Conveying device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To suppress a jumping sound when a rear end of a recording medium passes through a guide surface of a guide member as compared with a case where a shape of the guide surface is constant in an axial direction of a conveyance roll.SOLUTION: A conveying device is provided with: a conveying roll for conveying a recording medium, the conveying roll comprising a first shaft portion and a plurality of cylindrical first roll portions into which the first shaft portion is inserted and which are provided so as to be separated from each other in the axial direction of the first shaft portion, and a second roll which is in contact with the first roll and extends in the direction of the first shaft portion; and a guide member which is arranged on the first roll side with respect to the conveying path of the recording medium, has formed thereon a guide surface for guiding the recording medium to the conveying roll while changing the conveying direction of the recording medium to be conveyed, and has a guide surface at a separated portion separated from the first roll in the axial direction and extends further downstream in the conveying direction than the guide surface at an overlapping portion overlapping the first roll in the axial direction. A transport device comprising: SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The recording material processing device described in Patent Document 1 includes a forming section that forms a wavy shape on the recording material, a moving section that moves the forming section in a direction intersecting the conveying direction on the surface of the recording material, a guide section that is movable in a direction intersecting the conveying direction on the surface of the recording material and guides the conveyed recording material to the forming section, and an interlocking means that moves the guide section in conjunction with the movement of the forming section by the moving section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-63071 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A conveying device that changes the conveying direction of a recording medium while curving the recording medium includes a conveying roll that conveys the recording medium and a guide member that has a guide surface that guides the recording medium toward the conveying roll while changing the conveying direction of the conveyed recording medium.

[0005] Conventionally, this guide member is spaced apart from the transport roll when viewed in the axial direction of the transport roll, and the shape of the guide surface of the guide member is constant in the axial direction of the transport roll. When the rear end of the recording medium being transported by the transport roll leaves the guide surface of the guide member, it bounces up and generates a bouncing noise.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to suppress the bouncing noise that occurs when the rear end of the recording medium leaves the guide surface, compared to when the guide member is separated from the transport roll when viewed in the axial direction of the transport roll and the shape of the guide surface is constant in the axial direction of the transport roll. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The conveying device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first roll including a first shaft portion, a plurality of cylindrical first roll portions into which the first shaft portion is inserted and which are spaced apart in the axial direction of the first shaft portion, and a second roll in contact with the first roll and extending in the direction of the first shaft portion, the conveying roll transporting a recording medium, and a guide member arranged on the first roll side of the recording medium transport path, the guide member having a guide surface that guides the recording medium toward the conveying roll while changing the transport direction of the transported recording medium, the guide surface of the separated portion separated from the first roll in the axial direction extending downstream in the transport direction compared to the guide surface of the overlapping portion that overlaps with the first roll in the axial direction.

[0008] A conveying device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the conveying device described in the first aspect, when viewed from the axial direction, the tip of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is positioned on the second roll side of the nip line between the first roll and the second roll, and when viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separating portion extends from the tip of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the nip line.

[0009] A conveying device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the conveying device described in the second aspect, when viewed from the axial direction, the tip of the guide surface of the separation portion is positioned on the first roll side relative to the nip line.

[0010] A conveying device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the conveying device described in the first aspect, when viewed from the axial direction, the tip of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is positioned on the second roll side with respect to the nip line between the first roll and the second roll, and when viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separating portion extends from the tip of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the first shaft portion.

[0011] A conveying device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the conveying device described in the fourth aspect, when viewed from the axial direction, the tip of the guide surface of the separation portion overlaps with the first roll portion.

[0012] A conveying device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the conveying device described in the first aspect, the conveying roll is an ejection roll that ejects the recording medium to the outside of the device main body, and the ejection roll arranged at one position ejects the conveyed recording medium to the first position, moves the ejection roll that clamps the leading end portion of the conveyed recording medium from the first position in the axial direction to arrange it at another position, and ejects the recording medium to a second position different from the first position; another guide member that is arranged on the first roll side of the conveying path of the recording medium as seen from the axial direction, guides the recording medium toward the ejection roll while changing the conveying direction of the conveyed recording medium, and has another guide surface formed thereon with which a rear end corner of the recording medium conveyed by the movement of the ejection roll comes into contact from the axial direction; and an inclined surface formed on the other guide surface, inclined with respect to the axial direction, and contacts the rear end corner when the ejection roll moves.

[0013] An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium conveyed by the conveying device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In the conveying device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the bouncing noise generated when the rear end of the recording medium passes through the guide surface can be suppressed compared to when the guide member is separated from the conveying roll when viewed in the axial direction of the conveying roll and the shape of the guide surface is constant in the axial direction of the conveying roll.

