Sheet feeding device, image forming apparatus, and sheet storage unit

Abstract

To provide a lead-in configuration of a feeding cassette suitable as a product while reducing cost.SOLUTION: A feeding cassette 2 of a sheet feeding device comprises: a first installation part 2A where a first led-in part, led by a first leading-in part provided in a device body when the feeding cassette 2 is mounted on the device body, is installed; and a second installation part 2B where a second led-in part, led by a second leading-in part provided in the device body when the feeding cassette 2 is mounted on the device body, is installed. Further, the feeding cassette 2 comprises: a third installation part 2C where a first positioning part, for positioning a position to the device body by engaging with a first positioned part when being mounted on the device body, is installed; and a fourth installation part 2D where a second positioning part, for positioning a position to the device body by engaging with a second positioned part when being mounted on the device body, is installed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides a sheet storage unit that is detachably attached to an apparatus main body. 、 The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, image forming apparatuses such as copiers, fax machines, and multifunction peripherals, or sheet feeding devices such as feed decks that supply sheets to such image forming apparatuses, are equipped with a feed cassette that stores sheets to be supplied to an image forming unit. This feed cassette is configured to be detachable by sliding it into the main body of the image forming apparatus or sheet feeding apparatus, and the feed cassette is pulled out from the main body when refilling sheets, and then attached to the main body after refilling. To improve the operability of attaching and detaching this feed cassette, a method has been proposed in which the feed cassette is retracted into an attachment position (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured such that a locking pin is provided on the feed cassette and the feed cassette is retracted into the device body by a retraction device having an arm to which a retracting force is applied by a toggle spring. Also, in Patent Document 1, a part of the feed cassette retracted by the toggle spring abuts on a positioning portion of the device body, thereby positioning the feed cassette at the installation position.

[0004] On the other hand, the device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured such that an arm supporting a roller is pulled downward by a tension spring via a wire, and the roller rolls on the downward inclined surface of a guide for the feed cassette, thereby retracting the feed cassette into the device body. Furthermore, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 2, when the feed cassette is retracted into the device body, a positioning pin provided on the device body engages with a hook provided on the feed cassette, thereby positioning the feed cassette at an installation position in the device body. After the roller rides over the downward inclined surface of the guide, it abuts on the upward inclined surface in the direction of pushing the feed cassette out, and when the hook is released from the positioning pin, the feed cassette is pushed out of the device body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-151687 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-5989 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The retraction device using a toggle spring, as described in Patent Document 1, can be constructed inexpensively. However, when increasing the sheet capacity of the feed cassette or when handling high-density sheets such as coated paper, the toggle spring's biasing force must be set strong to prevent the feed cassette from popping out due to impact. However, increasing the toggle spring's biasing force requires a large force when attaching or detaching the feed cassette, resulting in poor operability. On the other hand, in the structure described in Patent Document 2, in which a wire pulls an arm supporting a roller, the feed cassette is automatically pushed out of the device body by releasing the hook, improving operability, but requiring more components and resulting in increased costs. In other words, because there are products that prioritize cost and products that prioritize operability, dedicated feed cassettes suitable for each product are used, resulting in a problem of not being able to reduce costs.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention is capable of realizing a retractable structure for the feeding cassette suitable for a product, while also being able to reduce costs. Seat storage compartment, An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet feeding device and an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is Either the first retraction section or the second retraction section is provided. The device includes a device main body and a sheet storage unit that stores sheets and is detachably attached to the device main body, and the sheet storage unit is provided in the device main body when the sheet storage unit is attached to the device main body. The aforementioned A first retracted portion that is retracted by the first retracting portion is installed. possible a first installation section, and a second installation section provided on the device body when the sheet storage section is attached to the device body; The aforementioned A second retracted portion that is retracted by the second retracting portion is provided. possible The second installation section and ,of Yes death , The first retracted portion and the second retracted portion are selectively provided. The sheet feeding device is characterized by the above.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is The sheet storage section is applicable to a plurality of device bodies with different specifications, including a device body that has a first retraction section but not a second retraction section, and a device body that has the second retraction section but not the first retraction section, and stores sheets and is detachably attached to the device body, the sheet storage section having a first installation section in which a first retracted section that is retracted by the first retraction section provided on the device body when attached to the device body can be installed, and a second installation section in which a second retracted section that is retracted by the second retraction section provided on the device body when attached to the device body can be installed, and the first retracted section and the second retracted section can be selectively installed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a retractable configuration of the feeding cassette suitable for a product, while also achieving cost reduction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a feeding cassette according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A is a top view showing the first retraction structure when the first retraction mechanism and the retraction pin begin to engage with each other, FIG. 1B is a top view showing the first retraction structure when the toggle arm has reached the neutral position of the toggle spring, and FIG. 1C is a top view showing the first retraction structure when the feeding cassette has reached the installation position. [Figure 4] 4(a) is a perspective view showing the first positioning structure when the feeding cassette is positioned at the mounting position, (b) is a view taken along the arrow A in FIG. 4(a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB in FIG. 4(b). [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second retraction mechanism. [Figure 6] (a) is a bottom view of the second retraction structure when the second retraction mechanism and the guide begin to engage with each other. (b) is a bottom view of the second retraction structure when the feeding cassette is in the middle of being installed. (c) is a bottom view of the second retraction structure when the feeding cassette has reached the installation position. (d) is a bottom view of the second retraction structure when the feeding cassette has been installed in the device main body. [Figure 7] 1A is a perspective view showing the second positioning structure when the feeding cassette is positioned at the installation position, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the second positioning structure when viewed from above when the feeding cassette is positioned at the installation position. [Figure 8]10A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a block portion is installed in a third installation portion of the feeding cassette, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a hook mechanism is installed in a fourth installation portion of the feeding cassette. [Figure 9] 1A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a retractable pin is installed in a first installation portion of the feeding cassette, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a retractable guide is installed in a second installation portion of the feeding cassette. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. First, an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet feeding device of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0013] [Schematic configuration of image forming device] 1, 201 is an image forming apparatus, 201A is an image forming apparatus main body, and 201B is an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet. 202 is an image reading device installed approximately horizontally above the image forming apparatus main body 201A, and a discharge space S for discharging sheets is formed between this image reading device 202 and the image forming apparatus main body 201A.

