IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM

Abstract

An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a sheet stacking portion, a sheet feeding unit, and a sheet supporting portion disposed upstream of the sheet stacking portion in a sheet feeding direction and configured to support the sheet. The sheet supporting portion includes a sheet supporting surface disposed adjacent to a sheet stacking surface on which the sheet is stacked in the sheet stacking portion, the sheet supporting surface being configured to support the sheet in conjunction with the sheet stacking surface, and a rotary member disposed such that part of the rotary member projects upward from the sheet supporting surface and comes into contact with a lower surface of the sheet, the rotary member being configured to rotate in accordance with feeding of the sheet.

Claims

1. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet; a sheet stacking portion provided on the image forming apparatus and configured to stack the sheet; a sheet feeding unit configured to feed the sheet that is stacked on the sheet stacking portion; and a sheet supporting portion disposed upstream of the sheet stacking portion in a sheet feeding direction and configured to support the sheet, wherein the sheet supporting portion includes: a sheet supporting surface disposed adjacent to a sheet stacking surface on which the sheet is stacked in the sheet stacking portion, the sheet supporting surface being configured to support the sheet in conjunction with the sheet stacking surface; and a rotary member disposed such that part of the rotary member projects upward from the sheet supporting surface and comes into contact with a lower surface of the sheet, the rotary member being configured to rotate in accordance with feeding of the sheet.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the sheet stacking portion is disposed on a side surface of the image forming apparatus, and is configured to pivot.

3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, in the sheet feeding direction, the rotary member is disposed between an end portion on an upstream side of the sheet stacking surface and an end portion on a downstream side of the sheet supporting surface, and wherein at least part of the rotary member projects upward from a virtual line that connects the end portion on the downstream side of the sheet supporting surface and the end portion on the upstream side of the sheet stacking surface.

4. The image forming system according to claim 3, further comprising a position switching portion configured to switch the rotary member between a projecting position, in which part of the rotary member is caused to project upward from the virtual line, and a retracted position, in which the rotary member is caused to be retracted below the virtual line.

5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the position switching portion includes: a first supporting member configured to support the rotary member; a first urging member configured to urge the first supporting member toward a direction which causes the rotary member to be positioned at one of the projecting position and the retracted position; a position moving unit configured to switch between a first position, in which the first supporting member is moved toward a direction which causes the rotary member to be positioned at one of the projecting position and the retracted position, and a second position, in which the first supporting member is moved toward a direction which causes the rotary member to be positioned at another of the projecting position and the retracted position; and a first operation portion configured to perform a switching operation of the position moving unit between the first position and the second position.

6. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a brake portion that is configured to switch between a stop state, in which rotation of the rotary member is stopped, and a rotatable state, in which the rotation of the rotary member is allowed.

7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the brake portion includes: a second supporting member configured to support a brake pad that is configured to apply frictional resistance by coming into contact with the rotary member; a second urging member configured to urge the second supporting member toward a direction which causes the rotary member to transition to one of the stop state and the rotatable state; a pressing portion configured to switch between a pressing position, in which the second supporting member is pressed toward a direction that causes the rotary member to transition to another of the stop state and the rotatable state, and a release position, in which pressing onto the second support member is released; and a second operation portion configured to perform a switching operation of the pressing portion between the pressing position and the release position.

8. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the rotary member includes a roller.

9. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the rotary member includes a belt that is tensioned over a plurality of rollers arranged in parallel in the sheet feeding direction.

10. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the sheet stacking portion is a manual sheet feed tray onto which the sheet supplied to the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus is manually fed.

11. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a frame portion including support legs configured to support the sheet supporting portion, wherein the support legs include: a first support leg configured to come into contact with a floor surface on which the image forming apparatus is installed; and a second support leg arranged closer to a side of the image forming apparatus than the first support leg is in a horizontal direction at a sheet supply position at which the sheet is supplied to the sheet stacking portion, and the second support leg is configured to come into contact with the floor surface.

12. The image forming system according to claim 11, wherein the first support leg includes a first caster configured to roll on the floor surface, and wherein the second support leg includes a second caster configured to roll on the floor surface.

13. The image forming system according to claim 12, wherein the second support leg is configured to move to a third position, where the second support leg is positioned on a side opposite to the image forming apparatus in the horizontal direction with respect to an installation space of a sheet feeding apparatus that is configured to supply the sheet to the image forming apparatus, and to a fourth position where the second support leg is positioned within the installation space in the horizontal direction.

14. The image forming system according to claim 11, wherein the support legs include a third support leg configured to come into contact with a sheet feeding apparatus, that is configured to supply the sheet to the image forming apparatus, in a state in which the sheet feeding apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus.

15. The image forming system according to claim 14, wherein the third support leg includes a contact portion configured to extend and contract so as to engage and disengage with respect to the sheet feeding apparatus.

16. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet feeding apparatus that is configured to be mounted to the image forming apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming system according to a first embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printer according to the first embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a rotary mechanism of a sheet placement platform according to the first embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a rotary mechanism of a sheet placement platform according to a second embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rotary mechanism in which a roller in the sheet placement platform according to the second embodiment is positioned at a projecting position.

[0013] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rotary mechanism in which the roller in the sheet placement platform according to the second embodiment is positioned at a retracted position.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a rotary mechanism of a sheet placement platform according to a third embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a brake portion of the rotary mechanism of the sheet placement platform according to the third embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rotary mechanism in which a roller in the sheet placement platform according to the third embodiment is in a rotatable state.

[0017] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rotary mechanism in which a roller in the sheet placement platform according to the third embodiment is in a stop state.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a rotary mechanism of a sheet placement platform according to a fourth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a first embodiment will be described. First, a schematic configuration of an image forming system 1 including a sheet placement platform 800.sub.1, serving as a sheet supporting apparatus according to the first embodiment, a printer 100, serving as an image forming apparatus, and a large capacity deck 700, serving as a sheet supply apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the printer according to the first embodiment. To be noted, in the printer 100, as a sheet used as a recording material, various sheets including paper such as plain paper and an envelope, glossy paper, a plastic film for overhead projectors, cloth, and the like can be utilized. In addition, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangement, and the like of the components described in the following embodiments are subject to appropriate modification according to the configuration of apparatuses and various operating conditions to which this disclosure is applied, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure only to those specifications.

