JPH11189342A - Sheet cassette and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To receive an extra size sheet larger than the maximum size sheet by movably providing assisting regulating plates regulating the rear end part position of the maximum size sheet rearward in the sheet carrying direction of a rear regulating plate, and moving the assisting regulating plates. SOLUTION: A pair of assisting regulating plates (end part regulating plates) 251, 252 are connected together so as to move in interlocking with each other through an interlocking mechanism. Namely, rack plates are fitted to the back of a cassette frame 201 penetrating through slits 253, 254 provided on the bottom face of the cassette, the rack plates are engaged with pinion gears, and the pinion gears are connected to each other through a belt 259. By this interlocking mechanism, the end part regulating plates 251, 252 are moved interlockingly against the lengthwise direction of the slits 253, 254.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet cassette for storing sheets of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printer, and an image forming apparatus using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Cassettes used in conventional image forming apparatuses of this type are designed to be compatible with various sheet sizes.
For example, the configuration is as shown in FIGS.

The sheet cassette 1000 is a cassette frame 10
01 and an intermediate plate 1 that supports the sheets S in a stacked manner and is rotatable about a shaft 1002 protruding inward from the cassette frame 1001.
003, side regulating plates 1004 and 1005 for positioning the sheet S left and right, and a rear end regulating plate 1006 for positioning the rear end of the sheet S.

The sheet size on which continuous images can be formed differs depending on the model, but in recent copiers and printers, A3 size (297 × 420 [mm]) is generally used for domestic paper and 11 ″ × 17 ″ size is used for overseas paper. (279 × 432 [mm])
The mainstream is the one that supports.

Therefore, the maximum sheet size that can be stored in the sheet cassette 1000 is A3 size (297
[Mm]) maximum width sheet S1, maximum length is 11 ″ ×
17 ″ (432 [mm]) maximum length sheet S2
It is common to support up to.

The user can adjust the side regulating plates 1004 and 1005 and the rear end regulating plate 1006 according to each sheet size.
Set the sheet after moving the position of.

However, in order to operate the knob 1007 for moving the rear end regulating plate 1006, a space for a human hand is required behind the rear end regulating plate 1006. Therefore, in addition to the maximum size sheet, in this case, the length (432 [mm]) of the maximum length sheet S2, a space for human hand is required.

However, in recent years, the space saving of the entire apparatus has been regarded as important, and as described above, it is inevitable to increase the size of the cassette frame 1001 in order to secure a space accessible to human hands. It can cause a large size.

Also, the cassette frame 1 is designed so that it can be inserted by human hands.
If the rear end wall 1001a of the cassette frame 001 is cut off, the strength of the cassette frame 1001 cannot be secured. For this reason, the rear end regulating plate 1006 is configured to be foldable with respect to the rear end regulating stand 1008, and convex steps 1001b and 1001c are provided at both corners of the rear end of the cassette frame 1001.

That is, the rear end regulating plate 1006 is used when the sheet size is B4 (364 [mm]) or less, and the maximum size sheet longer than that, ie, the maximum width sheet S1 (A3 Size (420 [m
m])) and the maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17 ″)
Regarding the size (432 [mm]), the rear end regulating plate 10
06, and the rear end of the maximum length sheet S2 is the cassette frame 1
001 and the maximum width sheet S1
The rear end is regulated by using a part of the cassette frame 1001 such that the rear end is regulated by steps 1001b and 1001c.

[0011]

In recent years, with the digitization of copiers, higher image quality of LBP, and reduction of total printing cost, there has been an increasing need for creating originals. Therefore, in order to cope with an A3 size copy original, it is necessary to insert an oversized sheet, which is slightly larger than the oversized sheet including the register marks, on four sides of 420 × 297 [mm] of the A3 size sheet. .

However, in the conventional cassette, even if the side regulating plates 1004 and 1005 are configured to be able to move wider than the current state, the cassette frame 100
1 convex portions 1001b, 1001 on both sides of the rear end wall 1001a
c was in the way, so that an excessively large sheet having a width of 297 [mm] + α and a length of 420 [mm] + α, such as the above-described A3 size original, was not inserted. In this case,
The same applies to the maximum length sheet S2 of 11 ″ × 17 ″ size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet cassette capable of storing an oversized sheet slightly larger than a maximum size sheet and a sheet cassette using the same. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the width of the sheet can be adjusted by moving the cassette frame in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction and abutting the side end surface of the sheet. A sheet cassette comprising: a side regulating plate for regulating a position in the sheet direction; and a rear end regulating plate movable in the sheet conveying direction with respect to the cassette frame and abutting on a rear end surface of the sheet to regulate the longitudinal position of the sheet. An auxiliary regulating plate for regulating the position of the rear end portion of the largest size sheet is provided movably behind the trailing end regulating plate in the sheet conveyance direction, and the auxiliary regulating plate is moved to move the supplementary regulating plate to a position smaller than the maximum size sheet. It is characterized by being able to store the excess size sheet of the oversize sheet that is large in the circumference.

