JP5746401B2 - Paper feeding device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus represented by a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and the like, and a paper feeding device used for the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus typified by a copying machine, a printer, and the like includes a sheet feeding device that accommodates a plurality of sheets and feeds an image forming unit in the image forming apparatus.

  Here, for example, when a large number of users share one image forming apparatus, the sheet consumption per image forming apparatus increases. For this reason, a paper feeding device having a large capacity sheet storage device (sheet stacking mechanism) in which the number of sheets that can be stored is increased has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 describes a paper feeding device that has two large-capacity paper feeding cassettes (sheet stacking mechanisms) and these paper feeding cassettes are arranged side by side. In this sheet feeding device, a feeding mechanism is provided in each sheet feeding cassette, and sheets stacked in each sheet feeding cassette are fed out in the same direction by the feeding mechanism. Further, in the paper feeding device, a transport transport unit (transport mechanism) that transports a sheet fed from one paper feed cassette in the horizontal direction is provided above the paper feed cassette.

  The transport transport unit is configured so that it can be pulled out in the same direction as the paper feed cassette. When a paper jam occurs in the transport transport unit, the transport transport unit is pulled out and a process (jam processing) for eliminating the paper jam is performed. The transport transport part can be pulled out by a pull-out rail.

JP 1998-194486 A

  However, when the transport transport unit is configured to be able to be pulled out, there is a problem that the transport transport unit rattles from side to side or hangs downward when the transport transport unit is pulled out. In this case, the transport transport unit may come into contact with other members and the transport transport unit may be damaged. Such inconvenience is likely to occur particularly when the strength and accuracy of the drawer rail are low.

  Also, in order to suppress the rattling on the left and right sides that occur when the transport transport part is pulled out and the downward sag, it is conceivable to use a high-strength and accurate rail (slider). Since it is expensive, the manufacturing cost of the paper feeding device is increased. Moreover, since the width and height of the rail are increased in order to maintain the strength of the rail, it is difficult to store the rail in space. In particular, recent paper feeders are severely limited in the height direction, making it difficult to use such a rail (slider) so that the transport transport unit can be pulled out.

  As described above, in the conventional sheet feeding device, it is difficult to prevent the transport transport unit from rattling to the left and right when the transport transport unit is pulled out, and the downward movement of the transport transport unit. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to suppress the rattling of the transport mechanism from side to side and the downward droop that occurs when the transport mechanism is pulled out. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper feeding device that can do this.

  In order to achieve the above object, a sheet feeding device according to the present invention stacks and stores a plurality of sheets, and includes first and second sheet stacking mechanisms arranged in parallel with each other, and a first sheet stacking mechanism. The first feeding mechanism for feeding sheets stacked on the sheet, the second feeding mechanism for feeding sheets stacked on the second sheet stacking mechanism, and the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms intersecting the juxtaposed direction. And a rail mechanism that is supported so that it can be pulled out in the same direction, and a sheet that is disposed above the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms and that transports the sheet fed from the second sheet stacking mechanism by the second feeding mechanism in a substantially horizontal direction. Mechanism. The transport mechanism is configured to be able to be pulled out in the same direction as the pull-out direction of the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms, and at least one of the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms is engaged with the transport mechanism. An engaging portion that guides the transport mechanism in the pull-out direction is provided.

  In the sheet feeding device configured as described above, since at least one of the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms is provided with an engaging portion that engages the conveying mechanism and guides the conveying mechanism in the pulling direction. The back and forth rattling of the transport mechanism that occurs when the transport mechanism is pulled out is restricted. Further, since the transport mechanism is engaged with the engaging portion of the sheet stacking mechanism when the transport mechanism is pulled out, the transport mechanism is supported by the sheet stacking mechanism, and the downward droop of the transport mechanism is suppressed. Therefore, with the above configuration, the backlash to the left and right of the transport mechanism and the downward droop that occur when the transport mechanism is pulled out are suppressed. Thereby, it can suppress that the trouble that a conveyance mechanism contacts another member (part) and a conveyance mechanism breaks arises.