Schematic Configuration of Printer

[0020] First, a schematic configuration of the printer 100 provided in the image forming system 1 will be described using FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printer 100 includes an apparatus body 101, an image reading apparatus 102 arranged on top of the apparatus body 101, and a pedestal 103 arranged beneath the apparatus body 101. The pedestal 103 has a box-shaped configuration, and can internally store documents and small items. A bottom surface of the pedestal 103 is provided with a plurality of casters 103a configured to come into contact with a floor surface 900. The casters 103a support the printer 100 with respect to the floor surface 900, and enable convenient movement of the printer 100 on the floor surface 900.

Image Reading Apparatus

[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image reading apparatus 102 includes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as ADF) 300, and an image reading unit 200 for reading an image of a document. The ADF 300 sequentially feeds a plurality of documents D set face-up on a document tray 301 one sheet at a time from an uppermost document D, and, after passing the document D over a platen glass 201 of the image reading unit 200 via a curved path, discharges the document D to a sheet discharge tray 302.

[0022] When the document D, which is conveyed by the ADF 300, passes over the platen glass 201, the image reading unit 200 performs an image reading process using a scanner unit 202 which is held at a predetermined position. In particular, a scanning surface of the document D is irradiated with light emitted by a lamp 203 of the scanner unit 202, and reflected light from the document D is guided to a lens 207 via mirrors 204, 205, and 206. This light that has passed through the lens 207 is focused onto an imaging surface of an image sensor 208, is converted into an electrical digital signal, and is transmitted.

[0023] In addition, the image reading unit 200 can also perform the image reading processing without using the ADF 300, by lifting the ADF 300, directly placing the document D onto the platen glass 201, and scanning while moving the scanner unit 202 horizontally. That is, the image reading unit 200 is not necessarily required to be provided with the ADF 300, and may instead be provided with a document pressing member that presses the document D set onto the platen glass 201.

Apparatus Body of Printer

[0024] Within the apparatus body 101, the printer 100 includes an image forming unit 110, a sheet feed unit 120, a transfer unit 130, a fixing unit 140, a sheet discharge unit 150, and the like. The image forming unit 110 includes image forming process units for each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk). Since configurations of the image forming process units for each color are the same, only the image forming process unit for yellow will be described. After a surface of a photosensitive drum 11Y has been uniformly charged by a charge roller 12Y, a latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11Y by a laser scanner 13 which is driven in accordance with transmitted image information. To be noted, for the laser scanner 13, there are cases where the document image read by the image reading apparatus 102 is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted, or also cases where image data transmitted from external electronic devices, such as computers, is input.

[0025] The latent image of the photosensitive drum 11Y is visualized as a toner image by a developing unit 14Y. The toner image visualized on the photosensitive drum 11Y is primarily transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt 31 of the transfer unit 130 when a predetermined pressure force and an electrostatic charge bias are applied by a primary transfer roller 17Y. After the primary transfer, residual toner slightly remained on the photosensitive drum 11Y is removed and collected by a photosensitive drum cleaner 15Y, and thereby readiness for next image formation is restored.

[0026] On the other hand, the sheet feed unit 120 includes a plurality of sheet feed cassettes 20 for storing the sheet S. To be noted, a maximum sheet size that can be stored in these sheet feed cassettes 20 is generally A3-size, which conforms to the standard large format with a width of 297 mm and a length of 420 mm, or sheet sizes up to 13 inches in width by 19 inches in length. A sheet longer than the maximum sheet size that can be stored in the sheet feed cassettes 20 can be referred to as a long sheet.

[0027] A sheet S stored in the sheet feed cassette 20 is fed one sheet at a time by a sheet feeding unit 21 including a pickup roller 21a and a separation roller pair 21b, and is conveyed to a registration roller pair 24. The skew of the conveyed sheet S is corrected by aligning a leading edge of the sheet with a nip portion of the registration roller pair 24 and forming a loop. Thereafter, the registration roller pair 24 synchronizes the sheet S with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31 described above, and conveys the sheet S to a secondary transfer portion 38 formed by the intermediate transfer belt 31 and a secondary transfer outer roller 35 of the transfer unit 130. A color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31 is transferred onto the sheet S when a predetermined pressure force and an electrostatic charge bias are applied at the secondary transfer portion 38. After the secondary transfer, residual toner slightly remained on the intermediate transfer belt 31 is removed and collected by a cleaning blade 36, and stored in a waste toner container 37. Then, the intermediate transfer belt 31 is again restored to a readiness state for next image formation.

[0028] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred at the secondary transfer portion 38 is conveyed to a fixing device 40 of the fixing unit 140, and, when the fixing device 40 applies heat and pressure, the toner image is fixed on the sheet S. The sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed is conveyed to a sheet discharge roller pair 51 of the sheet discharge unit 150 by the fixing device 40, and, by the sheet discharge roller pair 51, is discharged toward a sheet discharge tray 50, which is formed on an upper surface of the apparatus body 101 and located between the apparatus body 101 and the image reading apparatus 102.

Configuration of Manual Sheet Feed Unit and its Sheet Feeding Process

[0029] Next, a manual sheet feed unit 400 provided in the printer 100 will be described. To be noted, sizes of sheets which can be set onto the manual sheet feed unit 400 for printing include a long sheet (exceeding 30 inches (762 millimeters (mm) in length) which cannot be set into the sheet feed cassette 20 or the large capacity deck 700, described in detail below. In particular, by using a sheet placement platform 800.sub.1, described below, it becomes possible to set a long sheet exceeding the manual sheet feed unit 400 in length. However, of course, sheets with a size compatible with the sheet feed cassette 20 or the large capacity deck 700 may be set onto the manual sheet feed unit 400. In addition, specialty paper and the like, which are recommended to be fed one sheet at a time, can also be set onto the manual sheet feed unit 400.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the printer 100 is provided with an access door 80 on a side surface (right side in FIG. 2), and the manual sheet feed unit 400 can be opened and closed by pivoting vertically with respect to the access door 80 around an axis arranged to be oriented in a front-back direction along a horizontal direction as a center. To be noted, the access door 80 may be opened and closed by pivoting around an axis arranged to be oriented in a vertical direction as a center, or may be opened and closed by pivoting around the axis arranged to be oriented in the front-back direction as a center. In addition, while, in this embodiment, the manual sheet feed unit 400 is arranged to be supported by the access door 80, the access door 80 and the manual sheet feed unit 400 may be separately supported by the apparatus body 101, and, thereby, each is opened and closed independently.

