Sheet support device and image formation device

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a main body part (50) including a bulging portion (42b); a sheet support part (72) supported so as to be capable of opening and closing with respect to the main body part (50) and including a first support surface (72a) supporting a sheet and an opening (72b); a pullout part (73) movable between a first position and a second position; a cover (76) that rotates in conjunction with the pullout part (73) moving between the first position and the second position and covers the opening (72b); a detection part (80) that detects the sheet; and a wiring (121) that transmits a signal to the detection part (80). At least a part of the bulging portion (42b) enters the opening (72b) of the sheet support part (72) and enters a space (SP2) surrounded by a recessed portion (76b) of the cover (76) when the sheet support part (72) is closed with respect to the main body part (50). The wiring (121) is disposed so as not to overlap the cover (76) as viewed in the normal direction (ND) of the first support surface (72a).

Description

Sheet supporting device and image forming apparatus

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sheet support device that supports a sheet and an image forming apparatus including the same.

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has been proposed that includes a manual feed tray that can be opened and closed relative to the apparatus main body (see Patent Document 1). A transport roller cover protrudes from the side of the apparatus main body, and the manual feed tray includes a tray main body and an auxiliary tray. The tray main body has an opening that allows the transport roller cover to enter the tray main body, and the opening is covered by a rotatable opening cover. The tray main body also includes a first size detection mechanism that detects the longitudinal size of a sheet placed on it, and the auxiliary tray includes a second size detection mechanism similar to the first size detection mechanism.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-163651

[0004] The first and second size detection mechanisms of the aforementioned Patent Document 1 require wiring to transmit signals and power. The tray body is provided with a rotatable opening cover, but if the opening cover gets caught in the wiring connected to the first and second size detection mechanisms, the wiring may be damaged. This may result in the signals from the first and second size detection mechanisms not being transmitted correctly.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an embodiment of a sheet support device that can prevent wiring from being broken, and an image forming apparatus including the same.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a seat support device includes: a main body portion having a bulging portion; a seat support portion supported openably and closably on the main body portion, the seat support portion having a first support surface that supports a seat; and an opening provided on the first support surface; a drawer portion supported so as to be able to be drawn out in a drawing out direction on the seat support portion, and movable between a first position where at least a portion of the drawer portion is housed inside the seat support portion and a second position drawn out downstream in the drawing out direction from the first position, the drawer portion having a second support surface that supports the seat together with the first support surface when the drawer portion is located at the second position; and a drawer portion rotatably supported on the seat support portion, the drawer portion being able to be moved between the first position and the second position. a cover that rotates in conjunction with movement between the first and second support surfaces and covers the opening, a detection unit that detects a seat supported on the second support surface, and wiring that is connected to the detection unit and transmits a signal output from the detection unit, wherein the cover has a recess that passes through the opening and is recessed toward the interior of the seat support part, and at least a part of the bulge enters the opening of the seat support part and into a space enclosed by the recess of the cover when the seat support part is closed against the main body part, and the wiring is arranged so as not to overlap the cover when viewed in the normal direction of the first support surface, regardless of whether the lead-out portion is located at the first position or the second position.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the wiring from being broken.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0009] 1 is a schematic overall view showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.; a perspective view showing a sheet support unit.; a front view showing a sheet support unit.; a perspective view showing a state in which the extension tray is pulled out from the main tray.; a front view showing a state in which the extension tray is pulled out from the main tray.; a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the main tray and the extension tray.; a front view showing the internal configuration of the main tray and the extension tray.; a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the main tray and the extension tray when the extension tray is located at the second position.; a front view showing the internal configuration of the main tray and the extension tray when the extension tray is located at the second position.; a schematic view showing a second guide portion in a folded state. a schematic view showing a second guide portion in an extended state.

[0010] [Overall Configuration] The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is an electrophotographic laser beam printer, and as shown in FIG. 1, has an image forming section 10 that forms an image on a sheet S, a fixing section 20, a cassette feeding section 30, and a sheet supporting device 40.

