SHEET TRAY AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Abstract

To suppress jam when a second tray is in a first position, and to prevent a seat from falling when the second tray is in a second position.SOLUTION: A paper discharge tray 20 includes a first tray 21 and a second tray 22. The second tray 22 can be moved in a front-rear direction with respect to the first tray 21, and can selectively take a storage position and a drawer position. The second tray 22 has a stopper 23 at an end part of a downstream side in a discharge direction D. The paper discharge tray 20 further includes an elevating part 25. When the second tray 22 is in the storage position, the elevating part 25 takes an ascent position, so that an abutting function of the stopper 23 is suppressed. When the second tray 22 is in the drawer position, the elevating part 25 takes a lowered position, so that the abutting function of the stopper 23 is exhibited.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet tray that supports a sheet discharged by a discharge mechanism, and to an image forming apparatus including the discharge mechanism and the sheet tray. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 shows a sheet tray that supports a sheet discharged by a pair of discharge rollers (discharge mechanism) of a printer (image forming device), which includes a main tray (first tray) having a support surface that supports the sheet, a first tray (second tray) that has a support surface that supports the sheet and is movable upstream and downstream in the sheet discharge direction relative to the main tray, and a protrusion that abuts against the downstream end of the sheet in the discharge direction. As the position of the first tray (second tray) changes, the position of the protrusion in the discharge direction also changes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-222403 A (Figs. 3 and 4) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The sheet tray of Patent Document 1 can support sheets with different lengths in the discharge direction by changing the position of the first tray (second tray). Specifically, when the first tray (second tray) is in a position (second position) pulled out from the main tray (first tray) than when the first tray (second tray) is in a position (first position) stored in the main tray (first tray), the length of the entire support surface in the discharge direction is longer, so that a sheet with a long length in the discharge direction can be supported on the sheet tray. In addition, the downstream end of the sheet in the discharge direction abuts against a convex portion at this time, preventing the sheet from falling off the sheet tray.

[0005] However, when a sheet that is longer in the discharge direction than a sheet that corresponds to the first position is discharged while the second tray is in the first position, the sheet may get caught on the protruding portion and cause a jam.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a sheet tray and an image forming apparatus that can both prevent jams when the second tray is in the first position and prevent sheets from falling when the second tray is in the second position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The sheet tray of the present invention comprises a first tray having a first support surface that supports a sheet discharged in a discharge direction by a discharge mechanism, and a second tray having a second support surface that supports the sheet and is movable upstream and downstream in the discharge direction relative to the first tray, and can selectively take a first position in which at least a portion of the second support surface overlaps with the first support surface in the vertical direction, and a second position that is located downstream in the discharge direction from the first position and in which an overlap area of ​​the second support surface in the vertical direction with the first support surface is smaller than that in the first position, and the second tray includes a stopper downstream in the discharge direction from the second support surface, the stopper protruding upward beyond the second support surface and having an abutment function to abut against an end of the sheet downstream in the discharge direction, and is configured such that the abutment function is suppressed when the second tray is in the first position, and the abutment function is exerted when the second tray is in the second position.

[0008] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a discharge mechanism that discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit in a discharge direction, and a sheet tray that supports the sheet discharged in the discharge direction by the discharge mechanism, the sheet tray including a first tray having a first support surface that supports the sheet, and a second tray having a second support surface that supports the sheet and that is movable upstream and downstream in the discharge direction relative to the first tray, the second tray having a first position where at least a portion of the second support surface vertically overlaps with the first support surface, and a second position where at least a portion of the second support surface vertically overlaps with the first support surface. and a second tray that can selectively take a first position or a second position in which an overlapping area of ​​the second support surface with the first support surface in the vertical direction is smaller than that of the first position, wherein the second tray includes a stopper that is located downstream of the second support surface in the discharge direction and that protrudes upward beyond the second support surface and has a contact function that contacts an end of the sheet on the downstream side in the discharge direction, and is configured such that when the second tray is in the first position, the contact function is suppressed and when the second tray is in the second position, the contact function is exerted. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, when the second tray is in the first position, the contact function of the stopper is suppressed, thereby preventing jams. Also, when the second tray is in the second position, the contact function of the stopper is exerted, thereby preventing the sheet from falling. In other words, it is possible to both prevent jams when the second tray is in the first position and prevent the sheet from falling when the second tray is in the second position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of a printer unit in the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second tray is in a storage position in the paper output tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second tray is in a drawn-out position in the paper output tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second tray is in a storage position in a paper output tray according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second tray is in a drawn-out position in a paper output tray according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second tray is in a storage position in a paper output tray according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second tray is in a drawn-out position in a paper output tray according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] First Embodiment 1, a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a printer unit 50 at a lower portion and a scanner unit 60 at an upper portion. The scanner unit 60 reads an image formed on a paper sheet and generates image data.

[0012] The printer unit 50 forms an image on a paper sheet, and includes a paper feed tray 10, a paper discharge tray 20, a head 30, and a transport mechanism 40, as shown in FIG.

