JP2002255368A - Paper feeding cassette - Google Patents
Paper feeding cassetteInfo
- Publication number
- JP2002255368A JP2002255368A JP2001055472A JP2001055472A JP2002255368A JP 2002255368 A JP2002255368 A JP 2002255368A JP 2001055472 A JP2001055472 A JP 2001055472A JP 2001055472 A JP2001055472 A JP 2001055472A JP 2002255368 A JP2002255368 A JP 2002255368A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- push
- plate
- paper
- upward force
- feeding direction
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は画像形成装置に設け
られる給紙カセットに関する。The present invention relates to a paper feed cassette provided in an image forming apparatus.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】ファクシリ装置などに用いる画像形成装
置では、画像形成機構に供給する記録紙を積層して収容
する給紙カセットが装備されている。2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus used for a facsimile apparatus or the like is provided with a paper feed cassette for stacking recording paper to be supplied to an image forming mechanism.
【０００３】この給紙カセットとして、上面部が開放さ
れ給紙方向下流側端部分離爪が設けられ内部に用紙が積
層して収容されるカセットケースと、このカセットケー
スの内部に配置されてカセットケースに積層収容される
用紙が載置される押上げ板と、この押上げ板の給紙方向
下流側端部が上下方向に揺動して分離爪に対して接近離
間するように押上げ板の給紙方向上流側端部を枢支する
押上げ板支持手段と、カセットケースに給紙方向に対し
て交差する方向に沿って配置され押上げ板に載置された
用紙の給紙方向上流側端を給紙方向上流側で押える後端
ガイドと、カセットケースに設けられ押上げ板の給紙方
向下流側端部を下側から支えて上向き力を作用する上向
き力作用手段である圧縮コイルばねとを具備したものが
ある。As this paper feed cassette, there is provided a cassette case in which an upper surface is opened and a downstream end separating claw is provided and paper is stacked and accommodated therein, and a cassette disposed inside the cassette case A push-up plate on which sheets stacked in the case are placed, and a push-up plate such that the downstream end of the push-up plate in the feed direction swings up and down to approach and separate from the separation claw. Push-up plate supporting means for pivotally supporting the upstream end of the sheet in the sheet feeding direction, and upstream of the sheet placed on the push-up plate in the cassette case along the direction intersecting the sheet feeding direction. A rear end guide that presses the side end on the upstream side in the paper feeding direction; and a compression coil that is an upward force acting means that is provided in the cassette case and that supports the downstream end of the push-up plate in the paper feeding direction from below to apply an upward force. Some have springs.
【０００４】すなわち、この給紙カセットは、記録紙を
押上げ板に積層載置してカセットケースに収容して圧縮
コイルばねが押上げ板を押上げると、記録紙の最上層が
分離爪に押えられて押上げ板の上向き揺動を阻止する。
カセットケースを画像形成装置本体に挿入すると、記録
紙の最上層が画像形成装置本体に設けた給紙ローラに接
触し、供給ローラが回転すると最上層の記録紙を分離爪
から外してカセットケースから繰出すようになってい
る。That is, in this paper feed cassette, when the recording paper is stacked and mounted on a push-up plate and accommodated in a cassette case and the compression coil spring pushes up the push-up plate, the uppermost layer of the recording paper reaches the separation claw. It is held down and prevents upward swing of the push-up plate.
When the cassette case is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus, the uppermost layer of the recording paper comes into contact with a paper feed roller provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is designed to be extended.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】従来この給紙カセット
おいては、押上げ板支持手段としてカセットケースにお
ける一定位置に固定して設けた支点軸、すなわち固定支
点を支点として押上げ板を枢支する構成が採用されてい
る。Conventionally, in this paper feed cassette, a push-up plate is pivotally supported by a fulcrum shaft fixedly provided at a fixed position in the cassette case as a push-up plate support means, that is, a fixed fulcrum. Is adopted.
【０００６】最近、画像形成装置に対しては大容量化に
伴い数百枚の記録紙を収容できる大容量の給紙カセット
の採用が要望されている。ところで、押上げ板に数百枚
の記録紙を載置した場合には、押上げ板は支点軸を支点
として最も下向きに揺動した状態で記録紙が画像形成装
置本体に設けた給紙ローラに接触して繰出され、また押
上げ板に数枚の記録紙を載置した場合には、押上げ板は
支点軸を支点として最も上向きに揺動した状態で記録紙
が給紙ローラに接触して繰出される。Recently, with the increase in capacity of image forming apparatuses, there has been a demand for the use of a large capacity paper feed cassette capable of storing several hundred sheets of recording paper. By the way, when several hundred sheets of recording paper are placed on the push-up plate, the push-up plate is pivoted downward about the fulcrum shaft, and the recording paper is fed to the feed roller provided in the image forming apparatus main body. When several sheets of recording paper are placed on the push-up plate and the push-up plate swings up with the fulcrum shaft as the fulcrum, the recording paper contacts the feed roller. It is paid out.
【０００７】しかし、押上げ板の支点が一定位置に固定
されていると、押上げ板が固定された支点を中心として
揺動するので、押上げ板に積載される記録紙が数百枚で
ある場合における押上げ板の水平面に対する最小の傾斜
角度（記録紙搬送角度）と、押上げ板に積載される記録
紙が数枚である場合における押上げ板の水平面に対する
傾斜角度（記録紙搬送角度）とに大きな差が生じる。そ
うすると、記録紙が数百枚である場合における供給ロー
ラが記録紙に接触して記録紙を繰出す搬送力の大きさと
数枚である場合における搬送力の大きさに大きな差が生
じ、記録紙の搬送状態にむらが発生している。However, if the fulcrum of the push-up plate is fixed at a fixed position, the push-up plate swings around the fixed fulcrum, so that several hundred sheets of recording paper are loaded on the push-up plate. The minimum inclination angle (recording paper transport angle) of the push-up plate with respect to the horizontal plane in a certain case, and the inclination angle (recording paper transport angle) of the push-up plate with respect to the horizontal plane when there are several sheets of recording paper stacked on the push-up plate ). Then, there is a large difference between the magnitude of the conveying force when the supply roller comes in contact with the recording paper and feeds the recording paper when the number of recording sheets is several hundred, and the magnitude of the conveying force when the number of sheets is several. Is uneven in the transport state of
【０００８】また、従来この給紙カセットでは、上向き
力作用手段である圧縮コイルばねは押上げ板の給紙方向
下流側端部を一定位置で下側から支えて上向き力を作用
するものであるため、押上げ板を下側から支えて上向き
力を作用する位置、すなわち押上げ位置が給紙方向下流
側端部において固定して給紙方向において一定位置を確
保している。Further, in this conventional paper feed cassette, the compression coil spring serving as the upward force acting means supports the downstream end of the push-up plate in the paper feed direction at a fixed position from below to exert an upward force. For this reason, the position where the upward force is applied by supporting the push-up plate from below, that is, the push-up position is fixed at the downstream end in the sheet feeding direction, and a constant position is secured in the sheet feeding direction.
