Transport device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A transport device includes a transport roller that transports a recording medium, the transport roller including a first roller configured to include a first shaft portion and a cylindrical first roller portion, and a second roller configured to include a second shaft portion and a cylindrical second roller portion; a plurality of cylindrical first roller parts into which the first shaft part is inserted and which are provided separately in the axial direction of the first shaft part, and a second roller which is in contact with the first roller and extends in the direction of the first shaft part; and a guide member that is disposed on the first roller side with respect to a transport path of a recording medium, and that has formed therein a guide surface that guides the recording medium toward the transport roller while changing a transport direction of the transported recording medium, the guide surface being disposed on the first roller side with respect to a separated portion separated from the first roller in the axial direction. The guide surface extends further to the downstream side in the conveying direction than the guide surface of an overlapping portion that overlaps the first roller in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The recording material processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes: a forming section that forms a wave shape on a recording material; a moving section that moves the forming section on the surface of the recording material in a direction intersecting the conveying direction; a guiding section that is configured to move on the surface of the recording material in a direction intersecting the conveying direction and guide the conveyed recording material to the forming section; and a linkage member that moves the guiding section in linkage with the movement of the forming section based on the moving section.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-63071

[0004] A conveying device exists that bends a recording medium while changing its conveying direction. The conveying device includes: a conveying roller for conveying the recording medium; and a guiding member having a guiding surface that guides the recording medium toward the conveying roller while changing its conveying direction.

[0005] Conventionally, when viewed from the axial direction of the conveyor roller, the guide member is separate from the conveyor roller, and the shape of the guide surface of the guide member is set to be constant along the axial direction of the conveyor roller. Here, when the rear end of the recording medium conveyed by the conveyor roller detaches from the guide surface of the guide member, it bounces up, producing a bouncing sound. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to suppress the bouncing sound when the rear end of the recording medium detaches from the guide surface, compared to the case where the guide member is separated from the conveyor roller when viewed from the axial direction of the conveyor roller and the shape of the guide surface is set to be constant in the axial direction of the conveyor roller.

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a conveying device comprising: a conveying roller having a first roller and a second roller, and conveying a recording medium, the first roller being configured to include a first shaft portion and a cylindrical first roller portion, the cylindrical first roller portion being inserted into the first shaft portion and having a plurality of portions disposed separately in the axial direction of the first shaft portion, the second roller contacting the first roller and extending along the direction of the first shaft portion; and a guiding member disposed on the side of the first roller relative to the conveying path of the recording medium, and having a guiding surface formed thereon, the guiding surface guiding the recording medium toward the conveying roller while changing the conveying direction of the conveyed recording medium, the guiding surface extending downstream in the conveying direction relative to the separated portion that is separated from the first roller in the axial direction relative to the guiding surface that overlaps with the first roller in the axial direction.

[0008] The conveying device according to the second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the conveying device according to the first aspect, when viewed from the axial direction, the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is disposed on the side of the second roller relative to the bite line of the first roller and the second roller, and when viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separating portion extends from the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the bite line side.

[0009] The conveying device according to the third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the conveying device according to the first aspect, when viewed from the axial direction, the front end of the guide surface of the separated portion is disposed on the first roller side relative to the bite line.

[0010] The conveying device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the conveying device according to the first aspect, when viewed from the axial direction, the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is disposed on the second roller side relative to the biting line of the first roller and the second roller, and when viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separating portion extends from the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the first shaft side.

[0011] The conveying device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the conveying device according to the fourth aspect, when viewed from the axial direction, the front end of the guide surface of the separated portion overlaps with the first roller portion.

[0012] The conveying device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the conveying devices described in the first to fifth aspects, the conveying roller is an exhaust roller that discharges the recording medium to the outside of the device body, and the exhaust roller disposed in one position discharges the recording medium to be conveyed to a first position. The conveying device includes: a moving part that moves the exhaust roller holding the front end portion of the recording medium to another position along the axial direction and discharges the recording medium to a second position different from the first position; another guiding member that, when viewed from the axial direction, is disposed on the side of the first roller relative to the conveying path of the recording medium and has another guiding surface formed thereon, which guides the recording medium toward the exhaust roller while changing the conveying direction of the recording medium being conveyed, and contacts the rear end corner of the recording medium conveyed by the movement of the exhaust roller from the axial direction; and an inclined surface formed on the other guiding surface that is inclined relative to the axial direction and contacts the rear end corner when the exhaust roller moves.

[0013] The image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a transmission device as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects; and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium transmitted by the transmission device.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] In the conveying device according to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the guide member is separated from the conveying roller when viewed from the axial direction of the conveying roller and the shape of the guide surface is set to be constant in the axial direction of the conveying roller, it is possible to suppress the bouncing sound when the rear end of the recording medium detaches from the guide surface.

