Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A sheet conveying device includes a conveying roller having a first end portion and a second end portion in a direction of a rotation axis, an open bearing supporting the first end portion, a frame supporting the open bearing, and a second end support portion supporting the second end portion. The open bearing includes a roller support portion supporting the conveying roller and an open portion allowing the conveying roller to be removed from the roller support portion through the open portion in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The open bearing is movable from a first position in which movement of the conveying roller is restricted to a second position in which the conveying roller is movable in the direction of the rotation axis. With the open bearing in the second position, the second end portion is removable from the second end support portion by moving the conveying roller from the second end portion toward the first end portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a sheet conveying device for conveying sheets and an imaging device using the sheet conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing imaging equipment such as printers, copiers, and fax machines, the sheet is conveyed by conveyor rollers arranged in a sheet conveying device.

[0003] In recent years, with the increasing lifespan of imaging equipment, there is a need to improve the maintainability of internal components. Specifically, the conveyor rollers gradually wear down during the clamping and transport of sheets. Therefore, the conveyor rollers need to be replaced periodically.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 4988245 describes a configuration that allows for the replacement of a rotating shaft and a roller component including a bearing component fixed to the rotating shaft.

[0005] However, according to the configuration described in Japanese Patent No. 4988245, when the roller component is replaced, the bearing component also needs to be replaced.

[0006] Public content

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a sheet conveying device includes a conveying roller configured to rotate about a rotation axis to convey a sheet, wherein the conveying roller has a first end portion and a second end portion in the direction of the rotation axis; an open bearing configured to support the first end portion, such that the conveying roller is rotatable; a frame configured to support the open bearing; and a second end support portion configured to support the second end portion, such that the conveying roller is rotatable, wherein the open bearing includes a conveying roller support portion and an open portion, the conveying roller support portion being configured to support the conveying roller, and the open portion being configured to allow the conveying roller to move in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis from the first end portion. The conveyor roller support portion is removed through the open portion, wherein, when the open bearing is installed in the frame, the open bearing is movable between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the movement of the conveyor roller in the direction of the rotation axis is restricted, and in the second position, the conveyor roller is configured to move in the direction of the rotation axis, wherein the open bearing is movable from the first position to the second position such that the conveyor roller passes through the open portion, and wherein, when the open bearing is in the second position, the second end portion can be removed from the second end support portion by moving the conveyor roller from the second end portion toward the first end portion.

[0008] Other features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the position of the sheet conveying device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a bottom view showing the position of the sheet conveying device as viewed in the vertical direction according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the position of the sheet conveying device when the bearing portion according to the first embodiment is composed of bearing components different from the frame.

[0013] Figures 5A to 5C This is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the open bearing according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 The configuration of the bearing receiving portion of the frame according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figures 7A to 7C This describes the relationship between the bearing receiving portion and the open bearing of the frame according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the joint portion between the open bearing and the shaft member, and the joint portion between the bearing portion and the shaft member, according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for controlling the movement of a conveyor roller when the second controlled portion according to the first embodiment is located on the side adjacent to the bearing portion.

[0018] Figures 10A to 10C A method for driving transmission between a drive transmission member and a conveying roller according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figures 11A to 11C A method for removing a conveyor roller from a frame is shown according to a first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the position of the sheet conveying device according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 The configuration of the bearing receiving portion of the frame according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0022] Figure 14A and Figure 14B A method for removing a conveyor roller from a frame is shown according to a second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 The shape of the drive transmission member through the hole according to the second embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] First Embodiment

[0025] As an example of an imaging apparatus configuration including the sheet transport device according to the present disclosure, an embodiment of the configuration applied to an electrophotographic laser printer is described in detail below. In the description, the overall configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure is first described, and then the configuration of the sheet transport device of the imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure is described.

[0026] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc., of the constituent elements described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the imaging device according to this disclosure is not limited to laser printers, but can be applied to other imaging devices such as copiers and fax machines.