【０００９】ところで、最近では画像形成に使用する記
録紙のサイズが多くなり、サイズが異なる記録紙をカセ
ットに収容して押上げ板に載置する機会が多くなってい
る。押上げ板に載置する記録紙のサイズの大きさが変わ
ると、それに応じて押上げ板全体の重心位置が移動す
る。これに対して押上げ板に対する押上げ位置が一定で
あると、押上げ板全体の重心位置の移動に対処できず押
上げ板の給紙方向のバランスが変化するとともに上向き
力作用手段の圧縮コイルばねに加わる負荷の大きさも変
化する。このため、上向き力作用手段の圧縮コイルばね
が押上げ板を上向きに揺動させて記録紙を給紙ローラに
接触させる力の大きさが変化して、記録紙の搬送状態に
むらが発生している。In recent years, the size of recording paper used for image formation has increased, and there has been an increasing number of occasions where recording paper of different sizes is accommodated in a cassette and placed on a push-up plate. When the size of the recording paper placed on the push-up plate changes, the position of the center of gravity of the entire push-up plate moves accordingly. On the other hand, if the push-up position with respect to the push-up plate is constant, it is impossible to cope with the movement of the center of gravity of the entire push-up plate, the balance in the sheet feeding direction of the push-up plate changes, and the compression coil of the upward force acting means. The magnitude of the load applied to the spring also changes. For this reason, the magnitude of the force of the compression coil spring of the upward force acting means for causing the push-up plate to swing upward and bring the recording paper into contact with the paper feed roller changes, causing unevenness in the conveyance state of the recording paper. ing.
【００１０】本発明は、押上げ板に載置する用紙の枚数
およびサイズにかかかわらず用紙を安定して供給ローラ
に接触させて搬送させることができる給紙カセットを提
供することを目的とする。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper feed cassette capable of stably transporting paper in contact with a supply roller irrespective of the number and size of paper placed on a push-up plate. .
【００１１】[0011]
【課題を解決するための手段】請求項１の発明の給紙カ
セットは、上面部が開放され給紙方向下流側端部に分離
爪が設けられ内部に用紙が積層して収容されるカセット
ケースと、このカセットケースの内部に配置されて前記
カセットケースに積層収容される用紙が載置される押上
げ板と、この押上げ板の給紙方向下流側端部が上下方向
に沿い揺動して前記分離爪に対して接近離間するように
前記押上げ板の給紙方向上流側端部を揺動可能に支持し
且つ前記押上げ板の給紙方向上流側端部を上下方向に移
動可能に支持する押上げ板支持手段と、前記カセットケ
ースにおいて給紙方向に対して交差する方向に沿って配
置され前記押上げ板に載置された用紙の給紙方向上流側
端を給紙方向上流側で押える後端ガイドと、前記カセッ
トケースに設けられ前記押上げ板の給紙方向下流側端部
に上向き力を作用する第１の上向き力作用手段と、前記
カセットケースにおいて前記第１の上向き力作用手段と
前記押上げ板支持手段との間で前記押上げ板に載置する
用紙のサイズに応じて給紙方向に沿い移動可能に設けら
れ前記押上げ板に上向き力を作用させる第２の上向き力
作用手段とを具備することを特徴とする。According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet cassette in which a top surface is opened, a separation claw is provided at a downstream end in a sheet feeding direction, and sheets are stacked and accommodated therein. And a push-up plate on which sheets stacked and accommodated in the cassette case are placed inside the cassette case, and a downstream end of the push-up plate in the sheet feeding direction swings up and down. The swinging support of the upstream end of the push-up plate in the paper feeding direction so as to approach and separate from the separation claw, and the vertical end of the upstream end of the push-up plate in the paper feed direction are movable. And a push-up plate supporting means for supporting the sheet placed on the push-up plate in the cassette case along a direction intersecting the feed direction. The rear end guide that is pressed by the side A first upward force acting means for exerting an upward force on a downstream end of the push-up plate in the sheet feeding direction, and a first upward force acting means and the push-up plate supporting means in the cassette case. A second upward force acting means which is provided so as to be movable in the paper feeding direction in accordance with the size of the paper placed on the push-up plate and applies an upward force to the push-up plate. .
【００１２】この発明の構成によれば、押上げ板が上下
方向に揺動することと押上げ板を支持する箇所が上下方
向に移動することとを組合せて、記録紙が数百枚である
場合における押上げ板の搬送角度の大きさと数枚である
場合における押上げ板の搬送角度の大きさとの差を小さ
く抑えることができる。また、第２の上向き力作用手段
を設けて、押上げ板に載置する用紙のサイズに応じて上
向き力を作用させる位置、すなわち押上げ位置を給紙方
向に沿い移動させて、用紙のサイズの大きさに応じた押
上げ板全体の重心位置の移動に対処した位置で上向き力
を加えて、押上げ板の給紙方向のバランスを安定させる
とともに第１の上向き力作用手段に加わる負荷を一定に
することができる。According to the structure of the present invention, the combination of the swinging of the push-up plate in the vertical direction and the movement of the position supporting the push-up plate in the vertical direction results in several hundreds of recording sheets. In this case, the difference between the size of the transport angle of the push-up plate in the case and the size of the transport angle of the push-up plate in the case of several sheets can be suppressed to be small. Further, a second upward force acting means is provided, and a position at which an upward force is applied according to the size of the sheet placed on the push-up plate, that is, the push-up position is moved along the sheet feeding direction, and the size of the sheet is increased. The upward force is applied at a position corresponding to the movement of the center of gravity of the entire push-up plate according to the size of the push-up plate to stabilize the balance in the sheet feeding direction of the push-up plate and reduce the load applied to the first upward force acting means. Can be constant.
【００１３】請求項２の発明は、請求項１に記載の給紙
カセットにおいて、前記後端ガイドは、前記押上げ板に
載置する用紙のサイズに応じて給紙方向に沿い移動可能
に配置され、且つ前記第２の上向き力作用手段と一体で
給紙方向に移動可能であることを特徴とする。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the paper feed cassette according to the first aspect, the rear end guide is disposed so as to be movable in a paper feeding direction according to a size of the paper placed on the push-up plate. And moving in the sheet feeding direction integrally with the second upward force acting means.
【００１４】この発明の構成によれば、後端ガイドを用
紙のサイズに応じた位置に設定する操作を容易に行うこ
とができ、また第２の上向き力作用手段を用紙のサイズ
に応じた位置に設定する操作を後端ガイドの操作と連動
することにより容易に行うことができる。According to the configuration of the present invention, the operation of setting the rear end guide to a position corresponding to the size of the sheet can be easily performed, and the second upward force acting means can be moved to the position corresponding to the size of the sheet. Can be easily performed in conjunction with the operation of the rear end guide.
【００１５】請求項３の発明は、請求項１に記載の給紙
カセットにおいて、前記第２の上向き力作用手段は、給
紙方向に移動可能な移動体と、この移動体に設けられ上
下方向揺動可能で押上げ板に対して上向き力を加える上
向き力作用体と、この上向き力作用体に上向き力を加え
るばねと具備することを特徴とする。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the paper feed cassette according to the first aspect, the second upward force acting means is provided with a movable member movable in a paper supply direction, and a vertically movable member provided on the movable member. It is characterized by comprising an upward force acting body capable of swinging and applying an upward force to the push-up plate, and a spring applying an upward force to the upward force acting body.