[0016] In the conveying device according to the second aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the guide surface of the separated portion is parallel to the bite line when viewed from the axial direction, the bouncing sound can be suppressed.

[0017] In the conveying device according to the third aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the front end of the guide surface of the separated portion is arranged on the second roller side relative to the biting line, the bouncing noise can be suppressed.

[0018] In the conveying device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion extends toward the second roller side, bouncing noise can be suppressed.

[0019] In the conveying device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the front end of the separated portion is separated from the first roller when viewed from the axial direction, bouncing noise can be suppressed.

[0020] In the transmission device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, damage to the rear corner can be suppressed compared to the case where the rear corner of the recording medium contacts the axially oriented side of another guide member.

[0021] In the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, compared with the case of a conveying device having only a guide member that is separated from the conveying roller in the axial direction and whose shape of the guide surface is set to be constant in the axial direction of the conveying roller, the transmission noise of the recording medium can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the image forming unit disposed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a front view showing the conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention and the state in which the discharge roller is arranged in the initial position;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention and showing the state in which the discharge roller is arranged in the discharge position;

[0028] Figure 6 (A) Figure 6 (B) is a front view showing the guide member provided in the conveying device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 (B) is a state diagram showing the state in which the front end of the sheet member is guided in the guide member of the conveying device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the state in which the sheet member P is delivered.

[0030] Figure 8 (A) Figure 8 (B) is a side view showing the guide member and discharge roller provided in the conveying device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and showing the state in the initial position and the state in the discharge position;

[0031] Figure 9 (A) Figure 9 (B) is a front view showing the guide member provided in the conveying device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10 (A) Figure 10 (B) is a front view showing the guide member provided in the conveying device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the guide member disposed in the conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention from below;

[0034] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the discharge roller of a conveying device according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Symbol Explanation

[0036] 10 - Image forming apparatus; 12 - Image forming unit; 14 - Conveying device; 26 - Discharge roller (an example of a conveyor roller); 70 - First roller; 70a - First shaft portion; 70b - First roller portion; 72 - Engaging line; 74 - Second roller; 90 - Moving part; 90b - Solenoid; 92 - Guide member; 92a - Separating portion; 92b - Overlapping portion; 94 - Guide surface; 96 - First guide surface; 96a - Front end; 98 - Second guide surface; 98a - Front end. 104 - Guide surface, 104a - Front end, 112 - Guide component, 112a - Separated portion, 112b - Overlapping portion, 112c - Connecting portion, 114 - Guide surface, 116 - First guide surface, 116a - Front end, 118 - Second guide surface, 118a - Front end, 124 - Guide surface, 124a - Front end, 132 - Guide component (an example of another guide component), 134 - Guide surface (an example of another guide surface), 134a - Inclined surface. Detailed Implementation

[0037] according to Figures 1-12 An example of a conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, arrow H in each figure indicates the vertical direction and the up-down direction of the apparatus. Arrow W is orthogonal to arrow H and indicates the horizontal direction and the width direction of the apparatus. Arrow D is orthogonal to both arrow H and arrow W and indicates the horizontal direction and the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0038] (Overall structure of the image forming apparatus 10)

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 60 and an image forming unit 12 for forming toner images. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a conveying device 14 for conveying a sheet component P along a conveying path 14a. Additionally, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a receiving member 18 for accommodating the sheet component P as a recording medium and a control unit 28 for controlling the entire apparatus.

[0040] In this structure, in the image forming apparatus 10, the conveying device 14 conveys the sheet component P housed in the receiving member 18 along the conveying path 14a. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 forms a toner image based on image data read by the image reading unit 60. This toner image is formed on the conveyed sheet component P, and the sheet component P with the toner image formed is discharged outside the apparatus body 10a.

[0041] [Image forming unit 12]

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, the image forming unit 12 includes multiple toner image forming units 30 that respectively form toner images of each color. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 includes a transfer unit 32 that transfers the toner images formed by the toner image forming units 30 onto the sheet member P. Moreover, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 34 that fixes the toner images transferred from the transfer units 32 onto the sheet member P onto the sheet member P.

[0043] -Toner Image Forming Unit 30-

[0044] Multiple toner image forming units 30 are provided to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, toner image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K are provided for four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Furthermore, in the following description, Y, M, C, and K are omitted from the symbols unless it is necessary to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0045] Apart from the toner used, the toner image forming units 30 for each color are basically constructed in the same way, such as Figure 2 As shown, the image holding unit 30 includes a rotating cylindrical image holder 36 and a charger 42 for charging the image holder 36. Furthermore, the toner image forming unit 30 includes an exposure device 44 that irradiates the charged image holder 36 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image. The toner image forming unit 30 also includes a developing device 46 that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using a developer G containing toner. Thus, each color toner image forming unit 30 uses a toner of a specific color to form an image of that color.