[0015] In the conveying device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, splashing noise can be suppressed compared to when the guide surface of the separation portion is parallel to the nip line when viewed in the axial direction.

[0016] In the conveying device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, splashing noise can be suppressed compared to when the leading end of the guide surface of the separation portion is disposed on the second roll side with respect to the nip line.

[0017] In the conveying device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, splashing noise can be suppressed compared to when the leading end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion extends toward the second roll.

[0018] In the transport device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, splashing noise can be suppressed compared to when the tip of the separated portion is separated from the first roll as viewed in the axial direction.

[0019] In the conveyance device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, damage to the trailing corner of the recording medium can be suppressed compared to when the trailing corner comes into contact with the axial side of another guide member.

[0020] In the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the transport noise of the recording medium can be reduced compared to a case where a transport device is provided that has only a guide member that is separated from the transport roll in the axial direction of the transport roll and whose guide surface shape is constant in the axial direction of the transport roll. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming unit provided for image formation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a discharge roller is disposed at a predetermined position. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a state where a discharge roller is disposed at a discharge position. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are front views showing a guide member provided in a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the leading edge of a sheet material is guided by a guide member provided in a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and a state in which a sheet material P is fed out. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are side views showing a guide member and a discharge roll provided in a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a state where the guide member and a discharge roll are disposed in an initial position and in a state where the discharge roll is disposed in a discharge position. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are front views showing a guide member provided in a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are front views showing a guide member provided in a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view showing a guide member provided in a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an ejection roll provided in a transport device according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An example of a conveying device and an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 12. Note that arrow H shown in each figure indicates the vertical direction, i.e., the up-down direction of the device. Arrow W is perpendicular to arrow H and is horizontal, indicating the width direction of the device. Arrow D is perpendicular to arrows H and W and is horizontal, indicating the depth direction of the device.

[0023] (Overall configuration of image forming apparatus 10) 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 60 and an image forming unit 12 that forms a toner image. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a conveying device 14 that conveys a sheet material P along a conveying path 14a. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a storage member 18 that stores the sheet material P as a recording medium, and a control unit 28 that controls the entire apparatus.

[0024] In this configuration, in the image forming apparatus 10, the conveying device 14 conveys the sheet material P stored in the storage 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. The toner image is formed on the sheet material P being conveyed, and the sheet material P with the formed toner image is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0025] [Image forming unit 12] 1, the image forming unit 12 includes a plurality of toner image forming units 30 that respectively form toner images of each color. The image forming unit 12 also includes a transfer unit 32 that transfers the toner images formed in the toner image forming units 30 onto a sheet member P. The image forming unit 12 also includes a fixing device 34 that fixes the toner images transferred onto the sheet member P by the transfer units 32 onto the sheet member P.

[0026] -Toner image forming unit 30- A plurality of 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 a total of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the Y, M, C, and K attached to the reference numerals will be omitted.

[0027] The toner image forming units 30 for each color are basically configured the same except for the toner used, and as shown in FIG. 2, each unit includes a rotating, cylindrical image carrier 36 and a charger 42 that charges the image carrier 36. The toner image forming units 30 also include an exposure device 44 that irradiates the charged image carrier 36 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image. The toner image forming units 30 also include a development device 46 that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image with developer G containing toner. As a result, the toner image forming units 30 for each color form images of the respective colors using toner of the respective colors.

[0028] 1, the image carriers 36 of each color are in contact with a rotating transfer belt 50 (described in detail later). In the rotation direction of the transfer belt 50 (see the arrow in the figure), the toner image forming units 30 of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0029] -Transfer section 32- 1, the transfer unit 32 includes an endless transfer belt 50. The transfer unit 32 further includes primary transfer rolls 52 that are arranged on the opposite side of the image carriers 36 of each color across the transfer belt 50 and transfer the toner images formed on the image carriers 36 of each color to the transfer belt 50.

[0030] The transfer unit 32 also includes a winding roll 56 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and a driving roll 58 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound and which transmits a rotational force to the transfer belt 50. This causes the transfer belt 50 to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0031] Furthermore, the transfer unit 32 includes a secondary transfer roll 54, which is disposed on the opposite side of the transfer belt 50 from the winding roll 56 and which transfers the toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 50 onto the sheet material P. A transfer nip NT is formed between the secondary transfer roll 54 and the transfer belt 50 to transfer the toner image onto the sheet material P.

