along the feeding direction α.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3(a), the first contact member 2052 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the base portion 2051 around the first pivot shaft 2052a. The first pivot shaft 2052a is an axis arranged along the width direction β. The first pivot shaft 2052a is located upstream of the center of the base portion 2051 with respect to the feeding direction α. ​​In this embodiment, the first pivot shaft 2052a is located at or near the upstream end of the base portion 2051 with respect to the feeding direction α.

[0043] Furthermore, the first contact member 2052 has a first contact surface 2052b that can contact the rear end of the sheet housed in the cassette body 201, and a first back surface 2052c (see Figure 3(c)) which is the back surface of the first contact surface 2052b. The first contact member 2052 is capable of changing its posture between a first posture (also called the first upright posture) shown in Figure 3(a) and a second posture (also called the first tilted posture) shown in Figures 3(b) and 3(c).

[0044] The first upright position, as the first posture, is a posture in which the first contact surface 2052b faces downstream in the feeding direction α and the first contact surface 2052b is upright in a direction that intersects (in this embodiment, perpendicular to) the bottom plate 201a. When the first contact member 2052 moves from the first tilted position to the first upright position, the tip (the end opposite to the first pivot axis 2052a) 2052d rotates around the first pivot axis 2052a so that it moves upstream in the feeding direction α. ​​Then, the rotation of the first contact member 2052 is restricted when the lower end (the upstream end in the feeding direction α in the first tilted position) 2052e (see Figure 3(b)) of the first contact member 2052 comes into contact with the upper surface 2051a (see Figure 3(b)) of a part of the base portion 2051 (for example, the upstream end in the feeding direction α). The first tilted position, as the second position, is a position in which the first contact surface 2052b lies on top of the base plate 201a after rotating from the first position around the first pivot axis 2052a.

[0045] The second contact member 2053 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the first contact member 2052 around the second pivot axis 2053a. The second pivot axis 2053a is an axis arranged parallel to the first pivot axis 2053a. As shown in Figures 3(b) and 3(c), the second pivot axis 2053a is located downstream of the center of the first contact member 2052 in the first tilted position with respect to the feeding direction α. ​​In this embodiment, the second pivot axis 2053a is located at or near the downstream end of the first contact member 2052 in the first tilted position with respect to the feeding direction α.

[0046] Furthermore, the second contact member 2053 has a second contact surface 2053b that can contact the rear end of the sheet housed in the cassette body 201, and a second back surface 2053c (see Figure 3(c)) which is the back surface of the second contact surface 2053b. The second contact member 2053 is capable of changing its posture between a third posture (also called the second tilted posture) shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), and a fourth posture (also called the second upright posture) shown in Figure 3(c).

[0047] The third posture, the second tilted posture, is a posture in which the second back surface 2053c overlaps with the first back surface 2052c. The fourth posture, the second upright posture, is a posture in which the second contact surface 2053b is upright in a direction that intersects (in this embodiment, perpendicular to) the first contact surface 2052b by rotating from the second tilted posture around the second pivot axis 2053a. When the second contact member 2053 moves from the second tilted posture to the second upright posture, the tip (the end opposite to the second pivot axis 2053a) 2053d rotates around the second pivot axis 2053a so that it moves downstream in the feeding direction α. Then, a portion of the lower end (downstream end in the feeding direction α in the second tilted position) 2053e of the second contact member 2053 engages with the upstream end face 2052f of the first contact member 2052 in the feeding direction α in the first tilted position, thereby restricting the rotation of the second contact member 2053 (see Figure 4).

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the rear end restricting plate 205 has a spring 2054 as a biasing part, a first hook 2055a as a first engaging part, and a second hook 2055b as a second engaging part. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the rear end restricting plate 205 in a state where the first contact member 2052 is in a first tilted position and the second contact member 2053 is in a second upright position, with the base part 2051 omitted. The spring 2054 is provided between the first contact member 2052 and the second contact member 2053 and biases the second contact member 2053 in a direction that rotates it from the second tilted position to the second upright position, that is, in a direction that raises the second contact member 2053 relative to the first contact member 2052.

[0049] The first hook 2055a is provided on the first contact member 2052. The second hook 2055b is provided on the second contact member 2053 and is freely engageable with the first hook 2055a. That is, the second hook 2055b engages with the first hook 2055a so that the second contact member 2053 can maintain the third position against the biasing force of the spring 2054. Furthermore, the second hook 2055b can be released from the engagement with the first hook 2055a when the second contact member 2053 is rotated from the third position to the fourth position.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3(a), in the rear end regulating plate 205 configured in this way, in the first state, the first contact member 2052 is in a first upright position and the second contact member 2053 is in a second tilted position. As described above, the first contact member 2052 rotates around the first pivot axis 2052a relative to the base portion 2051 to assume the first upright position. The first contact surface 2052b then faces downstream in the feeding direction α. ​​At this time, since the second contact member 2053 is in a second tilted position, the second contact surface 2053b of the second contact member 2053 faces upstream in the feeding direction α.