[0011] The image forming apparatus includes printers, copiers, facsimiles, and multifunction peripherals, and refers to an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet used as a recording medium based on image information input from an external PC or image information read from an original. In addition, an image forming apparatus may be connected to accessories such as an optional feeder, an image reader, and a sheet processing device in addition to a main body having an image forming function, and the entire system connected with such accessories is also a type of image forming apparatus.

[0012] The image forming unit 10 includes four process cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11Bk that form toner images of four colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk), respectively, and a scanner unit 15. The four process cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11Bk have the same configuration except for the colors of the images they form. Therefore, only the configuration and image forming process of the process cartridge 11Y will be described, and descriptions of the process cartridges 11M, 11C, and 11Bk will be omitted.

[0013] The process cartridge 11Y has a photosensitive drum 12, a charging roller 13, and a developing roller 14. The photosensitive drum 12 is constructed by coating the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder with an organic photoconductive layer, and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). The image forming unit 10 also has an intermediate transfer belt 18 wound around a drive roller 16 and a tension roller 17, and primary transfer rollers 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19Bk are provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 18.

[0014] The fixing unit 20 has a fixing film 21 that is heated by a heater (not shown), and a pressure roller 22 that is in pressure contact with the fixing film 21. The cassette feeding unit 30 is provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 1, and includes a cassette 31 that stores sheets, and a feeding unit 32 that feeds the sheets.

[0015] Next, we will explain the image forming operation of the thus configured image forming apparatus 1. When an image signal is input to the scanner unit 15 from a personal computer (not shown) or the like, the scanner unit 15 irradiates the photosensitive drum 12 of the process cartridge 11Y with a laser beam corresponding to the image signal.

[0016] At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging roller 13, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by irradiating it with laser light from the scanner unit 15. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 is developed by the developing roller 14, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 12.

[0017] Similarly, the scanner unit 15 irradiates the photosensitive drums of the process cartridges 11M, 11C, and 11Bk with laser light, forming magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk) toner images on the respective photosensitive drums. The toner images of each color formed on the respective photosensitive drums are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 18 by primary transfer rollers 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19Bk, and are then transported to the secondary transfer roller 25 by the intermediate transfer belt 18, which is rotated by the drive roller 16. The image formation process for each color is performed at a timing to overlap the upstream toner image that has been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 18.

[0018] In parallel with this image forming process, the sheet S stored in the cassette 31 of the cassette feeding section 30 is fed out by the feeding unit 32 and then conveyed to the registration roller pair 35. The sheet S, whose skew has been corrected by the registration roller pair 35, is conveyed to the main conveying path 43 at a predetermined conveying timing. Then, the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 18 is transferred onto the sheet S by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 25.

[0019] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to predetermined heat and pressure by a fixing film 21 and a pressure roller 22 of the fixing unit 20, thereby melting and fixing (fixing) the toner. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 20 is discharged onto a discharge tray 27 by a pair of discharge rollers 26.

[0020] When performing double-sided printing, in which images are formed on both sides of a sheet S, the sheet S with an image formed on its first side is conveyed toward a double-sided conveying path 41 by the reverse rotation of the discharge roller pair 26. The sheet S is conveyed by a double-sided conveying roller pair 42 provided on the double-sided conveying path 41 and merges with a main conveying path 43. Then, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 18 is transferred to a second side of the sheet S, which is opposite to the first side, and the sheet S is discharged onto a discharge tray 27 by the discharge roller pair 26.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 1 also has an apparatus main body 1A that houses the cassette feeding unit 30 and the like, and a sheet support device 40 is supported on the apparatus main body 1A so as to be openable and closable. The sheet support device 40 has a main body 50, a transfer unit 60, and a sheet support unit 70. The main body 50 is supported on the apparatus main body 1A so as to be openable and closable around a rotation shaft 51. The transfer unit 60 is supported on the main body 50 so as to be openable and closable around a rotation shaft 61, and supports the secondary transfer roller 25 and the like.