【００１６】この発明の構成によれば、第２の上向き力
作用手段を適切な構成で提供することができる。According to the structure of the present invention, the second upward force acting means can be provided with an appropriate structure.
【００１７】[0017]
【発明の実施の形態】本発明の一実施の形態について図
１ないし図４を参照して説明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
【００１８】図１は本発明の給紙カセットを装填した縦
搬送型の画像形成装置を模式的に示す断面図である。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a vertical conveyance type image forming apparatus loaded with a sheet cassette of the present invention.
【００１９】図１において１は画像形成装置本体、２は
画像形成装置本体１の上段部に設けられ原稿を載置して
原稿に記載された画像を読取る画像読取り部、３は画像
形成装置本体１の下段部に設けられた本発明の給紙カセ
ット４を装填する給紙カセット装填部、５は画像形成装
置本体１の中段部に設けられ記録紙Ｐを垂直上向きに搬
送して画像を形成する電子写真方式を採用した画像形成
機構である。６は給紙カセット装填部３に装填される給
紙カセット４の給紙方向下流側端部の上側において給紙
方向に対して直交する方向に沿って設けられ給紙カセッ
ト４に積層して収容される記録紙Ｐを繰出す給紙ロー
ラ、７はこの給紙ローラ６により給紙カセット４から繰
出された記録紙Ｐを画像形成機構５へ搬送する搬送ロー
ラ、８は画像形成機構５で画像を記録された記録紙Ｐを
画像形成装置本体１に設けられた排紙受け部９へ排出す
る排出ローラである。In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus main body, 2 denotes an image reading section provided on an upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 1 for placing an original and reading an image described on the original, and 3 denotes an image forming apparatus main body. A paper cassette loading section 5 for loading the paper cassette 4 of the present invention, which is provided at a lower portion of the image forming apparatus 1, is provided at a middle portion of the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus, and conveys the recording paper P vertically upward to form an image. This is an image forming mechanism employing an electrophotographic method. Numeral 6 is provided above the downstream end of the paper feed cassette 4 loaded in the paper feed cassette loading section 3 in the paper feed direction along a direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction, and is stacked on the paper feed cassette 4 and accommodated therein. A feeding roller 7 for feeding out the recording paper P to be fed, a conveying roller 7 for feeding the recording paper P fed from the paper feeding cassette 4 by the feeding roller 6 to the image forming mechanism 5, and an image forming mechanism 5 Is a discharge roller that discharges the recording paper P on which the image has been recorded to the discharge receiving portion 9 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 1.
【００２０】本発明の給紙カセット４について図２ない
し図４を参照して説明する。図２は押上げ板を下向きに
揺動させた状態の給紙カセットを示す断面図、図３は押
上げ板を下向きに揺動させた状態の給紙カセットを示す
断面図、図４は給紙カセットを示す平面図である。The paper feed cassette 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sheet cassette in which the push-up plate is swung downward, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sheet cassette in which the push-up plate is swung downward, and FIG. It is a top view showing a paper cassette.
【００２１】この実施の形態では、給紙カセット４を画
像形成装置本体１における給紙カセット装填部３の側面
部に形成された開口部を通して給紙方向に対して直交す
る方向において水平に移動させて給紙カセット装填部３
に出し入れするようになっている。In this embodiment, the paper feed cassette 4 is moved horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction through an opening formed in the side face of the paper feed cassette loading section 3 in the image forming apparatus main body 1. Paper cassette loading unit 3
To get in and out.
【００２２】図において１１はカセットケース、１２は
押上げ板、１３は第１の上向き力作用手段の一形態であ
る圧縮コイルばね、１４は後端ガイド、１５は押上げ板
支持手段、１６は第２の上向き力作用手段である。In the figure, 11 is a cassette case, 12 is a push-up plate, 13 is a compression coil spring which is one form of the first upward force acting means, 14 is a rear end guide, 15 is a push-up plate supporting means, and 16 is a push-up plate supporting means. Second upward force acting means.
【００２３】カセットケース１１は上面部を開放した平
面矩形の箱形をなすもので、複数のサイズの記録紙Ｐを
積層収容するために最大サイズの記録紙Ｐの長さ寸法お
よび幅寸法に対応した長さ寸法および幅寸法が設定され
ている。カセットケース１１はその長さ方向が給紙方向
に沿うように設定され、図２ないし図４においてカセッ
トケース１１の右側端部が給紙方向下流側端壁部に、左
側端壁部が給紙方向上流側端壁部に夫々設定されてい
る。The cassette case 11 is in the form of a flat rectangular box having an open upper surface, and corresponds to the length and width dimensions of the maximum size recording paper P in order to accommodate a plurality of sizes of recording paper P in a stacked manner. Length and width dimensions are set. The cassette case 11 is set so that the length direction thereof is along the paper feed direction. In FIGS. 2 to 4, the right end of the cassette case 11 is located at the downstream end wall in the feed direction, and the left end wall is located at the feed end. It is set on the end wall on the upstream side in the direction.
【００２４】また、カセットケース１１における給紙方
向下流側部には両方の側壁部の内側に位置して一対の幅
ガイド２１が設けられ、この幅ガイド２１はカセットケ
ース１１の幅方向に沿って互いに接近、離間する向きに
移動可能で、カセットケース１１に収容される記録紙Ｐ
の幅寸法に応じて両者間の間隔を調節して記録紙Ｐの両
側の側縁を押えるようになっている。カセットケース１
１の給紙方向上流側部における両方の側壁には、例えば
2種類の記録紙Ｐの長さ寸法に応じて給紙方向下流側端
壁部を基準として長さ方向に2種類の距離を存した位置
で支点軸支持部２２Ａ、２２Bが夫々形成されている。
これら支点軸支持部２２Ａ、２２Bは上部が開放されて
凹部をなすもので、給紙方向に対して直角な方向の軸線
を有しており、後述する後端ガイド１４の支点軸２８を
上側から着脱可能に係合して揺動可能に支持するもので
ある。A pair of width guides 21 are provided on the downstream side of the cassette case 11 in the sheet feeding direction and are located inside the two side walls, and the width guides 21 extend along the width direction of the cassette case 11. The recording paper P that is movable in the directions approaching and separating from each other and accommodated in the cassette case 11
The width between both sides is adjusted in accordance with the width dimension of the recording paper P to press the side edges on both sides of the recording paper P. Cassette case 1
For example, both side walls at the upstream side in the sheet feeding direction
The fulcrum shaft support portions 22A and 22B are respectively formed at positions at two types of distances in the length direction with reference to the downstream end wall portion in the paper feeding direction according to the length dimensions of the two types of recording paper P. .
The fulcrum shaft support portions 22A and 22B are open at the top to form a concave portion, have an axis perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction, and move the fulcrum shaft 28 of the rear end guide 14 described later from above. It is detachably engaged and swingably supported.
【００２５】さらに、カセットケース１１における給紙
方向下流側端壁部には、夫々カセットケース１１内部に
向けて水平な分離爪２３が設けられている。Further, at the downstream end wall of the cassette case 11 in the sheet feeding direction, horizontal separating claws 23 are provided respectively toward the inside of the cassette case 11.