[0051] Since the first rotating shaft 2052a is provided at or near the upstream end of the base portion 2051 with respect to the feeding direction α, the first contact surface 2052b in the first state is located near the upstream end of the base portion 2051 in the feeding direction α. ​​Then, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), when the base portion 2051 of the rear end regulating plate 205 is positioned at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α in the first state, the position of the rear end of the first size sheet can be regulated by the first contact surface 2052b of the first contact member 2052.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(c), in the second state, the rear end restricting plate 205 has the first contact member 2052 in a first tilted position and the second contact member 2053 in a second upright position. As described above, the first contact member 2052 rotates around the first pivot axis 2052a relative to the base portion 2051 to assume the first tilted position. Then, with the first contact member 2052 in the first tilted position, the second contact member 2053 is rotated around the second pivot axis 2053a to assume the second upright position. As a result, the second contact surface 2053b of the second contact member 2053 faces downstream in the feeding direction α.

[0053] Since the second rotating shaft 2053a is located at or near the downstream end of the first contact member 2052 in the first tilted position with respect to the feeding direction α, the second contact surface 2053b in the second state is located downstream of the first contact surface 2052b in the feeding direction α compared to the first contact surface 2052b in the first state. As shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), when the base portion 2051 is positioned at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α in the second state, the second contact surface 2053b of the second contact member 2053 can restrict the position of the rear end of a second-size sheet, which has a smaller width in the feeding direction α than the first size. In other words, when the base portion 2051 is positioned at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α, the second contact surface 2053b in the second state is located further downstream in the feeding direction α than the first contact surface 2052b in the first state. Therefore, the position of the rear end of a second-size sheet, which is smaller than the first size, can be restricted by the second contact surface 2053b.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), when the base portion 2051 is positioned at the upstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α in the first state, the rear end regulating plate 205 can regulate the position of the rear end of a third-size sheet, which has a larger width in the feeding direction α than the first size, by the first contact surface 2052b of the first contact member 2052.

[0055] Furthermore, by setting the rear end regulating plate 205 to the third state shown in Figures 3(b), 6(a), and (b), the position of the rear end of a fourth-size sheet, which has a wider width in the feeding direction α than the third size, can be regulated by the side plate 201d on the left side of the cassette body 201 (i.e., the upstream side in the feeding direction α). That is, in the case of a fourth-size sheet, the base portion 2051 is located at the upstream end in the feeding direction α of the guide recess 202, and the position of the rear end of the sheet is located upstream in the feeding direction α from the position of the first contact surface 2052b of the rear end regulating plate 205 in the first state. For this reason, in this embodiment, in order to accommodate such a fourth-size sheet, the rear end regulating plate 205 is set to the third state so that the rear end regulating plate 205 is generally housed within the guide recess 202, and the rear end of the sheet is regulated by the side plate 201d instead of the rear end regulating plate 205.

[0056] Furthermore, the position of the rear end of the fourth-size sheet may be restricted by a wall portion protruding downstream from the side plate 201d in the feeding direction α. ​​In short, it is sufficient that the base portion 2051 is located at the upstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α, and that the rear end of the sheet can be restricted upstream of the first contact surface 2052b of the rear end restricting plate 205 in the first state in the feeding direction α. ​​In addition, the position of the rear end restricting plate 205 in the feeding direction α in this case may be any position in the guide recess 202.

[0057] Examples of sheets of each size described above are as follows: The first size is, for example, A5 landscape when the feeding direction α is the short side of the sheet and it is housed in the cassette body 201. The second size is, for example, envelope size when the feeding direction α is the short side of the sheet and it is housed in the cassette body 201. The third size is, for example, A4 portrait when the feeding direction α is the long side of the sheet and it is housed in the cassette body 201. The fourth size is, for example, legal size when the feeding direction α is the long side of the sheet and it is housed in the cassette body 201.

[0058] Next, the operation of the rear end regulating plate 205 when changing its orientation from the first state shown in Figure 3(a) to the second state shown in Figure 3(c) will be described. First, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the rear end regulating plate 205 is moved to the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α while remaining in the first state. Next, as shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the first contact member 2052 is rotated from the first upright position to the first tilted position, and the rear end regulating plate 205 is placed in the third state. Then, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the second contact member 2053 is rotated from the second tilted position to the second upright position, and the rear end regulating plate 205 is placed in the second state. As a result, the second contact surface 2053b of the second contact member 2053 faces downstream in the feeding direction α, and the rear end position of the second size sheet can be regulated by the second contact surface 2053b. Furthermore, the change in the orientation of the rear end restricting plate 205 from the first state to the second state is not limited to the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α, but may be performed at any position of the guide recess 202.

