Medium conveyance device and image forming device

Abstract

To provide a medium conveyance device which includes a tray on which a large amount of media can be loaded, and which has a high degree of freedom in an installation space.SOLUTION: A medium conveyance device includes: a pair of first defining members for defining a portion on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of a conveyance passage; a pair of second defining members for defining a portion on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the conveyance passage; a first conveyance part for conveying a medium in the conveyance passage defined by the pair of first defining members in the conveyance direction; a second conveyance part for conveying a medium in the conveyance passage defined by the pair of second defining members in the conveyance direction; a tray arranged further on the downstream side in the conveyance direction than the pair of second defining members, and for loading the medium discharged from the conveyance passage; and a lifting mechanism for moving up / down the tray. The pair of first defining members and the pair of second defining members are constituted so as to relatively move in the conveyance direction so as to expand / contract the conveyance passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium transport device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a post-processing device that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image has been formed, and a tray that holds the sheets that have been post-processed. Some of the trays mounted on the image forming apparatus can be raised and lowered to hold a large number of sheets.

[0003] As an example of such an image forming device, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a post-processing device and a liftable tray are combined into a unit and installed in the internal space of the image forming device, with the aim of stacking a large number of sheets while saving space. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the configuration of Patent Document 1, if one wishes to replace the post-processing device with one that performs a different post-processing process (e.g., binding, punching, or folding), or if one wishes to install an optional device in the internal space, the entire unit must be replaced.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and has an object to provide a media transport device that is equipped with a tray capable of holding a large amount of media and has a high degree of freedom in terms of installation space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention comprises a pair of first demarcation members that define an upstream portion of a conveying path in the conveying direction, a pair of second demarcation members that define a downstream portion of the conveying path in the conveying direction, a first conveying section that conveys a medium in the conveying path defined by the pair of first demarcation members in the conveying direction, a second conveying section that conveys the medium in the conveying path defined by the pair of second demarcation members in the conveying direction, a tray that is positioned downstream of the pair of second demarcation members in the conveying direction and that carries the medium discharged from the conveying path, and a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the tray, wherein the pair of first demarcation members and the pair of second demarcation members are configured to be relatively movable in the conveying direction so as to expand and contract the conveying path. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a medium transport device that is equipped with a tray capable of stacking a large amount of media and has a high degree of freedom in terms of installation space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] 4A and 4B are a side view and a plan view showing the internal configuration of the binding unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13A is a plan view of the position of the binding means of the binding unit, and FIG. [Figure 4] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a state of the binding unit until a sheet reaches a pair of conveying rollers. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state of the binding unit performing the binding process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the binding unit in FIG. 5(B) as viewed from the thickness direction of the sheets. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing a state of the unit when the stapled sheet bundle is discharged onto a discharge tray. FIG. [Figure 8] 1A is a side view of a medium conveying device in a state where the distance between the first conveying section and the second conveying section is expanded, and FIG. [Figure 9] 1A is a side view of the medium transport device in a state where the distance between the first transport section and the second transport section is narrowed, and FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a first transport unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the periphery of a cover provided on the second housing. [Figure 12] 3A is a schematic diagram of a punch hole forming unit and a folding unit. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 14] Example of option table data. [Figure 15] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the relationship between the type of optional device and the distance between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet S (typically, paper), which is an example of a sheet-like medium. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a housing 11 and an image forming unit 12.

[0010] The housing 11 is box-shaped with an internal space formed therein for accommodating the components of the image forming apparatus 10. The housing 11 also has an internal space 13 formed therein that is accessible from outside the image forming apparatus 10. The internal space 13 is located, for example, slightly above the center of the housing 11 in the vertical direction. The internal space 13 is exposed to the outside by cutting out an outer wall of the housing 11. Furthermore, the internal space 13 can accommodate a binding unit 30 (post-processing device), a first conveying unit 50 and a second conveying unit 60 (media conveying devices), a punch hole punching unit 70 and a folding unit 80 (optional devices).

[0011] More specifically, Fig. 1(A) shows a state in which only the binding unit 30 is arranged in the internal space 13. Fig. 1(B) shows a state in which, in addition to the binding unit 30, a first conveying unit 50 and a second conveying unit 60 are arranged in the internal space 13. Fig. 1(C) shows a state in which, in addition to the binding unit 30, the first conveying unit 50 and the second conveying unit 60, both a punch hole forming unit 70 and a folding unit 80 are arranged in the internal space 13. Furthermore, in addition to the binding unit 30, the first conveying unit 50 and the second conveying unit 60, either the punch hole forming unit 70 or the folding unit 80 may be arranged in the internal space 13.

[0012] The image forming means 12 forms an image on the sheet S stored in the tray, and discharges the sheet S on which the image has been formed to the binding unit 30, the hole punching unit 70, or the folding unit 80. The image forming means 12 may be of an inkjet type that forms an image using ink, or of an electrophotographic type that forms an image using toner. The configuration of the image forming means 12 is already known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0013] The punch hole punching unit 70 and the folding unit 80 are attached to the internal space 13 of the image forming apparatus 10 downstream of the image forming means 12 and upstream of the binding unit 30 on the transport path of the sheet S from the image forming means 12 to the binding unit 30 (the path indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 1). That is, the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming means 12 is subjected to one or both of a punch hole punching process (described later) by the punch hole punching unit 70 and a folding process (described later) by the folding unit 80, and then handed over to the binding unit 30 for a binding process (described later).

