Sheet feeder having manual feed tray, and image forming apparatus including the same
US8857812B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2405/324
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sheet feeder includes: a housing; a sheet feeding mechanism and a manual feed tray and that is mounted pivotably to the housing. The manual feed tray can assume a first posture that is closed relative to the housing, and a second posture that is open relative to the housing. A link couples the housing with the manual feed tray and pivots with a pivoting movement of the manual feed tray to hold the second posture of the manual feed tray. A posture changing mechanism permits the manual feed tray to pivot farther in an opening direction from the second posture when a load acts on a sheet mounting surface and causes the manual feed tray to assume a third posture while being held by the link. A posture holding mechanism holds the third posture of the manual feed tray.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.