[0059] [Regarding the first and second states] In this configuration, when moving the rear end regulating plate 205 along the guide recess 202 to regulate the rear end position of the sheet in the first state, a mark corresponding to the sheet size is usually placed adjacent to the guide recess 202. For example, adjacent to the guide recess 202 on the bottom plate 201a, along the feeding direction α, there are markings indicating the sheet size (A5, B5, A4, etc.) and the position of the rear end regulating plate 205 for that sheet size. Users and service personnel then use these markings as a guide when moving the rear end regulating plate 205 to the sheet size to be accommodated in the feeding cassette 200. This reduces the likelihood of errors when moving the rear end regulating plate 205 according to the sheet size.

[0060] On the other hand, in this embodiment, where the rear end restricting plate 205 can take on a first state and a second state as described above, it is difficult to understand which state corresponds to which seat. For this reason, inexperienced operators may have difficulty setting the rear end restricting plate 205 to the appropriate state for the seat, potentially leading to incorrect operation.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above description, for the second size sheet, the rear end restricting plate 205 is positioned at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α, and this position is considered the second state. However, the rear end restricting plate 205 can move along the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α while remaining in the second state. Therefore, in the above configuration, even when the rear end restricting plate 205 is in the second state, it is possible to restrict other sizes of sheets of the second size by positioning the rear end restricting plate 205 at a position different from the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α.

[0062] The second state is, as described above, a state in which the first contact member 2052 is tilted so as to overlap the bottom plate 201a of the cassette body 201, and the second contact member 2053 is raised. In the raised state, the second contact member 2053 maintains the second raised position by a part of the lower end of the second contact member 2053 engaging with the upstream end face of the first contact member 2052 in the feeding direction α in the first tilted position.

[0063] Here, the first state in which the first contact member 2052 is in the first upright position is a reference position that regulates the rear end position of many types of sheet sizes. For this reason, in the first state, even if the rear end of the sheet comes into contact with the rear end regulating plate 205 somewhat strongly, the rear end regulating plate 205 is less likely to fall over. In this embodiment, when the first contact member 2052 in the first upright position moves from the first tilted position to the first upright position, the tip portion 2052d moves upstream in the feeding direction α around the first pivot axis 2052a, and the rotation is restricted when the lower end portion 2052e of the first contact member 2052 comes into contact with the upper surface 2051a of a part of the base portion 2051.

[0064] Therefore, it is difficult to rotate the first contact member 2052 in a direction that moves its tip further upstream in the feeding direction α from the first upright position. Consequently, even if a sheet comes into contact with the first contact member 2052, the contact between the lower end of the first contact member 2053 and the upper surface of a part of the base portion 2051 makes it difficult for the first contact member 2052 to tilt upstream in the feeding direction α.

[0065] On the other hand, in the second state, when the second contact member 2053 is in the second upright position, it is in a position that restricts the rear end position of a sheet of a specific size, such as a second-size sheet. For this reason, the second state is not used as frequently as the first state. For this reason, it is desirable to make it easier to return the second contact member 2053 to the second tilted position after it has been in the second upright position. Consequently, in the second state, the sheet is more likely to tip over than in the first state when the rear end of the sheet comes into contact with the rear end restricting plate 205.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the second contact member 2053 in the second upright position is moved from the second tilted position to the first upright position, the tip portion 2053d rotates around the second pivot axis 2053a so that it moves downstream in the feeding direction α, and the rotation is restricted when a part of the lower end portion 2053e of the second contact member 2053 engages with the upstream end face 2052f of the first contact member 2052 in the feeding direction α in the first tilted position. Therefore, rotating the second contact member 2053 from the second upright position in a direction that moves its tip portion upstream in the feeding direction α is the same as the operation of returning from the second upright position to the second tilted position.

[0067] Furthermore, the engagement between the second contact member 2053 and the first contact member 2052 in the second tilted position is functionally sufficient such that the biasing force of the spring 2054 prevents the second contact member 2053 from tilting further, and that it is easy to return the second contact member 2053 from the second upright position to the second tilted position. Therefore, it is relatively easy to tilt the second contact member 2053 upstream from the second upright position, and the second state is more prone to tilting than the first state when the rear end of the seat contacts the rear end regulating plate 205.

[0068] Therefore, if the operator mistakenly positions the rear end regulating plate 205 in the second state at a position other than the downstream end in the feeding direction α of the guide recess 202, and attempts to use the rear end regulating plate 205 in the second state to regulate the rear end of a sheet of a different size than the second size, the second contact member 2053 may fall over, making it impossible to regulate the rear end of the sheet.

[0069] [Display] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3(c), 7(a), and 7(b), the rear end regulating plate 205 has a display unit 210 in a position visible in the second state that indicates that the second state corresponds to a second size sheet. In this embodiment, the display unit 210 is displayed on the first back surface 2052c of the first contact member 2052. That is, in the second state, the first contact member 2052 is in a first tilted position and the second contact member 2053 is in a second upright position, so the first back surface 2052c of the first contact member 2052 is exposed. On the other hand, in the first and third states shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the first back surface 2052c is covered by the second contact member 2053. In this embodiment, the display unit 210 is provided on the first back surface 2052c, which is not exposed except in the second state, but becomes visible to the operator when the second state is reached.

