Paper feeder, image forming apparatus, locking device

Abstract

To provide a paper feeder capable of reducing a space required for limiting drawing-out of a plurality of containers, and to provide an image forming apparatus and a locking device thereof.SOLUTION: There are provided a plurality of containers 21 each capable of storing a sheet member, a housing 22 to which the plurality of containers 21 are attached from front faces, and a locking device 23 for limiting drawing-out of the plurality of containers 21 attached to the housing 22. First openings 27 are provided on front faces 26 of the containers 21. The housing 22 comprises first engaged parts 36. The locking device 23 comprises engaging parts 39 engaging with the first engaged parts 36 located behind the first openings 27 by being pushed in the first openings 27, and a regulation part 40 for regulating disengaging with the engaging parts 39, and a contact part 41 brought into contact with the front faces 26 of the plurality of containers 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper feeding device, an image forming device, and a locking device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is an image forming device including a housing unit which is an example of a housing. A plurality of paper feeding cassettes which are examples of containers for storing printing paper which is an example of a sheet member are housed in the housing unit. Each paper feeding cassette is pulled out from the front of the housing unit.

[0003] The image forming device includes a locking device. The locking device includes a fixing portion, a stopper portion, and a locking portion. The fixing portion is provided on the side surface of the housing unit. The stopper portion is rotatably attached to the fixing portion. When the stopper portion is located on the side surface, the plurality of paper feeding cassettes are allowed to be pulled out. The stopper portion located on the front surface makes it difficult to take out the plurality of paper feeding cassettes. The locking portion locks the stopper portion located on the front surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The stopper portion of Patent Document 1 rotates from the side surface to the front surface. The operator operates and locks the locking portion from the side surface with the stopper portion positioned at the front surface. Therefore, a space for rotating the stopper portion and operating the locking portion is required around the locking device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A paper feeding device that solves the above problems comprises a plurality of containers capable of storing sheet members, a housing into which the plurality of containers are mounted from the front, and a locking device that restricts the pulling out of the plurality of containers mounted in the housing, wherein the front of each container is provided with an opening, the housing has an engaging portion, and the locking device comprises an engaging portion that is inserted into the opening and engages with the engaging portion located at the back of the opening, a restricting portion that prevents the engagement of the engaging portion from disengaging, and a contact portion that contacts the front of each of the plurality of containers.

[0007] A paper feeder that solves the above problems comprises a plurality of containers capable of storing sheet members, a housing into which the plurality of containers are mounted from the front, and a locking device that restricts the pulling out of the plurality of containers mounted in the housing, wherein a plurality of openings are provided on the side of the housing, each of the plurality of containers has an engaging portion, and the locking device comprises a plurality of engaging portions that are inserted into the openings and engage with the engaging portions located at the back of the openings, and a restricting portion that restricts the disengagement of the plurality of engaging portions.

[0008] An image forming apparatus that solves the above problems comprises a paper feeding device having the above configuration and an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet member. A locking device that solves the above problems is a locking device that restricts the drawing out of a plurality of containers mounted on the front of a housing, and comprises a pair of engaging parts that engage with a pair of engaging parts provided on the housing or the containers, and a restricting part that restricts the disengagement of the pair of engaging parts, and is detachably attached from the outside to the front of the containers or the side of the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view of a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus with an added attachment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking device. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the locking device inserted into the first opening. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking device in which the engaging portion engages with the first engaged portion. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking device for securing a container. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking device with a key attached. [Figure 9] This is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking device. [Figure 11] This is a schematic rear view showing the retracted state of the locking device. [Figure 12] This is a schematic rear view showing the locking device in its extended state. [Figure 13] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking device for securing a container. [Figure 14] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an image forming apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the paper feeder, image forming apparatus, and locking apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus is an inkjet printer that prints by spraying ink onto sheet materials such as paper, roll paper, thermal paper, envelopes, postcards, and plastic sheets.

[0011] In the drawings, the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z-axis, assuming the image forming apparatus 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. When the operator faces the front of the image forming apparatus 11, the Y-axis indicates the depth direction of the image forming apparatus 11, and the X-axis indicates the width direction of the image forming apparatus 11. In the following explanation, the X-axis direction is also referred to as the width direction X, the Y-axis direction as the depth direction Y, and the Z-axis direction as the vertical direction Z.

[0012] <Image forming apparatus> As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 11 may include a paper feeding apparatus 12, an image forming unit 13, a stacker 14, an operation panel 15, an image reading unit 16, and an automatic document feeder 17.

[0013] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet member 19. The image may include characters, lines, pictures, photographs, etc. The image forming unit 13 of the present embodiment forms an image by ejecting ink from one or more nozzles (not shown). The image forming unit 13 may eject ink toward the sheet member 19 being conveyed.

[0014] The stacker 14 receives the sheet member 19 on which the image is formed. The operation panel 15 is, for example, a touch panel for operating the image forming apparatus 11. The operation panel 15 may be provided facing the front of the image forming apparatus 11. The image reading unit 16 reads an image of a document. The automatic document feeder 17 feeds the document to the image reading unit 16.