[0032] -Fusing unit 34- 1, the fixing device 34 is disposed downstream of the transfer nip NT in the conveying direction of the sheet member P. The fixing device 34 applies heat and pressure to the toner image transferred to the sheet member P to fix it to the sheet member P.

[0033] In this configuration, a toner image is primarily transferred onto a transfer belt 50 by a primary transfer roll 52 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toner image is then transferred from the transfer belt 50 by the secondary transfer roll 54 onto a sheet member P that is conveyed while being sandwiched between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roll 54.

[0034] Furthermore, the sheet member P onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported toward the fixing device 34. Then, the fixing device 34 fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet member P to the sheet member P by applying heat and pressure.

[0035] [Transport device 14] 1, the conveying device 14 includes a feed roll 20 that feeds the sheet material P stored in the storage member 18 to the conveying path 14a. The conveying device 14 also includes a prevention roll 22 that prevents double feeding of the sheet material P fed by the feed roll 20, and an adjustment roll 24 that adjusts the timing of feeding the sheet material P to the transfer nip NT. The conveying device 14 also includes a discharge roll 26 that discharges the sheet material P to the outside of the device main body 10a, and a guide unit 80 that guides the sheet material P on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 34, toward the discharge roll 26.

[0036] The guide unit 80 and the discharge rolls 26 provided in the transport device 14 will be described in detail later.

[0037] [Image reading unit 60] As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 60 is disposed above the discharge roll 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 64a provided in the document reading unit 64. The image reading unit 60 also includes a paper feed tray 66 that feeds the document S to the document transport unit 62, and a discharge tray 68 that discharges the document S read by the document reading unit 64. The paper feed tray 66 and the discharge tray 68 are attached to the document transport unit 62.

[0038] In this configuration, by rotating the document transport unit 62 around the hinge portion 64a, the upper surface (platen glass) of the document reading unit 64 is opened upward. Then, the document reading unit 64 reads an image of the document S placed on the platen glass (not shown) arranged on the upper surface of the document reading unit 64 and an image of the document S transported by the document transport unit 62.

[0039] (Main part configuration) Next, the guide unit 80, the discharge roll 26, the moving section 90 for moving the discharge roll 26, and the like provided in the transport device 14 will be described.

[0040] [Discharge roll 26] 1 and 3, the discharge rollers 26 are disposed at the end of the transport path 14a so as to discharge the transported sheet material P to one side in the width direction (the right side in the drawings). The axial direction of the discharge rollers 26 is the depth direction, and as shown in Fig. 3, the discharge rollers 26 include a first roller 70 and a second roller 74 disposed below the first roller 70. The discharge rollers 26 are an example of a transport roller, and the depth direction is an example of the axial direction.

[0041] 3 and 4, the first roll 70 includes a cylindrical first shaft portion 70a extending in the depth direction. The first roll 70 further includes a cylindrical first roll portion 70b into which the first shaft portion 70a is inserted. The first roll portion 70b is formed of an elastic member, and a plurality of first roll portions 70b are provided spaced apart in the depth direction.

[0042] Similarly, the second roll 74 includes a cylindrical second shaft portion 74a extending in the depth direction and a cylindrical second roll portion 74b into which the second shaft portion 74a is inserted. The second roll portions 74b are formed of an elastic member, and a plurality of second roll portions 74b are provided spaced apart in the depth direction. Furthermore, each second roll portion 74b is disposed in the same position in the depth direction as each first roll portion 70b.

[0043] 3, a nip portion N that sandwiches the sheet member P is formed by the first roll 70 and the second roll 74. This nip portion N is formed by abutting the first roll portion 70b formed of an elastic member against the second roll portion 74b formed of an elastic member.

[0044] When viewed from the depth direction, the nip portion N is linear along the conveying direction of the sheet material P (hereinafter referred to as the "sheet conveying direction"). When viewed from the depth direction, the straight line including the nip portion N is referred to as a nip line 72. In this embodiment, the nip line 72 is a perpendicular bisector to a line segment connecting the center of the first shaft portion 70a and the center of the second shaft portion 74a when viewed from the depth direction.

[0045] [Moving unit 90] 4 and 5, the moving unit 90 includes a motor 90a that rotates the first roll 70. Furthermore, the moving unit 90 includes a solenoid 90b that moves the first roll 70 and the second roll 74 in the depth direction.

[0046] In this configuration, the motor 90a rotates the first roll 70, which in turn rotates the second roll 74. The discharge roll 26 then sandwiches the conveyed sheet material P at a nip portion N (see FIG. 3) and conveys it downstream in the sheet conveyance direction.

