JP2010006592A - Sheet retaining device and image recording system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a means capable of preventing deformation, damage or jam of sheet caused by erroneous operation of an extension tray by restricting contraction of the extension tray in such a state that a sheet retaining tray is attached to a device body. <P>SOLUTION: An upper stage paper feeding cassette device 20 is arranged on an upper stage in a case body 2. The upper stage paper feeding cassette device 20 has an upper stage paper feeding cassette part 25 and a paper delivery tray part 40. The upper stage paper feeding cassette device 20 is constituted so as to integrally and expandably/contractably form both the upper stage paper feeding cassette part 25 and the paper delivery tray part 40. A restriction mechanism 70 restricts contraction of the paper feeding cassette device 20 in such a state that the upper stage paper feeding cassette device 20 is attached into the case body 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet holding apparatus including a sheet holding tray that can be attached and detached in an accommodation space inside the apparatus main body through an opening, and an image recording apparatus including the sheet holding apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image recording apparatus such as a copying apparatus or a printer apparatus includes a sheet holding tray that stores recording sheets (sheets) in a stacked state. The sheet holding tray is configured to be detachable from a storage section in the image recording apparatus. Image recording devices are used not only by companies (business use), but also by small-scale offices (small offices or home offices) and individuals at home (home use). Is required to be compact. On the other hand, as the size of the recording paper, it is required to use various types of recording paper such as B5 to A3, L size, postcard size, legal size, and the like.

  However, if a plurality of sheet holding trays are prepared corresponding to the size of the recording paper, many types of sheet holding trays are required. If multiple types of sheet holding trays can be mounted on the image recording apparatus at the same time, the size of the image recording apparatus itself will be increased, and if multiple types of sheet holding trays are used while being replaced, a spare sheet holding tray will be stored. Space to keep is necessary.

  The present applicant has disclosed an image recording apparatus of a type provided with two sheet holding trays at the top and bottom (see Patent Document 1). In the image recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a slide tray provided on an upper sheet holding tray is configured to be extendable and contractible. In Patent Document 1, in addition to storing recording papers of different sizes in the upper and lower sheet holding trays, the tray surface of the upper sheet holding tray can be expanded by the expansion and contraction of the slide tray to further store recording papers of different sizes. I am doing so.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a paper feed cassette device configured such that a cassette cover disposed at the upper part also serves as a paper discharge tray. In this paper feeding cassette device, when a large size recording paper is discharged, the auxiliary tray of the paper discharge tray (cassette cover) is extended to increase its placement area.

JP 2007-181933 A (see FIGS. 1 and 2) JP 2000-247456 A (see FIGS. 2 and 3)

  However, in the paper discharge tray of Patent Document 2, the auxiliary tray is locked to the main body portion of the paper feed cassette device (corresponding to a sheet holding tray), but is not locked to a movable casing that can be expanded and contracted. Therefore, there is a case where only the auxiliary tray of the paper discharge tray is pulled out even though the paper cassette apparatus is not extended. The paper discharge tray is a cover for the paper cassette unit and is relatively thin, so it has low rigidity, and when it is stretched, it becomes wobbled, and recording paper cannot be placed stably. There is also a possibility that the paper discharge tray may be damaged when touched.

  If the paper cassette unit is configured to feed multiple types of recording paper, set the paper discharge tray to a size that matches the smaller recording paper (with the cassette cover shrunk). In some cases, it is instructed to record on a large size recording sheet without being aware of it. For example, a plurality of paper feeding cassette devices are provided, a large size (for example, A3 size) is accommodated in the lower paper feeding cassette device, and a small size (for example, A4 size) is accommodated in the upper paper feeding cassette device. When an image is recorded on the recording paper supplied from the lower paper cassette unit and the recording paper is discharged to the paper output tray of the upper paper cassette device, the paper is loaded on the paper output tray of the upper paper cassette device. When the setting area is smaller than the discharged recording paper, the recording paper is dropped from the paper discharge tray, the order of discharge (stacking) is disjointed, and it takes time to reorder the recording paper. In this case, in the configuration in which the auxiliary tray of the paper discharge tray cannot be easily pulled out, it is necessary to perform an operation of pulling out the auxiliary tray after stopping the recording command.

  On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the auxiliary tray can be pulled out and the paper feed cassette device can be extended integrally with the paper feed cassette device mounted. In this case, if the paper cassette unit is accidentally shrunk by being blocked by the paper discharge tray and cannot be checked (viewed) inside the paper cassette unit, the recording paper stored inside is pressed down and deformed. In some cases, there is a risk of damage. Further, if the leading edge of the pressed recording paper enters the conveyance path and a recording command is issued in this state, there is a risk of jamming.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a state in which the sheet holding tray is mounted on the apparatus main body, by restricting the expansion tray from contracting, the deformation of the sheet caused by an incorrect operation of the expansion tray can be reduced. An object is to provide a means capable of preventing damage or jamming.

(1) In order to solve the above problem, the present invention is configured as a sheet holding apparatus including an apparatus main body, a sheet holding tray, a cover, a lock mechanism, and a restriction mechanism. The apparatus main body has an opening and a receiving space continuous with the opening. The sheet holding tray is configured to be detachable from the accommodation space through the opening. The sheet holding tray is configured such that the expansion tray slides in the first direction with respect to the tray body and is supported so as to expand and contract. The cover is provided on the sheet holding tray. The cover slides in the first direction integrally with the extension tray while covering at least the upper portion of the extension tray. The locking mechanism engages with the tray body and positions and fixes the expansion tray with respect to the tray body at a plurality of locations. The regulating mechanism regulates the sliding of the extension tray in the first direction in which the extension tray contracts toward the tray body when the sheet holding tray is attached to the apparatus body, and the sheet holding tray is not attached. In the state, the expansion tray is allowed to slide in the first direction.

  When the extension tray is slid in the first direction, the extension tray expands and contracts with respect to the tray body. As a result, the holding surface of the sheet holding tray is enlarged or reduced. A cover is provided on the sheet holding tray. The cover prevents dust from entering the sheet holding tray. The cover covers at least the upper part of the expansion tray. The cover is configured to integrally slide in the first direction as the extension tray slides. The expansion tray is positioned and fixed at a plurality of positions with respect to the tray body by a lock mechanism. On the other hand, in a mounted state of the sheet holding tray with respect to the apparatus main body, sliding of the extension tray in the first direction is restricted by a restriction mechanism. In addition, when the sheet holding tray is not attached, the extension tray is allowed to slide in the first direction.

  Since it is configured in this manner, even if the lock mechanism is unlocked in the mounted state of the sheet holding tray, the extension tray cannot be slid in the first direction. For this reason, for example, when an A3 size sheet is held in the sheet holding tray, the extension tray does not slide even if the extension tray is accidentally pressed in the first direction. As a result, deformation and damage of the sheet held on the sheet holding tray, or jamming of the sheet is prevented.

  In the present specification, unless otherwise specified, the “direction” is represented by a straight line having opposite directions such as + and −, for example. For example, it is represented by an arrow having one arrow head such as + or-.

(2) The restriction mechanism includes a displacement member, a first projecting portion, and an engaging portion. The displacement member is provided on the side wall of the tray body. The displacement member can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the side wall. The first projecting portion projects from the outer surface of the side wall in the displacement member. The first projecting portion abuts against an inner wall forming the accommodation space in a state where the sheet holding tray is mounted on the apparatus main body, and is biased toward the holding surface side of the tray main body. The engaging portion protrudes from the outer surface of the side wall of the extension tray. The engaging portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the tray main body and can engage with the end side of the displacement member.

  When the sheet holding tray is mounted on the apparatus main body, the first protrusion comes into contact with the inner wall forming the accommodation space, and the displacement member is urged toward the holding surface side of the tray main body. Thereby, a displacement member displaces to the holding surface side of a tray main body. In this state, when the extension tray is unlocked and pressed in the first direction, the engaging portion is hooked on the end side of the displacement member. Therefore, the extension tray cannot slide in the first direction.