[0046] And, as Figure 1 As shown, the image holders 36 of each color are in contact with the rotating transfer belt 50 (details to follow). Furthermore, in the circumferential direction of the transfer belt 50 (refer to the arrow in the figure), toner image forming units 30 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged sequentially from the upstream side.

[0047] -Transfer Section 32-

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the transfer section 32 has an annular transfer belt 50. Furthermore, the transfer section 32 has a primary transfer roller 52, which is disposed on the opposite side of each color image holder 36 across the transfer belt 50, and transfers the toner image formed on each color image holder 36 onto the transfer belt 50.

[0049] Furthermore, the transfer section 32 includes: a winding roller 56 on which the transfer belt 50 is wound; and a drive roller 58 on which the transfer belt 50 is wound, transmitting rotational force to the transfer belt 50. Thus, the transfer belt 50 wraps around in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0050] Furthermore, the transfer section 32 includes a secondary transfer roller 54, which is disposed on the opposite side of the winding roller 56 across the transfer belt 50, and transfers the toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 50 onto the sheet member P. Additionally, a transfer nip NT is formed between the secondary transfer roller 54 and the transfer belt 50 to transfer the toner image onto the sheet member P.

[0051] -Fixing device 34-

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixing device 34 is disposed downstream of the transfer engagement portion NT in the conveying direction of the sheet component P. The fixing device 34 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred onto the sheet component P, fixing it onto the sheet component P.

[0053] In this structure, a primary transfer roller 52 transfers the toner image onto the transfer belt 50 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Then, a secondary transfer roller 54 transfers the toner image from the transfer belt 50 onto a sheet component P that is conveyed between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roller 54.

[0054] Furthermore, the sheet component P, which has been transferred with toner images, is conveyed toward the fixing device 34.

[0055] Furthermore, the fixing device 34 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred onto the sheet component P, fixing it onto the sheet component P.

[0056] [Transmission device 14]

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveying device 14 includes a delivery roller 20 that delivers the sheet component P housed in the receiving member 18 to the conveying path 14a. Furthermore, the conveying device 14 includes an overlap-prevention roller 22 to prevent overlapping delivery of the sheet component P delivered by the delivery roller 20; and an adjustment roller 24 to adjust the timing of the sheet component P delivered to the transfer gripping part NT. Moreover, the conveying device 14 includes an discharge roller 26 that discharges the sheet component P to the outside of the device body 10a; and a guide unit 80 that guides the sheet component P, whose toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 34, toward the discharge roller 26.

[0058] Furthermore, the guide unit 80 and discharge roller 26 installed on the conveying device 14 will be described in detail later.

[0059] [Image reading unit 60]

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the image reading unit 60 is positioned above the discharge roller 26. The image reading unit 60 includes a document transport unit 62 and a document reading unit 64. The document transport unit 62 and the document reading unit 64 are connected by a hinge portion 64a provided in the document reading unit 64. Furthermore, the image reading unit 60 includes a paper feed table 66 for supplying a document S to the document transport unit 62 and a discharge table 68 for discharging the document S read by the document reading unit 64. The paper feed table 66 and the discharge table 68 are mounted on the document transport unit 62.

[0061] In this structure, by rotating the document transfer unit 62 around the hinge 64a, the upper surface (table glass) of the document reading unit 64 opens upward. Furthermore, the document reading unit 64 reads the image of the document S placed on the table glass (not shown) disposed on the upper surface of the document reading unit 64, as well as the image of the document S transferred by the document transfer unit 62.

[0062] (Main structural components)

[0063] Next, the guide unit 80, discharge roller 26 and moving part 90 that move the discharge roller 26 provided in the conveying device 14 will be described.

[0064] [Discharge roller 26]

[0065] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the discharge roller 26 is configured to discharge the sheet component P to one side in the width direction (right side in the figure) at the end portion of the conveying path 14a. The discharge roller 26 has its depth direction in the axial direction, and as shown... Figure 3 As shown, it includes a first roller 70 and a second roller 74 disposed below the first roller 70. The discharge roller 26 is an example of a conveyor roller, and an example of one with the depth direction being axial.

[0066] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the first roller 70 has a cylindrical first shaft portion 70a extending in the depth direction. Furthermore, the first roller 70 has a cylindrical first roller portion 70b into which the first shaft portion 70a is inserted. This first roller portion 70b is formed of an elastic member, and multiple portions are provided separately in the depth direction.

[0067] Similarly, the second roller 74 includes a cylindrical second shaft portion 74a extending in the depth direction and a cylindrical second roller portion 74b into which the second shaft portion 74a is inserted. The second roller portion 74b is formed of an elastic member, and multiple portions are provided separately in the depth direction. Furthermore, in the depth direction, each second roller portion 74b is positioned at the same location as each first roller portion 70b.

[0068] And, as Figure 3 As shown, the first roller 70 and the second roller 74 form an engagement portion N for holding the sheet member P. This engagement portion N is formed by the contact between the first roller portion 70b, which is formed of an elastic member, and the second roller portion 74b, which is formed of an elastic member.