[0047] On the other hand, for each image formation instruction (job), the discharge position of the sheet material P may be changed in the width direction (depth direction) of the sheet material P. Specifically, the discharge position may be changed between the sheet material P on which an image is formed by the first image formation instruction and the sheet material P on which an image is formed by the next image formation instruction.

[0048] In such a case, in the first discharge operation, the discharge rollers 26 are placed at one position (initial position) without moving the position of the discharge rollers 26 in the depth direction, and the discharge rollers 26 discharge the sheet material P to a first position outside the device main body 10a (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, in the next discharge operation, the solenoid 90b moves the discharge rollers 26, which have clamped the leading edge of the sheet material P, to another position different from the initial position on the front side in the depth direction (see FIG. 5). Then, in the state where the discharge rollers 26 have moved to the other position, the discharge rollers 26 discharge the sheet material P to a second position different from the first position. Furthermore, after the discharge rollers 26 discharge the sheet material P, the solenoid 90b moves the discharge rollers 26 to the rear side in the depth direction and returns them to the initial position. In this way, the first position from which the sheet material P is discharged in the first discharge operation and the second position from which the sheet material P is discharged in the next discharge operation are switched.

[0049] [Guide unit 80] 1 and 3, the guide unit 80 is disposed on the first roll 70 side of the conveyance path 14a in the sheet conveyance direction, between the fixing device 34 and the discharge roll 26. The guide unit 80 guides the sheet member P sent upward from the fixing device 34 toward the discharge roll 26 while changing the conveyance direction of the sheet member P. Here, the conveyance path 14a is an ideal path through which the center of gravity of the sheet member P conveyed by each roll passes.

[0050] 4 and 5, the guide unit 80 includes four guide members 82, 92, 112, and 132. The guide members 82, 92, 112, and 132 are lined up in this order in the depth direction from the back to the front. Each of the guide members 82, 92, 112, and 132 is supported by a frame member (not shown).

[0051] [Guide member 82] 4 and 5, the guide member 82 is disposed on the rear side in the depth direction relative to the first roll unit 70b and the second roll unit 74b, which are disposed at the rearmost side in the depth direction. Specifically, whether the discharge roll 26 is disposed at one position or the discharge roll 26 is disposed at another position, the guide member 82 is disposed on the rear side in the depth direction relative to the first roll unit 70b and the second roll unit 74b.

[0052] The guide member 82 extends in the depth direction and has a constant cross section in the depth direction. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6(A) and (B), the guide member 82 is formed with a guide surface 84 facing the conveying path 14a. The guide surface 84 is divided into a first guide surface 86 on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction and a second guide surface 88 on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction.

[0053] The first guide surface 86 has a function of guiding the leading edge of the sheet material P being conveyed to the nip portion N. Therefore, the first guide surface 86 is separated from the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b when viewed from the depth direction. Furthermore, the leading edge 86a of the first guide surface 86 is disposed on the second roll 74 side with respect to the nip line 72.

[0054] The second guide surface 88 is flat and has the function of preventing the rear end of the conveyed sheet material P from jumping up when it passes through the first guide surface 86. Therefore, when the nip line 72 is used as a reference, the second guide surface 88 extends from a tip 86a of the first guide surface 86 toward the nip line 72, and the tip 88a of the second guide surface 88 is disposed on the first roll 70 side with respect to the nip line 72. On the other hand, when the first shaft portion 70a is used as a reference, the second guide surface 88 extends from the tip 86a of the first guide surface 86 toward the first shaft portion 70a, and the tip 88a of the second guide surface 88 overlaps with the first roll portion 70b when viewed from the depth direction.

[0055] In this configuration, when the leading edge of the sheet material P is conveyed toward the nip portion N, as shown in FIG. 7A, the leading edge of the sheet material P is guided by the first guide surface 86. Then, the leading edge of the sheet material P is sent out toward the nip portion N from the leading edge 86a of the first guide surface 86. In this way, the first guide surface 86 has the function of guiding the leading edge of the sheet material P being conveyed toward the nip portion N.

[0056] On the other hand, when the trailing end of the sheet material P being conveyed separates from the guide surface 84, the sheet material P is conveyed with the sheet surface of the sheet material P in contact with the leading end 86a of the first guide surface 86, as shown in FIG. 7B. Then, when the trailing end of the sheet material P passes the leading end 86a, the trailing end of the sheet material P tends to bounce due to the rigidity of the sheet material P. However, the bouncing of the trailing end of the sheet material P is suppressed by the second guide surface 88. In this way, the second guide surface 88 has the function of suppressing the trailing end of the sheet material P being conveyed from bouncing up when it passes the first guide surface 86.