[0014] Moreover, the punch hole punching unit 70 and the folding unit 80 are configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 10. When the punch hole punching unit 70 and the folding unit 80 are removed, the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the image forming means 12 is directly delivered to the binding unit 30 for binding processing. Furthermore, other optional devices such as a liquid application unit are configured to be detachable at the position in the internal space 13 from which the punch hole punching unit 70 and the folding unit 80 have been removed.

[0015] When the liquid application unit is attached, the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the image forming means 12 is first handed over to the liquid application unit for liquid application processing, and then handed over to the binding unit 30 for binding processing. The liquid application processing is a process of applying liquid to the surface of the sheet S at a binding position to be bound by the binding unit 30. Note that an optional device that performs any processing on the sheet S, not limited to the liquid application unit, can be attached to the position in the internal space 13 from which the punch hole punching unit 70 and the folding unit 80 have been removed. Also, the optional device may be omitted.

[0016] Furthermore, the binding unit 30, the first conveying unit 50, the second conveying unit 60, the punch hole forming unit 70, the folding unit 80, and the liquid application unit are each unitized, and can be connected to an input / output interface for the sheet S. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10, the binding unit 30, the punch hole forming unit 70, the folding unit 80, and the liquid application unit are configured to be replaceable depending on the application of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0017] More specifically, the output interface of the image forming means 12 can be connected to the input interfaces of the binding unit 30, the punch hole forming unit 70, the folding unit 80, and the liquid applying unit. The input interface of the binding unit 30 can also be connected to the punch hole forming unit 70, the folding unit 80, and the liquid applying unit. The input interface of the first conveying unit 50 can be connected to the output interface of the binding unit 30. The output interface of the first conveying unit 50 can also be connected to the input interface of the second conveying unit 60. Adjacent units are detachably connected to each other by mechanical locks, magnets, or the like. The units installed in the internal space 13 are connected to the controller 100 (see FIG. 13) by harnesses for transmitting and receiving various signals.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view (A) and a plan view (B) showing the internal configuration of the binding unit 30. FIG. 3 is a plan view (A) of the position of the binding means 42 of the binding unit 30 and a side view showing the slit 31a. The binding unit 30 performs a binding process (post-processing) of bundling and binding a plurality of sheets S (sheet bundle Sb) on which images are formed by the image forming means 12. However, a specific example of the post-processing device is not limited to the binding unit 30. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the binding unit 30 includes a binding case 31, a discharge tray 32, a plurality of conveying roller pairs 33, 34, 35, 36, an internal tray 37, a hitting roller 38, a return roller 39, end fences 40L, 40R, side fences 41L, 41R, and the binding means 42.

[0019] The binding case 31 is box-shaped with an internal space for accommodating components (33-42) of the binding unit 30. A conveying path Ph1, which is a space through which the sheets S pass, is formed in the internal space of the binding case 31. The discharge tray 32 is supported on an outer surface of the binding case 31. The discharge tray 32 holds the sheets S or the sheet stack Sb conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 33-36.

[0020] The conveying roller pairs 33 to 36 are disposed at a predetermined interval on the conveying path Ph1. The conveying roller pairs 33 to 36 convey the sheet S along the conveying path Ph1. The conveying roller pair 33 is composed of a drive roller 33a and a driven roller 33b disposed opposite each other with the conveying path Ph1 in between. The drive roller 33a and the driven roller 33b are rotatably supported by the binding case 31. The drive roller 33a receives a rotational driving force from a conveying motor and rotates forward in a direction in which the sheet S is conveyed (clockwise in FIG. 2). The driven roller 33b is disposed opposite the drive roller 33a with the conveying path Ph1 in between, and is driven by the rotation of the drive roller 33a. With the sheet S sandwiched between the drive roller 33a and the driven roller 33b, the conveying motor is driven, whereby the sheet S is conveyed along the conveying path Ph1.

[0021] The basic configuration of the conveying roller pairs 34 to 36 is the same as that of the conveying roller pair 33. However, the conveying roller pair 36 is composed of a drive roller 36a and a driven roller 36b that can be brought into contact with and separated from the drive roller 36a. The conveying roller pair 35 may be configured to be slidable in the width direction in order to realize a sorting process in which the sheet S is shifted in the width direction and discharged onto the discharge tray 32.

[0022] The internal tray 37 temporarily supports (stacks) a plurality of sheets S transported by the transport roller pair 36. The tapping roller 38 is supported at the tip of a rotating arm above the internal tray 37. The tapping roller 38 supplies the sheet S sandwiched between the transport roller pair 36 to the internal tray 37 by rotating the rotating arm. The return roller 39 rotates while contacting the upper surface of the sheet S supported by the internal tray 37, thereby guiding the sheet S toward the transport roller pair 36. Hereinafter, the direction from the transport roller pair 36 toward the end fences 40L, 40R is referred to as the "first transport direction", and the direction perpendicular to the first transport direction and the thickness direction of the sheet S supported by the internal tray 37 is referred to as the "main scanning direction".

[0023] The end fences 40L and 40R come into contact with the downstream end of the sheet S supported by the internal tray 37 in the first transport direction to align the position of the sheet S in the first transport direction. The side fences 41L and 41R come into contact with both ends in the width direction of the sheet S supported by the internal tray 37 to align the position in the main scanning direction.

[0024] The binding means 42 is disposed at an end portion on the downstream side in the first conveying direction of the sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37. The binding means 42 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the first conveying direction along the sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37. As one example, the binding means 42 is a pressure binding means that binds the sheet bundle Sb by applying pressure and deforming it. As another example, the binding means 42 is a staple binding means that staples the sheet bundle Sb by penetrating them. As yet another example, the binding unit 30 may include both the pressure binding means and the staple binding means.