[0015] <Paper feeding apparatus> The paper feeding apparatus 12 includes a plurality of containers 21, a housing 22, and a locking device 23. The plurality of containers 21 in the present embodiment have the same configuration. Therefore, duplicate descriptions of common configurations are omitted by attaching the same reference numerals.

[0016] The container 21 can store the sheet member 19. When the sheet member 19 is paper, the container 21 may store a bundle of the sheet members 19 before printing. The container 21 is, for example, a paper feed cassette.

[0017] The container 21 may have a storage portion 24 and a front plate 25. The storage portion 24 and the front plate 25 may be integrally formed. The storage portion 24 stores the sheet member 19. In the width direction X, the front plate 25 is larger than the storage portion 24. In a state where the container 21 is attached to the housing 22, the storage portion 24 is located inside the housing 22, while the front plate 25 is located outside the housing 22. That is, the front plate 25 covers a part of the housing 22 from the front.

[0018] A first opening 27, which is an example of an opening, is provided on the front surface 26 of the container 21. The first opening 27 penetrates the front plate 25 in the depth direction Y. The first opening 27 may be provided at a different position in the width direction X than the storage section 24. The front surface 26 is the surface of the front plate 25 that faces forward. The container 21 may be provided with a handle 28 on the front surface 26. If there is only one handle 28, providing the handle 28 at a position that overlaps with the storage section 24 in the width direction X makes it easier to pull out the container 21.

[0019] Multiple containers 21 are mounted on the housing 22 from the front. The housing 22 may include mounting sections 30 and rails 31. The housing 22 may have the same number of mounting sections 30 as the number of containers 21 that can be mounted. One or more rails 31 may be provided for each mounting section 30. In this embodiment, the rails 31 are provided parallel to the Y axis. The rails 31 guide the containers 21 that are pushed into the mounting section 30 from the front in the depth direction Y. The rails 31 guide the containers 21 that are pulled out of the mounting section 30 in the direction opposite to the depth direction Y.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the paper feeder 12 includes two first containers 21f and two second containers 21s, which are examples of containers. When the first containers 21f and second containers 21s are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as containers 21. The paper feeder 12 may include three or more containers 21. Multiple containers 21 may be arranged in a vertical direction Z. The paper feeder 12 may also include multiple locking devices 23, which are not shown in Figure 2. The spacing L between the first openings 27 of adjacent containers 21 may be the same. If the spacing L is the same, for example, the two upper containers 21 and the two lower containers 21 can be locked by the same, i.e., common locking device 23.

[0021] The housing 22 may comprise a main body 33 and one or more attachments 34. The attachments 34 may be detachable from the main body 33. The attachments 34 may be retrofittable to the main body 33. The attachments 34 are added to the main body 33.

[0022] Of the multiple containers 21, those attached to the main body 33 are also called the first container 21f, and those attached to the accessory 34 are also called the second container 21s. Of the multiple mounting parts 30, those to which the first container 21f is attached are also called the first mounting part 30f, and those to which the second container 21s is attached are also called the second mounting part 30s. That is, the main body 33 is equipped with the first mounting part 30f. The accessory 34 is equipped with the second mounting part 30s. The main body 33 may be equipped with one or more first mounting parts 30f. The accessory 34 may be equipped with one or more second mounting parts 30s.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the housing 22 has a first engaged portion 36, which is an example of an engaged portion. The housing 22 may also have a first insertion portion 37. The housing 22 may have a plurality of first engaged portions 36 and a plurality of first insertion portions 37. The first insertion portion 37 is, for example, a hole provided in the housing 22. The first engaged portion 36 and the first insertion portion 37 are located behind the first opening 27 in the insertion direction Di when the container 21 is mounted on the mounting portion 30. The first opening 27 and the first insertion portion 37 are aligned in the insertion direction Di. In this embodiment, the first engaged portion 36 is located below the first insertion portion 37. In this embodiment, the insertion direction Di is parallel to the Y axis. The insertion direction Di is perpendicular to the front surface 26 where the first opening 27 is provided. In this embodiment, the direction opposite to the insertion direction Di is also called the extraction direction De.

[0024] <Locking device> As shown in Figure 3, the locking device 23 comprises an engaging portion 39, a restricting portion 40, and a contact portion 41. The locking device 23 may also include a holding portion 42.

[0025] The locking device 23 of this embodiment includes two engaging parts 39. The pair of engaging parts 39 may have the same shape. Each pair of engaging parts 39 is fixed to a holding part 42. The holding part 42 holds the pair of engaging parts 39 at a constant distance from each other. The contact part 41 is the part of the holding part 42 that can contact the container 21.

[0026] The engaging portion 39 is, for example, a flat metal plate. The engaging portion 39 may be partially curved. The engaging portion 39 may have a base portion 44, an arm portion 45, and a projection portion 46. The base portion 44 of the engaging portion 39 may be fixed to the holding portion 42 by a screw 47 as a fastening member. The base portion 44 may be provided with a third hole 48. The arm portion 45 extends from the base portion 44 in the insertion direction Di. The projection portion 46 protrudes downward from the tip of the arm portion 45. In the vertical direction Z, the size of the projection portion 46 is larger than the size of the arm portion 45.