(3) It is preferable that a plurality of the engaging portions are provided in accordance with a position where the expansion tray is positioned with respect to the tray body. Thereby, the slide to the 1st direction of an expansion tray can be stopped in each of the said positioning location.

(4) The sheet holding tray includes a rail insertion portion and a rail. The rail insertion part is provided in the tray main body and extends in the first direction. The rail is provided on the extension tray. This rail is inserted through the rail insertion portion. The restriction mechanism includes a second protrusion, a first insertion port, and a third protrusion. The second projecting portion is provided on a support surface that supports the sheet holding tray in the accommodation space, and projects upward from the support surface. The first insertion port is formed on the outer surface of the rail insertion part. The first insertion port allows the second protrusion to be inserted into the rail insertion portion in a state where the sheet holding tray is mounted on the apparatus main body. The third protruding portion protrudes from the rail toward the first insertion port side. This 3rd protrusion part is comprised so that engagement with the said 2nd protrusion part penetrated by the said 1st insertion port is possible.

  The extension tray is guided in the first direction with respect to the tray body by inserting the rail of the extension tray into the rail insertion portion of the tray body. When the sheet holding tray is mounted on the apparatus main body, the second protrusion is inserted into the first insertion port. The rail is provided with a third protrusion that protrudes toward the first insertion port, and the sliding of the expansion tray in the first direction is stopped by the engagement of the second protrusion and the third protrusion. It is done.

(5) The second projecting portion includes an abutting portion that contacts the third projecting portion, and an inclined portion that guides the third projecting portion in the second direction. The contact portion is provided at an end portion on the second direction side where the expansion tray is separated from the tray body. The inclined portion is provided at the end portion on the first direction side.

  This stops the extension tray from sliding in the first direction. On the other hand, when the extension tray is pulled in the second direction, the third protruding portion gets over the second protruding portion so as to be guided by the inclined portion after contacting the inclined portion of the second protruding portion. Therefore, the extension tray is allowed to slide in the second direction.

(6) It is preferable that a plurality of the third protrusions are provided in accordance with the positioning position of the extension tray with respect to the tray body. Thereby, the slide to the 1st direction of an expansion tray can be stopped in each of the said positioning location.

(7) The lock mechanism includes a lock member. The locking member is moved along the holding surface of the extension tray, and includes a lock position for positioning and fixing the extension tray with respect to the tray body and an unlock position for releasing the lock of the extension tray with respect to the tray body. It is configured to be displaceable between them. The restriction mechanism has a fourth protrusion and a second insertion port. The fourth projecting portion is provided on a support surface that supports the sheet holding tray in the accommodation space, and projects upward from the support surface. The second insertion port is formed in the bottom wall of the extension tray. The second insertion port inserts the fourth projecting portion into the holding surface side of the expansion tray in a state where the sheet holding tray is mounted on the apparatus main body. The fourth projecting portion and the second insertion port are in contact with the fourth projecting portion exposed from the second insertion port to the holding surface side of the extension tray and the lock member positioned at the lock position. The lock member is disposed at a position where movement of the lock member can be restricted.

  When the expansion tray is locked with respect to the tray body, that is, when the sheet holding tray is mounted on the apparatus body with the lock member in the locked position, the fourth protrusion is inserted into the second insertion port. , Exposed to the holding surface side of the expansion tray. The exposed fourth protrusion comes into contact with the lock member and restricts the lock member to the lock position. Therefore, in a state where the sheet holding tray is mounted on the apparatus main body, the lock member cannot be released, so that the extension tray cannot slide in the first direction. Also, it cannot slide in the second direction.

(8) It is preferable that a plurality of the second insertion ports are provided in accordance with the positioning position of the extension tray with respect to the tray body. Thereby, the slide of the extension tray in the first direction and the second direction can be stopped at each of the positioning locations.

(9) The lock mechanism has an operation member. The operation member is provided on the extension tray and is displaced between a first position corresponding to a lock position by the lock mechanism and a second position corresponding to an unlock position. The cover has a through hole that exposes the operation member to the outside.

  With this configuration, the user can operate the operation member through the through hole. As a result, the lock mechanism can be unlocked while the extension tray is still covered with the cover.

(10) The operation member is provided in the vicinity of the end portion on the second direction side where the expansion tray is separated from the tray body in the expansion tray.

  If it is this structure, the user can put a finger in a through-hole and can operate the said operation member. As a result, the lock mechanism can be unlocked while the expansion tray is still covered with the cover, and the expansion tray can be operated by operating the peripheral edge of the through opening and the rear end wall of the expansion tray as handles. And the cover can be slid simultaneously as a unit.

(11) The cover includes a first cover that covers an upper portion of the tray body, and a second cover that covers an upper portion of the extension tray. The cover is supported so that it can extend and contract as the second cover slides in the first direction relative to the first cover.

  With this configuration, it is possible to cover not only the expansion tray but also the upper portion of the tray body regardless of the slide position of the expansion tray.

(12) The cover preferably has a holding surface for holding a sheet fed from the sheet holding tray, fed toward the apparatus main body, and discharged through the apparatus main body.

(13) The present invention can be understood as a sheet conveying apparatus including the above-described sheet holding apparatus and a first conveying unit that conveys the sheet held on the sheet holding tray.

(14) The sheet conveying apparatus may further include second conveying means for conveying the sheet conveyed by the first conveying means toward the upper surface of the cover.

(15) The present invention also records the image on the sheet holding device described above, the first conveying means for conveying the sheet held on the sheet holding tray, and the sheet conveyed by the first conveying means. And an image recording apparatus including a second conveying unit that conveys a sheet on which an image is recorded by the image recording unit toward the upper surface of the cover.

  According to the present invention, the expansion tray cannot be slid in the first direction even when the lock of the expansion tray by the lock mechanism is released in the mounted state of the sheet holding tray, which results from an erroneous operation of the expansion tray. Sheet deformation and damage, or sheet jamming can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, a multi-function device (MFD: Multi Function Device) 1 having a printer function (printing function), a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function is illustrated as an image recording apparatus. What is necessary is just to be implement | achieved as an apparatus which has a function.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a multi-function device 1 according to an embodiment. The multi-function device 1 has an image reading device (scanner unit) 3 for reading a document in a copy function or a facsimile function, on the synthetic resin main body case (housing) 2 (corresponding to the main body of the present invention). Is arranged (see FIG. 2). The image reading device 3 reads an original and creates image data (including photographic data and document data) (scanner function).

  The multi-function device 1 uses the copy function to record the image data created by the image reading device 3 as an image (or photograph) on a sheet-like paper (corresponding to the sheet of the present invention) that is a recording medium. be able to. The multi-function device 1 can transmit the image data created by the image reading device 3 through the telephone communication network using the facsimile function. Furthermore, the multi-function device 1 can also transmit the image data created by the image reading device 3 to a personal computer connected via a cable or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the image reading device 3 is configured as a so-called flat bed scanner. The multi-function device 1 is provided with a reading glass 5 and an image sensor 6 for reading a stationary document under a document cover 4 provided as a top plate so as to be freely opened and closed (see FIG. 3). The image sensor 6 employs a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) that is long in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 1), but a CCD (Charge Coupled Devise) may also be used. A document on which image reading is performed is placed on the reading glass 5, and the image sensor 6 reciprocates in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 1) below the reading glass 5 to read an image.

  The document cover 4 is provided with an auto document feeder (ADF) 7 that is an automatic document feeder. The ADF 7 conveys the originals placed on the original tray 8 (shown in the closed state in FIG. 1) one by one onto a reading glass (not shown) for reading the moving original, and the reading glass The original is read by the image sensor 6 which is placed below. The read original is discharged to the original discharge tray 9.

  An operation panel 10 including operation buttons and a liquid crystal display unit is provided on the front upper portion of the multi-function device 1 in order to command various operations. Also, below the operation panel 10, a slot portion 11 into which various small memory cards as storage media can be loaded is also arranged.

