Sheet transport device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a sheet conveying device that can improve maintainability and appearance, and an image forming apparatus including the same.SOLUTION: A sheet conveying device comprises: a device body having a conveying unit that conveys a sheet; and a door part that is rotatably supported to be opened and closed with respect to the device body centered on a rotation axis arranged in a lower part of the device body. The device body has a grip member that includes a first grip part for lifting the device body, and that is arranged inside a width of the door part in an axial direction of the rotation axis. The grip member has a first engagement part and a second engagement part arranged on the rotation axis. The door part has a first part to be engaged which is engaged with the first engagement part and a second part to be engaged which is engaged with the second engagement part, and is rotatably supported with respect to the grip member centered on the first engagement part and the second engagement part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet conveying device that conveys sheets and an image forming apparatus including the same. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, a copying machine has been proposed that includes a housing and a duplex cover supported by the housing so as to be openable and closable about a cover rotation shaft (see Patent Document 1). This copying machine is provided with a right front handle portion and a right rear handle portion that are used as handles when carrying the copying machine. The right front handle portion and the right rear handle portion are disposed below the duplex cover and fixed to the housing. PRIOR ART DOCUMENT PATENT DOCUMENT

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-170058 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] However, in the duplex cover described in Patent Document 1, the cover rotation shaft is disposed above the right front handle portion and the right rear handle portion because the right front handle portion and the right rear handle portion are disposed below the duplex cover. As a result, the opening of the duplex cover becomes narrow, which causes a problem in maintainability.

[0005] Further, the right front handle portion and the right rear handle portion described in Patent Document 1 are separately provided and spaced apart from each other. Therefore, on the right side surface of the copying machine, the number of boundary lines between components increases, resulting in deteriorated appearance.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet conveying device capable of improving maintainability and appearance, and an image forming apparatus including the same. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0007] The present invention relates to a sheet conveying device, specifically a conveying section for conveying sheets. The gripping member including the first gripping portion, and the locked member, A device body having, It has a second gripping part, A door portion is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the main body of the device, with respect to a pivot axis located at the lower part of the main body of the device, so as to be able to open and close. A cover member supported on the door portion is movable between a first position covering the second grip portion and a second position allowing access to the second grip portion; a locking member is movable between a locked position engaging with the locked member to lock the door portion relative to the device body and an unlocked position separated from the locked member to allow opening and closing of the door portion relative to the device body; The above 1st grip part This is for lifting the main body of the device. This is the gripping part, front The gripping member has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion arranged on the rotation axis, In the axial direction of the rotation axis, it is positioned inside the width of the door section, The door portion has a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion, and is rotatably supported with respect to the gripping member, with respect to the first and second engaging portions. The locking member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position in conjunction with the cover member, which moves from the first position to the second position. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, maintainability and appearance can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus with the transport cover closed, and (b) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus with the transport cover open. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view showing the image forming apparatus with the transport cover removed. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing the distance between axes in a comparative example, and (b) is a diagram showing the distance between axes in this embodiment. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the main body of the device with the transport cover removed. [Figure 6] A view of the transport cover from the device body side. [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the transport guide for the main body of the device. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the locking mechanism provided on the transport cover. [Figure 9] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a handle is located at a first position and a locking member is located at a locking position, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the handle is located at a second position and the locking member is located at an unlocking position. [Figure 10] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing how a conveyance cover is opened under the biasing force of a spring, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing how the locking member is pressed down by a hook portion. [Figure 11] A perspective view showing a manual sheet feeding conveyance unit. [Figure 12] A perspective view showing a side regulation plate. [Figure 13] A bottom perspective view showing a side regulation plate and a brake mechanism. [Figure 14] A front view showing a brake mechanism. [Figure 15] An exploded perspective view showing a brake mechanism. [Figure 16] A perspective view showing a brake member. [Figure 17] (a) is a diagram showing the operation of the brake mechanism when the side regulation plate moves in a first direction, (b) is a diagram showing the operation of the brake mechanism in a state where a brake release lever is operated, and (c) is a diagram showing the operation of the brake mechanism when the side regulation plate moves in a second direction. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] [Overall Configuration] The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an electrophotographic full-color laser beam printer. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming section 20 that forms an image on a sheet S, a sheet feeding section 30, a fixing device 31, and a manual conveyance unit 2. The image forming section 20 includes four process cartridges 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K that respectively form toner images of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and a scanner unit 21.

[0011] The four process cartridges 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K have the same configuration except that the colors of the images they form are different. Therefore, only the configuration of the process cartridge 19Y and the image forming process will be described, and descriptions of the process cartridges 19M, 19C, and 19K will be omitted.

[0012] The process cartridge 19Y includes a photosensitive drum 22, a charging roller (not shown), and a developing roller 23. The photosensitive drum 22 is configured by coating an organic photoconductive layer on the outer circumference of an aluminum cylinder, and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). Further, an intermediate transfer belt 25 is provided in the image forming section 20, and primary transfer rollers 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K are provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 25.

[0013] The fixing device 31 includes a fixing film heated by a heater (not shown), and a pressure roller that presses against the fixing film. The sheet feeding section 30 is provided at a lower portion of the image forming apparatus 1, and includes a cassette 11 for storing sheets, a pickup roller 12 for feeding sheets, and a separation roller pair 13.

[0014] Next, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described. When an image signal is input to the scanner unit 21 from a personal computer or the like (not shown), the scanner unit 21 emits a laser beam corresponding to the image signal onto the photosensitive drum 22 of the process cartridge 19Y.

[0015] At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 is uniformly charged in advance to a predetermined polarity and potential by a charging roller (not shown), and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface when the laser beam is emitted from the scanner unit 21. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 22 is developed by the developing roller 23, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 22.