[0027] The restricting portion 40 may be slidable between the restricting position Pr shown in Figure 7 and the release position Pd shown in Figure 3, which is different from the restricting position Pr. The restricting portion 40 is provided with a first hole 50.

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the locking device 23 may include a guide portion 52 and a stopper portion 53. The retaining portion 53 prevents the restricting portion 40 from moving in the removal direction De. The retaining portion 53 reduces the risk of the restricting portion 40 coming off by stopping the restricting portion 40 in the release position Pd.

[0029] The guide portion 52 guides the movement of the restricting portion 40. The guide portion 52 may be provided with a second hole 54. The second hole 54 penetrates the guide portion 52 in the width direction X. The second hole 54 is located in the same position as the third hole 48 in the vertical direction Z and the depth direction Y. That is, when viewed in the width direction X, the second hole 54 overlaps with the third hole 48.

[0030] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. As shown in Figure 1, the locking device 23 is attached to the front of the container 21 so as to be removable from the outside.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, when installing the locking device 23, the operator moves the locking device 23 in the insertion direction Di while aligning the height of the engaging portion 39 with that of the first opening 27. The engaging portion 39 is then inserted into the first opening 27.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the protruding portion 46 moves beyond the first engaged portion 36 by passing through the first opening 27 and the first insertion portion 37. The locking device 23 is stopped from moving in the insertion direction Di when the contact portion 41 comes into contact with the front surfaces 26 of the multiple containers 21.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, when the operator moves the locking device 23 downward, the engaging portion 39 contacts the first engaged portion 36. That is, the engaging portion 39 is inserted into the first opening 27 and engages with the first engaged portion 36 located at the back of the first opening 27. The protruding portion 46 can engage with the first engaged portion 36. The engaging portion 39 restricts the movement of the locking device 23 in the removal direction De by the protruding portion 46 contacting the first engaged portion 36. The contact portion 41 restricts the movement of the locking device 23 in the insertion direction Di by contacting the container 21. Therefore, the locking device 23 locks the container 21 by sandwiching the housing 22 and the container 21 in the depth direction Y using the engaging portion 39 and the contact portion 41. The two engaging portions 39 lock two adjacent containers 21. The locking device 23 restricts the pulling out of multiple containers 21 mounted in the housing 22.

[0034] As shown in Figure 7, when the operator pushes the restricting part 40 in the insertion direction Di, the restricting part 40 moves to the restricting position Pr. The restricting part 40 moves to the restricting position Pr with each of the pair of engaging parts 39 engaged with the first engaged part 36. The restricting part 40, located at the restricting position Pr, restricts the disengagement of the engaging parts 39. Specifically, the restricting part 40 restricts the upward movement of the locking device 23 by contacting the upper end of the upper of the two first openings 27. The lower of the two engaging parts 39 restricts the downward movement of the locking device 23 by contacting the lower end of the lower first opening 27.

[0035] As shown in Figure 8, the first hole 50 and the second hole 54 overlap when the restricting portion 40 is in the restricting position Pr. In this embodiment, when viewed in the width direction X, the first hole 50 of the restricting portion 40 at the restricting position Pr overlaps with the second hole 54 and the third hole 48. A lock 56, such as a padlock or wire lock, can be attached to the overlapping first hole 50, second hole 54, and third hole 48. The lock 56 restricts the movement of the restricting portion 40.

[0036] The locking device 23 is removed in the reverse order of installation. With the locking device 23 removed, the container 21 is pulled forward from the housing 22 by pulling the handle 28 from the front. Pulling out the container 21 allows for the replenishment and replacement of the sheet material 19.

[0037] <Effects of the First Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The locking device 23 is restricted from moving by the engagement of the engaging portion 39 with the first engaged portion 36. The contact portion 41 contacts the front surface 26 of the multiple containers 21. That is, the locking device 23 can restrict the pulling out of the multiple containers 21 by holding them down with the contact portion 41. The engaging portion 39 is inserted into the first opening 27 formed in the front surface 26 of the container 21 and engages with the first engaged portion 36 located at the back of the first opening 27. Therefore, the locking device 23 can be installed from the front. Consequently, the space required to restrict the pulling out of the multiple containers 21 can be reduced.

[0038] (2) The guide section 52 guides the restricting section 40 so that it can slide. As a result, the restricting section 40 can easily move between the restricting position Pr and the release position Pd. Therefore, the locking device 23 can be easily attached and detached.

[0039] (3) For example, if the protrusion 46 protrudes upward, the locking device 23 may disengage due to its own weight. However, since the protrusion 46 protrudes downward, it is less likely to disengage.

[0040] (4) Since the engaging portion 39 is a metallic flat plate, its strength can be easily ensured. (5) The first opening 27 and the housing section 24 are provided with a staggered position in the width direction X. Space is required at the back of the first opening 27 for inserting the engaging section 39. Therefore, the size in the depth direction Y can be reduced compared to the case where the housing section 24 and the first opening 27 are provided in the same position in the width direction X.

[0041] (6) The first hole 50 and the second hole 54 overlap when the regulating portion 40 is in the regulating position Pr. A key 56, such as a padlock or wire lock, can be attached to the overlapping first hole 50 and the second hole 54. Therefore, the engaging portion 39 that engages with the first engaged portion 36 can be easily locked.