[0027] Imaging equipment

[0028] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an electrophotographic laser printer with dual-sided imaging function, which is an example of an imaging device according to this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 1 The imaging device 101 shown is roughly divided into a sheet feeding unit, an imaging unit that forms an image on the sheet, a fixing unit, an output sheet flipping unit, and a double-sided conveying unit.

[0030] Imaging apparatus 101 includes a processing cartridge 1 removable from the main body of the apparatus. The processing cartridge 1 includes processing units such as a photosensitive drum 2, a developing unit (not shown), and a charging roller.

[0031] The scanner unit 3 is vertically positioned above the processing cartridge 1 and exposes the photosensitive drum 2 based on the image signal. After the photosensitive drum 2 is charged to a predetermined negative polarity potential by a charging roller (not shown), an electrostatic latent image is formed by the scanner unit 3. The electrostatic latent image is reverse-developed by a developing unit (not shown) in the processing cartridge 1, and a negative polarity toner is deposited. Thus, a toner image is formed.

[0032] The sheet feeding unit includes a sheet feed roller 4 installed in the imaging device 101 and a sheet feed cassette 5 for storing sheets S, such as paper sheets. The sheet feed cassette 5 can be removed from the main body of the imaging device 101. The sheets S stored in the sheet feed cassette 5 are separated from and fed one by one by the sheet feed roller 4, which is rotated by power from a feed drive unit (not shown). The fed sheets S are conveyed to the alignment roller pair 7 by the sheet feed and transport roller pair 6. Afterward, the sheets S are skewed by the alignment roller pair 7 and conveyed to the transfer unit.

[0033] The transfer unit is configured to apply a positive bias to the transfer roller 8 using a bias application unit (not shown). Therefore, the toner image is transferred as an unfixed image onto the sheet S fed to the transfer unit.

[0034] A sheet S with a toner image transferred onto it is conveyed to a fixing unit 9 located downstream of the transfer unit in the conveying direction. The fixing unit 9 fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet S. The fixing unit 9 includes a heating roller 10 as a fixing component and a pressure roller 11 as a pressure component.

[0035] The heating roller 10 is heated by a heater (not shown) which is a heating unit. The pressure roller 11 presses against the heating roller 10 and rotates. The sheet S is held and conveyed in the fixing clamping portion formed by the heating roller 10 and the pressure roller 11. Due to the heat and pressure applied to the sheet S, the toner image is fixed onto the surface of the sheet S.

[0036] The sheet S, onto which the toner image is fixed, is conveyed from the fixing unit 9 to the output sheet flipping unit. The output sheet flipping unit includes an ejection roller 13, an ejection driven roller 14, a flipping driven roller 15, and a double-sided baffle 12. In the case of single-sided printing where the image is formed only on one side of the sheet S, the double-sided baffle 12 is positioned as shown by the solid line to guide the sheet S to the ejection clamping portion formed by the ejection roller 13 and the ejection driven roller 14. The sheet S is then ejected by the ejection roller 13 and the ejection driven roller 14 onto the sheet ejection tray 16.

[0037] Conversely, in the case of double-sided printing where images are formed on both sides of the sheet S, the double-sided baffle 12 is positioned as shown by the dashed line to guide the sheet S to the reversing clamping section formed by the discharge roller 13 and the reversing driven roller 15. The sheet S is then conveyed to the reversing clamping section by the fixing device 9. When the trailing edge of the sheet S reaches a predetermined position, the discharge roller 13 rotates in the opposite direction via a rotation direction switching unit (not shown). Therefore, the sheet S passes through the conveyor roller pair 17 and the refeed roller pair 18 with its trailing and leading edges reversed, and the reversed sheet S is again conveyed to the alignment roller pair 7.

[0038] Subsequently, as in single-sided printing, the skew of the 7 pairs of sheets S is corrected by the alignment roller. The toner image is transferred to the second surface of the sheet S by the transfer roller 8, and the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 9. Afterward, the sheet S is discharged into the sheet discharge tray 16 by the discharge roller 13 and the discharge driven roller 14. Thus, double-sided printing is completed.