According to the present invention, for a sheet having a length within the movable range of the rear end regulating plate, the widthwise position of the sheet is regulated by the side regulating plate, and the lengthwise position is regulated by the rear end regulating plate. I do.

For the maximum size sheet longer than the moving range of the rear end regulating plate, the rear end regulating plate is folded or removed to remove it from the storage space, and the width direction position is regulated by the side regulating plate, and the auxiliary regulation is performed. The position of the rear end of the largest size sheet is regulated by the plate.

For a sheet having a size slightly larger than the maximum size sheet, the auxiliary regulating plate is moved to form a space capable of accommodating the excess size at the rear end of the sheet, and accommodate the excess size at the rear end of the sheet. I do.

Here, the movement of the auxiliary regulating plate includes moving the auxiliary regulating plate horizontally in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction or horizontally in the sheet conveying direction, moving the auxiliary regulating plate vertically with respect to the sheet cassette, and further moving the auxiliary regulating plate from the sheet cassette. This includes the case of removing and moving to another place. In short, any movement in a direction in which a storage space for the excess size can be secured may be used.

Since the moving range is sufficient to accommodate a sheet one size larger than the maximum size sheet,
An increase in the size of the cassette frame itself can be avoided. In particular, selecting a movement direction such as movement in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, movement in the vertical direction relative to the sheet cassette, and removal from the sheet cassette affects the length of the cassette frame in the sheet conveyance direction. Do not give.

By moving the auxiliary regulating plate in this way, it is possible to store even an oversized sheet that is slightly larger than the maximum size sheet without increasing the size of the cassette itself.

The sheet having a size slightly larger than the maximum size sheet is, for example, A3 size or 11 ″ × 1.
A sheet for a copy original having a margin including a register mark on four sides of a standard size sheet such as a 7 ″ size sheet corresponds to the sheet.

The regulation of the rear end position of the largest size sheet by the auxiliary regulation plate regulates at least one of the width direction position and the length direction position of the largest size sheet.

For example, when the longitudinal position of the largest size sheet is regulated by the rear end wall of the cassette frame,
Only the position in the width direction of the rear end of the largest size sheet is regulated by the auxiliary regulating plate. In this case, a sheet one size longer than the maximum size sheet cannot be stored,
It is possible to form a space for storing an excess size of the excess maximum size sheet which is wider than the maximum size sheet.

The above-mentioned maximum size sheet means that the sheet has two sizes, a maximum length sheet and a maximum width sheet;
And the case of one size of the maximum length and the maximum width.

An interlocking mechanism for moving the auxiliary regulating plate to another position in conjunction with the rear end regulating plate is provided.

When the maximum size sheet is stored, the rear end regulating plate must be moved so as to be removed from the storage space in the cassette frame. However, if the auxiliary regulating plate is linked to the rear end regulating plate in this way, the auxiliary regulating plate can be moved only by operating the rear end regulating plate, thereby improving the operability.

The rear end regulating plate is foldable, and the interlocking mechanism moves the auxiliary regulating plate to another position in conjunction with another operation after folding the rear end regulating plate.

If the rear end regulating plate is configured to be moved to another position by the operation after folding as described above, it is possible to prevent the rear end regulating plate from being forgotten to be folded.

It is characterized in that it is provided with a sheet regulating portion for abutting the rear end corner of the largest size sheet.

If the position is regulated at the corner in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, the contact position with the sheet can be small, and the size of the auxiliary regulating plate can be reduced.

The sheet regulating portion has a rear end regulating surface in contact with the sheet rear end surface and a side end regulating surface in contact with the sheet side end surface, and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction. It is characterized by.

By regulating the rear end face and the side end face of the sheet rear end in this way, the position of the sheet rear end can be reliably regulated.

The present invention is characterized in that a plurality of sheet restricting portions are provided in which a plurality of types of maximum size sheets abut in a stepwise manner.

By providing a plurality of sheet regulating portions in this manner, the position regulation of the rear end portions of a plurality of types of maximum size sheets can be performed at more optimal positions.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes the above-described sheet cassette and an apparatus main body including an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet fed from the sheet cassette. I do.

Even if the size of the sheet is slightly larger than the maximum size sheet, the maximum image formation range is within the standard size range, so there is no effect on image formation. Further, since a sheet having a size one size larger than the maximum size sheet is slightly larger, there is no influence on the sheet conveying system of the image forming apparatus itself.

[0037]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below based on the illustrated embodiment.

As an order of explanation, first, an image forming apparatus to which the sheet cassette of the present invention is applied will be described, and then an embodiment of the sheet cassette will be described.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the entire image forming apparatus in which the sheet cassette of the present invention is mounted.

The image forming apparatus 100 includes a reading unit X for reading an image on a document, an image forming unit Y for forming an image read by the reading unit X on a sheet as a transfer material, and an image forming unit Y. And a sheet feeding device Z for feeding a sheet to Y.