[0016] Similarly, laser light from the scanner unit 21 is shone onto each photosensitive drum of process cartridges 19M, 19C, and 19K, forming magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images on each drum. The toner images of each color formed on each drum are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 25 by the primary transfer rollers 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K, and then transported to the secondary transfer roller 26 by the rotating intermediate transfer belt 25. The image formation process for each color is performed at a timing that overlaps it with the upstream toner image that has been primary transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25.

[0017] In parallel with this image forming process, sheets S are fed from the sheet feeding unit 30 or the manual feed unit 2. For example, sheets S contained in the cassette 11 of the sheet feeding unit 30 are fed by the pickup roller 12. The sheets S fed by the pickup roller 12 are separated one by one by the separation roller pair 13 and fed out, and then transported to the registration roller pair 15.

[0018] Furthermore, the manual feed conveying unit 2 includes a manual feed cover 101 that is openable and closable and supported by the conveying cover 50, a manual feed tray 102 held by the manual feed cover 101, a pickup roller 16, and a pair of separation rollers 17. The sheets S loaded on the manual feed tray 102 are fed by the pickup roller 16, separated one by one by the pair of separation rollers 17, and sent to the pair of registration rollers 15.

[0019] The sheet S, whose skew has been corrected by the registration roller pair 15, is transported at a predetermined transport timing. Then, the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 25 is transferred to the sheet S by the secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 26.

[0020] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to predetermined heat and pressure by the fixing film and pressure rollers of the fixing device 31, causing the toner to melt and solidify (fix) to the sheet. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 31 is discharged into the discharge tray 34 by the discharge roller pair 32.

[0021] When forming images on both sides of sheet S, sheet S is transported toward the reversal roller pair 33 after the image on the first side is fixed by the fixing device 31. Then, sheet S is switchback transported by the reversal roller pair 33 and guided toward the double-sided transport path CP. Guided toward the double-sided transport path CP, sheet S is transported again toward the secondary transfer roller 26 by the transport roller pairs 41, 42 and the registration roller pair 15. After an image is formed on the second side by the secondary transfer roller 26 and the image is fixed by the fixing device 31, sheet S is discharged toward the discharge tray 34.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a main body 1A which includes an image forming section 20 and a sheet feeding section 30, and a transport cover 50 which serves as a door and is supported on the main body 1A so as to be openable and closable. The detailed configuration will be described later, but the transport cover 50, shown in the dotted line area of ​​Figure 1, is located on the right side of the image forming apparatus 1 and supports the driven roller 14k of the transport roller pair 14, each driven roller of the transport roller pairs 41 and 42, and the manual feed transport section 2. The transport roller pair 14 includes a drive roller 14r which serves as a first roller driven by a drive motor (not shown), and a driven roller 14k which serves as a second roller that rotates in conjunction with the drive roller 14r. The driven roller 14k is biased to press against the drive roller 14r by a spring 43 which serves as a biasing member. Note that the driven roller 14k may be used as the drive roller and the drive roller 14r as the driven roller. Alternatively, other elastic members such as rubber or sponge may be used instead of the spring 43.

[0023] [Peripheral configuration of the transport cover] Next, the peripheral configuration of the transport cover 50 will be described using Figures 2(a) to 3. As shown in Figure 2(a), a transport cover 50 is provided on the right side of the image forming apparatus 1, and a manual feed cover 101 is supported on the transport cover 50 so as to be openable and closable. The transport cover 50 can be opened by the user operating the handle 51. The manual feed cover 101 has a recess 101a provided below the handle 51, and can be opened and closed relative to the transport cover 50 by the user operating the recess 101a.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the device body 1A includes a frame 80 and a handle 70 as a gripping member fixed to the frame 80. As shown in Figure 2(b), since the handle 70 is fixed to the frame 80, its position and orientation do not change even when the transport cover 50 is opened and closed. As shown in Figure 2(a), the handle 70 has a gripping portion 70h as a first gripping portion for the user to lift the device body 1A. The gripping portion 70h is formed to be recessed against the outer surface 50d of the transport cover 50 when the transport cover 50 is closed against the device body 1A.

[0025] Furthermore, the handle 70 is positioned at the bottom of the device body 1A and inside the width of the transport cover 50 in the width direction W. In other words, the front end of the handle 70 is positioned behind the front end of the transport cover 50, and the rear end of the handle 70 is positioned in front of the rear end of the transport cover 50.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the handle 70 has a first shaft portion 70a as a first engaging portion located at the lower end of one end face 70c in the width direction W, and a second shaft portion 70b as a second engaging portion located at the lower end of the other end face 70d in the width direction W. That is, the gripping portion 70h is configured to be located between the first shaft portion 70a and the second shaft portion 70b in the width direction W. The first shaft portion 70a and the second shaft portion 70b are shaft portions that extend away from each other in the width direction W.

[0027] Furthermore, the transport cover 50 has a first hole 50a as a first engaged portion that engages with the first shaft portion 70a, and a second hole 50b as a second engaged portion that engages with the second shaft portion 70b. The transport cover 50 is rotatably supported with respect to the handle 70, with the first shaft portion 70a and the second shaft portion 70b as its center. In other words, the first shaft portion 70a, the second shaft portion 70b, the first hole 50a, and the second hole 50b are arranged on the rotation axis 50R, which is the rotation center of the transport cover 50. The axial direction of the rotation axis 50R is parallel to the width direction W.

[0028] Here, using Figure 4(a), an image forming apparatus 1000 as a comparative example will be described. As shown in Figure 4(a), the image forming apparatus 1000 has two handles 170 and 270, which are located at the front and rear ends of the image forming apparatus 1000. The transport cover 150 of the image forming apparatus 1000 is rotatably supported by a first shaft portion 170a provided on the handle 170 and a second shaft portion 170b provided on the handle 270.

[0029] The handles 170 and 270 need to have a width W1 sufficient for a user to grasp them in order to transport the image forming apparatus 1000. Therefore, the interaxial distance L1 between the first shaft portion 170a and the second shaft portion 170b in the width direction W becomes shorter by the amount that the width W1 of the two handles 170 and 270 is secured.