[0031] The manual sheet feed unit 400 includes a manual sheet feed tray 410, serving as a sheet stacking portion capable of stacking the sheet, and a sheet feeding unit 401. A lock mechanism, not shown, which engages with the closed manual sheet feed tray 410 to lock the access door 80 in a closed position is disposed in the access door 80. By releasing this lock mechanism, the manual sheet feed tray 410 can pivot around the axis (pivot fulcrum) arranged to be oriented in the aforementioned front-back direction as a center, and can be opened such that it is positioned above the large capacity deck 700 (refer to FIG. 1). Then, it becomes possible to stack and set the sheet S on a sheet stacking surface 410S of the manual sheet feed tray 410 in its opened state. To be noted, it is possible to set the sheet up to, for example, 19 inches (483 mm) in length onto this manual sheet feed tray 410.

[0032] The manual sheet feed tray 410 includes a pair of side regulating plates 402, which regulate a width direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction of the sheet that has been set onto the sheet stacking surface 410S. These side regulating plates 402 move synchronously via an interlocking mechanism, not shown, in the width direction with respect to a sheet conveyance center line as a center, and regulate positions of the sheet in the width direction by coming into contact with edge portions in the width direction of the sheet. With this configuration, a posture of the sheet S can be regulated, and it is possible to prevent skewing caused by improper setting of the sheet S.

[0033] The sheet S set (manually fed) onto the sheet stacking surface 410S is fed one sheet at a time by the sheet feeding unit 401. In particular, the sheet feeding unit 401 includes a pickup roller 401a for picking up an uppermost sheet, and a separation roller pair 401b for separating double-fed sheets into one sheet at a time. The sheet which has been separated into one sheet at a time by the separation roller pair 401b is extracted and conveyed by an extraction roller pair 22, merges with a conveyance path from the sheet feed cassettes 20 at a merging portion 23, and is conveyed to a registration roller pair 24. To be noted, since subsequent image forming operations are the same as those performed in a case of feeding the sheet from the sheet feed cassettes 20 described above, their descriptions will be omitted.

Configuration of Large Capacity Deck and its Sheet Feeding Process

[0034] Next, a configuration of the large capacity deck 700 and its sheet feeding process will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the large capacity deck 700 includes an apparatus body 701, and, within the apparatus body 701, is provided with a storage compartment, not shown, capable of storing a plurality of sheets (greater number of sheets than the sheet feed cassette), a sheet feeding unit, not shown, and the like. To be noted, a maximum sheet size that can be stored in the storage compartment is generally equal to or less than 30 inches (762 mm) in length; in other words, the storage compartment is compatible with standard long sheets. To be noted, on a bottom surface of the apparatus body 701, a plurality of casters 701a are provided, and, in a case of opening the access door 80 (refer to FIG. 2) so as to open the conveyance path of the printer 100, it is possible to move the large capacity deck 700 in the horizontal direction to relocate it away from the printer 100.

[0035] The sheet S stored in the large capacity deck 700 is fed one sheet at a time by the sheet feeding unit, not shown. This sheet feeding unit has, for example, a configuration substantially identical to the sheet feeding unit 401 of the manual sheet feed unit 400. The sheet which has been conveyed by being separated into one sheet at a time is extracted and conveyed by an extraction roller pair 25, merges with the conveyance path from the sheet feed cassettes 20, and is conveyed to the registration roller pair 24. To be noted, since subsequent image forming operations are the same as those performed in a case of feeding the sheet from the sheet feed cassettes 20 described above, their descriptions will be omitted.

Configuration of Sheet Placement Platform

[0036] Next, the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 according to the first embodiment will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 is a sheet supporting unit that is disposed upstream of the manual sheet feed tray 410 in a sheet feeding direction, and broadly includes a supporting plate portion 801, serving as a sheet supporting portion whose upper surface serves as a sheet supporting surface 801S, and a frame portion 810 that supports the supporting plate portion 801.

[0037] When the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 is arranged at a sheet supply position adjacent to the manual sheet feed unit 400, the sheet supporting surface 801S of the supporting plate portion 801 of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 serves as an extension of the sheet stacking surface 410S of the manual sheet feed unit 400. That is, when the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 is arranged at the sheet supply position, the sheet supporting surface 801S of the supporting plate portion 801 and the sheet stacking surface 401S of the manual sheet feed unit 400, which are arranged adjacent to each other, are connected in a continuous manner. Then, the sheet supporting surface 801S of the supporting plate portion 801 and the sheet stacking surface 401S of the manual sheet feed unit 400 form a sheet guide surface SP that guides the sheet S placed on the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 to the sheet stacking surface 401S. The sheet guide surface SP can stack and set the long sheet S, which exceeds the manual sheet feed tray 410 in length, across a portion from the manual sheet feed unit 400 to the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1. In other words, the sheet guide surface SP can stack the long sheet which is longer than a sheet that can be set onto the manual sheet feed unit 400 or into the large capacity deck 700; therefore, the sheet guide surface SP is also referred to as a sheet stacking surface that can stack the long sheet. In summary, by utilizing the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1, it becomes possible to stack a sheet, whose length is equal to or more than 19 inches (483 mm), onto the sheet guide surface SP, and, thereby, the printing of specialty long sheets, which are particularly longer than 30 inches (762 mm), such as banners or foldable brochures, is enabled.

