Drive transmission device, drive unit and image forming device

Abstract

This invention relates to a drive transmission device, a drive unit, and an image forming apparatus that improve the ease of assembly and operation of the main body of the apparatus. The drive transmission device (30) has a drive column composed of multiple drive transmission components, which transmits the driving force of a fixing motor, which is a drive source, to a switching claw, which is configured to swing, and a paper feed reversing drive roller, which is a rotating body. The multiple drive transmission components constituting the drive column are housed in a housing (31), which is a housing component. The housing (31) is then mounted on the rear side plate of the apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a drive transmission device, a drive unit, and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a drive transmission device having a drive column consisting of multiple drive transmission components was known for transmitting the driving force of a drive source to a swinging component and a rotating body that could be oscillatingly positioned.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the aforementioned drive transmission device is described as a device that transmits the driving force of the drive train to a switching member, which is a oscillating member that switches the sheet between the paper discharge path and the reverse path, and a paper discharge roller, which is a rotating body, via the planetary gear mechanism.

[0004] However, since the multiple drive transmission components constituting the drive column need to be assembled separately onto the main body of the device, there is a problem with the poor operability of assembling the drive transmission device onto the main body of the device.

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 6388412 Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention relates to a drive transmission device, characterized by comprising: a drive column composed of multiple drive transmission components, wherein the drive transmission components transmit the driving force of the drive source to a swinging component and a rotating body configured as swingable, and a receiving component for receiving the drive column.

[0007] According to the present invention, the ease of assembling the main body of the device can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic configuration diagram of the overall structure of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a summary of the surrounding structure of the switching claw.

[0010] Figure 3 Figures (a) and (b) illustrate the operation of the switching claw and the paper discharge reversing drive roller when the paper is fed into the double-sided conveying path.

[0011] Figure 4 Figures (a) and (b) show perspective views of the drive transmission device.

[0012] Figure 5 The image shown is an exploded perspective view of the drive transmission device as seen from the paper output unit side.

[0013] Figure 6 The image shown is an exploded perspective view of the drive transmission device as seen from the opposite side of the paper output unit.

[0014] Figure 7 The image shown is a front view of the drive transmission device.

[0015] Figure 8 What is shown is Figure 7 AA sectional view.

[0016] Figure 9 What is shown is Figure 7 BB cross-sectional view.

[0017] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a perspective view of the cooling device, drive transmission device, and paper discharge unit.

[0018] Figure 11 The image shown is a cross-sectional perspective view of the second drive shaft.

[0019] Figure 12 The image shown is a perspective view of the second connector and the first connector.

[0020] Figure 13 The image shown is a perspective view of the swing mechanism and drive transmission device.

[0021] Figure 14 (a) and (b) are side views of the paper output unit.

[0022] Figure 15 The image shown is a perspective view of the recess hole provided on the housing.

[0023] Figure 16 The image shown is a schematic front view of the paper output unit.

[0024] Figure 17 What is shown is Figure 16 An enlarged sectional view near the X.

[0025] Figure 18 The figure shown is a modified example of the positioning of the axial force direction of the swing shaft.

[0026] Figure 19 The diagram shown is a perspective view of the paper feeding frame, housing, front panel, and rear panel of the device.

[0027] Figure 20 The image shows... Figure 19 The diagram viewed from the direction of arrow L1.

[0028] Figure 21 The image shows... Figure 19 The diagram is viewed from the direction of arrow L2.

[0029] Figure 22The diagram shown is a schematic representation of an example of an automatic manuscript delivery device.

[0030] Figure 23 The diagram shown is a schematic configuration of an example of a post-processing device. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram of the overall structure of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] exist Figure 1 The laser printer 100, which serves as an image forming apparatus, includes four image forming units 1Y, M, C, and K, which are image forming mechanisms for forming toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). It also includes an intermediate transfer unit 10 as a primary transfer mechanism, a secondary transfer device 16 consisting of a secondary transfer roller 15 that transfers the toner image from an intermediate transfer belt 11 onto sheet-like paper (recording medium), and a fixing device 17 that fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper. Furthermore, it includes a paper discharge section 18 for discharging paper, a reversing section 19 for guiding paper along a double-sided path after printing on the first side during double-sided printing, and a switching claw 23 that serves as a switching member between the paper discharge section 18 and the reversing section 19 to change the paper's transport destination. Furthermore, it also includes a paper tray 24 for storing paper P, a paper feeding path 22 for conveying paper from the paper tray 24, and a double-sided conveying path 21 for conveying paper from the reversing section 19 during double-sided printing.

[0034] Although the four image forming units 1Y, M, C, and K use Y, M, C, and K (developers) of different colors as image forming substances, their other components are identical and they are replaced when they reach the end of their lifespan. The image forming unit 1K, used to form an image with K toner, will be described as an example. The image forming unit 1K includes a cylindrical photoreceptor 2 as an image carrier, a charging device for charging the surface of the photoreceptor 2, and an exposure device 3 for exposing the charged surface of the photoreceptor 2 according to image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 2. It also includes a developing device 4 for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 2 using K toner to form a K toner image on the photoreceptor 2, a developer cartridge 5 disposed above the developing device 4 for storing the K toner, and a cleaning device 6 for cleaning the surface of the photoreceptor 2 after transfer.

[0035] The intermediate transfer unit 10 has an annular intermediate transfer belt 11 that overlaps the toner images on multiple photoreceptors 2. In addition, it also has a primary transfer roller 12, etc., which is arranged facing each other across the photoreceptor 2 with the intermediate transfer belt 11 in between, and transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor onto the intermediate transfer belt 11.

[0036] The fixing device 17 is provided with a fixing roller 17a containing a heat source such as a halogen lamp and a pressure roller 17b that rotates while abutting against the fixing roller 17a at a specified pressure, and a fixing clamping part is formed by the fixing roller 17a and the pressure roller 17b.

[0037] A pair of positioning rollers 14 is provided upstream of the secondary transfer roller 15 in the paper transport direction. Paper P is transported with its leading edge orthogonal to the transport direction, but sometimes it moves obliquely, with its leading edge not orthogonal to the transport direction. To correct this oblique movement, control is performed so that the leading edge of paper P abuts against the positioning rollers 14, allowing the paper P to relax once, and then transporting it to the secondary transfer device 16 at a predetermined time. Through this relaxation and the rigidity of the paper P itself, the leading edge of the paper P is corrected for oblique movement along a clamping portion parallel to the rotation axis of the positioning rollers 14, and the position of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 11 is precisely aligned with the paper before transfer.

