Conveyance device and image formation device

Abstract

To provide a conveyance device having a simple structure.SOLUTION: A conveyance device 3 comprises a conveyance mechanism 32 and a carry-in-and-out mechanism 33. The conveyance mechanism 32 conveys a recording medium S toward the inside and outside of an image forming part 1 for forming an image on the recording medium S. The carry-in-and-out mechanism 33 performs an operation of carrying the recording medium S in the conveyance mechanism 32 conveying the recording medium S toward the inside of the image forming part 1 in conjunction with an operation of carrying out the recording medium S from the conveyance mechanism 32 conveying the recording medium S toward the outside of the image forming part 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is a process unit that suppresses wobbling of the development unit while maintaining the pressing force of the development roller against the photosensitive drum (photoconductor) at an appropriate value. The process unit of Patent Document 1 maintains the pressing force of the development roller at an appropriate value by a first pressing member and a second pressing member. An image forming apparatus equipped with such a process unit may be provided with a processing device that can perform processing such as drying on the recording medium on which an image has been formed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5206781 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the process unit of Patent Document 1 has a complicated structure due to the use of the first and second pressing members, which causes problems such as the inability to smoothly stop the ejection of the paper from the processing device and the loading of a new recording medium into the processing device when an error occurs while an image is being formed on the recording medium.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a conveying device having a simple structure, and an image forming apparatus having a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a conveying device includes a conveying mechanism and a carrying-in / out mechanism. The conveying mechanism conveys a recording medium toward the inside and outside of an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium. The carrying-in / out mechanism carries the recording medium into the conveying mechanism that carries the recording medium toward the inside of the image forming unit in conjunction with an operation of carrying the recording medium out of the conveying mechanism that carries the recording medium toward the outside of the image forming unit.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes the image forming section and the conveying device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the conveying device and image forming apparatus of the present invention, the structures of the conveying device and the image forming apparatus are simplified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the loading / unloading mechanism of FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a schematic diagram of a drive device that rotates the discharge rollers and the feed rollers. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a transport device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an outline of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, and are diagrams illustrating the operation of the conveying device when the first detection unit and the second detection unit detect a sheet. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, showing the operation of the conveying device when an abnormality occurs in the image forming unit and the first detection unit and the second detection unit no longer detect the sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] An overview of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus having a function of forming an image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The image forming apparatus 100 may be, for example, a printer, a copier, or an MFP (Multi Function Printer). The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an electrophotographic printer.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming section 1, a post-processing section 2, and a conveying device 3.

[0014] The image forming unit 1 forms an image corresponding to the image data on a sheet S (an example of a recording medium) based on the image data. The image forming unit 1 forms a toner image on the sheet S, for example, by an electrophotographic method. Although not shown, the image forming unit 1 may also form an image on the sheet S by an inkjet method.

[0015] The post-processing section 2 performs post-processing on the sheet S on which an image has been formed. The post-processing is determined appropriately according to a user's request regarding the position at which the image is to be formed on the sheet S, the quality of the image to be formed on the sheet S, etc. The post-processing includes, for example, a drying process, a reversing process of the sheet S, or a process of bundling a plurality of sheets S.

[0016] The conveying device 3 conveys the sheet S to and from the image forming unit 1 and to and from the post-processing unit 2. Specifically, the conveying device 3 conveys the sheet S on which an image has been formed in the image forming unit 1 to and from the post-processing unit 2. The sheet S conveyed into the post-processing unit 2 is conveyed by the conveying device 3 back into the image forming unit 1. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, conveying the sheet S from the image forming unit 1 to the image forming unit 1 via the post-processing unit 2 will be referred to as conveying the sheet S from upstream to downstream. Also, the direction in which the sheet S is conveyed may be referred to as the conveying direction, regardless of whether it is upstream or downstream.

[0017] The transport device 3 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the loading / unloading mechanism 33 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a drive device 334 that rotates the loading rollers 331 and the loading rollers 333. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the transport device 3 according to the embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the transport device 3 includes a post-processing transport mechanism 31, a transport mechanism 32, a carry-in / out mechanism 33, a first detection unit , a second detection unit 35, and a control unit .