[0042] (7) The attachment 34 is detachable from the main body 33. By attaching the attachment 34 to the main body 33, the number of containers 21 can be increased. The locking device 23 can restrict the drawing out of multiple containers 21 even when it is possible to increase the number of containers 21.

[0043] (8) Three or more first openings 27 have the same spacing L between adjacent first openings 27. The locking device 23 is equipped with two engaging parts 39. Therefore, the locking device 23 can lock any adjacent containers 21.

[0044] (9) The locking device 23 is attached to the front of the container 21 so that a pair of engaging parts 39 engage with a pair of first engaged parts 36, respectively, to restrict the drawing out of the multiple containers 21. Therefore, the space required to restrict the drawing out of the multiple containers 21 can be reduced.

[0045] (10) A pair of engaging parts 39 are fixed to the holding part 42. The pair of engaging parts 39 have the same shape. That is, the pair of engaging parts 39 can be made of common parts, which can reduce costs.

[0046] (11) The locking device 23 is mounted on the front of the paper feeder 12. This makes it easy for the user to recognize that the container 21 is locked. This reduces the risk of excessive force being applied to the container 21 by a user who is unaware that it is locked.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the paper feeder, image forming apparatus, and locking device will be described with reference to the figures. Note that components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, thus omitting redundant explanations.

[0048] <Paper feeder> As shown in Figure 9, the paper feeder 12 may have three containers 21. In this embodiment, one locking device 23 restricts the drawing out of the three containers 21.

[0049] <Locking device> As shown in Figure 10, the pair of engaging portions 39 may have different shapes. For example, of the pair of engaging portions 39, the upper engaging portion 39, which is located at the same position as the restricting portion 40 in the vertical direction Z, has a third hole 48, while the lower engaging portion 39 does not need to have a third hole 48. By not providing the third hole 48, the size of the engaging portion 39 can be reduced, and thus the locking device 23 can be made lighter.

[0050] The retaining portion 42 of this embodiment has a first retaining body 42f to which one of the engaging portions 39 is fixed, and a second retaining body 42s to which the other engaging portion 39 is fixed. The guide portion 52 shown in Figure 4 may be provided on the first retaining body 42f. That is, the restricting portion 40 may be held by the first retaining body 42f.

[0051] In this embodiment, the state shown in Figure 11, where the first retainer 42f and the second retainer 42s are continuous, is also referred to as the contracted state. In this embodiment, the state shown in Figure 12, where the first retainer 42f and the second retainer 42s are separated, is also referred to as the extended state.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, the locking device 23 may include a modification mechanism 57. The modification mechanism 57 changes the spacing between the engaging portions 39. The modification mechanism 57 may include one or more covers 58 and frame portions 59. The cover 58 may have contact portions 41 similar to the retaining portion 42.

[0053] The cover 58 and the frame 59 may be housed within the retaining portion 42 when the retaining portion 42 is contracted. Multiple covers 58 may be of similar shape but different in size and housed in a nested manner. The frame 59 may be housed in a bent state. The frame 59 may be fixed to the retaining portion 42 together with the engaging portion 39 by screws 47.

[0054] <Operation of the second embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. As shown in Figure 10, when locking two adjacent containers 21 with the locking device 23, the operator attaches the retracted locking device 23 to the containers 21 and the housing 22. The method of attaching and detaching the locking device 23 in this case is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0055] As shown in Figure 12, when locking three containers 21 connected vertically in the Z direction with the locking device 23, the operator extends the locking device 23. Specifically, the operator releases the retracted frame 59 and separates the first retainer 42f and the second retainer 42s so that the distance between the pair of engaging parts 39 is twice the distance L of the first opening 27. The frame 59 is extended. One end of the frame 59 is fixed to the first retainer 42f by a screw 47. The other end of the frame 59 is fixed to the second retainer 42s by a screw 47. The frame 59 maintains the first retainer 42f and the second retainer 42s in an extended state. The cover 58 covers the frame 59 and may also connect the first retainer 42f and the second retainer 42s.

[0056] As shown in Figure 13, the pair of engaging parts 39 are inserted into the first openings 27 of the two end containers 21 of the three containers 21 arranged vertically in the Z direction. Specifically, the upper engaging part 39 is inserted into the upper first opening 27. The lower engaging part 39 is inserted into the lower first opening 27. The central first opening 27 is covered by the locking device 23. In the extended state of the locking device 23, the operation of the restricting part 40 and the method of attaching the key 56 are the same as in the first embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0057] The upper container 21 is restricted from being pulled out by contact with the contact portion 41 of the first holder 42f. The middle container 21 is restricted from being pulled out by contact with the contact portion 41 of the cover 58. The lower container 21 is restricted from being pulled out by contact with the contact portion 41 of the second holder 42s.

[0058] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (12) The modification mechanism 57 changes the spacing between the engaging portions 39. Therefore, for example, by adjusting the spacing between the engaging portions 39 to the spacing L between the first openings 27, the combination of containers 21 to be locked can be changed.

[0059] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the paper feed device, image forming apparatus, and locking device will be described with reference to the figures. Note that components identical to those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, thus omitting redundant explanations.