  Further, the sheet feeding device according to the present invention can suppress the rattling of the transport mechanism from side to side and the downward sag without using a rail (slider) having high strength and accuracy. For this reason, since it becomes possible to produce a paper feeder without using an expensive rail, an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed. In addition, since it is not necessary to secure a space for storing such a rail, the degree of freedom in design can be improved.

  In the sheet feeding device of the present invention, it is preferable that the engaging portion is formed by a gap generated between the first sheet stacking mechanism and the second sheet stacking mechanism when the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms are pulled out. Is done. In this case, it is preferable that the transport mechanism is provided with a guide portion that engages with the engaging portion and guides the transport mechanism in the pulling direction. If comprised in this way, while being able to form an engaging part easily, a conveyance mechanism can be guided to a drawer | drawing-out direction more accurately with the guide part provided in the conveyance mechanism. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress backlash to the left and right of the transport mechanism and downward droop that occur when the transport mechanism is pulled out.

  In this case, it is more preferable that the guide portion includes a convex portion protruding toward the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms, and the engaging portion is configured in a concave shape that engages with the convex portion.

  In the sheet feeding device of the present invention, each of the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms has a bottom portion and a wall portion. When the transport mechanism is pulled out, the transport mechanism is moved by the wall portion of the sheet stacking mechanism. It is preferably configured to be supported. If comprised in this way, the downward droop of the conveyance mechanism produced when the conveyance mechanism is pulled out can be suppressed more effectively.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus provided with the paper feeding device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a paper feeding device capable of suppressing backlash to the left and right of the transport mechanism and the downward sag generated when the transport mechanism is pulled out, and an image including the paper feed device. A forming apparatus can be easily obtained.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention (a diagram illustrating a state in which a sheet storage device and a horizontal conveyance unit are stored). 1 is an external perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention (a state in which a sheet storage device is pulled out). 1 is an external perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention (a state in which a horizontal transport unit is pulled out). FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing two sheet storage devices used in the paper feeding device according to the embodiment of the present invention (a diagram in which two sheet storage devices are arranged side by side). It is a schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the EE line of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an enlarged part of a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view (figure which showed the state in which it arranged in parallel) of the sheet storage apparatus used for the paper feeder by one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet storage device used in a paper feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet storage device used in a paper feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view (upper side figure) of the horizontal conveyance unit used for the paper feeder by one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the horizontal conveyance unit used for the paper feeder by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view (figure on the lower surface side) of the horizontal conveyance unit used for the paper feeder by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the guide member of the horizontal conveyance unit used for the paper feeder by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic sectional drawing which expanded and showed a part of sheet feeder by the other example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the paper feeder by the further another example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the paper feeder by the further another example of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view as seen from the back side of the apparatus. First, the configuration and operation of an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet feeding device will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, a digital multi-function peripheral that is an example of an image forming apparatus will be described.

  In FIG. 1, when performing a copy operation, the image forming apparatus 100 converts image data of a document into a read image signal in an image reading unit 6 described later. On the other hand, in the image forming unit 3 in the multifunction machine main body 2, the photosensitive drum 5 rotating in the direction A in the drawing is uniformly charged by the charging unit 4, and is based on the document image data read by the image reading unit 6. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 5 by a laser beam from an exposure unit (laser scanning unit or the like) 7, and a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) is attached to the electrostatic latent image by the developing unit 8. An image is formed. The toner is supplied to the developing unit 8 from the toner container 9.

  A sheet feeding device 10 is disposed below the image forming apparatus 100 (multifunction device main body 2). The sheet (paper) P is directed toward the photosensitive drum 5 on which the toner image is formed as described above. Is conveyed from the sheet feeding device 10 to the image forming unit 3 via the sheet conveyance path 11 and the registration roller pair 12. In the image forming unit 3, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred to the sheet by the transfer roller 13 (image transfer unit). The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 5 and conveyed to a fixing unit 14 having a fixing roller pair 14a to fix the toner image. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 14 is sent to a sheet conveyance path 15 that is branched in a plurality of directions, and the sheet switching mechanisms 21 and 22 that have a plurality of path switching guides provided at branch points of the sheet conveyance path 15 are used. The transport directions are sorted and are discharged as they are (or after being sent to the sheet transport path 16 and double-sided copying) to the sheet discharge section including the first discharge tray 17a and the second discharge tray 17b.