First, a description will be given of the reading section X and the image forming section Y. The original 52 placed on the original placing glass 51 is illuminated by a lamp 53, and its structure is changed to a reflecting mirror 54,
55, 56, 57, 58, 59 and zoom lens 60
Is guided to the photosensitive drum 111 as an image carrier by the optical system composed of The lamp 53 and the mirror 54 and the mirrors 55 and 56 move at a predetermined speed in the direction of the arrow to scan the original 52.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 111 is also the primary charger 11
Since the surface of the photosensitive drum 111 is rotated in the direction of the arrow after being uniformly charged by the surface of the photosensitive drum 111, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original image is sequentially formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 111. Photosensitive drum 11
1 and a color developing device 113 containing a color toner (for example, red or blue) and a black developing device 114 containing a black toner.
Are arranged. These developing units 113 and 114 are respectively movable in the direction of the arrow, and approach the photosensitive drum 111 in accordance with a desired color image.
The above electrostatic latent image is visualized.

In the case of FIG. 10, since the color developing device 113 is separated and the black developing device 114 is close, the photosensitive drum 1
11, a black image is formed. This image is transferred to the transfer charger 1
The image is transferred to a sheet S as a transfer material by the reference numeral 15. Thereafter, the image on the photosensitive drum 111 reaches the cleaner 116, and the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 111 is removed.
Move to the next copying process again.

The sheet S is fed as follows, and a document image is copied.

That is, there are the following three systems for feeding the sheet S into the copying apparatus.

In the first method, sheets S are stacked on a sheet cassette 1a and sent by a pickup roller 5 to separation roller pairs 6, 7 described later. When a plurality of sheets S are overlapped and fed, the separation roller pair 6, 7 separates only the uppermost sheet and feeds the separated sheet into the apparatus. Sheet S after passing
Are the registration rollers 12 via the guide plates 121 and 122.
Reaches 3.

In the second method, the separation roller pair 6, 7
Sent to The separation roller pairs 6, 7 have the same function as the separation roller pairs 6, 7, and the sheet S reaches the registration roller 123 via the guide plates 127, 128 after passing through the separation roller pairs 6, 7.

The third method is a so-called manual paper feed method. In this case, the manual feed tray 129 is rotated in the direction of an arrow to be fed into the registration roller 123 in the same manner as the second method. .

The registration roller 123 is a photosensitive drum 111
The rotation is started at a timing so that the upper visible image coincides with the sheet S, and the upper transfer guide 131 and the lower transfer guide 1
The sheet S is sent to the surface of the photosensitive drum 111 via the second sheet 32. As described above, the image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer charger 115, separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 111 by the separation charger 133, and added to the heating roller 102 via the transport unit 134. It is sent to a fixing device 135 having a pressure roller 103.

Then, the sheet S is heated and pressed by the fixing device 135, and the image on the sheet S is fixed as a permanent image. The sheet S is sent to the first discharge roller 136, and then the second sheet is fed through the flappers 137 and 138. The sheet reaches the discharge roller 139 and is then discharged outside the copying apparatus.

In FIG. 10, the flapper 138 is drawn in a state of blocking the transfer paper path. However, since the flapper 138 is made of a light material and is rotatable in the direction of the arrow, the sheet S When the sheet S passes, it is pushed up by the leading end of the sheet S and takes a retracted position with respect to the sheet S, so that there is no trouble in passing the sheet S.

Further, in this copying apparatus, double-sided and multiple copying can be performed.

When a two-sided copying operation is instructed to the copying apparatus,
The sheet S has a document image transferred and fixed to one side in the same manner as the above-described basic operation, is sent to the second discharge roller 139, and is discharged onto a tray (not shown). Then, the rear end of the sheet S is detected by a paper detection mechanism including the detection lever 140 and the optical sensor 141, and thereafter, for a predetermined time,
That is, when the time until the trailing edge of the sheet S passes through the flapper 138 elapses, the second discharge roller 139 starts to reversely rotate and sends the sheet S again into the transfer device.

In the future, the sheet S will be moved forward with the trailing edge through the left slope of the flapper 138 and the flapper 137, the guide plate 142, and the guide plate 14
It is sent to the roller 145 via 3,144. afterwards,
The sheet S passes through a roller 146 and a horizontal registration roller 147.
Leads to. At this point, the horizontal registration rollers 147 have stopped, and after the sheet S has completely hit the horizontal registration rollers 147, the pair of rollers 145, 146 also stops.

Then, the sheet S stands by for a copying operation on the other side. When a copy signal to the other side is issued, the horizontal registration roller 147 starts rotating, and the guide plate 1
48, 149 to the registration roller 123
Send. Before the sheet S arrives at the registration roller 123, the side edge of the sheet S is detected by an optical sensor (not shown), and the lateral registration roller 147 is moved in the sheet advancing direction so that the side edge is at the same position as the first time. , That is, in a direction perpendicular to the drawing, to correct the lateral position of the sheet S.