  The internal configuration of the multi-function device 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a recording unit 12 (corresponding to the image recording unit of the present invention) is provided at the center of the main body case 2. An ink jet recording head 13 is disposed in the recording unit 12, and ink of each color is supplied from an ink cartridge (not shown) accommodated in the main body case 2 via a flexible ink supply tube (tube). Are independently supplied to the recording head 13.

  A pair of conveying rollers 63 and a pinch roller 64 are provided on the rear side of the recording unit 12. In addition, a pair of paper discharge rollers 66 and a spur 67 (corresponding to the second transport unit of the present invention) are provided on the front side of the recording unit 12. The transport roller 63 and the paper discharge roller 66 are rotated by a rotational driving force transmitted from a motor (not shown). The conveyance roller 63 and the pinch roller 64 pinch the recording sheet conveyed from either the upper sheet feeding cassette device 20 or the lower sheet feeding cassette device 30 and convey it to the recording unit 12. Further, the paper discharge roller 66 and the spur 67 transport the recording paper on which the image is recorded by the recording unit 12 toward the front while sandwiching the paper, and discharge the paper to the upper surface of the upper paper feeding cassette device 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, an opening 14 (corresponding to the opening of the present invention) is provided at the lower front portion of the multi-function device 1. A housing portion 16 (corresponding to a housing space of the present invention) is provided inside the main body case 2 continuously to the opening portion 14. The accommodating portion 16 is an internal space that is defined at the bottom of the main body case 2. An upper sheet cassette device 20 (corresponding to the sheet holding device of the present invention) and a lower sheet cassette device 30 are arranged so that they can be inserted into and removed from the opening portion 14 (substantially horizontal insertion / removal). Is arranged. Hereinafter, the side of the synthetic resin body case 2 having the opening 14 is referred to as the front (front), and the back (back), left and right of the device with reference to this. As described above, the front-rear direction of the multi-function device 1 is the X-axis direction, and the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction.

  On the left and right inner surfaces of the opening 14, rail-shaped guides are provided for inserting the upper and lower sheet feeding cassette devices 20 and 30 into appropriate positions. FIG. 4 shows a part of the guide portion 15 for the upper sheet cassette apparatus 20. The guide portion 15 is disposed at a position that comes into contact with the upper surface of a later-described paper discharge tray portion 40 (corresponding to a cover of the present invention).

  Each of the upper and lower feed cassette devices 20 and 30 is formed so that a large number of sheets as recording media can be stacked and accommodated. The upper and lower paper feed cassette devices 20 and 30 are inserted into and removed from the multi-function device 1 so as to coincide with the feeding direction of the stored paper, and the upper and lower paper feed cassette devices 20 and 30 are inserted in and removed from the multifunction device 1. The back side is the downstream side in the paper feeding direction.

  An upper separation inclined plate 21 is provided on the back side (the right side in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the upper sheet cassette apparatus 20. Further, an upper sheet feeding roller 23 (corresponding to the first conveying means of the present invention) supported by the tip of the upper sheet feeding arm 22 is opposed to a position closer to the back side of the bottom surface of the upper sheet feeding cassette device 20. Is arranged. The upper paper feed arm 22 is urged downward, and the upper paper feed roller 23 comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the paper accumulated and stored in the upper paper feed cassette 20. When a driving force is transmitted from a driving source (not shown) to the upper sheet feeding roller 23 and rotated, the uppermost sheet P is separated one by one by a known cooperative action with the upper inclined separating plate 21 and conveyed upward. Is done.

  The upper sheet conveyance path 24 is formed inside the case main body 2, and is formed in a U-turn shape that turns upward from the upper separation inclined plate 21 and then bends to the front side of the multi-function device 1. The paper P fed along the upper paper transport path 24 is discharged onto the upper surface of the paper discharge tray section 40 after image recording is performed by the recording section 12. The upper paper feed arm 22 is configured to move up and down in accordance with the operation of inserting and removing the upper paper feed cassette device 20, and can avoid the upper paper feed roller 23 from colliding with the upper inclined separation plate 21. The upper surface of the paper discharge tray section 40 corresponds to the holding surface of the present invention.

  The lower sheet cassette device 30 is also basically formed in the same manner as the upper sheet cassette 20, and a lower separation inclined plate 31 is provided on the back side (the right side in FIGS. 2 and 3). In addition, a lower paper feed roller 33 that is pivotally supported at the tip of the lower paper feed arm 32 is disposed so as to face a position closer to the back side of the bottom surface of the lower paper feed cassette device 30. The lower paper feed arm 32 is urged downward, and the lower paper feed roller 33 comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the paper P stored in the lower paper feed cassette 30. When a driving force is transmitted from a driving source (not shown) to the lower feed roller 33 and rotated, the uppermost sheet P is separated one by one by a known cooperative action with the lower inclined separation plate 31 and guided upward. Is done.

  The lower sheet conveyance path 34 is provided outside the upper sheet conveyance path 24 and is U-turned (upper sheet conveyance path) that turns upward from the lower separation inclined plate 31 and then turns to the front side of the multi-function device 1. (Arc shape larger than 24). The paper transported through the lower paper transport path 34 is discharged to the paper discharge tray section 40 after image recording is performed by the recording section 12. The lower sheet feeding arm 32 is configured to move up and down in accordance with the operation of inserting and removing the lower sheet feeding cassette device 30, and can prevent the lower sheet feeding roller 33 from colliding with the lower inclination separating plate 31.

  The upper paper feed cassette device 20 is provided so that the above-described paper discharge tray unit 40 overlaps an upper part of an upper paper feed cassette unit 25 (corresponding to a sheet holding tray of the present invention) that is a paper storage unit. Not only the paper fed from the upper paper feed cassette device 20 but also the paper fed from the lower paper feed cassette device 30 is discharged to the paper discharge tray section 40. The sheets are stacked in the order of discharge and are held on the discharge tray unit 40.

  The upper sheet cassette unit 25 of the upper sheet cassette apparatus 20 is formed in a box shape with the upper surface substantially open, and the paper discharge tray unit 40 is dust-proof against the paper stored in the upper sheet cassette unit 25. It also serves as a cover for the display, and has a substantially thin flat plate shape. Accordingly, the paper discharge tray section 40 is formed so as to cover the upper opening of the upper sheet feeding cassette section 25 except for a portion that interferes with the upper sheet feeding arm 22 (at least a portion close to the opening section 14). ing.

  The upper sheet cassette unit 25 includes a first sheet cassette unit 26 (corresponding to the tray main body of the present invention) located on the back side (right side in FIGS. 2 and 3) in the insertion / extraction direction (X-axis direction), A second paper feed cassette unit 27 (extension tray of the present invention) provided to be slidable along the insertion / extraction direction (X-axis direction, corresponding to the first direction of the present invention) with respect to one paper feed cassette unit 26. Equivalent). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the second paper cassette unit 27 has its paper placement plate 27 a (bottom wall) overlapped below the paper placement plate 26 a of the first paper feed cassette unit 26. It is assembled. A handle portion 25 a is provided on the front side surface (front surface) of the second paper feed cassette portion 27.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, an insertion portion 96 (corresponding to the rail insertion portion of the present invention) is provided at the center in the Y-axis direction of the first paper feed cassette portion 26. The insertion portion 96 is extended in the X-axis direction from the front side end portion of the paper placement plate 26a. The insertion portion 96 includes a concave portion that is recessed from the upper surface to the rear surface side of the paper placement plate 26a, and a flange portion that protrudes in the Y-axis direction from the upper edge of the concave portion. A rail 99 described later (corresponding to the rail of the present invention) is inserted into a space surrounded by the recess and the flange.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, a rail 99 is provided at the center of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 in the Y-axis direction. The rail 99 extends in the X-axis direction from the rear side end of the paper placement plate 27a. When the rail 99 is inserted into the insertion portion 96, the second paper feed cassette portion 27 has the paper placement plate 27 a overlapped with the paper placement plate 26 a of the first paper feed cassette portion 26. One sheet cassette unit 26 is assembled. Further, the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is supported so as to be slidable in the insertion / removal direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the first paper feed cassette unit 26 with reference to the rail 99.

