Sheet conveying device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a sheet transport device in which a guiding member guiding the uppermost sheet floated by air is prevented from being disengaged from the groove of a holding member holding the guiding member.SOLUTION: A sheet transport device includes: a sheet mounting part 15 on which a sheet S is mounted; air jetting means that jets air onto the sheet; a guiding member 21 that faces the uppermost sheet on the sheet mounting part; and a holding member 20 that inserts and holds the guiding member along a groove 23b. The groove has multiple direction switching points where the direction of movement of the guiding member is switched.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a sheet transport device including a sheet stacking section for stacking sheets, an air blowing unit for blowing air onto the sheets, and a guide member facing the uppermost sheet on the sheet stacking section.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet conveying device that uses an air blowing means to blow air onto a plurality of sheets to separate one sheet from the others, and conveys the separated sheet. In this sheet conveying device, a guide member is provided that contacts the surface of the separated sheet from the upstream region to a predetermined region downstream in the conveying direction, and guides the sheet. The guide member is inserted along a groove provided in a frame (holding member) and attached to the frame. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional sheet transport device, there is a risk that the guide member may come out of the groove in the frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a sheet transport device including a sheet stacking section for stacking sheets, an air blowing unit for blowing air onto the sheets, and a guide member facing a top sheet on the sheet stacking section, the guide member Protect A holding member for holding the The holding member has a first groove into which one end of the guide member in the longitudinal direction is inserted and a second groove into which the other end of the guide member in the longitudinal direction is inserted, so that the installation position of the guide member can be switched, and the holding member is provided with an elastic member that prevents the guide member from coming off from the inlet of the first groove. The present invention is characterized by the following: Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the guide member from coming out of the groove of the frame. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system including a sheet conveying device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a paper feed unit included in the sheet transport device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a main configuration of a guide mechanism included in the paper feed unit; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the state in which the paper feed unit is pulled out from the apparatus main body. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an end view of the sheet feeding unit housed in the apparatus main body, as viewed from the end fence side. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a configuration of a paper feed mechanism provided in the paper feed unit. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams of sheet feeding units each accommodating sheets of different widths, as viewed from the end fence side. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a groove shape of a first receiving portion formed in a frame in the embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a groove shape of a second receiving portion formed in the frame. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of a groove in the second receiving portion when the frame is rotated by the hinge mechanism to open the sheet set opening. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing other examples of the groove shape of the second receiving portion formed in the frame in the embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing still another example of the groove shape of the second receiving portion formed in the frame in the embodiment. [Figure 13] 5 is a schematic diagram of a frame holding a guide member as viewed from a sheet conveying direction. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of a frame holding a guide member as viewed from a direction perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction (sheet width direction). FIG. [Figure 15] 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the guide member when a worker transfers the guide member; FIG. [Figure 16] 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the guide member when a worker transfers the guide member; FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the air blowing device (air blowing means). [Figure 18] 1 shows an example of an electrophotographic image forming system that forms images using toner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a sheet conveying device of an image forming system will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system 2 including a sheet conveying device 1 in this embodiment. The image forming system 2 is configured by interconnecting a sheet conveying device 1, an image forming device 3, a drying device 4, and a paper discharge device 5. An image is formed on the sheet S conveyed from the sheet conveying device 1 by the image forming device 3, and then the sheet S is dried by the drying device 4 and then accumulated in a paper discharge tray 5t of the paper discharge device 5.

[0009] As the image forming system 2, for example, an existing inkjet type image forming system 2 can be applied. Moreover, the images include not only meaningful images such as characters and figures (i.e., color images and monochrome images), but also abstract pattern images that have no meaning in themselves. Furthermore, the sheet S is not limited in terms of its material, thickness, shape, size, weight, etc., and may be any material capable of forming the above-mentioned images, such as paper, thread, fiber, leather, metal, synthetic resin, glass, wood, ceramics, etc. Instead of the inkjet type image forming system, it is also possible to apply an electrophotographic type image forming system that forms an image using toner.

[0010] The sheet conveying device 1 has a paper feed unit 6 and a pair of registration rollers 7, which are housed inside an apparatus body 1p of the sheet conveying device 1. The apparatus body 1p is provided with an openable / closable door. By opening the openable / closable door, the paper feed unit 6 can be pulled out of the apparatus.

[0011] The paper feed unit 6 is configured to blow air onto the stacked sheets S, thereby separating a sheet S1 to be conveyed (for example, a topmost sheet S1, which will be described later) from the other sheets S2 one by one and sending it out. The registration roller pair 7 is configured to convey the sheet S sent out from the paper feed unit 6 to the image forming device 3. The paper feed unit 6 will be described in detail later.

[0012] The image forming device 3 has a receiving cylinder 8, a transfer cylinder 9, a sheet carrying drum 10, a suction unit 11, and an ink discharge unit 12. The surfaces of the receiving cylinder 8 and the transfer cylinder 9 and the outer peripheral surface of the sheet carrying drum 10 are provided with sheet grippers capable of gripping the leading end (the downstream end in the conveying direction) of the sheet S. The suction unit 11 is provided on the inside of the sheet carrying drum 10. The outer peripheral surface of the sheet carrying drum 10 is dotted with a plurality of suction holes. Here, by applying a negative pressure to the suction unit 11, it is possible to generate a suction airflow from each suction hole toward the inside of the sheet carrying drum 10.

[0013] The ink ejection unit 12 is disposed facing the outer peripheral surface of the sheet carrying drum 10. The ink ejection unit 12 is configured to be capable of ejecting four colors of ink: C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). The ink ejection unit 12 includes ink ejection heads 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C, each for one of the four colors of ink. By controlling the ink ejection heads 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C, the four colors of ink are ejected toward the outer peripheral surface of the sheet carrying drum 10.

[0014] According to this configuration, the sheet S conveyed from the sheet conveying device 1 has its leading edge held by the receiving cylinder 8 and is conveyed to the sheet carrying drum 10 as the surface of the receiving cylinder 8 moves. The leading edge of the sheet S conveyed to the sheet carrying drum 10 is gripped by the sheet carrying drum 10. At this time, the above-mentioned suction airflow is generated on the outer peripheral surface (plurality of suction holes) of the sheet carrying drum 10. As a result, the sheet S is attracted to the outer peripheral surface (plurality of suction holes) of the sheet carrying drum 10 and is conveyed as the surface of the sheet carrying drum 10 moves.