[0019] Generally speaking, the post-processing transport mechanism 31, the transport mechanism 32, and the carry-in / out mechanism 33 transport the sheet S. The post-processing transport mechanism 31 is disposed in the post-processing unit 2. The transport mechanism 32 is disposed in the image forming unit 1. The carry-in / out mechanism 33 transfers the sheet S between the post-processing transport mechanism 31 and the transport mechanism 32.

[0020] The post-treatment transport mechanism 31 includes a first transport body 311 and a second transport body 312 .

[0021] The first conveyor 311 receives the sheet S from the carry-in / out mechanism 33. The first conveyor 311 has a roller 31R and a belt 31V. The roller 31R rotates the belt 31V. The sheet S from the carry-in / out mechanism 33 is placed on the rotating belt 31V. The sheet S placed on the belt 31V is conveyed within the post-processing section 2 from upstream to downstream in accordance with the rotation of the belt 31V.

[0022] The second transport body 312 delivers the sheet S transported in the post-processing section 2 to the carry-in / out mechanism 33. The second transport body 312 has a pair of rollers 31R, 31R. The sheet S is sandwiched between the pair of rollers 31R, 31R. The sandwiched sheet S is transported in the post-processing section 2 from upstream to downstream in accordance with the rotation of the pair of rollers 31R.

[0023] The conveying mechanism 32 conveys the sheet S toward the inside and outside of the image forming unit 1. The sheet S is delivered to the carry-in / out mechanism 33 by the conveying mechanism 32.

[0024] The transport mechanism 32 includes an inward transport body 321 , an outward transport body 322 , and a first suction device 323 .

[0025] The inward conveying body 321 conveys the sheet S toward the inside of the image forming unit 1. More specifically, the inward conveying body 321 conveys the sheet S received from the carry-in / out mechanism 33 toward the inside of the image forming unit 1. The inward conveying body 321 has an inward roller 32A and an inward belt 32B. The inward roller 32A rotates the inward belt 32B. The sheet S from the carry-out mechanism 33 is placed on the rotating inward belt 32B. The sheet S placed on the belt 31V is conveyed from upstream to downstream in the image forming unit 1 in accordance with the rotation of the inward belt 32B.

[0026] The outward conveying body 322 conveys the sheet S outward from the image forming unit 1. More specifically, the outward conveying body 322 delivers the sheet S conveyed inside the image forming unit 1 to the carry-in / out mechanism 33. The outward conveying body 322 has an outward roller 32C and an outward belt 32D. The outward roller 32C rotates the outward belt 32D. The sheet S is placed on the rotating outward belt 32D and conveyed inside the image forming unit 1. The outward belt 32D is provided with openings 32E spaced apart and smaller in size than the surface of the sheet S on which an image is formed.

[0027] The first suction device 323 suctions the sheet S to the outward conveyor 322. This prevents the sheet S from moving in an unintended direction on the outward conveyor 322 while conveying the sheet S. The first suction device 323 is, for example, a fan that sucks the sheet S in the direction of the outward belt 32D. Such a first suction device 323 is disposed on the opposite side of the sheet S across the outward belt 32D. The first suction device 323 generates wind F1 that flows from the space where the sheet S is disposed toward the first suction device 323 through the opening 32E of the outward belt 32D. The sheet S is suctioned to the outward belt 32D by the wind F1 generated by the first suction device 323. The first suction device 323 is an example of the "suction device" of the present invention.

[0028] The carry-in / out mechanism 33 performs an operation (carry-in operation) of carrying the sheet S into the conveying mechanism 32 that conveys the sheet S toward the inside of the image forming unit 1 in conjunction with an operation (carry-out operation) of carrying the sheet S out of the conveying mechanism 32 that conveys the sheet S toward the outside of the image forming unit 1. Such a carry-in / out mechanism 33 can perform the carry-in operation and the carry-out operation with one drive source. Therefore, the structure of the carry-in / out mechanism 33 is simpler than when multiple drive sources are required.

[0029] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the loading / unloading mechanism 33 has a loading roller 331, a second suction device 332 (see FIG. 2), a loading roller 333, and a drive device 334 (see FIG. 3).