[0069] When viewed from the depth direction, the engagement portion N is set as a straight line along the conveying direction of the sheet member P (hereinafter "sheet conveying direction"). When viewed from the depth direction, the straight line including the engagement portion N is referred to as the engagement line 72. In this embodiment, when viewed from the depth direction, the engagement line 72 is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment connecting the center of the first shaft portion 70a and the center of the second shaft portion 74a.

[0070] [Mobile Unit 90]

[0071] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the moving part 90 includes a motor 90a that rotates the first roller 70. Furthermore, the moving part 90 includes a solenoid 90b that moves the first roller 70 and the second roller 74 along the depth direction.

[0072] In this structure, motor 90a rotates the first roller 70, thereby causing the second roller 74 to rotate. Furthermore, the discharge roller 26 passes through the engagement part N (see reference). Figure 3 Clamp the sheet component P to be conveyed and convey it downstream in the sheet conveying direction.

[0073] On the other hand, sometimes the discharge position of the sheet component P is changed in the width direction (depth direction) according to each image forming instruction (operation). Specifically, sometimes the discharge position of the sheet component P with an image formed according to the initial image forming instruction and the sheet component P with an image formed according to the next image forming instruction are changed.

[0074] In this case, during the initial discharge operation, with the discharge roller 26 positioned in one position (initial position) without moving its position in the depth direction, the discharge roller 26 discharges the sheet component P to a first position (reference) outside the device body 10a. Figure 4 On the other hand, in the next discharge action, the solenoid 90b moves the discharge roller 26 of the front end portion of the sheet component P to a position different from its initial position on the front side in the depth direction (see reference). Figure 5Furthermore, while the discharge roller 26 is moving to another position, it discharges the sheet component P to a second position different from the first position. Moreover, after the discharge roller 26 discharges the sheet component P, the solenoid 90b moves the discharge roller 26 inward in the depth direction to return it to its initial position. In this way, the first position where the sheet component P is discharged by the initial discharge action and the second position where the sheet component P is discharged by the next discharge action can be changed.

[0075] [Guidance Unit 80]

[0076] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the guiding unit 80 is positioned on the side of the first roller 70 between the fixing device 34 and the discharge roller 26 in the sheet conveying direction relative to the conveying path 14a. Furthermore, the guiding unit 80 guides the sheet component P towards the discharge roller 26 while changing the conveying direction of the sheet component P fed upwards from the fixing device 34. Here, the conveying path 14a is an ideal path through which the center of gravity of the sheet component P conveyed by each roller passes.

[0077] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the guide unit 80 includes four guide components 82, 92, 112, and 132. The guide components 82, 92, 112, and 132 are arranged in the depth direction from the inside to the front side in this order. Furthermore, each guide component 82, 92, 112, and 132 is supported by a frame component (not shown).

[0078] [Guide component 82]

[0079] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the guide member 82 is positioned inside the depth direction relative to the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b, which are positioned at the innermost side in the depth direction. Specifically, regardless of whether the discharge roller 26 is positioned in one position or in another position, the guide member 82 is positioned inside the depth direction relative to the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b.

[0080] Furthermore, the guide member 82 extends along the depth direction and has the same cross-section in the depth direction. Specifically, as... Figure 6 (A) Figure 6 As shown in (B), a guide surface 84 facing the conveying path 14a is formed on the guide member 82. The guide surface 84 is divided into a first guide surface 86 on the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction and a second guide surface 88 on the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction.

[0081] The first guide surface 86 has the function of guiding the front end of the sheet component P to be conveyed to the engagement portion N. Therefore, when viewed from the depth direction, the first guide surface 86 is separate from the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b. Moreover, the front end 86a of the first guide surface 86 is disposed on the side of the second roller 74 relative to the engagement line 72.

[0082] Furthermore, the second guide surface 88 is planar and has the function of suppressing the rear end of the conveyed sheet component P from bouncing when passing through the first guide surface 86. Therefore, with the bite line 72 as a reference, the second guide surface 88 extends from the front end 86a of the first guide surface 86 toward the bite line 72, and the front end 88a of the second guide surface 88 is disposed on the side of the first roller 70 relative to the bite line 72. On the other hand, with the first shaft portion 70a as a reference, the second guide surface 88 extends from the front end 86a of the first guide surface 86 toward the first shaft portion 70a, and when viewed from the depth direction, the front end 88a of the second guide surface 88 overlaps with the first roller portion 70b.

[0083] In this structure, when the front end of the sheet component P is conveyed toward the engagement part N, as follows: Figure 7 As shown in (A), the front end of the sheet component P is guided by the first guide surface 86. Furthermore, the front end of the sheet component P is conveyed from the front end 86a of the first guide surface 86 toward the engagement portion N. Thus, the first guide surface 86 functions to guide the front end of the conveyed sheet component P to the engagement portion N.