[0039] Sheet conveying device

[0040] The part of the imaging device 101 related to the transport of the sheet S can be referred to as the sheet transport device 100. See below for reference. Figures 2 to 10C The sheet conveying device 100 according to this disclosure is described.

[0041] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sheet conveying device 100 includes a frame 40, and a conveying roller 20 and a driven roller 21 constituting a conveying roller pair 17 are assembled onto the frame 40. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the position of the sheet conveying device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a bottom view showing the position of the sheet conveying device 100 according to the first embodiment, as viewed in the vertical direction. Figure 3 It is from the vertical downward direction ( Figure 2 A view of the sheet conveying device 100 observed (in the direction of arrow III). Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the position of the sheet conveying device 100 when the bearing portion 30 according to the first embodiment is composed of a bearing member 30a that is different from the frame 40.

[0042] The sheet conveying device 100 includes a pair of conveying rollers 17 with conveying rollers 20, a frame 40, an open bearing 31, and a bearing section 30.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the conveyor roller 20 rotates about a rotation axis. The conveyor roller 20 includes a roller member 20a and a shaft member 20b, and has a first end portion and a second end portion in the direction of the rotation axis. The driven roller 21 clamps and conveys the sheet S together with the conveyor roller 20. The driven roller 21 is pushed toward the conveyor roller 20 in the E direction by a pushing member 22, which acts as a compression spring, via a spring support member 23. The conveyor roller 20 is pushed in the E direction via the driven roller 21.

[0044] The first end portion of the shaft member 20b (the first end portion of the conveyor roller 20) is supported by an open bearing 31, allowing the conveyor roller 20 to rotate, and the second end portion of the shaft member 20b (the second end portion of the conveyor roller 20) is supported by a bearing portion 30 that serves as a second end support portion.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the number of constituent elements is reduced by providing a bearing portion 30 in the frame 40. More specifically, the frame 40 is a metal plate, and the bearing portion 30 is formed as an integral part of the frame 40. However, as... Figure 4 As shown, the bearing portion 30 can be configured to use components different from those in the frame 40, such as a bearing member 30a covering the entire circumference of the end portion of the support shaft member 20b or an open bearing 31 (described below). In this case, the sliding properties of the conveyor roller 20 can be improved by using a material with high sliding properties as other components constituting the bearing portion.

[0046] Subsequently, reference Figures 5A to 8 A method for engaging the open bearing 31 with the frame 40 is described. Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 Enlarged view of the joint between the open bearing 31 and the shaft member 20b, and the joint between the bearing portion 30 and the shaft member 20b, taken from the cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII. Figures 5A to 5C The configuration of the open bearing 31 supporting the conveyor roller 20 is shown. Figure 5A This is a view of the open bearing 31 viewed from the midpoint of the sheet's width along the axis of rotation. Figure 5B Is Figure 5A The view shown is of the open bearing 31 viewed from the VB direction. Additionally, Figure 5A The arrow E shown indicates the direction of the pushing force exerted by the driven roller 21 on the conveying roller 20.

[0047] The open bearing 31 includes a semi-circular conveyor roller support portion 31a and an open portion 31b. The semi-circular conveyor roller support portion 31a supports the conveyor roller 20, which receives a pushing force in the E direction. The open portion 31b is open on the opposite side to the pushing force received by the conveyor roller 20 in the E direction. A first end portion of the conveyor roller 20 can be removed from the conveyor roller support portion 31a through the open portion 31b in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the conveyor roller 20. The open bearing 31 also includes a rotation-stopped portion 31c relative to the frame 40 and a control portion 31j controlling the movement of the conveyor roller 20 in the direction of the axis of rotation in a first position (described later).

[0048] Figure 6 Is it as in Figure 8 The view of the bearing receiving portion 41 of the frame 40 supporting the open bearing 31, viewed in the H direction, where the H direction is the direction from the open bearing 31 to the bearing portion 30.