[0014] Image forming section 201B, which is an image forming means, is a four-drum full-color type. Image forming section 201B is equipped with a laser scanner 210 and four process cartridges 211Y, 211M, 211C, and 211K that form toner images in four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Each process cartridge 211 is equipped with a photosensitive drum 212, a charger 213 as charging means, and a developer 214 as developing means. Image forming section 201B also includes an intermediate transfer unit 201C disposed above process cartridge 211 and a fixing section 220. Reference numeral 215 denotes a toner cartridge for supplying toner to developer 214.

[0015] The intermediate transfer unit 201C includes an intermediate transfer belt 216 wound around a drive roller 216a and a tension roller 216b. A primary transfer roller 219 is provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 216 and contacts the intermediate transfer belt 216 at a position facing the photosensitive drum 212. The intermediate transfer belt 216 is rotated in the direction of the arrow by the drive roller 216a, which is driven by a drive unit (not shown).

[0016] Then, the negative color toner images on the photosensitive drums are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto intermediate transfer belt 216 by primary transfer roller 219. A secondary transfer roller 217 that transfers the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt onto sheet P is provided at a position facing drive roller 216a of intermediate transfer unit 201C. Furthermore, a fixing section 220 is disposed above secondary transfer roller 217, and a first discharge roller pair 225a, a second discharge roller pair 225b, and a duplex reversing section 201D are disposed above and to the left of fixing section 220. Duplex reversing section 201D is provided with a reversing roller pair 222 that can rotate forward and backward, a re-conveying path R that conveys the sheet with an image formed on one side thereof again to image forming section 201B, and the like.

[0017] A sheet feeding unit 1 is provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus main body 201A as a sheet feeding device that feeds set sheets to the image forming section 201B. The sheet feeding unit 1 includes a feeding cassette 2 as a sheet storage section that stores sheets, and a sheet feeding section 5 that feeds the sheets stored in the feeding cassette 2. The sheet feeding section 5 also includes a pickup roller 6 as a feeding roller, and a separation means consisting of a feed roller 7 and a retard roller 8 that separates the sheet P fed from the pickup roller 6.

[0018] Also provided on the side of image forming apparatus main body 201A is manual feed unit 300, which feeds set sheets to image forming section 201B. Manual feed unit 300 is configured to be openable and closable by rotating about shaft 12 relative to image forming apparatus main body 201A, and is provided with manual feed tray 13 for stacking sheets, and pickup roller 16 for feeding sheets stored in manual feed tray 13. Manual feed unit 300 also has separation means made up of feed roller 17 and retard roller 18 for separating sheet P fed from pickup roller 16.