[0015] Then, while the sheet S is being carried on the outer peripheral surface (plurality of suction holes) of the sheet carrying drum 10 and transported, the ink ejection heads 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C are controlled. Ink is ejected from the ink ejection heads 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C toward the surface of the sheet S. As a result, an image is formed on the surface of the sheet S according to preset image information. Thereafter, the leading edge of the sheet S reaches the transfer drum 9. The transfer drum 9 is driven at a preset timing. The leading edge of the sheet S is held by the transfer drum 9, and the sheet S is transported to the drying device 4 as the transfer drum 9 moves along its surface.

[0016] The drying device 4 has a conveying mechanism 13 and a drying mechanism 14. According to this configuration, the sheet conveyed to the drying device 4 is dried by the drying mechanism 14 while being conveyed by the conveying mechanism 13. The sheet S that has been subjected to the drying process is conveyed to the paper discharge device 5 while curling (curved deformation) is suppressed. The sheets S conveyed from the drying device 4 are sequentially accumulated and stored in the paper discharge tray 5t.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the paper feed unit 6. As shown in FIG. 2, a height direction Da, a width direction Db, and a conveying direction Dc are defined, and these three directions are orthogonal to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet feeding unit 6 has a unit body 15 as a sheet stacking section, a guide mechanism 16, and a sheet feeding mechanism 17 (see FIG. 6).

[0018] The unit body 15 includes a sheet set opening 15a and a sheet storage section 15b. The sheet set opening 15a is opened in a rectangular shape penetrating an upper side of the unit body 15 as viewed in the height direction Da and an upstream side (rear end) of the unit body 15 as viewed in the conveying direction Dc. The sheet storage section 15b is configured so that a plurality of sheets S can be inserted from the sheet set opening 15a. The sheet storage section 15b is provided with a pair of side walls 18 and a paper feed tray 19.

[0019] The guide mechanism 16 is provided rotatably relative to the unit body 15. The guide mechanism 16 has a function of guiding the sheet S1 (see FIG. 1) to be transported among the multiple sheets S stored in the sheet storage section 15b along the transport direction Dc while suppressing the sheet S1 from floating up when the sheet S is transported. The above-mentioned paper feed tray 19 is configured to be movable up and down along the height direction Da. Among the multiple sheets S stored in the sheet storage section 15b, the uppermost sheet S1 is always positioned at a preset fixed position (for example, a sheet transport start position).

[0020] The guide mechanism 16 includes a frame 20 as a holding member, and a guide member 21. The frame 20 has a hollowed-out rectangular shape, and is connected to the unit body 15 (paper feed unit 6) via a hinge mechanism 22. The frame 20 is disposed so as to cover the upper side of the sheet set opening 15a (sheet storage section 15b) described above. Two hinge mechanisms 22 are interposed between one side of the frame 20 (a second connecting section 25b described later) and the unit body 15.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the main components of the guide mechanism 16 (for example, the frame 20, the guide member 21, and the receiving portions 23a and 23b). The frame 20 includes two support portions (a first support portion 24a and a second support portion 24b), two connecting portions (a first connecting portion 25a and a second connecting portion 25b), and a reinforcing member .

[0022] The first support portion 24a is disposed on the upstream side of the conveying direction Dc. The second support portion 24b is disposed on the downstream side of the conveying direction Dc. That is, the first support portion 24a is disposed upstream of the second support portion 24b (in other words, the second support portion 24b is disposed downstream of the first support portion 24a). The first support portion 24a and the second support portion 24b extend along the width direction Db and are disposed parallel to and facing each other when viewed in the conveying direction Dc. The first support portion 24a and the second support portion 24b have both ends (one end, the other end) and are set to have the same dimensions (lengths) and shapes.

[0023] The two connecting portions 25a, 25b are disposed between the first support portion 24a and the second support portion 24b. The first connecting portion 25a connects one end of the first support portion 24a to one end of the second support portion 24b. The second connecting portion 25b connects the other end of the first support portion 24a to the other end of the second support portion 24b. The first connecting portion 25a and the second connecting portion 25b extend along the conveying direction Dc and are disposed parallel to and facing each other when viewed in the width direction Db. The first connecting portion 25a and the second connecting portion 25b are set to have the same dimensions (length) and shape.

[0024] The reinforcing member 26 is provided between the first connecting portion 25a and the second connecting portion 25b, in other words, at a position that divides the first supporting portion 24a and the second supporting portion 24b in the width direction Db into two equal parts, and extends along the conveying direction Dc. The reinforcing member 26 (frame 20) is provided with an end fence 27. One end of the end fence 27 is supported by the reinforcing member 26 via a rotating shaft 27a, and the other end extends downward along the height direction Da. The end fence 27 is configured to be capable of reciprocating along the reinforcing member 26. With multiple sheets S stored in the sheet storage section 15b, the end fence 27 is moved. As a result, the rear end of the sheet S (the upstream end in the conveying direction Dc) is aligned by the end fence 27.

[0025] Furthermore, the frame 20 has a plurality of receiving portions (first receiving portion 23a, second receiving portion 23b) that detachably support the guide member 21. The first receiving portion 23a is configured by a groove into which one end side of the guide member 21 in the longitudinal direction is inserted, and a plurality of first receiving portions 23a are provided along the above-mentioned first support portion 24a. The second receiving portion 23b is also configured by a groove into which the other end side of the guide member 21 in the longitudinal direction is inserted, and a plurality of second receiving portions 23b are provided along the above-mentioned second support portion 24b. Both receiving portions 23a, 23b are arranged along the width direction Db that intersects with the conveying direction Dc. In FIG. 3, as an example, the first receiving portions 23a and the second receiving portions 23b are set to the same number and are arranged at equal intervals on both sides (one side F1, the other side F2) of the above-mentioned reinforcing member 26.

[0026] The first receiving portion 23a and the second receiving portion 23b are arranged facing each other while being aligned along the conveying direction Dc. The guide member 21 (for example, hook portions 21a and 21b described later) is inserted into the two receiving portions 23a and 23b aligned along the conveying direction Dc, and is placed and attached. This makes it possible to arrange the guide member 21 along the conveying direction Dc.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the paper feed unit 6 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1p. As described above, the sheet feeding unit 6 is housed in the device body 1p of the sheet transporting device 1 together with the frame 20 that holds the guide member 21, and is pulled out together with the frame 20 to the outside by opening the door of the device body 1p.