[0030] When the distance L1 between axes becomes shorter, the play during the installation of the transport cover 150 has a greater effect on the tilt of the transport cover 150 with respect to the pivot axis. Also, when the transport cover 150 is closed, it may shift position relative to the designated position. Since the transport cover 150 supports the driven rollers 14, 41, and 42 of the transport roller pair, if the transport cover 150 shifts position, the stability of sheet transport will decrease.

[0031] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 4(b) and 5, the handle 70 of this embodiment is provided only once, approximately in the center of the transport cover 50 in the width direction W. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the main body 1A of the device with the transport cover 50 removed. The gripping portion 70h of the handle 70 has a width W2 sufficient for a user to grip the main body 1A of the image forming apparatus 1 for transport.

[0032] As described above, the first shaft portion 70a and the second shaft portion 70b, which rotatably support the transport cover 50, are positioned on one end face 70c and the other end face 70d of the handle 70, respectively. Therefore, even when the handle 70 has a width W2, the inter-axis distance L2, which is the distance between the first shaft portion 70a and the second shaft portion 70b in the width direction W, can be secured. The inter-axis distance L2 is greater than the inter-axis distance L1.

[0033] Figure 6 is a front view of the closed transport cover 50 as seen from the device body 1A side. As shown in Figure 6, the width of the transport cover 50 in the width direction W is width L50. The transport cover 50 also has a transport guide 52 which constitutes part of the double-sided transport path CP (see Figure 1), which is the transport path through which the sheet S, transported by the reversing roller pair 33, passes. The width of the transport guide 52 in the width direction W is width Lp. The transport guide 52 may be formed integrally with the transport cover 50, or it may be composed of a separate component from the transport cover 50.

[0034] In this embodiment, the inter-axis distance L2 is set to be at least two-thirds of the width L50 of the transport cover 50. Furthermore, the inter-axis distance L2 is greater than the width Lp of the transport guide 52. By making the inter-axis distance L2 as long as possible, the influence of play during the installation of the transport cover 50 on the tilt of the transport cover 50 with respect to the rotation axis 50R can be reduced. This improves the feel of opening and closing the transport cover 50. In addition, it suppresses misalignment of the transport cover 50 relative to its position, improving the transport stability of the sheet.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first shaft portion 70a and the second shaft portion 70b are positioned at the lower ends of one end face 70c and the other end face 70d of the handle 70, respectively. This allows the rotation axis 50R of the transport cover 50 to be positioned at the lower end of the handle 70 and the lower end of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the opening when the transport cover 50 is opened can be made larger, improving maintainability for the user when performing jam processing, process cartridge replacement, and internal maintenance of the apparatus body 1A.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the handle 70 is made from a single component rather than being divided into two, the boundary lines between components on the right side of the image forming apparatus 1 can be simplified. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4(b), the boundary line 70L between the handle 70 and the transport cover 50 can be made from a single continuous line, improving the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the number of components can be reduced compared to the case where two handles are provided, thus reducing costs.

[0037] [Locking mechanism] Next, a locking mechanism for holding the transport cover 50 to the device body 1A when the transport cover 50 is closed will be described. As shown in Figure 7, a transport guide 81, which forms part of the double-sided transport path CP (see Figure 1) and guides the sheet S, is fixed to the frame 80 of the device body 1A. The transport guide 81, which is the member to be locked, is provided with hook portions 81a and 81b.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, a transport guide 52, which constitutes part of the double-sided transport path CP (see Figure 1), is fixed to the transport cover 50, and a locking member 53 is movably supported on the transport guide 52. The transport guide 52 has a guide surface 52a that guides the sheet S. The locking member 53 has locking holes 53a and 53b that can engage with hooks 81a and 81b provided on the transport guide 81 of the device body 1A.

[0039] More specifically, the locking member 53 is movable relative to the transport guide 52 between a locked position (see Figure 9(a)) and an unlocked position (see Figure 9(b)). In the locked position, the locking member 53's locking holes 53a and 53b engage with the hooks 81a and 81b, locking the transport cover 50 to the device body 1A. In the unlocked position, the locking member 53's locking holes 53a and 53b separate from the hooks 81a and 81b, allowing the transport cover 50 to open and close relative to the device body 1A.

[0040] Next, the locking mechanism will be described in more detail using Figures 2(a) and 9(a)(b). As shown in Figures 2(a) and 9(a), the transport cover 50 is supported by a handle 51 as a cover member, which can be opened and closed around an opening / closing axis 51c. More specifically, the handle 51 has an exterior surface 51a that constitutes part of the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1. The handle 51 is movable between a first position shown in Figure 9(a), where the exterior surface 51a is flush with the exterior surface 50d of the transport cover 50, and a second position shown in Figure 9(b), where the handle 51 is pushed out of the first position by the user pressing on the exterior surface 51a. In the first position, the handle 51 covers the gripping portion 50h, which will be described later.

[0041] The handle 51 is biased by the spring 55 in a clockwise direction as shown in Figure 9(a) toward the first position, and is positioned in the first position when the abutment surface 51b provided on the handle 51 abuts against the transport cover 50.

[0042] The transport guide 52 of the device body 1A is provided with a slide guide 52S extending in the vertical direction VD. The locking member 53 has a slide rib 53R that can engage with the slide guide 52S. Through the engagement of the slide guide 52S and the slide rib 53R, the locking member 53 is supported so as to be able to slide in the vertical direction VD relative to the transport guide 52. The locking member 53 is biased upward toward the locked position by a spring 54 acting as a biasing member, and is positioned in the locked position by a stopper (not shown).

[0043] Next, the operation of the handle 51, the locking member 53, and the transport cover 50 will be explained using Figures 9(a) to 10(b). As shown in Figure 9(a), when the transport cover 50 is closed to the device body 1A, the handle 51 is in the first position and the locking member 53 is in the locked position.