[0025] 3, a slit 31a for manual binding is provided in the binding case 31 at a position facing the binding means 42. The corners of the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the binding case 31 through the slit 31a can be manually bound by the binding means 42. The binding case 31 further includes guide walls 31b and 31c surrounding the slit 31a. The guide wall 31b positions the sheet bundle Sb to be manually bound (i.e., the corners are inserted into the slit 31a) in the first conveying direction. The guide wall 31c positions the sheet bundle Sb to be manually bound (i.e., the corners are inserted into the slit 31a) in the main scanning direction.

[0026] Next, the binding process will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 7. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the state of the binding unit 30 until the sheets S reach the pair of conveying rollers 36. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the state of the binding unit 30 performing the binding process. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the binding unit 30 in Fig. 5(B) as viewed from the thickness direction of the sheets S. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the state of the binding unit 30 when the sheet bundle Sb that has been subjected to the binding process is discharged to the discharge tray 32.

[0027] 4, the binding unit 30 conveys the sheet S supplied from the image forming means 12 along the conveying path Ph1 by rotating the conveying roller pairs 33 to 35 in the forward direction. At this time, the conveying roller pair 36 is in a state in which the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b are separated from each other.

[0028] Next, as shown in Fig. 5, the binding unit 30 rotates the striking roller 38 against the sheet S after it has passed through the pair of conveying rollers 35, thereby storing the sheet S in the internal tray 37. As shown in Fig. 6, the pressure binding unit 30 aligns the widthwise positions of the sheets S stored in the internal tray 37 by moving the side fences 41L and 41R in the widthwise direction.

[0029] 4 to 6, the binding unit 30 forms a sheet bundle Sb on the internal tray 37. Next, when a predetermined number of sheets S are stacked on the internal tray 37, the binding unit 30 causes the sheet bundle Sb to face the binding means 42 at a binding position. Next, the binding unit 30 drives the binding means 42 to bind the sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37.

[0030] Next, as shown in Fig. 7A, the binding unit 30 rotates the return roller 39 in contact with the pressure-bound sheet bundle Sb, thereby causing the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b to clamp the sheet bundle Sb. Then, as shown in Fig. 7B, the binding unit 30 rotates the conveying roller pair 36 forward to discharge the sheet bundle Sb onto the discharge tray 32.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the medium transport device will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 11. Fig. 8 is a side view (A) and a plan view (B) of the main parts of the medium transport device in a state where the distance between the first transport section 55 and the second transport section 65 is widened. Fig. 9 is a side view (A) and a plan view (B) of the main parts of the medium transport device in a state where the distance between the first transport section 55 and the second transport section 65 is narrowed.

[0032] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the media processing device according to this embodiment is composed of a first transport unit 50 and a second transport unit 60. Therefore, in this specification, the media transport device is referred to as the "media transport device (50&60)". The first transport unit 50 is disposed upstream of the second transport unit 60 in the second transport direction. Hereinafter, the direction from the first transport unit 50 toward the second transport unit 60 along the transport path Ph2 formed inside the media transport device (50&60) is referred to as the "second transport direction".

[0033] The medium conveying device (50&60) can be detachably installed in the internal space. An input interface of the medium conveying device (50&60) can be connected to an output interface of the binding unit 30. More specifically, the medium conveying device (50&60) is connected to the output interface of the binding unit 30 from which the discharge tray 32 has been removed. The medium conveying device (50&60) has a function of stacking a large amount of sheets S or sheet bundles Sb discharged from the binding unit 30 onto the discharge tray 67.

[0034] The first conveying unit 50 mainly includes a first housing 51, a pair of first defining members 52a, 52b, a pair of first guide members 53a, 53b, a sheet sensor 54, and a first conveying section 55. The first housing 51 is box-shaped with an internal space formed therein for accommodating the components (52 to 55) of the first conveying unit 50.

[0035] The pair of first demarcation members 52a, 52b are disposed at a predetermined interval in the up-down direction inside the first housing 51. An upstream portion of the transport path Ph2 in the second transport direction is formed between the pair of first demarcation members 52a, 52b. That is, the pair of first demarcation members 52a, 52b demarcate the upstream portion of the transport path Ph2 in the second transport direction.

[0036] The pair of first guide members 53a, 53b are provided at the upstream ends of the pair of first partitioning members 52a, 52b in the second transport direction. The pair of first guide members 53a, 53b are arranged such that the distance between them increases toward the upstream side in the second transport direction. The pair of first guide members 53a, 53b serve to guide the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb discharged from the binding unit 30 between the pair of first partitioning members 52a, 52b.

[0037] The sheet sensor 54 is installed at an end portion (typically, at the position of the pair of first guide members 53a, 53b) on the upstream side in the second transport direction of the transport path Ph2 defined by the pair of first defining members 52a, 52b. The sheet sensor 54 outputs a detection signal to the controller 100 when the sheet S is present at the installation position (i.e., the pair of first guide members 53a, 53b), and stops outputting the detection signal when the sheet S is not present at the installation position. The sheet sensor 54 may be, for example, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor.