[0013] The paper feed tray 10 has a box shape that opens upward, and is detachable from a housing 100a (see FIG. 1) of the multifunction device 100. The paper feed tray 10 is pulled out of the housing 100a by moving in a rear-to-front direction relative to the housing 100a, and is attached to the housing 100a by moving in a front-to-rear direction relative to the housing 100a.

[0014] 2, the paper feed tray 10 has a storage section 11 capable of storing a roll R. The roll R is a long sheet of paper P (sheet) wound in a roll shape around the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical core member Rc. The roll R is stored in the storage section 11 with its rotation axis Rx (the central axis of the core member Rc) aligned in the left-right direction.

[0015] Two feed rollers 41, 42 constituting the transport mechanism 40 are provided at the bottom of the storage section 11. The two feed rollers 41, 42 are rotatable about shafts 41a, 42a extending in the left-right direction, respectively. When the roll body R is stored in the storage section 11, the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion thereof is supported by the two feed rollers 41, 42.

[0016] The conveying mechanism 40 is configured to convey paper P along a conveying path C that passes below the head 30 from the paper feed tray 10 to the paper discharge tray 20, and includes feed rollers 41, 42, a pair of intermediate rollers 43, a pair of conveying rollers 44, a pair of paper discharge rollers 45, and guides 47, 48.

[0017] When the roll body R is stored in the storage section 11, when the paper feed motor (not shown) is driven and the feed rollers 41, 42 rotate, the roll body R rotates in the direction of the arrow B, and the paper P unwound from the roll body R is fed along the transport path C.

[0018] The intermediate roller pair 43, the conveying roller pair 44, and the paper discharge roller pair 45 each include a drive roller that rotates when driven by a conveying motor (not shown), and a driven roller that rotates with the drive roller. When the conveying motor (not shown) is driven, the intermediate roller pair 43, the conveying roller pair 44, and the paper discharge roller pair 45 rotate while holding the paper P therebetween, whereby the paper P is conveyed along the conveying path C.

[0019] The guide 47 guides the paper P fed by the feed rollers 41 and 42 to the pair of intermediate rollers 3b, and is formed by the rear side wall of the paper feed tray 10.

[0020] The guide 48 guides the paper P conveyed by the intermediate roller pair 43 to the conveying roller pair 44, and is composed of a pair of path members 48a, 48b arranged so as to sandwich the conveying path C therebetween.

[0021] The cutter mechanism 5 is disposed between the guide 47 and the pair of intermediate rollers 43 on the conveying path C. The cutter mechanism 5 includes a pair of rotary blades disposed to sandwich the conveying path C. When a cutting motor (not shown) is driven to rotate the pair of rotary blades, the paper P is cut in the left-right direction (the width direction of the roll paper Pr).

[0022] The head 30 is disposed between the pair of transport rollers 44 and the pair of paper discharge rollers 45 on the transport path C. The head 30 corresponds to the "image forming section" of the present invention, and includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown) formed on the bottom surface, and a driver IC (not shown). Ink is ejected from the nozzles by driving the driver IC, and an image is formed on the paper P when the paper P transported by the transport mechanism 40 passes a position facing the bottom surface of the head 30. The head 30 may be either a line type that ejects ink from the nozzles while being fixed in position, or a serial type that ejects ink from the nozzles while moving in the left-right direction (width direction of the paper P).

[0023] The paper P on which the image has been formed by the head 30 is discharged in a discharge direction D (from rear to front) by a pair of paper discharge rollers 45 (discharge mechanism) and received in the paper discharge tray 20.

[0024] The paper discharge tray 20 corresponds to the "sheet tray" of the present invention, and includes a first tray 21 and a second tray 22, as shown in FIGS.

[0025] The upper surface 21a of the first tray 21 constitutes a first support surface S1, and the upper surface 22a of the second tray 22 constitutes a second support surface S2. The upper surface 21a of the first tray 21 and the upper surface 22a of the second tray 22 are both surfaces that are perpendicular to the up-down direction and parallel to the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. The upper surface 21a of the first tray 21 is located above the upper surface 22a of the second tray 22.

[0026] The first tray 21 is configured as a part of the housing 100a. The second tray 22 is supported by the first tray 21 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the first tray 21.

[0027] The second tray 22 can selectively take a stored position (first position) shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, and a pulled-out position (second position) shown in Figures 4 and 6. The stored position is a position where substantially the entire upper surface 22a of the second tray 22 overlaps with the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21 in the vertical direction. The pulled-out position is a position located downstream of the stored position in the discharge direction D, and where the overlapping area in the vertical direction of the upper surface 22a of the second tray 22 and the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21 is smaller than that of the stored position.

[0028] The second tray 22 moves from the stored position in a rear-to-front direction relative to the first tray 21, thereby being pulled out from the first tray 21 and reaching the pulled-out position. Also, the second tray 22 moves from the pulled-out position in a front-to-rear direction relative to the first tray 21, thereby being stored in the first tray 21 and reaching the stored position.