[0044] As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), when the user opens the transport cover 50 relative to the device body 1A, the user presses the outer surface 51a of the handle 51 with their finger. This causes the handle 51 to rotate counterclockwise around the opening / closing axis 51c against the biasing force of the spring 55, moving from the first position to the second position. The user then gains access to the gripping portion 50h, which is located above the handle 51 and inside the transport cover 50. The user can then hook their fingertips onto the gripping portion 50h, which serves as the second gripping portion, and grasp it.

[0045] Furthermore, as the handle 51 moves from the first position to the second position, the handle 51 presses the locking member 53 downward against the biasing force of the spring 54. As a result, as shown in Figure 9(b), the locking member 53 slides to the unlocked position. When the locking member 53 is pushed down from the locked position to the unlocked position, the engagement between the hook portions 81a, 81b and the locking holes 53a, 53b is released, and the transport cover 50 is allowed to open and close relative to the device body 1A.

[0046] As explained in Figure 1, the transport cover 50 rotatably supports the driven roller 14k, and the driven roller 14k is biased by the spring 43 to press against the drive roller 14r when the transport cover 50 is closed. The drive roller 14r then receives a reaction force acting from the drive roller 14r in the direction of opening the transport cover 50, due to the biasing force of the spring 43.

[0047] When the locking member 53 moves to the unlocked position, the transport cover 50 is opened relative to the device body 1A by the reaction force, as shown in Figure 9(c). As a result, the transport cover 50 is opened to the open position, as shown in Figure 2(b). Alternatively, the user may press the handle 51 from the first position to the second position, and then open the transport cover 50 to the open position while gripping the gripping portion 50h.

[0048] When the user closes the transport cover 50 relative to the device body 1A, they rotate the transport cover 50 in the closing direction around the pivot axis 50R (see Figure 2(b)) by holding a part of the transport cover 50, as shown in Figure 10(b). Then the locking member 53 comes into contact with the inclined surfaces 81c and 81d of the hook portions 811a and 81b. The inclined surfaces 81c and 81d are inclined downward in the vertical direction VD as they approach the photosensitive drum 22 (see Figure 1) in the horizontal direction.

[0049] Then, as the transport cover 50 is further closed in this state, the locking member 53 is pressed downward against the biasing force of the spring 54 by the inclined surfaces 81c and 81d. When the end of the locking member 53 crosses the inclined surfaces 81c and 81d and the hook portions 811a and 81b engage with the locking holes 53a and 53b, the locking member 53 is pushed up to the locked position by the biasing force of the spring 54. As a result, the transport cover 50 is locked in a closed position relative to the device body 1A.

[0050] By configuring the locking mechanism in this way, the handle 51 is positioned flush with the outer surface 50d of the transport cover 50 in the first position where no external force acts. As a result, there are no protrusions on the right side of the image forming apparatus 1 that are necessary for opening the transport cover 50, improving the appearance.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(a), the locking member 53 is positioned in the space SP between the guide surface 52a of the transport guide 52 and the outer surface 50d of the transport cover 50 in the horizontal direction. In the image forming apparatus 1, where miniaturization is required, there is a need to narrow the space SP. Therefore, in this embodiment, the locking member 53 is configured to slide in the vertical direction VD. As a result, the amount of engagement between the locking holes 53a, 53b and the hooks 81a, 81b in the vertical direction VD can be maximized while housing the locking member 53 in the narrow space SP. In other words, it is possible to achieve both miniaturization of the locking mechanism and the image forming apparatus 1, and reliable locking of the transport cover 50 to the apparatus body 1A.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user moves the handle 51 from the first position to the second position, the locking member 53 moves to the unlocked position in conjunction with the movement of the handle 51, and the transport cover 50 is automatically opened by the biasing force of the spring 43. Therefore, complicated operations are not required to open the transport cover 50, improving usability. In addition, the user can intuitively grasp the gripping part 50h that appears simultaneously with pushing open the handle 51, and by opening the transport cover 50 while grasping the gripping part 50h, the shock when the transport cover 50 is opened can be reduced.

[0053] [Manual feed conveying unit] Next, the locking configuration of the side restricting plates 103 and 104 of the manual feed conveying unit 2 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 11, the manual feed conveying unit 2, which serves as a sheet support device, includes a pickup arm 16a and a pickup roller 16 that is supported by the pickup arm 16a so as to be able to move up and down. The manual feed conveying unit 2 also includes a manual feed cover 101, a manual feed tray 102 which serves as a sheet support unit, tray links 121 and 122, and side restricting plates 103 and 104. The pickup roller 16 is capable of feeding the sheets S loaded on the manual feed tray 102 in the feeding direction FD.

[0054] The manual feed cover 101 is supported by the transport cover 50 so as to be openable and closable, and constitutes part of the exterior surface of the device. The manual feed tray 102 is held on the upper part of the manual feed cover 101. The manual feed cover 101 is configured to be positioned at a predetermined opening angle by tray links 121 and 122. One end of the tray links 121 and 122 is connected to the manual feed tray 102, and the manual feed tray 102 is configured to move along the manual feed cover 101 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the manual feed cover 101. As a result, when the manual feed cover 101 is closed, the manual feed tray 102 is retracted from the pickup arm 16a and pickup roller 16, making it possible to miniaturize the manual feed transport unit 2.

[0055] As shown in Figure 12, the manual feed tray 102 has guide grooves Lm102 ​​and Ln102 that extend in the width direction W. The side regulating plate 103 is held in the manual feed tray 102 so as to be movable in the width direction W along the guide groove Lm102. Similarly, the side regulating plate 104, which acts as a regulating part, is held in the manual feed tray 102 so as to be movable in the width direction W along the guide groove Ln102.