[0038] The frame portion 810 described above includes an upper frame 815, two long legs 811, serving as first support legs, two long legs 812, serving as second support legs, two short legs 813, serving as third support legs, a first reinforcement frame 818, and a second reinforcement frame 819. The upper frame 815 is secured so as to be connected to upper ends of the two long legs 811, upper ends of the two long legs 812, and upper ends of the two short legs 312, is arranged in a rectangular configuration when viewed from above, and the supporting plate portion 801 is disposed on top of the upper frame 815. The first reinforcement frame 818 is fixedly connected to the long legs 812 and the short legs 813 at positions slightly below the upper frame 815, is arranged in a rectangular configuration when viewed from above, and reinforces the entire frame portion 810. Similarly, the second reinforcement frame 819 is fixedly connected to the long legs 811 and the long legs 812 at positions slightly above a floor surface 900, is arranged in a rectangular configuration when viewed from above, and reinforces the entire frame portion 810.

[0039] The long legs 811 are arranged on a side opposite to the printer 100 with respect to an installation space 700S of the large capacity deck 700, and is arranged at upstream end portions in the sheet feeding direction (end portions in an arrow X2 direction) in the frame portion 810. In addition, the long legs 811 include a caster 811a, serving as a first caster, at each lower portion. The long legs 811 support the supporting plate portion 801 with respect to the floor surface 900 by bringing the casters 811a into contact with the floor surface 900 on which the printer 100 is supported. In other words, when the casters 811a roll, the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 can move in an X1-X2 direction along the horizontal direction.

[0040] The long legs 812 are arranged on a side opposite to the printer 100 with respect to the installation space 700S of the large capacity deck 700 in the horizontal direction, and is arranged more downstream (on a side in an arrow X1 direction) than the long legs 811 in the sheet feeding direction in the frame portion 810. In addition, the long legs 812 include a caster 812a, serving as a second caster, at each lower portion. The long legs 812 support the supporting plate portion 801 with respect to the floor surface 900 by bringing the casters 812a into contact with the floor surface 900 on which the printer 100 is supported. In other words, when the casters 812a roll, the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 can move in the X1-X2 direction along the horizontal direction. In addition, in a case where, with the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 arranged at the sheet supply position illustrated in FIG. 1, the large capacity deck 700 is separated from the printer 100 so as to enable the access door 80 to open, the long legs 812 are arranged at positions that do not interfere with the large capacity deck 700. In other words, in this state, the long legs 812 are regarded as being positioned in the horizontal direction at locations (third positions) on a side opposite to the printer 100 with respect to the installation space 700S of the large capacity deck 700, which supplies the sheet S to the printer 100.

[0041] In addition, with respect to the first reinforcement frame 818, the long legs 812 are configured to move in the horizontal direction. That is, the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 can be used even in a state in which the large capacity deck 700 is not connected to the printer 100. In this case, by positioning the long legs 812 at locations (fourth positions) moved in an arrow A direction, spacing from the long legs 811 in the horizontal direction can be increased, and, thereby, a posture of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 can be stabilized. To be noted, in a case where the large capacity deck 700 is not provided in the image forming system 1, it can be said that, in this state, the long legs are positioned in the aforementioned installation space 700S in the horizontal direction.

[0042] Further, in a case where a paper storage area for storing the long sheet S is located at a distance from the printer 100, or similar cases, the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 can transport the sheet S by stacking the sheet on the sheet supporting surface 801S. In this case, the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 is moved by rolling the casters 811a and the casters 812a. At this time, since the spacing from the long legs 811 can also be increased in the horizontal direction by moving the long legs 812, it is possible to stabilize the posture of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 also during this transportation.

[0043] On the other hand, the short legs 813 include a contact portion 813a at each lower portion. The contact portions 813a are configured to extend and contract in the vertical direction by means of, for example, a screw or the like, and configured to engage and disengage with respect to an upper surface 702 of the apparatus body 701 of the large capacity deck 700 described above. In other words, by contracting the contact portions 813a, the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 is enabled to relatively move with respect to the large capacity deck 700 in the X1-X2 direction along the horizontal direction. In addition, in a state in which the large capacity deck 700 is connected to the printer 100, by extending the contact portions 813a to engage with the upper surface 702 of the large capacity deck 700, it is possible to stabilize the posture of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1.

[0044] In addition, in a state of being arranged at the sheet supply position, the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 can move in the horizontal direction independently from the large capacity deck 700 and printer 100. That is, in a case where the large capacity deck 700 is separated from the printer 100 so as to enable the access door 80 to open, as described above, each caster allows the large capacity deck 700 to relatively move with respect to the printer 100 and the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 independently in the horizontal direction. Thereby, it is possible to perform jam processing in the conveyance path of the printer 100 and internal maintenance operations of the printer 100 by opening the access door 80 without moving the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1.

Rotary Mechanism of Sheet Placement Platform

[0045] Next, a rotary mechanism 850 of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rotary mechanism 850 of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the rotary mechanism 850 of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 according to the first embodiment is arranged at a downstream end portion in the sheet feeding direction B of the supporting plate portion 801 of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1, and is fixedly supported beneath the supporting plate portion 801. In particular, the rotary mechanism 850 includes a roller 851, serving as a rotary member secured to a rotation shaft 851a, and a roller support member 852 that rotatably supports the roller 851 via the rotation shaft 851a and is fixedly supported by the supporting plate portion 801. A fixed portion 852b, which is an end portion on one side of the roller support member 852, is secured to a lower surface of the downstream end portion in the sheet feeding direction B of the supporting plate portion 801 described above. An arm portion 852a, which is an end portion on the other side of the roller support member 852, rotatably supports the rotation shaft 851a of the roller 851. To be noted, it is also acceptable to secure the fixed portion 852b of the roller support member 852 to the frame portion 810 (upper frame 815).

[0047] As described above, the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 is arranged adjacent to the manual sheet feed unit 400, and positioned at the sheet supply position (refer to FIG. 1). In this state, a virtual line VL is defined as a line that connects an upstream end portion 410a in the sheet feeding direction B in the manual sheet feed tray 410 of the manual sheet feed unit 400 and the downstream end portion 801a in the sheet feeding direction B in the supporting plate portion 801. In other words, this virtual line VL corresponds to the sheet guide surface SP that guides the sheet S from the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 to the manual sheet feed unit 400, and also serves as the sheet stacking surface in a case of stacking the long sheet S which exceeds the manual sheet feed unit 400 in length.