[0038] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first conveying section 55. As shown in Fig. 10, the first conveying section 55 is disposed downstream of the sheet sensor 54 in the second conveying direction. The first conveying section 55 conveys the sheet S or the sheet stack Sb in the conveying path Ph2 defined by the pair of first defining members 52a and 52b in the second conveying direction. The first conveying section 55 is composed of, for example, a driving roller 55a, a driven roller 55b, a driving motor 55c, a driving force transmission mechanism 55d, an arm 55e, and a pressing mechanism 55f.

[0039] The drive roller 55a is disposed on one side of the thickness direction of the transport path Ph2 (in this embodiment, on the side of the first defining member 52a). The driven roller 55b is disposed on the other side of the thickness direction of the transport path Ph2 (in this embodiment, on the side of the first defining member 52b). That is, the drive roller 55a and the driven roller 55b are disposed opposite each other with the transport path Ph2 in between. The drive roller 55a and the driven roller 55b rotate while holding the sheet S or the sheet stack Sb in the transport path Ph2 defined by the pair of defining members 52a and 52b.

[0040] The driving motor 55c generates a driving force for rotating the driving roller 55a. The driving force of the driving motor 55c is transmitted to the driving roller 55a via a driving force transmission mechanism 55d. The driving force transmission mechanism 55d is configured with a gear, a pulley, a timing belt, or a combination of these. As a result, the driving roller 55a rotates in a direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 10) for transporting the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb in the transport path Ph2 in the second transport direction. The driven roller 55b is driven by the rotation of the driving roller 55a. The driving roller 55a and the driven roller 55b rotate while holding the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb in the transport path Ph2, thereby transporting the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction.

[0041] The arm 55e rotatably supports the driven roller 55b. The arm 55e rotates in a direction to move the driven roller 55b toward and away from the drive roller 55a. The pressing mechanism 55f presses the driven roller 55b against the drive roller 55a. The pressing force of the pressing mechanism 55f is set to a value that allows the driven roller 55b to move toward and away from the drive roller 55a and allows the drive roller 55a and the driven roller 55b to sandwich and convey the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb according to the thickness of the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb that enters between the drive roller 55a and the driven roller 55b. This adjusts the distance between the drive roller 55a and the driven roller 55b according to the thickness of the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb in the conveying path Ph2. That is, the first conveying section 55 can convey sheets S or sheet bundles Sb of different thicknesses.

[0042] The second conveying unit 60 mainly includes a second housing 61, a pair of second defining members 62a, 62b, a pair of second guide members 63a, 63b, a sheet sensor 64, second conveying sections 65, 66, a discharge tray 67, and a lifting mechanism 68. The second housing 61 is box-shaped with an internal space formed therein for accommodating the components (62-66, 68) of the second conveying unit 60. The second housing 61 also supports the discharge tray 67 on its outer wall so that it can be raised and lowered. More specifically, when the second conveying unit 60 is attached to the internal space 13, as shown in FIG. 1(B) and FIG. 1(C), a portion of the second housing 61 supporting the discharge tray 67 is disposed along the outer side surface of the housing 11 outside the internal space 13.

[0043] The pair of second demarcating members 62a, 62b are disposed in the second housing 61 at a predetermined interval in the up-down direction. A downstream portion of the transport path Ph2 in the second transport direction is formed between the pair of second demarcating members 62a, 62b. That is, the pair of second demarcating members 62a, 62b demarcate the downstream portion of the transport path Ph2 in the second transport direction. The distance between the pair of second demarcating members 62a, 62b is set to be wider than the distance between the pair of first demarcating members 52a, 52b.

[0044] In addition, the pair of first partition members 52a, 52b and the pair of second partition members 62a, 62b do not need to completely cover the entire conveying path Ph2, but only need to partially cover the conveying path Ph2 to the extent that they can support the sheet S or sheet stack Sb being conveyed in the second conveying direction.

[0045] The pair of second guide members 63a, 63b are provided at the upstream ends of the pair of second defining members 62a, 62b in the second transport direction. The pair of second guide members 63a, 63b are arranged such that the distance between them increases toward the upstream side in the second transport direction. The pair of second guide members 63a, 63b guide the sheet S or the sheet stack Sb discharged from the first transport unit 50 between the pair of second defining members 62a, 62b.

[0046] The sheet sensor 64 is installed at an end portion (typically, at the position of the pair of second guide members 63a, 63b) on the upstream side in the second transport direction of the transport path Ph2 defined by the pair of second defining members 62a, 62b. The sheet sensor 64 outputs a detection signal to the controller 100 when the sheet S is present at the installation position (i.e., the pair of second guide members 63a, 63b), and stops outputting the detection signal when the sheet S is not present at the installation position. The sheet sensor 64 may be, for example, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor.

[0047] The second conveying units 65 and 66 are disposed downstream of the sheet sensor 64 in the second conveying direction. The second conveying units 65 and 66 are disposed spaced apart in the second conveying direction. The second conveying units 65 and 66 are driven (rotated) in conjunction with each other by a common drive motor 56c. The second conveying units 65 and 66 convey the sheet S or the sheet stack Sb in the conveying path Ph2 defined by the pair of second defining members 62a and 62b in the second conveying direction. The configuration of the second conveying units 65 and 66 may be the same as that of the first conveying unit 55 shown in FIG. 10, for example.

[0048] The discharge tray 67 is supported on the outer surface of the second housing 61 downstream of the pair of second partition members 62a, 62b in the second transport direction. The discharge tray 67 is disposed below the end (exit) of the transport path Ph2 on the downstream side in the second transport direction. The discharge tray 67 is configured to be movable up and down along the outer surface of the second housing 61. The discharge tray 67 holds the sheets S or the sheet stack Sb discharged from the transport path Ph2 by the second transport units 65, 66.