[0056] As shown in Figure 13, the side restrictor plates 103 and 104 are provided with rack gear sections 103R and 104R, respectively, that extend in the width direction W. A pinion gear 200 that meshes with the rack gear sections 103R and 104R is rotatably supported at the bottom of the manual feed tray 102. In this way, the side restrictor plates 103 and 104 are connected by the rack gear sections 103R and 104R and the pinion gear 200, and are linked to move in opposite directions in the width direction W.

[0057] Here, one direction within the width direction W is designated as the first direction WD1, and the direction opposite to the first direction WD1 is designated as the second direction WD2. That is, the first direction WD1 and the second direction WD2 are directions perpendicular to the feeding direction FD. For example, when the side regulating plate 103 is moved by the user in the first direction WD1, the side regulating plate 104 moves in conjunction to the second direction WD2. The side regulating plate 103 has a regulating surface 103a that can regulate the position of the downstream end of the sheet S loaded on the manual feed tray 102 in the second direction WD2. The side regulating plate 104 has a regulating surface 104a that can regulate the position of the downstream end of the sheet S loaded on the manual feed tray 102 in the first direction WD1.

[0058] The user controls the position of the sheet S in the width direction W by, for example, operating the side restricting plate 104, which clamps both ends of the sheet S in the width direction W with the restricting surfaces 103a and 104a. The manual feed conveying unit 2 is provided with a brake mechanism 106, which acts as a brake unit to generate frictional force (braking force) to prevent the side restricting plate 104 from moving.

[0059] [Brake mechanism] Next, the configuration of the brake mechanism 106 will be described using Figures 14 to 16. As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the brake mechanism 106 includes a brake member 107, a spring 108, a brake wall 102la, a rail wall 102lb, a brake block 109, and a brake release lever 105.

[0060] The side regulating plate 104 is provided with a shaft portion 104s, and the hole portion 107a of the brake member 107 engages with the shaft portion 104s. Therefore, the brake member 107 is rotatably supported with respect to the shaft portion 104s of the side regulating plate 104. The brake wall 102la and the rail wall 102lb are provided on the manual feed tray 102 and extend in the width direction W. The brake wall 102la and the rail wall 102lb are offset from each other in the sheet transport direction.

[0061] The brake member 107 has a brake surface 107r that can contact the brake wall 102la, a circumferential surface 107e centered on the hole 107a, an elongated hole 107g extending in an arc shape from the hole 107a, and a release surface 107p. The brake member 107 is biased in the direction of arrow R3 around the shaft portion 104s by the biasing force of the spring 108, which acts as a brake biasing part, and the brake surface 107r is pressed against the brake wall 102la.

[0062] As shown in Figure 15, the brake block 109 is sandwiched between the manual feed tray 102 and the brake member 107 in its thickness direction. The brake block 109 has a circumferential surface 109e that engages with the circumferential surface 107e of the brake member 107, and a sliding surface 109a that can slide against the rail wall 102lb.

[0063] The reaction force of the contact force between the brake surface 107r and the brake wall 102la generated by the spring 108 generates a clamping force that clamps the brake piece 109 between the circumferential surface 107e of the brake member 107 and the rail wall 102lb. In other words, the brake member 107 and the brake piece 109 are clamped between the brake wall 102la and the rail wall 102lb.

[0064] The brake member 107, spring 108, brake piece 109, and brake release lever 105 are configured to move in the width direction W integrally with the side regulating plate 104. Therefore, when the brake piece 109 is clamped between the circumferential surface 107e of the brake member 107 and the rail wall 102lb, a braking force is applied to prevent the side regulating plate 104 from moving in the width direction W.

[0065] Furthermore, since the brake wall 102la and the rail wall 102lb extend in the width direction W, the brake mechanism 106 can apply braking force to the side restrictor plate 104 regardless of its position in the width direction W of the side restrictor plate 104.

[0066] As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the brake release lever 105, which serves as a brake release member, is rotatably supported on the side regulating plate 104. The brake release lever 105 also has a shaft 105s arranged coaxially with the pivot axis of the brake release lever 105, a gripping portion 105a, and a release portion 105p, and the shaft 105s is loosely fitted into the elongated hole 107g of the brake member 107.

[0067] When the user releases the brake on the side restraint plate 104, they operate the grip portion 105a to rotate the brake release lever 105 around the axis 105s in the direction of arrow R1 (see Figure 12). This causes the release portion 105p to come into contact with the release surface 107p of the brake member 107. If the brake release lever 105 is further rotated in the direction of arrow R1 in this state, the brake member 107 rotates around the axis portion 104s toward the brake release position (see Figure 17(b)), which will be described later. When the brake release lever 105 is in the brake release position, the brake on the side restraint plate 104 by the brake mechanism 106 is released.

[0068] [Operation of the braking mechanism] Next, the operation of the brake mechanism 106 will be explained in more detail using Figures 17(a) to (c). As described above, the brake mechanism 106 of this embodiment can release the braking force acting on the side regulating plate 104 by operating the brake release lever 105. Furthermore, the brake mechanism 106 operates differently when an external force in the first direction WD1 or the second direction WD2 is applied to the side regulating plate 104 without the user operating the brake release lever 105. These points will be explained in order.

[0069] First, using Figure 17(a), we will explain the operation of the brake mechanism 106 when an external force in the first direction WD1 is applied to the side restrictor plate 104 without the user operating the brake release lever 105. For example, an external force in the first direction WD1 is applied to the side restrictor plate 104 when, for instance, a sheet S loaded on the manual feed tray 102 is fed by the pickup roller 16, and the restricting surface 104a of the side restrictor plate 104 receives force from the sheet S. Another example is when the user attempts to manually move the side restrictor plate 104 in the first direction WD1.