[0019] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 201 will be described. First, image information of an original is read by the image reading device 202. After image processing, this image information is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the laser scanner 210 of the image forming unit 201B. In the image forming unit 201B, the surface of the photosensitive drum 212, the surface of which is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charger 213, is sequentially exposed to laser light. As a result, electrostatic latent images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum of each process cartridge 211, respectively.

[0020] Thereafter, this electrostatic latent image is developed and visualized with toner of each color, and the toner images of each color on each photosensitive drum are transferred in order onto the intermediate transfer belt 216 in a superimposed manner by a primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer roller 219. As a result, a toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 216.

[0021] Meanwhile, the sheet P fed by the feed rollers 7 of the sheet feeding unit 1 or the feed rollers 17 of the manual feed unit 300 is conveyed to a pair of registration rollers (hereinafter referred to as the registration roller pair) 240 consisting of a drive roller and a driven roller. At this time, the driving of the registration roller pair 240 is stopped, and the leading edge of the sheet P abuts against the registration roller pair 240. As a result, the leading edge of the sheet P is made to follow the registration roller pair 240. Thereafter, as the sheet P continues to be conveyed by the feed rollers 7 or the feed rollers 17, a flexure (loop) is formed in the sheet P, and when a predetermined loop amount is reached, the registration roller pair 240 is driven. As a result, the skew of the sheet P is corrected by the registration roller pair 240, and the sheet P with the skew corrected is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion by the registration roller pair 240. Subsequently, at the secondary transfer portion, the toner images are transferred all at once onto the sheet P by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 217. Then, the sheet P onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing section 220, where the toner of each color is melted and mixed under heat and pressure, and fixed onto the sheet P as a color image.

[0022] Thereafter, the sheet P on which the image has been fixed is discharged into the discharge space S by a first discharge roller pair 225a and a second discharge roller pair 225b provided downstream of the fixing unit 220, and is stacked on a stacking unit 223 protruding from the bottom surface of the discharge space S. When images are formed on both sides of the sheet P, after the images are fixed, the sheet P is transported to a re-conveyance path R by a reversing roller pair 222, and is transported again to the image forming unit 201B.

[0023] [Outline of feeding cassette] Next, the schematic configuration of the feeding cassette 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the feeding cassette according to this embodiment.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the feed cassette 2 includes a main body 2M and a front cover 2N that is disposed in front of the main body 2M and forms part of the front surface of the image forming apparatus 201 when the feed cassette 2 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 201A. The front cover 2N also has a handle 2P that a user holds when pulling out the feed cassette 2. The main body 2M also has cassette rails 2R, 2R disposed on the left and right sides, respectively. The cassette rails 2R, 2R are guided by rollers (not shown) disposed in the image forming apparatus main body 201A. This allows the feed cassette 2 to slide freely relative to the image forming apparatus main body 201A in the attachment / detachment direction indicated by the arrow X1-X2 in FIG. 2. The arrow X1 indicates the rear side of the image forming apparatus 201 and the direction in which the feed cassette 2 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 201A (hereinafter referred to as the attachment direction). Moreover, the arrow X2 indicates the front side of the image forming apparatus 201, and indicates the direction in which the feeding cassette 2 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 201A (hereinafter referred to as the removal direction).

[0025] A stacking tray 21 for stacking sheets is provided inside the feed cassette 2. A lifting arm (not shown) for raising and lowering the stacking tray 21 is provided below the stacking tray 21, and the driving force of a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the lifting arm to push the stacking tray 21 upward. Then, based on the detection of a paper surface position detection sensor (not shown) installed above the feed cassette 2, the motor is controlled so that the uppermost surface of the sheets P stacked on the stacking tray 21 is at a position where the sheets can be fed.

[0026] The sheet cassette 2 also includes a first installation section 2A in which a retraction pin 31 (described later in detail) is installed, and a second installation section 2B in which a roller guide section 52 (as a retraction guide) is installed. In this embodiment, the first installation section 2A is provided on the rear surface of the main body 2M of the sheet cassette 2, and the second installation section 2B is provided on the bottom surface of the lower left side of the main body 2M when viewed from the front. The sheet cassette 2 also includes a third installation section 2C in which a block section 42 (described later in detail) is installed, and a fourth installation section in which a hook mechanism 62 is installed. In this embodiment, the third installation section 2C and the fourth installation section 2D are common, i.e., are the same installation section. The third installation section 2C and the fourth installation section 2D are provided on the right rear side of the front cover 2N when viewed from the front.