[0049] Figure 6The bearing receiving portion 41 shown has a bearing support portion (first portion) 41a that supports the open bearing 31, such that the open bearing 31 is located in a first position (described later). Additionally, the bearing receiving portion 41 has a frame recess portion 41b (guide portion, second portion) that guides the open bearing 31 from the first position to a second position (described later), and a rotation stop portion 41c that engages with a rotation-stopping portion 31c of the open bearing 31. The bearing support portion 41a and the frame recess portion 41b are holes (first holes) formed in the frame 40. The rotation stop portion 41c is a hole (second hole) formed in the frame 40. The bearing support portion 41a and the frame recess portion 41b are interconnected. The rotation stop portion 41c is located at a position separate from each of the bearing support portion 41a and the frame recess portion 41b.

[0050] Figures 7A to 7C Three configurations of the open bearing 31 relative to the bearing receiving portion 41 are shown, and Figures 7A to 7C It is along Figure 8 The sectional view taken from line VII-VII. Figure 7A The open bearing 31 is shown in the first position. Figure 7B The open bearing 31 is shown in the third position. Figure 7C The open bearing 31 is shown in the second position.

[0051] like Figure 7A As shown, when the open bearing 31 is in the first position, it supports the conveyor roller 20, allowing the roller to rotate, but restricting its movement along the axis of rotation. When the open bearing 31 is in the first position, its rotation is restricted by the stop portion 31c engaging with the rotation stop portion 41c of the frame 40. Furthermore, the open bearing 31 is restricted from moving from the first position to the second position.

[0052] By disengaging the rotation-stopped portion 31c from the rotation-stopping portion 41c, the open bearing 31 can move from the first position to the third position. According to this embodiment, the open bearing 31... Figure 7B It rotates counterclockwise and moves from the first position to the third position. For example... Figure 7B As shown, when the open bearing 31 is in the third position, the engagement between the rotation stop portion 31c and the rotation stop portion 41c is disengaged, and the open bearing 31 can move to the second position.

[0053] like Figure 7C As shown, when the open bearing 31 is in the second position, the open bearing 31 is removed from the conveyor roller 20, and the conveyor roller 20 is able to move in the direction of the rotation axis. According to this embodiment, the second position is when the open bearing 31 is in the third position ( Figure 7B The position moved in the X direction, which is the direction along which the frame notch portion 41b is positioned.

[0054] The open bearing 31 includes an arm 31k serving as an operating unit. The arm 31k extends in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis of the conveyor roller 20. The arm 31k has a rotation-stopped portion 31c. The arm 31k is positioned between the bearing receiving portion 41 and the bearing portion 30 of the frame 40 in the direction of the rotation axis of the conveyor roller 20, so as to be exposed toward the space between the bearing receiving portion 41 and the bearing portion 30. The space between the bearing receiving portion 41 and the bearing portion 30 is a conveying path through which the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor roller 20 can pass.

[0055] The operator changing the conveyor roller 20 can access the conveying path (workspace) from outside the imaging device 101 (outside the sheet conveyor 100). Since the arm 31k is exposed to the conveying path, the operator changing the conveyor roller 20 can easily access and operate the arm 31k. Therefore, the operator can easily move the open bearing 31. Note that the imaging device 101 or the sheet conveyor 100 may have opening and closing members that cover the opening for operator access to the conveying path.

[0056] The open bearing 31 restricts the movement of the frame 40 relative to the frame 40 in the F direction, which is the direction relative to the axis of rotation of the frame 40, by clamping the frame 40 between the three frame locking ribs 31g, 31h, and 31i and the frame locking surface 31e. The open bearing 31 has a recessed channel portion with a width (width L6) smaller than the width L7 of the frame recessed portion 41b in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement from the third position to the second position. Therefore, the open bearing 31 and the shaft member 20b can move along the frame recessed portion 41b to the second position without interfering with each other.

[0057] Then, refer to the following: Figure 8 and Figure 9A and Figure 9B The control of the conveyor roller 20 in the direction of its rotation axis is explained. Figure 8 In the pattern shown, Figure 5A The width L1 of the open portion 31b shown is greater than or equal to Figure 8 The shaft member 20b shown has a shaft diameter L2. Therefore, the open bearing 31 can be moved from a first position to a second position, allowing the conveying roller 20 to pass through the open portion 31b.