[0070] As shown in Figure 17(a), when the side restraint plate 104 attempts to move in the first direction WD1 due to an external force, a second frictional force F1 is generated, which is a braking force between the brake surface 107r of the brake member 107 and the brake wall 102la. At this time, the brake surface 107r acts a normal force N1 on the brake wall 102la. These frictional forces F1 and normal force N1 are expressed by the following formulas. F1 = μ × N1 ... (1) N1=F1×tanθa+(Fsp×Rsp)÷(R107×cosθa)...(2) μ: coefficient of friction between the brake surface 107r and the brake wall 102la θa: An angle formed by the line LN1 passing through the contact point P1 between the brake surface 107r and the brake wall 102la, the center P2 of the shaft portion 104s, and the brake wall 102la. R107: Distance between the contact point P1 and the center P2 Fsp: Force generated by Spring 108 Rsp: Radius of action of the rotational moment that spring 108 exerts on brake member 107

[0071] According to equations (1) and (2) above, the frictional force F1, which is the braking force, is given by equation (3). F1={μ×(Fsp×Rsp )÷(R107×cosθa)}÷(1-μ×tanθaa) ···(3)

[0072] According to equation (3), even when the coefficient of friction μ is small and the force Fsp generated by the spring 108 is set to be small, a relatively large frictional force F1 can be obtained by making the angle θa close to 90 degrees. For example, if μ=0.3, R107=20[mm], Fsp=150[gf], Rsp=20[mm], and θa=70 degrees, the frictional force F1 will be 748.5[gf]. Therefore, even if an external force WD1 in the first direction is applied to the side restrictor plate 104, the frictional force F1 above is sufficient to hold the side restrictor plate 104 in place and prevent it from moving.

[0073] Furthermore, as is clear from equations (1) and (2) above, the frictional force F1 includes F1 × tanθa, which is the force acting to cause the brake surface 107r to bite into the brake wall 102la. For example, if the side restraint plate 104 moves in the first direction WD1 while the contact point P1 remains almost stationary due to the frictional force F1, the angle θa will increase. Note that the angle θa is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Then, as the side restraint plate 104 attempts to move in the first direction WD1, F1 × tanθa increases, and the frictional force F1 increases. In other words, the frictional force F1 increases as the side restraint plate 104 moves downstream in the first direction WD1 while the brake surface 107r is in contact with the brake wall 102la.

[0074] Therefore, for example, even if the sheet S presses against the restricting surface 104a of the side restricting plate 104, the side restricting plate 104 is held in place by the brake mechanism 106, reducing transport defects such as slanting.

[0075] Next, using Figure 17(b), the operation of the brake mechanism 106 when a user attempts to move the side regulating plate 104 in the first direction WD1 while rotating the brake release lever 105 in the direction of arrow R1 will be explained. When the user operates the brake release lever 105 in the direction of arrow R1 (see Figure 12), the brake member 107 rotates to the brake release position, as shown in Figure 17(b).

[0076] As a result, the brake surface 107r of the brake member 107 separates from the brake wall 102la of the hand tray 102, and the aforementioned frictional force F1 is no longer generated. Therefore, the user can move the side restraint plate 104 in the first direction WD1 with a light force without frictional force F1. Furthermore, even if the user attempts to move the side restraint plate 104 in the second direction WD2 while rotating the brake release lever 105 in the direction of arrow R1, no frictional force F1 is generated.

[0077] Next, using Figure 17(c), we will explain the operation of the brake mechanism 106 when an external force in the second direction WD2 is applied to the side restraint plate 104 without the user operating the brake release lever 105. For example, an external force in the second direction WD2 is applied to the side restraint plate 104 when the user tries to manually move the side restraint plate 104 in the second direction WD2.

[0078] As shown in Figure 17(c), when the side restraint plate 104 attempts to move in the second direction WD2 due to an external force, a frictional force F2 is generated as the first frictional force, which is the braking force generated between the brake surface 107r and the brake wall 102la. At this time, the brake surface 107r acts a normal force N2 on the brake wall 102la. These frictional forces F2 and normal forces N2 are expressed by the following formulas. F2 = μ × N2 ... (4) N2=(Fsp×Rsp)÷(R107×cosθa)...(5)

[0079] According to equations (4) and (5) above, the frictional force F2, which is the braking force, is given by equation (6). F2=μ×(Fsp×Rsp )÷(R107×cosθa) ···(6)

[0080] When attempting to move the side restrictor plate 104 in the second direction WD2, the brake surface 107r attempts to move away from the brake wall 102la due to the frictional force F2. Therefore, as is clear from equation (6), unlike the case explained in Figure 17(a), the frictional force F2 does not include F1 × tanθa, which is the force that causes the brake surface 107r to bite into the brake wall 102la.

[0081] Similar to the case in Figure 17(a), if μ=0.3, R107=20[mm], Fsp=150[gf], Rsp=20[mm], and θa=70 degrees, the frictional force F2 is 131.5[gf]. In other words, the frictional force F1 mentioned above is greater than the frictional force F2. Also, since the frictional force F2 does not include the force F1×tanθa mentioned above, even if the side regulating plate 104 moves in the second direction WD2, the brake surface 107r slides on the brake wall 102la and the angle θa does not change. In other words, the frictional force F2 remains constant even when the side regulating plate 104 moves downstream in the second direction WD2 with the brake surface 107r in contact with the brake wall 102la.

[0082] Therefore, the user can move the side restraint plate 104 in the second direction WD2 with relatively little force against the frictional force F2, without having to operate the brake release lever 105 in the direction of arrow R1. In other words, the side restraint plates 103 and 104 can be easily moved toward the sheet S loaded on the manual tray 102, and the user can easily control the position of the sheet S in the width direction W. This improves usability.

[0083] Furthermore, the brake mechanism 106 of this embodiment can continuously regulate the position of the side regulating plate 104 in the width direction W. Therefore, the distance between the end of the sheet S in the width direction W and the regulating surfaces 103a and 104a of the side regulating plates 103 and 104 can be reduced, and the sheet S can be positioned with high precision. For example, due to tolerances during the cutting of the sheet S, the size of the sheet S may differ from the nominal size. Even in such cases, the distance between the end of the sheet S in the width direction W and the regulating surfaces 103a and 104a can be minimized, so the sheet S can be positioned with high precision, and transport defects such as skew can be prevented.