[0070] The display unit 210 may also be provided on the second back surface 2053c of the second contact member 2053. This is because the second back surface 2053c is not exposed except in the second state, and is exposed and visible to the operator when the second state is reached. However, in the second state, the second back surface 2053c faces upstream in the feeding direction α, making it difficult for the operator to see. On the other hand, the first back surface 2052c faces upward in the second state, making it easy for the operator to see. For this reason, the first back surface 2052c is preferred as the location for providing the display unit 210.

[0071] Furthermore, the display unit 210 is a label attached to the first back surface 2052c that indicates that the sheet is in a state corresponding to the second size. However, the display unit 210 may also be directly engraved on the first back surface 2052c. In this embodiment, since the second size sheet is an envelope, the display unit 210 is marked with "Envelope" as shown in Figures 3(c), 7(a), and (b). The markings can also be anything that indicates the second state corresponds to an envelope, such as "Envelope Only" or "Not for Use with Anything Other Than Envelopes". If the second size sheet is a sheet other than an envelope, the markings should be the name of that sheet.

[0072] In this embodiment, when the rear end regulating plate 205 is in the second state, the display unit 210 is displayed in a position visible to the operator. Therefore, when the operator sets it to the second state, they can intuitively understand that this state corresponds to a second-size sheet. This prevents the operator from mistakenly moving the rear end regulating plate 205 in the second state to a position that regulates the rear end of a sheet other than the second size. In other words, in this embodiment, the rear end regulating plate 205 has two contact members 2052 and 2053, and the state of the rear end regulating plate 205 is changed between a first state and a second state according to the size of the sheet, and operator error can be suppressed.

[0073] By suppressing erroneous operation of the rear end regulating plate 205 in this way, it is possible to prevent the rear end regulating of sheets other than the second size by the rear end regulating plate 205 in the second state. As a result, when other sheets are placed in the feeding cassette 200, it is possible to prevent situations such as the rear end regulating plate 205 falling over and being unable to regulate the rear end of the sheet, thereby improving usability.

[0074] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 15. In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, when a second-size sheet is selected as the sheet for image formation, an explanation or diagram indicating that the rear end regulating plate 205 is in the second state is displayed on the display screen of the operation panel 35. The other configurations and operations are the same as in the first embodiment described above, so the same reference numerals are used for similar components, and their explanations and illustrations are omitted or simplified. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0075] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, there is an operation panel 35 as an operation unit and a control unit 120. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 120 has a CPU 121, ROM 122, and RAM 123. The functions of the CPU 121, ROM 122, and RAM 123 are as described in the first embodiment. The operation panel 35 has a display screen 35a capable of displaying information and an input unit 35b into which the operator can input the size of the sheet on which to form an image. In this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the operation panel 35 is a touch-operable screen, and information can be input or selected by touching the buttons displayed on the screen. That is, information can be input or selected by touching the buttons displayed on the display screen 35a. Some functions of the input unit 35b (for example, functions for inputting numbers such as a numeric keypad), or all functions, may be made into physical keys.

[0076] In this embodiment, when a second-size sheet (an envelope in this embodiment) is input from the input unit 35b as the size of the sheet for image formation, the control unit 120 displays an explanation or diagram on the display screen 35a indicating that the rear end regulating plate 205 is set to the second state. The following description will be given using Figures 9 to 15, in which case the operator selects an envelope from the home screen of the operation panel 35. Figures 9 to 15 show the screens displayed on the operation panel 35, respectively.

[0077] [Display on the control panel] Figure 9 shows the home screen. When the operator touches the "System Menu" button 300 displayed on display screen 35a, display screen 35a switches to the "System Menu" screen shown in Figure 10. On this screen, when the operator touches the "Cassette / Manual Feed Tray Settings" button 301 displayed on display screen 35a, display screen 35a switches to the "Cassette / Manual Feed Tray Settings" screen shown in Figure 11. Here, it is assumed that the envelope is contained in the feed cassette 200 corresponding to "Cassette 1" (hereinafter simply referred to as "Cassette 1"). Therefore, the operator touches the "Next" button 302 for "Cassette 1" displayed on display screen 35a.

[0078] The display screen 35a then switches to the "Cassette 1" settings screen shown in Figure 12. On this screen, the size of the sheets to be stored in Cassette 1 (in the illustrated example, "Paper Size") and the type of sheets (in the illustrated example, "Paper Type") can be set. The operator can change the paper size by touching the "Change" button 303 for "Paper Size" displayed on the display screen 35a. When the "Change" button 303 for "Paper Size" is touched, the display screen 35a switches to the "Paper Size" settings screen shown in Figure 13. On this screen, when the operator touches the "Other" button 304, buttons corresponding to the various sizes included in "Other" are displayed on the paper size selection screen 305 on the same screen. Here, on the selection screen 305, the operator touches the "Envelope1" button 306 and then the "OK" button 307. Then, the paper size of Cassette 1 is set to "Envelope1".