[0084] On the other hand, when the rear end of the conveyed sheet component P separates from the guide surface 84, such as Figure 7 As shown in (B), the sheet component P is conveyed while its sheet surface contacts the front end 86a of the first guide surface 86. Furthermore, as the rear end of the sheet component P passes the front end 86a, the rear end of the sheet component P attempts to bounce up due to the rigidity of the sheet component P. However, the bounce of the rear end of the sheet component P is suppressed by the second guide surface 88. Thus, the second guide surface 88 has the function of suppressing the bounce of the rear end of the conveyed sheet component P as it passes the first guide surface 86.

[0085] [Guide component 92]

[0086] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the guide member 92 is positioned directly in front of the guide member 82 in the depth direction. Specifically, when the discharge roller 26 is positioned in one position, as... Figure 4 , Figure 8As shown in (A), a portion of the guide member 92 overlaps with the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b in the depth direction. In other words, another portion of the guide member 92 is separated from the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b in the depth direction. On the other hand, when the discharge roller 26 is positioned in another location, as... Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown in (B), the guide member 92 does not overlap with the first roller 70b and the second roller 74b in the depth direction.

[0087] In addition, regarding Figure 8 (A) Figure 8 In (B), to make it easier to understand the relative positional relationship between the guide components 82, 92, 112, 132 and the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b, the first shaft portion 70a and the second shaft portion 74a are omitted.

[0088] In the following description, with the discharge roller 26 positioned in one position (initial position), the guide member 92 that separates from the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b in the depth direction is referred to as the separating portion 92a. Furthermore, the guide member 92 that overlaps with the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b in the depth direction is referred to as the overlapping portion 92b. Finally, the portion connecting the separating portion 92a and the overlapping portion 92b is referred to as the connecting portion 92c.

[0089] -Separated section 92a-

[0090] like Figure 9 (A) Figure 9 As shown in (B), a guide surface 94 facing the conveying path 14a is formed in the separated portion 92a. The guide surface 94 is divided into a first guide surface 96 on the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction and a second guide surface 98 on the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction. When viewed from the depth direction, the first guide surface 96 overlaps with the first guide surface 86 of the guide member 82. Moreover, when viewed from the depth direction, the second guide surface 98 overlaps with the second guide surface 88 of the guide member 82.

[0091] The first guide surface 96 has the function of guiding the front end of the sheet component P to be conveyed to the engagement portion N. Therefore, when viewed from the depth direction, the first guide surface 96 is separate from the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b. Moreover, the front end 96a of the first guide surface 96 is disposed on the side of the second roller 74 relative to the engagement line 72.

[0092] Furthermore, the second guide surface 98 is planar and has the function of preventing the rear end of the conveyed sheet component P from bouncing when passing through the first guide surface 96. Therefore, with the engagement line 72 as a reference, the second guide surface 98 extends from the front end 96a of the first guide surface 96 toward the engagement line 72, and the front end 98a of the second guide surface 98 is positioned relative to the engagement line 72 on the side of the first roller 70. On the other hand, with the first shaft portion 70a as a reference, the second guide surface 98 extends from the front end 96a of the first guide surface 96 toward the first shaft portion 70a, and when viewed from the depth direction, the front end 98a of the second guide surface 98 overlaps with the first roller portion 70b. The front end 98a is an example of the front end of a separated guide surface.

[0093] -Overlapping portion 92b-

[0094] like Figure 10 (A) Figure 10 As shown in (B), when viewed from the depth direction, the overlapping portion 92b is separated from the discharge roller 26, and a guide surface 104 facing the conveying path 14a is formed on the overlapping portion 92b. When viewed from the depth direction, this guide surface 104 overlaps with the first guide surface 96 of the separated portion 92a (see reference). Figure 9 In other words, when viewed from the depth direction, the guide surface 104 overlaps with the first guide surface 86 of the guide component 82.

[0095] The guide surface 104 functions to guide the front end of the sheet component P to be conveyed to the engagement portion N. Therefore, when viewed from the depth direction, the guide surface 104 is separate from the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b. Moreover, the front end 104a of the guide surface 104 is disposed on the side of the second roller 74 relative to the engagement line 72. The front end 104a is an example of the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion.

[0096] -Connection part 92c-

[0097] about Figure 8 The cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 92c shown is set to be the same as that of the overlapping portion 92b.

[0098] [Guide component 112]

[0099] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the guide member 112 is positioned directly in front of the guide member 92 in the depth direction. Specifically, when the discharge roller 26 is positioned in another location, as... Figure 5 , Figure 8As shown in (B), a portion of the guide member 112 overlaps with the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b in the depth direction. In other words, another portion of the guide member 112 is separated from the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b in the depth direction. On the other hand, when the discharge roller 26 is positioned in one position, as... Figure 4 , Figure 8 As shown in (A), the guide member 112 does not overlap with the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b in the depth direction.