[0029] The second tray 22 has a stopper 23 at its end on the downstream side in the discharge direction D. The stopper 23 is provided downstream of the second support surface S2 in the discharge direction D, and has a contact function of contacting the end of the paper P on the downstream side in the discharge direction D by protruding above the second support surface S2.

[0030] The discharge tray 20 further includes a lifting / lowering unit 25. The lifting / lowering unit 25 is configured of a plate-shaped member arranged in a central region in the left-right direction (orthogonal direction) of the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21, and is supported by the first tray 21 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 25z. The rotation shaft 25z is provided at an end 25x on the upstream side of the lifting / lowering unit 25 in the discharge direction D, and extends in the left-right direction. The area of ​​the first tray 21 that overlaps with the lifting / lowering unit 25 in the up-down direction is hollow.

[0031] The lifting / lowering unit 25 is in the raised position when the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see FIGS. 3 and 5), and is in the lowered position when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The lifting / lowering unit 25 is movable in the vertical direction relative to the first tray 21 and the second tray 22.

[0032] An upper surface 25a of the lifting portion 25 constitutes a first support surface S1.

[0033] When the lifting / lowering part 25 is in the raised position (see Figs. 3 and 5), the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering part 25 is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the discharge direction D. At this time, the downstream end 25y of the lifting / lowering part 25 in the discharge direction D abuts against the upper end 23t of the stopper 23. Also at this time, the upper surface 25a of the downstream end 25y of the lifting / lowering part 25 in the discharge direction D constitutes the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2.

[0034] When the lifting / lowering unit 25 is in the lowered position (see FIGS. 4 and 6), the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering unit 25 is located lower than the upper surface 25a when the lifting / lowering unit 25 is in the raised position (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Also, at this time, the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering unit 25 is located lower than the portion of the first support surface S1 other than the lifting / lowering unit 25 (i.e., the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21) (see FIG. 4).

[0035] 5 and 6, the rear surface of the stopper 23 (contact surface 23a that contacts the paper P) is inclined toward the downstream side in the discharge direction D as it goes upward. In addition, when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position, a length L1 (see FIG. 4) in the discharge direction D from the rotation shaft 25z of the lifting / lowering section 25 to an end 25y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D is longer than a length L2 (see FIG. 3) in the discharge direction D from the rotation shaft 25z to the lower end of the contact surface 23a when the second tray 22 is in the stored position.

[0036] Due to such a relationship between the inclination of the stopper 23 and the lengths L1, L2, the lifting / lowering unit 25 moves between the raised position and the lowered position in conjunction with the movement of the second tray 22 between the storage position and the pull-out position. Specifically, when the second tray 22 is moved downstream in the ejection direction D relative to the first tray 21 from a state in which the second tray 22 is in the storage position and the lifting / lowering unit 25 is in the raised position (see FIGS. 3 and 5), the end 25y of the lifting / lowering unit 25 on the downstream side in the ejection direction D moves down by its own weight while abutting against the abutment surface 23a of the stopper 23. Then, the lifting / lowering unit 25 reaches the lowered position, and the second tray 22 reaches the pull-out position (see FIGS. 4 and 6). Furthermore, when the second tray 22 is moved upstream in the discharge direction D relative to the first tray 21 from a state in which the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position and the lifting / lowering unit 25 is in the lowered position (see FIGS. 4 and 6), the end 25y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering unit 25 abuts against the abutment surface 23a of the stopper 23 and then rises while abutting against the abutment surface 23a. Then, the lifting / lowering unit 25 reaches the raised position, and the second tray 22 reaches the stored position (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0037] The vertical distance X1 (see FIG. 5) from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (upper surface 25a of the end 25y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering section 25) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the storage position is smaller than the vertical distance X2 (see FIG. 6) from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (upper surface 25a of the end 25y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering section 25) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position. In this embodiment, the distance X1 is approximately zero.

[0038] When the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see FIGS. 4 and 6), the contact function of the stopper 23 is exerted. Specifically, the paper P discharged in the discharge direction D by the paper discharge roller pair 45 (see FIG. 2) comes into contact with the contact surface 23a of the stopper 23, then falls, and is supported by the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2.

[0039] When the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see FIGS. 3 and 5), the contact function of the stopper 23 is suppressed. Specifically, the paper P discharged in the discharge direction D by the paper discharge roller pair 45 (see FIG. 2) moves along the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering section 25 and is supported by the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering section 25 without contacting the contact surface 23a of the stopper 23, or passes through the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering section 25 and the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 and falls from the paper discharge tray 20.

[0040] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see FIGS. 3 and 5), the contact function of the stopper 23 is suppressed, thereby making it possible to prevent jams. Also, when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see FIGS. 4 and 6), the contact function of the stopper 23 is exerted, thereby making it possible to prevent the paper P from falling. In other words, it is possible to both prevent jams when the second tray 22 is in the storage position and prevent the paper P from falling when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position.