[0079] In Figure 13, when the "OK" button 307 is touched, the screen shown in Figure 12 is displayed again on the display screen 35a. The operator can change the paper type by touching the "Change" button 308 for "Paper Type" displayed on the display screen 35a. When the "Change" button 308 for "Paper Type" is touched, the display screen 35a switches to the "Paper Type" setting screen shown in Figure 14. On this screen, the operator touches the "Envelope" button 309 and then touches the "OK" button 310. As a result, the paper type of cassette 1 is set to "Envelope". In other words, "Envelope" is entered as the sheet for cassette 1.

[0080] Once the size and type of sheet for cassette 1 have been selected, the display screen 35a will show that "Envelope1" has been selected as the paper size and "Envelope" as the paper type, as shown in Figure 15. Then, on this screen, an explanation or diagram indicating that the rear end regulating plate 205 is in the second state will be displayed. In this case, the display screen 35a shows screen 311 with the explanation "Open the paper length guide as shown in the diagram" and screen 312 with a diagram indicating that the rear end regulating plate 205 is in the second state. The "paper length guide" is the rear end regulating plate 205.

[0081] The screen 311, which explains that the rear end restrictor plate 205 is in the second state, and the screen 312, which shows a diagram of the rear end restrictor plate 205 in the second state, are displayed on the same screen. However, screens 311 and 312 may be displayed on separate screens. For example, screen 311 may be displayed on display screen 35a first, and after a predetermined time, display screen 35a may automatically switch to display screen 312. Alternatively, screens 311 and 312 may be displayed alternately at predetermined intervals, or a button such as "Next" may be displayed on screen 311, and touching this button may display screen 312.

[0082] In this embodiment, screen 312 is a diagram showing the rear end regulating plate 205 changing from the first state to the second state. In the illustrated example, the left diagram of screen 312 shows the first state, the center diagram shows the third state, and the right diagram shows the second state, with arrows between them to make it intuitively clear how the rear end regulating plate 205 changes its posture from the first state to the second state. The center third state may be omitted. These states may also be shown as an animation. Alternatively, these states may be displayed on separate screens and automatically switched sequentially after a predetermined time, or they may be switched manually by touching a button.

[0083] In the above description, when an envelope is entered as a sheet, screens 311 and 312 are displayed, but it is also possible to display only one of the screens. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the display unit 210 is displayed in a position visible in the second state of the rear end regulating plate 205 (for example, the first rear side surface 2052c), but the display unit 210 may be omitted. However, in order to further suppress erroneous operation, it is preferable to display the display unit 210 on the rear end regulating plate 205 as in this embodiment.

[0084] In this embodiment, when the operator selects a second-size sheet by operating the control panel 35, an explanation or diagram indicating that the rear end regulating plate 205 is in the second state is displayed on the display screen 35a of the control panel 35. This makes it possible for the operator to operate the rear end regulating plate 205 according to the instructions displayed on the screen, thereby further reducing the likelihood of operator error.

[0085] <Third Embodiment> A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. In the above-described embodiment, when a second-size sheet was input via the operation panel 35, an explanation or diagram indicating that the rear end regulating plate 205 was set to the second state was displayed on the display screen 35a of the operation panel 35. In this embodiment, in addition to this, the state of the rear end regulating plate 205 is detected, and if the position of the rear end regulating plate 205 is incorrect despite a second-size sheet being input, this fact is displayed on the display screen 35a. The other configurations and operations are the same as in the second embodiment described above, so the same reference numerals are used for similar configurations, and their explanations and illustrations are omitted or simplified. The following description will focus on the differences from the second embodiment.

[0086] As shown in Figure 16, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment includes a rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 as a position detection unit and a rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402 as a state detection unit. The rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 can detect when the rear end regulating plate 205 is located at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α. ​​In this embodiment, the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 is provided, for example, at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α. ​​Furthermore, the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 may include, for example, a flag provided at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α and a photointerrupter that detects the operation of the flag, and a configuration in which a signal output to the control unit 120 changes when the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 reaches the downstream end of the guide recess 202. However, the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 is not limited to this; any sensor capable of detecting that the rear end regulating plate 205 is located at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α is acceptable, such as a contact-type sensor like a piezoelectric element or another optical sensor.

[0087] The rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402 can detect whether the rear end regulating plate 205 is in either a first state or a second state. In this embodiment, the rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402 detects whether the second contact member 2053 is in a second upright position or a second tilted position. That is, when the second contact member 2053 is in the second upright position, it is open relative to the first contact member 2052, and when the second contact member 2053 is in the second tilted position, it is closed relative to the first contact member 2052. The rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402 is capable of detecting either of these states.

[0088] The rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402 is configured such that, for example, a projection is provided on either the first contact member 2052 or the second contact member 2053 that can move back and forth relative to the other member, and the position of this projection is detected by a contact-type sensor such as a piezoelectric element or a photointerrupter. When the second contact member 2053 is in the second tilted position, the projection contacts the other member of the first contact member 2052 and retracts into the other member, and when the second contact member 2053 is in the second upright position, the other member separates from the other member, causing the projection to protrude from the other member. The operation of this projection is detected by the sensor and output to the control unit 120. However, the rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402 is not limited to this configuration, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as it is possible to detect whether the rear end regulating plate 205 is in either the first state or the second state.