  As will be described later, the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is provided so as to be held in three stages of a contracted position, an extended position, and an intermediate position with respect to the first paper feed cassette unit 26. When the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is slid and extended most in the X-axis direction, A3-size paper can be stored (the A3-size longitudinal direction is stored along the X-axis direction). When the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is most contracted, A4 size or smaller paper can be accommodated so that its longitudinal direction is along the Y-axis direction.

  In addition, the upper sheet cassette unit 25 is provided with a pair of side guides 28 (see FIG. 2) for guiding the side edges along the X-axis direction of the paper. It is possible to arbitrarily adjust the width in the axial direction. By adjusting the distance between the side guides 28, the stored paper is centered with respect to the upper paper feed cassette unit 25. By adjusting the side guide 28 and adjusting the second paper feed cassette unit 27 by expansion and contraction, sheets from L size to A3 size can be set in the upper paper feed cassette unit 25.

  On the other hand, the lower feed cassette device 30 also has a lower feed cassette unit 35 serving as a sheet storage unit, which is located on the back side (right side in FIGS. 2 and 3) in the insertion / extraction direction (X-axis direction). It has a paper cassette section 36 and a lower second paper feed cassette section 37 that is slidable along the insertion / removal direction with respect to the lower first paper feed cassette section 36 and that can be expanded and contracted. The lower second paper feed cassette unit 37 is provided so as to be changeable in two stages, a contracted position and an extended position with respect to the lower first paper feed cassette unit 36.

  Similarly to the upper paper feed cassette unit 25, the lower paper feed cassette unit 35 can arbitrarily adjust the width of the side guides 38 (see FIG. 2) in the Y-axis direction. Centering with respect to the paper cassette unit 35 is possible. In addition, a handle portion 35 a is provided on the front side surface (front surface) of the lower second sheet feeding cassette portion 37.

  The paper discharge tray section 40 includes a first paper discharge tray section 41 (corresponding to a first cover of the present invention) that overlaps the upper portion of the first paper feed cassette section 26 of the upper paper cassette apparatus 20, and a first paper discharge tray section. And a second paper discharge tray portion 42 (corresponding to the second cover of the present invention) provided to be slidable along the insertion / extraction direction with respect to 41 and extendable. The first paper discharge tray unit 41 always covers the upper opening of the first paper feed cassette unit 26 regardless of the slide position of the second paper discharge tray unit 42. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first paper discharge tray unit 41 is assembled so as to overlap below the second paper discharge tray unit 42. A handle portion 45 is provided on the front side of the second discharge tray portion 42, and a pair of left and right ribs 46 project from the upper surface of the second discharge tray portion 42 so as to extend in the X-axis direction. Thus, the end of the front side of the loaded paper is inclined upward to prevent the paper from falling off.

  The paper discharge tray unit 40 is pivotally supported with respect to the upper paper feed cassette unit 25 by a hinge unit 43 provided on the back side. That is, the paper discharge tray section 40 pivots upward on the back side (side far from the opening 14) as the center, so that the user can turn the paper discharge tray section 40 upward. By gripping the handle portion 45 and lifting it upward, it is possible to perform the operation of setting paper in the upper paper feed cassette portion 25. As will be described later, the discharge tray unit 40 can be rotated in a state where the upper sheet cassette device 20 is removed from the multi-function device 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the left and right ends of the discharge tray portion 40 on the front side (the side close to the opening portion 14) in the insertion / extraction direction of the second discharge tray portion 42 are The engaging recess 44 is formed to open downward. On the other hand, boss portions 29 project upward from the left and right ends of the upper paper feed cassette portion 25 on the front side of the second paper feed cassette portion 27 so as to be fitted into the engaging recess 44 in male and female. The second paper discharge tray portion 42 and the second paper feed cassette portion 27 can be expanded and contracted while the boss portion 29 and the engagement concave portion 44 are in the state where the male and female are fitted. That is, the slide of the second paper discharge tray unit 42 can be integrally performed in conjunction with the slide of the second paper feed cassette unit 27. Accordingly, the second paper discharge tray unit 42 slides integrally with the second paper feed cassette unit 27 while covering the upper opening of the second paper feed cassette unit 27.

  The guide portions 15 provided in the opening portion 14 of the multi-function device 1 are in contact with the left and right ends of the upper surface of the second discharge tray portion 42 in the discharge tray portion 40 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, when the second paper discharge tray section 42 and the second paper feed cassette section 27 are in the first state (the state shown in FIG. 5B) extended integrally by sliding, the vertical direction is The rattling is suppressed by the restraint by the guide unit 15. Further, when the upper paper cassette apparatus 20 is inserted into the opening 14, the second paper discharge tray section 42 cannot be rotated (opened) around the hinge section 43. In this case, the work is to be taken out from the opening 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the upper sheet cassette unit 25 is positioned (fixed) by positioning the expansion / contraction position of the second sheet cassette unit 27 with respect to the first sheet cassette unit 26. And a locking means 50 (corresponding to the locking mechanism of the present invention) for enabling sliding is provided. By providing the lock means 50 and securely holding the position of the second paper feed cassette unit 27, the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is prevented from being inadvertently expanded or contracted. 7A is a bottom view of the first paper feed cassette unit 26, and FIG. 7B is a top view of the second paper feed cassette unit 27.

  As the locking means 50, the upper surface of the paper loading plate 27 a of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is positioned closer to one side plate 27 b (right side in FIG. 1) of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 in the X-axis direction ( A lock rod 51 (corresponding to the lock member of the present invention) extending in the insertion / extraction direction) is disposed. The lock rod 51 is placed on the rotation shaft 56 projecting at a position close to the front plate 27c of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 (front side in the insertion / extraction direction) so as to be swingable in the horizontal direction. It is pivotally supported on the plate 27a.

  In this embodiment, the lock rod 51 is provided with an operation portion 52 (corresponding to the operation member of the present invention). The operation part 52 is bent and formed in an L shape, and extends in the Y-axis direction from the position of the rotation shaft 56 along the front plate 27c. That is, the operation unit 52 is provided in the vicinity of the front plate 27 c of the second paper feed cassette unit 27. In other words, the operation unit 52 is provided near the end of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 on the near side in the insertion / extraction direction (the side away from the first paper feed cassette unit 26). The operation unit 52 is displaceable about an axis around the rotation shaft 56, and a position (first position) at which the projection 53 can be locked to any of engagement receiving portions 61a to 61c described later. The position is displaced from the position (second position) that is disengaged from the engagement receiving portions 61a to 61c.

  The rear end of the lock rod 51 is bent in an L shape toward the center line of the paper placement plate 27a, and is formed on a protrusion 53 for engaging with the first paper feed cassette unit 26. It has become.

  A guide rail 60 extending in the X-axis direction is integrally formed on the lower surface side of the sheet placing plate 26a of the first sheet cassette unit 26 so as to correspond to the lock rod 51. The guide rail 60 is provided with three engagement receiving portions (engagement receiving portions 61 a to 61 c) along the X-axis direction that can be hooked with the protruding portion 53. The engagement receiving portions 61a to 61c are formed in a concave shape that opens to the side so that the protruding portion 53 can be locked. The lock rod 51 has a lock position where the projection 53 is engaged with the engagement receiving portions 61a to 61c, and an unlock position where the projection 53 is disengaged from the engagement receiving portions 61a to 61c, with the rotation shaft 56 as the center. Is supported to swing between the two.

  Specifically, when the protrusion 53 of the lock rod 51 is locked to the engagement receiving portion 61 a provided on the back side, the second paper feed cassette portion 27 is most contracted with respect to the first paper feed cassette portion 26. It is the 1st lock state holding a state. In this state, it is suitable to place A4 size paper on the upper paper feed cassette unit 25 with its longitudinal direction along the Y-axis direction, or to place paper smaller than A4 size. .