[0027] [Details of the first retraction structure] Next, a first retraction structure 30 including a retraction pin 31 as a first retracted portion and a toggle-type first retraction mechanism 32 as a first retracting portion for retracting the retraction pin will be described with reference to Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c). Figure 3(a) is a top view showing the first retraction structure in a state where the first retraction mechanism and the retraction pin have begun to engage. Figure 3(b) is a top view showing the first retraction mechanism in a state where the toggle arm has reached the neutral position of the toggle spring. Figure 3(c) is a top view showing the first retraction mechanism in a state where the feeding cassette has reached the mounting position.

[0028] 3(a), in the first retraction structure 30, a first retraction mechanism 32 as a first retraction part is installed on the rear frame 100 of the image forming apparatus main body 201A. One of the retracted parts, a retraction pin 31 as a fixed member, is cylindrical and installed so as to be fixed via a base 39 to a first installation part 2A arranged on the rear surface of the main body 2M of the feed cassette 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0029] In detail, the first retraction mechanism 32 has a case member 35, a toggle arm 33 as an arm member, and a toggle spring 34 as a first biasing portion. The case member 35 is attached to the rear frame 100, and the toggle arm 33 is rotatably provided on the case member 35 and includes a retraction hook 36 that can engage with the retraction pin 31 of the feed cassette 2. The toggle arm 33 is supported rotatably about a rotation shaft 37. The toggle spring 34 is arranged so as to be stretched between the toggle arm 33 and the case member 35.

[0030] Next, the operation of the first retraction mechanism 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, when the feed cassette 2 is not installed in the image forming apparatus main body 201A, the toggle arm 33 of the first retraction mechanism 32 is rotated to a standby position where the retraction hook 36 located at the tip is positioned furthest forward in the direction of arrow X2. Then, when the user inserts the feed cassette 2 into the image forming apparatus main body 201A in the installation direction of arrow X1, the retraction pin 31 reaches the retraction hook 36 and engages with it. As the feed cassette 2 is further inserted in the installation direction of arrow X2, the toggle arm 33 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 3A. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the position of the toggle spring 34 passes the position of the pivot shaft 37, which is the neutral point N, a retraction force is generated by the biasing force of the toggle spring 34, and the feed cassette 2 is automatically retracted to the installation position as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0031] [Details of the first positioning structure] Next, the first positioning structure 40 that positions the feed cassette 2 retracted by the first retracting structure 30 at the mounting position will be described with reference to Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c). Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing the first positioning structure when the feed cassette is positioned at the mounting position. Figure 4(b) is a view taken along arrow A in Figure 4(a). Figure 4(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow BB in Figure 4(b).

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the first positioning structure 40 includes a block portion 42 as a first positioning portion installed on the feed cassette 2 and an abutting portion 41 as a first positioned portion installed on the image forming apparatus main body 201A. Specifically, the block portion 42 is installed in the third installation portion 2C behind the front cover 2N (see FIG. 2) of the feed cassette 2, and the abutting portion 41 having a regulating plate 41a is installed on one side of the image forming apparatus main body 201A. As shown in FIGS. 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c), the block portion 42 includes a tip portion 42a as an abutting portion that abuts against the regulating plate 41a and a positioning hole 42b as an engagement hole, as shown in FIG. 4(c). One of the abutting portions 41 includes a positioning pin 43 as a first positioning pin fixed to the regulating plate 41a. The positioning pin 43 is positioned so that its tip faces the removal direction (arrow X2 in FIG. 2) in the attachment / detachment direction.

[0033] As the first retraction structure 30 retracts the feed cassette 2 into the image forming apparatus main body 201A, the positioning pin 43 of the abutting portion 41 is inserted into and engaged with the positioning hole 42b of the block portion 42. This positions the feed cassette 2 and the image forming apparatus main body 201A in the horizontal direction. When the rear tip portion 42a (see FIG. 4A) of the block portion 42 abuts against the regulating plate 41a, the position of the feed cassette 2 and the image forming apparatus main body 201A in the attachment / detachment direction is determined. Therefore, the feed cassette 2 is correctly positioned in the attachment position of the image forming apparatus main body 201A in the left-right direction and the attachment / detachment direction by the first positioning structure 40. Note that the feed cassette 2 in the attachment position is biased by the toggle spring 34 of the first retraction structure 30, so that the block portion 42 is kept pressed against the abutting portion 41 until the user pulls out the feed cassette 2.