【００２６】押上げ板１２は、カセットケース１１の内
部に配置されて積層収容された記録紙Ｐを載置するもの
で、カセットケース１１の内部に収まるとともに数種類
のサイズの記録紙Ｐを載置するために最大サイズの記録
紙Ｐに合せた大きさの矩形をなしている。押上げ板１２
の両側部は一対の用紙幅ガイド２１および後述する後端
ガイド１４の端部の側片２７と重なる部分がこれを避け
て切欠されている。The push-up plate 12 is for placing the recording papers P arranged and accommodated in the cassette case 11 in a stacked state. The push-up plate 12 fits inside the cassette case 11 and places recording papers P of several sizes. For this purpose, a rectangle having a size corresponding to the maximum size of the recording paper P is formed. Push plate 12
Are cut out so as to avoid overlapping with the pair of paper width guides 21 and the side piece 27 at the end of the rear end guide 14 which will be described later.
【００２７】押上げ板支持手段１５は、押上げ板１２の
給紙方向下流側端部が上下方向に沿い揺動して分離爪２
３に対して接近離間するように押上げ板１２の給紙方向
上流側端部を枢支する支点軸２６を備え、且つこの支点
軸２６で支持される押上げ板２３の箇所を上下方向に沿
い移動するよう支持するものである。The push-up plate supporting means 15 moves the separation claw 2 such that the downstream end of the push-up plate 12 in the sheet feeding direction swings up and down.
3 is provided with a fulcrum shaft 26 that pivotally supports the upstream end of the push-up plate 12 in the sheet feeding direction so as to approach and separate from the push-up plate 3. It supports to move along.
【００２８】ここでは次に述べる構成をなしている。押
上げ板１２における給紙方向上流側端部における両側の
側壁部には夫々起立片２４が直角に起立して形成され、
これら起立片２４には上下方向に沿って所定長さで延び
る長孔２５が夫々形成されている。これら各起立片２４
に形成された長孔２５には、カセットケース１１の両側
の側壁部内面に給紙方向に対して直角な方向に沿って夫
々設けられた支点軸２６が上位下方向に沿って移動可能
に挿通支持されている。これにより押上げ板１２は給紙
方向上流側端部にある支点軸２６を支点として給紙方向
下流側端部が分離爪２３に対して接近離間するように上
下方向に沿って揺動することが可能に支持されている。
また、長孔２５は支点軸２６を案内として上下方向に沿
って移動し、これに伴い起立片２４を介して押上げ板１
２全体が上下方向に沿って移動する。これにより押上げ
板１２は支点軸２６に支持される箇所が上下方向に沿っ
て移動可能に支持される。なお、押上げ板支持手段はカ
セットケース１１の側壁部に上下方向に沿い長孔を形成
し、押上げ板１２に支点軸を設けることも可能である。Here, the following configuration is employed. Upstanding pieces 24 are formed at right angles on both side walls of the push-up plate 12 at the upstream end in the sheet feeding direction, respectively.
Each of the upright pieces 24 is formed with a long hole 25 extending at a predetermined length along the vertical direction. Each of these standing pieces 24
The fulcrum shafts 26 provided on the inner surfaces of the side wall portions on both sides of the cassette case 11 along the direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction are movably inserted along the upper and lower directions. Supported. As a result, the push-up plate 12 swings up and down around the fulcrum shaft 26 at the upstream end in the paper feeding direction so that the downstream end in the paper feeding direction approaches and separates from the separation claw 23. It is possible to be supported.
Further, the elongated hole 25 moves in the vertical direction with the fulcrum shaft 26 as a guide, and accordingly, the push-up plate 1
2 moves in the vertical direction. As a result, the push-up plate 12 is supported at a position supported by the fulcrum shaft 26 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. In addition, it is also possible to form a long hole in the side wall portion of the cassette case 11 along the vertical direction, and provide the push-up plate 12 with a fulcrum shaft.
【００２９】圧縮コイルばね１３は、カセットケース１
１の内部における給紙方向下流側端部においてカセット
ケース１１の底面部と押上げ板１２との間に配置されて
いる。これにより押上げ板１２は給紙方向下流側端部が
圧縮コイルばね１３に下側から支えられて上向きの弾性
力が加えられている。第１の上向き力作用手段は圧縮コ
イルばね１３に限定されず、押上げ板１２に対して下
側、側方あるいは上側から上向き力を加える弾性部材を
用いて構成することも可能である。The compression coil spring 13 is connected to the cassette case 1.
1 is disposed between the bottom surface of the cassette case 11 and the push-up plate 12 at the downstream end in the sheet feeding direction. As a result, the push-up plate 12 is supported by the compression coil spring 13 from below at the downstream end in the sheet feeding direction, and an upward elastic force is applied. The first upward force acting means is not limited to the compression coil spring 13, but may be constituted by using an elastic member which applies an upward force to the push-up plate 12 from the lower side, the side or the upper side.
【００３０】後端ガイド１４はカセットケース１１の内
部に給紙方向に対して直交する方向に沿って水平に配置
されるもので、カセットケース１１の幅寸法に相当する
（押上げ板１２より大きい）長さと、カセットケース１
１の壁部高さより短い幅を有する短冊形をなすものであ
る。後端ガイド１４の両端部は下向きに直角に折り曲げ
られて側片２７が夫々形成され、これら側片２７は押上
げ板１２の両側部の切欠部に位置している。これら側片
２７の上端部には夫々給紙方向に対して直交する水平な
方向に沿って外側へ突出する支点軸２８が設けられてお
り、この支点軸２８はカセットケース１１の支点軸支持
部２２Ａ、２２Bに選択的に上側から嵌合して揺動可能
に支持させるものである。すなわち、支点軸２８は後端
ガイド１４の上端を給紙方向に対して直角な方向に沿っ
た軸線で揺動可能に枢支するものである。The rear end guide 14 is disposed horizontally inside the cassette case 11 along a direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction, and corresponds to the width of the cassette case 11 (larger than the push-up plate 12). ) Length and cassette case 1
1 is a strip having a width shorter than the height of the wall. Both ends of the rear end guide 14 are bent downward at right angles to form side pieces 27, respectively, and these side pieces 27 are located in cutouts on both sides of the push-up plate 12. At the upper ends of the side pieces 27, fulcrum shafts 28 projecting outward along a horizontal direction orthogonal to the paper feeding direction are provided, and the fulcrum shafts 28 are fulcrum shaft support portions of the cassette case 11. 22A and 22B are selectively fitted from the upper side so as to be swingably supported. That is, the fulcrum shaft 28 pivotally supports the upper end of the rear end guide 14 so as to be able to swing about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction.
【００３１】そして、後端ガイド１４は押上げ板１２に
載置する記録紙Ｐのサイズ、すなわち給紙方向の長さに
応じた位置にセットする。例えば、記録紙Ｐの長さがカ
セットケース１１の支点軸支持部２２Ａ、２２Bのうち
２２Ｂの位置に相当する場合には、支点軸２６をカセッ
トケース１１の支点軸支持部２２Ｂに係合支持する。こ
れにより後端ガイド１４は上端が支点軸２８に支持され
て垂下した状態になる。The rear end guide 14 is set at a position corresponding to the size of the recording paper P placed on the push-up plate 12, ie, the length in the paper feeding direction. For example, when the length of the recording paper P corresponds to the position of the fulcrum shaft support portions 22A and 22B of the cassette case 11, the fulcrum shaft 26 is engaged and supported by the fulcrum shaft support portion 22B of the cassette case 11. . As a result, the rear end guide 14 is suspended from the upper end supported by the fulcrum shaft 28.