[0028] When multiple sheets S are set in the sheet storage section 15b, first, with the sheet feed unit 6 pulled out to the outside of the machine, the frame 20 is rotated by the hinge mechanism 22 together with the guide member 21 to open the sheet set opening 15a (sheet storage section 15b). Then, multiple sheets S are inserted into the sheet storage section 15b from the sheet set opening 15a. As a result, the multiple sheets S inserted into the sheet storage section 15b are accumulated and stored on the sheet feed tray 19 between the pair of side walls 18.

[0029] At this time, the hinge mechanism 22 is structured such that torque is applied only in the downward direction due to the weight of the frame 20. Therefore, when setting the sheets S on the sheet feed tray 19 with the sheet set opening 15a (sheet storage section 15b) open, the frame 20 will not close even if the operator releases his / her hands from the frame 20, making the setting operation easy.

[0030] Thereafter, the frame 20 is rotated by the hinge mechanism 22 to close the sheet set opening 15a (sheet storage section 15b). Then, the sheet feed unit 6, together with the frame 20 supporting the guide member 21, is stored in the device body 1p of the sheet conveying device 1, and the door of the device body 1p is closed. As a result, the sheet feed unit 6 is stored in the device body 1p again.

[0031] In this manner, the frame 20 of this embodiment is rotated by the hinge mechanism 22 to close the sheet set opening 15a (sheet storage section 15b), so that the guide member 21 is positioned at a position facing the uppermost sheet S1 of the sheets stored in the sheet storage section 15b. Also, the frame 20 is rotated by the hinge mechanism 22 to open the sheet set opening 15a (sheet storage section 15b), so that the guide member 21 is positioned at a retracted position where it is retracted from the facing position.

[0032] In this embodiment, the end fence 27 is mounted on the frame 20 (reinforcement member 26). Therefore, by simply rotating the frame 20 once, both processes of retracting the end fence 27 from the sheet set opening 15a (sheet storage section 15b) and opening the sheet set opening 15a (sheet storage section 15b) can be performed.

[0033] The first receiving portion 23a is configured by a groove formed by recessing a part of the first support portion 24a from the upper end to the lower end in a concave shape when viewed in the height direction Da. Similarly, the second receiving portion 23b is configured by a groove formed by recessing a part of the second support portion 24b from the upper end to the lower end in a concave shape when viewed in the height direction Da. When viewed in the height direction Da, the receiving portions 23a and 23b have their upper ends open and their lower ends closed.

[0034] According to this configuration, the guide member 21 (hook portions 21a, 21b) can be inserted into the receiving portions (grooves) 23a, 23b from the open upper end. Then, the guide member 21 (hook portions 21a, 21b) is inserted until it abuts against the closed lower ends of the receiving portions (grooves) 23a, 23b, and is placed in the receiving portions (grooves) 23a, 23b. As a result, the guide member 21 is held by the frame 20 via the receiving portions 23a, 23b.

[0035] The guide member 21 is configured to include a sheet contact portion 21p and hook portions (first hook portion 21a, second hook portion 21b). In the example of FIG. 3, the sheet contact portion 21p has an elongated linear shape that extends straight. The sheet contact portion 21p extends in a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. The diameter of the sheet contact portion 21p is set constant over the entire length of the sheet contact portion 21p. In addition, the hook portions (first hook portion 21a, second hook portion 21b) are provided at both ends (one end, the other end) of the sheet contact portion 21p.

[0036] The overall length of the guide member 21 (i.e., the overall length of the sheet contact portion 21p) is set to correspond to the overall length (length along the conveying direction Dc) of the sheet S accommodated in the sheet accommodating portion 15b. Specifically, the overall length of the sheet contact portion 21p is set so that it can contact the surface of the sheet S1 to be conveyed from the upstream area (rear end) to the downstream area (front end) in the conveying direction Dc. The upstream area is a concept that includes an area between the rear end of the sheet S in the conveying direction Dc and the center of the sheet S, and the downstream area is a concept that includes an area between the front end of the sheet S in the conveying direction Dc and the center of the sheet S. Instead of the configuration of this embodiment, the guide member 21 may be configured to contact the uppermost sheet S1 to be conveyed from the upstream area to the center of the sheet S accommodated in the sheet accommodating portion 15b.

[0037] The first hook portion 21a is integrated with one end of the sheet contact portion 21p. The first hook portion 21a is bent toward the other end of the sheet contact portion 21p (i.e., the second hook portion 21b). In contrast, the second hook portion 21b is integrated with the other end of the sheet contact portion 21p. The second hook portion 21b is bent toward one end of the sheet contact portion 21p (i.e., the first hook portion 21a). The first and second hook portions 21a, 21b are set to the same shape and diameter as the sheet contact portion 21p.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first hook portion 21a is inserted into and placed on the first receiving portion 23a of the first support portion 24a, and the second hook portion 21b is inserted into and placed on the second receiving portion 23b of the second support portion 24b. As a result, the sheet contact portion 21p is supported by both the support portions 24a and 24b via the hook portions 21a and 21b, and the guide member 21 is held by the frame 20. In other words, the guide member 21 is suspended by the receiving portions 23a and 23b.

[0039] In this state, the guide member 21 is maintained by its own weight in a position in which it hangs down along the height direction Da (also called the direction of gravity), that is, in a position in which the sheet contact portion 21p is positioned directly below both hook portions 21a, 21b when viewed in the direction of gravity. At this time, the guide member 21 (specifically, the sheet contact portion 21p) is disposed parallel to the surface of the uppermost sheet S1 (i.e., the sheet S1 to be conveyed) accommodated in the sheet accommodation portion 15b and parallel to the sheet conveying direction.

[0040] 3, as an example, two guide members 21 are supported at symmetrical positions on both sides F1 and F2 of the reinforcing member 26 in the width direction Db. The guide members 21 are maintained in a position in which the sheet contact portion 21p hangs down directly below the hook portions 21a and 21b due to their own weight. The guide members 21 are in a state in which they can move in a rotational motion 21r and a reciprocating motion 21m in order to reduce the frictional resistance (load resistance) between the guide members 21 (sheet contact portion 21p) and the sheet S. Such displacements (rotational motion 21r, reciprocating motion 21m) can occur, for example, depending on the contact state between the guide members 21 and the sheet S1 to be conveyed, which has been separated from the other sheets S2, when the sheet S is fed from the sheet feeding unit 6 (at the time of sheet feeding).