The operation after the sheet S reaches the registration roller 123 is the same as the case of the above-described basic operation, and the sheet S on which the image on the other side is copied is finally driven by the second discharge roller 139. It is discharged onto an outside tray.

On the other hand, in the first copy operation when the multiple copy operation is instructed to the copying apparatus, the developed image is transferred and fixed to the sheet S in the same manner as the basic operation. In the case of multiple copies,
The flapper 137 is located in a state shown by a broken line. Therefore, the sheet S is fed to the first discharge roller 13 with the front end first.
6 and is sent to the guide plates 142 and 143 along the right slope of the flapper 137.
It is sent to the roller 145 via 43 and 144.

Thereafter, the sheet S reaches the horizontal registration roller 147 via the roller 146. The rear end of the sheet S is detected by the detection lever 140 and the optical sensor 141, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the flapper 137 returns to the position indicated by the solid line.

Then, when the second copy signal is issued, the horizontal registration roller 147 starts rotating, but the movement of the sheet S at this time is the same as in the case of double-sided copying. Then, the sheet S on which the second image copy is performed on the same surface side
Is finally discharged onto the tray by the second discharge roller 139.

In the above description, two multiplex copies have been described. However, the movement of the sheet S is basically the same in the case of multiplex copies that are performed more frequently. The only difference is that the return of the flapper 137 from the broken line position to the solid line position is performed before the final copy.

Further, in this embodiment, an apparatus for performing double-sided or multiple copying one by one has been described. However, a so-called intermediate tray may be provided in this apparatus so that a plurality of double-sided or multiple copying can be performed.

In this copying apparatus, the position and the focal length of the zoom lens 60 are changed to enable stepless magnification without changing the optical path length.

The sheet cassettes 1a and 1b are mounted in a space below the image forming section Y, so that the space of the entire image forming apparatus is reduced.

[First Embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of the sheet cassette of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The sheet cassette 200 has a cassette frame 201.
And a middle plate 203 that supports the sheet S on which the sheet S is stacked and that is rotatable around a shaft 202 that projects inward from the cassette frame 201, and that is movable in a direction orthogonal to the sheet S conveyance direction and abuts on the side end surface of the sheet. Side regulating plates 204 and 205 for regulating the position in the width direction of the sheet, a rear end regulating plate 206 movable in the conveying direction of the sheet S and abutting against the rear end surface of the sheet S to regulate the longitudinal position of the sheet S; End regulation plates 251 and 252 are provided behind the rear regulation plate 206 and serve as auxiliary regulation plates for regulating the rear end position of the largest size sheet.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the side regulating plates 204 and 205 pass through slits 207 and 208 provided on the bottom surface of the cassette, and rack plates 209 and 210 are attached to the back surface of the cassette frame 201. I have. As a result, the side regulating plates 204 and 205 are
7, 208 can be moved in the longitudinal direction,
And the rack plate 20 of each of the side regulating plates 204 and 205.
9 and 210 are connected by a pinion gear 213 and thus move in conjunction with each other.

As shown in FIG. 4, knobs 214 and 215 are provided on the side regulating plate 204.
4 are rotatably mounted about a shaft 216 protruding from the side surface of the shaft 4, and each is biased by a torsion coil spring 217 to rotate outward. And
Claws 214 protruding below the knobs 214 and 215
a or 215a is a hole 21 corresponding to the width of each size sheet provided on the bottom surface of the cassette frame 201.
8, the side regulating plates 204 and 205 are fixed at appropriate positions.

As shown in FIG. 5, the rear end regulating plate 206
It is rotatably supported by a rear end regulating table 219 and a shaft 219a. The rear end regulating table 219 passes through a slit 211 provided on the bottom of the cassette
2 are installed. Thereby, the rear end regulating plate 20
6 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the slit 211 via the rear end regulating table 219. Also, the rear end regulating plate 2
06, a knob 220 is attached rotatably about a shaft 206a protruding from the rear end regulating plate 206.
A wedge member 221 is attached to the lower part 220a of the knob 220. The wedge member 221 is adapted to engage with a wedge-shaped band 222 provided on the bottom surface of the cassette frame 201.

The knob 220 has a spring hook 220
b is provided, and a tension spring 223 is provided between the spring hook 220 b and a not-shown piece of the rear end regulating plate 206.
Is hung. Since the tension spring 222 always biases the knob 220 counterclockwise, the knob 2
20 is attached to the cassette frame 2
01 is firmly fixed to a wedge-shaped band 222 on the bottom surface.
Therefore, when moving the rear end regulating plate 206, the knob 2 is used.
The pinch 20 is rotated clockwise to disengage the wedges from each other, and then moved to the rear end of the sheet material of each size, and then the knob 220 is released to be fixed.

As in the conventional example, the sheet size is adapted to A3 size (297 × 420 [mm]) for domestic use and 11 ″ × 17 ″ (279 × 432 [mm]) for overseas paper. The maximum width of the sheet S stored in the sheet cassette is 297 [mm] of A3 size, and the maximum length is 1
It corresponds to 432 [mm] of 1 ″ × 17 ″.