【００３２】第２の上向き力作用手段１６は、カセット
ケース１１の内部において第１の上向き力作用手段であ
る圧縮コイルばね１３と押上げ板支持手段１５の支点軸
２６との間で押上げ板１２に載置する記録紙Pのサイズ
に応じて給紙方向に沿い移動可能に設けられ、押上げ板
１２を支えて上向き力を作用させるものである。この実
施の形態では、カセットケース１１の内部において押上
げ板１２の給紙方向上流側端部の下側で押上げ板幅方向
に間隔を存した位置に２箇所に夫々設けられている。The second upward force acting means 16 is provided between the compression coil spring 13 as the first upward force acting means and the fulcrum shaft 26 of the push-up plate supporting means 15 inside the cassette case 11. The recording paper P is movably provided in the paper feeding direction in accordance with the size of the recording paper P, and supports the push-up plate 12 to apply an upward force. In this embodiment, two portions are provided inside the cassette case 11 at positions below the upstream end of the push-up plate 12 in the sheet feeding direction and at intervals in the push-up plate width direction.
【００３３】ここでは第２の上向き力作用手段１６は、
カセットケース１１の底面壁内面に移動可能に配置され
且つ例えば後端ガイド１４の側片２７に一体に形成、あ
るいは固定されて給紙方向へ移動される移動体３１と、
この移動体３１に配置され給紙方向下流側端部が給紙方
向に対して直交する枢軸３３を支点として上下方向揺動
可能に支持され押上げ板１２の下面に当接する上向き力
作用体３２と、枢軸３３に設けられ上向き力作用体３２
に上向き力を加えるねじりばね３４と、長孔３６を有し
一端が上向き力作用体３２の下面に設けたピン３７で枢
支されるとともに長孔３６が移動体３１に設けたピン３
８に枢支されたリンク３５とを備えている。移動体３１
は後端ガイド１４が押上げ板１２に載置する記録紙Ｐの
サイズ、すなわち給紙方向の長さに応じた位置にセット
する動作に連動して給紙方向に移動して、後端ガイド１
４と同じ記録紙Ｐのサイズの位置にセットされる。上向
き力作用体３２はねじりばね３４により押上げ板１２に
対して常時上向き力を作用させ、押上げ板１２の上下方
向の揺動に応じて上下方向に揺動される。Here, the second upward force acting means 16 is
A movable body 31 movably disposed on the inner surface of the bottom wall of the cassette case 11 and integrally formed with or fixed to, for example, the side piece 27 of the rear end guide 14 and moved in the paper feeding direction;
An upward force acting body 32 disposed on the movable body 31 and supported at the downstream end in the sheet feeding direction so as to be pivotable about a pivot 33 perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction in the vertical direction and abutting against the lower surface of the push-up plate 12. And the upward force acting body 32 provided on the pivot 33
A torsion spring 34 for applying an upward force to the moving member 31, and a pin 3 having an elongated hole 36, one end of which is pivotally supported by a pin 37 provided on the lower surface of the upward force applying body 32.
8 and a link 35 pivotally supported. Moving body 31
The rear end guide 14 moves in the paper feeding direction in conjunction with the operation of setting the rear end guide 14 at a position corresponding to the size of the recording paper P placed on the push-up plate 12, that is, the length in the paper feeding direction. 1
The recording paper P is set at the same position as that of the recording paper P. The upward force acting body 32 always exerts an upward force on the push-up plate 12 by the torsion spring 34, and swings up and down in response to the up-down swing of the push-up plate 12.
【００３４】このように構成された給紙カセット４につ
いて説明する。給紙カセット４を使用するに際しては、
押上げ板１２に載置する記録紙Ｐのサイズに応じて後端
ガイド１４を給紙方向に沿って移動させ、カセットケー
ス１１の支点軸支持部２２Ａ、２２Bのいずれかを選択
して後端ガイド１４の支点軸２６を係合支持し、後端ガ
イド１４を記録紙Ｐのサイズに応じた位置にセットす
る。この後端ガイド１４の位置をセットする操作を行う
時に各第２の上向き力作用手段１６の移動体３１が後端
ガイド１４とともにカセットケース１１の底壁部上を給
紙方向に沿って移動して後端ガイド１４のセットする位
置にセットされる。この第２の上向き力作用手段１６の
位置は、記録紙Ｐのサイズによって規定される押上げ板
１２の重心位置に応じて押上げ板１２全体の重量を保つ
ために上向き力を加える上で適切な位置が選択される。The paper feed cassette 4 configured as described above will be described. When using the paper cassette 4,
The rear end guide 14 is moved in the paper feeding direction in accordance with the size of the recording paper P placed on the push-up plate 12, and one of the fulcrum shaft support portions 22A and 22B of the cassette case 11 is selected and the rear end is selected. The fulcrum shaft 26 of the guide 14 is engaged and supported, and the rear end guide 14 is set at a position corresponding to the size of the recording paper P. When the operation of setting the position of the rear end guide 14 is performed, the moving body 31 of each second upward force acting means 16 moves on the bottom wall of the cassette case 11 along with the rear end guide 14 along the sheet feeding direction. And is set at the position where the rear end guide 14 is set. The position of the second upward force acting means 16 is appropriate for applying an upward force to maintain the weight of the entire push-up plate 12 in accordance with the center of gravity of the push-up plate 12 defined by the size of the recording paper P. Is selected.
【００３５】先ず、カセットケース１１を画像形成装置
本体１の給紙カセット装填部３から開口部を通して取り
出し、図２に示すように手で押上げ板１２を圧縮コイル
ばね１３のばね力に抗して下向きに押して支点軸２６を
中心として水平な位置まで下向きに揺動させる。記録紙
Ｐをカセットケース１１の上側から内部へ収容して押上
げ板１２に積層して載置する。記録紙Ｐは給紙方向上流
側端（後端）を後端ガイド１４の前面に当接して給紙方
向の位置を決めて揃える。First, the cassette case 11 is taken out from the paper feed cassette loading section 3 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 through the opening, and the push-up plate 12 is manually pressed against the spring force of the compression coil spring 13 as shown in FIG. To swing downward about the fulcrum shaft 26 to a horizontal position. The recording paper P is accommodated from the upper side of the cassette case 11 and is stacked on the push-up plate 12 and placed. The upstream end (rear end) of the recording paper P in the paper feeding direction is brought into contact with the front surface of the rear end guide 14 to determine and align the position in the paper feeding direction.