[0022] A main transport path 43 is formed between the device main body 1A and the transfer unit 60, and the main transport path 43 is opened by opening the transfer unit 60 together with the main body 50 relative to the device main body 1A. In addition, by opening the transfer unit 60 relative to the main body 50 in this state, the duplex transport path 41 between the main body 50 and the transfer unit 60 is opened. In this way, by configuring the main transport path 43 and the duplex transport path 41 to be openable, jam clearance can be improved.

[0023] The double-sided conveying roller pair 42 has a first roller 42a provided in the transfer unit 60 and a second roller 42b as a roller and bulge provided in the main body 50. One of the first roller 42a and the second roller 42b is a drive roller driven by a drive source (not shown), and the other is a driven roller that rotates following the drive roller.

[0024] [Seat Support Unit] Next, the configuration of sheet support unit 70 will be described using Figures 1 to 3B. Figure 2A is a perspective view showing sheet support unit 70, and Figure 2B is a front view showing sheet support unit 70. Figure 3A is a perspective view showing a state in which extension tray 73 is pulled out from main tray 72, and Figure 3B is a front view showing a state in which extension tray 73 is pulled out from main tray 72.

[0025] 1 to 3B, the sheet support unit 70 is configured to be rotatable relative to the main body 50 about a rotation shaft 71. The sheet support unit 70 has a main tray 72, an extension tray 73 supported so as to be able to be pulled out in the pull-out direction DD relative to the main tray 72, and a pair of side regulating plates 74L, 74R.

[0026] The main tray 72 serving as a sheet support section is supported on the main body section 50 so as to be openable and closable around the pivot shaft 71, and has a first support surface 72a that supports the sheets and an opening 72b provided in the first support surface 72a. The opening 72b extends in the width direction W, which is a direction perpendicular to the pull-out direction DD, and is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0027] The pair of side regulating plates 74L, 74R are supported movably in the width direction W relative to the main tray 72 and regulate the position of the sheet supported on the first support surface 72a in the width direction W. The pair of side regulating plates 74L, 74R each have a rack gear that meshes with a pinion gear 75 ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ) provided inside the main tray 72, and these rack gears and pinion gears 75 cause the side regulating plates 74L, 74R to move toward or away from each other. Note that sheets supported on the first support surface 72a or the second support surface 73a can be fed by a pickup roller (not shown) provided in the main body 50, and the fed sheet merges with the main transport path 43.

[0028] The extension tray 73 is movable between a first position (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B ) where it is at least partially stored inside the main tray 72 and a second position (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B ) where it is pulled out downstream in the pull-out direction DD from the first position. The extension tray 73, serving as a pull-out section, has a second support surface 73a that supports a sheet together with the first support surface 72a of the main tray 72 when the extension tray 73 is in the second position. When placing plain paper, such as A4 size paper, on the sheet support unit 70, the user positions the extension tray 73 in the first position. On the other hand, when placing a long sheet, such as a sheet longer than A4 size, on the sheet support unit 70, the user positions the extension tray 73 in the second position. This allows long sheets to be stably placed on the sheet support unit 70. A long sheet is, for example, a sheet with a long side length of 500 mm or more.

[0029] A groove 73b is provided on the second support surface 73a of the extension tray 73, and the groove 73b is located in a position facing the opening 72b of the main tray 72 when the extension tray 73 is located in the first position.

[0030] Additionally, a cover 76 that is rotatable about a rotation shaft 76a extending in the width direction W is supported on the main tray 72. The cover 76 is disposed so as to cover an opening 72b of the main tray 72. The rotation shaft 76a may be provided on either the cover 76 or the main tray 72. If the main tray 72 is provided with a rotation shaft, the cover 76 is provided with an engaging portion that engages with the rotation shaft.

[0031] Cover 76 has a recess 76b that recesses through opening 72b toward the inside of main tray 72. Here, the normal direction to first support surface 72a of main tray 72, that is, the direction from first support surface 72a toward the inside of main tray 72, is defined as normal direction ND. Normal direction ND is a direction perpendicular to both pull-out direction DD and width direction W. In this case, opening 72b is open in normal direction ND, and recess 76b is recessed in normal direction ND. In other words, the cross section of cover 76 perpendicular to width direction W is formed in a substantially V-shape.