[0100] In the following description, when the discharge roller 26 is positioned in another location, the guide member 112 that separates from the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b in the depth direction is referred to as the separating portion 112a. Furthermore, the guide member 112 that overlaps with the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b in the depth direction is referred to as the overlapping portion 112b. And the portion connecting the separating portion 112a and the overlapping portion 112b is referred to as the connecting portion 112c.

[0101] -Separated section 112a-

[0102] like Figure 9 (A) Figure 9 As shown in (B), a guide surface 114 facing the conveying path 14a is formed in the separated portion 112a. The guide surface 114 is divided into a first guide surface 116 on the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction and a second guide surface 118 on the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction. When viewed from the depth direction, the first guide surface 116 overlaps with the first guide surface 86 of the guide member 82. Moreover, when viewed from the depth direction, the second guide surface 118 overlaps with the second guide surface 88 of the guide member 82.

[0103] The first guide surface 116 has the function of guiding the front end of the sheet component P to be conveyed to the engagement portion N. Therefore, when viewed from the depth direction, the first guide surface 116 is separate from the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b. Moreover, the front end 116a of the first guide surface 116 is disposed on the side of the second roller 74 relative to the engagement line 72.

[0104] Furthermore, the second guide surface 118 is planar and has the function of suppressing the rear end of the conveyed sheet component P from bouncing when passing through the first guide surface 116. Therefore, with the engagement line 72 as a reference, the second guide surface 118 extends from the front end 116a of the first guide surface 116 toward the engagement line 72, and the front end 118a of the second guide surface 118 is disposed on the side of the first roller 70 relative to the engagement line 72. On the other hand, with the first shaft portion 70a as a reference, the second guide surface 118 extends from the front end 116a of the first guide surface 116 toward the first shaft portion 70a, and when viewed from the depth direction, the front end 118a of the second guide surface 118 overlaps with the first roller portion 70b. The front end 118a is an example of the front end of a separated guide surface.

[0105] -Overlapping portion 112b-

[0106] like Figure 10 (A) Figure 10 As shown in (B), when viewed from the depth direction, the overlapping portion 112b is separated from the discharge roller 26, and a guide surface 124 facing the conveying path 14a is formed on the overlapping portion 112b. When viewed from the depth direction, this guide surface 124 overlaps with the first guide surface 116 of the separated portion 112a (see reference). Figure 9 In other words, when viewed from the depth direction, the guide surface 124 overlaps with the first guide surface 86 of the guide component 82.

[0107] The guide surface 124 functions to guide the front end of the sheet component P to be conveyed to the engagement portion N. Therefore, when viewed from the depth direction, the guide surface 124 is separate from the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b. Moreover, the front end 124a of the guide surface 124 is positioned on the side of the second roller 74 relative to the engagement line 72. The front end 124a is an example of the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion.

[0108] -Connection part 112c-

[0109] about Figure 8 The cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 112c shown is set to be the same as that of the overlapping portion 112b.

[0110] [Guide component 132]

[0111] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, guide member 132 is positioned directly in front of guide member 112 in the depth direction. Specifically, regardless of whether the discharge roller 26 is positioned in one position or another, guide member 132 is positioned directly in front of the first roller portion 70b and the second roller portion 74b. Therefore, the basic shape of guide member 132 is set to be the same as that of guide member 82. Guide member 132 is an example of another guide member.

[0112] However, as mentioned earlier, the discharge position of the sheet component P discharged by the discharge roller 26 is sometimes changed in the depth direction. Specifically, sometimes the discharge roller 26 clamps the sheet component P in one position, moves to another position, and discharges the sheet component P. In this case, the sheet component P moves downstream in the sheet conveying direction and also moves in the depth direction.

[0113] Therefore, as Figure 11 As shown, the rear corner K of the sheet component P moves downstream in the sheet conveying direction and also moves in the depth direction. Furthermore, the rear corner K of the sheet component P contacts the guide surface 134 of the guide component 132.

[0114] Here, an inclined surface 134a is formed on the guide surface 134. This inclined surface 134a is inclined relative to the depth direction to prevent the rear end corner K of the moving sheet member P from contacting the side surface 136 of the guide member 132. As a result, the rear end corner K of the moving sheet member P contacts the inclined surface 134a formed on the guide surface 134.

[0115] (Summarize)

[0116] As explained above, in the conveying device 14, the guide surfaces 94 and 114 of the separating portions 92a and 112a of the guide members 92 and 112 extend downstream in the sheet conveying direction compared to the guide surfaces 104 and 124 of the overlapping portions 92b and 112b. Therefore, the guide surfaces 94 and 114 of the separating portions 92a and 112a can suppress the bounce of the rear end of the conveyed sheet member P. As a result, compared to the case where the guide members are separated from the discharge rollers when viewed from the depth direction and the shape of the guide surfaces is set to be constant in the depth direction, the bouncing noise when the rear end of the sheet member P detaches from the guide surfaces can be suppressed.