[0034] [Details of the second retractable structure] Next, a second retraction structure 50 including a roller guide portion 52 as a second retracted portion and retraction guide, and a slope-type second retraction mechanism 51 as a second retracting portion for retracting the roller guide portion will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), and 6(d). FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the second retraction mechanism. FIG. 6(a) is a bottom view showing the second retraction structure in a state where the second retraction mechanism and the guide have begun to engage. FIG. 6(b) is a bottom view showing the second retraction structure in a state where a feeding cassette is in the middle of being installed. FIG. 6(c) is a bottom view showing the second retraction structure in a state where the feeding cassette has reached the installation position. FIG. 6(d) is a bottom view showing the second retraction structure in a state where a feeding cassette has been installed in the device main body.

[0035] 5, the second retraction mechanism 51 constituting the second retraction structure 50 is installed in the image forming apparatus main body 201A. One roller guide part 52 is installed in the second installation part 2B arranged on the left bottom surface of the main body 2M of the feed cassette 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0036] The second retraction mechanism 51 is fixed to a rail portion 53 serving as a support member fixedly supported by the image forming apparatus main body 201A. The rail portion 53 slidably guides the cassette rail 2R of the feeding cassette 2. The second retraction mechanism 51 includes an arm 511 serving as a roller arm supported by the rail portion 53 so as to be swingable about a shaft 510. A shaft 512 is fixed to one end of the arm 511, and a roller 513 is attached to the shaft 512 so as to be rotatable. One end of a wire 514 is fixed to the arm 511, and the other end of the wire 514 is connected to a tension spring 515 serving as a second biasing portion that can expand and contract. The other end of the tension spring 515 is fixed to a spring hook plate (not shown) formed on the rail portion 53.

[0037] On the other hand, roller guide section 52 is installed in second installation section 2B disposed on the bottom surface of feed cassette 2, and is configured to engage with roller 513 and guide roller 513. That is, to guide roller 513, it has a flapper 520, spring 522, roller guide 523, first inclined guide 524, second inclined guide 525, and third inclined guide 526. Of these, flapper 520 is supported so as to be swingable about shaft 521 as a rotation center, and spring 522 urges the tip side opposite shaft 521 so as to abut against roller guide 523. When roller 513, which is guided by roller guide 523 and moves, presses flapper 520 from the inside, flapper 520 rotates about shaft 521 as a rotation center to allow roller 513 to move, i.e., roller 513 passes through.

[0038] The first inclined surface guide 524 is provided so as to be flush with the flapper 520 when the tip of the flapper 520 abuts against the roller guide 523. The second inclined surface guide 525 is continuously connected to the first inclined surface guide 524 and is formed with a slope that faces in the opposite direction to the first inclined surface guide 524 in the left-right direction. That is, the end of the second inclined surface guide 525 is folded back to form a U-turn portion, which moves the roller 513 in the opposite direction in the left-right direction. A third inclined surface guide 526 is provided at the end of this U-turn portion, i.e., on the side facing the tip of the second inclined surface guide 525, and this third inclined surface guide 526 is continuously connected to the roller guide 523.

[0039] Next, the operation of the second retraction mechanism 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6(a), when the feed cassette 2 is not installed in the image forming apparatus main body 201A, the flapper 520 of the roller guide portion 52 is in a standby state while being biased by the roller guide 523. Meanwhile, the arm 511 of the second retraction mechanism 51 is biased toward the rail portion 53 by the biasing force of the tension spring 515 via the wire 514. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the user inserts the feed cassette 2 into the image forming apparatus main body 201A in the installation direction indicated by arrow X1. Then, the roller 513 provided on the arm 511 is guided to climb the flapper 520 of the roller guide portion 52, the spring 522, and the slope of the first slope guide 524 in this order. At this time, the arm 511 rotates around the shaft 510 via the roller 513 and pulls the tension spring 515 via the wire 514. This causes the tension spring 515 to gradually expand and accumulate elastic force.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6(c), when the feed cassette 2 is further inserted and guided by the slope (U-turn portion) of the second inclined guide 525, the elastic force accumulated in the tension spring 515 begins to be released. By pressing the second inclined guide 525 in the direction in which this elastic force is released, the feed cassette 2 is pressed toward the installation position of the image forming apparatus main body 201A and is automatically pulled into the installation position. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(d), when the feed cassette 2 is in the installation position, the roller 513 moves from the second inclined guide 525 to the third inclined guide 526 and presses against the third inclined guide 526. In this state, the remaining elastic force accumulated in the tension spring 515 presses against the third inclined guide 526, urging the feed cassette 2 in the removal direction indicated by arrow X2.