In the present embodiment, the maximum size sheet is 1
Maximum length sheet S2 of 1 ″ × 17 ″ size sheet
And the maximum width sheet S1 of the A3 size sheet.

The end regulating plates 251 and 252 regulate the rear end positions of the maximum size sheet S1 (A3 size) and the maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17 ″ size). And provided on both sides of the rear end of the cassette frame 201.

In this embodiment, the maximum length sheet S1
Of the 11 ″ × 17 ″ size sheet is regulated by the rear end wall 201a of the cassette frame 201, and only the width direction position of the rear end of the sheet is the end regulating plate 25.
1,252.

On the other hand, in the A3 size sheet, which is the maximum width sheet S1, both the position in the length direction and the position in the width direction are both regulated by the end regulating plates 251 and 252.

That is, the end regulating plates 251 and 252
The sheet regulating portions 251A and 252A contact the rear end corners of the maximum width sheet S1 and the sheet regulating portions 251B and 252B contact only the side edges of the rear end corners of the maximum length sheet S2.
252B are provided.

The sheet regulating portions 251A and 252A are formed by a plane perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction which comes into contact with the sheet rear end surface of the widest sheet S1.
A1, 252A1 and a side end regulating surface 251 formed by a plane in contact with the sheet side end surface along the sheet conveying direction.
A2, 252A2.

Further, the sheet regulating portions 251B, 252B
Is a rear end regulating surface 251A of the sheet regulating portion 251A.
Cassette frame rear end wall 201a from the inner end of 1,252A1
Sheet S2 (11 ″ ×
17 ″ size) Side end regulating surface 2 that regulates the rear end side end
51B2 and 252B2.

This maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17)
It is not necessary to provide the side end regulating surfaces 251B2 and 252B2 of "" size).
1B2 and 252B2, the maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17 ″ size) can be stably stored.

As described above, the sheet regulating portions 251A, 25
If the rear end corner of the maximum width sheet S1 (A3 size) is brought into contact with 2A to regulate the position, the maximum width sheet S
1 is small, the end regulating plates 251, 25
2 can be downsized. In addition, by regulating the rear end surface and the side end surface of the maximum width sheet S1, the position regulation of the sheet rear end portion is ensured.

The end regulating plates 251 and 252 are movable in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction.
To move the largest size sheets S1 and S2.
It is possible to store the excess size sheet of the oversize sheet which is one size larger than that.

A sheet one size larger than the maximum size sheet is, for example, four sides of a standard size sheet such as a maximum width sheet S1 (A3 size) and a maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17 ″ size). And a sheet for a copy original having a margin including a register mark.

The pair of end regulating plates 251 and 252 are connected via an interlocking mechanism 250 so as to move in conjunction with each other. That is, rack plates 255 and 256 are attached to the back surface of the cassette frame 201 through the slits 253 and 254 provided on the cassette bottom surface, respectively. Each rack plate 255, 256 has a pinion gear 257,
258 are engaged with each other, and these pinion gears 257 and 258 are connected to each other by a belt 259. By this interlocking mechanism 250, the end portion regulating plate 251,
252 is configured to move in conjunction with the longitudinal direction of each slit 253, 254.

Also, one end regulating plate 251 has
As shown in FIG. 7, a knob 260 is attached rotatably about a shaft 251a protruding from the end regulating plate 251. The wedge member 261 is adapted to engage with a wedge-shaped band 262 provided on the bottom surface of the cassette frame 201.

The knob 260 has a spring hook 260
b is provided, and a tension spring 263 is hung between the spring hook 260b and a part 251b of the end regulating plate 251. The tension spring 263 allows the knob 260
Is always urged clockwise, so that the wedge member 261 attached to the knob 260 is firmly fixed to the wedge-shaped band 262 on the bottom surface of the cassette frame 201.

In the present invention, a sheet having a length within the movable range of the rear end regulating plate 206 (in the present embodiment, B
Up to four sizes), the position in the width direction of the sheet is regulated by the side regulation plates 204 and 205, and the rear end regulation plate 20
6 regulates the longitudinal position.

The maximum size sheet longer than the moving range of the rear end regulating plate 206, in this embodiment, the maximum width sheet S1
(A3 size) and the maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17)
With respect to “” size), the rear end regulating plate 206 is folded out of the storage space to remove the side regulating plates 204 and 205.
The position in the width direction is regulated by the
The rear end positions of the maximum width size sheet S1 and the maximum length sheet S2 are regulated by 1,252.

Therefore, when the user sets the maximum width sheet S1 (A3
When using a sheet larger than (size), the side regulating plates 205 and 206 are adjusted, and after the rear end regulating plate 206 is tilted, the knob 260 is grasped and the end regulating plates 251 and 25 are gripped.
By operating the number 2, it is possible to use a sheet having a sheet width of 297 [mm] or more and a maximum length of 432 [mm].