[0049] The lifting mechanism 68 lifts and lowers the discharge tray 67. The lifting mechanism 68 includes, for example, pulleys 68a, 68b, an endless circular timing belt 68c, and a lifting motor 68d. The pulleys 68a, 68b are rotatably supported by the second housing 61 at positions spaced apart in the vertical direction. The timing belt 68c is stretched around the pulleys 68a, 68b. The lifting motor 68d generates a driving force that rotates the pulley 68a (lifts and lowers the discharge tray 67). As a result, the discharge tray 67 connected to the timing belt 68c that rotates between the pulleys 68a, 68b is lifted and lowered.

[0050] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the periphery of a cover 61b provided on the second housing 61. As shown in Fig. 11(B), an opening 61a is formed in a side wall of the second housing 61. The opening 61a penetrates the side wall of the second housing 61 at a position facing a pair of guide members 63a, 63b. The second housing 61 is provided with a cover 61b that is movable (rotatable in this embodiment) between a closing position (Fig. 11(A)) that closes the opening 61a and an opening position (Fig. 11(B)) that opens the opening 61a.

[0051] Moreover, one of the pair of guide members 53a, 53b (in this embodiment, the lower guide member 53a) is configured to be rotatable about the downstream end in the second transport direction as a rotation center in a direction away from the other of the pair of guide members 53a, 53b (in this embodiment, the upper guide member 53b). As a result, when the sheet S or the sheet stack Sb is jammed in the transport path Ph2 at the position of the guide members 53a, 53b (hereinafter, referred to as "jam"), the guide member 53a can be rotated in a direction away from the guide member 53b and the cover 61b can be moved to the open position to remove the jammed sheet S or the sheet stack Sb.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 8(B) and Fig. 9(B), the first housing 51 of the first conveying unit 50 is slidably supported by a guide rod 56 (slide mechanism) extending in the second conveying direction within the internal space 13. That is, the first conveying section 55 is configured to be slidable in the second conveying direction along the guide rod 56. More specifically, the first conveying unit 50 moves in a direction toward and away from the second conveying unit 60 without changing the relative positions of the components (51 to 55). In addition, the binding unit 30 may be movable along the guide rod 56 together with the first conveying unit 50.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 8, when the first conveying unit 50 slides in a direction away from the second conveying unit 60, the conveying path Ph2 (in other words, the distance between the first conveying section 55 and the second conveying section 65) is extended. This allows the input interface of the binding unit 30 to be connected to the output interface of the image forming means 12, as shown in Fig. 1(B). When the first conveying unit 50 and the second conveying unit 60 are farthest apart, the downstream ends of the pair of first defining members 52a, 52b in the second conveying direction and the upstream ends of the pair of second defining members 62a, 62b (more specifically, the pair of second guide members 63a, 63b) in the second conveying direction are spaced apart in the second conveying direction.

[0054] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the first conveying unit 50 slides in a direction approaching the second conveying unit 60, the conveying path Ph2 (in other words, the interval between the first conveying section 55 and the second conveying section 65) is reduced. At this time, the first housing 51 enters the second housing 61, and the pair of first defining members 52a, 52b enter between the pair of second defining members 62a, 62b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1(C), a space capable of installing one or both of the punch hole punching unit 70 and the folding unit 80 is formed between the output interface of the image forming means 12 and the input interface of the binding unit 30. The first conveying unit 50 may be slid manually by a user of the image forming apparatus 10, or may be slid by the driving force of a slide motor (not shown).

[0055] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the second conveying unit 60 is fixed and the first conveying unit 50 is slid in the second conveying direction. As another example, the first conveying unit 50 may be fixed and the second conveying unit 60 may be slid in the second conveying direction. As yet another example, both the first conveying unit 50 and the second conveying unit 60 may be slid in the second conveying direction. That is, the first conveying unit 50 and the second conveying unit 60 (more specifically, the pair of first defining members 52a, 52b and the pair of second defining members 62a, 62b) may be configured to be relatively movable in the second conveying direction so as to extend or contract the conveying path Ph2.

[0056] Next, the configuration of the punch hole punching unit 70 and the folding unit 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of the punch hole punching unit 70(A) and the folding unit 80(B). Since the configurations of the punch hole punching unit 70 and the folding unit 80 are already well known, detailed description will be omitted, but the following configuration, for example, is conceivable.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 12A, the punch hole punching unit 70 includes a housing 71, a sheet sensor 72, a punch pin 73, and a punch scrap hopper 74. The housing 71 is box-shaped with an internal space for accommodating the components of the punch hole punching unit 70. A conveying path Ph3 is formed in the internal space of the housing 71, through which the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming means 12 passes. The sheet sensor 72 detects that the sheet S supplied from the image forming means 12 has reached a predetermined position. The punch pin 73 punches a punch hole in the sheet S detected by the sheet sensor 72. Punch scraps that fall off the sheet S fall into the punch scrap hopper 74. This realizes a punching process for punching punch holes in the sheet S.

[0058] The folding unit 80 executes a folding process for folding the sheet S, on which an image has been formed by the image forming means 12, into a predetermined shape (for example, a Z-fold, an outer three-fold, or a double fold). As shown in FIG. 12(B), the folding unit 80 includes a housing 81, a conveying roller pair 82, a first folding roller 83, a second folding roller 84, and a third folding roller 85.