  Further, the state in which the projection 53 of the lock rod 51 is locked to the engagement receiving portion 61c provided on the front side is the state in which the second paper feed cassette portion 27 is extended most with respect to the first paper feed cassette portion 26. It is the 2nd lock state to hold | maintain. In this state, it is suitable for placing A3 size paper with its longitudinal direction along the X-axis direction.

  Further, the state in which the protrusion 53 of the lock rod 51 is engaged with the engagement receiving portion 61b provided in the middle is a third lock state in which the second paper feeding cassette portion 27 is held in the midway position. In this state, it is suitable for placing A4 size paper with its longitudinal direction along the X-axis direction.

  The state in which the lock rod 53 is not locked to any of the engagement receiving portions 61a to 61c is an unlocked state in which the second paper feeding cassette portion 27 can be slid. Between the engagement receiving parts in the guide rail 60, in order to smoothly engage and disengage from the respective engagement receiving parts 61a to 61c, an inclined surface that is inclined in the left-right direction in a plan view is provided.

  In this embodiment, the expansion / contraction position of the second sheet cassette unit 27 with respect to the first sheet cassette unit 26 can be switched in three stages (three locations), but the expansion / contraction position is not limited to this. There may be two stages (two places) of the most extended position and the most contracted position, or more stages.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6A, human fingers enter the second discharge tray portion 42 in the right-side portion on the front side of the plate surface in order to expose the operation portion 52 of the lock rod 51 to the outside. A through-hole 55 (corresponding to the through-hole of the present invention) having a certain degree is formed. The penetration part 55 and the operation part 52 are provided on the right side of the multifunction device 1 in consideration of convenience when the user operates with the right hand.

  Accordingly, when the user puts a finger into the penetration part 55, the operation part 52 of the lock rod 51 located below the penetration part 55 can be touched. When the operation unit 52 is pulled to the near side with a finger placed in the operation unit 52 and displaced from the first position to the second position, the lock rod 51 is moved horizontally around the rotation shaft 56 (clockwise in plan view). By swinging, the protrusion 53 at the tip can be detached from the engagement receiving portion 61a (61b, 61c). Thereby, the lock is released.

  For example, when the projection 53 of the lock rod 51 is engaged with the engagement receiving portion 61a (first lock state), the thumb is placed on the front side of the second paper feed cassette portion 27 or the second paper discharge tray portion 42. In addition, the user puts an index finger into the penetrating portion 55, pulls the operation portion 52 to the near side, and pulls the second paper discharge tray portion 42 to the near side (outside the opening portion 14) as it is. Then, due to the male-female engagement between the engaging concave portion 44 and the boss portion 29, the second paper feed cassette portion 27 and the second paper discharge tray portion 42 operate integrally and can be pulled out to the near side in the insertion / extraction direction. it can. Then, it is freely moved back and forth in the unlocked state to be locked in the second locked state (engagement receiving portion 61c) or the third locked state (engagement receiving portion 61b).

  Of course, for the sliding operation of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 and the second paper discharge tray unit 42, the respective handle portions 25a and 45 may be held and operated. Further, since the penetrating portion 55 is provided on the front side of the second paper discharge tray portion 42, the remaining amount of paper stored in the upper cassette device 20 can be confirmed via the penetrating portion 55.

  In the multi-function device 1 configured as described above, for example, A3 size paper is previously stored in the lower paper feed cassette device 30, and A4 size paper is placed in the upper paper feed cassette device 20 along the longitudinal direction along the X-axis direction. It is assumed that they are housed. That is, the upper sheet cassette apparatus 20 is used in the first locked state in which the protrusion 53 of the lock rod 51 is engaged with the engagement receiving portion 61 a of the guide rail 60. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9A, in the upper sheet cassette apparatus 20, the second sheet cassette unit 27 is in the most contracted state with respect to the first sheet cassette unit 26, and the second sheet discharge cassette unit The tray part 42 is also in the most contracted state with respect to the first paper discharge tray part 41.

  In such a multi-function device 1, when the upper sheet cassette device 20 is designated and A4 size paper is fed and recording is performed, even if the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray unit 40, The paper can be placed without dropping off.

  However, in this state, there is a case where the lower sheet cassette device 30 is designated and A3 size paper is fed for recording. That is, for example, when the user forgets that the discharge tray unit 40 is not stretched to a size corresponding to the A3 size. In such a case, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the finger is put into the penetrating portion 55 formed on the front side of the second paper discharge tray portion 42, the operation portion 51 of the lock means 50 is immediately touched. be able to. Therefore, while pulling the operation unit 51 forward, the second paper discharge tray unit 42 is pulled out integrally with the second paper feed tray unit 27, and the mounting area is increased as shown in FIG. 9B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the discharged paper from dropping out.

  Further, when the user pulls out the second discharge tray portion 42 while putting the finger in the through portion 55 formed on the front side of the second discharge tray portion 42 and pulling the operation portion 51 toward the front, Since the second paper discharge tray section 42 extends integrally with the second paper feed cassette section 27, that is, the second paper discharge tray section 42 does not extend separately from the second paper feed cassette section 27. The rigidity is ensured, and the discharged paper can be stably placed.

  The paper discharge tray unit 40 also serves as a dustproof cover for the paper stored in the upper paper feed cassette unit 25. For this reason, if the paper discharge tray unit 40 that does not include the through-hole 55 is hermetically covered, even if the operation unit 51 of the lock means 50 is provided inside the upper sheet cassette unit 25, the upper sheet cassette The operation unit 51 cannot be touched unless the entire device 20 is pulled out from the multi-function device 1 and the paper discharge tray unit 40 is opened. However, as described above, the upper sheet feeding cassette device 20 is inserted into the multi-function device 1 by punching the second discharge tray portion 42 with the through portion 55 for exposing the operation portion 51. The lock means 50 can be operated. Therefore, as described above, even after the recording operation is started, the discharge tray unit 40 can be quickly expanded and contracted.

  Instead of the operation unit 52, as shown in FIG. 8, the operation unit 152 of the locking means 50 is disposed on the outer surface (front surface) of the second sheet feeding tray unit 27 through the side plate on the near side. Further, the operation unit 152 may be touched without passing through the penetrating part. In this case, there is an advantage that the user can more easily operate the operation unit 152 of the locking means 50, although care is required to prevent the locking means 50 from being released due to carelessness. In the second embodiment, a penetrating portion 155 is provided for placing a finger on the position of the second paper discharge tray portion 42 in the vicinity of the operation portion 152 and for checking the remaining amount of paper.

  For example, when the operating part 152 is pushed with the thumb and the index finger is put on the penetrating part 155, the second discharge tray part 42 and the second paper feed tray part 27 are integrally slid while releasing the locking means 50. It becomes possible to make it. Instead of the penetrating part 155, a hollow handle part that can be hooked with a finger may be provided. In this case, there is an advantage that the dustproof property of the upper paper feed cassette unit 25 is improved.

  By the way, in the multi-function device 1 configured as described above, although the penetrating portion 55 is provided, the second paper feed cassette portion 27 is covered with the second paper discharge tray portion 37, and therefore the upper paper feed cassette. In some cases, the size of the paper stored in the section 25 cannot be confirmed. For example, when the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is in the most extended state with respect to the first paper feed cassette unit 26 (see FIG. 9B), the paper in the upper paper feed cassette unit 25 is A3 size. Whether it is A4 size or B5 size. Even if A4 size paper is stored, it is unclear whether the paper is arranged with the longitudinal direction aligned with the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. If the A3 size paper or the A4 size paper arranged with the longitudinal direction aligned with the X-axis direction is accommodated in the upper sheet cassette unit 25, the operation unit 52 is operated by the user, From the state shown in FIG. 9B to the state shown in FIG. 9A (the state where the second paper cassette unit 27 is most contracted with respect to the first paper cassette unit 26) from the state shown in FIG. 9B. When pushed in, the stored paper is pressed down and deformed or damaged. Further, there is a possibility that the sheet is pushed in and enters the upper sheet conveyance path 24 and is jammed in the upper sheet conveyance path 24.