  Although not shown, a static elimination device that removes residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is provided on the downstream side of the cleaning device 18. Further, the sheet feeding device 10 is detachably attached to the multifunction device main body 2 and includes two sheet storage devices 10a and 10b for storing sheets, and a stack bypass (manual tray) 10c provided above the sheet storage devices 10a and 10b. These are connected to the image forming unit 3 including the photosensitive drum 5 and the developing unit 8 by the sheet conveyance path 11. The sheet storage devices 10a and 10b are examples of the “first sheet stacking mechanism” and the “second sheet stacking mechanism” of the present invention, respectively.

  These two sheet storage apparatuses 10a and 10b are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (parallel to each other). Further, a lift plate 30 that can reciprocate vertically (Z direction) is provided in the sheet storage devices 10 a and 10 b, and sheets (paper) P stacked on the lift plate 30 are fed by the lift plate 30. The sheet is pressed against pickup rollers 23 a and 23 b constituting the apparatus 10 and fed to the sheet conveyance path 11.

  The pickup rollers 23a and 23b are provided corresponding to the respective sheet storage devices 10a and 10b, and send out the sheets P in the sheet storage devices 10a and 10b in substantially the same direction. Specifically, the pickup roller 23 a sends out the sheets P in the sheet storage device 10 a one by one to the sheet conveyance path 11. The pickup roller 23b sends out the sheets P in the sheet storage device 10b one by one in the same direction as the pickup roller 23a.

  The paper feeding device 10 further includes a horizontal conveyance unit 40 that conveys the sheet P sent from the sheet storage device 10b by the pickup roller 23b in a substantially horizontal direction. The horizontal conveyance unit 40 is disposed above the sheet storage device 10a, and a part thereof is positioned above the sheet storage device 10b. Then, the sheet P in the sheet storage device 10b is fed to the horizontal conveyance unit 40 by the pickup roller 23b, and the fed sheet P is conveyed to the sheet conveyance path 11 in a substantially horizontal direction via the horizontal conveyance unit 40. The The pickup rollers 23a and 23b are examples of the “first feeding mechanism” and the “second feeding mechanism” in the present invention, respectively. The horizontal transport unit 40 is an example of the “transport mechanism” in the present invention.

  An image reading unit 6 is disposed on the upper part of the apparatus main body, and a platen (original document) that holds and holds a document placed on a contact glass (not shown) of the image reading unit 6 on the upper surface of the apparatus main body. A presser) 24 is provided so as to be openable and closable, and a document conveying device 27 is provided on the platen 24. An operation panel (not shown) is disposed on the front surface of the image reading unit 6.

  Specifically, the sheet conveyance path 15 first branches into a left and right fork on the downstream side of the fixing roller pair 14a, and one path (a path branching rightward in FIG. 1) communicates with the first discharge tray 17a. It is configured as follows. The other path (the path that branches in the left direction in FIG. 1) branches into two branches via the conveying roller pair 19, and the other path (the path that branches in the left direction in FIG. 1) is the second discharge tray 17b. It is comprised so that it may communicate with. On the other hand, the other path (the path that branches downward in FIG. 1) is configured to communicate with the sheet conveyance path 16.

  2 to 4 are external perspective views of a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 to 15 are views for explaining a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Next, a sheet storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The sheet feeding device 10 according to the embodiment includes two sheet storage devices 10a and 10b, pickup rollers 23a and 23b (see FIG. 1), and a horizontal conveyance unit 40, as shown in FIGS. Yes.

  The sheet storage devices 10a and 10b have the same configuration as each other, and are arranged side by side so that the sheet conveying direction is the same. These two sheet storage devices 10a and 10b are stored in the casing 150 of the sheet feeding device 10 so that they can be pulled out. In addition, the sheet feeding device 10 includes a rail mechanism 160 that supports the sheet storage devices 10a and 10b. The rail mechanism 160 allows the sheet storage devices 10a and 10b to be pulled forward (Y1 direction).