[0048] Then, at a position located more downstream than the downstream end portion 801a of the sheet supporting surface 801S of the supporting plate portion 801 described above, part of the roller 851 is arranged to project upward from this virtual line VL, namely the sheet guide surface SP. Therefore, the roller 851 can come into contact with a lower surface of the sheet S which has been stacked by being guided via the sheet guide surface SP, and can rotate in conjunction with the movement of the sheet S. Thereby, for example, in a case where, after having transported the long sheet S by placing the sheet on the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 and having set the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 at the sheet supply position, the user sets the sheet S onto the manual sheet feed unit 400, the roller 851 assists in the movement of the sheet S. That is, for example, the long sheet S which exceeds the manual sheet feed unit 400 in length is difficult to handle due to increased weight, especially in a case where there are large quantity of sheets or the like, and there is a risk of dropping a sheet bundle. However, with the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 according to this embodiment, when supplying the sheet S to the manual sheet feed unit 400, it is possible to easily move the sheet S by the roller 851; thereby, it is possible to reduce user workload and the risk of dropping the sheet bundle.

Second Embodiment

[0049] Next, using FIGS. 4 and 5, a second embodiment, in which part of the first embodiment described above is modified, will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a rotary mechanism of a sheet placement platform according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rotary mechanism when a roller in the sheet placement platform according to the second embodiment is positioned at a projecting position. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rotary mechanism when the roller in the sheet placement platform according to the second embodiment is positioned at a retracted position. To be noted, in the description of this second embodiment, the same reference characters are used for elements similar to those described in the abovementioned first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0050] In comparison with the rotary mechanism 850 of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 according to the first embodiment, in the rotary mechanism 1850 of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.2 according to this second embodiment, the roller 1851 is vertically movable. That is, the rotary mechanism 1850 according to the second embodiment can switch the roller 1851 between the projecting position, in which part of the roller 1851 projects upward from the sheet guide surface SP, and the retracted position, in which the roller 1851 is retracted below the sheet guide surface SP.

Configuration of Rotary Mechanism

[0051] In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the rotary mechanism 1850 includes a frame case 1855. Within the frame case 1855, the rotary mechanism 1850 includes a roller supporting portion 1852 that swingably supports the roller 1851, and a position switching portion 1860 that switches the roller 1851 between the projecting position and the retracted position by switching a position of the roller supporting portion 1852. Of these, the roller supporting portion 1852 includes the roller 1851, serving as the rotary member, a roller supporting member 1853, serving as a first supporting member that supports the roller 1851, a swing shaft 1854 that swingably supports the roller supporting member 1853, and a spring 1856, serving as a first urging member.

[0052] In particular, the roller supporting member 1853 includes a cylindrical portion 1853a formed in a cylindrical shape, and the swing shaft 1854, which is supported by the frame case 1855, is arranged to penetrate through the cylindrical portion 1853a; thereby, the roller supporting member 1853 is enabled to swing. An arm portion 1853b is formed on a side of a first end with respect to the cylindrical portion 1853a in the roller supporting member 1853, and a rotation shaft 1851a of the roller 1851 is rotatably supported by this arm portion 1853b; thus, the roller 1851 is rotatably supported. A pressed portion 1853c that is pressed by the position switching portion 1860 is formed on a side of a second end with respect to the cylindrical portion 1853a in the roller supporting member 1853. In addition, a spring hook portion 1853d, to which one end of the spring 1856 is connected, is formed below the cylindrical portion 1853a of the roller supporting member 1853, and a spring hook portion 1855a, to which the other end of the spring 1856 is connected, is formed on a bottom surface of the frame case 1855. That is, this spring 1856 urges the roller supporting member 1853 to swing in an arrow H direction, which is a direction in which the roller 1851 is elevated, around the swing shaft 1854 as a center. In other words, the roller supporting member 1853 is urged toward the projecting position described above, and the pressed portion 1853c is urged to maintain continuous engagement with a cam 1858, described below, of the position switching portion 1860.

[0053] On the other hand, the position switching portion 1860 includes a rotation shaft 1857 that is rotatably supported by the frame case 1855, and the cam 1858, serving as a position moving unit, is fixedly supported by this rotation shaft 1857. The cam 1858 continuously engages with the pressed portion 1853c of the roller supporting member 1853 described above, and presses the pressed portion 1853c so as to resist an urging force of the spring 1856. In addition, a handle 1859, serving as a first operation portion, is secured to the rotation shaft 1857 at a location external to the frame case 1855.

Operation of Rotary Mechanism

[0054] Next, an operation of the rotary mechanism 1850 will be described. For example, by operating the handle 1859 illustrated in FIG. 4, it is possible to switch the rotation shaft 1857 and the cam 1858 between a first position illustrated in FIG. 5A and a second position illustrated in FIG. 5B. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, when the cam 1858 is switched to the first position, since the spring 1856 is urging the roller supporting member 1853 toward the projecting position (arrow H direction), the pressed portion 1853c of the roller supporting member 1853 moves downward. In other words, the roller supporting member 1853 is moved toward a direction in which the roller 1851 is positioned in the projecting position. As a result, part of the roller 1851 projects upward from the sheet guide surface SP (virtual line VL), and the roller 1851 is brought into a state of being able to engage with the stacked sheet S. Thereby, similar to the first embodiment, in a case where, for example, in a case where, after having transported the long sheet S by placing the sheet on the sheet placement platform 800.sub.2 and having set the sheet placement platform 800.sub.2 at the sheet supply position, the user sets the sheet S onto the manual sheet feed unit 400, the roller 1851 assists in the movement of the sheet S.

[0055] On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, when the cam 1858 is switched to the second position, while the spring 1856 is urging the roller supporting member 1853 toward the projecting position (in the arrow H direction), the pressed portion 1853c of the roller supporting member moves upward while resisting an urging force of the spring 1856. In other words, the roller supporting member 1853 is moved toward a direction (arrow F direction) in which the roller 1851b is positioned in the retracted position. As a result, the roller 1851 retracts below the sheet guide surface SP (virtual line VL), and is brought into a state of not engaging with the stacked sheet S.