[0041] [Details of the second positioning structure] Next, the second positioning structure 60 that positions the feed cassette 2 retracted by the second retraction structure 50 at the mounting position will be described with reference to Figures 7(a) and 7(b). Figure 7(a) is a perspective view showing the second positioning structure when the feed cassette is positioned at the mounting position. Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view from above of the second positioning structure when the feed cassette is positioned at the mounting position.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the second positioning structure 60 includes a hook mechanism 62 as a second positioning portion installed on the feed cassette 2, and a positioning pin 61 as a second positioned portion and second positioning pin installed on the image forming apparatus main body 201A. Specifically, the hook mechanism 62 is installed on the fourth installation portion 2D behind the front cover 2N (see FIG. 2) on the feed cassette 2, and the positioning pin 61 is installed on the image forming apparatus main body 201A and fixed to a frame 64. The positioning pin 61 is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body 201A so that its longitudinal direction intersects with the attachment / detachment direction (arrow X1-X2 in FIG. 2). As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the hook mechanism 62 includes two L-shaped hooks 62F that engage with the positioning pins 61 to position the feed cassette 2 in the attachment / detachment direction (particularly, the removal direction indicated by arrow X2 in FIG. 2). The hook mechanism 62 also has a base portion 62B below the hook 62F. The base portion 62B is formed with a guide groove 62G that is groove-shaped and opens in the mounting direction (arrow X1 in FIG. 2) and engages with the positioning pin 61 to position the feed cassette 2 in the left and right horizontal directions.

[0043] As the feed cassette 2 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 201A, the positioning pin 61 is guided by the guide groove 62G of the hook mechanism 62. This determines the left-right position of the feed cassette 2 and the image forming apparatus main body 201A. Furthermore, when the feed cassette 2 is retracted into the installation position of the image forming apparatus main body 201A by the second retraction structure 50, the hook 62F engages with the positioning pin 61. This determines the position of the feed cassette 2 and the image forming apparatus main body 201A in the installation / removal direction. Therefore, the feed cassette 2 is correctly positioned in the installation position of the image forming apparatus main body 201A in the left-right direction and the installation / removal direction by the second positioning structure 60.

[0044] Furthermore, the feed cassette 2 in the installation position is biased in the removal direction (arrow X2 in FIG. 2) because the roller 513 is pressed against the third inclined guide 526 of the second retraction structure 50 by the biasing force of the tension spring 515. However, the hook 62F engages with the positioning pin 61, positioning the feed cassette 2 at the installation position in the image forming apparatus main body 201A. When the user grips the handle 2P (see FIG. 2), the hook 62F is released from the positioning pin 61 by a release mechanism (not shown), and the feed cassette 2 is automatically pushed out of the installation position in the image forming apparatus main body 201A.

[0045] [Regarding standardization of feeding cassettes compatible with the first retraction structure or the second retraction structure] Next, the standardization of the feed cassette 2 corresponding to the first retraction structure 30 or the second retraction structure 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), 9(a), and 9(b). FIG. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a block portion is installed in a third installation portion of the feed cassette. FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a hook mechanism is installed in a fourth installation portion of the feed cassette. FIG. 9(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a retraction pin is installed in a first installation portion of the feed cassette. And FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a retraction guide is installed in a second installation portion of the feed cassette.

[0046] The feed cassette 2 may be shared across multiple products with different specifications, and the optimal retraction configuration varies depending on the required specifications of each product. Specifically, the first retraction structure 30 allows for the retraction structure of the feed cassette 2 to be configured with a simple configuration, is highly reliable, and is cost-effective. However, when removing the feed cassette 2 from the image forming apparatus main body 201A, the user must pull it out against the force of the toggle spring. In particular, increasing the sheet capacity of the feed cassette 2 or supporting high-density specialty paper such as coated paper increases the overall weight of the feed cassette 2. This requires a stronger biasing force from the toggle spring, which increases the force required to pull out the feed cassette 2 and reduces operability. For products with such specifications, selecting the second retraction structure 50 eliminates the problem of reduced operability during removal, although it does increase costs by adding a release mechanism (not shown) for releasing the second retraction mechanism 51 and the hook 62F of the hook mechanism 62. When a lead-in structure suited to a product is selected in this way, it is desirable to be able to use a common feed cassette 2 instead of preparing a dedicated feed cassette 2 for each product.