[0041] The rotation 21r of the guide member 21 is assumed to be, for example, a rotation 21r about a virtual axis 21f (for example, a single axis extending from the hook portions 21a and 21b) extending along the conveying direction Dc. The reciprocating motion 21m of the guide member 21 is assumed to be, for example, a reciprocating motion 21m along a separation direction of the sheet S1 to be conveyed and separated from other sheets S2 when the sheet is sent out (in other words, a thickness direction intersecting (or perpendicular to) the surface of the sheet S1). In this case, the reciprocating motion 21m of the guide member 21 captures the state in which the sheet contact portion 21p rises and falls as viewed in the height direction Da when the hook portions 21a and 21b rotate around the virtual axis (axis) 21f.

[0042] Specifically, the displacement (rotation 21r, reciprocating motion 21m) of the guide member 21 described above may occur depending on the type (e.g., thickness, weight, etc.) of the sheet S1 to be conveyed. For example, if the sheet S1 to be conveyed is a lightweight, thin sheet, the guide member 21 that comes into contact with the sheet S1 does not displace. That is, since the pressing force from the thin sheet S1 is small, the guide member 21 does not displace and is maintained in the initial hanging position. In contrast, if the sheet S1 to be conveyed is a heavy, thick sheet, the guide member 21 that comes into contact with the sheet S1 displaces. That is, since the pressing force from the thick sheet S1 is large, the guide member 21 performs the rotation 21r described above or the reciprocating motion 21m along the thickness direction of the thick sheet S1.

[0043] FIG. 5 is an end view of the paper feed unit 6 housed in the apparatus main body 1p, as viewed from the end fence 27 side. 5, a plurality of sheets S inserted into the sheet storage section 15b of the sheet feeding unit 6 are accumulated and stored on the sheet feeding tray 19 between the pair of side walls 18. In this state, the sheet feeding mechanism 17, which will be described later, is operated. As a result, the sheet S1 to be conveyed is sent out from the sheet feeding unit 6.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the configuration of the paper feed mechanism 17 provided in the paper feed unit 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the sheet feeding mechanism 17 is adjacent to the sheet storage unit 15b and is disposed downstream (at the leading end) of the sheet S in the conveying direction Dc. In this case, the sheet feeding mechanism 17 has an air blowing device 28 (also called air blowing means), a suction delivery device 29, and a delivery roller group 30. Note that the configuration of the sheet feeding mechanism 17 shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and the sheet feeding mechanism 17 may be realized with other configurations.

[0045] The air blowing device (air blowing means) 28 includes a device body 28a and a nozzle 28b. The device body 28a is configured to be able to supply compressed air to the nozzle 28b. The nozzle 28b is configured to be able to eject the air supplied from the device body 28a. In the example of Fig. 6, the nozzle 28b is configured to be able to blow air toward the sheet S1 at the sheet conveyance start position described above (i.e., the uppermost sheet S1 among the multiple sheets S stored in the sheet storage section 15b) and the sheets S2 and S in the vicinity thereof.

[0046] The suction delivery device 29 includes an endless suction belt 29a, a pair of rollers (e.g., a drive roller 29b and a driven roller 29c), and a suction device 29d. The suction belt 29a is stretched between the pair of rollers 29b and 29c. A plurality of suction holes are dotted over the entire suction belt 29a. The suction holes are formed by penetrating the suction belt 29a. By operating the drive roller 29b, it is possible to run the suction belt 29a in the sheet delivery direction.

[0047] The suction device 29d is disposed inside the suction belt 29a between the pair of rollers 29b, 29c. The suction device 29d is configured to be able to draw a negative pressure to the lower side of the suction belt 29a (in other words, the area facing the uppermost sheet S1 stored in the sheet storage section 15b) in the height direction Da. By drawing a negative pressure to the lower side of the suction belt 29a, it is possible to generate a suction airflow from each suction hole toward the suction belt 29a.

[0048] The feed roller group 30 includes a pair of transfer rollers 30a and 30b. The transfer rollers 30a and 30b are configured to be capable of rotating in opposite directions while in contact with each other. By rotating the two transfer rollers 30a and 30b in opposite directions, the sheet S that has reached the transfer rollers 30a and 30b can be transferred toward the registration roller pair 7 (see FIG. 1).

[0049] In this embodiment, for example, while the suction belt 29a is running, the lower side of the suction belt 29a is pulled to a negative pressure. During this time, air is blown from the nozzle 28b to the sheet S1 at the sheet conveyance start position and the sheets S2 and S in the vicinity thereof. Then, the uppermost sheet S1 (i.e., the sheet S1 to be conveyed) stored in the sheet storage section 15b is separated from the other sheets S2 and rises up. Thus, only the sheet S1 to be conveyed is adsorbed to the suction belt 29a.

[0050] In this state, the suction belt 29a is caused to run. As a result, the sheet S1 to be transported is sent out toward the delivery roller group 30. Then, when the leading end side of the sheet S1 to be transported reaches the pair of transfer rollers 30a, 30b, the transfer rollers 30a, 30b are rotated. As a result, the sheet S1 to be transported is transported to the image forming device 3 via the above-mentioned registration roller pair 7.

[0051] The above guide mechanism 16 includes a guide member 21 that contacts the surface of the sheet S1 to be conveyed from the upstream region to the downstream region in the conveying direction Dc and guides the sheet S1. In this case, the sheet S1 to be conveyed is guided while contacting the guide member 21 in a range from the upstream region to a predetermined region on the downstream side as viewed in the conveying direction Dc. This makes it possible to prevent the sheet S1 to be conveyed from floating up, for example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figures 5 and 6. That is, it is possible to simultaneously prevent not only the upstream region (rear end portion) of the sheet S1 to be conveyed in the conveying direction Dc but also the region downstream from the upstream region from the upstream region from the downstream ... upstream region from the downstream region from the upstream region from the downstream region from the upstream region from the upstream region from the downstream region from the upstream region from the downstream region from the upstream region from the downstream region from the upstream region from the upstream region from the downstream region from the upstream region from the downstream region from the upstream region from the upstream region from the downstream region from the upstream region from the upstream region from the downstream region from the

[0052] It is preferable that the guide member 21 contacts the surface of the sheet S1 at least from the upstream region in the conveying direction Dc of the sheet S1 to the center in the conveying direction Dc of the sheet S1 to guide the sheet S1. It is more preferable that the above-mentioned predetermined region is the downstream region (leading end) in the conveying direction Dc of the sheet S1. It is more preferable that the guide member 21 is provided further upstream in the conveying direction Dc of the sheet S1 than the rear end (upstream edge) of the sheet S1.