[0057] [Guide member 92] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the guide member 92 is disposed on the near side in the depth direction relative to the guide member 82. Specifically, when the discharge roller 26 is disposed at one position, a portion of the guide member 92 overlaps with the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b in the depth direction, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8(A). In other words, another portion of the guide member 92 is separated from the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b in the depth direction. On the other hand, when the discharge roller 26 is disposed at another position, the guide member 92 does not overlap with the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b in the depth direction, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8(B).

[0058] In Figures 8(A) and (B), the first shaft portion 70a and the second shaft portion 74a are omitted so that the relative positional relationship between the guide members 82, 92, 112, and 132 and the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b can be easily understood.

[0059] In the following description, when the discharge roller 26 is disposed in one position (initial position), the portion of the guide member 92 that is separated from the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b in the depth direction will be referred to as the separation portion 92a. Furthermore, the portion of the guide member 92 that overlaps with the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b in the depth direction will be referred to as the overlapping portion 92b. Furthermore, the portion that connects the separation portion 92a and the overlapping portion 92b will be referred to as the connection portion 92c.

[0060] -Separated part 92a- 9(A) and 9(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 in the sheet conveying direction and a second guide surface 98 on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. The first guide surface 96 overlaps with the first guide surface 86 of the guide member 82 when viewed from the depth direction. Furthermore, the second guide surface 98 overlaps with the second guide surface 88 of the guide member 82 when viewed from the depth direction.

[0061] The first guide surface 96 has a function of guiding the leading edge of the sheet material P being conveyed to the nip portion N. Therefore, the first guide surface 96 is separated from the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b when viewed from the depth direction. Furthermore, a leading edge 96a of the first guide surface 96 is disposed on the second roll 74 side with respect to the nip line 72.

[0062] The second guide surface 98 is flat and has the function of preventing the rear end of the conveyed sheet material P from bouncing up when it passes through the first guide surface 96. Therefore, when the nip line 72 is used as a reference, the second guide surface 98 extends from a tip 96a of the first guide surface 96 toward the nip line 72, and the tip 98a of the second guide surface 98 is disposed on the first roll 70 side of the nip line 72. On the other hand, when the first shaft portion 70a is used as a reference, the second guide surface 98 extends from the tip 96a of the first guide surface 96 toward the first shaft portion 70a, and the tip 98a of the second guide surface 98 overlaps with the first roll portion 70b when viewed from the depth direction. The tip 98a is an example of a tip of a guide surface in a separation portion.

[0063] -Overlapping part 92b- 10(A) and (B), the overlapping portion 92b is spaced apart from the discharge roller 26 when viewed from the depth direction, and a guide surface 104 facing the conveying path 14a is formed in 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 FIG. 9). In other words, when viewed from the depth direction, the guide surface 104 overlaps with the first guide surface 86 of the guide member 82.

[0064] The guide surface 104 has a function of guiding the leading edge of the sheet material P being conveyed to the nip portion N. For this reason, the guide surface 104 is separated from the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b when viewed from the depth direction. Furthermore, a leading edge 104a of the guide surface 104 is disposed on the second roll 74 side with respect to the nip line 72. The leading edge 104a is an example of the leading edge of the guide surface in the overlapping portion.

[0065] -Connection part 92c- The cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 92c shown in FIG. 8 is similar to that of the overlapping portion 92b. [Guide member 112] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the guide member 112 is disposed on the near side in the depth direction relative to the guide member 92. Specifically, when the discharge roller 26 is disposed at another position, a portion of the guide member 112 overlaps with the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b in the depth direction, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8(B). In other words, another portion of the guide member 112 is separated from the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b in the depth direction. On the other hand, when the discharge roller 26 is disposed at one position, the guide member 112 does not overlap with the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b in the depth direction, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8(A).

[0066] In the following description, when the discharge roller 26 is disposed at another position, the portion of the guide member 112 that is separated from the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b in the depth direction will be referred to as the separation portion 112a. Furthermore, the portion of the guide member 112 that overlaps with the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b in the depth direction will be referred to as the overlapping portion 112b. Furthermore, the portion that connects the separation portion 112a and the overlapping portion 112b will be referred to as the connection portion 112c.

[0067] -Separated part 112a- 9(A) and 9(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 in the sheet conveying direction and a second guide surface 118 on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. The first guide surface 116 overlaps with the first guide surface 86 of the guide member 82 when viewed from the depth direction. Furthermore, the second guide surface 118 overlaps with the second guide surface 88 of the guide member 82 when viewed from the depth direction.