[0038] When an image is formed using the laser printer 100, the paper P loaded on the paper tray 24 is supplied by the paper feed roller 13 and slackened once by the stopped positioning roller pair 14 via the paper feed transport path 22. Then, relative to the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 11, the paper P is transported by the positioning roller pair 14 at a predetermined time, and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 20 via the secondary transfer unit 16, the fixing unit 17, and the paper discharge section 18. Alternatively, the paper P is fed to the reversing unit 19 by switching the switching claw 23, and after being reversed there, it is guided again to the secondary transfer position via the double-sided transport path 21, where an image is also recorded on the reverse side, and then discharged onto the paper discharge tray 20 via the paper discharge section 18.

[0039] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a summary of the surrounding structure of the switching claw 23.

[0040] This embodiment includes a paper discharge unit 40, which serves as a drive unit and comprises a paper discharge section 18 and a reversing section 19. The paper discharge unit 40 includes a paper discharge reversing drive roller 25, a paper discharge driven roller 18a, and a reversing driven roller 19a, all of which are rotating bodies. The paper discharge roll pair of the paper discharge section 18 is formed by the paper discharge reversing drive roller 25 and the paper discharge driven roller 18a, and the reversing roll pair of the reversing section 19 is formed by the paper discharge reversing drive roller 25 and the reversing driven roller 19a. In this embodiment, the drive rollers of the paper discharge roll pair and the reversing roll pair are shared drive rollers.

[0041] Additionally, the paper discharge unit 40 includes a switching claw 23 that functions as a swinging component. The switching claw 23 is adjacent to the upstream side of the paper discharge reversing drive roller 25 in the paper transport direction and is positioned between the paper transport path of the reversing section 19 and the paper transport path of the paper discharge section 18. A swing shaft 23a is provided at the downstream end of the switching claw 23 in the paper transport direction, and the switching claw 23 is supported and swings freely around this swing shaft 23a. The switching claw 23 swings between a first posture shown by the solid line in the figure and a second posture shown by the dashed line in the figure.

[0042] When the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 20, the switching claw 23 is positioned in the first position shown by the solid line in the figure, and the paper discharge reversal drive roller 25 is driven to rotate clockwise in the figure. As a result, the paper P that has passed through the fixing device 17 is guided to the paper discharge section 18 by the switching claw 23, and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 20 by the paper discharge roller pair consisting of the paper discharge reversal drive roller 25 and the paper discharge driven roller 18a.

[0043] Figure 3 The diagram shows the operation of the switching claw 23 and the paper discharge reversing drive roller 25 when the paper P is conveyed to the double-sided conveying path 21.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), when the image forming operation begins, the switching claw 23 swings from the first position shown by the dashed line in the figure to the second position shown by the solid line in the figure. In addition, the paper feed reversal drive roller 25 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure. As a result, the paper P that has passed through the fixing device 17 is guided to the reversal section 19 by the switching claw 23 and is transported by the reversal roller pair composed of the paper feed reversal drive roller 25 and the reversal driven roller 19a.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown in (b), when the rear end Pt of the paper P passes through the branch of the paper discharge section 18 and the reversing section 19, it reaches... Figure 3After reaching position (b), the paper discharge reversal drive roller 25 is rotated clockwise in the figure to turn the paper back and transport it towards the double-sided transport path 21. Additionally, the oscillating switching claw 23 is changed from the second position to the first position. Thus, the paper P is transported to the double-sided transport path 21, an image is formed on the second side of the paper, and it is then transported to the paper discharge section 18 via the switching claw 23 and discharged towards the paper discharge tray 20 via the paper discharge roller.

[0046] Figure 4 The diagram shows a perspective view of the drive transmission device 30 that transmits the driving force of the fixing motor, which serves as the drive source, to the paper discharge unit 40's paper discharge reversal drive roller 25 and switching claw 23. Figure 4 (a) shows a perspective view taken from the opposite side of the axial paper feeding unit. Figure 4 (b) shows a perspective view from the paper output unit side.

[0047] Figure 5 , Figure 6 The figure shown is an exploded perspective view of the drive transmission device 30. Figure 5 This is an exploded 3D view taken from the side of the paper output unit. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view taken from the side opposite to the paper output unit.

[0048] in addition, Figure 7 The image shown is a front view of the drive transmission device. Figure 8 What is shown is Figure 7 AA section view, Figure 9 What is shown is Figure 7 BB cross-sectional view.

[0049] The drive transmission device 30 includes an input gear 33 that receives drive force from a fixing motor that drives the rollers of the fixing unit 17, a reversing gear 35 that meshes with the input gear 33, a first drive shaft 37, a second drive shaft 38, and a planetary gear mechanism 50. The input gear 33 is mounted on the shaft portion 37a of the first drive shaft 37 via a first electromagnetic clutch 34. The reversing gear 35 is mounted on the shaft portion 38a of the second drive shaft 38 via a second electromagnetic clutch 36.

[0050] The first drive shaft 37 and the second drive shaft 38 have the same structure, each having the aforementioned shaft portions 37a and 38a, gear portions 37b and 38b, and support portions 37c and 38c. The front end of the shaft portion 37a of the first drive shaft 37 is inserted into the first shaft support hole 32a of the cover member 32, which serves as a support member, and the support portion 37c of the first drive shaft 37 is inserted into the first support recess 31e of the housing 31, which serves as a receiving member. Similarly, the second drive shaft 38 has the same structure as the first drive shaft 37, with the front end of the shaft portion 38a inserted into the second shaft support hole 32b of the cover member 32, and the support portion 38c rotatably supported in the second support recess 31f of the housing 31 (see reference). Figure 9 Thus, each drive shaft 3738 is rotatably supported by the two arms on the cover component 32 and the housing 31.

[0051] An external gear portion 53b is provided in the gear carrier 53 that rotatably supports the planetary gear mechanism 50. This external gear portion 53b meshes with the gear portions 37b and 38b of the first and second drive shafts 37 and 38. A planetary gear cover 56 is installed in the gear carrier 53 to prevent the planetary gear 54 from falling off the gear carrier 53.

[0052] The sun gear 51a of the planetary gear mechanism 50 is mounted on the sun component 51. In addition to the sun gear 51a, the sun component 51 also has a first engagement portion 51b that connects to the second connector 63 of the oscillating mechanism 60, which is mounted on the paper feed unit 40 that oscillates the switching claw 23. Furthermore, the sun component 51 also has an internal gear support portion 51d that rotatably supports the internal gear component 55 of the planetary gear mechanism 50, and a planetary gear carrier support portion 51c that rotatably supports the gear carrier 53.