[0059] The housing 81 is box-shaped with an internal space for accommodating the components of the folding unit 80. The internal space of the housing 81 is also formed with a main transport path Ph4 and a return transport path Ph5, which are spaces through which the sheet S passes. The transport roller pair 82 transports the sheet S along the main transport path Ph4. The first folding roller 83 is rotatably supported by the housing 81 at a position facing the main transport path Ph4. The second folding roller 84 is rotatably supported by the housing 81 at a position facing both the main transport path Ph4 and the return transport path Ph5. The third folding roller 85 is rotatably supported by the housing 81 at a position facing the return transport path Ph5.

[0060] The folding unit 80 rotates the conveying roller pair 82, the first folding roller 83, and the second folding roller 84 in the forward direction. Next, the folding unit 80 rotates the conveying roller pair 82 in the forward direction and rotates the first folding roller 83, the second folding roller 84, and the third folding roller 85 in the reverse direction. As a result, the sheet S enters the return conveying path Ph5 with the folding position at the front and is sandwiched between the second folding roller 84 and the third folding roller 85. As a result, the sheet S is folded at the folding position. Next, the folding unit 80 rotates the conveying roller pair 82, the first folding roller 83, and the second folding roller 84 in the forward direction at the timing when the rear end of the sheet S passes the sandwiching position between the second folding roller 84 and the third folding roller 85. As a result, the sheet S is discharged from the folding unit 80 with the folding position at the front.

[0061] Fig. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in Fig. 13, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105, which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0062] The CPU 101 is a computing means and controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a working area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium in which programs such as firmware are stored. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0063] Image forming apparatus 10 processes a control program stored in ROM 103, an information processing program (application program) loaded from a storage medium such as HDD 104 to RAM 102, and the like, using a calculation function provided in CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of image forming apparatus 10. A combination of the software control unit thus constituted and hardware resources mounted on image forming apparatus 10 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of image forming apparatus 10. That is, CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute controller 100 that controls the operation of image forming apparatus 10.

[0064] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the image forming means 12, the binding unit 30, the first conveying unit 50, the second conveying unit 60, the punch hole forming unit 70, the folding unit 80, and the operation panel 110 to a common bus 109. The controller 100 operates the image forming means 12, the binding unit 30, the first conveying unit 50, the second conveying unit 60, the punch hole forming unit 70, the folding unit 80, and the operation panel 110 through the I / F 105.

[0065] The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts operations from a user, and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 110 obtains information from an operator through the operation unit, and provides the information to the operator through the display. Note that a specific example of the notification unit is not limited to a display, and may be an LED lamp, a speaker, etc.

[0066] The controller 100 controls the conveyance of the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb based on the detection signals output from the sheet sensors 54 and 64 and the rotary encoders of the drive motors 55c and 65c. First, the controller 100 rotates the drive motor 55c in response to the start of the output of the detection signal from the sheet sensor 54. As a result, the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb supplied from the binding unit 30 is sandwiched by the first conveying section 55, conveyed in the second conveying direction, and supplied to the second conveying unit 60. In addition, the controller 100 rotates the drive motor 65c in response to the start of the output of the detection signal from the sheet sensor 64. As a result, the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb is sandwiched by the second conveying sections 65 and 66, conveyed in the second conveying direction, and discharged to the discharge tray 67.

[0067] Furthermore, the controller 100 starts counting the pulse signals output from the rotary encoder of the drive motor 55c in response to the start of output of the detection signal from the sheet sensor 54. Then, when the output of the detection signal from the sheet sensor 54 does not stop even when the number of counted pulse signals reaches a predetermined value (i.e., even when the first conveying section 55 is driven by a predetermined amount), the controller 100 determines that the sheet S or the sheet stack Sb is jammed between the pair of first partition members 52a, 52b, and notifies the occurrence of a jam via the operation panel 110.

[0068] Similarly, the controller 100 starts counting the pulse signals output from the rotary encoder of the drive motor 65c in response to the start of output of the detection signal from the sheet sensor 64. Then, when the output of the detection signal from the sheet sensor 64 does not stop even when the number of counted pulse signals reaches a predetermined value (i.e., even when the second conveying unit 65 is driven by a predetermined amount), the controller 100 determines that the sheet S or the sheet stack Sb is jammed between the pair of second partition members 62a, 62b, and notifies the occurrence of a jam via the operation panel 110.

[0069] Next, a description will be given of the transport control by the controller 100 according to the type of optional device installed in the internal space 13. Fig. 14 shows an example of data in an option table. Fig. 15 shows the relationship between the type of optional device installed in the internal space 13 and the distance between the first transport section 55 and the second transport section 65.

[0070] The HDD 104 stores an option table shown in FIG. 14. The option table sets the relationship between the optional device installed in the internal space 13, the state of the first and second installation signals, and distance information. The first installation signal goes to H (High) state when the punch hole punching unit 70 is installed, and goes to L (Low) state when the punch hole punching unit 70 is not installed. The second installation signal goes to H (High) state when the folding unit 80 is installed, and goes to L (Low) state when the folding unit 80 is not installed. The distance information indicates the size (length in the second conveying direction) required between the output interface of the image forming means 12 and the input interface of the binding unit 30 in order to install the optional device in the internal space 13.