[0056] That is, depending on the installation environment of the sheet placement platform 8002 or the type (paper type) of the long sheet S, surface conditions of the sheet may change, and variance in an adhesion state may occur either between sheets or between the sheet and the sheet guide surface SP. In particular, in a case where surface characteristics of the sheet S are coarse, or in a case where the sheet S has a slick surface that increases the tendency toward adhesion, when feeding the sheet S from the manual sheet feed unit 400, there is an increased risk of so-called bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding), in which an entire sheet bundle is fed at once. This is because, when the roller 1851 reduces friction between the sheet on the sheet guide surface SP and the lowermost sheet, the feeding of the entire sheet bundle becomes easier.

[0057] Therefore, in a case where there is a risk of the occurrence of the bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding) during the feeding of the sheet S, the user operates the handle 1859 to move the cam 1858 to the second position; in other words, the roller supporting member 1853 is moved such that the roller 1851 is positioned at the retracted position. Thereby, the friction between the sheet on the sheet guiding surface SP and the lowermost sheet increases (returning to an original state in which the roller 1851 is absent), and it is possible to reduce the occurrence of the bundle feeds during the feeding of the sheet S.

[0058] As described above, in the rotary mechanism 1850 of the sheet placement platform 8002 according to the second embodiment, the roller 1851 can be switched between the projecting position projecting from the sheet guide surface SP and the retracted position retracted from the sheet guide surface SP. Thereby, in the case of transporting the sheet S with the sheet placement platform 800.sub.2 and setting the sheet S onto the manual sheet feed unit 400, by positioning the roller 1851 at the projecting position, the roller 1851 assists in the movement of the sheet S. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, when supplying the sheet S to the manual sheet feed unit 400, it is possible to easily move the sheet S by the roller 1851; thereby, it is possible to reduce the user workload and the risk of dropping the sheet bundle. Then, in the case where, after setting the sheet S onto the manual sheet feed unit 400, there is a risk of the occurrence of the bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding) during the feeding of the sheet S, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of the bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding) by positioning the roller 1851 in the retracted position.

[0059] To be noted, in the second embodiment, in the case where there is the risk of the occurrence of the bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding), the position of the roller 1851 is switched to the retracted position. However, it is not limited to this, and, regardless of the installation environment, the type of the sheet, and the like, the position of the roller 1851 may be switched to the retracted position after setting the sheet bundle from the sheet placement platform 800.sub.2 to the manual sheet feed unit 400.

[0060] In addition, in this second embodiment, the spring 1856 urges the roller 1851 toward the projecting position, and the cam 1858 moves to switch the roller 1851 to the retracted position while resisting the urging force of the spring 1856. However, it is not limited to this, and, it is acceptable to configure such that the spring 1856 urges the roller 1851 toward the retracted position, and the cam 1858 moves to switch the roller 1851 to the projecting position while resisting the urging force of the spring 1856. In other words, the spring 1856 urges the roller supporting member 1853 toward a direction in which roller 1851 is positioned one of the projecting position and the retracted position. Then, it is acceptable if the configuration is such that the cam 1858 can be switched between the first position, in which the roller supporting member 1853 is moved toward a direction in which the roller 1851 is positioned at one of the projecting and retracted positions, and the second position, in which the roller supporting member 1853 is moved toward a direction in which the roller 1851 is positioned at the other of the projecting and retracted positions.

Third Embodiment

[0061] Next, using FIGS. 6, 7, 8A, and 8B, a third embodiment, in which part of the first embodiment described above is modified, will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a rotary mechanism of a sheet placement platform according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a brake portion of the rotary mechanism of the sheet placement platform according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rotary mechanism in which a roller of the sheet placement platform according to the third embodiment is in a rotatable state. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rotary mechanism in which the roller of the sheet placement platform according to the third embodiment is in a stop state. To be noted, the rotary mechanism 2850 illustrated in FIG. 7 shows a state in which a roller supporting portion 2852 is removed. To be noted, in the description of this third embodiment, the same reference characters are used for elements similar to those described in the abovementioned first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0062] The rotary mechanism 2850 of the sheet placement platform 8003 according to this third embodiment is configured such that, in comparison with the rotary mechanism 850 of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 according to the first embodiment, the rotation of the roller 2851 can be stopped. That is, the rotary mechanism 2850 according to the third embodiment includes the brake portion 2860 which can switch the roller 2851 between the stop state, in which the rotation of the roller 2851 is stopped, and a rotatable state, in which the rotation of the roller 2851 is enabled.

Configuration of Rotary Mechanism

[0063] In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8A, the rotary mechanism 2850 includes a roller supporting portion 2852 and a frame case 2855, which covers the roller supporting portion 2852 from below. In addition, the rotary mechanism 2850 includes the brake portion 2860, which is capable of stopping the rotation of the roller 2851, inside the frame case 2855.

[0064] In particular, the roller supporting portion 2852 includes the roller 2851, serving as a rotary member secured to a rotation shaft 2851a, and a roller supporting member 2853 that rotatably supports the roller 2851 via the rotation shaft 2851a and is fixedly supported by the supporting plate portion 801. A fixed portion 2852b, which is an end portion on one side of the roller supporting member 2853, is secured to the lower surface of the downstream end portion in the sheet feeding direction B in the supporting plate portion 801 described above. In addition, an arm portion 2853a, which is an end portion on the other side of the roller supporting member 2853, rotatably supports the rotation shaft 2851a of the roller 2851. In addition, similar to the first embodiment described above, part of the roller 2851 is arranged to project from the sheet guide surface SP (virtual line VL). To be noted, the fixed portion 2853b of the roller supporting member 2853 may be secured to the frame portion 810 (upper frame 815).