【００３６】手を離すと押上げ板１２は圧縮コイルばね
１３により押上げられて支点軸２６を中心として上向き
に揺動し、押上げ板１２に積層載置された記録紙Ｐの最
上層における給紙方向下流側端部（前端部）がカセット
ケース１１の分離爪２３にあたる。これにより記録紙Ｐ
が上側から押えられて押上げ板１２の上向き揺動が阻止
される。押上げ板１２に最大枚数（数百枚）の記録紙Ｐ
が積層されると図２に示す状態になる。この場合、押上
げ板１２は支点軸２６を支点として下向きに揺動してほ
ぼ水平状態にある。押上げ板１２の長孔２５は下側へ移
動してその上端が支点軸２６の位置まで達する位置にあ
る。また、第２の上向き力作用手段１６の上向き力作用
体３２は下向きに揺動する押上げ板１２に押されてねじ
りばね３４のばね力に抗して下向きに揺動して移動体３
１と重なって水平になった位置にある。When the hand is released, the push-up plate 12 is pushed up by the compression coil spring 13 and oscillates upward about the fulcrum shaft 26, so that the uppermost layer of the recording paper P stacked and mounted on the push-up plate 12 is formed. The downstream end (front end) in the sheet feeding direction corresponds to the separation claw 23 of the cassette case 11. Thereby, the recording paper P
Is pressed from above to prevent upward swing of the push-up plate 12. The maximum number (several hundreds) of recording papers P on the push-up plate 12
Are stacked as shown in FIG. In this case, the push-up plate 12 swings downward about the fulcrum shaft 26 as a fulcrum and is in a substantially horizontal state. The long hole 25 of the push-up plate 12 moves downward, and its upper end is located at the position of the fulcrum shaft 26. Further, the upward force acting body 32 of the second upward force acting means 16 is pushed by the downwardly oscillating push-up plate 12 and swings downward against the spring force of the torsion spring 34 to move the moving body 3
It is in a position where it overlaps with 1 and is horizontal.
【００３７】そして、この状態でカセットケース１１を
開口部を通して画像形成装置本体１の給紙カセット装填
部３に挿入する。押上げ板１２に載置された記録紙Ｐの
最上層が給紙カセット装填部３に設けられた給紙ローラ
６に押圧接触する。Then, in this state, the cassette case 11 is inserted into the sheet cassette loading section 3 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 through the opening. The uppermost layer of the recording paper P placed on the push-up plate 12 comes into pressure contact with the paper feed roller 6 provided in the paper feed cassette loading unit 3.
【００３８】画像形成装置本体１１に設けた給紙ローラ
６を給紙方向に回転すると、給紙ローラ６が最上層の記
録紙Ｐに摩擦接触して給紙方向下流側へ向けて搬送力を
加える。これにより最上層の記録紙Ｐが分離爪２３から
外れてカセットケース１１から給紙方向下流側へ搬送さ
れて行く。記録紙Ｐが順次繰出されていき押上げ板１２
に載置された記録紙Ｐの枚数が順次減少していくと、そ
の減少分に応じて押上げ板１２が圧縮コイルばね１３に
押上げられて支点軸２６を中心として上側へ揺動する。
押上げ板１２に載置された記録紙Ｐが無くなると、図３
に示すように押上げ板１２の給紙方向下流側端部が分離
爪２３に引っ掛かかる。When the paper feed roller 6 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 11 is rotated in the paper feed direction, the paper feed roller 6 comes into frictional contact with the uppermost recording paper P, and the conveying force is reduced toward the downstream side in the paper feed direction. Add. As a result, the uppermost recording paper P comes off the separation claw 23 and is conveyed from the cassette case 11 to the downstream side in the paper feeding direction. The recording paper P is sequentially fed out and the push-up plate 12
When the number of recording papers P placed on the recording paper P sequentially decreases, the push-up plate 12 is pushed up by the compression coil spring 13 in accordance with the decrease, and swings upward about the fulcrum shaft 26.
When the recording paper P placed on the push-up plate 12 runs out, FIG.
As shown in (2), the downstream end of the push-up plate 12 in the sheet feeding direction is caught by the separation claw 23.
【００３９】ここで、圧縮コイルばね１３からなる第１
の上向き力作用手段は押上げ板１２を上側へ向けて押上
げる主たる駆動力と押上げ板１２に載置された記録紙Ｐ
を給紙ローラに押圧する一定の押圧力を負担する。Here, the first coil spring 13
The upward force acting means is a main driving force for pushing up the push-up plate 12 and the recording paper P placed on the push-up plate 12.
Is pressed against the paper feed roller.
【００４０】また、積載した記録紙Ｐの枚数が減少して
上向きに揺動するのに伴って、側片２４の長孔２５がカ
セットケース１１に固定された支点軸２６に支持されて
上側へ向けて移動していき、これにより押上げ板１２全
体が上側へ移動する。すなわち、支点軸２６に支持され
た押上げ板１２の箇所が移動する。そして、押上げ板１
２に載置された記録紙Ｐが無くなると、長孔２５の下端
が支持軸２６に当接して上向きの移動が停止し、これに
より押上げ板１２全体の上向きの移動が停止する。この
ように押上げ板１２は上向きに揺動するに伴い押上げ板
１２全体が移動することにより、押上げ板１２が上向き
に揺動する各位置毎の水平面に対する傾斜角度（搬送角
度）が従来のように押上げ板１２が上向きに移動しない
場合に比較して緩やかになる。すなわち、押上げ板１２
が一番下側に位置する水平な状態と一番上側へ揺動した
場合の搬送角度との差が小さくなる。Further, as the number of stacked recording papers P decreases and swings upward, the long holes 25 of the side pieces 24 are supported by the fulcrum shafts 26 fixed to the cassette case 11 to move upward. The push-up plate 12 moves upward as a result. That is, the position of the push-up plate 12 supported by the fulcrum shaft 26 moves. And push-up plate 1
When the recording paper P placed on the sheet 2 runs out, the lower end of the long hole 25 comes into contact with the support shaft 26 to stop the upward movement, thereby stopping the upward movement of the entire push-up plate 12. As described above, the entire push-up plate 12 moves as the push-up plate 12 swings upward, so that the tilt angle (conveyance angle) with respect to the horizontal plane at each position where the push-up plate 12 swings upward is conventionally known. And the lifting plate 12 becomes gentler than when the lifting plate 12 does not move upward. That is, the push-up plate 12
Is small, and the difference between the horizontal state at the bottom and the transport angle when swinging to the top is reduced.
【００４１】このようにすると押上げ板１２の上下方向
の揺動と上下方向の移動との組合せにより、記録紙Ｐが
数百枚である場合における押上げ板１２の搬送角度の大
きさと数枚である場合における押上げ板１２の搬送角度
の大きさとの差が小さく抑えることができ、記録紙Ｐが
数百枚である場合における供給ローラが記録紙Ｐに接触
して記録紙Ｐを繰出す搬送力の大きさと記録紙Ｐが数枚
である場合における搬送力の大きさの差を小さく抑え
て、両者における記録紙搬送状態にむらが発生すること
を抑えることができる。In this way, by the combination of the vertical swinging and vertical movement of the push-up plate 12, the size of the transport angle of the push-up plate 12 and the number of sheets when the number of recording papers P is several hundred. In this case, the difference from the magnitude of the transport angle of the push-up plate 12 can be suppressed to a small value, and the supply roller contacts the recording paper P and feeds out the recording paper P when the number of recording papers P is several hundred. The difference between the magnitude of the conveying force and the magnitude of the conveying force when there are several sheets of recording paper P can be suppressed to a small value, thereby preventing the occurrence of unevenness in the recording paper conveyance state in both cases.