[0047] That is, in the feed cassette 2 according to this embodiment, the block portion 42 can be detachably installed in the third installation section 2C as shown in Fig. 8(a). Also, in the feed cassette 2, the hook mechanism 62 can be detachably installed in the fourth installation section 2D as shown in Fig. 8(b). In other words, the block portion 42 and the hook mechanism 62 can be selectively installed in the feed cassette 2.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9(a), the first retraction pin 31 and the base 39 of the feed cassette 2 can be detachably installed in the first installation section 2A. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the feed cassette 2 can be detachably installed in the second installation section 2B. In short, the feed cassette 2 can selectively install the first retraction pin 31 as the first retracted section and the roller guide section 52 as the second retracted section.

[0049] Therefore, in the case of a product in which the first retraction mechanism 32 and the abutment portion 41 are installed in the image forming apparatus main body 201A, a feed cassette 2 suitable for that product can be configured by installing the first retraction pin 31 and the block portion 42 in the feed cassette 2. Also, in the case of a product in which the second retraction mechanism 51 and the positioning pin 61 are installed in the image forming apparatus main body 201A, a feed cassette 2 suitable for that product can be configured by installing the roller guide portion 52 and the hook mechanism 62 in the feed cassette 2.

[0050] [Possibilities for other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the first retraction mechanism 32 is described as having a toggle arm and a toggle spring as the first retraction portion, but this is not limiting and any mechanism capable of retracting the feed cassette 2 may be used. Furthermore, the second retraction mechanism 51 is described as having a roller, an arm, and a tension spring as the second retraction portion, but this is not limiting and any mechanism capable of retracting the feed cassette 2 may be used. In other words, any retraction mechanism may be used as long as it achieves a retraction structure suitable for the product in the first retraction mechanism and the second retraction mechanism and there is a difference in cost. In this case, the configurations of the first retracted portion and the second retracted portion of the feed cassette 2 correspond to the retraction mechanisms.

[0051] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the block portion 42 having a fitting hole that fits onto the positioning pin and a tip portion that abuts against the abutting portion has been described as an example of the first positioning portion, but this is not limited to this and any other structure that can position the feed cassette 2 may be used. Furthermore, the hook mechanism 62 having a hook that engages with the positioning pin and a guide groove that engages with the positioning pin has been described as an example of the second positioning portion, but this is not limited to this and any other structure that can position the feed cassette 2 may be used. In other words, any positioning portion may be used as long as the first and second positioning portions achieve a positioning structure suitable for the product and there is a difference due to differences in cost. In this case, the configurations of the first and second positioning portions of the feed cassette 2 should correspond to the positioned portions.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 60 have been described as having different configurations. However, this is not a limitation, and only one of them may be used as long as it is a configuration that can position the feed cassette 2 at the installation position. For example, a configuration such as the hook mechanism 62, in which a hook engages with a guide groove on a positioning pin 61 for positioning, is more expensive than the first positioning structure, but can be used instead. Therefore, if it is more cost-effective than providing both the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 60, or designing the feed cassette 2 in a complex manner so that they are detachable, it may be possible to use only one of them. In this case, the feed cassette 2 may be provided with the third installation section but not the fourth installation section.

[0053] In addition, in this embodiment, a multifunction peripheral equipped with a so-called color laser image forming unit has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus, but the image forming unit may be of any type, such as an inkjet type or a monochrome laser type. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a multifunction peripheral, but may be any type, such as a printer, a fax machine, or a copier. Furthermore, the sheet feeding device is not limited to one installed below the image forming apparatus, but may be a deck-type sheet feeding device externally attached to the image forming apparatus. In this case, the apparatus main body is the sheet feeding device main body, and the sheet storage unit is not limited to a cassette but may be what is called a deck. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1...sheet feeding unit (sheet feeding device) / 2...feed cassette (sheet storage section) / 2A...first installation section / 2B...second installation section / 2C...third installation section / 2D...fourth installation section / 5...sheet feeding section / 31...retraction pin (first retracted portion, fixed member) / 32...first retraction mechanism (first retraction portion) / 33...toggle arm (arm member) / 34...toggle spring (first biasing portion) / 35...case member / 41...butting portion (first positioned portion) / 41a...regulating plate / 42...block portion (first positioning portion) / 42a...tip portion (contact portion) / 42b...positioning hole ( Engagement hole) / 43... Positioning pin (first positioning pin) / 51... Second retraction mechanism (second retraction portion) / 52... Roller guide portion (second retracted portion, retraction guide) / 53... Rail portion (support member) / 61... Positioning pin (second positioned portion, second positioning pin) / 62... Hook mechanism (second positioning portion) / 62F... Hook / 62G... Guide groove / 201... Image forming device / 201A... Image forming device main body (device main body) / 201B... Image forming unit / 511... Arm (roller arm) / 513... Roller / 515... Tension spring (second urging portion) / P... Sheet