  In view of the above-described problem, in the multi-function device 1 of this embodiment, the upper sheet cassette device 20 is inserted into the inside through the opening 14 and mounted at a position where it can be fed (mounted state). A restriction mechanism 70 (corresponding to a restriction mechanism of the present invention) is provided to restrict the second paper feed cassette part 27 from sliding to the rear side in the X-axis direction with respect to the first paper feed cassette part 26. The regulation mechanism 70 regulates the backward sliding of the second paper cassette unit 27 when the upper paper cassette device 20 is in the mounted state, and the upper paper cassette device 20 is the case main body 2. In the state where it is not attached (non-attached state), the slide in the X-axis direction of the second paper feed cassette part 27 with respect to the first paper feed cassette part 26 is allowed. Hereinafter, the restriction mechanism 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the regulating mechanism 70 includes an elastic portion 72 (corresponding to a displacement member of the present invention) and a protrusion 75 (corresponding to a first protruding portion of the present invention) provided in the first paper feed cassette unit 26. The first rib 79 and the second rib 80 (both of which correspond to the engaging portion of the present invention) provided in the second paper feed cassette portion 27 are configured.

  The elastic portion 72 is provided on the side plate 71 (side wall) on one side (the right side in FIG. 1) of the first paper feed cassette portion 26. The side plate 71 is a plate-like member erected on the edge in the Y-axis direction of the paper placement plate 26 a of the first paper feed cassette unit 26. The elastic member 72 is formed integrally with the side plate 71. Specifically, a slit 73 extending in the X-axis direction from the front end portion of the side plate 71 is formed in the side plate 71, and an upper portion of the slit 73 is an elastic portion 72. For this reason, the elastic portion 72 maintains the same posture as the side plate 71 (the posture shown by the solid line in FIG. 11A) when no force is applied, but the force is applied in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the side plate 71. Then, it is bent in the same direction and displaced to the posture shown by the broken line in FIG. In other words, the elastic member is configured to be displaceable in the Y-axis direction.

  The protrusion 75 is provided on the outer side surface 71 a of the elastic portion 72. Specifically, the protrusion 75 is an end portion on the near side of the outer surface 71a and is provided at the lower end thereof. The protrusion 75 is provided so as to protrude from the outer surface 71a in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 71a. The protrusion 75 is disposed at a position where it comes into contact with the inner wall 77 of the case body 2 forming the accommodating portion 16 in a state where the upper sheet cassette device 20 is mounted on the case body 2. When the protrusion 75 comes into contact with the inner wall 77, it is urged by the inner wall 77, and the elastic portion 72 is bent toward the inner side of the first sheet feeding cassette portion 26. As shown in FIG. 11 (a), the protrusion 75 receives a pressing force from the inner wall 77 when it comes into contact with the inner wall 77, and the end 76 on the near side of the elastic portion 72 is subjected to the second discharge. It is set to such an extent that it is bent until it contacts the side plate 78 (side wall) of the paper tray section 42.

  The ribs 79 and 80 are provided on the side plate 78 on one side (the right side in FIG. 1) of the second paper discharge tray section 42. The side plate 78 is a plate-like member erected on the edge in the Y-axis direction on the upper surface of the second paper discharge tray portion 42, and the ribs 79 and 80 are formed integrally with the side plate 78. The ribs 79 and 80 are provided on the outer surface 78 a of the side plate 78. Specifically, each rib 79, 80 is provided so as to protrude from the outer surface 78a in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 78a. The ribs 79 and 80 extend in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the second paper discharge tray section 42 (a vertical direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction), and are long in the same direction and narrow in the X-axis direction. It has the shape of

  Each of the ribs 79 and 80 is disposed at a position corresponding to the positioning and fixing position (lock position) of the second sheet cassette unit 27 with respect to the first sheet cassette unit 26. As described above, the second paper feed cassette unit 27 can switch the expansion / contraction position to three stages (three places). The first rib 79 engages with the end portion 76 of the elastic portion 72 when the second paper feed cassette portion 27 is extended to the maximum with respect to the first paper feed cassette portion 26 and locked in the second locked state described above. It is placed in a possible position. The second rib 80 is separated from the first rib 79 toward the front side, and the second paper feed cassette portion 27 is extended to the midway position with respect to the first paper feed cassette portion 26, so that the third locked state described above is reached. It is arranged at a position that can be engaged with the end portion 76 of the elastic portion 72 when locked by.

  Since the restriction mechanism 70 is configured in this way, for example, the upper sheet feeding is performed in a state where the second sheet feeding cassette unit 27 is extended to the first sheet feeding cassette unit 26 (see FIG. 5B). When the cassette device 20 is mounted in the accommodating portion 16, the protrusion 75 comes into contact with the inner wall 77 as shown in FIG. As a result, the elastic portion 72 is displaced by being urged by the inner wall 77, and its end 76 comes into contact with the outer surface 78 a of the side plate 78. In this state, even if the lock by the lock unit 50 is released and the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is pushed in the insertion direction in the X-axis direction (insertion / removal direction), the first rib 79 has the end portion 76 of the elastic portion 72. You can't slide any further. The same applies to the case where the upper sheet cassette apparatus 20 is inserted into the storage section 16 with the second sheet cassette section 27 extended to the midway position with respect to the first sheet cassette section 26. 2 Slide of the paper feed cassette unit 27 is restricted.

  On the other hand, when the upper sheet cassette device 20 is inserted into the storage unit 16 with the second sheet cassette unit 27 being most contracted with respect to the first sheet cassette unit 26 (see FIG. 5A). The sliding of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 in the removal direction in the X-axis direction (insertion / removal direction) is allowed. Specifically, when the lock by the locking unit 50 is released and the second paper feeding cassette unit 27 is pulled toward the front side, the protrusion 80 is formed on the elastic portion 72 as shown in FIG. Contact the inner surface. When further pulled out from this state, the side plate 78 is bent as shown in the figure, or the inner wall 77 is also bent (not shown), and the projection 80 is not locked and moves to the inner side of the elastic part 72. Slide. Therefore, sliding in the insertion direction is restricted, but sliding of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 in the removal direction is possible.

  Since the restriction mechanism 70 is provided, the sliding of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 in the insertion direction with respect to the first paper feed cassette unit 26 is restricted when the upper paper feed cassette 20 is mounted. This prevents the stored paper from being deformed or damaged, and prevents the paper from being jammed in the upper paper transport path 24. In addition, when the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is slid in the direction of removal with respect to the first paper feed cassette unit 26, the stored paper is not subjected to any pressure, and needless to say, the paper may be deformed. There will be no damage.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, a restriction mechanism 90 that is a modification of the restriction mechanism of the present invention will be described. The restricting mechanism 90 includes a claw 93 (corresponding to a second projecting portion of the present invention) disposed in the accommodating portion 16 and an opening 95 (the present invention) formed in the paper placing plate 26a of the first paper feeding cassette portion 26. And a first protrusion 97 and a second protrusion 98 provided on the rail 99 (both corresponding to the third protrusion of the present invention).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the claw 93 is disposed inside the opening portion 14, that is, in the housing portion 16. A support plate 92 extending in the Y-axis direction is provided in the housing portion 16. When the upper paper feeding cassette device 20 is mounted in the housing portion 16, the bottom portion is supported by the support plate 92. On the upper surface 92a (support surface) of the support plate 92, a claw 93 is provided at the center in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 14, the claw 93 includes a base portion 93 a extending upward from the upper surface 92 a, and a flange portion 93 b (corresponding to the contact portion of the present invention) provided at the end on the near side at the upper end of the base portion 93 a, It has the inclination part 93c (equivalent to the inclination part of this invention) provided in the edge part of the back side in the upper end of the base part 93a.