[0032] The cover 76 is positioned in a position that covers the opening 72b when the extension tray 73 is located in the first position or the second position. For example, the cover 76 is positioned in a standby position that covers the opening 72b by hitting a stopper provided near the opening 72b of the main tray 72 in the direction of gravity. The cover 76 may also be biased to the standby position by a biasing unit. This prevents foreign matter such as dust from entering the main tray 72. It also prevents the sheet from getting caught in the opening 72b when the sheet is set in the sheet support unit 70 or when the sheet set in the sheet support unit 70 is fed.

[0033] [Internal Configuration of Trays] Next, the internal configuration of the main tray 72 and the extension tray 73 will be described using Figures 4A to 5B. Figure 4A is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the main tray 72 and the extension tray 73, and Figure 4B is a front view showing the internal configuration of the main tray 72 and the extension tray 73. Figure 5A is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the main tray 72 and the extension tray 73 when the extension tray 73 is located in the second position, and Figure 5B is a front view showing the internal configuration of the main tray 72 and the extension tray 73 when the extension tray 73 is located in the second position.

[0034] 4A to 5B do not show the top plate including the first support surface 72a of the main tray 72, the top plate including the second support surface 73a of the extension tray 73, and the side restriction plate 74R. The main tray 72 and the extension tray 73 are each formed in a box shape with an internal space.

[0035] 4A to 5B, a second detection sensor 78 is attached to the bottom plate 77 of the main tray 72. The second detection sensor 78 serving as a second detection unit is disposed in approximately the center of the bottom plate 77 in the width direction W. The second detection sensor 78 has a sensor unit 78a and a light-shielding unit 78b.

[0036] The sensor unit 78a has a light-emitting unit that emits light and a light-receiving unit that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting unit. The light-shielding unit 78b has a contact portion 78b1 that can contact a sheet supported on the first support surface 72a and a shielding portion 78b2 that can block the optical path between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, and is rotatably supported. The light-shielding unit 78b is positioned so that the contact portion 78b1 protrudes above the first support surface 72a (see FIG. 2A). At this time, the optical path of the sensor unit 78a is blocked by the shielding portion 78b2, and the sensor unit 78a is OFF. When a sheet is placed on the first support surface 72a, the sheet presses the contact portion 78b1 downward, causing the light-shielding unit 78b to rotate. As a result, the shielding portion 78b2 retracts from the optical path, and the sensor unit 78a is turned ON.

[0037] A first detection sensor 80 is attached to the bottom plate 79 of the extension tray 73. The first detection sensor 80, which serves as both a detection unit and a first detection unit, is located approximately in the center of the bottom plate 79 in the width direction W. The first detection sensor 80 has a configuration similar to that of the second detection sensor 78, including a sensor unit 80a and a light-shielding unit 80b. The light-shielding unit 80b has a contact portion 80b1 that can contact a sheet supported on the second support surface 73a and a shielding portion 80b2 that can block the optical path between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, and is rotatably supported. The light-shielding unit 80b is positioned so that the contact portion 80b1 protrudes above the second support surface 73a (see FIG. 3A). At this time, the optical path of the sensor unit 80a is blocked by the shielding portion 80b2, and the sensor unit 80a is turned off. When a sheet is placed on the second support surface 73a, the sheet presses the contact portion 80b1 downward, causing the light-shielding portion 80b to rotate, thereby retracting the shielding portion 80b2 from the optical path and turning on the sensor portion 80a.

[0038] In this way, the second detection sensor 78 can detect a sheet supported on the first support surface 72a, and the first detection sensor 80 can detect a sheet supported on the second support surface 73a. For example, the first detection sensor 80 and the second detection sensor 78 can be used to detect the following: When the first detection sensor 80 and the second detection sensor 78 are both OFF, it can be detected that no sheet is supported (placed) on the sheet support unit 70. When the second detection sensor 78 is ON and the first detection sensor 80 is OFF, it can be detected that plain paper, such as A4 size paper, is supported on the first support surface 72a. When the first detection sensor 80 and the second detection sensor 78 are both ON, it can be detected that a long sheet is supported on the sheet support unit 70.