[0041] The first support surface S1 (specifically, the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering section 25) is configured to be movable relative to the stopper 23 so that a vertical distance X1 (see FIG. 5) from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (the upper surface 25a of the end 25y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering section 25) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the storage position is smaller than a vertical distance X2 (see FIG. 6) from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (the upper surface 25a of the end 25y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering section 25) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the pull-out position. In this case, it is possible to effectively suppress the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the storage position and to effectively exert the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the pull-out position.

[0042] When the lifting / lowering section 25 is in the raised position (see FIGS. 3 and 5), the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering section 25 has a portion that slopes upward toward the downstream side in the discharging direction D, and at least the upper surface of the end portion 25y on the downstream side in the discharging direction D constitutes the uppermost end portion of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2. When the lifting / lowering section 25 is in the lowered position (see FIGS. 4 and 6), the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering section 25 is located lower than the upper surface 25a when the lifting / lowering section 25 is in the raised position (see FIGS. 3 and 5). In this case, with a relatively simple configuration, it is possible to suppress the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the storage position and to exert the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the drawn-out position.

[0043] When the lifting / lowering section 25 is in the raised position (see FIGS. 3 and 5), the end 25y of the lifting / lowering section 25 on the downstream side in the discharge direction D abuts against the upper end 23t of the stopper 23. In this case, when the second tray 22 is in the storage position (when the lifting / lowering section 25 is in the raised position), the abutment function of the stopper 23 can be more reliably suppressed, thereby improving the effect of suppressing jams.

[0044] When the lifting / lowering section 25 is in the lowered position (see FIG. 4), the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering section 25 is located lower than the portion of the first support surface S1 other than the lifting / lowering section 25 (i.e., the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21). If the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering section 25 is located higher than the portion of the first support surface S1 other than the lifting / lowering section 25 (i.e., the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21) when the lifting / lowering section 25 is in the lowered position, a problem may occur in which the paper P gets caught on the lifting / lowering section 25 and the paper P cannot be properly supported on the paper output tray 20. With this configuration, this problem can be prevented.

[0045] The lifting / lowering section 25 is configured with a plate-like member disposed in a central region in the left-right direction (orthogonal direction) of the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21. In this case, when the second tray 22 is in the storage position (when the lifting / lowering section 25 is in the raised position), the paper P can be moved more reliably along the upper surface 25a of the lifting / lowering section 25, thereby preventing jams.

[0046] The lifting / lowering unit 25 moves between the raised position and the lowered position in conjunction with the movement of the second tray 22 between the stored position and the pulled-out position. In this case, the device configuration can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the movement of the second tray 22 is detected by a sensor and the lifting / lowering unit 25 is raised and lowered by a motor.

[0047] The lifting / lowering unit 25 can rotate around a rotation shaft 25z extending in the left-right direction (orthogonal direction). As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the contact surface 23a of the stopper 23 is inclined toward the downstream side in the discharge direction D as it goes upward. When the second tray 22 is in the drawn-out position, a length L1 (see Fig. 4) in the discharge direction D from the rotation shaft 25z to the end 25y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering unit 25 is longer than a length L2 (see Fig. 3) in the discharge direction D from the rotation shaft 25z to the lower end of the contact surface 23a when the second tray 22 is in the stored position. In this case, the above-mentioned interlocking can be realized by a simple configuration compared to a configuration in which, for example, a sliding mechanism of the second tray 22 for the first tray 21 and a lifting / lowering mechanism of the lifting / lowering unit 25 are connected by gears or the like.

[0048] <Second embodiment> Next, a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) and a paper discharge tray (sheet tray) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0049] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the lifting section, but is otherwise the same as the first embodiment.

[0050] The discharge tray 220 of this embodiment is provided with a pair of lifting sections 225 formed by partially cutting out the first tray 21. Each of the pair of lifting sections 225 is composed of a plate-like member that is rectangular when viewed from the top-bottom direction, and is provided at a position overlapping one end and the other end of the stopper 23 in the left-right direction in the discharge direction D. Each of the pair of lifting sections 225 has an end 225x on the upstream side in the discharge direction D connected to the first tray 21, and is movable in the vertical direction with the end 225x as a fulcrum.

[0051] The lifting / lowering section 225 is in the raised position when the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see FIG. 7), and is in the lowered position when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see FIG. 8). The lifting / lowering section 225 is movable in the vertical direction relative to the second tray 22 and the portion of the first tray 21 other than the lifting / lowering section 225.

[0052] An upper surface 225a of the lifting portion 225 constitutes a first support surface S1.

[0053] When the lifting / lowering part 225 is in the raised position (see FIG. 7), the upper surface 225a of the lifting / lowering part 225 is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the discharge direction D. At this time, the downstream end 225y of the lifting / lowering part 225 in the discharge direction D abuts against the upper end 23t of the stopper 23. Also at this time, the upper surface 225a of the downstream end 225y of the lifting / lowering part 225 in the discharge direction D constitutes the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2.