That is, the end regulating plates 251 and 252 are moved in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction, and the sheet regulating portions 251A and 251 are moved.
The cassette frame 201 is moved by moving it in the direction to increase the regulation width between the side end regulation surfaces 251A2 and 252A2 of the 2A.
Between the rear end wall 201a and the rear end regulating surfaces 251A1, 251
2A1 is eliminated, so that there is room in the lengthwise storage space up to the rear end wall 201a.
1A2 and 252A2 escape to the outside, so that extra storage space for the excess size is created.

On the other hand, the movement of the end regulating plates 251, 252 causes the maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17 ″).
Size) does not have extra space in the length direction,
Because it creates a space to store excess size in the width direction,
A sheet that is one size larger in the width direction can be stored.

The moving range may be such that a sheet one size larger than the maximum size sheet can be stored.
Enlargement of the cassette frame 201 itself can be avoided. In particular, if a movement direction such as movement in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, movement in the vertical direction with respect to the sheet cassette 200, and further removal from the sheet cassette 200 is selected, the length of the cassette frame 201 in the sheet conveyance direction is determined. Does not affect size.

By moving the end regulating plates 251 and 252 in this manner, the excess size is slightly larger than the maximum width sheet S1 and the maximum length sheet S2 without increasing the size of the cassette itself. Can also be stored.

Next, another embodiment of the sheet cassette of the present invention will be described. In the following description, only portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. .

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the sheet cassette of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the end regulating plate is operated in conjunction with the rear end regulating plate.

That is, as in the first embodiment, the maximum width sheet S1 is provided on both sides of the rear end of the cassette frame 201.
(A3 size) and the maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17)
("Size") End regulation plate 30 for regulating the rear end position
1,302 are provided. This end regulation plate 301,
An excess size sheet 302 is movable in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction, and is larger than the maximum width sheet S1 and the maximum length sheet S2 as the maximum size sheet by moving the end regulating plates 301 and 302. The size can be stored.

In this embodiment, the maximum length sheet S1
Of the rear end of the cassette frame 201
a, and only the widthwise position is the end regulating plate 30.
1,302.

On the other hand, in the A3-size sheet, which is the maximum width sheet S1, both the lengthwise position and the widthwise position are regulated by the end regulating plates 301 and 302.

That is, the end regulating plates 301, 302
The sheet regulating portions 301A and 302A contact the rear end corners of the largest width sheet S1 and the sheet regulating portions 301B and 302B contact only the rear end corners of the maximum length sheet S2.
302B are provided.

The sheet restricting portions 301A and 302A are formed by a plane perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction which comes into contact with the sheet rear end of the widest sheet S1.
A1, 302A1 and a side end regulating surface 301 constituted by a plane in contact with the sheet side end surface along the sheet conveying direction.
A2, 302A2.

The sheet regulating portions 301B, 302B
Is a rear end regulating surface 301A of the sheet regulating portion 301A.
1, 302A1 from the inner end of the cassette frame rear end wall 201a
Sheet S2 (11 ″ ×
17 ″ size) Side end regulating surface 3 that regulates the rear end side end
01B2 and 302B2.

This maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17)
It is not necessary to provide the side end regulating surfaces 301B2 and 302B2 of "" size).
By providing the sheets 1B2 and 302B2, the maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17 ″ size) can be stably stored.

The pair of end regulating plates 301 and 302 move through the interlocking mechanism 330 in conjunction with the operation of the rear end regulating plate 206.

The interlocking mechanism 330 will be described. Arms 305 and 306 are attached to the rear surface of the cassette frame 201 through slits 303 and 304 provided on the bottom surface of the cassette and extending in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction. Pins 305 are provided at the ends of the arms 305 and 306, respectively.
a, 306a are projected, and the pins 305a, 30
L-shaped levers 307 and 30 so as to engage with 6a.
8 are shafts 309 and 3 projecting from the back surface of the cassette frame 201.
10 is mounted around the center of rotation.

[0104] Also, spring levers 307a and 308a are provided on one of the levers 307 and 308, and tension springs 311 and 312 are attached. Spring 31
The other of 1 and 312 is hooked on spring hook portions 313 and 314 on the back surface of the cassette frame 201.

Therefore, the levers 307 and 308 are
Due to the urging force of the cassette frame 201, the cassette frame 201 is rotated in the direction A.
It stops at 16

Reference numeral 317 denotes a cassette frame 2 on the rear end regulating table 219.
01 is a slider attached through a slit 319 (formed along the sheet conveyance direction) provided on the bottom surface of the lever 307, and the other arm 307 of the levers 307 and 308.
b, 308b, so that the protrusions 317a, 31
7b is formed. Further, a stopper lever 320 is attached to the rear end regulating table 219 about the support shaft 318b, and is urged counterclockwise by a compression spring 321. Further, the stopper lever 320 is provided with a ratchet portion 320a, which is engaged with a claw portion 322 protruding from the cassette frame 201.