[0089] When a second-size sheet (an envelope in this embodiment) is input from the input unit 35b as the size of the sheet for image formation, the control unit 120, if the position of the rear end restrictor plate 205 is not at the downstream end of the feeding direction α of the guide recess 202 based on the detection result of the rear end restrictor plate position sensor 401, and the state of the rear end restrictor plate 205 is not the second state based on the detection result of the rear end restrictor plate opening / closing sensor 402, displays on the display screen 35a that the position of the rear end restrictor plate 205 is incorrect.

[0090] In other words, when the user operates the operation panel 35 to select a second-size sheet, the control unit 120 first displays a screen similar to that shown in Figure 15, as in the second embodiment. Then, for example, when the start button 315 for starting image formation is touched, the control unit 120 determines, based on signals output from the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 and the rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402, whether the rear end regulating plate 205 is located at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 in the feeding direction α, and whether the rear end regulating plate 205 is in the second state. This determination may be made after a certain period of time has elapsed since the display of the screen shown in Figure 15.

[0091] Then, if none of the above conditions are met, that is, if the position of the rear end restrictor plate 205 is not at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 and the rear end restrictor plate 205 is not in the second state, the control unit 120 displays a screen as shown in Figure 17 on the display screen 35a. Specifically, the display screen 35a displays a screen 313 that shows "The position of the paper length guide is incorrect" as an explanation that the position of the rear end restrictor plate 205 is incorrect. The same screen also displays a screen 314 that shows the case when the rear end restrictor plate 205 is located at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 and is in the second state. In this embodiment, screen 314 is the same as screen 312 in Figure 15, but other figures may be used. For example, only the figure on the right side of screen 314 may be used.

[0092] In such cases, the control unit 120 prohibits the image formation operation, even if the start button 315 for initiating image formation is touched. For example, it prevents any response to touching the start button 315. When the operator operates the rear end regulating plate 205, and the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 and the rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402 detect that the rear end regulating plate 205 is in the correct position and in the second state, the control unit 120 permits the start of the image formation operation. For example, it may display a message indicating that the start button 315 has been touched, or it may automatically start feeding the sheet and execute the image formation operation.

[0093] In the above explanation, even though the second seat is selected, if the position of the rear end restrictor plate 205 is not at the downstream end of the guide recess 202, and the rear end restrictor plate 205 is not in the second state, screens 313 and 314 are displayed on the same screen, but they may be displayed on separate screens. For example, screen 313 may be displayed on display screen 35a first, and after a predetermined time, display screen 35a may automatically switch to display screen 314. Alternatively, screens 313 and 314 may be displayed alternately at predetermined intervals, or a button such as "Next" may be displayed on screen 313, and screen 314 may be displayed when this button is touched.

[0094] Furthermore, screen 314 is the same as screen 312 shown in Figure 15. That is, it is a diagram that shows the rear end regulating plate 205 changing from the first state to the second state. In this case, as described in the second embodiment, it may be shown with an animation or by switching between each state. Also, even if the second sheet is selected, if the position of the rear end regulating plate 205 is not at the downstream end of the guide recess 202 and the rear end regulating plate 205 is not in the second state, only one of screens 313 or 314 may be displayed.

[0095] In this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the display unit 210 is displayed in a position visible to the eye in the second state of the rear end regulating plate 205 (for example, the first rear side surface 2052c), but the display unit 210 may be omitted. However, it is preferable to display the display unit 210 on the rear end regulating plate 205 as in this embodiment, because it makes it easier for the operator to operate the rear end regulating plate 205 when viewing the screen in Figure 17.

[0096] In this embodiment, even if the operator selects a second-size sheet by operating the control panel 35, if the position or state of the rear end regulating plate 205 is incorrect, a message to that effect is displayed on the display screen 35a. This helps to further reduce operator error.

[0097] In the above explanation, the control unit 120 uses the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 and the rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402 to determine whether the position and state of the rear end regulating plate 205 are correct or not. However, either sensor may be omitted. For example, if the rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402 is omitted and only the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 is provided, the control unit 120 will display on the display screen 35a that the position of the rear end regulating plate 205 is incorrect if the position of the rear end regulating plate 205 is not the downstream end in the feeding direction α of the guide recess 202 based on the detection result of the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401. Also, if the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 is omitted and only the rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402 is provided, the control unit 120 will display on the display screen 35a that the position of the rear end regulating plate 205 is incorrect if the state of the rear end regulating plate 205 is not the second state based on the detection result of the rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402.

[0098] Thus, if the position or state of the rear end regulating plate 205 can be determined by either the rear end regulating plate position sensor 401 or the rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor 402, the accuracy will be lower compared to when both sensors are provided, but it will reduce operator error compared to when neither sensor is provided.