[0054] When the lifting / lowering unit 225 is in the lowered position (see FIG. 8), the upper surface 225a of the lifting / lowering unit 225 is located lower than the upper surface 225a when the lifting / lowering unit 225 is in the raised position (see FIG. 7). Also, at this time, the upper surface 225a of the lifting / lowering unit 225 is located lower than the portion of the first support surface S1 other than the lifting / lowering unit 225 (i.e., the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21).

[0055] 5 and 6, the contact surface 23a of the stopper 23 is inclined toward the downstream side in the discharge direction D as it goes upward, similarly to the first embodiment. In addition, when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position, the length L4 (see FIG. 8) in the discharge direction D from the end 225x on the upstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering part 225 to the end 225y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D is longer than the length L4 (see FIG. 7) in the discharge direction D from the end 225x to the lower end of the contact surface 23a (see FIGS. 5 and 6) when the second tray 22 is in the stored position.

[0056] Due to such a relationship between the inclination of the stopper 23 and the lengths L3, L4, the lifting / lowering section 225 moves between the raised position and the lowered position in conjunction with the movement of the second tray 22 between the storage position and the pull-out position. Specifically, when the second tray 22 is moved downstream in the ejection direction D relative to the first tray 21 from a state in which the second tray 22 is in the storage position and the lifting / lowering section 225 is in the raised position (see FIG. 7), the end 225y of the lifting / lowering section 225 on the downstream side in the ejection direction D moves down by its own weight while abutting against the abutment surface 23a of the stopper 23. Then, the lifting / lowering section 225 reaches the lowered position, and the second tray 22 reaches the pull-out position (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, when the second tray 22 is moved upstream in the discharge direction D relative to the first tray 21 from a state in which the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position and the lifting / lowering unit 225 is in the lowered position (see FIG. 8), the end 25y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering unit 225 abuts against the abutment surface 23a of the stopper 23 and then rises while abutting against the abutment surface 23a. Then, the lifting / lowering unit 225 reaches the raised position, and the second tray 22 reaches the stored position (see FIG. 7).

[0057] When the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see Figure 7), the vertical distance from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (upper surface 225a of the end 225y downstream of the lifting section 225 in the discharge direction D) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 is approximately zero, as in the first embodiment, and is smaller than the vertical distance from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (upper surface 225a of the end 225y downstream of the lifting section 225 in the discharge direction D) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see Figure 8).

[0058] When the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see FIG. 8), the contact function of the stopper 23 is exerted. Specifically, the paper P discharged in the discharge direction D by the paper discharge roller pair 45 (see FIG. 2) comes into contact with the contact surface 23a of the stopper 23, then falls, and is supported by the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2.

[0059] When the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see FIG. 7), the contact function of the stopper 23 is suppressed. Specifically, the paper P discharged in the discharge direction D by the paper discharge roller pair 45 (see FIG. 2) moves along the upper surface 225a of the lifting / lowering section 225 and is supported by the upper surface 225a of the lifting / lowering section 225 without contacting the contact surface 23a of the stopper 23, or passes through the upper surface 225a of the lifting / lowering section 225 and the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 and falls from the paper discharge tray 220.

[0060] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained with the same configuration as the first embodiment.

[0061] When the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see FIG. 7), the contact function of the stopper 23 is suppressed, thereby preventing jams. Also, when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see FIG. 8), the contact function of the stopper 23 is exerted, thereby preventing the paper P from falling. In other words, it is possible to both prevent jams when the second tray 22 is in the storage position and prevent the paper P from falling when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position.

[0062] The first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 are configured to be movable relative to the stopper 23 so that the vertical distance from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (upper surface 225a of the end 225y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering section 225) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the storage position is smaller than the vertical distance from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (upper surface 225a of the end 225y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering section 225) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the pull-out position. In this case, it is possible to effectively suppress the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the storage position and to effectively exert the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the pull-out position.

[0063] When the lifting / lowering section 225 is in the raised position (see FIG. 7), the upper surface 225a of the lifting / lowering section 225 has a portion that slopes upward toward the downstream side in the discharge direction D, and at least the upper surface of the end portion 225y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D constitutes the uppermost end portion of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2. When the lifting / lowering section 225 is in the lowered position (see FIG. 8), the upper surface 225a of the lifting / lowering section 225 is located lower than the upper surface 225a when the lifting / lowering section 225 is in the raised position (see FIG. 7). In this case, with a relatively simple configuration, it is possible to suppress the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the storage position and to exert the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the drawn-out position.

[0064] When the lifting / lowering section 225 is in the raised position (see FIG. 7), the end 225y of the lifting / lowering section 225 on the downstream side in the discharge direction D abuts against the upper end 23t of the stopper 23. In this case, when the second tray 22 is in the storage position (when the lifting / lowering section 225 is in the raised position), the abutment function of the stopper 23 can be more reliably suppressed, and the jam prevention effect is improved.