  The flange portion 93b is a member that extends from the upper end of the base portion 93a to the near side and is parallel to the upper surface 92a. The inclined portion 93c is a member having an inclined surface that extends from the upper end of the base portion 93a to the rear side and reaches the upper surface 92a of the support plate 92.

  The opening 95 is formed in the back surface of the insertion part 96, as shown in FIG. The opening 95 is formed in a size that allows the claw 93 to be inserted therethrough, and is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape that is long in the X-axis direction. The opening 95 and the claw 93 are arranged in a positional relationship where the claw 93 can be inserted into the opening 95 in a state where the upper sheet cassette device 20 is mounted on the case body 2. By inserting the claw 93 into the opening 95, the base portion 93 a and the flange portion 93 b of the claw 93 are inserted into the insertion portion 96.

  Each of the protrusions 97 and 98 is provided so as to protrude to the back surface side of the rail 99. In other words, the protrusions 97 and 98 are provided on the surface on the side facing the opening 95 when the rail 99 is inserted into the insertion portion 96. Each of the protrusions 97 and 98 is formed integrally with the rail 99. Each protrusion 97 and 98 is formed in a rib shape extending in the Y-axis direction within the width of the rail 99.

  Each of the protrusions 97 and 98 is disposed at a position corresponding to the positioning and fixing position (lock position) of the second sheet cassette unit 27 with respect to the first sheet cassette unit 26. As described above, the second paper feed cassette unit 27 can switch the expansion / contraction position to three stages (three places). The first protrusion 97 is formed by the upper sheet cassette device 20 in which the second sheet cassette unit 27 is locked in the second locked state (that is, the second sheet cassette unit with respect to the first sheet cassette unit 26). When the upper sheet cassette device 20) with the 27 extended to the maximum is mounted, it is disposed at a position where it can engage with the claw 93. Further, the second protrusion 98 is disposed at a position where the second paper feed cassette portion 27 can be engaged with the claw 93 when the upper paper feed cassette device 20 in which the second paper feed cassette portion 27 is locked in the above-described third locked state is mounted. Has been.

  Since the restriction mechanism 90 is configured in this way, for example, the upper sheet feeding is performed in a state where the second sheet feeding cassette unit 27 is extended to the first sheet feeding cassette unit 26 (see FIG. 5B). When the cassette device 20 is inserted into the accommodating portion 16, the claw 93 is inserted through the opening 95 as shown in FIG. 14. At this time, the hook 93b of the claw 93 is hooked on the edge of the opening 95, so that the insertion of the upper sheet cassette device 20 is stopped and the sheet is placed at a position where the sheet can be fed. Further, the flange portion 93 b is disposed on the rear side of the first protrusion 97. In this state, when the lock by the locking unit 50 is released and the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is pushed in the insertion direction in the X-axis direction (insertion / removal direction), the first protrusion 97 comes into contact with the flange portion 93b. For this reason, the second paper feed cassette unit 27 cannot slide. For this reason, in the mounted state of the upper paper feed cassette 20, the slide of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is restricted, so that the stored paper is deformed or damaged, or a paper jam in the upper paper feed path 24. Is prevented. The same applies to the case where the upper sheet cassette apparatus 20 is inserted into the storage section 16 with the second sheet cassette section 27 extended to the midway position with respect to the first sheet cassette section 26. 2 Slide of the paper feed cassette unit 27 is restricted.

  On the other hand, when the upper sheet cassette device 20 is inserted into the storage unit 16 with the second sheet cassette unit 27 being most contracted with respect to the first sheet cassette unit 26 (see FIG. 5A). The sliding of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 in the removal direction in the X-axis direction (insertion / removal direction) is allowed. Specifically, when the lock by the lock unit 50 is released and the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is pulled toward the front side, the first protrusion 97 is guided by the inclined portion 93 c and gets over the claw 93. Therefore, sliding in the insertion direction is restricted, but sliding of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 in the removal direction is possible.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG.15 and FIG.16, the control mechanism 100 which is a modification of the control mechanism of this invention is demonstrated. The restricting mechanism 100 includes a protruding piece 102 (corresponding to a fourth projecting portion of the present invention) disposed in the accommodating portion 16 and a first slit 105 formed in the paper placing plate 27 a of the second paper feeding cassette portion 27. The second slit 106 and the third slit 107 (both correspond to the second insertion port of the present invention).

  As shown in FIG. 15, the protruding piece 102 is disposed inside the opening 14, that is, in the accommodating portion 16. The protruding piece 102 is provided on the upper surface 92 a (support surface) of the support plate 92. The protruding piece 102 is a plate-like member protruding upward from the upper surface 92a. The projecting piece 102 extends in the X-axis direction. Both ends in the X direction at the upper end of the protruding piece 102 are chamfered.

  As shown in FIG. 16, each of the slits 105 to 107 is formed in the paper placement plate 27 b of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 and penetrates from the upper surface to the back surface. Each of the slits 105 to 107 is formed in a size that allows the protruding piece 102 to be inserted, and is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the X-axis direction corresponding to the shape of the protruding piece 102. Each slit 105-107 is arrange | positioned along the X-axis direction on the right side (right side of FIG. 1) of the lock rod 51. As shown in FIG. More specifically, each of the slits 105 to 107 is disposed in a swinging range of the lock rod 51 where the lock rod 51 is disposed when the protrusion 53 is disengaged from the engagement receiving portions 61a to 61c. Yes. Therefore, when the projection piece 102 is inserted into any of the slits 105 to 107 in a state where the lock rod 51 is engaged with any of the engagement receiving portions 61a to 61c, the lock rod 51 is regulated by the projection piece 102, It is impossible to swing from the locked position to the unlocked position. Each of the slits 105 to 107 and the protruding piece 102 is arranged in a positional relationship in one of the slits 105 to 107 in a state where the upper sheet cassette device 20 is mounted on the case body 2. .

  Each of the slits 105 to 107 is disposed at a position corresponding to the positioning and fixing position (lock position) of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 with respect to the first paper feed cassette unit 26. As described above, the second paper feed cassette unit 27 can switch the expansion / contraction position to three stages (three places). The first slit 105 is formed on the upper sheet cassette device 20 (that is, the second sheet cassette unit 27 is in relation to the first sheet cassette unit 26) in which the second sheet cassette unit 27 is locked in the second locked state described above. When the upper sheet cassette device 20) with the most extended is mounted, the protruding piece 102 is disposed at a position where it can be inserted. The second slit 106 is disposed at a position where the protruding piece 102 can be inserted when the upper sheet cassette unit 20 in which the second sheet cassette unit 27 is locked in the third locked state is mounted. ing. Further, the third slit 107 is disposed at a position where the protruding piece 102 can be inserted when the upper sheet cassette unit 20 in which the second sheet cassette unit 27 is locked in the first locked state is mounted. ing.

  Since the restriction mechanism 100 is configured in this manner, for example, the upper sheet feeding is performed in a state where the second sheet feeding cassette unit 27 is extended to the first sheet feeding cassette unit 26 (see FIG. 5B). When the cassette device 20 is inserted into the accommodating portion 16, the protruding piece 102 is inserted into the first slit 105 as shown in FIG. 16. The protruding piece 102 protrudes from the upper surface of the sheet placing plate 27a. In this state, even if the user pulls the operation unit 52 toward the front side to displace it from the first position to the second position, the lock hook 51 tries to move toward the unlock position by making the protruding piece 102 on the lock hook 51. Is prevented by the protruding piece 102. Therefore, the lock means 50 maintains the locked state. Therefore, the second paper feed cassette unit 27 cannot slide in the X-axis direction (insertion / removal direction). As a result, in the mounted state of the upper paper feed cassette 20, the slide of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is restricted, so that the stored paper is deformed or damaged, or the paper in the upper paper feed path 24. Clogging is prevented. The state in which the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is extended to the midway position with respect to the first paper feed cassette unit 26 or the state in which the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is most contracted (see FIG. 5A). ), The slide of the second paper feed cassette unit 27 is similarly regulated when the upper paper feed cassette device 20 is inserted into the storage unit 16.