[0084] <Other Embodiments> In this embodiment, the handle 70 is provided with a first shaft portion 70a and a second shaft portion 70b, and the transport cover 50 is provided with a first hole portion 50a and a second hole portion 50b, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the handle 70 may be provided with a first hole portion and a second hole portion, and the transport cover 50 may be provided with a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion that engage with these first and second holes.

[0085] Furthermore, although this embodiment has been described using an image forming apparatus 1, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be applied to sheet transport devices that do not have an image forming unit 20, such as a large-capacity feeding deck or a post-processing device that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking member 53 was provided so as to be slidable in the vertical direction VD, but this is not limited to this. For example, the locking member 53 may be rotatably supported by the transport guide 52 or other members.

[0087] Furthermore, although the brake mechanism 106 was provided on the side regulating plate 104 in this embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, the brake mechanism 106 may be provided on the side regulating plate 103 or on the rear end regulating plate that regulates the position of the rear end of the seat.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the brake mechanism 106 generates a predetermined frictional force when moving in the second direction WD2 when the brake release lever 105 is not operated, but it is not limited to this. That is, the brake mechanism 106 may be configured not to generate a frictional force when moving in the second direction WD2 even when the brake release lever 105 is not operated.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the brake mechanism 106 was provided on the side regulating plate 104 of the manual feed conveying unit 2, but it is not limited to this. For example, the brake mechanism 106 may be provided on a side regulating plate provided inside the cassette 11 or on a side regulating plate provided in the ADF (Auto Document Feeder).

[0090] Furthermore, although this embodiment has been described using an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink liquid from a nozzle.

[0091] Furthermore, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration examples and method examples. (Composition 1) A device body having a conveying section for transporting sheets, The device comprises a door portion that is rotatably supported so as to open and close relative to the device body, with respect to a pivot axis located at the lower part of the device body. The device body includes a gripping member that includes a first gripping portion for lifting the device body, and the gripping member is positioned inside the width of the door portion in the axial direction of the rotation axis. The gripping member has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion arranged on the rotation axis, The door portion has a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion, and is rotatably supported with respect to the gripping member, with respect to the first and second engaging portions. A sheet conveying device characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) The first gripping portion is positioned between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion in the axial direction. A sheet conveying device according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 3) The first engaging portion is positioned on one end face of the gripping member in the axial direction, The second engaging portion is positioned on the other end face of the gripping member in the axial direction. A sheet conveying device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above. (Composition 4) The first engaging portion is positioned at the lower end of the one end face, The second engaging portion is positioned at the lower end of the other end face, A sheet conveying device according to configuration 3, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 5) The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are shaft portions that extend in directions away from each other in the axial direction, The first engaged portion and the second engaged portion are holes that engage with the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion, respectively. A sheet conveying device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized by the above. (Composition 6) The distance between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion in the axial direction is at least two-thirds of the width of the door portion in the axial direction. A sheet conveying device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized by the above. (Composition 7) The door section has a transport guide that forms part of the transport path through which the sheet transported by the transport section passes. The distance between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion in the axial direction is greater than the length of the transport guide in the axial direction. A sheet conveying device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized by the above. (Composition 8) The first gripping portion is formed to be recessed against the outer surface of the door portion when the door portion is closed to the main body of the device. A sheet conveying device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the above. (Composition 9) The main body of the device has a locking member, The door section includes a second gripping section that can be grasped by the user, and a transport guide that constitutes part of the transport path through which the sheet transported by the transport section passes. A cover member is supported by the door so as to be movable between a first position that covers the second gripping portion and is positioned flush with the outer surface of the door portion, and a second position that allows access to the second gripping portion. A locking member that is movable relative to the transport guide between a locked position in which it engages with the locked member to lock the door portion relative to the device body, and an unlocked position in which it is separated from the locked member to allow the door portion to open and close relative to the device body, The device further comprises a biasing member that biases the door portion in the direction of opening relative to the main body of the device, The locking member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position in conjunction with the cover member, which moves from the first position to the second position. The door portion is opened relative to the device body by the biasing force of the biasing member when the locking member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. A sheet conveying device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized by the above. (Composition 10) The locking member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position when pressed by the cover member, which moves from the first position to the second position. A sheet conveying device according to configuration 9, characterized by the features described therein. (Composition 11) The locking member is supported so as to be slidable with respect to the transport guide between the locked position and the unlocked position. A sheet conveying device according to configuration 9 or 10, characterized by the above. (Composition 12) The device body has a first roller, The door portion is rotatably supported, and the second roller further comprises the door portion in contact with the first roller when the door portion is closed relative to the main body of the device, The biasing member biases the second roller toward the first roller when the door is closed relative to the main body of the device. A sheet conveying device according to any one of the configurations 9 to 11, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 13) A sheet transport device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, The device comprises an image forming unit provided in the main body of the device, which forms an image on a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying device, An image forming apparatus characterized by the following: (Configuration A1) A seat support section that supports the seat, A restricting member is supported by the sheet support so as to be movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and restricts the position of the downstream end of the sheet supported by the sheet support in the first direction, The brake unit comprises a first frictional force generated between the seat support and the regulating part when the regulating part moves in the second direction, and a second frictional force greater than the first frictional force generated between the seat support and the regulating part when the regulating part moves in the first direction. A sheet support device characterized by the following features. (Configuration A2) The seat support portion has a brake wall extending in the first direction, The brake unit includes a brake member having a brake surface that can contact the brake wall and is rotatably supported by the restricting portion, and a brake biasing portion that biases the brake member so that the brake surface presses against the brake wall, thereby generating the first frictional force or the second frictional force by the brake surface pressing against the brake wall. The second frictional force increases as the restricting portion moves downstream in the first direction while the brake surface is in contact with the brake wall. A sheet support device according to configuration A1, characterized by the features described above. (Configuration A3) The first frictional force remains constant even when the regulating portion moves downstream in the second direction while the brake surface is in contact with the brake wall. A sheet support device according to configuration A2, characterized by the features described above. (Configuration A4) The brake unit has a brake release member that moves the brake member so that the brake surface is separated from the brake wall. A sheet support device according to configuration A2 or A3, characterized by the above. (Configuration A5) The brake unit can generate the first or second frictional force by the brake surface pressing against the brake wall, regardless of the position of the restricting portion in the first and second directions. A sheet support device according to any one of configurations A2 to A4, characterized by the above. (Configuration A6) The system further includes a feeding unit capable of feeding the sheet supported by the sheet support unit in the feeding direction, The first and second directions are directions perpendicular to the feeding direction. A sheet support device according to any one of configurations A1 to A5, characterized by the above. (Configuration A7) The main body of the device, The device further comprises a manual cover that is supported on the main body of the device so as to be openable and closable, The aforementioned seat support portion is supported by the aforementioned manual cover. A sheet support device according to any one of configurations A1 to A6, characterized by the above. (Configuration A8) A sheet support device as described in any one of items A1 to A7, The system includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet fed from the sheet support device. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following: [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1: Image forming apparatus / 1A: Apparatus body / 14r: First roller (drive roller) / 14k: Second roller (driven roller) / 20: Image forming section / 43: Biasing member (spring) / 50: Door section (conveyor cover) / 50a: First engaged section (first hole) / 50b: Second engaged section (second hole) / 50h: Second gripping section (gripping section) / 50R: Rotation axis / 51: Handle (cover member) / 5 2: Conveyor guide / 53: Locking member / 70: Gripping member (handle) / 70a: First engaging part (first shaft part) / 70b: Second engaging part (second shaft part) / 70c: One end face / 70d: Other end face / 70h: First gripping part (gripping part) / 81: Locked member (conveyor guide) / CP: Conveyor path (double-sided conveyor path) / L2: Distance (distance between axes) / L50, Lp: Width / S: Sheet / W: Axial direction (width direction)