[0117] Furthermore, in the conveying device 14, when viewed from the depth direction, the front ends 104a and 124a of the guide surfaces 104 and 124 of the overlapping portions 92b and 112b of the guide members 92 and 112 are positioned on the second roller 74 side relative to the bite line 72. Moreover, the front ends 98a and 118a of the second guide surfaces 98 and 118a of the separating portions 92a and 112a of the guide members 92 and 112 extend from the front ends 104a and 124a of the guide surfaces 104 and 124 of the overlapping portions 92b and 112b toward the bite line 72 side. Therefore, compared to the case where the second guide surfaces are parallel to the bite line when viewed from the depth direction, bouncing noise can be suppressed.

[0118] Furthermore, in the conveying device 14, when viewed from the depth direction, the front ends 98a and 118a of the second guide surfaces 98 and 118a of the separated portions 92a and 112a of the guide members 92 and 112 are positioned relative to the bite line 72 on the side of the first roller 70. Therefore, compared to the case where the front ends of the guide surfaces of the separated portions are positioned relative to the bite line on the side of the second roller, bouncing noise can be suppressed.

[0119] Furthermore, in the conveying device 14, when viewed from the depth direction, the front ends 104a and 124a of the guide surfaces 104 and 124 of the overlapping portions 92b and 112b of the guide members 92 and 112 are positioned relative to the engagement line 72 on the side of the second roller 74. Moreover, the front ends 98a and 118a of the second guide surfaces 98 and 118a of the separating portions 92a and 112a of the guide members 92 and 112 extend from the front ends 104a and 124a of the guide surfaces 104 and 124 of the overlapping portions 92b and 112b toward the side of the first roller 70. Therefore, compared to the case where the front ends of the guide surfaces of the overlapping portions extend toward the side of the second roller, bouncing noise can be suppressed.

[0120] Furthermore, in the conveying device 14, when viewed from the depth direction, the front ends 98a and 118a of the second guide surfaces 98 and 118a of the separated portions 92a and 112a of the guide members 92 and 112 overlap with the first roller 70. As a result, compared to the case where the front ends of the separated portions are separated from the first roller when viewed from the depth direction, bouncing noise can be suppressed.

[0121] Furthermore, in the conveying device 14, an inclined surface 134a, which is inclined relative to the depth direction, is formed on the guide surface 134 of the guide member 132. When the discharge roller 26 moves, the rear end corner K of the sheet member P contacts the inclined surface 134a. Therefore, compared to the case where the rear end corner K of the sheet member P contacts the side of the guide member facing the depth direction, damage to the rear end corner K (so-called "dock ear") can be suppressed.

[0122] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a transport device 14. Therefore, compared to a transport member that has only a guide member whose shape is constant in the depth direction, transmission noise can be reduced.

[0123] Furthermore, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various other embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the discharge roller 26 was described as an example, but any conveyor roller that receives the sheet component P whose conveying direction has changed is acceptable, and it is not particularly limited to a discharge roller; it can also be a general conveyor roller.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the discharge roller 26 moves axially, but it may not move. In this case, the inclined surface 134a of the guide member 132 is not required.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, although not specifically stated, it is as follows: Figure 12 As shown, the discharge roller 26 may include a corrugated roller 140 that makes the sheet component P wavy. (1)

[0127] A transmission device comprising:

[0128] A transfer roller having a first roller and a second roller, and for transferring a recording medium, the first roller being configured to include a first shaft portion and a cylindrical first roller portion, the cylindrical first roller portion being into which the first shaft portion is inserted and having a plurality of portions spaced axially from the first shaft portion; the second roller contacting the first roller and extending along the direction of the first shaft portion; and

[0129] A guide member is disposed on the side of the first roller relative to the transport path of the recording medium and has a guide surface formed thereon. The guide surface guides the recording medium toward the transport roller while changing the transport direction of the transported recording medium. The guide surface extends downstream in the transport direction relative to the separated portion that is separated from the first roller in the axial direction and the guide surface extends downstream in the transport direction relative to the overlapping portion that overlaps with the first roller in the axial direction. (2)

[0131] According to the conveying device described in (1), wherein,

[0132] When viewed from the axial direction, the leading edge of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is positioned on the side of the second roller relative to the meshing line of the first roller and the second roller.

[0133] When viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separated portion extends from the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the occlusal line side. (3)

[0135] According to the conveying device described in (1), wherein,

[0136] When viewed from the axial direction, the front end of the guide surface of the separated portion is positioned on the first roller side relative to the bite line. (4)

[0138] According to the conveying device described in (1), wherein,

[0139] When viewed from the axial direction, the leading edge of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is positioned on the side of the second roller relative to the meshing line of the first roller and the second roller.