[0058] Furthermore, the shaft member 20b has a first controlled portion 20c with an outer diameter of L3 and a second controlled portion 20d with an outer diameter of L4. Then, regarding the shaft diameter L2 of the shaft member 20b, the relationships L3 > L2 and L4 > L2 are satisfied. Additionally, the first controlled portion 20c is located between the bearing portion engagement portion 20f (which is the second end portion) and the open bearing 31 in the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, when the open bearing 31 is in the first position and the conveyor roller 20 is supported by the open bearing 31, the two controlled portions 20c and 20d can contact the control portion 31j of the open bearing 31. Furthermore, in the contact state, the movement of the conveyor roller 20 in the F direction (which is the direction of the rotation axis of the conveyor roller 20) is restricted. Additionally, when the open bearing 31 moves from the first position to the second position, the two controlled portions 20c and 20d separate from the control portion 31j, and the conveyor roller 20 can move in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the relationship L1 ≥ L2 is satisfied between the width L1 of the open portion 31b and the shaft diameter L2 of the shaft member 20b. However, as Figure 5C As shown, the open portion 31b may have a protrusion 31f with a width of L1a at the protrusion 31f, satisfying the relationship L2 > L1a, and the conveyor roller 20 can be attached by warping the open bearing 31. According to the configuration, the open bearing 31 is unlikely to detach when the conveyor roller 20 is assembled to the frame 40.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the open bearing 31 is sandwiched between the first controlled portion 20c and the second controlled portion 20d of the conveyor roller 20 to control the movement of the open bearing 31 in the F direction, which is the direction of the rotation axis. Since the two controlled portions 20c and 20d are positioned close to each other with the bearing 31 between them, the positional accuracy of the conveyor roller 20 in the direction of the rotation axis can be improved.

[0061] Alternatively, such as Figure 9A As shown, the second controlled portion 20d can contact the bearing portion 30 disposed in the frame 40 to restrict the movement of the conveyor roller 20 in the H direction. Note that the H direction is parallel to the width direction of the sheet S and is the direction from the open bearing 31 toward the center of the sheet S. The H direction is parallel to the rotation axis of the conveyor roller 20.

[0062] Alternatively, such as Figure 9BAs shown, the end portion of the shaft member of the conveyor roller 20 adjacent to the bearing portion 30 can contact different components to control the movement of the conveyor roller 20 in the H direction. In this case, as an example, the contact surface 30b provided on the bearing portion 30 of the frame 40 serves as the different component, and the end portion of the conveyor roller 20 abuts against this different component. When the conveyor roller 20 is attached to the frame 40, the contact between the conveyor roller 20 and the bearing portion 30 or the different component facilitates the identification of the position of the conveyor roller 20 in the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, the work efficiency when changing the conveyor roller can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, the distance L8 between the two ribs 31g and 31h in the frame locking rib and the remaining rib 31i is less than the distance L9 between the outer diameter portion of the second controlled portion 20d (or the first controlled portion 20c) and the end of the frame recess portion 41b. Therefore, when the open bearing 31 is in the second position, the conveying roller 20 can move in the F direction, which is the rotation axis direction of the open bearing 31. Alternatively, a configuration in which the open bearing 31 is removed from the frame 40 by moving the open bearing 31 in the second position in the H direction can be adopted.

[0064] Figures 10A to 10C This describes a method for transmitting driving force from a drive transmission member 50, which is a gear, to a conveyor roller 20. Figure 10A It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown is taken along line XA-XA. Figure 10B yes Figure 10A An enlarged view of the area from the open bearing 31 to the drive transmission member 50 shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0065] The sheet conveying device 100 includes a drive transmission member 50 for transmitting drive force from a drive source (not shown). The conveying roller 20 has a driven transmission portion 20e for receiving the drive force from the drive source from the drive transmission member 50. Furthermore, the drive transmission member 50 is supported by a drive transmission member retainer 51 disposed in a frame 40, and the drive transmission member retainer 51 controls the movement of the drive transmission member 50 in the F direction, which is the direction of the rotation axis.