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, the sheet storage devices 10a and 10b are large-capacity types capable of storing over 1000 sheets (paper sheets) P. It has a sheet storage portion 31 for storing. In the sheet storage devices 10 a and 10 b, the sheet P is supplied from above the sheet storage unit 31. Further, the sheet storage devices 10a and 10b are configured such that the sheet P is conveyed in a direction orthogonal to the drawing direction (Y1 direction). That is, in the present embodiment, the sheet conveyance direction (X1 direction) is orthogonal to the pulling direction (Y1 direction) in plan view.

  The sheet storage unit 31 of the sheet storage apparatus 10a, 10b has a bottom 31a (see FIGS. 5 and 6) and a wall 31b. A lift plate 30 (see FIGS. 6 and 9) that can be moved up and down (Z direction) is disposed in the sheet storage unit 31 (in the region surrounded by the wall 31b) of the sheet storage device 10a. . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a large number of sheets P stored in the sheet storage device 10 a are configured to be stacked on the lift plate 30. Therefore, for example, when the lift plate 30 moves upward, the sheets P stacked on the lift plate 30 are also lifted upward and pressed against the pickup roller.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, in the sheet storage unit 31, replenishment openings 31 c and 31 d are formed in the wall portion 31 b on the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and the sheet is formed from above the sheet storage unit 31. When replenishing P (see FIG. 1), a large number of sheets P are stacked on the lift plate 30 by inserting a hand into the replenishment openings 31c and 31d.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a cursor 35 is provided in the sheet storage unit 31 to regulate the sheet position and position the sheet P. The cursor 35 has a positioning function in the sheet conveyance direction (X1 direction) and an end cursor 36 (35) that regulates the rear end position of the sheet P, and a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction (X1 direction) (Y direction). And a pair of side cursors 37 (35) having a positioning function. The end cursor 36 has a function of aligning the rear ends of the sheet P, and the pair of side cursors 37 has a function of positioning the sheet P in the width direction (Y direction). By arranging the end cursor 36 and the side cursor 37 at predetermined positions, a sheet P having a predetermined size can be stored at a predetermined position in the sheet storage unit 31. One end cursor 36 is provided on the wall 31b side opposite to the sheet conveying direction (X1 direction).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal conveyance unit 40 conveys the sheet P sent out from the sheet storage device 10 b to the sheet conveyance path 11 substantially horizontally. For this reason, the horizontal conveyance unit 40 includes a feed roller 41 for conveying a sheet, as shown in FIGS. As described above, the horizontal conveyance unit 40 is mainly located above the sheet storage device 10a in a state where the sheet storage devices 10a and 10b are stored in the sheet feeding device 10, and a part of the horizontal storage unit 40 is a sheet. It is also located above the storage device 10b.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the horizontal conveyance unit 40 is held in the sheet feeding device 10 by a rail member 151, and after the sheet storage devices 10 a and 10 b are pulled out, the sheet storage devices 10 a and 10 b It can be pulled out in the same direction as the pulling direction (Y1 direction). When a paper jam occurs in the horizontal conveyance unit 40, the horizontal conveyance unit 40 is pulled forward and jamming is performed. Note that the rail member 151 is fixed in the casing 150 of the sheet feeding device 10, and the rail member 151 is not pulled out in the same direction even when the horizontal transport unit 40 is pulled out.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the sheet storage apparatuses 10 a and 10 b are engaged with the horizontal conveyance unit 40 and engage portions 34 that guide the horizontal conveyance unit 40 in the pull-out direction (Y1 direction). Is formed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5, 9, and 10, a replenishment opening 31 d is formed in one wall 31 b of the sheet storage device 10 b (wall portion 311 b on the sheet storage device 10 a side). A stepped portion 32 (see FIG. 10) is formed in the upper part of the portion that is not. The step portion 32 has a bottom surface 32a and a side surface 32b, and the side surface 32b is configured to face the wall portion 31b of the sheet storage device 10a (the wall portion 312b on the sheet storage device 10b side). . Then, one wall portion 31b of the sheet storage device 10b (wall portion 311b on which the step portion 32 is formed) and the wall portion 31b (312b) of the sheet storage device 10a facing the wall portion 31b are shown in FIG. A gap 33 having a concave cross section as shown in FIG. That is, a gap 33 extending in the pull-out direction (Y1 direction) is formed between the sheet storage apparatuses 10a and 10b arranged in parallel with each other, and the engagement portion 34 (concave engagement portion 34) is formed by the gap 33. ) Is formed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8, 13, and 14, on the lower surface side (sheet storage device 10 a, 10 b side) of the horizontal conveyance unit 40, a guide that engages with the engaging portion 34 of the sheet storage device 10 a, 10 b. A member 50 (guide portion) is provided. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the guide member 50 has a convex portion 51 and a flat portion 52. The convex part 51 and the flat part 52 are each formed so as to extend in the drawing direction (Y1 (Y) direction).