[0068] The first guide surface 116 has a function of guiding the leading edge of the sheet material P being conveyed to the nip portion N. Therefore, the first guide surface 116 is separated from the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b when viewed from the depth direction. Furthermore, the leading edge 116a of the first guide surface 116 is disposed on the second roll 74 side with respect to the nip line 72.

[0069] The second guide surface 118 is flat and has the function of preventing the rear end of the conveyed sheet material P from bouncing up when passing through the first guide surface 116. Therefore, when the nip line 72 is used as a reference, the second guide surface 118 extends from the tip 116a of the first guide surface 116 toward the nip line 72, and the tip 118a of the second guide surface 118 is disposed on the first roll 70 side with respect to the nip line 72. On the other hand, when the first shaft portion 70a is used as a reference, the second guide surface 118 extends from the tip 116a of the first guide surface 116 toward the first shaft portion 70a, and the tip 118a of the second guide surface 118 overlaps with the first roll portion 70b when viewed from the depth direction. The tip 118a is an example of a tip of a guide surface in a separation portion.

[0070] -Overlapping part 112b- 10(A) and (B), the overlapping portion 112b is spaced apart from the discharge roller 26 when viewed from the depth direction, and a guide surface 124 facing the conveying path 14a is formed in 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 FIG. 9). In other words, when viewed from the depth direction, the guide surface 124 overlaps with the first guide surface 86 of the guide member 82.

[0071] The guide surface 124 has a function of guiding the leading edge of the sheet material P being conveyed to the nip portion N. For this reason, the guide surface 124 is separated from the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b when viewed from the depth direction. Furthermore, a leading edge 124a of the guide surface 124 is disposed on the second roll 74 side with respect to the nip line 72. The leading edge 124a is an example of the leading edge of the guide surface in the overlapping portion.

[0072] -Connection part 112c- The cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 112c shown in FIG. 8 is similar to that of the overlapping portion 112b. [Guide member 132] 4 and 5, the guide member 132 is disposed on the near side in the depth direction relative to the guide member 112. Specifically, whether the discharge roll 26 is disposed at one position or the discharge roll 26 is disposed at another position, the guide member 132 is disposed on the near side relative to the first roll portion 70b and the second roll portion 74b. For this reason, the basic shape of the guide member 132 is similar to that of the guide member 82. The guide member 132 is an example of another guide member.

[0073] However, as described above, there are cases where the discharge position of the sheet material P discharged by the discharge rollers 26 changes in the depth direction. Specifically, there are cases where the discharge rollers 26 pinch the sheet material P at one position, and then move to another position and the discharge rollers 26 discharge the sheet material P. In such cases, the sheet material P moves downstream in the sheet conveyance direction while also moving in the depth direction.

[0074] 11, the rear end corner K of the sheet member P moves downstream in the sheet conveying direction and also moves in the depth direction. The rear end corner K of the sheet member P then comes into contact with the guide surface 134 of the guide member 132.

[0075] Here, the guide surface 134 is formed with an inclined surface 134a that is inclined with respect to the depth direction so that the rear end corner K of the moving sheet material P does not hit the side surface 136 of the guide member 132. As a result, the rear end corner K of the moving sheet material P comes into contact with the inclined surface 134a formed on the guide surface 134.

[0076] (summary) As described above, in the conveying device 14, the guide surfaces 94, 114 of the separated portions 92a, 112a of the guide members 92, 112 extend further downstream in the sheet conveying direction than the guide surfaces 104, 124 of the overlapping portions 92b, 112b. Therefore, the guide surfaces 94, 114 of the separated portions 92a, 112a suppress the bouncing up of the trailing end of the sheet material P being conveyed. This suppresses the bouncing noise that occurs when the trailing end of the sheet material P leaves the guide surface, compared to when the guide member is separated from the discharge roll when viewed from the depth direction and the shape of the guide surface is constant in the depth direction.

[0077] Furthermore, in the conveying device 14, when viewed from the depth direction, the tips 104a, 124a of the guide surfaces 104, 124 of the overlapping portions 92b, 112b of the guide members 92, 112 are positioned on the second roll 74 side with respect to the nip line 72. Furthermore, the tips 98a, 118a of the second guide surfaces 98, 118 of the separating portions 92a, 112a of the guide members 92, 112 extend from the tips 104a, 124a of the guide surfaces 104, 124 of the overlapping portions 92b, 112b toward the nip line 72. This suppresses splashing noise compared to when the second guide surfaces are parallel to the nip line when viewed from the depth direction.