[0066] Figure 10C This is a view of the drive transmission member 50 and the driven transmission portion 20e as seen in the H direction.

[0067] The drive transmission member 50 includes a drive transmission portion 50a, which is an I-shaped hole for transmitting drive force to the driven transmission portion 20e, which is an I-shaped shaft, and the drive transmission portion 50a is a through hole extending in the F direction, which is the direction of the rotation axis.

[0068] like Figure 10CAs shown, a gap is formed between the driven transmission portion 20e and the drive transmission portion 50a. When the drive transmission member 50 receives a driving force from a drive source (not shown), the wall surface of the drive transmission portion 50a collides with the corners J1 and J4 or J2 and J3 of the driven transmission portion 20e, and the driving force is transmitted to the conveyor roller 20. Furthermore, by providing a gap between the driven transmission portion 20e and the drive transmission portion 50a, the conveyor roller 20 can be easily attached to the drive transmission member 50.

[0069] Remove conveyor rollers

[0070] The following is for reference. Figures 11A to 11C A method for removing the conveyor roller 20 from the frame 40 is described.

[0071] Figures 11A to 11C The method for removing the conveyor roller 20 from the frame 40 is shown, and it is along... Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI is shown.

[0072] Figure 11A A pattern is shown in which, Figure 10A In the pattern shown, the open bearing 31 moves to the second position, and then the conveyor roller 20 moves in the direction from the bearing portion 30 to the bearing receiving portion 41 (in the direction of the rotation axis). Figure 11B Shown in Figure 11A The conveyor roller 20 shown warps after being subjected to a force applied to the right end of the conveyor roller 20 in the E direction. Figure 11C Shown in Figure 11B The conveyor roller 20 shown is moved to the right after the conveyor roller 20 is moved.

[0073] When the open bearing 31 is in the second position, the bearing portion engaging portion 20f, which is the second end portion of the conveyor roller 20, can be removed from the bearing portion 30, which is the second end support portion. When the open bearing 31 is in the second position, by making the conveyor roller 20 as... Figure 11A As shown, moving to the left, the bearing portion 20f is removed from the bearing portion 30. Therefore, the conveyor roller 20 can be removed from the frame 40. Figure 8 Regarding the outer diameter L3 of the first controlled portion 20c and the outer diameter L4 of the second controlled portion 20d shown, Figure 6 The outer diameter L5 of the bearing support portion 41a shown satisfies the relationship L3 < L5 and L4 < L5. Therefore, the conveyor roller 20 can move in the G direction without contacting the frame 40, the G direction being the direction from the bearing portion 30 to the bearing receiving portion 41 in the direction of the rotation axis (from the second end portion of the conveyor roller 20 toward the first end portion).

[0074] Furthermore, when the conveyor roller 20 moves in the G direction, the driven transmission portion 20e can move relative to the drive transmission member 50 in the G direction within the drive transmission portion 50a, which serves as a through hole. Therefore, when the drive transmission member 50 is supported by the drive transmission member retainer 51, only the conveyor roller 20 can move in the G direction. At this time, Figure 10A The distance L10 between the drive transmission member 50 and the second controlled portion 20d is greater than the travel distance L11 before the engagement between the bearing portion engagement portion 20f and the bearing portion 30 disengages. Therefore, when the conveyor roller 20 is removed, the conveyor roller 20 can move until the engagement between the bearing portion engagement portion 20f and the bearing portion 30 disengages.