[0065] The brake portion 2860 is fabricated from a material with high friction resistance, such as rubber, and includes a pad support member 2861, serving as a second support member, which supports two brake pads 2862 that engage with the roller 2851 to apply friction resistance. The pad support member 2861 includes a cylindrical portion 2861a formed in a cylindrical shape, and a swing shaft 2863 supported by the frame case 2855 is arranged to penetrate through the cylindrical portion 2861a, so that the pad support member 2861 is enabled to swing. The arm portion 2861b is formed at an end on one side with respect to the cylindrical portion 2861a in the pad support member 2861, and the brake pads 2862 are secured to this arm portion 2861b. A pressed portion 2861c, which is pressed by a pressing portion 2870, is formed at an end on the other side with respect to the cylindrical portion 2861a in the pad support member 2861. In addition, a spring 2864, serving as a second urging member, is arranged between a lower portion of the pressed portion 2861c of the pad support member 2861 and a bottom surface of the frame case 2855. That is, with this spring 2864, the pad support member 2861 is urged in an arrow L direction, which is a direction in which the brake pads 2862 move upward around the swing shaft 2863 as a center. In other words, the pad support member 2861 is urged such that the brake pads 2862 engage with the roller 2851 to bring the roller 2851 to the stop state in which the rotation of the roller 2851 is stopped, and, at the same time, is urged such that the pressed portion 2861c continuously engages with a cam 2872 of the pressing portion 2870.

[0066] On the other hand, the pressing portion 2870 includes a rotation shaft 2871 that is rotatably supported by the frame case 2855, and the cam 2872, serving as a pressing portion, is fixedly supported by this rotation shaft 2871. By continuously engaging with the pressed portion 2861c of the pad support member 2861 described above, the cam 2872 presses the pressed portion 2861c so as to resist an urging force of the spring 2864. In addition, a handle 2873, serving as a second operation portion, is secured to the rotation shaft 2871 at a position external to the frame case 2855.

Operation of Rotary Mechanism

[0067] Next, an operation of the rotary mechanism 2850 will be described. For example, by operating the handle 2873 illustrated in FIG. 6, the rotation shaft 2871 and the cam 2872 can be switched between the rotatable state illustrated in FIG. 8A and the stop state illustrated in FIG. 8B. By rotating the cam 2872 in an arrow M direction as illustrated in FIG. 8A, a pressing force applied to the pressed portion 2861c of the pad support member 2861 by the cam 2872 is reduced. As a result, since the spring 2864 is urging the arm portion 2861b of the pad support member 2861 downward, the brake pads 2862 are separated from the roller 2851 in an arrow N direction, and the roller 2851 becomes rotatable. Thereby, similar to the first embodiment, for example, in a case where, after having transported the long sheet S by placing the sheet on the sheet placement platform 8003 and having set the sheet placement platform 8003 at the sheet supply position, the user sets the sheet S onto the manual sheet feed unit 400, the roller 2851 assists in the movement of the sheet S.

[0068] On the other hand, by rotating the cam 2872 in an arrow L direction as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the pressing force applied by the cam 2872 to the pressed portion 2861c of the pad support member 2861 is increased. As a result, since the arm portion 2861b of the pad support member 2861 is pressed upward in the arrow L direction by resisting the urging force of the spring 2864, the brake pads 2862 are brought into contact with the roller 2851 to press the roller 2851, so that the roller 2851 is stopped.

[0069] As described in the aforementioned second embodiment, when the friction between the sheet guide surface SP and the lowermost sheet is reduced by the roller 2851, since the feeding of the entire sheet bundle becomes easier, there is the risk of the occurrence of the bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding) during the feeding of the sheet S. Therefore, in a case where there is the risk of the occurrence of the bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding) during the feeding of the sheet S, the user operates the handle 2873 to rotate the cam 2872; in other words, the pad support member 2861 is moved such that the roller 2851 is brought into the stop state. Thereby, the friction between the sheet guide surface SP and the lowermost sheet increases, and it is possible to reduce the occurrence of the bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding) during the feeding of the sheet S.

[0070] As described above, in the rotation mechanism 2850 of the sheet placement platform 8003 according to the third embodiment, the roller 2851 can be switched between the rotatable state, in which the roller 2851 is rotatable, and the stop state, in which the rotation of the roller 2851 is stopped. Thereby, in the case of transporting the sheet S by the sheet placement platform 8003 and setting the sheet S onto the manual sheet feed unit 400, by bringing the roller 2851 into the rotatable state, the roller 2851 assists in the movement of the sheet S. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, when supplying the sheet S to the manual sheet feed unit 400, it is possible to easily move the sheet S by the roller 2851; thereby, it is possible to reduce the user workload and the risk of dropping the sheet bundle. Then, in the case where, after setting the sheet S onto the manual sheet feed unit 400, there is the risk of the occurrence of the bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding) during the feeding of the sheet S, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of the bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding) by bringing the roller 2851 into the stop state.

[0071] To be noted, in this third embodiment, in the case where there is the risk of the occurrence of the bundle feeds (multi-sheet feeding), the roller 1851 is switched to the stop state. However, it is not limited to this, and, regardless of the installation environment, the type of the sheet, and the like, the roller 2851 may be switched to the stop state after setting the sheet bundle from the sheet placement platform 8003 to the manual sheet feed unit 400.

[0072] In addition, in this third embodiment, when the roller 2851 is urged by the spring 2864 to be brought into the rotatable state, and the cam 2872 moves while resisting the urging force of the spring 2864, the roller 2851 is switched to be brought into the stop state. However, it is not limited to this, and it is acceptable to configure such that, when the roller 2851 is urged to be brought into the stop state by the spring 2854 and the cam 2872 moves while resisting the urging force of the spring 2864, the roller 2851 is switched to be brought into the rotatable state. In other words, the spring 2854 urges the pad support member 2861 toward a direction in which the roller 2851 is brought into one of the rotatable state and the stop state. Then, the cam 2872 may be configured to allow switching between a pressing position, in which the cam 2872 presses the pad support member 2861 toward a direction that brings the rollers 2851 into the other of the rotatable state and the stop state, and a releasing position in which the pressing force on the pad support member 2861 is released.

Fourth Embodiment

[0073] Next, using FIG. 9, a fourth embodiment, in which part of the first embodiment described above is modified, will be described. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a rotary mechanism according to the fourth embodiment. To be noted, in the description of this fourth embodiment, the same reference characters are used for elements similar to those described in the abovementioned first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0074] In the rotary mechanism 3850 of the sheet placement platform 8004 according to this fourth embodiment, in comparison with the rotatory mechanism 850 of the sheet placement platform 800.sub.1 according to the first embodiment, the roller 851 is replaced with a belt 3851.