[0078] Furthermore, in the conveying device 14, when viewed from the depth direction, the tips 98a, 118a of the second guide surfaces 98, 118 of the separated portions 92a, 112a of the guide members 92, 112 are arranged on the first roll 70 side with respect to the nip line 72. This reduces bouncing noise compared to when the tips of the guide surfaces of the separated portions are arranged on the second roll side with respect to the nip line.

[0079] Furthermore, in the conveying device 14, when viewed from the depth direction, the tips 104a, 124a of the guide surfaces 104, 124 of the overlapping portions 92b, 112b of the guide members 92, 112 are positioned on the second roll 74 side with respect to the nip line 72. Furthermore, the tips 98a, 118a of the second guide surfaces 98, 118 of the separating portions 92a, 112a of the guide members 92, 112 extend from the tips 104a, 124a of the guide surfaces 104, 124 of the overlapping portions 92b, 112b toward the first roll 70. This suppresses splashing noise compared to when the tips of the guide surfaces of the overlapping portions extend toward the second roll.

[0080] Furthermore, in the conveying device 14, when viewed from the depth direction, the tips 98a, 118a of the second guide surfaces 98, 118 of the separated portions 92a, 112a of the guide members 92, 112 overlap the first roll 70. This reduces the bouncing noise compared to when the tips of the separated portions are separated from the first roll when viewed from the depth direction.

[0081] Furthermore, in the conveying device 14, an inclined surface 134a 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 comes into contact with the inclined surface 134a. This reduces damage to the rear end corner K (so-called "dog ear") compared to when the rear end corner K of the sheet member P comes into contact with the side surface of the guide member facing the depth direction.

[0082] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with the conveying device 14. Therefore, conveying noise is reduced compared to when the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a conveying member having only a guide member whose guide surface has a constant shape in the depth direction.

[0083] While the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above embodiment, the discharge roll 26 was used as an example, but any transport roll that receives the sheet material P whose transport direction has been changed may be used, and the present disclosure is not limited to a discharge roll and may be a normal transport roll.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the discharge roller 26 moves in the axial direction, but it does not have to move. In this case, the inclined surface 134a of the guide member 132 becomes unnecessary.

[0085] Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the discharge roll 26 may include a corrugation roll 140 that corrugates the sheet member P, as shown in FIG.

[0086] (((1))) a transport roll for transporting a recording medium, the transport roll including a first roll including a first shaft portion, a plurality of cylindrical first roll portions into which the first shaft portion is inserted and which are spaced apart in the axial direction of the first shaft portion, and a second roll in contact with the first roll and extending in the direction of the first shaft portion; a guide member that is disposed on the first roll side with respect to a conveyance path of the recording medium, and that has a guide surface that guides the recording medium toward the conveyance roll while changing the conveyance direction of the conveyed recording medium, and the guide surface at a separated portion that is separated from the first roll in the axial direction extends further downstream in the conveyance direction than the guide surface at an overlapping portion that overlaps with the first roll in the axial direction; A conveying device comprising:

[0087] (((2))) a leading end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is disposed on the second roll side with respect to a nip line between the first roll and the second roll, as viewed from the axial direction; When viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separated portion extends from a tip of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the nip line. The conveying device according to (((1))).

[0088] (((3))) When viewed from the axial direction, a tip end of the guide surface of the separation portion is disposed on the first roll side with respect to the nip line. The conveying device according to (((1))).

[0089] (((4))) a leading end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is disposed on the second roll side with respect to a nip line between the first roll and the second roll, as viewed from the axial direction; When viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separated portion extends from a tip of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the first shaft portion. The conveying device according to (((1))).

[0090] (((5))) When viewed from the axial direction, a tip of the guide surface of the separated portion overlaps with the first roll portion. The conveying device according to (((4))).

[0091] (((6))) The transport roll is an ejection roll that ejects the recording medium to the outside of the apparatus body, the ejection roll disposed at one position ejects the conveyed recording medium to a first position; a moving unit that moves the discharge roll, which holds the leading end of the conveyed recording medium, from the first position in the axial direction to another position, and discharges the recording medium to a second position different from the first position; another guide member that is disposed on the first roll side with respect to a conveyance path of the recording medium as viewed from the axial direction, that guides the recording medium toward the discharge roll while changing the conveyance direction of the conveyed recording medium, and that has another guide surface that comes into contact with a rear end corner portion of the recording medium conveyed by movement of the discharge roll from the axial direction; an inclined surface formed on the other guide surface, the inclined surface being inclined with respect to the axial direction and coming into contact with the rear end corner portion when the discharge roll moves; The conveying device according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))) comprises:

[0092] (((7))) A conveying device according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))), an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0093] In the conveying device according to (((1))), the guide member is separated from the conveying roll when viewed from the axial direction of the conveying roll, and the shape of the guide surface is constant in the axial direction of the conveying roll, so that the bouncing noise generated when the rear end of the recording medium passes through the guide surface can be suppressed.