[0071] 15A, when only the punch hole punching unit 70 is installed as the optional device, the first attachment signal is in the H state and the second attachment signal is in the L state. At this time, in order to install the optional device, it is necessary to reduce the conveying path Ph2 by the length X1. When the conveying path Ph2 is reduced by the length X1, the distance between the first conveying section 55 and the second conveying section 65 in the second conveying direction becomes L1. Therefore, the controller 100 may start driving the drive motor 65c in response to the number of pulse signals output from the rotary encoder of the drive motor 55c reaching a first predetermined number (a number corresponding to the conveying distance L1) after the sheet sensor 54 starts outputting the detection signal.

[0072] As another example, as shown in FIG. 15(B), when both the punching unit 70 and the folding unit 80 are installed as optional devices, the first mounting signal and the second mounting signal become the H state. At this time, in order to install the optional device, it is necessary to reduce the conveyance path Ph2 by a length of X1 + X2. When the conveyance path Ph2 is reduced by a length of X1 + X2, the interval between the first conveyance unit 55 and the second conveyance unit 65 in the second conveyance direction becomes L2 (<L1). Therefore, the controller 100 may start driving the drive motor 65c in response to the number of pulse signals output from the rotary encoder of the drive motor 55c reaching a second predetermined number (the number corresponding to the conveyance distance L2) after the output of the detection signal from the sheet sensor 54 is started.

[0073] In this way, the controller 100 may control the driving timings of the first conveyance unit 55 and the second conveyance unit 65 according to the length of the conveyance path Ph2 between the first conveyance unit 55 and the second conveyance unit 65. In this case, the sheet sensor 64 can be omitted.

[0074] According to the above-described embodiment, for example, the following operational effects can be achieved.

[0075] According to the above-described embodiment, the length of the conveyance path Ph2 can be adjusted according to the size of the optional device installed in the body interior space 13. Thereby, in the medium conveyance device (50&60) including the discharge tray 67 capable of stacking a large amount of the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb, the degree of freedom of the installation space can be improved.

[0076] Further, according to the above-described embodiment, by providing the second guide members 63a and 63b at the tips of the second defining members 62a and 62b, it is possible to prevent the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb passing between the first defining members 52a and 52b and the second defining members 62a and 62b from being clogged.

[0077] According to the above embodiment, the cover 61b is provided facing the second guide members 63a and 63b, which are the most likely to cause jams in the medium transport device (50 & 60), thereby improving the workability of jam removal. The opening and the cover may be provided in a position facing the first guide members 53a and 53b of the first housing 51.

[0078] According to the above embodiment, the second guide member 63a is made rotatable in a direction away from the second guide member 63b, which further improves the workability of jam removal. Instead of making the second guide member 63a rotatable, the second guide member 63a may be made of a highly flexible material such as Mylar.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the occurrence of a jam is detected by the sheet sensor 64 and is notified via the operation panel 110, so that downtime of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by adjusting the distance between the driving roller 55a and the driven roller 55b using the pressing mechanism 55f, it becomes possible to accommodate sheets S or sheet stacks Sb of various thicknesses.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the first conveying unit 50 and the second conveying unit 60 are unitized, and the entire first conveying unit 50 is slid in the second conveying direction, thereby simplifying the configuration compared to sliding the components (51-55) of the first conveying unit 50 individually. Furthermore, since the relative positions of the components (51-55) do not change, deterioration in conveying accuracy can be prevented.

[0082] Moreover, by installing the medium transport device (50&60) of the above embodiment in the internal space 13, it is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus 10 on which various optional devices can be installed. Also, since there is no need to replace the medium transport device (50&60) according to the size of the optional device, downtime of the image forming apparatus 10 can be minimized.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by controlling the drive timing of the first conveying section 55 and the second conveying section 65 in accordance with the length of the expandable and contracted conveying path Ph2, it is possible to reduce the number of sensors that detect the sheet S or the sheet stack Sb, thereby contributing to energy conservation.