[0140] When viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separated portion extends from the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the first axial side. (5)

[0142] According to the conveying device described in (4), wherein,

[0143] When viewed from the axial direction, the front end of the guide surface of the separated portion overlaps with the first roller portion. (6)

[0145] According to any one of (1) to (5), the conveying device, wherein,

[0146] The conveyor roller is a discharge roller that discharges the recording medium to the outside of the device body.

[0147] The discharge roller, positioned at one location, discharges the conveyed recording medium to the first location.

[0148] The conveying device includes:

[0149] The moving part moves the discharge roller holding the front end portion of the recording medium being conveyed from the first position to the axial direction and positions it in another position, and discharges the recording medium to a second position different from the first position;

[0150] Another guiding component, when viewed from the axial direction, is disposed on the side of the first roller relative to the transport path of the recording medium, and has another guiding surface formed thereon. This other guiding surface guides the recording medium toward the discharge roller while changing the transport direction of the transported recording medium, and contacts the rear end corner of the recording medium transported by the movement of the discharge roller from the axial direction.

[0151] An inclined surface, formed on the other guide surface, is inclined relative to the axial direction and contacts the rear end corner as the discharge roller moves. (7)

[0153] An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0154] The conveying device as described in any one of (1) to (6); and

[0155] The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium transmitted by the transmission device.

[0156] In the conveying device involved in (1), compared with the case where the guide member is separated from the conveying roller when viewed from the axial direction of the conveying roller and the shape of the guide surface is set to be constant in the axial direction of the conveying roller, it is possible to suppress the bouncing sound when the rear end of the recording medium detaches from the guide surface.

[0157] In the transmission device involved in (2), compared with the case where the guide surface of the separated part is parallel to the bite line when viewed from the axial direction, the bouncing sound can be suppressed.

[0158] In the conveying device involved in (3), compared with the case where the front end of the guide surface of the separated portion is arranged on the side of the second roller relative to the biting line, the bouncing noise can be suppressed.

[0159] In the conveying device involved in (4), compared with the case where the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion extends toward the second roller side, the bouncing noise can be suppressed.

[0160] In the conveying device involved in (5), compared with the case where the front end of the separated portion is separated from the first roller when viewed from the axial direction, the bouncing noise can be suppressed.

[0161] In the transmission device involved in (6), damage to the rear corner can be suppressed compared to the case where the rear corner of the recording medium contacts the axially oriented side of another guide member.

[0162] In the image forming apparatus described in (7), compared to a conveying device that has only a guide member that is separated from the conveying roller in the axial direction and whose shape of the guide surface is set to be constant in the axial direction of the conveying roller, the transmission noise of the recording medium can be reduced.

[0163] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A conveying device comprising: A transfer roller having a first roller and a second roller, and for transferring a recording medium, the first roller being configured to include a first shaft portion and a cylindrical first roller portion, the cylindrical first roller portion being into which the first shaft portion is inserted and having a plurality of portions spaced axially from the first shaft portion; the second roller contacting the first roller and extending along the direction of the first shaft portion; and A guide member is disposed on the side of the first roller relative to the transport path of the recording medium and has a guide surface formed thereon. The guide surface guides the recording medium toward the transport roller while changing the transport direction of the transported recording medium. The guide surface extends downstream in the transport direction relative to the separated portion that is separated from the first roller in the axial direction and the guide surface extends downstream in the transport direction relative to the overlapping portion that overlaps with the first roller in the axial direction.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from the axial direction, the leading edge of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is positioned on the side of the second roller relative to the meshing line of the first roller and the second roller. When viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separated portion extends from the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the occlusal line side.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from the axial direction, the front end of the guide surface of the separated portion is positioned on the first roller side relative to the bite line.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from the axial direction, the leading edge of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is positioned on the side of the second roller relative to the meshing line of the first roller and the second roller. When viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separated portion extends from the front end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the first axial side.

5. The conveying device according to claim 4, wherein, When viewed from the axial direction, the front end of the guide surface of the separated portion overlaps with the first roller portion.

6. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The conveyor roller is a discharge roller that discharges the recording medium to the outside of the device body. The discharge roller, positioned at one location, discharges the conveyed recording medium to the first location. The conveying device includes: The moving part moves the discharge roller holding the front end portion of the recording medium being conveyed from the first position to the axial direction and positions it in another position, and discharges the recording medium to a second position different from the first position; Another guiding component, when viewed from the axial direction, is disposed on the side of the first roller relative to the transport path of the recording medium, and has another guiding surface formed thereon. This other guiding surface guides the recording medium toward the discharge roller while changing the transport direction of the transported recording medium, and contacts the rear end corner of the recording medium transported by the movement of the discharge roller from the axial direction. An inclined surface, formed on the other guide surface, is inclined relative to the axial direction and contacts the rear end corner as the discharge roller moves.

7. An image forming apparatus comprising: The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium transmitted by the transmission device.

Images