[0065] When the lifting / lowering section 225 is in the lowered position (see FIG. 8), the upper surface 225a of the lifting / lowering section 225 is located lower than the portion of the first support surface S1 other than the lifting / lowering section 225 (i.e., the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21). If the upper surface 225a of the lifting / lowering section 225 is located higher than the portion of the first support surface S1 other than the lifting / lowering section 225 (i.e., the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21) when the lifting / lowering section 225 is in the lowered position, a problem may occur in which the paper P gets caught on the lifting / lowering section 225 and the paper P cannot be properly supported on the paper output tray 220. With this configuration, this problem can be suppressed.

[0066] The lifting / lowering unit 225 moves between the raised position and the lowered position in conjunction with the movement of the second tray 22 between the stored position and the pulled-out position. In this case, the device configuration can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the movement of the second tray 22 is detected by a sensor and the lifting / lowering unit 225 is raised and lowered by a motor.

[0067] The lifting / lowering unit 225 can move up and down with the end 225x on the upstream side of the discharge direction D as a fulcrum. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the contact surface 23a of the stopper 23 is inclined toward the downstream side of the discharge direction D as it moves upward. When the second tray 22 is in the drawn-out position, the length L4 (see Fig. 8) in the discharge direction D from the end 225x on the upstream side of the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering unit 225 to the end 225y on the downstream side of the discharge direction D is longer than the length L4 (see Fig. 7) in the discharge direction D from the end 225x to the lower end of the contact surface 23a (see Figs. 5 and 6) when the second tray 22 is in the stored position. In this case, the above-mentioned interlocking can be realized by a simple configuration, as compared with a configuration in which the slide mechanism of the second tray 22 for the first tray 21 and the lifting / lowering mechanism of the lifting / lowering unit 225 are connected by gears or the like.

[0068] <Third embodiment> Next, a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) and a paper discharge tray (sheet tray) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the lifting section, but is otherwise the same as the first embodiment.

[0070] The discharge tray 320 of this embodiment is provided with a pair of lifting sections 325 arranged in slits formed in the first tray 21 and the second tray 22. Each of the pair of lifting sections 325 is formed of a triangular plate-like member when viewed from the left-right direction, and is provided at a position overlapping one end and the other end of the stopper 23 in the left-right direction in the discharge direction D.

[0071] The lifting / lowering unit 325 is in the raised position when the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see FIG. 9), and is in the lowered position when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see FIG. 10). The lifting / lowering unit 325 is movable in the vertical direction relative to the first tray 21 and the second tray 22.

[0072] An upper surface 325a of the lifting portion 325 constitutes a first support surface S1.

[0073] When the lifting / lowering part 325 is in the raised position (see FIG. 9), the upper surface 325a of the lifting / lowering part 325 is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the discharge direction D. At this time, the downstream end 325y of the lifting / lowering part 325 in the discharge direction D abuts against the upper end 23t of the stopper 23. Also at this time, the upper surface 325a of the downstream end 325y of the lifting / lowering part 325 in the discharge direction D constitutes the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2.

[0074] When the lifting / lowering unit 325 is in the lowered position (see FIG. 10), the upper surface 325a of the lifting / lowering unit 325 is located lower than the upper surface 325a when the lifting / lowering unit 325 is in the raised position (see FIG. 9). Also, at this time, the upper surface 325a of the lifting / lowering unit 325 is located lower than the portion of the first support surface S1 other than the lifting / lowering unit 325 (i.e., the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21).

[0075] In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism of the second tray 22 relative to the first tray 21 and the lifting mechanism of the lifting unit 325 are connected by gears or the like. This allows the lifting unit 325 to move between the raised position and the lowered position in conjunction with the movement of the second tray 22 between the storage position and the drawn-out position.

[0076] When the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see Figure 9), the vertical distance from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (upper surface 325a of the downstream end 325y of the lifting section 325 in the discharge direction D) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 is approximately zero, as in the first embodiment, and is smaller than the vertical distance from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (upper surface 325a of the downstream end 325y of the lifting section 325 in the discharge direction D) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see Figure 10).

[0077] When the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see FIG. 10), the contact function of the stopper 23 is exerted. Specifically, the paper P discharged in the discharge direction D by the paper discharge roller pair 45 (see FIG. 2) comes into contact with the contact surface 23a of the stopper 23, then falls, and is supported by the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2.

[0078] When the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see FIG. 9), the contact function of the stopper 23 is suppressed. Specifically, the paper P discharged in the discharge direction D by the paper discharge roller pair 45 (see FIG. 2) moves along the upper surface 325a of the lifting / lowering section 325 and is supported by the upper surface 325a of the lifting / lowering section 325 without contacting the contact surface 23a of the stopper 23, or passes through the upper surface 325a of the lifting / lowering section 325 and the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 and falls from the paper discharge tray 320.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained with the same configuration as the first embodiment.

[0080] When the second tray 22 is in the storage position (see FIG. 9), the contact function of the stopper 23 is suppressed, thereby preventing jams. Also, when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position (see FIG. 10), the contact function of the stopper 23 is exerted, thereby preventing the paper P from falling. In other words, it is possible to both prevent jams when the second tray 22 is in the storage position and prevent the paper P from falling when the second tray 22 is in the pulled-out position.