[0030] The discharge rollers 331 discharge the sheet S from the conveying mechanism 32. As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge rollers 331 are arranged downstream of the outward conveying body 322 with a gap large enough to bridge the sheet S. In FIG. 2, three discharge rollers 331, 331, 331 are arranged in the conveying direction with a gap 33G smaller than the surface of the sheet S on which an image is formed. The sheet S delivered to the discharge rollers 331 is placed on the rotating discharge rollers 331 and conveyed out of the image forming unit 1. The sheet S conveyed out of the image forming unit 1 is delivered by the discharge rollers 331 to the first conveying body 311.

[0031] 2, the second suction device 332 suctions the sheet S to the discharge roller 331. This prevents the sheet S transported to the discharge roller 331 from moving in an unintended direction. Specifically, the second suction device 332 is a fan that sucks the sheet S toward the discharge roller 331. The second suction device 332 is disposed on the opposite side of the sheet S across the discharge roller 331. The second suction device 332 generates wind F2 that flows from the space where the sheet S is disposed through the gap 33G toward the second suction device 332. The sheet S is attracted to the discharge roller 331 by the wind F2 generated by the second suction device 332.

[0032] 1, the carry-in rollers 333 carry the sheet S into the conveying mechanism 32. Specifically, the carry-in rollers 333 are disposed upstream of the inward conveying body 321 with a gap therebetween. The sheet S delivered from the second conveying body 312 to the carry-in rollers 333 is placed on the rotating carry-in rollers 333 and delivered to the inward conveying body 321. As a result, the sheet S conveyed on the carry-in rollers 333 is carried into the image forming unit 1.

[0033] 3, the driving device 334 drives the discharge rollers 331 and the load rollers 333 in an interlocking manner. In this manner, the discharge rollers 331 and the load rollers 333 are rotated by the single driving device 334. Therefore, the structure of the load / unload mechanism 33 is simpler than when a plurality of driving devices 334 are required to drive the discharge rollers 331 and the load rollers 333.

[0034] Specifically, the driving device 334 includes a driving source 33A, a first transmission structure 33B, and a second transmission structure 33C.

[0035] Driving source 33A generates a rotational force for discharge roller 331 and feed roller 333. Driving source 33A illustrated in Fig. 3 is a motor having a rotation shaft 33R.

[0036] The first transmission structure 33B is a structure that transmits the rotational force of the driving source 33A to the discharge roller 331. In FIG. 3, a gear train composed of multiple gears that mesh with each other is shown as the first transmission structure 33B. The gear train of the first transmission structure 33B transmits the rotational force of the rotating shaft 33R to the discharge roller 331. Therefore, the discharge roller 331 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 33R. Note that the first transmission structure 33B is not limited to a gear train, and may be any structure that can transmit the rotational force of the driving source 33A to the discharge roller 331.

[0037] The second transmission structure 33C is a structure that transmits the rotational force of the driving source 33A to the carry-in roller 333. The second transmission structure 33C shown in FIG. 3 is a gear train composed of multiple gears that mesh with each other, similar to the first transmission structure 33B. The gear train of the second transmission structure 33C transmits the rotational force of the rotating shaft 33R to the carry-in roller 333. Therefore, the carry-in roller 333 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 33R. Note that, similar to the first transmission structure 33B, the second transmission structure 33C is not limited to a gear train, and may be any structure that can transmit the rotational force of the driving source 33A to the carry-in roller 333.

[0038] As described above, the rotational force of the rotating shaft 33R is transmitted to both the first transmission structure 33B and the second transmission structure 33C. Therefore, when the rotating shaft 33R rotates, the carry-in rollers 333 rotate in conjunction with the carry-out rollers 331.

[0039] 1 may experience an abnormality while forming an image. An abnormality in the image forming unit 1 includes the occurrence of a situation in which the image forming unit 1 cannot continue to operate. Specific examples of abnormalities in the image forming unit 1 include a shortage of the sheet S on which the image is formed, a shortage of ink or toner, etc.