[0060] As shown in Figure 14, a plurality of second openings 62 are provided on the side surface 61 of the housing 22. The side surface 61 is a different surface from the front. The second openings 62 are examples of openings. The number of second openings 62 may be the same as the number of containers 21. In this embodiment, the insertion direction Di and the removal direction De are parallel to the X-axis. The insertion direction Di is perpendicular to the side surface 61 on which the second openings 62 are provided.

[0061] Each of the multiple containers 21 has a second engaged portion 64, which is an example of an engaged portion. Each of the multiple containers 21 may also have a second insertion portion 65. One container 21 is provided with one second engaged portion 64 and one second insertion portion 65. In this embodiment, the second engaged portions 64 provided on each of the two containers 21 are also referred to as a pair of second engaged portions 64. When the container 21 is mounted on the housing 22, the second engaged portion 64 is aligned with the corresponding second opening 62 in the insertion direction Di. That is, the second engaged portion 64 is located behind the second opening 62 in the insertion direction Di.

[0062] The second insertion portion 65 is, for example, a hole formed in the side wall 66 of the container 21. The second insertion portion 65 penetrates the side wall 66 in the insertion direction Di. In the insertion direction Di, the second insertion portion 65 is located between the side surface 61 of the housing 22 and the second engaged portion 64.

[0063] <Operation of the third embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. The locking device 23 is detachably attached to the side surface 61 of the housing 22 from the outside. Specifically, when the locking device 23 is attached, the operator inserts the engaging portion 39 into the second opening 62. The protruding portion 46 moves past the second opening 62 and the second insertion portion 65 to the back of the second engaged portion 64. The locking device 23 is stopped from moving in the insertion direction Di when the contact portion 41 contacts the side surface 61 of the housing 22.

[0064] When the operator moves the locking device 23 downward, the engaging portion 39 comes into contact with the second engaged portion 64. That is, each of the multiple engaging portions 39 engages with the second engaged portion 64 by being inserted into the second opening 62. In this embodiment, each pair of engaging portions 39 engages with the pair of second engaged portions 64.

[0065] The engaging portion 39 restricts the movement of the locking device 23 in the removal direction De by the protruding portion 46 contacting the second engaged portion 64. The contact portion 41 restricts the movement of the locking device 23 in the insertion direction Di by contacting the housing 22. The engaging portion 39 restricts the movement of the locking device 23 in the depth direction Y and the direction opposite to the depth direction Y by the arm portion 45 contacting the edge of the second opening 62. The engaging portion 39 restricts the pulling out of the container 21 by the arm portion 45 contacting the second insertion portion 65. Therefore, the two engaging portions 39 lock two adjacent containers 21. The locking device 23 restricts the pulling out of multiple containers 21 mounted on the housing 22 from the front. The restricting portion 40 restricts the disengagement of the multiple engaging portions 39 by moving to the restricting position Pr. The operation of the restricting portion 40 and the method of attaching the key 56 are the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted.

[0066] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (13) Each of the multiple containers 21 has a second engaging portion 64. The multiple engaging portions 39 are inserted into each of the multiple second openings 62 formed in the side surface 61 of the housing 22 and engage with each of the second engaging portions 64 located at the back of each second opening 62. By engaging with the second engaging portions 64, the engaging portions 39 restrict the drawing out of the corresponding container 21. The locking device 23 can be attached to the side surface 61 of the housing 22. Therefore, the space required to restrict the drawing out of the multiple containers 21 can be reduced.

[0067] (14) The locking device 23 is attached to the side surface 61 of the housing 22, so that a pair of engaging parts 39 engage with a pair of second engaged parts 64, respectively, to restrict the pulling out of the multiple containers 21. Therefore, the space required to restrict the pulling out of the multiple containers 21 can be reduced.

[0068] (15) The locking device 23 is mounted on the side 61. Therefore, the size of the image forming apparatus 11 in the depth direction Y can be reduced compared to when the locking device 23 is mounted on the front. By mounting the locking device 23 on the side 61, the impact of the locking device 23 on the front design of the paper feed device 12 can be reduced.

[0069] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0070] The image forming apparatus 11 may include a first opening 27, a first engaged portion 36, a second opening 62, and a second engaged portion 64. The operator may attach a locking device 23 at any location.

[0071] The image forming apparatus 11 may be equipped with a seal, cover, or the like to cover the first opening 27 or the second opening 62. The operator may, for example, attach the locking device 23 after removing the seal.

[0072] The first engaged portion 36 and the second engaged portion 64 may be provided on the rail 31. The first engaged portion 36 and the second engaged portion 64 may be integrally formed with the rail 31. The engaging portion 39 that engages with the second engaged portion 64 may be located in the path of movement of the container 21 when the container 21 is pulled out, thereby restricting the pulling out of the container 21.

[0073] The locking device 23 may be configured to include one engaging portion 39. The restricting portion 40 may be slidable between a restricting position Pr and a release position Pd when the engaging portion 39 is engaged with the first engaged portion 36. For example, when the locking device 23 locks three containers 21, the engaging portion 39 may be inserted into the first opening 27 of the central container 21. The contact portion 41 may contact the three containers 21, including the upper and lower ones. The contact portion 41 may contact a container 21 that the engaging portion 39 is not engaged with to restrict its removal. The engaging portion 39 may be located in the central part of the contact portion 41. By locating the engaging portion 39 in the center of the contact portion 41, the force applied to the engaging portion 39 can be reduced compared to when the engaging portion 39 is located at the end of the contact portion 41.