Claims

1. A device body provided with either a first retraction section or a second retraction section; a sheet storage section that stores sheets and is detachably attached to the device body, The sheet storage section includes: a first installation section in which a first retracted section that is retracted by the first retracting section provided on the device body when the sheet storage section is attached to the device body can be installed; a second installation portion on which a second retracted portion can be installed, the second retracted portion being retracted by the second retracting portion provided on the device body when the sheet storage portion is attached to the device body; The first retracted portion and the second retracted portion are selectively provided. A sheet feeding device characterized by:

2. The device body is provided with either a first positioning portion or a second positioning portion, a third installation section on which a first positioning section can be installed, the first positioning section engaging with the first positioned section provided on the device body when the sheet storage section is attached to the device body to position the sheet storage section relative to the device body; a fourth installation portion on which a second positioning portion can be installed, the second positioning portion engaging with the second positioned portion provided on the device body when the sheet storage portion is attached to the device body to position the sheet storage portion relative to the device body; The first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are selectively provided.

2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

3. When the first retracting section is provided on the device body and the first retracted section is installed on the first installation section, the first positioned section is provided on the device body and the first positioning section is installed on the third installation section, When the second retraction portion is provided on the device body and the second retracted portion is installed on the second installation portion, the second positioned portion is provided on the device body and the second positioning portion is installed on the fourth installation portion.

3. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

4. The first retraction portion is a case member provided on the device body; an arm member rotatably provided on the case member; a first biasing portion disposed between the arm member and the case member, the first retracted portion is a fixed member that is installed to be fixed to the seat storage portion and is engageable with the arm member, the fixing member engaged with the arm member is pulled in by the biasing force of the first biasing portion, whereby the sheet storage portion is pulled in by the first retracting portion; 4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device comprises: a first feeding unit;

5. The first positioned portion is a regulating plate fixed to the device body; a first positioning pin fixed to the device body so that a tip thereof faces a removal direction in the attachment / detachment direction of the sheet storage unit, The first positioning portion is a contact portion that contacts the regulating plate when the sheet storage unit is attached to the device body to determine a position in the attachment / detachment direction; an engagement hole that engages with the first positioning pin to position the sheet storage unit in a horizontal direction when the sheet storage unit is attached to the device body; 4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

6. The second retraction portion is a support member provided on the device body; a roller arm that is rotatably supported by the support member and that supports a roller; a second biasing portion that applies a biasing force to the roller arm, the second retracted portion is a retraction guide that is installed in the sheet storage portion and engages with the roller to guide the roller, The roller engaged with the retraction guide is pressed by the biasing force of the second biasing portion, so that the sheet storage unit is retracted in the mounting direction in the mounting and detaching direction of the sheet storage unit, and after the sheet storage unit reaches a mounting position where it is mounted in the device body, the sheet storage unit is pressed in the removal direction in the mounting and detaching direction.

6. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device comprises: a first feeding unit;

7. The second positioned portion is a second positioning pin fixed to the device body so that its longitudinal direction intersects with the attachment / detachment direction of the sheet storage unit; The second positioning portion is a guide groove formed in a groove shape that opens in the mounting direction in the mounting / removal direction and that guides the second positioning pin to determine a position in a horizontal direction; a hook that engages with the second positioning pin to position the sheet storage unit in the attachment / detachment direction when the sheet storage unit is attached to the device body, 4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

8. The third installation section and the fourth installation section are shared.

4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

9. a sheet feeding section for feeding the sheets stored in the sheet storage section; 9. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device comprises: a first feeding unit;

10. The device body is provided with a positioning portion, The sheet storage section includes: a positioning portion is provided that engages with the positioned portion provided on the device body when the sheet storage portion is attached to the device body, thereby determining the position of the sheet storage portion relative to the device body; 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

11. The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet fed from the sheet feeding device, An image forming apparatus characterized by:

12. A plurality of specifications are applied to different device bodies, including a device body having a first retraction section and not having a second retraction section, and a device body having the second retraction section and not having the first retraction section, a sheet storage unit that stores sheets and is detachably attached to the device body, a first installation section on which a first retracted section can be installed, the first retracted section being retracted by the first retracting section provided on the device body when the device is attached to the device body; a second installation portion on which a second retracted portion can be installed, the second retracted portion being retracted by the second retracting portion provided on the device body when the device is attached to the device body; The first retracted portion and the second retracted portion are selectively provided. A sheet storage section characterized by:

Images