[0053] Moreover, the guide member 21 is preferably provided parallel to the upper surface of the sheet S1 stored in the sheet storage unit 15b and parallel to the conveying direction Dc of the sheet S1. This allows the sheet S1 to be conveyed toward the downstream conveying path (i.e., the delivery roller group 30) while maintaining the posture of the sheet S1 floated by the air from the air blowing device 28 and without causing skew or the like.

[0054] In the guide mechanism 16 of this embodiment, the guide member 21 is provided with a function that allows displacement such as rotation 21r and reciprocation 21m. In this case, the rotation 21r of the guide member 21 rotates the sheet contact portion 21p around the virtual axis 21f. Also, the reciprocation 21m of the guide member 21 raises and lowers the sheet contact portion 21p as viewed in the height direction Da. This allows the sheet S1 to be separated from the other sheets S2 by an optimal distance, held at a position that is easy to convey, and positioned parallel to the conveying direction Dc. As a result, the conveying accuracy or conveying stability of the sheet S1 separated by air can be significantly improved.

[0055] 7(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams of sheet feeding units 6 storing sheets of different widths, as viewed from the end fence 27 side. In the frame 20 of this embodiment, a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) guide members 21 are attached to receiving portions (grooves) 23a, 23b selected according to the width of the sheet S. In addition, the positions of the pair of side walls 18 are moved according to the width of the stored sheet S. The pair of side walls 18 are configured so that each side wall 18 moves in conjunction with each other by a connecting drive portion 18a.

[0056] For example, when a long sheet S is stored as shown in Fig. 7(a), the guide members 21 are reattached to receiving portions (grooves) 23a, 23b positioned further outward in the sheet width direction than when a short sheet S is stored as shown in Fig. 7(b). In this way, by attaching the guide members 21 to receiving portions (grooves) 23a, 23b positioned optimally according to the width of the sheet S, the guide members 21 can maintain the posture of the uppermost sheet S1 floated by air from the air blowing device 28 regardless of the width of the sheet used.

[0057] In this manner, in this embodiment, the task of replacing the guide member 21 occurs with respect to the multiple receiving portions (grooves) 23a, 23b formed in the frame 20. To facilitate this replacement task, the receiving portions 23a, 23b to which the guide member 21 is attached are designed so that the guide member 21 can be attached by inserting it along the groove, and can also be removed by pulling out the guide member 21 along the groove.

[0058] However, by making the replacement of the guide member 21 easier, the guide member 21 may fall off from the receiving portions 23a, 23b of the frame 20. In particular, as shown in Fig. 4, when the frame 20 together with the guide member 21 is rotated by the hinge mechanism 22 to open the sheet set opening 15a (sheet accommodating portion 15b), the guide member 21 is likely to come off from the receiving portions 23a, 23b of the frame 20 and fall off.

[0059] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the groove shape of the first receiving portion 23a formed in the frame 20 in this embodiment. 8, the groove shape of the first receiving portion 23a as the first groove located on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the receiving portions 23a, 23b is a shape that extends linearly from the entrance 23s, which is the upper end of the groove, to the lower end 23e of the groove. With such a shape, the guide member 21 can be inserted into or removed from the first receiving portion 23a simply by moving the guide member 21 straight along the groove shape, making it very easy to handle the guide member 21 and facilitating the above-mentioned replacement work.

[0060] However, with such a groove shape, when an external force is applied to move the guide member 21, which has been inserted until it abuts against the lower end 23e, toward the entrance 23s, the guide member 21 easily moves to the entrance 23s and falls off the frame 20. In particular, as described above, when the frame 20 is rotated by the hinge mechanism 22 to open the sheet set opening 15a, the extension direction of the groove faces a direction close to horizontal, so that the guide member 21 may slide inside the groove and come out of the entrance 23s of the groove, and may come off the receiving parts 23a, 23b and fall off.

[0061] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the groove shape of the second receiving portion 23b formed in the frame 20 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, of the receiving portions 23a, 23b which are grooves into which the guide member 21 is inserted, the second receiving portion 23b as the second groove is provided with multiple direction change points where the movement direction of the guide member 21 changes when the guide member 21 is inserted.

[0062] If only one such direction switching point is provided in the groove of the second receiving portion 23b, the following problem may occur. Considering the ease of inserting and removing the guide member 21 into and from the groove of the second receiving portion 23b, it is preferable that the groove portion near the entrance extending downward from the entrance 23s of the groove satisfies the condition that the groove portion has a shape that extends linearly in a direction close to the vertical direction when the frame 20 is closed. Also, considering the reciprocating motion 21m of the guide member 21 when guiding the sheet S1, it is preferable that the groove portion near the lower end extending upward from the lower end 23e of the groove satisfies the condition that the groove portion has a shape that extends linearly in a direction close to the vertical direction when the frame 20 is closed. A groove shape that has only one direction switching point can only satisfy one of these conditions. If both conditions are to be satisfied, the angle of the direction switching point will be too shallow, the overall shape of the groove will be approximately linear, and the guide member 21 will easily come off the frame 20 and fall off.

[0063] On the other hand, when a plurality of direction changeover points are provided in the groove of the second receiving portion 23b, it is easy to satisfy both of the above-mentioned conditions while preventing the guide member 21 from falling off the frame 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, when the groove shape of the second receiving portion 23b is a shape in which two bent portions 23t1, 23t2 are provided as direction changeover points between the entrance 23s of the groove and the lower end 23e, the two bent portions 23t1, 23t2 can be bent at right angles (i.e., bent in opposite directions). This allows the groove portion near the entrance and the groove portion near the lower end to be shaped to extend linearly in a direction close to the vertical direction when the frame 20 is closed.

[0064] Moreover, by forming the two bent portions 23t1 and 23t2 into a shape that is bent at a right angle, the guide member 21 is less likely to fall off the frame 20.