[0074] One or more engaging portions 39 may be inserted into one or more first openings 27 formed in one container 21. In the first and second embodiments, the locking device 23 may be mounted in an inverted position. That is, the protruding portion 46 may protrude upward from the arm portion 45. The first engaged portion 36 may be located above the first insertion portion 37. The second engaged portion 64 may be located above the second insertion portion 65. After inserting the engaging portion 39 into the first opening 27 or the second opening 62, the operator may engage the engaging portion 39 with the first engaged portion 36 or the second engaged portion 64 by moving the locking device 23 upward.

[0075] The surface of the protruding portion 46 that contacts the first engaged portion 36 or the second engaged portion 64 may be non-parallel to the first engaged portion 36 and the second engaged portion 64. For example, in the insertion direction Di, the distance from the base end of the protruding portion 46 to the contact portion 41 may be shorter than the distance from the tip of the protruding portion 46 to the contact portion 41. The engaging portion 39 inserted into the first opening 27 or the second opening 62 may move in the direction in which the protruding portion 46 protrudes from the arm portion 45, thereby tightening the container 21 and the housing 22 with the protruding portion 46 and the contact portion 41. This makes it easier to maintain the locking device 23 in a position where the engaging portion 39 engages with the first engaged portion 36 or the second engaged portion 64, even when, for example, the protruding portion 46 protrudes upward from the arm portion 45.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the protruding portion 46 may protrude from the arm portion 45 in the width direction X or in the direction opposite to the width direction X. The engaging portion 39 inserted into the first opening 27 may engage with the first engaged portion 36 when the locking device 23 is moved in the width direction X or in the direction opposite to the width direction X. The restricting portion 40 may restrict the disengagement of the engaging portion 39 by entering the gap in the width direction X between the engaging portion 39 and the first opening 27.

[0077] The first opening 27, the second opening 62, the first insertion portion 37, and the second insertion portion 65 may be notches. When the regulating portion 40 is in the regulating position Pr, the first hole 50 may overlap with the third hole 48. The guide portion 52 does not have to cover the third hole 48. In this case, the guide portion 52 does not have to have the second hole 54.

[0078] The three or more first openings 27 may have different spacing L. The three or more second openings 62 may have the same spacing L or different spacing L. The storage section 24 may be provided in a position that overlaps with the first opening 27 in the width direction X.

[0079] The engaging portion 39 may be made of resin. The engaging portion 39 may be rod-shaped. The engaging portion 39 may also be corrugated. The engaging portion 39 may be fixed to the holding portion 42 by, for example, a crimping fixing structure or a fixing structure using adhesive.

[0080] The protrusion 46 may be provided at any position on the arm portion 45 in the insertion direction Di. For example, the protrusion 46 may be provided in the center of the arm portion 45. The locking device 23 may be configured without a guide portion 52. For example, the restricting portion 40 may move between a restricting position Pr and an unlocking position Pd by rotating around an axis. The restricting portion 40 may rotate around an axis perpendicular to the insertion direction Di. The restricting portion 40 may be a screw that moves in the insertion direction Di by rotating around an axis parallel to the insertion direction Di.

[0081] The restricting unit 40 may move to a restricting position Pr and a release position Pd by sliding in the vertical direction Z. The guide unit 52 may guide the restricting unit 40 in the vertical direction Z. The container 21 may contain consumables. For example, the container 21 may contain ink cartridges, ink storage bags, etc. (not shown). The locking device 23 may lock together containers 21 containing different types of consumables. For example, the locking device 23 may lock together the container 21 containing ink cartridges and the container 21 containing sheet members 19.

[0082] The paper feeder 12 may be provided in a scanner having a reading unit that reads an image formed on a sheet member 19. The apparatus comprising the image forming unit 13 and the paper feeding device 12 may be configured as separate units.

[0083] The image forming apparatus 11 is a device that prints images such as characters, pictures, and photographs by attaching liquids such as ink or fluids such as toner to a sheet member 19, and may be a serial printer, lateral printer, line printer, page printer, etc. The image forming apparatus 11 may also be an offset printing apparatus, a textile printing apparatus, etc.

[0084] [Definition] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if there are two options. As another example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "a combination of two or more any options" if there are three or more options.

[0085] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0086] (A) The paper feeder comprises a plurality of containers capable of storing sheet members, a housing into which the plurality of containers are mounted from the front, and a locking device that restricts the pulling out of the plurality of containers mounted in the housing, wherein the front of the containers is provided, the housing has an engaging portion, and the locking device comprises an engaging portion that is inserted into the opening and engages with the engaging portion located at the back of the opening, a restricting portion that prevents the engagement of the engaging portion from disengaging, and a contact portion that contacts the front of the plurality of containers.