Therefore, the linear movement of the rear end regulating table 219 in the sheet conveying direction rearward by the stopper lever 320 is caused by the slider 317 fixed to the rear end regulating table 219 and the lever 3 rotatably mounted on the bottom surface of the cassette frame 201.
The arms 305 and 306 to which the end regulating plates 301 and 302 are fixed via the reference numerals 07 and 308 are converted into linear motions in directions away from each other in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction.
The stopper lever 320, the slider 317, the levers 307 and 308, and the arms 305 and 306
0. When the rear end regulating table 219 is moved forward in the sheet conveyance direction, the levers 307 and 308 are returned in the direction A in the drawing by the springs 311 and 312, and the end regulating plates 301 and 302 are located at the regulating positions.

In the present embodiment, when the user uses a sheet larger than the maximum width sheet S1 (A3 size), which is the maximum size, the side regulating plates 204 and 205 are used.
Is adjusted to fit the sheet size, and the rear end regulating plate 206
After pushing down, push the stopper lever 320 with a finger,
The rear end regulating table 219 is pushed to the left side in FIG. 6, and the ratchet portion 320a is locked with the claw portion 322 to be positioned and fixed.

The stopper lever 320 and the rear end regulating second
19, the slider 317 attached to the rear side of the rear end regulating table 219 comes into contact with the levers 307 and 308.
8 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, so that the arms 304, 3
05 move a predetermined amount outward.

Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the rear end regulating surface 3 is located between the cassette frame 201 and the rear end wall 201a.
01A1 and 302A1 are eliminated, so that there is room for storage space in the length direction up to the rear end wall 201a. On the other hand, the side end regulating surfaces 301A2 and 302A2 also escape to the outside in the width direction, so that there is room for storage space for excess size. .

On the other hand, the movement of the end regulating plates 301 and 302 causes the maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17 ″).
Size) does not have extra space in the length direction,
Because it creates a space to store excess size in the width direction,
A sheet that is one size larger in the width direction can be stored.

The moving range may be such that a sheet one size larger than the maximum size sheet can be stored.
Enlargement of the cassette frame 201 itself can be avoided. In particular, if a movement direction such as movement in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, movement in the vertical direction with respect to the sheet cassette 200, and further removal from the sheet cassette 200 is selected, the length of the cassette frame 201 in the sheet conveyance direction is determined. Does not affect size.

Further, by interlocking the operation of the end regulating plates 301 and 302 with the rear end regulating plate 206 via the interlocking mechanism 330, the operability of the user is improved.

That is, the maximum width sheet S1 (A3 size) or the maximum length sheet S2 (11
When storing “″ × 17 ″ size), the rear end regulating plate 2
06 must be moved out of the storage space in the cassette frame 201, and if the rear end regulating plate 206 and the end regulating plates 301 and 302 are operated separately, the operation becomes troublesome. End regulation plates 301 and 3
If 02 is linked with the rear end regulating plate 206, the end regulating plates 301 and 302 can be moved only by operating the rear end regulating plate 206, and the operability is improved.

Particularly, in this embodiment, the rear end regulating plate 20
6 is moved to another position by the operation after folding, so that the rear end regulating plate 206 can be prevented from being forgotten to be folded.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the sheet cassette of the present invention.

In the first embodiment, a sheet having a size exceeding the length of the maximum length sheet S2 cannot be stored, but in this embodiment, not only the maximum width sheet S1 but also the maximum length sheet S2 can be stored. An excess size sheet in which the width and the length of the sheet S2 are exceeded can be stored.

That is, the end regulating plates 351 and 352 are
This is for regulating the rear end positions of the maximum width sheet S1 (A3 size) and the maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 17 ″ size), which are the maximum size sheets. Section.

The end regulating plates 351 and 352 contact the first sheet regulating portions 351A and 352A with which the rear end corners of the maximum width sheet S1 abut, and the rear end corners of the maximum length sheet S2. Second sheet regulating portions 351B, 351 contacting only at the ends
52B are provided.

The first sheet regulating portions 351A, 352A
Is a side constituted by a rear end regulating surface 351A1, 352A1 constituted by a plane perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction abutting on the sheet rear end face of the maximum width sheet S1 and a plane formed along the sheet conveying direction abutting on the sheet side end face. This is a configuration having end regulating surfaces 351A2 and 352A2.

The second sheet regulating portions 351B, 352
B is a rear end regulating surface 351B1, 352B1 formed by a plane perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction abutting on the sheet rear end surface of the maximum length S1 and a plane along the sheet conveying direction abutting on the sheet side end surface. And the side end regulating surfaces 351B2 and 352B2.

The third sheet restricting portions 351C, 351C, 351B, 351B, and 351B extend from the inner ends of the rear end restricting surfaces 351B1 and 352B1 toward the cassette frame rear end wall 201a.
352C is provided.