【００４２】また、積載した記録紙Ｐの枚数が減少して
上向きに揺動するのに伴って、第２の上向き力作用手段
１６における上向き力作用体３２はねじりばね３４によ
る上向きの力を受けて押上げ板１２の下面に当接しなが
ら枢軸３３を中心として上向きに揺動する。これにより
上向き力作用体３２は押上げ板１２に対して下側から上
向き力を加える。そして、押上げ板１２に載置された記
録紙Ｐが無くなり、押上げ板１２が最大上側へ揺動し上
側へ移動すると、上向き力作用体３２も最大に上向きに
揺動する。このように上向き力作用体３２は記録紙Ｐの
サイズによって規定される押上げ板１２の重心位置に応
じて押上げ板１２全体の重量バランスを保つために適切
な位置で、上向きへ揺動する押上げ板１２に対して常に
下側から上向き力を加える。このため、押上げ板１２は
上向き力作用体３２により記録紙Ｐのサイズによって規
定される押上げ板１２の重心位置に応じた位置で上向き
力が加えられて押上げ板１２全体の重量バランスを保つ
ことができる。なお、第２の上向き力作用手段１６が押
上げ板１２に対して加える上向き力は重量バランス用の
ものである。Further, as the number of stacked recording papers P decreases and swings upward, the upward force acting body 32 of the second upward force acting means 16 receives the upward force of the torsion spring 34. And swings upward about the pivot 33 while contacting the lower surface of the push-up plate 12. Thus, the upward force acting body 32 applies an upward force to the push-up plate 12 from below. Then, when the recording paper P placed on the push-up plate 12 is lost, and the push-up plate 12 swings up to the maximum and moves upward, the upward force acting body 32 also swings up to the maximum. As described above, the upward force acting body 32 swings upward at an appropriate position to maintain the weight balance of the entire push-up plate 12 in accordance with the center of gravity of the push-up plate 12 defined by the size of the recording paper P. An upward force is always applied to the push-up plate 12 from below. For this reason, the upward force is applied to the push-up plate 12 by the upward force acting body 32 at a position corresponding to the center of gravity of the push-up plate 12 defined by the size of the recording paper P, and the weight balance of the entire push-up plate 12 is adjusted. Can be kept. The upward force applied by the second upward force acting means 16 to the push-up plate 12 is for weight balance.
【００４３】このようにして第２の上向き力作用手段１
６を設けて、押上げ板１２に載置する記録紙Ｐのサイズ
に応じて上向き力を作用させる位置、すなわち押上げ位
置を給紙方向に沿い移動させ、記録紙Ｐのサイズの大き
さに応じた押上げ板１２全体の重心位置の移動に対処し
て上向き力を加えて、押上げ板１２の給紙方向のバラン
スを安定させるとともに第１の上向き力作用手段の圧縮
コイルばね１３に加わる負荷を一定にすることができ
る。Thus, the second upward force acting means 1
6, a position where an upward force is applied in accordance with the size of the recording paper P placed on the push-up plate 12, that is, the push-up position is moved along the paper feeding direction, and the size of the recording paper P is adjusted to the size. An upward force is applied in response to the movement of the center of gravity of the entire push-up plate 12 in response to stabilize the balance of the push-up plate 12 in the sheet feeding direction and is applied to the compression coil spring 13 of the first upward force acting means. The load can be kept constant.
【００４４】従って、押上げ板１２が積載した記録紙Ｐ
の減少に応じて上向きに揺動するに従い揺動支点が上向
きに移動していくことと、第２の上向き力作用手段１６
により押上げ板１２の重量バランスを保持することを行
うことにより、押上げ板に載置する記録紙の枚数および
サイズにかかかわらず記録紙をむらなく安定して給紙ロ
ーラに接触させて搬送させることができる。Therefore, the recording paper P on which the push-up plate 12 is stacked
The swing fulcrum moves upward as it swings upward in accordance with the decrease of the second upward force acting means 16.
By keeping the weight balance of the push-up plate 12, the recording paper is stably and uniformly brought into contact with the paper feed roller regardless of the number and size of the recording papers placed on the push-up plate. Can be done.
【００４５】そして、後端ガイド１４は押上げ板１２に
載置する記録紙Ｐのサイズに応じて給紙方向に沿い移動
可能に配置され、また後端ガイド１４と第２の上向き力
作用手段１６とは一体で給紙方向に移動可能であるの
で、後端ガイド１４を記録紙Pのサイズに応じた位置に
設定する操作を容易に行うことができ、また第２の上向
き力作用手段１６を記録紙Pのサイズに応じた位置に設
定する操作を後端ガイド１４の操作と連動することによ
り容易に行うことができる。The rear end guide 14 is disposed so as to be movable in the paper feeding direction in accordance with the size of the recording paper P placed on the push-up plate 12, and the rear end guide 14 and the second upward force acting means. Since the rear end guide 14 can be moved integrally with the recording paper P, the operation of setting the rear end guide 14 to a position corresponding to the size of the recording paper P can be easily performed. Is set to a position corresponding to the size of the recording paper P, and can be easily performed in conjunction with the operation of the rear end guide 14.
【００４６】さらに、第２の上向き力作用手段１６は、
上向き力作用体３２とねじりばね３４とを具備すること
により、第２の上向き力作用手段１６を適切な構成で提
供することができる。Further, the second upward force acting means 16 comprises:
By providing the upward force acting body 32 and the torsion spring 34, the second upward force acting means 16 can be provided with an appropriate configuration.
【００４７】なお、本発明は前述した実施の形態に限定
されず、種々変形して実施することができる。例えば給
紙カセットが扱う用紙は記録紙に限定されず、例えば原
稿を扱うこともできる。The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be implemented with various modifications. For example, the paper handled by the paper feed cassette is not limited to recording paper, and for example, can also handle an original.
【００４８】[0048]
【発明の効果】請求項１の発明の給紙カセットによれ
ば、押上げ板が上下方向に揺動することと押上げ板を支
持する箇所が上下方向に移動することとを組合せること
により、記録紙が数百枚である場合における押上げ板の
搬送角度の大きさと数枚である場合における押上げ板の
搬送角度の大きさとの差が小さく抑えることができ、供
給ローラが記録紙に接触して記録紙を繰出す搬送力の大
きさと数枚である場合における搬送力の大きさに大きな
差が生じることを阻止して記録紙の搬送状態にむらが発
生することを防止できる。According to the paper feed cassette of the first aspect of the present invention, the combination of the vertical swinging of the push-up plate and the vertical movement of the portion supporting the push-up plate is achieved. The difference between the magnitude of the transport angle of the push-up plate when the number of recording sheets is several hundred and the magnitude of the transport angle of the push-up plate when the number of sheets is several can be suppressed to a small value. It is possible to prevent a large difference between the magnitude of the conveyance force for feeding out the recording paper in contact and the magnitude of the conveyance force when the number of sheets is several, and to prevent the recording paper from being unevenly conveyed.