  The convex portion 51 of the guide member 50 is formed so as to protrude toward the sheet storage devices 10a and 10b, and is a concave engagement formed in the gap 33 between the sheet storage device 10a and the sheet storage device 10b. It is configured to engage with the joint portion 34. Further, the flat portion 52 of the guide member 50 is formed on the wall portion 31b of the sheet storage device 10a (the wall portion 312b on the sheet storage device 10b side) when the convex portion 51 of the guide member 50 is engaged with the engagement portion 34. It is configured to contact the upper surface 60 (the upper surface 60 of the portion where the replenishment opening 31c is not formed).

  When a paper jam occurs in the horizontal conveyance unit 40 and the horizontal conveyance unit 40 is pulled out, the engagement unit 34 of the sheet storage devices 10a and 10b and the upper surface 60 of the wall portion 31b (312b) of the sheet storage device 10a. Then, the guide member 50 provided on the lower surface side of the horizontal transport unit 40 is slid. Thereby, rattling to the left and right when the horizontal transport unit 40 is pulled out and drooping downward are restricted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the sheet storage devices 10a and 10b are provided with the engaging portions 34 that engage with the horizontal conveyance unit 40 and guide the horizontal conveyance unit 40 in the pull-out direction (Y1 direction). By the joint portion 34, it is possible to regulate the backlash of the horizontal conveyance unit 40 that occurs when the horizontal conveyance unit 40 is pulled out to the left and right (X direction). In the present embodiment, the guide member 50 is provided with the flat portion 52, and the flat portion 52 is configured to contact the upper surface 60 of the wall portion 31b (312b) of the sheet storage device 10a. The horizontal transfer unit 40 can be supported (supported) by 10a. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress the horizontal conveyance unit 40 from drooping when the horizontal conveyance unit 40 is pulled out. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent the horizontal conveyance unit 40 from rattling to the left and right (X direction) and dropping downward when the horizontal conveyance unit 40 is pulled out. Thereby, it can suppress that the horizontal conveyance unit 40 contacts with another member (part), and the trouble that the horizontal conveyance unit 40 breaks arises.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the rattling to the left and right of the horizontal conveyance unit 40 or the downward droop can be suppressed without using a rail (slider) having high strength and accuracy due to the above configuration. For this reason, since it becomes possible to produce the paper feeder 10 without using an expensive rail, an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed. In addition, since it is not necessary to secure a space for storing such a rail, the degree of freedom in design can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the engagement portion 34 can be easily formed by forming the concave engagement portion 34 by the gap 33 generated between the sheet storage device 10a and the sheet storage device 10b. Further, by providing the horizontal conveyance unit 40 with a guide member 50 (convex portion 51) that engages with the engaging portion 34 and guides the horizontal conveyance unit 40 in the pull-out direction, a guide member provided in the horizontal conveyance unit 40 is provided. 50 can guide the horizontal transport unit 40 in the pull-out direction more accurately. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the horizontal conveyance unit 40 from rattling to the left and right and dropping downward when the horizontal conveyance unit 40 is pulled out.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the flat portion of the guide member is configured to support the horizontal conveyance unit by the sheet storage device by being in contact with the upper surface of the wall portion of the sheet storage device has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the horizontal conveying unit may be supported by the sheet storage device by the convex portion of the guide member coming into contact with the stepped portion (bottom surface) provided on the wall portion of the sheet storage device. In other words, the horizontal conveyance unit may be supported by the sheet storage device by engaging the horizontal conveyance unit with the engaging portion of the sheet storage device.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a concave engaging portion is provided in the sheet storage device and a guide member having a convex portion is provided in the horizontal conveyance unit has been described. May be the reverse of the above. For example, a convex engaging portion may be provided in the sheet storage device, and a guide member including a concave portion that engages with the convex engaging portion may be provided in the horizontal conveyance unit.