[0099] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a copier, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction device having multiple functions thereof. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 35. Control panel (operating unit) 35a...Display screen 35b... Input section 100...Image forming apparatus 110...Image forming unit 120... Control Unit 200...feed cassette 201... Cassette unit 201a...Bottom plate 202... Guide recess (guide section) 203... Mounting plate (lifting / lowering member) 204... Side control plate (side control component) 205...Rear end regulating plate (rear end regulating member) 210...Display section 401...Rear end regulating plate position sensor (position detection unit) 402...Rear end regulating plate opening / closing sensor (state detection unit) 2051...Base section 2051a...Top surface 2052...First contact member 2052a...First drive axle 2052b...1st contact surface 2052c...First reverse side 2052d... Tip 2052e...Lower end 2052f...Upstream end face 2053...Second contact member 2053a...Second moving axle 2053b...Second contact surface 2053c...Second reverse side 2053d...Tip 2053e...Lower end 2054... Spring (biasing part) 2055a...First hook (first engaging part) 2055b...Second hook (second engaging part)

Claims

1. A cassette body containing sheets that are fed along a predetermined feeding direction, The bottom plate of the cassette body has a guide portion formed along the feeding direction, An upstream end restricting member is supported so as to be movable along the guide portion and contacts the upstream end of the sheet housed in the cassette body in the feeding direction to restrict the position of the upstream end of the sheet in the feeding direction; Equipped with, The upstream end restricting member is, A base portion that engages with the guide portion and is movable along the guide portion, The first contact member has a first contact surface that can contact the upstream end in the feeding direction of the sheet housed in the cassette body, and a first back surface which is the back surface of the first contact surface, and is supported so as to be rotatable about a first pivot axis with respect to the base portion, and is capable of changing its posture from a first posture in which the first contact surface faces downstream in the feeding direction and the first contact surface is upright in a direction intersecting the bottom plate, to a second posture in which the first contact surface is tilted over the bottom plate by rotating from the first posture about the first pivot axis, The second contact member has a second contact surface that can contact the upstream end in the feeding direction of the sheet housed in the cassette body, and a second back surface which is the back surface of the second contact surface, and is supported by the first contact member so as to be rotatable about a second pivot axis, and is capable of changing its orientation from a third orientation in which the second back surface overlaps with the first back surface, to a fourth orientation in which the second contact surface stands upright in a direction intersecting the first contact surface by rotating from the third orientation about the second pivot axis, It has, When the base portion is positioned at the downstream end of the guide portion in the feeding direction in the first state in which the first contact member is in the first position and the second contact member is in the third position, the position of the upstream end of the first size sheet in the feeding direction can be restricted by the first contact surface. When the base portion is positioned at the downstream end of the guide portion in the feeding direction in the second state in which the first contact member is in the second position and the second contact member is in the fourth position, the second contact surface can restrict the position of the upstream end in the feeding direction of a second-size sheet having a smaller width in the feeding direction than the first size. The upstream end restricting member has a display section in a position visible in the second state that indicates that the second state corresponds to a sheet of the second size. A feeding cassette characterized by the following features.

2. When changing from the second position to the first position, the first contact member rotates around the first pivot axis such that the end opposite to the first pivot axis moves upstream in the feeding direction, and the rotation is restricted when the lower end of the first contact member contacts the upper surface of a part of the base portion. The feeding cassette according to feature 1.

3. When changing from the third position to the fourth position, the second contact member rotates around the second pivot axis such that the end opposite to the second pivot axis moves downstream in the feeding direction, and the rotation is restricted when a part of the lower end of the second contact member engages with the upstream end face in the feeding direction of the first contact member in the second position. The feeding cassette according to feature 1.

4. The upstream end restricting member is, A biasing unit that biases the second contact member in a direction that rotates it from the third position to the fourth position, The first engagement portion provided on the first contact member, A second engaging portion is provided on the second contact member, which engages with the first engaging portion so that the second contact member can maintain the third position against the biasing force of the biasing portion, and which can disengage from the first engaging portion when the second contact member is rotated from the third position to the fourth position, has The feeding cassette according to feature 1.

5. The first pivot shaft is located upstream of the center of the base portion with respect to the feeding direction. The feeding cassette according to feature 1.

6. The second pivot axis is located downstream of the center of the first contact member in the second orientation state, with respect to the feeding direction. The feeding cassette according to feature 1.

7. The display unit is displayed on the first back side. The feeding cassette according to feature 1.

8. The display section is a label attached to the first back side, which indicates that it corresponds to the second size sheet. The feeding cassette according to feature 1.

9. The second size sheet is an envelope, The display unit shows the markings of an envelope. The feeding cassette according to feature 1.

10. The cassette body is further supported so as to be able to move up and down relative to the bottom plate, and a lifting member is provided for raising and lowering a sheet housed inside the cassette body, At least a portion of the lifting member is located further downstream than the downstream end of the guide portion with respect to the feeding direction. The feeding cassette according to feature 1.