  In the above embodiment, the upper and lower two-stage sheet cassette devices 20 and 30 can be inserted into and removed from the opening 14 of the multi-function device 1, but the opening 14 is similar to the upper sheet cassette apparatus 20. Only the sheet feeding cassette device having the configuration may be configured to be inserted and removed in two stages. In this case, the restriction mechanisms 70, 90, 100 may be provided not only in the upper stage but also in the lower stage paper cassette apparatus.

1 is an overview perspective view of a multi-function device 1 as an embodiment of an image recording device. It is the II-II sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a side cross section of the multi-function device 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of an opening 14 of the multi-function device 1. FIG. (A) is a perspective view of a state in which the upper paper feed cassette device 20 is contracted, and (b) is a perspective view of a state in which the upper paper feed cassette device 20 is extended. (A) is the top view of the state which shrunk the upper stage paper cassette apparatus 20, (b) is VIb-VIb arrow sectional drawing of (a). (A) is a bottom view of the first paper feed cassette unit 26, and (b) is a top view of the second paper feed cassette unit 27. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining a modification of the operation unit of the lock means 50. (A) is the elements on larger scale which show the state where lower paper feed cassette device 30 was extended, (b) is the elements on larger scale which show the state where lower paper feed cassette device 30 and upper paper feed cassette device 20 were extended. FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view of a main part X in FIG. FIG. 6A is an enlarged detail view of the main part XI in FIG. 6A, where FIG. 6A is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which sliding in the insertion direction is restricted, and FIG. 6B is allowed to slide in the removal direction. It is the elements on larger scale which show a state. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view near the opening 14 of the multi-function device 1 and is a perspective view illustrating a restriction mechanism 90 that is a modified example of the restriction mechanism. 4 is a perspective view showing a back surface of the upper sheet cassette apparatus 20. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a vertical cross section of the upper paper feed cassette device 20. FIG. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the opening 14 of the multi-function device 1 and is a perspective view illustrating a restriction mechanism 100 that is a modification of the restriction mechanism. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state where a protruding piece 102 is inserted through a first slit 105.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multi-function apparatus 12 ... Recording part 13 ... Recording head 14 ... Opening part 15 ... Guide part 20 ... Upper stage paper cassette apparatus 25 ... Upper stage paper cassette part 25a ... Handle part 26 ... First paper feed cassette part 26a ... Paper placement board 27 ... Second paper feed cassette part 27a ... Paper placement board 29 ... Boss part 30 ... Lower feed cassette device 35... Lower feed cassette 35 a. Handle 36. Lower first feed cassette 37. Lower second feed cassette 40. Part 41... First paper discharge tray part 42... Second paper discharge tray part 43... Hinge part 44 .. engaging concave part 45... Handle part 50. Lock rod 52 ... operation part 55 ... penetrating part 60 ... guide rails 61a to 61c engagement receiving part 7 0, 90, 100 ... restriction mechanism 72 ... elastic part 75 ... projection 79 ... first rib 80 ... second rib 92 ... support plate 93 ... claw 95 ... Opening 96 ... Insertion part 97 ... First protrusion 98 ... Second protrusion 99 ... Rail 102 ... Projection piece 105 ... First slit 106 ... Second slit 107 ..Third slit

Claims (15)

An apparatus main body having an accommodation space continuous with the opening;
A sheet holding tray that is configured to be detachable in the accommodation space through the opening, and the expansion tray slides in the first direction with respect to the tray body and is supported so as to expand and contract;
A cover provided on the sheet holding tray and sliding in the first direction integrally with the expansion tray while covering at least an upper portion of the expansion tray;
A locking mechanism that engages with the tray body and positions and fixes the expansion tray with respect to the tray body at a plurality of locations;
In the mounted state of the sheet holding tray with respect to the apparatus main body, the expansion tray restricts sliding of the expansion tray in the first direction in which the expansion tray contracts toward the tray main body, and in the unmounted state of the sheet holding tray, the A sheet holding device comprising a restriction mechanism that allows the expansion tray to slide in a first direction. The regulation mechanism is
A displacement member provided on a side wall of the tray main body and displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the side wall;
The displacement member protrudes from the outer side surface of the side wall, and in a state where the sheet holding tray is mounted on the apparatus main body, abuts against the inner side wall forming the accommodation space and biases toward the holding surface side of the tray main body. A first protrusion to be made;
2. The engaging portion according to claim 1, further comprising an engaging portion that protrudes from an outer surface of the side wall of the extension tray and extends in a direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the tray main body and engages with an end side of the displacement member. Sheet holding device.   The sheet holding device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the engaging portions are provided in accordance with positioning positions of the extension tray with respect to the tray body. The sheet holding tray is
A rail insertion portion provided in the tray body and extending in the first direction;
A rail provided in the extension tray and inserted into the rail insertion portion;
The regulation mechanism is
A second protrusion that is provided on a support surface that supports the sheet holding tray in the housing space and protrudes upward;
A first insertion port that is formed on the outer surface of the rail insertion portion, and in which the sheet holding tray is attached to the apparatus main body, and the second protrusion is inserted into the rail insertion portion;
2. The sheet holding device according to claim 1, wherein the rail includes a third projecting portion that protrudes from the rail toward the first insertion port and is engageable with the second projecting portion that is inserted through the first insertion port. The second protrusion is
A contact portion that is provided at an end portion on the second direction side where the extension tray is separated from the tray body, and that contacts the third protrusion;
The sheet holding device according to claim 4, further comprising an inclined portion that is provided at an end portion on the first direction side and guides the third projecting portion in the second direction.   The sheet holding device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a plurality of the third projecting portions are provided in accordance with a position where the extension tray is positioned with respect to the tray body. The locking mechanism is
A lock which is moved along the holding surface of the extension tray and is displaced between a lock position for positioning and fixing the extension tray with respect to the tray body and an unlock position for releasing the lock of the extension tray with respect to the tray body. Having a member,
The regulation mechanism is
A fourth projecting portion provided on a support surface for supporting the sheet holding tray in the accommodating space and projecting upward;
A second insertion port formed on the bottom wall of the extension tray, through which the fourth protrusion is inserted into the holding surface of the extension tray in a state where the sheet holding tray is attached to the apparatus main body,
The fourth projecting portion and the second insertion port are in contact with the fourth projecting portion exposed from the second insertion port to the holding surface side of the extension tray and the lock member positioned at the lock position. The sheet holding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet holding device is disposed at a position where movement of the lock member can be restricted.   The sheet holding device according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of the second insertion ports are provided in accordance with a position where the expansion tray is positioned with respect to the tray body. The locking mechanism is
An operation member that is provided on the extension tray and is displaced between a first position corresponding to a lock position by the lock mechanism and a second position corresponding to an unlock position;
The sheet holding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a through hole that exposes the operation member to the outside.   The sheet holding device according to claim 9, wherein the operation member is provided in the vicinity of an end portion on a second direction side where the expansion tray is separated from the tray body in the expansion tray.   The cover includes a first cover that covers an upper portion of the tray body and a second cover that covers an upper portion of the extension tray, and the second cover slides in the first direction with respect to the first cover. The sheet holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sheet holding device is supported in a stretchable manner.   12. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a holding surface that holds a sheet fed from the sheet holding tray, fed toward the apparatus main body, and discharged through the apparatus main body. Sheet holding device. A sheet holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A sheet conveying apparatus comprising: a first conveying unit that conveys a sheet held on the sheet holding tray.   The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: a second conveying unit that conveys the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit toward the upper surface of the cover. A sheet holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
First conveying means for conveying the sheet held in the sheet holding tray;
An image recording unit for recording an image on the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit;
An image recording apparatus comprising: a second conveying unit configured to convey a sheet on which an image is recorded by the image recording unit toward an upper surface of the cover.

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