[0039] The cover 76 is disposed between the first detection sensor 80 and the second detection sensor 78 in the pull-out direction DD. The first detection sensor 80 and the second detection sensor 78 are disposed at positions that overlap the cover 76 in the width direction W.

[0040] 4A , the extension tray 73 has a wall portion 81 that forms a surface on the upstream side in the pull-out direction. The wall portion 81 has a first wall 81a and a second wall 81b that extend in the width direction W, and a protrusion 81c that is disposed between the first wall 81a and the second wall 81b in the width direction W. Note that the first wall 81a and the second wall 81b do not necessarily have to extend parallel to the width direction W, as long as they extend in a direction along the width direction W.

[0041] The protrusion 81c connects the first wall 81a and the second wall 81b and is configured to protrude downstream in the pull-out direction DD from the first wall 81a and the second wall 81b. The protrusion 81c is also configured not to interfere with the second detection sensor 78 when the extension tray 73 is located at the first position. That is, when the extension tray 73 is located at the first position, at least a portion of the second detection sensor 78 is located downstream in the pull-out direction DD from the first wall 81a and the second wall 81b and is located within the space SP1 surrounded by the protrusion 81c.

[0042] In this way, by forming the protrusion 81c on the wall portion 81, the wall portion 81 can be brought closer to the second detection sensor 78, and the sheet support unit 70 can be made smaller in size in the pull-out direction DD.

[0043] Here, the cover 76, which is rotatably supported on the main tray 72, rotates when the recess 76b is pressed against the wall 81 of the extension tray 73 when the extension tray 73 moves between the first and second positions. More specifically, when the extension tray 73 moves from the first position to the second position, the protrusion 81c of the wall 81 first presses against the slope on the upstream side of the recess 76b in the pull-out direction DD, causing the cover 76 to rotate upward from the standby position around the pivot shaft 76a. Then, when the first wall 81a and the second wall 81b of the wall 81 pass the cover 76, the cover 76 returns to the standby position.

[0044] When the extension tray 73 moves from the second position to the first position, the first wall 81a and the second wall 81b of the wall portion 81 first press against the downstream slope of the recess 76b in the pull-out direction DD, causing the cover 76 to rotate upward from the standby position around the rotation shaft 76a. Then, when the protrusion 81c of the wall portion 81 passes the cover 76, the cover 76 returns to the standby position.

[0045] In this way, the cover 76 is configured to rotate in conjunction with the movement of the extension tray 73 between the first position and the second position. In other words, the cover 76 is configured to be rotatable so as to move out of the movement path of the extension tray 73 when the extension tray 73 moves between the first position and the second position.

[0046] 1, when the sheet support unit 70 is closed in the main body 50, at least a portion of the second roller 42b of the duplex conveying roller pair 42 enters the opening 72b of the main tray 72. Also, at least a portion of the second roller 42b enters the space SP2 enclosed by the recess 76b of the cover 76. In this way, by arranging the opening 72b and the recess 76b of the cover 76 at a position corresponding to the second roller 42b, the sheet support device 40 can be made smaller.

[0047] 4A to 6B, the arrangement of the wiring connected to the first detection sensor 80 and the second detection sensor 78 will be described. Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the second guide portion 95 in the folded state, and Fig. 6B is a schematic diagram showing the second guide portion 95 in the extended state.

[0048] 4A to 5B , a second cable 111 serving as a second wiring is connected to the sensor unit 78a of the second detection sensor 78, and a first cable 121 serving as a wiring and a first wiring is connected to the sensor unit 80a of the first detection sensor 80. The first cable 121 and the second cable 111 are connected to a control unit (not shown) provided in the main body 50 or the apparatus main body 1A, and transmit signals output from the first detection sensor 80 and the second detection sensor 78 to the control unit, respectively. The first cable 121 and the second cable 111 also supply power to the first detection sensor 80 and the second detection sensor 78.