[0075] In particular, the rotary mechanism 3850 includes the endless belt 3851, serving as the rotary member, and a belt support member 3852, and the belt 3851 is tensioned by being wound around two rollers 3851a and 3851a arranged in parallel. The belt support member 3852 rotatably supports the belt 3851 via these rollers 3851a and 3851a, and is fixedly supported by the supporting plate portion 801. That is, a fixed portion 3852b, which is an end portion on one side of the belt support member 3852, is secured to the lower surface of the downstream end portion in the sheet feeding direction B in the supporting plate portion 801 described above. In addition, an arm portion 3852a, which is an end portion on the other side of the belt support member 3852, rotatably supports the rollers 3851a and 3851a, in other words, rotatably supports the belt 3851. To be noted, the fixed portion 3852b of the belt support member 3852 may be secured to the frame portion 810 (upper frame 815).

[0076] Then, the belt 3851 is arranged such that part of the belt 3851 projects upward from the sheet guide surface SP (virtual line VL), and is brought into a state capable of engaging with the sheet S. Thereby, similar to the first embodiment, in a case where, after having transported the long sheet S by placing the sheet on the sheet placement platform 8004 and having set the sheet placement platform 8004 at the sheet supply position, the user sets the sheet S onto the manual sheet feed unit 400, the belt 3851 assists in the movement of the sheet S. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, when supplying the sheet S to the manual sheet feed unit 400, it is possible to easily move the sheet S by the belt 3851; thereby, it is possible to reduce the user workload and also the risk of dropping the sheet bundle.

[0077] To be noted, also in the rotary mechanism 3850 according to the fourth embodiment, it is acceptable to configure the belt 3851 to be switchable between the projecting position and the retracted position as in the second embodiment, or to be switchable between the rotatable state and the stop state as in the third embodiment.

Possibilities of Other Embodiments

[0078] To be noted, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, part of the roller 851, the roller 1851 at the projecting position, the roller 2851 in the rotatable state, and the belt 3851 project upward from the sheet guide surface SP (virtual line VL). However, it is not limited to this, the whole of the roller or the belt may project upward from the sheet guide surface SP; in other words, it is acceptable if at least part of the rotary member projects upward from the sheet guide surface SP.

[0079] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, the rollers 851, 1851, and 2851, and the belt 3851 is arranged in the sheet placement platform 800 externally to the supporting plate portion 801. However, it is not limited to this, and, for example, the rollers or the belt may be arranged above the supporting plate portion 801, or a portion may be arranged to project upward by disposing a slit or the like in the supporting plate portion 801. In other words, for example, the rollers and the belt may be arranged in any position on the sheet guide surface SP (sheet supporting surface 801S).

[0080] In addition, the sheet placement platforms of the first to fourth embodiments are provided with one each of the roller 851, 1851, 2851, and the belt 3851. However, it is not limited to this, and a plurality of rollers and belts may be arranged in the sheet feeding direction; in addition, it is acceptable to use a combination of rollers and belts.

[0081] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, sheets which are up to 30 inches (762 mm) in length can be set into the large capacity deck 700 and onto the manual sheet feed tray 410. In other words, sheets exceeding 30 inches in length can be set using the sheet placement platform 800. However, sheet sizes that can be set into each unit are not limited to this. For example, in a case where sheets up to 900 mm in length can be set into the large capacity deck 700 or onto the manual sheet feed tray 410, it is also acceptable to enable setting of sheets exceeding 900 mm in length through the use of the sheet placement platform 800.

[0082] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, the contact portion 813a that can engage and disengage with respect to the large capacity deck 700 is provided on the short leg 813 to enable relative movement between the sheet placement platform 800 and the large capacity deck 700. However, it is not limited to this; for example, it is also acceptable to dispose casters to the short legs 813, or a rail-and-wheel configuration may be adopted, and, further, a simple sliding mechanism may also be employed. In other words, any configuration is acceptable if the short legs 813 are allowed to be switched between a state, in which the short legs support the weight by coming into contact with the large capacity deck 700, and, and a state that allows the relative movement.

[0083] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, by providing the long legs 811 and 812 with the casters 811a, and 812a, the sheet placement platform 800 is enabled to move on the floor surface 900. However, it is not limited to this, and the sheet placement platform 800 may be simply installed on the floor surface 900. Even in this case, it is conceivable that the user may first place the sheet bundle on the sheet placement platform 800 prior to setting the sheet bundle onto the manual sheet feed unit 400, and then move the sheet bundle to the manual sheet feed unit 400 for setting. In such a case, the roller or the belt can be used to assist in the movement.

[0084] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, the sheet supporting surface 801S of the supporting plate portion 801 of the sheet placement platform 800 is formed as a planar surface, and extends in the horizontal direction. However, it is not limited to this, and, for example, the sheet supporting surface 801S may be inclined at an angle of about 10 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, and a certain degree of curvature that allows convenient stacking of, for example, about 100 to 250 sheets is acceptable.

[0085] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, the sheet placement platform 800 is provided with two each of the long legs 811 and 812; however, it is not limited to this, and it is acceptable as long as the total number of long legs 811 and 812 is equal to or more than three legs. In other words, if there are equal to or more than two long legs 811, there may be one long leg 812, and, if there are equal to or more than two long legs 812, there may also be one long leg 811.

[0086] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, the image forming system 1 is provided with the large capacity deck 700. However, it is not limited to this, and even in an image forming system which is in a state in which the sheet placement platform 800 is mounted to the printer 100 and the large capacity deck 700 is not connected to the printer 100, it is still possible to set the long sheet onto the manual sheet feed unit 400.

[0087] In addition, the printer 100 and the large capacity deck 700 described in the first to fourth embodiments are merely examples, and any type may be used. In particular, the printer, serving as the image forming apparatus, may include any type of an image forming unit, including monochrome laser types, inkjet types, or the like.

[0088] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0089] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-151380, filed Sep. 3, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.