[0040] When an abnormality occurs in the image forming unit 1, the first detection unit 34 detects the presence or absence of the sheet S being conveyed out from the conveying mechanism 32 by the conveying mechanism 33. In detail, the first detection unit 34 is a sensor that detects that at least a part of the sheet S has been separated from the outward belt 32D. As one specific example, the first detection unit 34 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet S in the space between the outward belt 32D and the conveying roller 331. As another specific example, the first detection unit 34 is a combination of a position detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet S at an arbitrary position, and a calculation device that predicts the position of the sheet S from the detection result of the position detection sensor and the operating status of each part of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0041] When an abnormality occurs in the image forming unit 1, the second detection unit 35 detects the presence or absence of the sheet S being carried into the conveying mechanism 32 by the carry-in / out mechanism 33. In detail, the second detection unit 35 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet S being conveyed in the post-processing unit 2 and the sheet S being handed over from the carry-in rollers 333 to the inward rollers 32A. The second detection unit 35 may be a combination of the position detection sensor and the calculation device described in the first detection unit 34. Note that the first detection unit 34 and the second detection unit 35 are not limited to a position detection sensor or a combination of a position detection sensor and a calculation device, as long as they can detect the position of the sheet S.

[0042] 4, the control unit 36 ​​controls the post-processing conveying mechanism 31, the conveying mechanism 32, and the carry-in / out mechanism 33. Preferably, the control unit 36 ​​controls the first suction device 323 and the outward conveying body 322 based on the detection result of the first detection unit 34. In addition, the control unit 36 ​​controls the driving device 334 based on the detection result of the second detection unit 35. Therefore, the first suction device 323, the outward conveying body 322, and the driving device 334 perform operations appropriate to the position of the sheet S when an abnormality occurs in the image forming unit 1. The control unit 36 ​​has a processing unit 361 and a storage unit 362.

[0043] The processing unit 361 is, for example, a processor. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 361 executes a control program stored in the storage unit 362 to control the first conveyor 311, the second conveyor 312, the inward conveyor 321, the outward conveyor 322, the first suction device 323, the drive device 334, and the second suction device 332.

[0044] The storage unit 362 stores a control program. The storage unit 362 is configured with, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and / or a Solid State Drive (SSD). The storage unit 362 may include an external memory. The external memory is a removable medium. The storage unit 362 may include, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory and / or a Secure Digital (SD) card as the external memory.

[0045] The function of the control unit 36 ​​will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 7. Fig. 5 is a diagram that shows an outline of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram that shows an outline of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, showing the operation of the conveying device 3 when the first detection unit 34 and the second detection unit 35 detect the sheet S. Fig. 7 is a diagram that shows an outline of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, showing the operation of the conveying device 3 when there is an abnormality in the image forming unit 1 and the first detection unit 34 and the second detection unit 35 do not detect the sheet S.

[0046] The control unit 36 ​​operates the first conveyor 311, the second conveyor 312, the inward conveyor 321, the outward conveyor 322, and the driving source 33A, as shown in Fig. 4. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5, the sheet S conveyed by the outward conveyor 322 is conveyed out by the conveyance rollers 331 and delivered to the first conveyor 311. The sheet S delivered to the first conveyor 311 is conveyed within the post-processing unit 2, and then delivered from the second conveyor 312 to the inward conveyor 321 via the conveyance rollers 333.

[0047] In addition, the control unit 36 ​​controls the first suction device 323 and the second suction device 332 so that the sheet S is attracted to the outward conveying body 322 with a force stronger than that for conveying the sheet S out of the conveying mechanism 32. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 36 ​​controls the first suction device 323 and the second suction device 332 so that the volume of the wind F1 generated by the first suction device 323 is greater than the volume of the wind F2 generated by the second suction device 332. As a result, when the sheet S is delivered from the outward conveying body 322 to the conveying rollers 331, it is possible to prevent the sheet S from being damaged due to an excessive tensile force being applied to the sheet S.

[0048] 6, when the first detection unit 34 detects the sheet S, the control unit 36 ​​operates the outward conveying body 322. Specifically, the control unit 36 ​​controls the rotation of the outward roller 32C to rotate the outward belt 32D. As a result, the sheet S placed on the outward belt 32D is conveyed toward the outside of the image forming unit 1. After a time has elapsed, the sheet S being conveyed by the outward belt 32D is carried out from the image forming unit 1. As a result, the first detection unit 34 no longer detects the sheet S.