[0049] The seat support unit 70 has a cable guide unit 90 that guides the first cable 121 and the second cable 111. The cable guide unit 90 has a first guide portion 91 that guides the second cable 111 and a second guide portion 95 that guides the first cable 121.

[0050] The first guide portion 91 is provided on the bottom plate 77 of the main tray 72. The first guide portion 91 has a first linear portion 92, a second linear portion 93, and a third linear portion 94. The first linear portion 92 and the third linear portion 94 extend parallel to the pulling-out direction DD, and the second linear portion 93 extends parallel to the width direction W and connects the first linear portion 92 and the third linear portion 94. In this way, the first guide portion 91 is formed in a crank shape as a whole.

[0051] The second bundle of wires 111 connected to the sensor portion 78a of the second detection sensor 78 is guided sequentially toward a control portion (not shown) by the first linear portion 92, the second linear portion 93, and the third linear portion 94. The first guide portion 91 is disposed on one end side (upper side in FIG. 4B ) of the main tray 72 in the width direction W, and the second bundle of wires 111 is guided by the first guide portion 91 so as to move toward the one end side.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first linear portion 92, the second linear portion 93, and the third linear portion 94 are each formed by ribs that face each other and extend from the bottom plate 77. Furthermore, the first linear portion 92 and the second linear portion 93 guide only the second bundle of wires 111, but the third linear portion 94 guides not only the second bundle of wires 111 but also the first bundle of wires 121.

[0053] The first cable 121 connected to the sensor unit 80a of the first detection sensor 80 has a first portion 121a extending from the sensor unit 80a upstream in the pull-out direction DD toward one end in the width direction W (the upper side in FIG. 4B ). The first cable 121 also has a second portion 121b continuing from the first portion 121a and extending along the side wall 82 of the extension tray 73. The first portion 121a and the second portion 121b of the first cable 121 may be guided by a rib or the like, such as the first guide portion 91 described above.

[0054] The first cable 121 exiting the outlet 83 of the extension tray 73 is guided by the second guide portion 95 and the third straight portion 94. As shown in FIG. 6A , the second guide portion 95 includes a first guide member 96, a second guide member 97, a link member 98, and a spring 99 as a biasing member. The first guide member 96 guides the first cable 121. The second guide member 97 guides the first cable 121 and is disposed downstream of the first guide member 96 in the pulling-out direction DD. The link member 98 connects the first guide member 96 and the second guide member 97. The first guide member 96 is rotatable about a link shaft 98a relative to the link member 98. The second guide member 97 is rotatable about a link shaft 98b relative to the link member 98.

[0055] 4B and 5B, the first guide member 96 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 96a, and the second guide member 97 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 97a. The rotation shaft 96a is provided, for example, on the main tray 72, and the rotation shaft 97a is provided, for example, on the extension tray 73. A spring 99 is engaged with the link member 98 and the main tray 72 and biases the second guide section 95 to the folded state shown in FIG. 6A. In other words, the spring 99 biases the link member 98 in the direction in which the second guide section 95 is folded. Note that the link member 98 and the spring 99 are omitted from FIGS. 4A to 5B.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 6A, when the extension tray 73 is located at the first position, the second guide portion 95 is in a folded state. When the extension tray 73 moves from the first position to the second position, the second guide portion 95 moves against the biasing force of the spring 99 and enters the extended state shown in Figures 5A, 5B, and 6B. When the second guide portion 95 is in the extended state, its length in the pulling direction DD is a first length L1, and when it is in the folded state, its length in the pulling direction DD is a second length L2. That is, when the extension tray 73 moves from the second position to the first position, the second guide portion 95 is folded so that its length in the pulling direction DD changes from the first length L1 to the second length L2. At this time, the first guide member 96 and the second guide member 97 rotate relative to the link member 98.

[0057] The first cable 121 and the second cable 111 guided by the cable guide unit 90 in this manner are arranged on one end side (upper side in Figure 4B) of the main tray 72 and the extension tray 73 in the width direction W.