[0065] Specifically, when guide member 21, which has been inserted until it abuts against lower end 23e, moves toward entrance 23s along the groove portion near the lower end, the wall surface of bent portion 23t2 abuts at a right angle against guide member 21. Therefore, a situation does not occur in which guide member 21 slides along the wall surface of bent portion 23t2 and moves toward the entrance due to the momentum of guide member 21 moving along the groove portion near the lower end.

[0066] In addition, even if guide member 21 abutting against the wall surface of bent portion 23t2 moves toward the other bent portion 23t1, the wall surface of bent portion 23t1 abuts at a right angle against guide member 21. Therefore, a situation does not occur in which guide member 21 slides against the wall surface of bent portion 23t1 and moves toward the entrance side due to the momentum of guide member 21 moving toward bent portion 23t1.

[0067] Moreover, in this embodiment, of the two bent portions 23t1, 23t2, the bent portion 23t2 on the lower end 23e side of the second receiving portion 23b is configured to be bent upward with respect to the extending direction of the groove portion near the lower end when the frame 20 is rotated by the hinge mechanism 22 to open the sheet set opening 15a (sheet storage portion 15b) as shown in Fig. 10. As a result, the guide member 21 abutting against the wall surface of the bent portion 23t2 is prevented from moving toward the other bent portion 23t1 by its own weight.

[0068] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, the groove of the second receiving portion 23b located on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction is provided with the bent portions 23t1 and 23t2 as a plurality of direction switching points. This makes it easy to satisfy both of the above-mentioned conditions while preventing the guide member 21 from falling off the frame 20. However, it is not essential to satisfy these conditions.

[0069] In the example of Fig. 9, the two bent portions 23t1, 23t2 are bent at a right angle, but the shape is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the two bent portions 23t1, 23t2 may be bent at an angle larger than a right angle. In addition, the shape of the direction change point is not limited to a bent shape, and may be a curved shape.

[0070] In addition, in the example of Fig. 9, two bent portions 23t1, 23t2 are provided in the groove of the second receiving portion 23b, but three or more bent portions may be provided. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, four bent portions 23t1, 23t2, 23t3, 23t4 may be provided in the groove of the second receiving portion 23b.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first receiving portion 23a located on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction does not have such a bent portion as a direction switching portion, and has a shape that extends linearly from the entrance 23s, which is the upper end of the groove, to the lower end 23e of the groove. Of course, the first receiving portion 23a may also have multiple bent portions as direction switching portions, similar to the second receiving portion 23b. However, in order to prevent the guide member 21 from falling off the frame 20, it is often sufficient to provide multiple bent portions as direction switching portions only in one of the first receiving portion 23a and the second receiving portion 23b that hold both ends of the guide member 21.

[0072] On the contrary, if multiple bent portions are provided as direction switching points for both the first receiving portion 23a and the second receiving portion 23b, it becomes difficult to insert both ends of the guide member 21 to the lower ends 23e of the grooves of the receiving portions 23a and 23b. Similarly, it becomes difficult to remove both ends of the guide member 21 from the inlets 23s of the receiving portions 23a and 23b. Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide multiple bent portions as direction switching points for one receiving portion 23b to prevent the guide member 21 from falling off from the frame 20, and to adopt a linear groove shape for the other receiving portion 23a to facilitate the insertion and removal of the guide member 21. However, even in this case, it is preferable to provide a cover member so that the guide member 21 is less likely to come off from the first receiving portion 23a, which is a linear groove shape.

[0073] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the frame 20 holding the guide member 21 as viewed from the sheet conveying direction. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the frame 20 holding the guide member 21 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction (sheet width direction). In this embodiment, a cover member 31 that covers the entrance 23s of the first receiving portion 23a is provided, and the cover member 31 is fixed to the frame 20 by screws 32. The cover member 31 is composed of a highly rigid frame portion 31a and an elastic member 31b, and the portion that covers the entrance 23s of the first receiving portion 23a is composed of the elastic member 31b such as sponge or rubber. Specifically, since the frame portion 31a and the first support portion 24a of the frame 20 are spaced apart as shown in FIG. 14, the elastic member 31b is disposed so as to fill this space.

[0074] By providing such a cover member 31, the guide member 21 does not come off the first receiving portion 23a even if the first receiving portion 23a has a linear groove shape. Therefore, even if the guide member 21 is pushed up by the floated uppermost sheet S1, it is possible to prevent the guide member 21 from falling off the frame 20.

[0075] Furthermore, when an operator rotates the frame 20 by the hinge mechanism 22 to open it, the operator may grip the first support portion 24a on which the first receiving portion 23a is formed. In this case, if the cover member 31 is not present and the entrance 23s of the first receiving portion 23a is exposed on the upper surface of the first support portion 24a, the operator's fingers may hit the edge of the entrance 23s, causing a problem in operability. By providing the cover member 31 as in this embodiment, the operator's fingers will not hit the edge of the entrance 23s of the first receiving portion 23a.

[0076] In this embodiment, since the portion covering the entrance 23s of the groove of the first receiving portion 23a is made of the elastic member 31b, when the guide member 21 is to be transferred to another first receiving portion 23a, the guide member 21 can be transferred while the cover member 31 is fixed. That is, when an operator lifts the end of the guide member 21 attached to the first receiving portion 23a, the elastic member 31b is deformed by the guide member 21, and the guide member 21 can be lifted up from the entrance 23s of the first receiving portion 23a. Then, by moving the elastic member 31b between the first support portion 24a of the frame 20 and the elastic member 31b while deforming it, the guide member 21 can be moved to the entrance 23s of another first receiving portion 23a and inserted up to the lower end 23e of the groove of the other first receiving portion 23a, and the guide member 21 can be transferred.

[0077] The specific procedure for the transfer is, for example, as follows. 7(a) and 7(b), when the receiving portions 23a and 23b to which the guide member 21 is attached are switched to another receiving portion in accordance with the sheet width, the worker normally performs the work by standing on the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction of the sheet conveying device 1 (the right side of the sheet conveying device 1 in FIG. 1). In other words, when the paper feed unit 6 is pulled out from the device main body 1p as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the worker performs the work by standing on the side of the end fence 27 (the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction).

[0078] As shown in Fig. 3, the worker grips one end (the end on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction) of the guide member 21 attached to the first receiving portion 23a provided on the end fence 27 side. Then, as shown in Fig. 15, the worker rotates the guide member 21 around the one end as a fulcrum so that the other end (the end on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction) of the guide member 21 moves upward as indicated by the arrow A in Fig. 15. At this time, since the other end of the guide member 21 is usually out of reach of the worker, the worker grips only one end of the guide member 21 to rotate the guide member 21.