[0075] like Figure 11B As shown, Figure 11A The conveyor roller 20 shown is inclined in the direction E, which is the direction of the pushing force received from the driven roller 21. Subsequently, as... Figure 11C As shown, the conveyor roller 20 moves until the end portion of the driven transmission section 20e exceeds the bearing receiving section 41 and reaches... Figure 11C The right-hand region of the frame allows only the conveyor roller 20 to be removed from the frame 40. During this removal process, the driven roller 21 is attached to the frame 40, and the conveyor roller 20 is removed in a direction away from the driven roller 21. Since the conveyor roller 20 can be removed from the frame 40 without removing the driven roller 21, the efficiency of the conveyor roller 20 replacement operation can be improved, and maintainability can be enhanced.

[0076] According to this embodiment, when the conveyor roller 20 is removed from the frame 40, the conveyor roller 20 can be warped and removed. It is desirable that the material of the shaft member 20b of the conveyor roller 20 comprises resin. Note that, according to this embodiment, the material of the shaft member 20b is resin. The material of the shaft member 20b may include resin and metal.

[0077] Additionally, when used Figures 11A to 11C When the removal operation shown is performed in reverse order, the conveyor roller 20 can be attached to the frame 40.

[0078] Furthermore, the shaft member 20b has a third controlled portion 20g adjacent to the bearing portion 30. When the conveyor roller 20 is supported by the frame 40 using the open bearing 31 and the bearing portion 30, a gap is formed between the third controlled portion 20g and the bearing portion 30. The size of the gap is such that, even taking into account the dimensional tolerances and thermal expansion of the third controlled portion 20g and surrounding components, it is greater than or equal to 0 in the F direction, which is the direction of the rotation axis.

[0079] When located Figure 11AWhen the conveyor roller 20 at the indicated position moves in the H direction, the third controlled portion 20g comes into contact with the bearing portion 30, thereby restricting the movement of the conveyor roller 20 in the H direction. At this time, since the bearing receiving portion 41 of the frame 40 is close to the two controlled portions 20c and 20d, the open bearing 31 can be easily attached to the conveyor roller 20.

[0080] According to the configuration of this disclosure, when replacing the conveyor roller 20, the conveyor roller 20 can be removed by moving the open bearing 31 to a second position, which improves the efficiency of replacing the conveyor roller 20. Furthermore, since only the conveyor roller 20 can be replaced without replacing the open bearing 31, the number of parts to be replaced can be minimized, resulting in a reduction in replacement costs.

[0081] Second Embodiment

[0082] The following is for reference. Figures 12 to 15 A second embodiment of this disclosure is described. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will not be repeated. Unlike the first embodiment, the drive transmission member 50 is supported by the conveyor roller 20 instead of the drive transmission member retainer 51, and the drive transmission member 50 is attached / detached together with the conveyor roller 20 when the conveyor roller 20 is attached / detached.

[0083] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the sheet conveying device 100 according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 This is a view of the bearing receiving portion 42 of the frame 40 as viewed from the open bearing 31 in the H direction, the H direction being from the open bearing 31 to the center of the sheet in the width direction.

[0084] Figure 13 This is a view of the bearing receiving portion 42 of the supporting open bearing 31 of the frame 40 when viewed in the H direction according to the second embodiment, where the H direction is... Figure 8 The direction from the open bearing 31 to the bearing section 30. Figure 13 The bearing receiving portion 42 shown has a bearing support portion (first portion) 42a that supports the open bearing 31, such that the open bearing 31 is located in a first position. Additionally, the bearing receiving portion 42 has a frame recess portion 42b (second portion, frame through hole, guide portion) that guides the open bearing 31 from the first position to a second position, and a rotation stop portion 42c that engages with the rotation stop portion 31c of the open bearing 31.

[0085] The width L12 of the frame recess portion 42b, which serves as a hole, is greater than the shaft diameter L2 of the shaft member 20b. Furthermore, when the open bearing 31 moves from the second position in the direction toward the frame recess portion 42b, the open bearing 31 can be moved to a removal position where the open bearing 31 is removed from the frame 40.

[0086] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a perspective view of the sheet conveying device 100, and shows a method for removing the conveying roller 20. The drive transmission member 50 is supported by the driven transmission portion 20e of the conveying roller 20. Figure 14A The diagram shows the bearing portion 30 and the bearing portion engagement portion 20f separated from each other by removing the open bearing 31 from the frame 40 and moving the conveyor roller 20 in the G direction, which is the direction from the center of the sheet width to the open bearing 31.