[0058] The first cable 121 and the second cable 111 are arranged so as not to overlap the cover 76 when viewed in the normal direction ND, regardless of whether the extension tray 73 is in the first position or the second position. This prevents the first cable 121 and the second cable 111 from interfering with the cover 76, which rotates in conjunction with the extension tray 73, and prevents the cover 76 from getting caught in the first cable 121 and the second cable 111. This prevents the first cable 121 and the second cable 111 from breaking. Furthermore, the sheet support unit 70 can be made smaller in size in the normal direction ND.

[0059] Furthermore, since the opening 72b and the recess 76b of the cover 76 are disposed at a position corresponding to the second roller 42b of the main body 50, the sheet support device 40 can be made smaller when the sheet support unit 70 is closed relative to the main body 50. Furthermore, since the opening 72b is covered by the cover 76, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from falling into the opening 72b and causing a malfunction in the second detection sensor 78 inside the main tray 72.

[0060] Furthermore, when the sheet support unit 70 is closed relative to the main body 50, the cover 76 may be pressed by the second roller 42b. This reduces the gap between the cover 76 and the opening 72b, further preventing foreign matter from entering the opening 72b. Furthermore, the extension tray 73 is provided with a groove 73b that is positioned to face the cover 76 when the extension tray 73 is located at the first position, so that the rotation of the cover 76 is not restricted by the extension tray 73 located at the first position.

[0061] Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the first cable 121 and the second cable 111 are both guided toward one end (upper side in FIG. 4B ) of the main tray 72 and the extension tray 73 in the width direction W, but this is not limiting. For example, the second cable 111 may be guided toward one end of the main tray 72 and the extension tray 73 in the width direction W, and the first cable 121 may be guided toward the other end of the main tray 72 and the extension tray 73 in the width direction W. In any case, the first cable 121 and the second cable 111 are arranged so as not to overlap the cover 76 when viewed in the normal direction ND.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, at least a portion of the second roller 42b is configured to enter the opening 72b and the recessed portion 76b of the cover 76 when the sheet support unit 70 is closed relative to the main body 50, but this is not limiting. For example, a roller cover that covers the second roller 42b may be provided near the second roller 42b, and the roller cover may enter the opening 72b and the recessed portion 76b of the cover 76. In this way, the member that is provided on the main body 50 and that can enter the opening 72b and the recessed portion 76b of the cover 76 is not limited to a roller, and may be any member.

[0063] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the cover 76 is configured to rotate when pressed by the wall portion 81 of the extension tray 73, but this is not limiting. For example, the cover 76 may be connected to the extension tray 73 via a link mechanism, and configured to rotate in conjunction with the movement of the extension tray 73 via the link mechanism.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the first and second bundled wires 121 and 111 are mainly guided by the opposing ribs, but this is not limiting. For example, instead of the ribs, the first and second bundled wires 121 and 111 may be guided by harness guides or the like that are separate from the main tray 72 and the extension tray 73.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the second guide portion 95 is configured to be folded via the link member 98, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second guide portion 95 may be formed in a spiral shape so as to be extendable and contractible.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the protrusion 81c is formed on the wall 81 of the extension tray 73, but this is not limiting. For example, the protrusion 81c may be omitted, and the wall 81 may be formed by a wall that is flush with the first wall 81a and the second wall 81b. Even when the protrusion 81c is provided on the wall 81, the shape of the protrusion 81c is not limited, and the protrusion 81c may have a curved surface, for example.

[0067] The present disclosure is applicable to image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimiles, and multifunction peripherals having these functions, and in particular to sheet support devices having a detection unit and wiring connected to the detection unit, and image forming apparatuses including the sheet support devices.

[0068] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, to apprise the public of the scope of the present disclosure, the following claims are appended.