Claims

1. A device body having a conveying section for transporting sheets, a gripping member including a first gripping section, and a locked member, A door portion having a second gripping portion and supported so as to be rotatable relative to the device body, with respect to a pivot axis located at the lower part of the device body, A cover member supported by the door portion is movable between a first position covering the second gripping portion and a second position allowing access to the second gripping portion. The device includes a locking member that is movable between a locked position in which it engages with the locked member to lock the door portion relative to the device body, and an unlocked position in which it is separated from the locked member to allow the door portion to open and close relative to the device body, The first gripping part is a gripping part for lifting the main body of the device, The gripping member has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion arranged on the rotation axis, and is positioned inside the width of the door portion in the axial direction of the rotation axis. The door portion has a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion, and is rotatably supported with respect to the gripping member, with respect to the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. The locking member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position in conjunction with the cover member, which moves from the first position to the second position. A sheet conveying device characterized by the following features.

2. The first gripping portion is positioned between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion in the axial direction. The sheet conveying device according to feature 1.

3. The first engaging portion is positioned on one end face of the gripping member in the axial direction, The second engaging portion is positioned on the other end face of the gripping member in the axial direction. The sheet conveying device according to feature 1.

4. The first engaging portion is positioned at the lower end of the one end face, The second engaging portion is positioned at the lower end of the other end face, The sheet conveying device according to feature 3.

5. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are shaft portions that extend in directions away from each other in the axial direction, The first engaged portion and the second engaged portion are holes that engage with the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion, respectively. The sheet conveying device according to feature 1.

6. The distance between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion in the axial direction is two-thirds or more of the width of the door portion in the axial direction. The sheet conveying device according to feature 1.

7. The door section has a transport guide that forms part of the transport path through which the sheet transported by the transport section passes. The distance between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion in the axial direction is greater than the length of the transport guide in the axial direction. The sheet conveying device according to feature 1.

8. The first gripping portion is formed to be recessed against the outer surface of the door portion when the door portion is closed to the main body of the device. The sheet conveying device according to feature 1.

9. The device further comprises a biasing member that biases the door portion in the direction of opening relative to the main body of the device, The door portion is opened relative to the device body by the biasing force of the biasing member when the locking member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. The sheet conveying device according to feature 1.

10. The apparatus body has a first roller, The door portion is rotatably supported, and the second roller further comprises the door portion being in contact with the first roller when the door portion is closed relative to the main body of the device, The biasing member biases the second roller toward the first roller when the door is closed relative to the main body of the device. The sheet conveying device according to feature 9.

11. The door portion has a transport guide that constitutes part of the transport path through which the sheet transported by the transport portion passes, A sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The locking member is movable relative to the transport guide between the locked position and the unlocked position. The sheet conveying device according to feature 11.

13. The locking member is supported so as to be slidable with respect to the transport guide between the locked position and the unlocked position. The sheet conveying device according to feature 12.

14. The door portion has a first exterior surface, The cover member has a second outer surface, When the cover member is in the first position, the second outer surface is positioned to be aligned with the first outer surface. The sheet conveying device according to feature 12.

15. When the cover member is in the first position, the second outer surface is arranged flush with the first outer surface, The sheet conveying device according to feature 14.

16. The locking member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position when pressed by the cover member, which moves from the first position to the second position. The sheet conveying device according to feature 15.

17. The door portion has a first exterior surface, The cover member has a second outer surface, When the cover member is in the first position, the second outer surface is positioned to be aligned with the first outer surface. A sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

18. The locking member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position by being pressed by the cover member which moves from the first position to the second position. A sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

19. A sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The device comprises an image forming unit provided in the main body of the device, which forms an image on a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying device, An image forming apparatus characterized by the following:

Images