【００４９】また、第２の上向き力作用手段を設けて、
押上げ板に載置する用紙のサイズに応じて上向き力を作
用させる位置、すなわち押上げ位置を給紙方向に沿い移
動させて、用紙のサイズの大きさに応じた押上げ板全体
の重心位置の移動に対処して上向き力を加えて、押上げ
板の給紙方向のバランスを安定させるとともに上向き力
作用手段の圧縮コイルばねに加わる負荷を一定にするこ
とができる。Also, a second upward force acting means is provided,
The position where an upward force is applied according to the size of the paper placed on the push-up plate, that is, the push-up position is moved along the paper feeding direction, and the center of gravity of the entire push-up plate according to the size of the paper is moved. By applying an upward force in response to the movement of the upward movement, the balance in the sheet feeding direction of the push-up plate can be stabilized, and the load applied to the compression coil spring of the upward force acting means can be made constant.
【００５０】従って、押上げ板に載置する記録紙の枚数
およびサイズにかかかわらず記録紙をむらなく安定して
供給ローラに接触させて搬送させることができる。Therefore, regardless of the number and size of the recording papers placed on the push-up plate, the recording papers can be stably and uniformly contacted with the supply roller and conveyed.
【００５１】請求項２の発明によれば、後端ガイドを用
紙のサイズに応じた位置に設定する操作を容易に行うこ
とができ、また第２の上向き力作用手段を用紙のサイズ
に応じた位置に設定する操作を後端ガイドの操作と連動
することにより容易に行うことができる。According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation of setting the rear end guide to a position corresponding to the sheet size can be easily performed, and the second upward force acting means can be set according to the sheet size. The operation of setting the position can be easily performed in conjunction with the operation of the rear end guide.
【００５２】請求項３の発明によれば、第２の上向き力
作用手段を適切な構成で提供することができる。According to the third aspect of the present invention, the second upward force acting means can be provided with an appropriate configuration.
【図１】本発明の一実施の形態における給紙カセットを
装填した画像形成装置を模式的に示す断面図。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus in which a paper feed cassette according to an embodiment of the present invention is loaded.
【図２】同実施の形態における給紙カセットを示す断面
図。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the sheet cassette in the embodiment.
【図３】同実施の形態における給紙カセットを示す断面
図。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sheet cassette according to the embodiment.
【図４】同実施の形態における給紙カセットを示す平面
図。FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the sheet cassette in the embodiment.
１…画像形成装置本体、 ３…給紙カセット装填部、 ４…給紙カセット、 １１…カセットケース、 １２…押上げ板、 １３…圧縮コイルばね（第１の上向き力作用手段）、 １４…後端ガイド、 １５…押上げ板支持手段 １６…第２の上向き力作用手段、 ２２Ａ、２２B…支点軸支持部、 ２６…支点軸、 ２８…支点軸、 ３１…移動体、 ３２…上向き力作用体、 ３３…枢軸、 ３４…ねじりコイルばね、 Ｐ…原稿（用紙）。 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus main body, 3 ... Paper feed cassette loading part, 4 ... Paper feed cassette, 11 ... Cassette case, 12 ... Push-up plate, 13 ... Compression coil spring (first upward force acting means), 14 ... Rear End guide, 15: push-up plate supporting means 16: second upward force acting means, 22A, 22B: fulcrum shaft support, 26 ... fulcrum shaft, 28: fulcrum shaft, 31: moving body, 32 ... upward force acting body , 33: pivot, 34: torsion coil spring, P: manuscript (paper).
Claims (3)
分離爪が設けられ内部に用紙が積層して収容されるカセ
ットケースと、このカセットケースの内部に配置されて
前記カセットケースに積層収容される用紙が載置される
押上げ板と、この押上げ板の給紙方向下流側端部が上下
方向に沿い揺動して前記分離爪に対して接近離間するよ
うに前記押上げ板の給紙方向上流側端部を揺動可能に支
持し且つ前記押上げ板の給紙方向上流側端部を上下方向
に移動可能に支持する押上げ板支持手段と、前記カセッ
トケースにおいて給紙方向に対して交差する方向に沿っ
て配置され前記押上げ板に載置された用紙の給紙方向上
流側端を給紙方向上流側で押える後端ガイドと、前記カ
セットケースに設けられ前記押上げ板の給紙方向下流側
端部に上向き力を作用する第１の上向き力作用手段と、
前記カセットケースにおいて前記第１の上向き力作用手
段と前記押上げ板支持手段との間で前記押上げ板に載置
する用紙のサイズに応じて給紙方向に沿い移動可能に設
けられ前記押上げ板に上向き力を作用させる第２の上向
き力作用手段とを具備することを特徴とする給紙カセッ
ト。A cassette case having a separation claw provided at a downstream end portion in a sheet feeding direction and having a stack of sheets stored therein; and a cassette case disposed inside the cassette case and provided in the cassette case. A push-up plate on which sheets to be stacked and placed are placed, and the push-up plate so that the downstream end of the push-up plate in the feeding direction swings up and down to approach and separate from the separation claw. Push-up plate support means for swingably supporting the upstream end of the plate in the paper feeding direction and supporting the upstream end of the push-up plate in the paper feed direction movably in the vertical direction; A rear end guide that is disposed along a direction intersecting the paper direction and presses the upstream end in the paper supply direction of the paper placed on the push-up plate on the upstream side in the paper supply direction; Apply an upward force to the downstream end of the push-up plate in the feeding direction. First upward force acting means to be used;
The push-up mechanism is provided between the first upward force acting means and the push-plate support means in the cassette case so as to be movable along a sheet feeding direction in accordance with a size of a sheet placed on the push-up plate. A second upward force acting means for applying an upward force to the plate.
する用紙のサイズに応じて給紙方向に沿い移動可能に配
置され、且つ前記第２の上向き力作用手段と一体で給紙
方向に移動可能であることを特徴とする請求項１に記載
の給紙カセット。2. The rear end guide is arranged so as to be movable in a paper feeding direction in accordance with a size of a sheet placed on the push-up plate, and is integrated with the second upward force acting means. The sheet cassette according to claim 1, wherein the sheet cassette is movable in a direction.
向に移動可能な移動体と、この移動体に設けられ上下方
向揺動可能で押上げ板に対して上向き力を加える上向き
力作用体と、この上向き力作用体に上向き力を加えるば
ねと具備することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の給紙カ
セット。3. The second upward force acting means includes: a movable body movable in a paper feeding direction; and an upward force provided on the movable body and capable of swinging up and down and applying an upward force to a push-up plate. 2. The sheet cassette according to claim 1, further comprising an action body and a spring for applying an upward force to the upward force action body.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001055472A JP4462774B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2001-02-28 | Paper cassette and paper feeding method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001055472A JP4462774B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2001-02-28 | Paper cassette and paper feeding method |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2002255368A true JP2002255368A (en) | 2002-09-11 |
| JP2002255368A5 JP2002255368A5 (en) | 2008-04-03 |
| JP4462774B2 JP4462774B2 (en) | 2010-05-12 |
Family
ID=18915656
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001055472A Expired - Fee Related JP4462774B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2001-02-28 | Paper cassette and paper feeding method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP4462774B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2006327736A (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2006-12-07 | Canon Inc | Sheet feeder and image forming device |
-
2001
- 2001-02-28 JP JP2001055472A patent/JP4462774B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2006327736A (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2006-12-07 | Canon Inc | Sheet feeder and image forming device |
| JP4533241B2 (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2010-09-01 | キヤノン株式会社 | Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP4462774B2 (en) | 2010-05-12 |
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