[0084] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist of the present invention. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0085] The contents of the present invention are, for example, as follows. <1> A pair of first defining members defining an upstream portion of the conveying path in the conveying direction; A pair of second defining members defining a downstream portion of the conveying path in the conveying direction; a first transport unit configured to transport the medium in the transport path defined by the pair of first defining members in the transport direction; a second transport unit configured to transport the medium in the transport path defined by the pair of second defining members in the transport direction; a tray disposed downstream of the pair of second partition members in the transport direction and configured to hold the medium discharged from the transport path; a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the tray, The medium transport device is characterized in that the pair of first demarcation members and the pair of second demarcation members are configured to be relatively movable in the transport direction so as to expand and contract the transport path. <2> The present invention is characterized in that a pair of guide members are provided at the upstream ends of the pair of second partition members in the transport direction, the distance between which increases toward the upstream side in the transport direction. <1> 2 is a medium conveying device according to the first embodiment. <3> A housing that accommodates the pair of second partition members and the second transport unit; a cover that is movable between a closing position for closing an opening provided in a position of the housing facing the pair of guide members and an opening position for opening the opening, <2> 2 is a medium conveying device according to the first embodiment. <4> One of the pair of guide members is configured to be rotatable in a direction away from the other of the pair of guide members about a downstream end of the pair of guide members in the conveying direction as a rotation center. <3> 2 is a medium conveying device according to the first embodiment. <5> a sensor that outputs a detection signal when the medium is present between the pair of guide members; a notification unit that notifies the user that the medium is jammed in the transport path when the output of the detection signal from the sensor does not stop even when the second transport unit is driven a predetermined amount after the sensor starts to output the detection signal. <3> or the above <4> 2 is a medium conveying device according to the first embodiment. <6> Each of the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit is A drive roller; a driven roller disposed opposite the drive roller across the conveying path and movable toward and away from the drive roller; a drive motor that generates a drive force for rotating the drive roller; The present invention is characterized in that the driven roller is pressed against the driving roller by a pressing mechanism. <1> or the above <5> 1 is a perspective view of a medium conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; <7> A first transport unit including a first housing that accommodates the pair of first partition members and the first transport section; a second transport unit including a second housing that houses the pair of second partition members, the second transport section, and the lifting mechanism and supports the tray with an outer wall; The conveying path is narrowed by the first housing entering the second housing. <1> or the above <6> 1 is a perspective view of a medium conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; <8> An image forming means for forming an image on a medium; a housing that houses the image forming means and has an internal space; The said which is detachably attached to the said internal space of the body <1> or the above <7> and a medium conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the tray moves up and down along the outer wall of the housing. <9> a post-processing device that is detachably attached to the internal space and performs post-processing on the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming device, The medium conveying device is detachably connected to the post-processing device and conveys the medium that has been subjected to the post-processing toward the tray. <8> The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, <10> The pair of first demarcating members and the pair of second demarcating members extend and contract the conveying path in accordance with the size of an optional device connected between the image forming means and the post-processing device in the internal space of the body. <9> 2 is a medium conveying device according to the first embodiment. <11> a controller for controlling drive timings of the first transport unit and the second transport unit in accordance with a length of the transport path between the first transport unit and the second transport unit, <10> The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10: Image forming device 11,71,81: Housing 12: Image forming means 13:Inner body space 30: Unit 31: Case 31a: Slit 31b, 31c: Guide wall 32,67: Output tray 33-36: Transport roller pair 33a, 36a, 55a: Drive rollers 33b, 36b, 55b: driven rollers 38: Beating Roller 39: Return roller 40L, 40R: End fence 41L, 41R: Side fence 42: Binding means 50: First transport unit 51: First unit 52a, 52b: First partition member 53a, 53b: First guide member 54, 64, 72: Sheet sensor 55: First conveyor section 55c,65c: Drive motor 55d: Driving force transmission mechanism 55e: Arm 55f: Pressing mechanism 56: Guide rod 60: Second conveying unit 61: Second case 61a:Aperture 61b: Cover 62a, 62b: second defining member 63a, 63b: second guide member 65, 66: Second conveying section 68: Lifting mechanism 68a, 68b: Pulley 68c: Timing belt 68d: Lifting motor 70: Hole punching unit 73: Piercing pin 74: Punch waste hopper 80: Folding unit 82: Transport roller pair 83: First folding roller 84: Second folding roller 85: Third folding roller 100: Controller 101: CPU 102: RAM 103: ROM 104: HDD 105: Interface 109: Common bus 110: Operation panel [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0087] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-123490 A

Claims

1. A pair of first defining members defining an upstream portion of the conveying path in the conveying direction; A pair of second defining members defining a downstream portion of the conveying path in the conveying direction; a first transport unit configured to transport the medium in the transport path defined by the pair of first defining members in the transport direction; a second transport unit configured to transport the medium in the transport path defined by the pair of second defining members in the transport direction; a tray disposed downstream of the pair of second partition members in the transport direction and configured to hold the medium discharged from the transport path; a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the tray, A medium transport device, comprising: a pair of the first demarcation members and a pair of the second demarcation members configured to be relatively movable in the transport direction so as to expand and contract the transport path.

2. The medium transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that a pair of guide members are provided at the upstream ends of the pair of second partition members in the transport direction, the distance between which increases toward the upstream side in the transport direction.

3. A housing that accommodates the pair of second partition members and the second transport unit; 3. The medium transport device according to claim 2, further comprising a cover movable between a closing position for closing an opening provided in a position of the housing facing the pair of guide members and an opening position for opening the opening.

4. 4. The medium transport device according to claim 3, wherein one of the pair of guide members is configured to be rotatable in a direction away from the other of the pair of guide members, with the downstream end in the transport direction as a rotation center.

5. a sensor that outputs a detection signal when the medium is present between the pair of guide members; The medium conveying device according to claim 3, further comprising an alarm unit that notifies the user that the medium is jammed in the conveying path if the output of the detection signal from the sensor does not stop even when the second conveying unit is driven a predetermined amount after the sensor starts to output the detection signal.

6. Each of the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit is A drive roller; a driven roller disposed opposite the drive roller across the conveying path and movable toward and away from the drive roller; a drive motor that generates a drive force for rotating the drive roller; The medium transport device according to claim 1 , further comprising a pressing mechanism that presses the driven roller against the drive roller.

7. A first transport unit including a first housing that accommodates the pair of first partition members and the first transport section; a second transport unit including a second housing that houses the pair of second partition members, the second transport section, and the lifting mechanism and supports the tray with an outer wall; The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the transport path is narrowed by the first housing entering the second housing.

8. An image forming means for forming an image on a medium; a housing that houses the image forming means and has an internal space; The medium transport device according to claim 1 , which is detachably attached to the internal space of the body, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tray moves up and down along an outer wall of the housing.

9. a post-processing device that is detachably attached to the internal space and performs post-processing on the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming device, 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the medium transport device is detachably connected to the post-processing device, and transports the medium that has been subjected to the post-processing toward the tray.

10. The media conveying device of claim 9, characterized in that the pair of first defining members and the pair of second defining members expand and contract the conveying path within the internal space to match the size of an optional device connected between the image forming means and the post-processing device.

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a controller that controls drive timings of the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit in accordance with a length of the conveying path between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit.

Images