[0087] In this configuration, the locking device's movement is restricted by the engagement of its engaging portion with the engaged portion. The contact portion contacts the front surfaces of multiple containers. That is, the locking device can restrict the removal of multiple containers by holding them down with its contact portion. The engaging portion is inserted into an opening formed on the front surface of the container and engages with the engaged portion located at the back of the opening. Therefore, the locking device can be mounted from the front. Consequently, the space required to restrict the removal of multiple containers can be reduced.

[0088] (B) The paper feeder comprises a plurality of containers capable of storing sheet members, a housing into which the plurality of containers are mounted from the front, and a locking device that restricts the pulling out of the plurality of containers mounted in the housing, wherein a plurality of openings are provided on the side of the housing, each of the plurality of containers has an engaging portion, and the locking device comprises a plurality of engaging portions that are inserted into the openings and engage with the engaging portions located at the back of the openings, and a restricting portion that restricts the disengagement of the plurality of engaging portions.

[0089] In this configuration, each of the multiple containers has an engaging portion. The multiple engaging portions are inserted into multiple openings formed on the side of the housing and engage with the engaging portion located at the back of each opening. By engaging with the engaging portion, the engaging portion restricts the removal of the corresponding container. The locking device can be mounted on the side of the housing. Therefore, the space required to restrict the removal of the multiple containers can be reduced.

[0090] (C) In a paper feed device, the locking device may include a guide for guiding the movement of the restricting portion, and the restricting portion may be slidable between a restricting position that restricts the engagement of the engaging portion from disengaging when the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion, and a release position different from the restricting position.

[0091] In this configuration, the guide section guides the restricting section so that it can slide. Therefore, the restricting section can easily move between the restricted position and the released position. Consequently, the locking device can be easily attached and detached.

[0092] (D) In ​​a paper feed device, the engaging portion has an arm portion extending in the insertion direction and a projection portion projecting downward from the tip of the arm portion, and the projection portion may be able to engage with the engaged portion.

[0093] For example, if the protruding part extends upward, the locking device may disengage due to its own weight. However, with this configuration, the protruding part extends downward, making it less likely for the engagement to disengage.

[0094] (E) In the paper feed device, the engaging portion may be a flat metal plate. With this configuration, since the engaging portion is a metallic flat plate, strength can be easily ensured.

[0095] (F) In a paper feeding device, the container is provided with a storage section for accommodating the sheet member, and the storage section may be provided at a position different from the opening in the width direction. In this configuration, the opening and the storage section are positioned offset from each other in the width direction. Space is required at the back of the opening for inserting the engaging section. Therefore, the size in the depth direction can be reduced compared to the case where the storage section and the opening are located in the same position in the width direction.

[0096] (G) In the paper feed device, the restricting portion is provided with a first hole, and the guide portion is provided with a second hole, and the first hole and the second hole may overlap when the restricting portion is in the restricting position.

[0097] In this configuration, the first hole and the second hole overlap when the regulating part is in the regulating position. A lock, such as a padlock or wire lock, can be attached to the overlapping first and second holes. Therefore, the engaging part that engages with the engaged part can be easily locked.

[0098] (H) In a paper feeder, the housing comprises a main body having a first mounting portion on which a first container from among the plurality of containers is mounted, and an accessory having a second mounting portion on which a second container from among the plurality of containers is mounted, wherein the accessory may be detachable from the main body.

[0099] In this configuration, the attachments are detachable from the main body. By attaching the attachments to the main body, additional containers can be added. The locking device can restrict the drawing of multiple containers even when additional containers can be added.

[0100] (I) The paper feeder comprises three or more containers, the spacing between the openings of adjacent containers is the same, and the locking device comprises two engaging parts, the two engaging parts may lock two adjacent containers.

[0101] In this configuration, the three or more openings are spaced equally apart from each other. The locking device has two engaging parts. Therefore, the locking device can lock any adjacent containers.

[0102] (J) In a paper feed device, the locking device may include a mechanism for changing the distance between the engaging parts. In this configuration, the modification mechanism changes the spacing between the engaging parts. Therefore, for example, by adjusting the spacing between the engaging parts to match the spacing between the openings, the combination of containers to be locked can be changed.

[0103] (K) The image forming apparatus comprises a paper feeding device having the above configuration and an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet member. This configuration can achieve the same effect as the paper feed device described above.

[0104] (L) The locking device is a locking device that restricts the drawing out of a plurality of containers mounted on the front of the housing, and comprises a pair of engaging parts that engage with a pair of engaging parts provided on the housing or the containers, and a restricting part that restricts the disengagement of the pair of engaging parts, and is detachably attached from the outside to the front of the containers or the side of the housing.

[0105] In this configuration, the locking device is attached to the front of the container or the side of the housing, so that a pair of engaging parts engage with a pair of engaged parts, respectively, to restrict the removal of multiple containers. Therefore, the space required to restrict the removal of multiple containers can be reduced.

[0106] (M) The locking device includes a guide for guiding the movement of the restricting portion, and the restricting portion may be slidable between a restricting position that restricts the disengagement of the engaging portions when the pair of engaging portions are engaged with the engaged portion, and a release position different from the restricting position. This configuration can achieve the same effects as the paper feed device described above.