[0094] In the conveying device according to (((2))), splashing noise can be suppressed compared to when the guide surface of the separated portion is parallel to the nip line when viewed in the axial direction.

[0095] In the conveying device according to (((3))), splashing noise can be suppressed compared to when the tip of the guide surface of the separating portion is disposed on the second roll side with respect to the nip line.

[0096] In the conveying device according to (((4))), splashing noise can be suppressed compared to when the leading end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion extends toward the second roll.

[0097] In the conveying device according to (((5))), splashing noise can be suppressed compared to when the tip of the separated portion is separated from the first roll when viewed in the axial direction.

[0098] In the conveying device according to (((6))), damage to the trailing corner of the recording medium can be suppressed compared to when the trailing corner comes into contact with the axial side of another guide member.

[0099] In the image forming apparatus according to (((7))), the transport noise of the recording medium can be reduced compared to when the image forming apparatus is equipped with a transport device that has only a guide member that is separated from the transport roll in the axial direction of the transport roll and whose guide surface has a constant shape in the axial direction of the transport roll. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 Image forming device 12 Image forming unit 14 Conveyor equipment 26 Discharge roll (an example of a transport roll) 70 First Roll 70a First shaft part 70b First roll section 72 Nip Line 74 Second Roll 90 Moving Part 90b solenoid 92 Guide member 92a Separation part 92b overlapping part 94 Guide surface 96 First guide surface 96a tip 98 Second guide surface 98a tip 104 Guide surface 104a tip 112 Guide member 112a Separate part 112b overlapping part 112c connection part 114 Guide surface 116 First guide surface 116a tip 118 Second guide surface 118a tip 124 Guide surface 124a tip 132 Guide member (an example of another guide member) 134 Guideway (an example of another guideway) 134a Slope

Claims

1. a transport roll for transporting a recording medium, the transport roll including a first roll including a first shaft portion, a plurality of cylindrical first roll portions into which the first shaft portion is inserted and which are spaced apart in the axial direction of the first shaft portion, and a second roll in contact with the first roll and extending in the direction of the first shaft portion; a guide member that is disposed on the first roll side with respect to a conveyance path of the recording medium, and that has a guide surface that guides the recording medium toward the conveyance roll while changing the conveyance direction of the conveyed recording medium, and the guide surface at a separated portion that is separated from the first roll in the axial direction extends further downstream in the conveyance direction than the guide surface at an overlapping portion that overlaps with the first roll in the axial direction; A conveying device comprising:

2. a leading end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is disposed on the second roll side with respect to a nip line between the first roll and the second roll, as viewed from the axial direction; When viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separated portion extends from a tip of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the nip line. The conveying device according to claim 1 .

3. When viewed from the axial direction, a tip end of the guide surface of the separation portion is disposed on the first roll side with respect to the nip line. The conveying device according to claim 2 .

4. a leading end of the guide surface of the overlapping portion is disposed on the second roll side with respect to a nip line between the first roll and the second roll, as viewed from the axial direction; When viewed from the axial direction, the guide surface of the separated portion extends from a tip of the guide surface of the overlapping portion toward the first shaft portion. The conveying device according to claim 1 .

5. When viewed from the axial direction, a tip of the guide surface of the separated portion overlaps with the first roll portion. The conveying device according to claim 4.

6. The transport roll is an ejection roll that ejects the recording medium to the outside of the apparatus body, the ejection roll disposed at one position ejects the conveyed recording medium to a first position; a moving unit that moves the discharge roll, which holds the leading end of the conveyed recording medium, from the first position in the axial direction to another position, and discharges the recording medium to a second position different from the first position; another guide member that is disposed on the first roll side with respect to a conveyance path of the recording medium as viewed from the axial direction, that guides the recording medium toward the discharge roll while changing the conveyance direction of the conveyed recording medium, and that has another guide surface that comes into contact with a rear end corner portion of the recording medium conveyed by movement of the discharge roll from the axial direction; an inclined surface formed on the other guide surface, the inclined surface being inclined with respect to the axial direction and coming into contact with the rear end corner portion when the discharge roll moves; The transport device of claim 1 .

7. A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images