[0087] Figure 14B This is a diagram showing the removal of the conveyor roller 20 from frame 40. (See diagram.) Figure 14B As shown, Figure 14A The conveyor roller 20 shown moves along the frame recess 42b of the frame 40 in the L direction, so that the drive transmission member 50 and the conveyor roller 20 can be removed from the frame 40.

[0088] like Figure 15 As shown, in addition to allowing the conveyor roller 20 to pass through the frame recess 42b, the frame 40 also has a drive transmission member through hole 42d, which has a hole width greater than the outer diameter of the drive transmission member 50. Because of the drive transmission member through hole 42d, the drive transmission member 50 will not contact the frame 40 when the conveyor roller 20 is removed.

[0089] The configuration according to the second embodiment enables the attachment / removal of the conveyor roller 20 even if the conveyor roller 20 includes a metal shaft or a high-rigidity shaft that is difficult to tilt when attaching / removing the conveyor roller 20.

[0090] According to this disclosure, a sheet conveying device is provided that allows for the replacement of conveying rollers without replacing bearing components.

[0091] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A sheet conveying device, comprising: A conveying roller configured to rotate about a rotation axis to convey a sheet, wherein the conveying roller has a first end portion and a second end portion in the direction of the rotation axis; An open bearing is configured to support the first end portion, allowing the conveyor roller to rotate; A frame, configured to support the open bearing; and A second end support portion is configured to support the second end portion, allowing the conveyor roller to rotate. The open bearing includes a conveyor roller support portion and an open portion. The conveyor roller support portion is configured to support the conveyor roller, and the open portion is configured to allow the conveyor roller to be removed from the conveyor roller support portion through the open portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. When the open bearing is installed in the frame, the open bearing is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the conveyor roller is restricted from moving in the direction of the rotation axis. In the second position, the open bearing is removed from the conveyor roller, and the conveyor roller is able to move in the direction of the rotation axis. The frame has a bearing support portion configured to support the open bearing such that the open bearing is in the first position, and a guide portion to guide the open bearing from the first position to the second position. The open bearing is capable of moving along the guide portion from the first position to the second position, such that the conveying roller passes through the open portion, and When the open bearing is in the second position, the second end portion can be removed from the second end support portion by moving the conveying roller from the second end portion toward the first end portion.

2. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, The open bearing includes a portion where rotation is stopped. The frame has a rotation stop portion configured to engage with the rotation-stopped portion. When the rotation-stopped portion engages with the rotation-stopping portion, the open bearing located in the first position is restricted from rotating. When the rotation-stopped portion disengages from the rotation-stopping portion, the open bearing located in the first position is configured to rotate from the first position to the third position, and The open bearing is capable of moving from the third position to the second position.

3. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, The open bearing includes a control portion configured to restrict movement of the conveyor roller in the direction of the rotation axis at the first position. The conveying roller includes a controlled portion that is restricted to move in the direction of the rotation axis by contacting the controlled portion. When the open bearing is in the first position, the controlled portion is configured to contact the controlled portion, and When the open bearing is in the second position, the controlled part is separated from the controlled part.

4. The sheet conveying device according to claim 3, wherein, When the open bearing is in the first position, the controlled portion is located between the second end portion and the open bearing in the direction of the rotation axis.

5. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes the second end support portion.

6. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising a drive transmission section configured to transmit driving force from a drive source, The conveying roller has a driven transmission portion configured to receive driving force from the drive transmission portion.

7. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, The open bearing is capable of moving from the second position to a removal position where the open bearing is removed from the frame, and The frame has a removal portion configured to allow the open bearing to move from the second position to the removal position.

8. An imaging device, comprising: According to claim 1, the sheet conveying device, The transfer unit is configured to transfer a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum onto a sheet. as well as A fixing unit is configured to fix the toner transferred by the transfer unit onto the sheet.

Images