11. The cassette body is further supported so as to be movable in a width direction intersecting the feeding direction with respect to the bottom plate of the cassette body, and comprises a pair of side restricting members that restrict the positions of both ends of the sheet housed inside the cassette body in the width direction, At least a portion of the pair of side restricting members is located further downstream than the downstream end of the guide portion with respect to the feeding direction. The feeding cassette according to feature 1.

12. A feeding cassette for storing the sheets, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet fed from the aforementioned feeding cassette in a predetermined feeding direction, An operation unit having a display screen capable of displaying information and an input section in which the operator can input the size of the sheet on which to form an image, An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, The aforementioned feeding cassette is A cassette body containing sheets that are fed along the predetermined feeding direction, The bottom plate of the cassette body has a guide portion formed along the feeding direction, An upstream end restricting member is supported so as to be movable along the guide portion and contacts the upstream end of the sheet housed in the cassette body in the feeding direction to restrict the position of the upstream end of the sheet in the feeding direction; Equipped with, The upstream end restricting member is, A base portion that engages with the guide portion and is movable along the guide portion, The first contact member has a first contact surface that can contact the upstream end in the feeding direction of the sheet housed in the cassette body, and a first back surface which is the back surface of the first contact surface, and is supported so as to be rotatable about a first pivot axis with respect to the base portion, and is capable of changing its posture from a first posture in which the first contact surface faces downstream in the feeding direction and the first contact surface is upright in a direction intersecting the bottom plate, to a second posture in which the first contact surface is tilted over the bottom plate by rotating from the first posture about the first pivot axis, The second contact member has a second contact surface that can contact the upstream end in the feeding direction of the sheet housed in the cassette body, and a second back surface which is the back surface of the second contact surface, and is supported by the first contact member so as to be rotatable about a second pivot axis, and is capable of changing its orientation from a third orientation in which the second back surface overlaps with the first back surface, to a fourth orientation in which the second contact surface stands upright in a direction intersecting the first contact surface by rotating from the third orientation about the second pivot axis, It has, When the base portion is positioned at the downstream end of the guide portion in the feeding direction in the first state in which the first contact member is in the first position and the second contact member is in the third position, the position of the upstream end of the first size sheet in the feeding direction can be restricted by the first contact surface. When the base portion is positioned at the downstream end of the guide portion in the feeding direction in the second state in which the first contact member is in the second position and the second contact member is in the fourth position, the second contact surface can restrict the position of the upstream end in the feeding direction of a second-size sheet having a smaller width in the feeding direction than the first size. When the control unit receives input from the input unit for a sheet of the second size to be used for image formation, it causes the display screen to display an explanation or diagram indicating that the upstream end restricting member is in the second state. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

13. The upstream end restricting member has a display section in a position visible in the second state that indicates that the second state corresponds to a sheet of the second size. The image forming apparatus according to feature 12.

14. When the control unit receives input from the input unit for a sheet of the second size to be used for image formation, it causes the control unit to display a screen on the display screen showing an explanation indicating that the upstream end restricting member is in the second state, and a screen showing a diagram indicating that the upstream end restricting member is in the second state. The image forming apparatus according to feature 12.

15. The explanation of setting the upstream end restricting member to the second state and the diagram showing the upstream end restricting member in the second state are displayed on the same screen. The image forming apparatus according to feature 14.

16. When the second size sheet is input from the input unit as the size of the sheet for image formation, the diagram displayed on the display screen is a diagram that shows the upstream end restricting member changing from the first state to the second state. The image forming apparatus according to feature 12.

17. A position detection unit capable of detecting that the upstream end restricting member is located at the downstream end of the guide portion in the feeding direction, The upstream end restricting member further comprises a state detection unit capable of detecting whether it is in the first state or the second state, When the control unit receives input from the input unit for a sheet of the second size to be image-formed, if the position detection unit detects that the position of the upstream end restricting member is not at the downstream end of the guide unit in the feeding direction, and the state detection unit detects that the state of the upstream end restricting member is not the second state, then the control unit will display on the display screen that the position of the upstream end restricting member is incorrect. The image forming apparatus according to feature 12.

18. The upstream end restricting member is further provided with a position detection unit capable of detecting that it is located at the downstream end of the guide portion in the feeding direction, When the control unit receives input from the input unit for the size of the sheet on which to form an image, and the position detection unit detects that the position of the upstream end restricting member is not at the downstream end of the guide unit in the feeding direction, the control unit will display on the display screen that the position of the upstream end restricting member is incorrect. The image forming apparatus according to feature 12.

19. The upstream end restricting member further comprises a state detection unit capable of detecting whether it is in the first state or the second state. When the control unit receives input from the input unit for a sheet of the second size to be used for image formation, and the state detection unit detects that the state of the upstream end restricting member is not in the second state, it will display on the display screen that the position of the upstream end restricting member is incorrect. The image forming apparatus according to feature 12.

Images