[0081] The first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 are configured to be movable relative to the stopper 23 so that the vertical distance from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (upper surface 325a of the end 325y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering section 325) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the storage position is smaller than the vertical distance from the uppermost end of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2 (upper surface 325a of the end 325y on the downstream side in the discharge direction D of the lifting / lowering section 325) to the upper end 23t of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the pull-out position. In this case, it is possible to effectively suppress the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the storage position and to effectively exert the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the pull-out position.

[0082] When the lifting / lowering section 325 is in the raised position (see FIG. 9), the upper surface 325a of the lifting / lowering section 325 has a portion that slopes upward toward the downstream side in the discharging direction D, and at least the upper surface of the end portion 325y on the downstream side in the discharging direction D constitutes the uppermost end portion of the first support surface S1 and the second support surface S2. When the lifting / lowering section 325 is in the lowered position (see FIG. 10), the upper surface 325a of the lifting / lowering section 325 is located lower than the upper surface 325a when the lifting / lowering section 325 is in the raised position (see FIG. 9). In this case, with a relatively simple configuration, it is possible to suppress the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the storage position and to exert the contact function of the stopper 23 when the second tray 22 is in the drawn-out position.

[0083] When the lifting / lowering section 325 is in the raised position (see FIG. 9), the downstream end 325y of the lifting / lowering section 325 in the discharge direction D abuts against the upper end 23t of the stopper 23. In this case, when the second tray 22 is in the storage position (when the lifting / lowering section 225 is in the raised position), the abutment function of the stopper 23 can be more reliably suppressed, thereby improving the effect of suppressing jams.

[0084] When the lifting / lowering section 325 is in the lowered position (see FIG. 10), the upper surface 325a of the lifting / lowering section 325 is located lower than the portion of the first support surface S1 other than the lifting / lowering section 325 (i.e., the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21). If the upper surface 325a of the lifting / lowering section 325 is located higher than the portion of the first support surface S1 other than the lifting / lowering section 325 (i.e., the upper surface 21a of the first tray 21) when the lifting / lowering section 325 is in the lowered position, a problem may occur in which the paper P gets caught on the lifting / lowering section 325 and the paper P cannot be properly supported on the paper output tray 320. With this configuration, this problem can be suppressed.

[0085] The lifting / lowering unit 325 moves between the raised position and the lowered position in conjunction with the movement of the second tray 22 between the stored position and the pulled-out position. In this case, the device configuration can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the movement of the second tray 22 is detected by a sensor and the lifting / lowering unit 325 is raised and lowered by a motor.

[0086] <Modification> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various design modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0087] When the lifting section is in the raised position, the downstream end of the lifting section in the discharge direction is not limited to abutting the upper end of the stopper, but may abut at any position on the abutment surface of the stopper, or may not abut the stopper.

[0088] When the lifting / lowering unit is in the lowered position, the upper surface of the lifting / lowering unit may be at the same position in the vertical direction as the portion of the first support surface other than the lifting / lowering unit. Alternatively, when the lifting / lowering unit is in the lowered position, the upper surface of the lifting / lowering unit may be located higher than the portion of the first support surface other than the lifting / lowering unit.

[0089] Although the lifting section is configured from a plate-shaped member in the above-described embodiment, it may be configured from a block-shaped (lump-shaped) member.

[0090] When the lifting section is in the raised position, the upper surface of the lifting section does not have to have a portion that slopes upward toward the downstream side in the discharge direction (for example, it may be a surface along the discharge direction).

[0091] The movement of the second tray may be detected by a sensor and the lifting section may be raised and lowered by a motor.

[0092] As an example in which at least one of the first and second support surfaces is configured to be movable relative to the stopper, the above embodiment has been exemplified as a configuration in which the lifting part constituting the first support surface is movable relative to the stopper, but is not limited thereto. For example, the member constituting the second support surface may be movable relative to the stopper, or both the member constituting the first support surface and the member constituting the second support surface may be movable relative to the stopper. Alternatively, the stopper may be movable relative to the first and second support surfaces so as to take a lowered position in which the abutment function is suppressed when the second tray is in the first position, and to take an elevated position in which the abutment function is exerted when the second tray is in the second position.

[0093] The second support surface is located below the first support surface in the above embodiment, but may be located above the first support surface.

[0094] The sheet is not limited to paper, and may be, for example, a cloth, a resin material, or the like.

[0095] The image forming unit may eject a liquid other than ink (for example, a treatment liquid that aggregates or precipitates the components in the ink). In addition, the image forming unit is not limited to a liquid ejection type, and may be a laser type, a thermal transfer type, or the like.

[0096] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to a multifunction machine, but may be a printer, a facsimile, a copy machine, or the like.