[0049] The sheet S conveyed out of the image forming unit 1 by the outward belt 32D is conveyed into the post-processing unit 2. Then, if the control unit 36 ​​operates the first conveyor 311, the second conveyor 312, and the drive device 334, the sheet S conveyed in the post-processing unit 2 is conveyed into the conveying mechanism 33. As a result, the second detection unit 35 detects the sheet S.

[0050] Furthermore, when the second detection unit 35 detects the sheet S, the control unit 36 ​​operates the driving device 334. Specifically, the control unit 36 ​​controls the driving source 33A to generate a rotational force. This rotates the discharge roller 331 and the feed roller 333. Therefore, the sheet S placed on the discharge roller 331 and the feed roller 333 is conveyed toward the outside of the post-processing unit 2. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the image forming unit 1, the sheet S conveyed into the conveying mechanism 33 is conveyed out of the conveying mechanism 33. Preferably, when an abnormality occurs in the image forming unit 1, the control unit 36 ​​operates the first conveying body 311, the second conveying body 312, and the inward conveying body 321. As a result, the sheet S in the post-processing unit 2 is conveyed out of the post-processing unit 2 and the conveying mechanism 33.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, when the first detection unit 34 no longer detects the sheet S, the control unit 36 ​​stops the outward conveyance body 322 and operates the first suction device 323. Specifically, the control unit 36 ​​performs control to stop the rotation of the outward roller 32C, thereby stopping the rotation of the outward belt 32D. In addition, the control unit 36 ​​causes the first suction device 323 to generate wind F1. By stopping the rotation of the outward belt 32D, it is possible to prevent a new sheet S from being delivered to the discharge roller 331. In addition, by the first suction device 323 generating wind F1, the sheet S placed on the outward conveyance body 322 is attracted to the discharge roller 331. As a result, the sheet S placed on the discharge roller 331 cannot move toward the post-processing unit 2.

[0052] The image forming apparatus 100 including the image forming unit 1 and the conveying device 3 described above has a simple structure.

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0054] The present invention provides a conveying device and an image forming apparatus, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1: Image forming section 3: Transport device 32: Transport mechanism 33: Loading / unloading mechanism 34: First detection unit 35: Second detection section 100: Image forming apparatus 322: Outward conveyor 323: 1st adsorption device 333: Loading roller 334: Drive unit S: Seat

Claims

1. a conveying mechanism that conveys the recording medium toward the inside and outside of an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium; a carry-in / out mechanism that performs an operation of carrying the recording medium into the conveying mechanism that conveys the recording medium toward the inside of the image forming unit in conjunction with an operation of carrying the recording medium out of the conveying mechanism that conveys the recording medium toward the outside of the image forming unit; A conveying device comprising:

2. The loading / unloading mechanism includes: a discharge roller that discharges the recording medium from the transport mechanism; a feed roller for feeding the recording medium into the transport mechanism; a drive device that drives the discharge roller and the feed roller in conjunction with each other; The transport device of claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The transport mechanism includes: an outward conveying body that conveys the recording medium toward the outside of the image forming unit; a suction device for suctioning the recording medium onto the outward conveying body; The transport device of claim 2 .

4. The adsorption device is The transport device according to claim 3 , wherein the transport mechanism attracts the recording medium to the outward transport body with a force stronger than the force with which the transport mechanism transports the recording medium out of the transport mechanism.

5. a first detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the recording medium being conveyed out of the conveying mechanism by the conveying mechanism when an abnormality occurs in the image forming unit; a second detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the recording medium being carried into the conveying mechanism by the carry-in / out mechanism when an abnormality occurs in the image forming unit; a control unit that controls the suction device and the outward conveyance body based on a detection result of the first detection unit, and controls the drive device based on a detection result of the second detection unit; The transport apparatus of claim 4 further comprising:

6. The control unit is When the first detection unit detects the recording medium, the outward transport body is operated; The transport device according to claim 5 , wherein when the first detection unit no longer detects the recording medium, the outward transport body is stopped and the suction device is operated.

7. The control unit is The transport device according to claim 6 , wherein the drive device is operated when the second detection unit detects the recording medium.

8. The image forming unit; The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images