[0053] The gear carrier 53 has a cylindrical support 53a that protrudes toward the cover member 32 (see reference). Figure 6 The support portion 53a is rotatably supported on the gear carrier support portion 51c of the solar component 51 (see reference). Figure 8 The front end of the gear carrier support portion 51c of the solar component 51 is inserted into the solar support hole 32c of the cover component 32, and is supported in the solar support hole 32c for free rotation. Additionally, the internal gear support portion 51d of the solar component 51 is rotatably supported in the through hole 31b through which the first joint portion 51b of the housing 31 passes (see reference). Figure 8 Thus, the solar component 51 is rotatably supported by the two arms on the cover component 32 and the housing 31.

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 8As shown, the outer diameter D1 of the gear carrier support 51c is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the internal gear support 51d, preventing the gear carrier support 51c from being inserted into the through hole 31b. This prevents the solar component 51 from being installed backwards. In this embodiment, the outer diameter D1 of the gear carrier support 51c is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the internal gear support 51d, but it is also possible for the outer diameter D1 of the gear carrier support 51c to be smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the internal gear support 51d. In this structure, the solar component 51 can also be prevented from being installed backwards.

[0055] The internal gear component 55 of the planetary gear mechanism 50 has an internal gear portion 55a, an external gear portion 55b, and a support portion 55c. The internal gear portion 55a meshes with the planetary gear 54, and the external gear portion 55b meshes with the paper discharge gear 42 mounted on the rotating shaft 25a of the paper discharge reversing drive roller 25. Additionally, the cylindrical support portion 55c is rotatably supported on the internal gear support portion 51d of the sun component 51 (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0056] The first and second drive shafts 37 and 38, input gear 33, reverse gear 35, planetary gear mechanism 50, and first and second electromagnetic clutches 34 and 36 constituting the drive transmission device 30 are housed in the housing 31. Then, the cover component 32 is fixed to the housing 31 with screws, as... Figure 4 As shown, the drive transmission device 30 is modularized. Thus, by modularizing the drive transmission device 30, as described later, only by mounting the housing 31 to the rear side plate 100b of the device (see reference...) Figure 19 , Figure 21 The drive transmission device 30 can be assembled onto the main body of the device. This significantly improves assembly operability compared to assembling the first and second drive shafts 37 and 38, input gear 33, reverse gear 35, each component of the planetary gear mechanism 50, and the first and second electromagnetic clutches 34 and 36 of the drive train constituting the drive transmission device 30 onto the main body. In particular, as in this embodiment, when the drive train has a planetary gear mechanism 50, the increased number of components effectively enhances the assembly operability achieved through modularization.

[0057] The housing 31 has an input opening 31c for meshing the input gear 33 with a gear section on the fuser motor side. Additionally, in the internal gear housing 31m of the housing 31, which houses the internal gear member 55, there is a portion for meshing the external gear 55b of the internal gear member 55 with the paper feed gear 42 (see reference). Figure 6 The output opening 31a engages with the gear. Additionally, the second coupling member 62 (see reference 62) in the internal gear receiving section 31m has a clearance swing mechanism 60. Figure 13 The retraction hole 31d of the connecting rod shaft 62a. Additionally, as... Figure 4As shown in (b), the first joint 51b of the solar component 51 extends through the through hole 31b.

[0058] In addition, a main reference positioning hole 31g with a circular hole and a secondary reference positioning hole 31h with an elongated hole are provided on the upper part of the housing 31.

[0059] Paper discharge unit 40 includes a paper discharge frame 41 as a support frame. The paper discharge frame 41 has side plate portions 141 as a pair of support portions and paper discharge guides 142 (see reference) that are mounted on the pair of side plate portions 141. Figure 5 Each side plate portion 141 has a fixing portion 145 for fixing to the side plate of the device body which is bent 90° outward in the axial direction. Screw through holes 143 for screws to pass through are provided near the upper and lower ends of the fixing portion 145, and positioning holes 144 are provided between these screw through holes 143.

[0060] like Figure 4 (a) Figure 7 As shown, the cover member 32 has ribs 32e for reinforcing the cover member 32. However, in this embodiment, as... Figure 10 As shown, a first conduit 72 of a cooling device 70 is arranged on the axial outer side of the drive transmission device 30 for air cooling of the paper passing through the fixing unit 17 or the paper discharge guide 142 that guides the paper through the fixing unit 17. Therefore, there is insufficient space on the cover member 32 side of the drive transmission device 30 to raise the ribs 32e, and the ribs 32e cannot adequately ensure the rigidity of the cover member 32. Therefore, the cover member 32 may deform when it is screwed onto the housing 31.

[0061] As described above, the cover component 32 supports one end of each drive shaft 37, 38 and the solar component 51. Therefore, when the cover component 32 deforms, the solar component 51 and each drive shaft will tilt, which may result in a decrease in rotational accuracy, noise generation, etc.

[0062] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 4 (a) Figure 7 As shown, the configuration employs four positioning protrusions 131a, 131b, 131c, and 131d within the housing 31 to position the four corners of the cover component 32. The positioning protrusions 131a, 131b, 131c, and 131d formed at the four corners of the cover component 32 pass through four positioning holes 32f1, 32f2, 32f3, and 32f4. Positioning holes 32f1 and 32f3 have approximately the same outer diameter as the positioning protrusions, serving as the primary positioning reference. On the other hand, positioning holes 32f2 and 32f4 are elongated holes, serving as secondary positioning references.

[0063] In this way, by positioning the cover component 32 at its four corners, deformation of the cover component 32 can be suppressed at these four positioning points, and the cover component 32 can be screwed onto the housing 31. Thus, deformation of the cover component 32 can be suppressed when the screws are fixed onto the housing 31.

[0064] in addition, Figure 10 The cooling device 70 shown includes a cooling fan 71, a first duct 72, and a second duct 73 disposed above the paper discharge unit 40. Figure 10 As indicated by the arrow, the air drawn in by the cooling fan 71 moves from the first duct 72 to the second duct 73 and is blown out from the outlet of the second duct 73, thus air-cooling the paper passing through the fixing unit 17 and the paper discharge guide 142. By air-cooling the paper discharge guide 142, condensation on the paper discharge guide 142 in low-temperature environments can be suppressed.

[0065] Figure 11 The image shown is a cross-sectional perspective view of the second drive shaft 38.

[0066] like Figure 11 As shown, a flange 38d is provided at the shaft portion 38a side end of the gear portion 38b. Grease is applied to the tooth surface of the gear portion 38b. If this grease enters between the armature and rotor of the second electromagnetic clutch 36 mounted on the shaft portion 38a, poor engagement or idling of the second electromagnetic clutch 36 may occur. Therefore, the flange 38d is provided at the shaft portion 38a side end of the gear portion 38b to prevent the grease applied to the gear portion 38b from moving towards the second electromagnetic clutch 36 supported on the shaft portion 38a.

[0067] Furthermore, the diameter of the shaft portion 38a is smaller than that of the other portions, forming a D-shaped cut. Then, a groove 38e is formed on the stepped surface perpendicular to the axial direction in the steps of the shaft portion 38a at the paper discharge unit side end and other parts, thus reducing rigidity. The second drive shaft 38 is made of resin, and by forming the groove 38e to reduce rigidity, the stepped surface can be easily elastically deformed. Therefore, the elastic deformation of this stepped surface absorbs the impact when the second electromagnetic clutch engages, thereby suppressing damage to the second drive shaft 38.

[0068] Furthermore, the first drive shaft 37 has the same configuration as the second drive shaft 38 and has the aforementioned configuration.

[0069] Figure 12 The figure shown is a perspective view of the second connector 63 and the first joint 51b.

[0070] like Figure 12As shown, the first engagement portion 51b, which is a connecting component, is a splined shaft with external teeth 151 serving as a drive transmission portion, and the second connector 63, which is a connected component, is a splined hole with internal teeth 163 serving as a drive receiving portion on its inner circumferential surface. Then, the first engagement portion 51b is driven and connected by inserting the second connector 63.

[0071] When the rotational clearance of the first engagement portion 51b when it is inserted into the second connector 63 is large, the start of the drive of the switching claw 23 will be delayed, which may result in insufficient time to switch the transport destination and thus prevent the paper from being transported to the desired destination. Therefore, the distance between the inner teeth 163 of the second connector 63 and the outer teeth 151 of the first engagement portion 51b is set to be small. However, when the distance is small, the outer teeth 151 of the first engagement portion 51b is prone to contacting the inner teeth 163 of the second connector 63, making it difficult for the first engagement portion 51b to be inserted into the second connector 63.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, the second connector side end of the external teeth 151 of the first engagement portion 51b is formed into a shape that gradually tapers towards the end, and the second connector side end of the tooth surface is formed with an inclined surface 151a that is inclined in the rotational direction. Similarly, the first connector side end of the internal teeth 163 of the second connector 63 is also formed into a shape that tapers towards the end tip, and the second connector side end of the tooth surface is also formed with an inclined surface 163a that is inclined in the rotational direction. With this configuration, the external teeth 151 of the first engagement portion 51b can be guided between the internal teeth 163 of the second connector 63 using the inclined surfaces 151a and 163a. ​​Thus, when the first engagement portion 51b is inserted into the second connector 63 while the external teeth 151 of the first engagement portion 51b are in contact with the internal teeth 163 of the second connector 63, the external teeth 151 of the first engagement portion 51b are guided by the inclined surfaces 151a and 163a. ​​Then, the external teeth 151 of the first engagement portion 51b enter between the internal teeth 163 of the second connector 63. Therefore, the first joint 51b can be easily inserted into the second connector 63, and the driving connection between the first joint 51b and the second connector 63 can be easily established.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first joint 51b is a splined shaft and the second connector 63 is a splined hole. However, the second connector 63 can also be a splined shaft and the first joint 51b a splined hole. Furthermore, in the above description, inclined surfaces are provided on both the external teeth 151 of the first joint 51b and the internal teeth 163 of the second connector 63. However, the inclined surfaces can also be provided on only one of the external teeth 151 of the first connector and the internal teeth 163 of the second connector. Additionally, in the above description, a spline connection consisting of a splined shaft and a splined hole is used, but the connector is not limited to a spline connection.

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 13and Figure 14 Explain the swing mechanism 60 that causes the switching claw 23 to swing.

[0075] Figure 13 The figure shown is a perspective view of the swing mechanism 60 and the drive transmission device 30. Figure 14 The image shown is a side view of the paper feeding unit 40. Figure 14 (a) shows the action of turning the paper during transport after it has passed through the fixing device 17 to the reversing unit 19. Figure 14 (b) shows the operation of conveying the paper that has passed through the fixing device 17 to the reversing unit 19.

[0076] The swing mechanism 60 has a first coupling component 61, a second coupling component 62, and a second connector 63. The second connector 63 is a cylindrical shape with open ends in the axial direction, and has internal teeth 163 formed on the drive transmission device 30 side. On the paper discharge unit side, it is rotatably supported on a support shaft 41b provided on the side plate portion 141 of the paper discharge frame 41 (see reference). Figure 14 A first coupling component 61 is fixed to the outer surface of the second connector 63. An elongated hole 61a is provided in the first coupling component 61, through which the connecting rod shaft 62a, which serves as the shaft component of the second coupling component 62, passes. The second coupling component 62 is disposed within the paper discharge unit, as shown below. Figure 13 The switch pawl 23 is mounted on the swing shaft 23a. At the end of the second coupling component 62 opposite to the mounting portion 62b mounted on the swing shaft 23a, a connecting rod 62a extending towards the drive transmission device is provided. This connecting rod 62a passes through the arc-shaped swing limiting hole 41a in the side plate portion 141 of the paper discharge frame 41 and the elongated hole 61a in the first coupling component 61. A retaining ring 62c is embedded at the front end of the connecting rod 62a. The swing of the switching pawl 23 is limited by the contact between the connecting rod 62a and the two ends 141a, 141b of the swing limiting hole 41a.

[0077] The first coupling component 61, fixed to the second joint 63, rotates about the support shaft 41b, while the second coupling component 62 rotates about the swing shaft 23a. Thus, due to the different centers of rotation, [the following occurs]. Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 (b) Between, the connecting rod shaft 62a moves while the distance between it and the support shaft 41b changes. In this embodiment, by forming the hole through which the connecting rod shaft 62a of the first coupling member 61 passes into an elongated hole 61a, the connecting rod shaft 62a can move while changing the distance between it and the support shaft 41b.

[0078] In addition, Figure 14 In the state shown in (a), the connecting rod shaft 62a is located near the support shaft 41b. Figure 14In the position shown in (a), the connecting rod shaft 62a is located inside the internal gear housing 31m of the housing 31 and has sufficient clearance from the housing 31. On the other hand, in Figure 14 In the state shown in (b), the connecting rod shaft 62a is located away from the support shaft 41b. Figure 14 In the position shown in (b), the connecting rod shaft 62a faces the internal tooth receiving portion 31m of the housing 31 and the distance between it and the housing 31 is very small.

[0079] Therefore, due to the axial thermal expansion of the connecting rod shaft 62a, the axial thermal expansion of the housing 31, assembly errors, or manufacturing errors, the front end of the connecting rod shaft 62a may interfere with the internal gear housing 31m of the housing 31, potentially preventing it from moving. Figure 14 (b) shows the state. As a result, the switching claw 23 cannot swing to the specified position, which may lead to problems such as paper jams.

[0080] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 5 , Figure 15 As shown, a retraction hole 31d is provided in the internal gear receiving portion 31m of the housing 31 to allow the connecting rod shaft 62a, which is a shaft component, to pass through. Therefore, even with some thermal expansion, assembly errors, or manufacturing errors, interference between the connecting rod shaft 62a and the housing 31 can be prevented, thereby achieving... Figure 14 (b) state. As a result, the switching claw 23 can swing properly to the specified position and the occurrence of paper jams can be suppressed.

[0081] When switching claw 23 takes Figure 3 In the first posture shown in (a), as Figure 14 As shown in (b), the connecting rod shaft 62a abuts against the lower end 141a of the swing limiting hole 41a to limit rotation in the direction of arrow A2 in the figure. This allows the switching pawl 23 to be maintained in the first position. On the other hand, when the switching pawl 23 takes... Figure 3 In the second position shown in (b), the connecting rod shaft 62a abuts against the upper end 141b of the swing limiting hole 41a to limit rotation in the direction of arrow A1 in the figure. Thus, the switching pawl 23 can be maintained in the second position.

[0082] Additionally, in the reverse drive roller 25 direction of the paper discharge... Figure 3 When rotating in the direction shown in (a) (when the paper that has passed through the fixing device 17 is being fed to the reversing unit 19), the paper feed gear 42 moves towards... Figure 14 (b) The rotation is in the direction of arrow B2 in the diagram. On the other hand, when the paper discharge reverse drive roller 25 rotates towards... Figure 3 When rotating in the direction shown in (b) (when the paper that has passed through the fixing device 17 is fed to the paper discharge section 18, and the paper that has passed through the reversing section 19 is fed to the double-sided transport path 21), the paper discharge gear 42 rotates towards... Figure 14 In diagram (a), the direction of arrow B1 is rotated.

[0083] Next, use Figure 14 This will explain the drive transmission to the paper discharge unit 40, specifically the paper discharge reversal drive roller 25 and the switching claw 23.

[0084] Table 1 below shows the ON / OFF states of the first electromagnetic clutch 34 and the second electromagnetic clutch 36 during each operation.

[0085] Table 1

[0086] No. First electromagnetic clutch Second electromagnetic clutch use 1 OFF OFF When stopping, when handling paper jams 2 ON OFF When laying paper, when double-sided 3 OFF ON When reversed 4 ON ON Do not use

[0087] As shown in Table 1, when paper is fed to the paper discharge section 18 (paper discharge in Table 1) and when paper from the reversing section 19 is fed to the double-sided transport path 21 (double-sided transport in Table 1), the first electromagnetic clutch 34 is set to ON and the second electromagnetic clutch 36 is set to OFF. On the other hand, when paper is fed to the reversing section 19 (reversing transport in Table 1), the first electromagnetic clutch 34 is OFF and the second electromagnetic clutch 36 is ON. When paper transport stops or during paper jam handling, both electromagnetic clutches are OFF and are not used in the ON state.

[0088] First, the drive transmission when feeding paper to the paper discharge section 18 (paper discharge in Table 1) and when feeding paper from the reversing section 19 to the double-sided transport path 21 (double-sided transport in Table 1) will be explained. At this time, as shown in Table 1, the first electromagnetic clutch 34 is ON and the second electromagnetic clutch 36 is OFF. Therefore, the driving force of the fixing motor transmitted to the input gear 33 is transmitted to the first drive shaft 37 via the first electromagnetic clutch 34, and the driving force is transmitted from the gear section 37b of the first drive shaft 37 to the gear carrier 53, causing the gear carrier 53 to rotate.

[0089] The planetary gear 54, supported by the gear carrier 53, revolves due to the rotation of the gear carrier 53. At this time, the component with the larger load torque (either the sun component 51 or the internal gear component 55) remains fixed, while the component with the smaller load torque becomes the output. When the first electromagnetic clutch 34 is ON, with the internal gear component as the output, the internal gear component 55... Figure 14 (a) rotates in the direction of arrow C1, and the paper feed gear 42 rotates in the direction of arrow B1 in the figure. On the other hand, when the sun component 51 is in the output position, the connecting rod shaft 62a is rotated in the direction of arrow B1 in the figure. Figure 14 (a) shows the direction of arrow A1.

[0090] The switching claw 23 is essentially unloaded during the oscillation between the first and second positions. On the other hand, since the paper discharge reverse drive roller 25 drives the paper discharge driven roller 18a and the reverse drive roller 19a to rotate, a predetermined load is applied to the paper discharge reverse drive roller 25. Therefore, when the connecting rod shaft 62a is located at... Figure 14 (b) When switching claw 23 is Figure 3 (a) in the first posture), Figure 14 In diagram (a), the rotation in the direction of arrow A1 is almost unloaded. Therefore, at this time, the driving force is transmitted from planetary gear 54 to sun component 51, and connecting rod shaft 62a rotates in the direction of arrow A1 in the diagram. Consequently, switching pawl 23... Figure 3 (a) First posture towards Figure 3 (b) The second posture swing. Then, when switching claw 23 to the second posture, as... Figure 14 As shown in (a), the connecting rod shaft 62a abuts against the upper end 141b of the swing-limiting hole 41a. When the connecting rod shaft 62a abuts against the upper end 141b of the swing-limiting hole 41a, the upper end 141b limits the rotation of the connecting rod shaft 62a in the direction of arrow A1, and the load torque applied to the sun component 51 is greater than the load torque applied to the internal gear component 55. As a result, the sun component 51 is fixed, and the driving force is transmitted from the planetary gear 54 to the internal gear component 55, which then... Figure 14 In diagram (a), the paper feed gear 42 rotates in the direction of arrow C1 as the paper feed gear rotates in the direction of arrow B1. Thus, it becomes... Figure 2 or Figure 3 In the state shown in (b), the paper passing through the fixing device 17 is conveyed to the paper discharge section 18 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 20. Alternatively, the paper held by the reversing rollers is conveyed to the double-sided conveying path 21.

[0091] Next, the drive transmission when the paper that has passed through the fixing device 17 is conveyed to the reversal unit 19 (reversal in Table 1) will be explained.

[0092] As shown in Table 1, when the paper that has passed through the fixing unit 17 is fed to the reversing unit 19, the first electromagnetic clutch 34 is OFF and the second electromagnetic clutch 36 is ON. This transmits the driving force of the fixing motor from the input gear 33 via the reversing gear 35 and the second electromagnetic clutch 36 to the second drive shaft 38. Then, the driving force is transmitted from the gear section 38b of the second drive shaft 38 to the gear carrier 53. At this time, the rotation direction of the gear carrier 53 is opposite to that when the driving force is transmitted from the first drive shaft 37.

[0093] Therefore, at this time, when the driving force is transmitted from the planetary gear 54 to the sun component 51, the connecting rod shaft 62a moves towards... Figure 14 (b) When rotating in the direction of arrow A2, and the driving force is transmitted to the internal gear component 55, the connecting rod shaft 62a rotates in the direction of... Figure 14 (b) rotate in the direction of arrow B2. Then, when the connecting rod shaft 62a is located... Figure 14 (a) When switching claw 23 is Figure 3 (b) in the second posture), Figure 14 (b) The rotation in the direction of arrow A2 in the diagram is almost unloaded. Therefore, at this time, the driving force is transmitted from planetary gear 54 to sun component 51, and connecting rod shaft 62a rotates in the direction of arrow A2 in the diagram. Consequently, switching pawl 23... Figure 3 (b) the second posture towards Figure 3 (a) The first posture swings. Then, when switching claw 23 to the first posture, as... Figure 14 As shown in (b), the connecting rod shaft 62a abuts against the lower end 141a of the swing-limiting hole 41a. When the connecting rod shaft 62a abuts against the lower end 141a of the swing-limiting hole 41a, the lower end 141a limits the rotation of the connecting rod shaft 62a in the direction of arrow A2, and the load torque applied to the sun component 51 is greater than the load torque applied to the internal gear component 55. As a result, the sun component 51 is fixed, and the driving force is transmitted from the planetary gear 54 to the internal gear component 55, which then... Figure 14 (b) In the diagram, the paper feeding gear 42 rotates in the direction of arrow C2, and rotates in the direction of arrow B2. Thus, it becomes... Figure 3 In the state shown in (a), the paper that has passed through the fixing device 17 is transported to the reversal unit 19.

[0094] Thus, the drive transmission device 30 is configured with a planetary gear mechanism 50, transmitting drive from the sun member 51 to the switching claw 23, and transmitting drive from the internal gear member 55 to the paper discharge reversal drive roller 25. This configuration allows for the rotation of the paper discharge reversal drive roller 25 and the oscillation of the switching claw 23 to be performed using a single drive source. Therefore, compared to using separate drive sources such as a motor to rotate the paper discharge reversal drive roller 25 and an actuator to oscillate the switching claw 23, the cost of the device can be reduced.

[0095] In the above description, the two driven rollers, paper discharge driven roller 18a and reverse driven roller 19a, abut against the drive roller (paper discharge reverse drive roller 25) that transmits driving force from the internal tooth member 55. However, it is also possible for only one driven roller to abut against the drive roller. Even with such a configuration, the load torque of the drive roller can be made greater than the load torque when the switching claw 23 swings, and the drive transmission target can be switched.

[0096] Next, the positioning of the axial force direction of the switching claw 23 will be explained.

[0097] Figure 16 The image shown is a schematic diagram of the front view of the paper output unit 40. Figure 17 What is shown is Figure 16An enlarged sectional view near the X.

[0098] The two ends of the swing shaft 23a of the switching claw 23 are rotatably supported on the side plate portion 141 of the paper discharge frame 41. Then, as Figure 17 As shown, at the right end of the swing shaft 23a, two slots 123a are provided at intervals approximately the same thickness as the paper feed frame 41. Retaining rings 45 are embedded in these slots 123a, clamping the paper feed frame 41 to position the swing shaft 23a in the axial force direction. This configuration positions the swing shaft 23a in the axial force direction on one end, but not on the other.

[0099] With grooves at both ends of the swing shaft 23a and retaining rings 45 respectively, and the retaining rings 45 being positioned opposite the side plate portion 141 of the paper feed frame 41 to determine the axial force direction, the following undesirable situation may occur. Specifically, if the distance between the side plate portions 141 increases due to thermal expansion of the paper feed frame 41, the side plate portions 141 may collide with the retaining rings, hindering the rotation of the swing shaft 23a and increasing the torque when the switching claw 23 swings. As a result, the load torque applied to the sun component 51 when the switching claw 23 swings is higher than the load torque applied to the internal tooth component 55, and the switching claw 23 may become unable to swing.

[0100] On the other hand, as shown in this embodiment, by positioning the axial force direction at one end, even if the distance between the side plate portions 141 increases due to the thermal expansion of the paper feed frame 41, the side plate portion 141 will not strongly contact the retaining ring 45. This effectively suppresses the wobbling of the switching claw 23. Furthermore, it is preferable to position the axial force direction on the side plate portion where the drive transmission device 30 is located. This is because heat from the side plate portion 141 easily escapes to the drive transmission device, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the side plate portion 141 and suppressing its thermal expansion. This prevents strong contact between the side plate portion 141 and the retaining ring 45 sandwiched between the side plate portion 141 due to thermal expansion.

[0101] In addition, such as Figure 18 As shown, the switching claw 23 can also be positioned near the side plate portion 141, and the axial force direction can be positioned using the retaining ring 45 disposed on the outer side of the side plate portion 141 and the switching claw 23. This reduces the number of retaining rings 45, thereby reducing assembly time, the number of parts, and the cost of the device.

[0102] Next, the installation of the drive transmission device 30 and the paper discharge unit 40 on the main body of the device will be explained.

[0103] Figure 19The diagram shown is a perspective view of the paper feeding frame 41, the housing 31, the front panel 100a, and the rear panel 100b of the device. Figure 20 The image shows... Figure 19 The diagram viewed in the direction of arrow L1. Figure 21 The image shows... Figure 19 The diagram is viewed from the direction of arrow L2.

[0104] In addition, Figures 19-21 In this diagram, to facilitate understanding of the fixation of the drive transmission device 30 to the rear side plate 100b, only the housing 31 of the drive transmission device 30 is shown. However, in reality, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the housing 31 is mounted on the rear side panel 100b in a modular state.

[0105] In the front side plate 100a and rear side plate 100b of the device that serves as a positioning component for positioning the paper discharge frame 41, paper discharge unit fixing parts 101a and 101b protruding toward the paper discharge unit 40 side (the inside side of the device) are provided. In these fixing parts, threaded holes for screws are provided at two locations spaced apart in the vertical direction, and positioning protrusions 102a and 102b for positioning the paper discharge unit 40 are provided between these threaded holes.

[0106] like Figure 20 As shown, the device is located on the front side of the paper discharge frame 41. Figure 20 The positioning hole 144 in the fixing part 145 of the side plate (on the left side) is elongated and serves as a secondary reference for positioning. On the other hand, the device rear side (on the left side) of the paper feed frame 41 Figure 20 The positioning hole 144 in the fixing part 145 of the side plate (right side) is round and serves as the main reference for positioning.

[0107] After the paper feed frame 41 is positioned by inserting the positioning protrusions 102a and 102b of each side plate 100a and 100b into the positioning holes 144 of the fixing part 145 of each side plate of the paper feed frame 41, the paper feed unit 40 is positioned and fixed into the device by screws 110.

[0108] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown, the rear side plate 100b has a main reference positioning hole 31g that passes through the housing 31 (see reference). Figure 4 (b)) Positioning protrusion 103a and through sub-base positioning hole 31h (refer to) Figure 4 (b)) Positioning protrusion 103a. Additionally, the rear side plate 101 has an internal toothed receiving portion 31m of the housing 31 (see reference). Figure 4 (b)) The through hole.

[0109] When assembling the unitized drive transmission device 30 into the device, the internal tooth receiving portion 31m of the housing 31 is made to pass through the through hole of the rear side plate 100b. Furthermore, the positioning protrusions 103a and 103b provided on the rear side plate 100b are inserted into the positioning holes 31g and 31h of the housing 31 to position the housing 31 on the rear side plate 100b. Then, as... Figure 21 As shown, the housing 31 is fastened to the rear side plate 100b by screws 111, thereby positioning and fixing the unitized drive transmission device 30 to the main body of the device.

[0110] In this embodiment, the drive transmission device 30 is positioned and fixed on the rear side plate 100b, which serves as a positioning member for positioning the paper discharge unit 40. Therefore, compared to the case where the drive transmission device 30 is positioned and fixed on other components different from the component positioning the paper discharge unit 40, positional misalignment between the paper discharge unit 40 and the drive transmission device 30 can be suppressed. This allows the outer tooth portion 55b of the internal tooth member 55 (see reference...) to... Figure 5 ) and paper feeding gear 42 (refer to) Figure 5 The first engagement portion 51b can be well inserted into the second connector 63.

[0111] In the above, the ON / OFF control of two electromagnetic clutches is used to achieve this. Figure 14 (a) shows the rotation in the directions of arrows A1, B1, and C1. Figure 14 (b) The direction of each arrow A2, B2, and C2 is switched, but the rotation direction can also be switched by rotating the motor in both directions. In this case, although a dedicated forward and reverse rotation motor for the paper feed unit is used, it can also be configured such that the motor gear meshes with the external gear section 53b of the gear carrier, thereby eliminating the need for two electromagnetic clutches and two drive shafts. In addition, in this case, by housing the dedicated forward and reverse rotation motor for the paper feed unit in the housing 31 and making the forward and reverse rotation motor and the drive train an integrated unit, the ease of assembly and operation of the main body of the device can be improved, which is preferred.

[0112] In this embodiment, the gear carrier 53 of the planetary gear mechanism is used as the input, and the sun component 51 and the internal gear component 55 are used as the outputs, but this is not a limitation. For example, the sun component 51 can be used as the input, and the gear carrier 53 and the internal gear component 55 can be used as the outputs, or the internal gear component 55 can be used as the input, and the sun component 51 and the gear carrier 53 can be used as the outputs. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a connector is used in the drive connection with the swing mechanism 60 of the swing switching pawl 23. However, a connector can also be used in the drive connection with the paper discharge reversal drive roller 25. Additionally, a connector can be used in both the drive connection with the swing mechanism 60 of the swing switching pawl 23 and the drive connection with the paper discharge reversal drive roller 25.

[0113] Furthermore, the drive transmission device 30 of the above-described embodiment can be used, for example, for... Figure 22 The Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) 200 shown is an example of this embodiment. For instance, the drive transmission device 30 of this embodiment can be used for the drive transmission of the switching claw 203, which functions as a oscillating member, and the document reversing drive roller 204 of the document reversing section 201, which performs forward and reverse rotation. The switching claw 203 is used for the transmission of documents that have been read... Figure 22 The original image G shown is switched between being transported to the original output tray 202 or to the original reversal section 201.

[0114] Alternatively, it can also be done in Figure 23 The post-processing apparatus 300 shown uses the drive transmission device 30 of this embodiment. For example, the drive transmission device 30 of this embodiment can be used to drive the switching claw 306 and the forward and reverse rotating conveyor roller 301 or paper discharge roller 302. The switching claw 306 is used to turn the paper conveyed to the conveyor path Pt1 of the paper discharge tray 308 and convey it toward the binding processing unit 303.

[0115] In addition, not limited to the switching claw, the swing component of the drive transmission device 30 that transmits the driving force can also be a swing plate that raises and lowers the bottom plate of the paper feed tray.

[0116] The above explanation is just one example; the various methods below each have their own unique effects.

[0117] (Method 1)

[0118] It has a drive column consisting of multiple drive transmission components and a housing 31 for housing multiple drive columns. The drive transmission components transmit the driving force of the driving source such as the fixing motor to the swinging component such as the swinging switching claw 23 and the rotating body such as the paper discharge reversing drive roller 25.

[0119] Therefore, by assembling the storage component onto the main body of the device, the drive transmission device can be assembled onto the main body of the device. Compared with the case where multiple drive transmission components constituting the drive column are assembled onto the main body of the device separately, the assembly operability of the drive transmission device onto the main body of the device can be improved.

[0120] (Method 2)

[0121] In mode 1, the drive column has a first joint 51b, etc., which serves as a drive transmission member and a swing member such as a switching claw 23 or a rotating body such as a paper discharge reverse drive roller 25, which serves as a second joint to drive the connected member. The drive connection is performed by inserting one of the connecting member and the connected member into the other. At least one of the drive transmission part such as the outer teeth 151 of the connecting member and the drive receiving part such as the inner teeth 163 of the connected member has an inclined surface 163a or 151a that is inclined in the rotation direction at the front end of the axial direction.

[0122] Therefore, if used Figure 12 As explained, during drive connection, even if the axial front end of the drive transmission part such as the external teeth 151 of the connecting member such as the first joint 51b axially contacts the axial front end of the drive receiving part such as the internal teeth 163 of the connected member such as the second joint 63, the drive transmission part can be guided by the inclined surface into the space between the drive receiving parts. Therefore, the connecting member and the connected member can be easily driven connected.

[0123] (Method 3)

[0124] In mode 1 or 2, a storage component such as a housing 31 is positioned and fixed on a positioning component such as a rear side plate 100b. The positioning component such as the rear side plate 100b is used to position a support frame such as a paper discharge frame 41 that supports the swinging component such as the switching claw 23 and the rotating body such as the paper discharge reverse drive roller 25.

[0125] Therefore, if used Figure 22 As explained, it is possible to suppress positional misalignment between the oscillating component such as the switching claw 23 and the rotating body such as the paper discharge reversal drive roller 25 and the drive transmission device. As a result, the driving force can be effectively transmitted from the drive transmission device 30 to the oscillating component and the rotating body.

[0126] (Method 4)

[0127] In any of the methods 1 to 3, the drive column has a planetary gear mechanism.

[0128] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, the planetary gear mechanism comprises a large number of drive transmission components. This effectively improves assembly efficiency by housing these components. Furthermore, by using a planetary gear mechanism, one of the planetary gear carrier, internal gear component, and sun component is used for outputting to the oscillating component, and one of the remaining two components is used for outputting to the rotating body. This allows the oscillating component to oscillate between a first and second posture, followed by rotation of the rotating body. Consequently, both the oscillation of the oscillating component and the rotation of the rotating body can be achieved with a single drive source, reducing the cost of the device compared to using separate drive sources.

[0129] (Method 5)

[0130] In mode 4, the sun gear 51a of the planetary gear mechanism 50 and the connecting parts such as the first joint 51b, which are connected to the connecting parts of the oscillating parts such as the switching claw 23 or the rotating body such as the paper discharge reverse drive roller 25, are arranged on the same axis.

[0131] Therefore, compared to arranging the solar components and connecting components on different axes, it is possible to suppress the radial enlargement of the device.

[0132] (Method 6)

[0133] In any of the methods 1 to 5, there is a housing member that is fastened to the housing 31, etc., and a support member that supports at least one of the plurality of drive transmission members constituting the drive column housed in the housing member (in this embodiment, the solar member 51, the first drive shaft 37, and the second drive shaft 38) as a rotatable cover member 32, etc., and the four corners of the support member are positioned to the housing member.

[0134] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, deformation of the support members such as the cover member 32 can be suppressed at the four corner positioning points, while the support members are fastened to the storage members such as the housing 31. Thus, deformation of the support members can be suppressed, and tilting of the drive transmission member, which is rotatably supported on the support members, can also be suppressed.

[0135] (Method 7)

[0136] In any of the methods 1 to 6, the housing 31 and the like swing together with the swinging member such as the switching claw 23, and have a retraction hole 31d that allows the shaft member such as 62a opposite to the housing to pass.

[0137] Therefore, as described in the embodiments, even if there are some thermal expansion, assembly errors, and manufacturing errors, interference between the shaft component and the housing component such as the housing 31 can be suppressed, and the swinging component can swing smoothly.

[0138] (Method 8)

[0139] In a drive unit such as a paper discharge unit 40 that includes a swinging component such as a switching claw 23, a rotating body such as a paper discharge reverse drive roller 25, and a drive transmission device 30 that transmits the driving force of the drive source to the swinging component and the rotating body, any one of the drive transmission devices 1 to 7 is used as the drive transmission device 30.

[0140] Therefore, the drive transmission device can be easily assembled.

[0141] (Method 9)

[0142] In mode 8, a support frame such as a paper discharge frame 41 is provided. The paper discharge frame 41 has a pair of support portions such as a side plate portion 141 that supports a swing member such as a switching claw 23 and a rotating body such as a paper discharge reverse drive roller 25 on both sides in the rotation axis direction. The positioning of the axial force direction of the swing member is performed only on one of the pair of support portions.

[0143] Therefore, if used Figure 17 As explained, even if the support frame of the paper feed frame 41 and the like thermally expands in the axial force direction, the swinging component can still swing smoothly.

[0144] (Method 10)

[0145] In mode 8 or 9, the rotating body is a conveying roller for conveying the sheet, and the oscillating component is a switching component such as a switching claw 23 for switching the conveying path of the sheet.

[0146] Therefore, the rotation of the conveyor rollers and the switching of the conveying destination can be achieved through a single drive source.

[0147] (Method 11)

[0148] A drive unit comprising the drive transmission device 30 of any one of embodiments 1 to 7 or the paper discharge unit 40 of any one of embodiments 8 to 10.

[0149] This improves the ease of assembly and operation of the device.

Claims

1. A drive transmission device, characterized in that... include: A drive train consisting of multiple drive transmission components, wherein the drive transmission components transmit the driving force of the drive source to a swinging component and a rotating body configured to swing, and Storage components for accommodating the drive column; The drive column has a connecting member that serves as a drive transmission component and is driven to connect with the oscillating component or the rotating body. The drive connection is achieved by inserting one of the connecting component and the connected component into the other through a spline connection. At least one of the drive transmission portion of the connecting member and the drive receiving portion of the connected member has an axial front end portion having an inclined surface that is inclined in the rotation direction. The rotating body is a drive roller, and the oscillating component is a switching claw. The load torque of the drive roller is greater than the load torque when the switching claw swings. The drive transmission component includes two outputs, one for the switching claw and the other for the drive roller. When the switching claw is not restricted, the drive column drives the switching claw to swing. When the switching claw is restricted, the drive source drives the drive roller to rotate.

2. The drive transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage component is positioned and fixed on the positioning component that positions the support frame supporting the swinging component and the rotating body.

3. The drive transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The drive train has a planetary gear mechanism.

4. The drive transmission device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism and the connecting member connected to the oscillating member or the rotating body are arranged on the same axis.

5. The drive transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The device has a support member that is fastened to the housing member and supports at least one of a plurality of drive transmission members constituting a drive column housed within the housing member as a rotatable support member. The four corners of the supporting component are positioned to the storage component.

6. The drive transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The storage component swings together with the swinging component and has a retraction hole that allows the shaft component opposite to the storage component to avoid it.

7. A driving unit, characterized in that... include: Oscillating component; Rotational bodies, and A drive transmission device that transmits the driving force of the drive source to the swinging component and the rotating body. The drive transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is used as the drive transmission device.

8. The driving unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: It includes a support frame having a pair of support portions on both sides in the direction of the rotation axis that support the swinging component and the rotating body. The axial force direction of the swing component is positioned only for one of a pair of supports.

9. The driving unit according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The rotating body is a conveyor roller that transports the sheet material. The oscillating component is a switching component that switches the conveying path of the sheet.

10. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that: It has a drive transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a drive unit according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

Images