[0079] The second receiving portion 23b to which the other end of the guide member 21 is attached has a groove shape with two bent portions 23t1 and 23t2 as described above. Therefore, when the guide member 21 rotates, the operator operates one end of the guide member 21 so that the other end of the guide member 21 moves along this groove shape and exits from the entrance 23s. The entrance 23s of the second receiving portion 23b is not covered like the cover member 31 and is in an open state. Therefore, it is easy to operate one end of the guide member 21 to take out the other end of the guide member 21 from the entrance 23s of the second receiving portion 23b and move it to the entrance 23s of another second receiving portion 23b.

[0080] After moving the other end of the guide member 21 to the entrance 23s of the other second receiving portion 23b, the worker operates one end of the guide member 21 to move the other end of the guide member 21 from the entrance 23s of the other second receiving portion 23b to its lower end 23e. Since this other second receiving portion 23b also has a groove shape with two bent portions 23t1, 23t2, the worker operates one end of the guide member 21 so that the other end of the guide member 21 moves along this groove shape and reaches the lower end 23e.

[0081] Next, as shown by arrow B in Fig. 16, the worker lifts one end of the guide member 21 upward and removes it from the entrance 23s of the first receiving portion 23a, and moves the one end of the guide member 21 to the entrance 23s of another first receiving portion 23a while deforming the elastic member 31b of the cover member 31. Then, the one end of the guide member 21 is lowered from the entrance 23s of the other first receiving portion 23a to its lower end 23e. This completes the operation of transferring the guide member 21.

[0082] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the air blowing device (air blowing means). In the example shown in Fig. 6, an air blowing device (air blowing means) is disposed downstream (leading edge side) in the conveying direction Dc of the sheet S. In contrast, in the example of Fig. 17, an air blowing device 50 is provided inside the side wall 18, and air is blown from both sides in the sheet width direction. In addition to the leading edge side of the sheet in Fig. 6, air may be blown from both sides in the width direction.

[0083] FIG. 18 shows an example of an electrophotographic image forming system that forms an image using toner. Fig. 18(a) is a schematic diagram of an image forming system 2 consisting of a sheet conveying device 1 and an image forming device 3, and Fig. 18(b) is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the image forming device 3. In Fig. 18(b), this image forming device 3 is a tandem-type color image forming device of an intermediate transfer type in which the image forming section is equipped with four photoconductors.

[0084] In the image forming section 54, image forming sections 54Y, 54M, 54C, and 54K for each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged along the rotation direction of an intermediate transfer belt 65 as an intermediate transfer body. Each image forming section 54Y, 54M, 54C, and 54K is provided with a photoconductor 55Y, 55M, 55C, and 55K as a latent image carrier. Each image forming section 54Y, 54M, 54C, and 54K is provided with a charging device 56Y, 56M, 56C, and 56K as a charging means for uniformly charging the photoconductor surface to a predetermined potential around the photoconductor 55Y, 55M, 55C, and 55K, and an optical writing device 59 as an electrostatic latent image forming means for writing an electrostatic latent image by exposing the photoconductor surface uniformly charged by the charging device according to image information. The developing device 57Y, 57M, 57C, 57K serves as a developing means for creating a toner image by a developing process in which toner of each color (Y, M, C, K) adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor, and the primary transfer devices 66Y, 66M, 66C, 66K serves as a primary transfer means for transferring the toner image on the photoconductor onto an intermediate transfer belt 65. The developing device 57Y, 58M, 58C, 58K serves as a cleaning means for removing and cleaning the residual toner on the photoconductor.

[0085] The color toner images formed on the photoconductors 55Y, 55M, 55C, and 55K are primarily transferred by the primary transfer device onto the intermediate transfer belt 65 so as to be superimposed on each other, and a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 65. The color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 65 is transported to an opposing area (secondary transfer area) to a secondary transfer device 67 as the intermediate transfer belt 65 rotates.

[0086] Meanwhile, a paper feed unit is provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus as a feeding unit that feeds paper P, which is a sheet to be held. Then, paper P is sent from the paper feed unit and the sheet conveying device 1 along a conveying path indicated by a dashed line in the figure, and is conveyed to the secondary transfer area by a conveying roller pair 69.

[0087] The color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 65 is secondarily transferred by a secondary transfer device 67 onto a sheet of paper P, which is conveyed by a pair of conveying rollers 69 at a predetermined timing in the secondary transfer region. The sheet of paper P on which the color toner image has been formed is then conveyed to a fixing device 70 serving as a fixing means, where the color toner image is fixed onto the sheet of paper P by the action of heat and pressure. After the fixing, the sheet of paper P is conveyed along a conveying path indicated by a dashed line in the figure, and is discharged onto a sheet discharge tray 68 serving as a discharge section.

[0088] Although Figures 1 and 18 show an image forming system in which the sheet conveying device 1 and the image forming device 3 are separate from each other, the sheet conveying device of this embodiment can also be applied to an image forming system in which they are integrated with each other, i.e., in which the sheet conveying device is incorporated into the image forming device main body.

[0089] The above description is merely an example, and each of the following aspects provides unique effects. [First aspect] The first embodiment is a sheet conveying device 1 comprising a sheet stacking section (e.g., a unit body 15) for stacking sheets S, an air blowing means (e.g., air blowing devices 28, 50) for blowing air onto the sheets, and a guide member 21 facing the uppermost sheet S1 on the sheet stacking section, characterized in that the sheet conveying device 1 comprises a holding member (e.g., a frame 20) for inserting and holding the guide member along a groove (e.g., a second receiving portion 23b), and the groove has a plurality of direction change points (e.g., bends 23t1, 23t2) where the movement direction of the guide member changes when inserted. According to this aspect, even if the guide member inserted in the groove tries to move toward the entrance side of the groove, the wall surface of the direction change point abuts against the guide member, preventing the guide member from moving toward the entrance side. By providing multiple direction change points, the guide member is less likely to move toward the entrance side than if only one direction change point was provided. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the guide member from coming off the groove.