[0107] (N) In the locking device, the restricting portion is provided with a first hole, and the guiding portion is provided with a second hole, and the first hole and the second hole may overlap when the restricting portion is in the restricting position. With this configuration, the same effect as the paper feeding device described above can be achieved.

[0108] (O) The locking device comprises a retaining portion to which each of the pair of engagement portions is fixed, and the pair of engagement portions may have the same shape. In this configuration, a pair of engaging parts are fixed to the retaining part. The pair of engaging parts have the same shape. That is, the pair of engaging parts can be made from common parts, which can reduce costs. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 11…Image forming apparatus, 12…Paper feeder, 13…Image forming unit, 14…Stacker, 15…Operation panel, 16…Image reading unit, 17…Automatic feeding unit, 19…Sheet member, 21…Container, 21f…First container, an example of a container, 21s…Second container, an example of a container, 22…Housing, 23…Locking device, 24…Storage unit, 25…Front plate, 26…Front, 27…First opening, an example of an opening, 28…Handle, 30…Mounting unit, 30f…First mounting unit, 30s…Second mounting unit, 31…Rail, 33…Main body, 34…Accessory, 36…First engaging unit, an example of a engaged unit, 37…First insertion unit, 39… Engaging part, 40…Restricting part, 41…Contact part, 42…Holding part, 42f…First holder, 42s…Second holder, 44…Base, 45…Arm part, 46…Protruding part, 47…Screw, 48…Third hole, 50…First hole, 52…Guide part, 53…Stopping part, 54…Second hole, 56…Key, 57…Changing mechanism, 58…Cover, 59…Frame part, 61…Side view, 62…Second opening, which is an example of an opening, 64…Second engaged part, which is an example of an engaged part, 65…Second insertion part, 66…Side wall, De…Removal direction, Di…Insertion direction, L…Spacing, Pd…Release position, Pr…Restricting position, X…Width direction, Y…Depth direction, Z…Vertical direction.

Claims

1. Multiple containers capable of storing sheet components, A housing into which multiple containers are mounted from the front, A locking device that restricts the removal of the multiple containers mounted on the housing, Equipped with, An opening is provided on the front of the container. The housing has a engaged portion, The locking device, An engaging portion that is inserted into the opening and engages with the engaged portion located at the back of the opening, A restricting part that prevents the engagement of the aforementioned engaging part from disengaging, A contact portion that spans across a plurality of containers, including two adjacent containers, and contacts the front surfaces of the plurality of containers, A paper feeder characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. Multiple containers capable of storing sheet components, A housing into which multiple containers are mounted from the front, A locking device that restricts the removal of the multiple containers mounted on the housing, Equipped with, Multiple openings are provided on the side of the aforementioned housing. Each of the aforementioned containers has an engagement portion, The locking device, A plurality of engaging portions that are inserted into the opening and engage with the engaged portion located at the back of the opening, A restricting unit that restricts the disengagement of the multiple engagement parts, A paper feeder characterized by being equipped with the following features.

3. The locking device includes a guide that guides the movement of the restricting part, The paper feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the restricting portion is slidable between a restricting position that restricts the engagement of the engaging portion from disengaging when the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion, and a release position different from the restricting position.

4. The aforementioned engaging portion is An arm portion extending in the insertion direction, A protruding portion that extends downward from the tip of the arm portion, It has, The paper feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protruding portion is engageable with the engaged portion.

5. The paper feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the engaging portion is a flat metal plate.

6. The container comprises a storage section for accommodating the sheet member, The paper feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage section is provided at a position different from the opening in the width direction.

7. The regulating portion is provided with a first hole, The guide portion is provided with a second hole. The paper feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first hole and the second hole overlap when the restricting portion is located in the restricting position.

8. The aforementioned enclosure is A main body having a first mounting section to which a first container among a plurality of containers is attached, An accessory having a second mounting section to which a second container is attached among a plurality of containers, Equipped with, The paper feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the accessory is detachable from the main body.

9. The container comprises three or more of the aforementioned containers, The spacing between the openings of adjacent containers is the same. The locking device comprises two of the engaging parts, The paper feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two engaging portions lock the two adjacent containers.

10. The paper feeding device according to claim 9, characterized in that the locking device includes a changing mechanism for changing the distance between the engaging portions.

11. A paper feeder according to claim 1 or claim 2, The sheet member comprises an image forming unit that forms an image, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:

12. A locking device that restricts the drawing out of multiple containers mounted on the front of the housing, A pair of engaging portions that engage with a pair of engaging portions provided on the housing or container, A restricting part that prevents the engagement of the pair of engagement parts from disengaging, A guide unit that guides the movement of the aforementioned regulating unit, Equipped with, The restricting portion is slidable between a restricting position that restricts the disengagement of the engaging portions when the pair of engaging portions are engaged with the engaged portion, and a release position different from the restricting position. A locking device characterized by being detachably attached from the outside to the front of the container or the side of the housing.

13. The regulating portion is provided with a first hole, The guide portion is provided with a second hole. The locking device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first hole and the second hole overlap when the restricting portion is located in the restricting position.

14. Each of the pair of engagement portions is provided with a retaining portion to which it is fixed. The locking device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the pair of engagement portions have the same shape.

Images