  Moreover, although the example which formed the level | step-difference part in one sheet storage apparatus of the two sheet storage apparatuses was shown in the said embodiment, this invention is not limited to this, For example, as shown in FIG. You may form the level | step-difference part 32 in both apparatuses. Even in such a configuration, the concave engaging portion 34 can be easily formed. It should be noted that the two sheet storage devices may be configured such that the left and right rattling is regulated by the gap between the two sheet storage devices arranged side by side without providing a stepped portion.

  In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which two sheet storage devices separated from each other are arranged side by side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the two sheet storage devices are integrated. The sheet storage device 110 (the sheet storage device having two sheet storage portions 31) may be provided.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the engaging portion is formed in each of the two sheet storage devices by forming the engaging portion by the gap between the two sheet storage devices arranged in parallel with each other is shown. The invention is not limited to this, and the engagement portion is formed in a portion other than the gap between the two sheet storage devices arranged side by side so that the engagement portion is provided in one of the two sheet storage devices. Also good. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the engaging portion 34 that engages with the guide member 50 of the horizontal conveyance unit 40 may be provided only in the sheet storage device 10b. In this case, if the decorative plate 200 on the front side of the sheet feeding device is divided, the sheet storage device 10a and the sheet storage device 10b can be pulled out independently.

  In the above embodiment, in order to reduce the contact resistance when pulling out the horizontal conveyance unit, for example, a rotatable roller is provided on the wall portion of the sheet storage device, and the horizontal conveyance unit is slid on the roller. Also good.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a large capacity sheet storage device is used as an example of the sheet storage device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sheet storage device is a sheet storage device other than a large capacity. Also good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Paper feeder 10a Sheet storage apparatus (1st sheet stacking mechanism)
10b Sheet storage device (second sheet stacking mechanism)
11, 15, 16 Sheet conveyance path 23a Pickup roller (first feeding mechanism)
23b Pickup roller (second feeding mechanism)
30 Lift plate 31 Sheet storage part 31a Bottom part 31b, 311b, 312b Wall part 31c, 31d Replenishment opening part 32 Step part 32a Bottom face 32b Side face 33 Gap 34 Engaging part 40 Horizontal conveyance unit (conveyance mechanism)
41 Roller 50 Guide member 51 Convex part 52 Flat part 60 Upper surface 100 Image forming apparatus 151 Rail member 160 Rail mechanism P sheet

Claims (5)

Each stacking and storing a plurality of sheets, and first and second sheet stacking mechanisms arranged in parallel with each other;
A first feeding mechanism for feeding out the sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking mechanism;
A second feeding mechanism for feeding out the sheets stacked on the second sheet stacking mechanism;
A rail mechanism that supports the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms so that the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms can be pulled out in the same direction that intersects the juxtaposed direction;
A transport mechanism that is disposed above the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms and transports a sheet fed from the second sheet stacking mechanism by the second feeding mechanism in a substantially horizontal direction;
The transport mechanism is configured to be able to be pulled out in the same direction as the pulling direction of the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms,
When at least one of the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms pulls out the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms, an engaging portion engages with the transport mechanism and guides the transport mechanism in the pull-out direction. Provided,
The transport mechanism includes a convex portion or a concave portion, and is provided with a guide portion that engages with the engagement portion and guides the transport mechanism in a pull-out direction.
The engaging portion is configured to have a concave shape that engages with the convex portion of the transport mechanism, or is configured to have a convex shape that engages with the concave portion of the transport mechanism. apparatus.   2. The engagement portion is formed in an upper portion of a portion where the supply opening is not formed in at least one wall portion of the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms. Paper feeder.   The sheet feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a lower end portion of the guide portion is in contact with an upper surface of at least one wall portion of the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms.   The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second sheet stacking mechanisms are integrated.   An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

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