The end regulating plates 351 and 352 are movable in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction.
To move the largest size sheets S1 and S2.
It is possible to store the excess size sheet of the oversize sheet which is one size larger than that. The mechanism for moving the end regulating plates 351 and 352 is exactly the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

With this configuration, the maximum width sheet S1 (A3
Not only the size slightly larger in the length and width directions than the size) but also the maximum length sheet S2 (11 ″ × 1).
7 '') can be stored in the paper in a size one size larger in the length and width directions.

Furthermore, the rear end wall surface of the cassette frame 201 is
If you extend it to the position where the paper of 40 [mm] length can enter,
It is possible to support up to four rows (312 × 440 [mm]) of the A-line main version.

Further, as described above, the third sheet regulating portion 3
By providing 51C, 352C, etc., the position of the sheet trailing edge regulation can be changed in small increments, and the excess size sheet trailing edge position and the like can be regulated at the optimal position, and more stable sheet feeding can be achieved. .

In each of the above-described embodiments, the position of the left and right corners of the sheet rear end is regulated by a pair of end regulation plates, but one left and right corner of the sheet rear end corner is regulated by one end regulation plate. May be restricted.

In each of the above embodiments, a so-called center reference in which the left and right sides of the sheet are positioned at the corners at the rear end of the sheet by a pair of side regulating plates and a pair of end regulating plates. However, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a so-called one-side reference in which one side abuts against the fixed surface. In this case, the end regulating plate may be provided on only one side or may be provided on both sides.

[0129]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Separately from the rear end regulating plate, A3 size or 11 '' x
By movably providing an auxiliary regulating plate that regulates the rear end of a sheet of a predetermined maximum size such as 7 ″ size,
Sheets one size larger than the maximum size sheet can be stored without increasing the size of the cassette frame.

Further, if the operation of the auxiliary regulating plate is linked with the rear end regulating plate via the interlocking mechanism, the auxiliary regulating plate can be moved only by operating the rear end regulating plate. The performance is improved.

Further, if the auxiliary regulating plate is moved to another position in conjunction with another operation after folding the rear end regulating plate, the auxiliary regulating plate must be operated after the rear end regulating plate is folded. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an operation failure such as forgetting to fold the rear end regulating plate.

Further, if the position is regulated at the end corner in the sheet length direction, the contact position with the sheet can be small, and the size of the auxiliary regulating plate can be reduced.

Further, when the sheet regulating portion has a structure in which the sheet has a trailing edge regulating surface and a side edge regulating surface, the position regulation of the sheet trailing edge portion is ensured.

Further, by providing a plurality of sheet regulating portions, the positions of the rear ends of a plurality of types of maximum size sheets can be regulated at more optimal positions, and stable sheet feeding can be achieved.

On the other hand, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a stable image can be formed even for a sheet having a size slightly larger than the maximum size sheet.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sheet cassette according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the sheet cassette of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an end regulating plate serving as an auxiliary regulating plate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the side regulating plate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rear end regulating plate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a sheet cassette according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the sheet cassette of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the end regulating plate of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a sheet cassette according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus to which the sheet cassette of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a conventional sheet cassette.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the sheet cassette of FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

200 sheet cassette 201 cassette frame 204, 205 side regulating plate 206 rear end regulating plate 251, 252 end regulating plate (auxiliary regulating plate) 301, 302 end regulating plate (auxiliary regulating plate) S1 maximum width sheet (A3) (maximum) Size sheet) S2 Maximum length sheet (11 "x 17") (Maximum size sheet)

Claims (7)

[Claims] A side regulating plate movable in a direction orthogonal to a sheet conveying direction with respect to a cassette frame and abutting on a side end surface of the sheet to regulate a position in a width direction of the sheet; And a rear end regulating plate that is movable to the rear end surface of the sheet and regulates the longitudinal position of the sheet. An auxiliary regulating plate that regulates the end position is provided so as to be movable, and by moving the auxiliary regulating plate, it is possible to store an excess size of an oversized sheet that is slightly larger than the maximum size sheet. Sheet cassette. 2. A sheet cassette according to claim 1, further comprising an interlocking mechanism for moving said auxiliary restriction plate to another position in conjunction with said rear end restriction plate. 3. The rear end regulating plate is foldable, and the interlocking mechanism moves the auxiliary regulating plate to another position in conjunction with another operation after folding the rear end regulating plate. Sheet cassette. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet restricting portion for abutting a rear end corner of the largest size sheet.
4. The sheet cassette according to 2 or 3. 5. The sheet restricting portion has a rear end restricting surface abutting on the sheet rear end surface and a side end restricting surface abutting on the sheet side end surface, and is movable in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction. The sheet cassette according to claim 4, wherein: 6. The sheet cassette according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of sheet regulating portions are provided in which a plurality of types of maximum size sheets abut in a stepwise manner. 7. A sheet cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and an apparatus main body having image forming means for forming an image on a sheet fed from the sheet cassette. An image forming apparatus comprising: