Imaging device

Abstract

This invention relates to an imaging apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising a rotating member, a holding member, and a pushing member. The rotating member is rotatable between a first position and a second position about a rotation axis, and is rotatable from the first position in a direction opposite to the second position. The holding member rotatably holds the rotating member. When the rotating member rotates from the first position in a direction opposite to the second position, the pushing member pushes the rotating member in a return direction that returns the rotating member to the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus including a rotatable rotating component. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, a known technique for detecting the transport position of a sheet (recording medium) in an imaging apparatus comprises a sensor marker arranged along the transport path of the sheet, a push spring configured to press the sensor marker, and a sensor such as an optical circuit breaker. The leading edge of the sheet being transported directly contacts the sensor marker, causing the sensor marker to swing against the pushing force of the push spring. It is generally known to detect the swinging motion of the sensor marker using a sensor such as an optical circuit breaker, and to detect the sheet's position information based on the sensor's ON / OFF signal. In this contact-sensing configuration, when the sensor marker swings to return to a waiting position, the sensor marker collides with a positioning member arranged opposite to the sensor marker at the waiting position. As a result, the kinetic energy of the sensor marker is rapidly converted into acoustic energy, which is released to the outside as a collision sound, generating sound each time the sheet is transported.

[0003] To reduce this sound, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H06-94444 proposes a method that reduces the momentum of the sensor mark 10 against the positioning member 12 by providing an impact-absorbing member 11 on the positioning member 12 of the receiving sensor mark 10. Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown. Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a perspective view of the sensor identifier 10 and the shock-absorbing member 11 in conventional technology. The sensor identifier 10 is provided with a contact portion 10a and an abutment portion 10b. The shock-absorbing member 11 is fixed to the positioning member 12. Figure 9A This is a perspective view of sensor identifier 10 located at waiting position WP. Figure 9B This is a perspective view of the sensor marker 10 located at the detection position DP. The sensor marker 10 rotates from the waiting position WP to the detection position DP by pushing the contact portion 10a with the conveyed sheet. When the sheet leaves the contact portion 10a, the sensor marker 10 returns from the detection position DP to the waiting position WP. According to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H06-94444, when the sensor marker 10 returns from the detection position DP to the waiting position WP, the abutment portion 10b of the sensor marker 10 collides with the impact-absorbing member 11, which is fixed to the positioning member 12. The impact-absorbing member 11 mitigates the impact when the sensor marker 10 is positioned by the positioning member 12.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-335783 discloses a method for reducing the momentum of a sensor marker abutting against a receiving part by integrally incorporating a leaf spring into the sensor marker. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-188288 also discloses a method in which a positioning abutment slides on a sliding part while a rotating part moves along the axial direction, moving the rotating part from a detection position to a waiting position, thereby dispersing the kinetic energy when the positioning abutment strikes the positioning surface. This reduces collision noise when the positioning abutment collides with the positioning surface at the waiting position.

[0005] However, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H06-94444 returns to, for example, sensor identifier 10. Figure 9A In the waiting position WP shown, the abutment portion 10b of the sensor identifier 10 collides with the impact-absorbing member 11 fixed to the positioning member 12 to mitigate the impact of the sensor identifier 10. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-335783 mitigates the impact of the rotating member using a leaf spring, but the rotating member collides with the positioning member arranged opposite to the rotating member at the waiting position. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-188288 disperses the kinetic energy of the collision, but the rotating member collides with the positioning member arranged opposite to the rotating member at the waiting position. In any conventional technology, the rotating member collides with the positioning member at the waiting position, causing the rotating member to stop at the waiting position, resulting in a collision sound whenever the rotating member returns from the detection position to the waiting position. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an imaging apparatus configured to form an image on a recording medium includes: a rotating member rotatable about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position, and rotatable from the first position in a direction opposite to the second position; a holding member configured to rotatably hold the rotating member; and a pushing member configured to push the rotating member in a return direction that returns the rotating member to the first position when the rotating member rotates from the first position in a direction opposite to the second position.

[0007] Other features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the sheet inspection section of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view of the sheet inspection section of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the sensor identifier in the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the pressing member of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C This is an illustrative view showing how the pressing component moves due to rotation indicated by a sensor.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the sensor identifier in the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the pressing member of the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9A and Figure 9B It is a perspective view of sensor markings and impact-absorbing components in traditional technology. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the dimensions, materials, and shapes of the components, as well as their relative positions, are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to only those components. In the following description, the imaging apparatus will be viewed from the front (…). Figure 1 The positional relationships between top, bottom, left, right, front, and back are described based on the viewpoint in the image.

[0018] [First Embodiment]

[0019] (Imaging device)

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus 201. The imaging apparatus 201 is an electrophotographic copier (e.g., a digital copier) that uses an electrophotographic method to form a full-color image on a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as a sheet). In this embodiment, an electrophotographic copier is used as an example to describe the imaging apparatus 201, but the imaging apparatus 201 is not limited thereto. The imaging apparatus 201 can be an electrophotographic printer (e.g., a color laser beam printer, a color LED (light-emitting diode) printer), an MFP (multifunction printer), a fax machine, or a printing press. The imaging apparatus 201 is not limited to using an electrophotographic method, but can be an inkjet printer that forms an image on a recording medium by an inkjet method.

[0021] The imaging apparatus 201 includes an apparatus main body 201A, an imaging unit 201B, an intermediate transfer unit 201C, a reversal transport unit 201D, and a sheet feed unit 201E. In the imaging apparatus 201, an image reading device 202, configured to read an image from a document, is located at the top of the apparatus main body 201A. The imaging unit 201B, as the imaging unit, is located inside the apparatus main body 201A and, in cooperation with the intermediate transfer unit 201C, forms a toner image on a sheet P. The toner image formed on the sheet P by the imaging unit 201B is fixed on the sheet P by a fixing unit 220 located within the apparatus main body 201A, thereby forming an image on the sheet P. The sheet P with the image formed is discharged into a discharge space DS located between the image reading device 202 and the imaging unit 201B within the apparatus main body 201A. A discharge tray 230 is provided in the discharge space DS, on which the discharged sheets P are stacked.

[0022] The sheet feeding unit 201E, which serves as a sheet feeding unit, feeds the sheet P to the imaging unit 201B. The sheet feeding unit 201E includes multiple cassette feeders arranged at the lower part of the device body 201A and a manual feeder 100M arranged on the right side of the device body 201A. The multiple cassette feeders include a first feed cassette 100A, a second feed cassette 100B, a third feed cassette 100C, and a fourth feed cassette 100D. The first feed cassette 100A, the second feed cassette 100B, the third feed cassette 100C, and the fourth feed cassette 100D are arranged in this order, starting from the top.

[0023] The imaging unit 201B employs a so-called cascaded intermediate transfer method, and is equipped with a laser scanner 210, four processing cartridges 211, and an intermediate transfer unit 201C. The four processing cartridges 211 respectively form yellow toner images, magenta toner images, cyan toner images, and black toner images. Each processing cartridge 211 includes a photosensitive drum 212, a charger 213, a developing device 214, and a cleaner (not shown). Above the imaging unit 201B, four toner cartridges 215, each containing yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, are detachably mounted to the main body 201A.

[0024] The intermediate transfer unit 201C has an intermediate transfer belt 216 surrounding the drive roller 216a and the tension roller 216b. The intermediate transfer belt 216 is arranged above four processing cartridges 211. The intermediate transfer belt 216 is arranged to contact the photosensitive drums 212 of the four processing cartridges 211. The intermediate transfer belt 216 rotates counterclockwise (in the direction indicated by arrow Q) by the drive roller 216a driven by the drive unit (not shown). The intermediate transfer unit 201C has four primary transfer rollers 219 at corresponding positions opposite to the four photosensitive drums 212, abutting against the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 216. The four primary transfer sections T1 are formed as clamping portions between the intermediate transfer belt 216 and the photosensitive drums 212.

[0025] The imaging unit 201B has a secondary transfer roller 217 positioned opposite to the drive roller 216a, which abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 216. As a clamping part between the secondary transfer roller 217 and the intermediate transfer belt 216, a secondary transfer section T2 is formed in which the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 216 is transferred onto the sheet P.

[0026] In each processing cartridge 211, a charger 213 uniformly charges the surface of a rotating photosensitive drum 212. A laser scanner 210 emits laser light of each color onto the uniformly charged surface of the photosensitive drum 212 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 212. A developing apparatus 214 supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 212 to form toner images charged with negative polarity. A transfer bias voltage with positive polarity is applied to the primary transfer roller 219, causing the toner images of corresponding colors to be sequentially transferred at the primary transfer section T1 to the intermediate transfer belt 216 (primary transfer). The toner images of various colors are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 216 to form a full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 216.

[0027] In parallel with the toner image formation process, sheet P fed from sheet feed section 201E is conveyed to a pair of alignment rollers 240. These alignment rollers 240 correct any skewed feeding of sheet P. Then, the alignment rollers 240 begin conveying sheet P such that sheet P arrives at secondary transfer section T2 according to the timing of the arrival of the full-tone toner image formed on intermediate transfer belt 216. By applying a positive transfer bias voltage to secondary transfer roller 217, the full-tone toner image carried on intermediate transfer belt 216 is transferred onto sheet P at secondary transfer section T2 (secondary transfer).

[0028] A sheet P with a toner image transferred to it is heated and pressurized by a fixing unit 220, thereby fixing the color image onto the sheet P. The sheet P with the image fixed is discharged to a discharge tray 230 via a pair of discharge rollers 225 and is stacked on the discharge tray 230. In the case of double-sided printing where images are formed on both sides of the sheet P, the sheet P with the image formed on the front side (first surface) by the fixing unit 220 is reversed by a pair of reversing rollers 222 provided in the reversing conveyor 201D that can rotate in both directions. Then, the sheet P is transported again to the imaging unit 201B through the retransmission channel R, and an image is formed on the back side (second surface) opposite to the front side. The sheet P with images formed on both sides is discharged to the discharge tray 230 via the pair of discharge rollers 225.

[0029] (Sheet Inspection Department)

[0030] The following will refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B Description of Sheet Inspection Department 1. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the sheet inspection unit 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view of the sheet inspection unit 1 according to the first embodiment. The sheet inspection unit 1 is located at the junction 33 of the conveying paths 31 and 32. The conveying path 31 begins with a first feed box 100A located in the upper section, and the conveying path 32 begins with second feed boxes 100B, third feed boxes 100C, and fourth feed boxes 100D located in the lower section. A pair of conveying rollers 7, which convey the sheet P to the pair of alignment rollers 240 via the conveying path 34, are located at the junction 33. The pair of conveying rollers 7 includes a conveying roller 7a located on the side of the first feed box 100A relative to the conveying path 34, and a conveying roller 7b located on the opposite side of the first feed box 100A relative to the conveying path 34. The sheet inspection unit 1 is located on the side of the conveying roller 7a at the junction 33. The sheet inspection unit 1 inspects the sheet P conveyed from the conveying path 31 to the junction 33 and the sheet P conveyed from the conveying path 32 to the junction 33.

[0031] The sheet inspection unit 1 includes a transport guide 2 (holding member) configured to guide the transport of sheet P, a sensor identifier 3 (rotating member), a pressing member 4 (cam member), a spring member 5 (pushing member), and a light sensor 6. The transport guide 2 defines a portion of a transport path 31 located between the pair of transport rollers 7 and a pair of transport rollers 17 configured to transport sheet P fed from a first feed box 100A. The transport guide 2 holds the sensor identifier 3, which is capable of rotating (oscillating) about a rotation axis RA orthogonal to the transport direction CD of sheet P. The transport guide 2 holds the pressing member 4, which is capable of moving along the rotation axis RA in the axial direction AD (rotation axis direction).

[0032] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the sensor identifier 3 according to the first embodiment. The sensor identifier 3 has a contact portion 3a, a blocking portion 3b, a protrusion 3c, a rotating shaft portion 3d, an abutment portion 3e, and a shaft portion 3f. The contact portion 3a and the blocking portion 3b extend radially from the shaft portion 3f. The protrusion 3c, the rotating shaft portion 3d, and the abutment portion 3e are provided at one end of the shaft portion 3f.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the pressing member 4 according to the first embodiment. The pressing member 4 has a bushing portion 4a, a first sliding shaft portion 4b (first sliding portion), a second sliding shaft portion 4c (second sliding portion), a stop portion 4d (rotation control portion), a first contact surface 4e, a second contact surface 4f, and a spring receiving portion 4g (push force receiving portion). The bushing portion 4a is disposed on the first sliding shaft portion 4b. The two first contact surfaces 4e and the two second contact surfaces 4f are symmetrically disposed at one end of the first sliding shaft portion 4b. The stop portion 4d is disposed on the outer periphery of the first sliding shaft portion 4b. The spring receiving portion 4g is disposed between the other end of the first sliding shaft portion 4b and one end of the second sliding shaft portion 4c.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 The first sliding shaft portion 4b of the pressing member 4 is movably held along the axial direction AD by the first bushing portion 2b of the conveying guide 2. The second sliding shaft portion 4c of the pressing member 4 is movably held along the axial direction AD by the second bushing portion 2c of the conveying guide 2. The stop portion 4d of the pressing member 4 is fitted into the groove portion 2d formed in the first bushing portion 2b of the conveying guide 2 to control the rotation of the pressing member 4 about the rotation axis RA. One surface of the spring receiving portion 4g of the pressing member 4 is configured to abut against the first abutting surface 2g of the first bushing portion 2b. However, in this embodiment, when the pressing member 4 and the sensor identifier 3 are assembled into the conveying guide 2, the spring receiving portion 4g does not abut against the first abutting surface 2g. The spring member 5 is attached to the second sliding shaft portion 4c. The spring member 5 in the first embodiment is a compression spring, but it can also be other elastic members such as rubber. One end of the spring member 5 abuts against the second bushing portion 2c. The other end of the spring member 5 abuts against the other surface of the spring receiving portion 4g. Spring member 5 pushes and presses member 4 along the axial direction AD in the direction indicated by arrow A (pressing direction).

[0035] The rotating shaft portion 3d of sensor identifier 3 is inserted into the bushing portion 4a of pressing member 4, so that sensor identifier 3 is rotatably held relative to pressing member 4. One end of the shaft portion 3f of sensor identifier 3 is rotatably held by the third bushing portion 2f of conveying guide 2. The other end of the shaft portion 3f of sensor identifier 3 is rotatably held by the fourth bushing portion 2h of conveying guide 2. The abutting portion 3e of sensor identifier 3 is configured to abut against the second abutting surface 2e of the third bushing portion 2f of conveying guide 2. The movement of sensor identifier 3 in the direction indicated by arrow A (pressing direction) is controlled by the abutting portion 3e abutting against the second abutting surface 2e (movement control portion) of the third bushing portion 2f.

[0036] Two protrusions 3c, radially projecting from the rotation shaft portion 3d of the sensor identifier 3, are symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotation axis RA. When the sensor identifier 3 rotates with its rotation shaft portion 3d inserted into the bushing portion 4a of the pressing member 4, the two protrusions 3c can contact (abut) the first contact surface 4e or the second contact surface 4f of the pressing member 4 depending on the rotational position of the sensor identifier 3. When the protrusions 3c ride on the first contact surface 4e according to the rotation of the sensor identifier 3, the protrusions 3c push the first contact surface 4e to move the pressing member 4 along the axial direction AD in the direction indicated by arrow B. On the other hand, the protrusions 3c receive rotational force and force along the axial direction AD in the direction indicated by arrow A from the pressing member 4 according to the inclined shape of the first contact surface 4e. The rotation shaft portion 3d extends from the protrusions 3c and is inserted into the bushing portion 4a of the pressing member 4 so as to be rotatably supported. The sensor identifier 3 receives a force along the axial direction AD in the direction indicated by arrow A from either the first contact surface 4e or the second contact surface 4f, causing the abutment portion 3e of the sensor identifier 3 to abut against the second abutment surface 2e of the third bushing portion 2f of the transport guide 2. The movement of the sensor identifier 3 in the direction indicated by arrow A is controlled by the abutment portion 3e of the sensor identifier 3 against the second abutment surface 2e of the third bushing portion 2f of the transport guide 2.

[0037] The conveying guide 2 is equipped with a light-transmitting optical sensor 6 having a light emitting part and a light receiving part. When the sheet P conveyed from the conveying path 31 or the conveying path 32 contacts and presses the contact part 3a of the sensor mark 3, the sensor mark 3 rotates and the blocking part 3b blocks the light path between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the optical sensor 6. When the light path of the optical sensor 6 is blocked, the output of the optical sensor 6 is turned off. When the sheet P passes through the contact part 3a, the sensor mark 3 rotates due to the pushing force of the spring member 5 (pushing member), and the blocking part 3b retracts from the light path between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the optical sensor 6, allowing light to pass through the light path of the optical sensor 6. When the light path of the optical sensor 6 is transparent, the output of the optical sensor 6 is turned on. The optical sensor 6 outputs a detection signal in response to the sensor mark 3 rotating to the detection position. The passing state of the sheet P is detected by switching the detection signal of the optical sensor 6 on / off.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the pressing member 4 is coaxially supported by the transport guide 2 and the rotation axis RA of the sensor mark 3. The pressing member 4 is supported by the transport guide 2 so that it can translate along the axial direction AD of the sensor mark 3, and so that the pressing member 4 can rotate along the rotation direction RD. Figure 3A The rotation of the sensor identifier 3 is controlled. The rotating shaft portion 3d of the sensor identifier 3 is inserted into the bushing portion 4a of the pressing member 4, and the pressing member 4 rotatably supports the sensor identifier 3 and can move relative to the sensor identifier 3 along the axial direction AD.

[0039] The spring member 5 pushes the pressing member 4 along the axial direction AD in the direction indicated by arrow A, causing the first contact surface 4e, the second contact surface 4f, or either the first contact surface 4e or the second contact surface 4f, to contact the protrusion 3c of the sensor identifier 3. The contact between the first contact surface 4e, the second contact surface 4f, or either the first contact surface 4e or the second contact surface 4f, and the protrusion 3c of the sensor identifier 3 controls the movement of the pressing member 4 in the direction indicated by arrow A via the spring member 5. Figure 3A This is a view showing the state of sensor identifier 3 in the waiting position WP (first position). Figure 3B This is a view showing the sensor identifier 3 in the detection position DP (second position). When the sensor identifier 3 rotates from the waiting position WP to the detection position DP, the protrusion 3c of the sensor identifier 3 pushes the first contact surface 4e, causing the pressing member 4 to overcome the pushing force of the spring member 5 in the direction indicated by arrow B (…). Figure 2The first contact surface 4e is formed in a first inclined shape, which is inclined to increase the pushing force applied to the sensor mark 3 by the contact protrusion 3c when the sensor mark 3 rotates from the waiting position WP to the detection position DP. On the other hand, when the sensor mark 3 rotates from the waiting position WP in the opposite direction to the detection position DP, the protrusion 3c of the sensor mark 3 pushes the second contact surface 4f, so that the pressing member 4 overcomes the pushing force of the spring member 5 in the direction indicated by arrow B ( Figure 2 The second contact surface 4f is formed in a second inclined shape, which is inclined to increase the pushing force applied to the sensor mark 3 by the contact protrusion 3c when the sensor mark 3 rotates from the waiting position WP in the opposite direction to the detection position DP.

[0040] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C This is an illustrative view of the movement of the pressing member 4 caused by the rotation of sensor identifier 3. Figure 6A This is a view showing the position of the pressing member 4 when the sensor identifier 3 is in the waiting position WP (first position). Figure 6B This is a view showing the position of the pressing member 4 when the sensor identifier 3 is in the detection position DP (second position). Figure 6C This is a view showing the position of the pressing member 4 when the sensor identifier 3 is in the return position RP (third position) after being rotated in the opposite direction to the detection position DP (second position).

[0041] This will explain when sensor identifier 3 is from Figure 3A and Figure 6A The waiting position WP shown rotates to Figure 3B and Figure 6B The movement of the pressing member 4 is shown when the detection position DP is indicated. When the sensor identifier 3 is in... Figure 3A and Figure 6A When sheet P is conveyed in the waiting position WP shown, the leading edge of sheet P contacts the contact portion 3a of sensor identifier 3. As the contact portion 3a is pushed by sheet P as it is conveyed, sensor identifier 3 moves around the rotation axis RA. Figure 3A The sensor mark 3 rotates counterclockwise. As the sensor mark 3 rotates counterclockwise, the protrusion 3c of the sensor mark 3 pushes the first contact surface 4e of the pressing member 4 in the direction indicated by arrow B, as... Figure 6BAs shown. Since the rotation of the stop portion 4d of the pressing member 4 is controlled by the groove portion 2d (rotation control portion) of the conveying guide 2, the pressing member 4 moves along the axial direction AD in the direction indicated by arrow B, resisting the pushing force of the spring member 5 through the protrusion 3c of the sensor mark 3. As the pressing member 4 moves in the direction indicated by arrow B, the pushing force (restoring force) of the spring member 5 increases.

[0042] When the leading edge of sheet P further presses against the contact portion 3a of sensor identifier 3, sensor identifier 3 reaches... Figure 6B The detection position DP is shown. When the leading edge of the sheet P passes the contact portion 3a of the sensor marker 3, the contact portion 3a contacts the surface of the sheet P, causing the sensor marker 3 to remain at the detection position DP and not be further rotated by the sheet P, as shown. Figure 3B As shown. Note that sensor identifier 3 can be seen from the detection position DP along... Figure 3B The sensor indicator 3 rotates further counterclockwise. As the sensor indicator 3 rotates further counterclockwise, the pressing member 4 can also rotate... Figure 6B The sensor moves further in the direction indicated by arrow B. Therefore, during the movement of sensor identifier 3 from the waiting position WP to the detection position DP, sensor identifier 3 does not collide with any other components.

[0043] Next, we will describe when sensor identifier 3 is from Figure 3B and Figure 6B The detection position DP shown is rotated to Figure 3A and Figure 6A The movement of the pressing member 4 is shown in the waiting position WP. When the sheet P is further conveyed and the trailing edge of the sheet P passes the contact portion 3a of the sensor mark 3, the contact portion 3a is not pushed by the sheet P. The sensor mark 3 rotates to the waiting position WP by the rotational torque generated by the center of gravity of the sensor mark 3 and the rotational force received by the protrusion 3c from the first contact surface 4e due to the pushing force of the spring member 5. At this time, the protrusion 3c of the sensor mark 3 receives a clockwise force from the first contact surface 4e of the pressing member 4 and a force along the axial direction AD in the direction indicated by arrow A. Even though the protrusion 3c of the sensor mark 3 receives a force along the axial direction AD in the direction indicated by arrow A from the first contact surface 4e of the pressing member 4, the sensor mark 3 does not move in the direction indicated by arrow A because the abutment portion 3e of the sensor mark 3 abuts against the second abutment surface 2e of the conveying guide 2. Therefore, when the pressing member 4 moves in the direction indicated by arrow A due to the pushing force (restoring force) of the spring member 5, the first contact surface 4e rotates the protrusion 3c, causing the sensor mark 3 to move along... Figure 3BRotate clockwise. When the protrusion 3c of sensor identifier 3 reaches the valley (inflection point) between the first contact surface 4e and the second contact surface 4f of pressing member 4, sensor identifier 3 returns to the waiting position WP.

[0044] However, when sensor marker 3 returns from the detection position DP to the waiting position WP, the kinetic energy of sensor marker 3 does not become zero. In conventional techniques, such as reference... Figure 9A As described, the abutment portion 10b of the sensor identifier 10 collides with the impact-absorbing member 11 fixed to the positioning member 12, causing the sensor identifier 10 to stop at the waiting position WP. Therefore, in the conventional art, a collision sound is generated when the abutment portion 10b collides with the impact-absorbing member 11. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the sensor identifier 3 passes through the waiting position WP without the abutment portion 10b colliding with the impact-absorbing member 11, thereby preventing the generation of a collision sound.

[0045] As sensor marker 3 passes the waiting position WP and rotates in the opposite direction to the detection position DP, protrusion 3c rides on the second contact surface 4f of pressing member 4. Protrusion 3c of sensor marker 3 pushes the second contact surface 4f in the direction indicated by arrow B, as... Figure 6C As shown. The pressing member 4 overcomes the pushing force of the spring member 5 by the protrusion 3c of the sensor mark 3 and moves along the axial direction AD in the direction indicated by arrow B. As the pressing member 4 moves in the direction indicated by arrow B, the pushing force (restoring force) of the spring member 5 increases. Therefore, when the sensor mark 3 returns from the detection position DP to the waiting position WP, the kinetic energy in the rotational direction is converted into the elastic energy of the spring member 5, which translates along the axial direction AD, through the second contact surface 4f, and then attenuated. The sensor mark 3 temporarily stops at... Figure 6C The sensor indicator 3 is then rotated in the return direction from the return position RP by the pushing force (restoring force) of the spring member 5, so as to return to the waiting position WP and stop.

[0046] Sensor identifier 3 can convert clockwise rotational kinetic energy into counterclockwise rotational kinetic energy at the return position RP further along Figure 3A The sensor indicator 3 rotates clockwise. As the sensor indicator 3 rotates further clockwise, the pressing member 4 is also able to rotate clockwise. Figure 6CThe sensor marker 3 moves further in the direction indicated by arrow B. Therefore, during the operation of the sensor marker 3 returning from the detection position DP to the waiting position WP, the sensor marker 3 does not collide with any other components. In this way, the sensor marker 3 can return from the detection position DP to the waiting position WP and stop at the waiting position WP without any components in the transport guide 2 colliding with the sensor marker 3. Therefore, the impact when positioning the sensor marker 3 to the waiting position WP can be mitigated, preventing collision noise when the sensor marker 3 returns to the waiting position WP.

[0047] According to the first embodiment, during the operation of sensor marker 3 returning from detection position DP to waiting position WP, when sensor marker 3 rotates beyond waiting position WP in the direction opposite to detection position DP, a reverse rotational force is generated to return sensor marker 3 to waiting position WP. This reverse rotational force allows sensor marker 3 to return to waiting position WP without colliding with any other components. According to the first embodiment, the kinetic energy of sensor marker 3 in the rotational direction is converted into elastic energy translated along the rotation axis RA in the axial direction AD, causing it to decay. As a result, sensor marker 3 stops at waiting position WP without colliding with any other components. According to the first embodiment, the sound generated when sensor marker 3 returns from detection position DP to waiting position WP can be reduced.

[0048] [Second Embodiment]

[0049] The second embodiment will now be described. In the second embodiment, the same structures as in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. Since the imaging device 201 of the second embodiment is similar to the imaging device 201 of the first embodiment, its description will also be omitted. In the first embodiment, the sensor identifier 3 is provided with a protrusion 3c, and the pressing member 4 is provided with a first contact surface 4e and a second contact surface 4f. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the sensor identifier 8 (rotating member) is provided with a first contact surface 8e and a second contact surface 8f, and the pressing member 9 is provided with a protrusion 9e. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the sensor identifier 8 according to the second embodiment. The sensor identifier 8 has a contact portion 8a, a blocking portion 8b, an abutting portion 8c, a rotating shaft portion 8d, a first contact surface 8e, a second contact surface 8f, and a shaft portion 8g. The contact portion 8a and the blocking portion 8b extend radially from the shaft portion 8g. The abutting portion 8c, the rotating shaft portion 8d, the first contact surface 8e, and the second contact surface 8f are disposed at one end of the shaft portion 8g. The two first contact surfaces 8e and the two second contact surfaces 8f are symmetrically disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft portion 8d.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the pressing member 9 according to the second embodiment. The pressing member 9 has a bushing portion 9a, a first sliding shaft portion 9b, a second sliding shaft portion 9c, a stop portion 9d, a protrusion 9e, and a spring receiving portion 9f. The bushing portion 9a is provided on the first sliding shaft portion 9b. The stop portion 9d is provided on the outer periphery of the first sliding shaft portion 9b. Two protrusions 9e protrude from one end of the first sliding shaft portion 9b along the axial direction AD in the direction indicated by arrow A. The spring receiving portion 9f is provided between the other end of the first sliding shaft portion 9b and one end of the second sliding shaft portion 9c.

[0052] The sensor identifier 8 and pressing member 9 of the second embodiment are attached to the transport guide 2 and operate in the same manner as the sensor identifier 3 and pressing member 4 of the first embodiment to achieve the same effect. According to the second embodiment, the noise generated when the sensor identifier 8 returns from the detection position DP to the waiting position WP can be reduced.

[0053] Incidentally, sensor identifier 3 and sensor identifier 8 are described as rotating members in the first and second embodiments, respectively. However, the rotating member is not limited to sensor identifier 3 and sensor identifier 8 if it rotates between a first position and a second position. In the first and second embodiments, a first contact surface 4e is disposed on the pressing member 4 and a first contact surface 8e is disposed on the sensor identifier 8 to provide a rotational force for the rotating member to return from the second position to the first position. However, the rotating member can be configured to return from the second position to the first position due to its own weight. In this case, the first contact surface 4e of the pressing member 4 and the first contact surface 8e of the sensor identifier 8 can be omitted.

[0054] 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. An imaging apparatus configured to form an image on a recording medium, the imaging apparatus comprising: A rotating member capable of rotating about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position, and capable of rotating from the first position in a direction opposite to the second position; A retaining member, which is configured to rotatably retain a rotating member; and A pushing member is configured to push the rotating member in a return direction that returns the rotating member to the first position when the rotating member rotates from the first position in a direction opposite to the second position.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing member held by a holding member so as to be movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating member, in, The pushing component pushes the pressing component, causing the pressing component to move toward the rotating component along the rotation axis.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein, The pressing member has a contact surface capable of contacting a protrusion provided on the rotating member, and The contact surface is formed in a bevel shape, which is inclined to increase the pushing force applied to the rotating member by contacting the protrusion when the rotating member rotates from the first position in a direction opposite to the second position.

4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The retaining member has a control section configured to control the movement of the rotating member in the pushing direction of the pressing member.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The retaining member has a rotation control section configured to control the rotation of the pressing member.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The pressing member has a first contact surface and a second contact surface that can contact a protrusion provided on the rotating member. The first contact surface is formed in a first inclined plane shape, which is tilted to increase the pushing force applied to the rotating member by contacting the protrusion when the rotating member rotates from the first position to the second position. The second contact surface is formed in a second inclined shape, which is inclined to increase the pushing force applied to the rotating member by contacting the protrusion when the rotating member rotates from the first position in a direction opposite to the second position.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The pressing component includes: The bushing portion is configured to rotatably retain the rotating member; The first and second sliding parts are held by the retaining member so that they can move in the direction of the rotation axis; A rotation control section is provided on the outer periphery of the first sliding section and is fitted into the groove of the retaining member to control the rotation of the pressing member around the rotation axis; The first contact surface and the second contact surface are disposed on one end of the first sliding portion; and The pushing force receiving part is disposed between the other end of the first sliding part and one end of the second sliding part, and is configured to receive the pushing force of the pushing member.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7 further includes a sensor having a light emitting part and a light receiving part. in, The rotating component includes: The shaft portion is rotatably held by a retaining member; A contact portion that extends radially from the shaft portion and is capable of contacting the recording medium being transported; A blocking part, which extends radially from the shaft, is configured to block the light path between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor when the rotating member is rotated by pushing the contact part through the recording medium being transported. The protrusion is capable of contacting the first and second contact surfaces of the pressing member; A rotating shaft, disposed at one end of the shaft and inserted into the bushing of the pressing member, is rotatably held relative to the pressing member; and The abutment portion is provided on the shaft portion and is configured to abut against the abutment surface of the retaining member to control the movement of the rotating member in the direction of the rotation axis.

9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The contact portion of the rotating member in the first position is pushed by the recording medium being conveyed, causing the rotating member to rotate from the first position to the second position, and When the trailing edge of the recording medium being transported passes the contact portion, the rotating member rotates from the second position to the first position by the pushing force of the pushing member, and further rotates from the first position in the opposite direction to the second position against the pushing force of the pushing member, and then returns to the first position by the pushing force of the pushing member.

10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The rotating member has a contact surface capable of contacting a protrusion provided on the pressing member, and The contact surface is formed in a bevel shape, which is inclined to increase the pushing force applied to the rotating member by contacting the protrusion when the rotating member rotates from the first position in a direction opposite to the second position.

11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The rotating member has a first contact surface and a second contact surface capable of contacting a protrusion provided on the pressing member, and The first contact surface is formed in a first inclined plane shape, which is inclined to increase the pushing force applied to the rotating member by contacting the protrusion when the rotating member rotates from the first position to the second position. The second contact surface is formed in a second inclined shape, which is inclined to increase the pushing force applied to the rotating member by contacting the protrusion when the rotating member rotates from the first position in a direction opposite to the second position.

12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The pressing component includes: The bushing portion is configured to rotatably retain the rotating member. The first sliding part and the second sliding part are held by a retaining member so that they can move in the direction of the rotation axis. A rotation control section is disposed on the outer periphery of the first sliding section and fitted into the groove of the retaining member to control the rotation of the pressing member about the rotation axis. The protrusion, and A pushing force receiving part is disposed between the other end of the first sliding part and one end of the second sliding part, and is configured to receive the pushing force of the pushing member. The protrusion is located on one end of the first sliding part.

13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12 further includes a sensor having a light emitting part and a light receiving part. in, The rotating component includes: The shaft portion is rotatably held by a retaining member. The contact portion extends radially from the shaft portion and is capable of contacting the recording medium being transported. A blocking portion, extending radially from the shaft portion, is configured to block the optical path between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor when the rotating member is rotated by pushing the contact portion through the recording medium being transported. A rotating shaft, disposed at one end and inserted into the bushing of the pressing member, is rotatably held relative to the pressing member. The abutment portion, which is provided on the shaft portion, is configured to abut against the abutment surface of the retaining member to control the movement of the rotating member in the direction of the rotation axis. The first and second contact surfaces are able to contact the protrusions of the pressing member.

14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The contact portion of the rotating member, located in the first position, is pushed by the recording medium being conveyed, causing the rotating member to rotate from the first position to the second position, and When the trailing edge of the recording medium being transported passes the contact portion, the rotating member rotates from the second position to the first position by the pushing force of the pushing member, and further rotates from the first position in the opposite direction to the second position against the pushing force of the pushing member, and then returns to the first position by the pushing force of the pushing member.

15. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The rotating component is a sensor identifier.

Images