[0097] The sheet tray according to the present invention is not limited to being applied to an image forming apparatus, but can be applied to any apparatus other than an image forming apparatus (for example, a scanner, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 20;220;320 Output tray (sheet tray) 21 1st Tray 22 2nd Tray 23 Stopper 23a Contact surface 23t upper end 25;225;325 Lifting section 25a;225a;325a Top surface 25y;225y;325y Downstream end 25z Rotating Axis 30 Head (image forming section) 45 Paper discharge roller pair (discharge mechanism) 100 Multifunction device (image forming device) D Discharge direction S1 1st support surface S2 2nd support surface P Paper (sheet)

Claims

1. a first tray having a first support surface that supports a sheet discharged in a discharge direction by the discharge mechanism; a second tray having a second support surface that supports the sheet, the second tray being movable upstream and downstream in the discharge direction relative to the first tray, the second tray being capable of selectively taking a first position where at least a part of the second support surface overlaps with the first support surface in a vertical direction, and a second position that is located downstream of the first position in the discharge direction and where an overlap area of ​​the second support surface with the first support surface in a vertical direction is smaller than that of the first position, the second tray includes a stopper located downstream of the second support surface in the discharge direction and having a contact function of contacting an end of the sheet on the downstream side in the discharge direction by protruding upward from the second support surface, When the second tray is in the first position, the abutting function is suppressed; The abutting function is exerted when the second tray is in the second position, at least one of the first support surface and the second support surface is configured to be movable relative to the stopper such that a vertical distance from the uppermost ends of the first support surface and the second support surface to an upper end of the stopper when the second tray is at the first position is smaller than a vertical distance from the uppermost ends of the first support surface and the second support surface to an upper end of the stopper when the second tray is at the second position, a lifting section which takes an elevated position when the second tray is in the first position and takes a lowered position when the second tray is in the second position; When the lifting section is in the raised position, an upper surface of the lifting section has a portion that is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the discharge direction, and at least an end portion on the downstream side in the discharge direction constitutes an uppermost end portion of the first support surface and the second support surface, When the lifting / lowering unit is in the lowered position, the upper surface of the lifting / lowering unit is located lower than the upper surface of the lifting / lowering unit when the lifting / lowering unit is in the raised position, The sheet tray according to claim 1, wherein a downstream end of the lifting section in the discharge direction abuts against the stopper when the lifting section is in the raised position.

2. The sheet tray of claim 1, characterized in that when the lifting section is in the lowered position, the upper surface of the lifting section constitutes the first support surface and is at the same position in the vertical direction as the portion of the first support surface other than the lifting section or at a lower position than the portion of the first support surface other than the lifting section.

3. The sheet tray according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lifting section is composed of a plate-shaped member arranged in a central area of ​​the first support surface of the first tray in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction and the up-down direction.

4. A sheet tray as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lifting section moves between the raised position and the lowered position in conjunction with the movement of the second tray between the first position and the second position.

5. The lifting unit is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction and the up-down direction, a contact surface of the stopper that contacts the sheet is inclined toward the downstream side in the discharge direction as it extends upward, The sheet tray according to claim 4, characterized in that when the second tray is in the second position, the length in the discharge direction from the pivot axis of the lifting section to the downstream end in the discharge direction is longer than the length in the discharge direction from the pivot axis to the lower end of the contact surface when the second tray is in the first position.

6. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a discharge mechanism that discharges a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit in a discharge direction; a sheet tray for supporting the sheet discharged in the discharge direction by the discharge mechanism, The sheet tray includes: a first tray having a first support surface for supporting the sheet; a second tray having a second support surface that supports the sheet, the second tray being movable upstream and downstream in the discharge direction relative to the first tray, the second tray being capable of selectively taking a first position where at least a part of the second support surface overlaps with the first support surface in a vertical direction, and a second position that is located downstream of the first position in the discharge direction and where an overlap area of ​​the second support surface with the first support surface in a vertical direction is smaller than that of the first position, the second tray includes a stopper located downstream of the second support surface in the discharge direction and having a contact function of contacting an end of the sheet on the downstream side in the discharge direction by protruding upward from the second support surface, When the second tray is in the first position, the abutting function is suppressed; The abutting function is exerted when the second tray is in the second position, at least one of the first support surface and the second support surface is configured to be movable relative to the stopper such that a vertical distance from the uppermost ends of the first support surface and the second support surface to an upper end of the stopper when the second tray is at the first position is smaller than a vertical distance from the uppermost ends of the first support surface and the second support surface to an upper end of the stopper when the second tray is at the second position, a lifting section which takes an elevated position when the second tray is in the first position and takes a lowered position when the second tray is in the second position; When the lifting section is in the raised position, an upper surface of the lifting section has a portion that is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the discharge direction, and at least an end portion on the downstream side in the discharge direction constitutes an uppermost end portion of the first support surface and the second support surface, When the lifting / lowering unit is in the lowered position, the upper surface of the lifting / lowering unit is located lower than the upper surface of the lifting / lowering unit when the lifting / lowering unit is in the raised position, an end portion of the lifting section on a downstream side in the discharge direction of the sheet being in contact with the stopper when the lifting section is in the raised position;

Images