[0069] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-149807, filed August 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0070] 1: Image forming apparatus / 10: Image forming unit / 40: Sheet support device / 42b: Protrusion, roller (second roller) / 50: Main body / 72: Sheet support unit (main tray) / 72a: First support surface / 72b: Opening / 73: Drawer unit (extension tray) / 73a: Second support surface / 76: Cover / 76b: Recess / 78: Second detection unit (second detection sensor) / 80: Detection unit, first detection unit (first detection sensor) / 81: Wall portion / 81a: first wall / 81b: second wall / 81c: protrusion / 95: guide portion (second guide portion) / 96: first guide member / 97: second guide member / 98: link member / 99: biasing portion (spring) / 111: second wiring (second bundled wire) / 121: wiring, first wiring (first bundled wire) / DD: drawing direction / L1: first length / L2: second length / ND: normal direction / SP1, SP2: space / W: orthogonal direction (width direction)

Claims

1. A device comprising: a main body having a bulging portion; a seat support part supported on the main body so as to be openable and closable, the seat support part having a first support surface that supports a seat, and an opening provided on the first support surface; a drawer part supported on the seat support part so as to be able to be drawn out in a drawing-out direction, and movable between a first position where at least a portion is stored inside the seat support part, and a second position drawn out downstream in the drawing-out direction from the first position, the drawer part having a second support surface that supports a seat together with the first support surface when the drawer part is in the second position; a cover rotatably supported on the seat support part, which rotates in conjunction with the movement of the drawer part between the first position and the second position, and which covers the opening; a detection part that detects a seat supported on the second support surface; and wiring connected to the detection part and for transmitting a signal output from the detection part, wherein the cover has a recess that is recessed through the opening and toward the interior of the seat support part, A seat support device wherein, when the seat support portion is closed to the main body portion, at least a portion of the bulge portion enters the opening of the seat support portion and enters the space enclosed by the recess of the cover, and the wiring is positioned so as not to overlap the cover when viewed in the normal direction of the first support surface, regardless of whether the lead-out portion is in the first position or the second position.

2. The sheet support device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit and the wiring are a first detection unit and a first wiring, respectively, and further comprising: a second detection unit that detects a sheet supported on the first support surface; and a second wiring that is connected to the second detection unit and transmits a signal output from the second detection unit.

3. The sheet support device according to claim 2, wherein the cover is disposed between the first detection unit and the second detection unit in the pull-out direction.

4. A sheet support device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the first detection unit and the second detection unit are arranged in a position that overlaps with the cover in a perpendicular direction that is perpendicular to both the pull-out direction and the normal direction.

5. A seat support device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the first wiring and the second wiring are arranged on one end side of the seat support portion and the pull-out portion in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to both the pull-out direction and the normal direction.

6. A seat support device as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a guide portion that guides the first wiring, wherein the guide portion is folded when the pull-out portion moves from the second position to the first position so that the length in the pull-out direction changes from a first length to a second length that is shorter than the first length.

7. A seat support device as described in claim 6, wherein the guide portion has a first guide member that guides the first wiring, a second guide member that guides the first wiring and is positioned downstream of the first guide member in the pull-out direction, and a link member that connects the second guide member to the second guide member, and the first guide member and the second guide member rotate relative to the link member when the pull-out portion moves from the second position to the first position.

8. The seat support device according to claim 7, further comprising a biasing portion that biases the link member in a direction in which the guide portion is folded.

9. A seat support device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the cover rotates by the recess being pressed by the drawer portion when the drawer portion moves between the first position and the second position.

10. A sheet support device as described in claim 9, wherein the pull-out portion has a wall portion that can abut against the recess, the wall portion having a first wall and a second wall that extend along an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to both the pull-out direction and the normal direction, and a protrusion that is arranged between the first wall and the second wall in the orthogonal direction, the protrusion being configured to protrude downstream in the pull-out direction beyond the first wall and the second wall so as not to interfere with the second detection unit when the pull-out portion is located at the first position.

11. A seat support device as described in claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the second detection section is located downstream of the first wall and the second wall in the pull-out direction and within a space enclosed by the protrusion when the pull-out section is located in the first position.

12. The sheet support device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the bulging portion is a roller for conveying the sheet.

13. An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and an image forming section that forms an image on a sheet fed from the sheet supporting device.

Images