[0090] [Second aspect] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the holding member is arranged to be movable relative to the sheet stacking portion between an opposing position where the guide member faces the uppermost sheet on the sheet stacking portion and a retracted position where the guide member is retracted from the opposing position. In this aspect, since the holding member moves between the facing position and the retracted position, the direction of the groove formed in the holding member changes in response to this movement, and there is a risk that the guide member will come off the groove due to an external force applied when the holding member moves, the weight of the guide member, etc. According to this aspect, since multiple direction change points are provided in the groove and the guide member is prevented from coming off the groove, even in a configuration in which the holding member moves in this manner, the guide member can be prevented from coming off the groove.

[0091] [Third aspect] The third aspect is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, the retaining member has a first groove (e.g., first receiving portion 23a) into which one longitudinal end side of the guide member is inserted and a second groove (e.g., second receiving portion 23b) into which the other longitudinal end side of the guide member is inserted, the first groove is a groove extending in a straight line, the second groove has a plurality of direction change points (e.g., bends 23t1, 23t2) where the movement direction of the guide member changes during insertion, and is provided with a cover member 31 that covers the entrance of the first groove. In this embodiment, only one (the second groove) of the first and second grooves into which both ends of the guide member are inserted is provided with multiple direction change points, thereby preventing the guide member from coming off the groove. In addition, in this embodiment, the other (the first groove) is a groove that extends linearly. If multiple direction change points are provided in both the first and second grooves, it becomes difficult to insert the guide member into the groove or remove it from the groove. In contrast, in this embodiment, the other (the first groove) is a groove that extends linearly, making it easier to insert the guide member into the groove or remove it from the groove. Furthermore, although the guide member is likely to come off from the first groove, which is a groove extending linearly, the entrance of this first groove is covered by the cover member 31, so that the guide member is prevented from coming off from the first groove.

[0092] [Fourth aspect] A fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the third aspect, the guide member is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the guide member is along the sheet transport direction, and the first groove is located upstream of the second groove in the sheet transport direction. In this case, when an operator inserts or removes the guide member from the upstream side of the sheet conveying device in the sheet conveying direction, the first groove located in front of the operator becomes a straight groove, which improves operability when the operator holds the end of the guide member on the front side for operation.

[0093] [Fifth aspect] A fifth aspect is the third or fourth aspect, characterized in that the first groove is provided in plurality, and the cover member is formed of an elastic member 31b. With this, even if the guide member covering the entrance of the first groove remains fixed, it is possible to deform the elastic member 31b to remove the guide member from the entrance of the first groove or to move the guide member to another first groove.

[0094] [Sixth aspect] The sixth aspect is an image forming system, which includes the sheet conveying device 1 according to any one of the first to fifth aspects and an image forming device 3 that forms an image on a sheet, either integrally or separately. This makes it possible to provide an image forming system including a sheet conveying device in which the guide member is prevented from coming out of the groove. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1: Sheet transport device 2: Image forming system 3: Image forming device 4:Drying device 5: Paper ejection device 6: Paper feed unit 7: Registration roller pair 8: Receiving body 9: Transfer body 10: Sheet carrying drum 11: Suction part 12: Ink ejection section 13: Transport mechanism 14:Drying mechanism 15: Unit body 15a: Sheet set opening 15b: Sheet storage section 16: Guide mechanism 17: Paper feed mechanism 18: Side wall 18a: Link drive section 19: Paper feed tray 20: Frame 21: Guide member 21a, 21b: Hook part 22: Hinge mechanism 23a: First receiving part 23b: Second receiving part 23e: Bottom edge 23s: Entrance 23t1: Bent part 23t2: Bent part 24a: First support part 24b: Second support part 25a: First connection part 25b:Second connection part 26: Reinforcement member 27: End fence 27a: Rotating shaft 28: Air blowing device 29: Suction and delivery device 30: Delivery roller group 31: Cover member 31a: Frame section 31b: Elastic member 32: Screw 50: Air blowing device 54: Image forming unit 55: Photoreceptor 56: Charging device 57: Developing device 58: Cleaning device 59: Optical writing device 65: Intermediate transfer belt 66: Primary transfer device 67: Secondary transfer device 68: Paper output tray 69: Transport roller pair 70: Fixing device [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0096] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-66532 A

Claims

1. a sheet stacking section for stacking sheets; an air blowing means for blowing air onto the sheet; a guide member facing a top sheet on the sheet stacking section, a holding member for holding the guide member, the holding member has a plurality of first grooves into which one end side of the guide member in the longitudinal direction is inserted and a plurality of second grooves into which the other end side of the guide member in the longitudinal direction is inserted, thereby making it possible to switch an installation position of the guide member, A sheet conveying device comprising: an elastic member that prevents the guide member from coming out of the entrance of the first groove.

2. In the sheet conveying device according to claim 1, The sheet conveying device, wherein the second groove has a plurality of direction change points where a moving direction of the guide member changes during insertion.

3. In the sheet conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, The sheet conveying device, wherein the first groove is a groove extending linearly.

4. The sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The sheet conveying device, wherein the elastic member has an elastic portion and a frame portion having a rigidity higher than that of the elastic portion.

5. In the sheet conveying device according to claim 4, The sheet conveying device, wherein the elastic portion is made of sponge or rubber.

6. A sheet stacking section for stacking sheets; an air blowing means for blowing air onto the sheet; a guide member facing a top sheet on the sheet stacking section, a holding member for holding the guide member, the holding member has a first groove into which one end side of the guide member in the longitudinal direction is inserted and a second groove into which the other end side of the guide member in the longitudinal direction is inserted, The first groove is a groove extending linearly, The second groove has a plurality of direction change points at which the moving direction of the guide member changes during insertion, A sheet conveying device comprising: a cover member for covering an inlet of the first groove.

7. 7. The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 6, the guide member is disposed such that a longitudinal direction of the guide member is aligned with a sheet conveying direction, The sheet transport device according to claim 1, wherein the first groove is located upstream of the second groove in a sheet transport direction.

8. 8. The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 6, The first groove is provided in a plurality of grooves. The sheet conveying device, wherein the cover member is made of an elastic material.

9. 9. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, A sheet conveying device characterized in that the holding member is movable relative to the sheet stacking portion between an opposing position where the guide member faces the topmost sheet on the sheet stacking portion and a retracted position where the guide member is retracted from the opposing position.

10. 10. An image forming system comprising: the sheet conveying device according to claim 1; and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, the image forming device being either integral with or separate from the sheet conveying device.

Images