Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To enable a sheet to be conveyed even when a conveyance resistance in one of two merging sheet conveying paths is greater than when a shape of the sheet conveying path is linear.SOLUTION: A chute member 33 is provided at a place where two sheet conveying paths 51 and 52 merge, and guides a sheet conveyed from the two sheet conveying paths 51 and 52 to a downstream sheet conveying path 53 in a conveying direction. Two regulating members 41 and 42 having different hardness values are provided on each side of the chute member 33, respectively. These two regulating members 41 and 42 regulate a position of the chute member 33 by being provided on the respective sides of the chute member 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet conveying device including a paper feed roll that feeds out a first sheet accommodated in a paper feed unit from the paper feed unit, a separation roll that abuts on the paper feed roll to prevent double feeding of the first sheet, and an abutting member that abuts on the separation roll and sandwiches and conveys a second sheet with the separation roll.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an image forming apparatus, various paper conveyance paths are provided. A chute member is provided at a confluence point where two paper conveyance paths merge into one paper conveyance path, and a configuration is sometimes used to guide the conveyed paper to the downstream paper conveyance path. However, due to the layout in the apparatus or the like, for example, the conveyance resistance of the paper in the paper conveyance path may increase because the shape of the paper conveyance path becomes non-linear immediately before a roll that guides the paper to the downstream paper conveyance path. In that case, problems such as paper jams may likely occur.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of conveying paper even when the conveyance resistance in one of the two paper conveyance paths that merge is greater than when the shape of the paper conveyance path is linear.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided at a location where two paper conveyance paths merge, and a guiding member that guides the paper conveyed from the two paper conveyance paths to a downstream paper conveyance path in the conveyance direction, and two regulating members having different hardnesses provided on both sides of the guiding member respectively to regulate the position of the guiding member.

[0007] The image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the guiding member is movably attached at a location where two paper conveyance paths merge, and by one of the two regulating members being pushed and deformed by the pressure of the paper conveyed from the paper conveyance path, the conveyance resistance of the paper conveyance path from which the paper has been conveyed is reduced.

[0008] The image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein, among the two regulating members, one regulating member that is pushed when paper is conveyed to the paper conveyance path with a large conveyance resistance is configured to be softer than the other regulating member.

[0009] The image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein, among the two regulating members, one regulating member provided on the side of the paper conveyance path with a large conveyance resistance is configured to be harder than the other regulating member.

[0010] The image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the regulating member provided on the opposite side of the paper conveyance path with a large conveyance resistance among the two paper conveyance paths is configured to have a hardness such that it does not deform under the pressure when plain paper is conveyed, but deforms under the pressure when thick paper with a greater thickness than plain paper is conveyed.

[0011] The image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the two regulating members are constituted by sponge-like members.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, even when the conveyance resistance in one of the two paper conveyance paths that merge is greater than that in the case where the shape of the paper conveyance path is linear, it is possible to convey the paper.

[0013] According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, even when the conveyance resistance in one of the two paper conveyance paths that merge is greater than that in the case where the shape of the paper conveyance path is linear, it is possible to convey the paper.

[0014] According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, the amount of deformation of the regulating member when the paper is conveyed through the paper conveyance path with a large conveyance resistance can be made larger than the amount of deformation of the regulating member when the paper is conveyed through the paper conveyance path with a small conveyance resistance.

[0015] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the amount of deformation of the regulating member when the paper is conveyed through the paper conveyance path with a large conveyance resistance can be made larger than the amount of deformation of the regulating member when the paper is conveyed through the paper conveyance path with a small conveyance resistance.

[0016] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the regulating member deforms to reduce the conveyance resistance when thick paper is conveyed through the paper conveyance path with a large conveyance resistance.

[0017] According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, even when the conveyance resistance in one of the two paper conveyance paths that merge is greater than that in the case where the shape of the paper conveyance path is linear, it is possible to convey the paper.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system including the image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a so-called multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is connected to devices such as the terminal device 20 via the network 30. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 receives the print data transmitted from the terminal device 20 and outputs an image corresponding to the print data onto paper.

[0022] In such an image forming apparatus 10, various paper conveyance paths are provided, and there may be a confluence point where two paper conveyance paths merge into one paper conveyance path. For example, a confluence point of the paper conveyance path is configured when papers fed from a paper feed tray and papers fed from a manual feed tray are merged and conveyed to an image forming unit or the like. At such a confluence point of the paper conveyance path, a configuration is provided to guide the conveyed papers, such as a member called a chute member, to the downstream paper conveyance path.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure at the location where two paper conveyance paths merge in the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, the structure of the portion where the papers conveyed from the paper conveyance path 51 and the papers conveyed from the paper conveyance path 52 merge and are conveyed to the downstream paper conveyance path 53 in the conveyance direction is shown.

[0025] Both the papers conveyed from the paper conveyance path 51 and the papers conveyed from the paper conveyance path 52 are sandwiched by the rotation of the conveyance rolls 31 and 32 and conveyed to the downstream paper conveyance path 53. Here, the conveyance roll 31 is a drive roll that is rotationally driven by a drive source such as a motor, and the conveyance roll 32 is a driven roll that is driven along with the rotation of the conveyance roll 31 by being in contact with the conveyance roll 31.

[0026] And a chute member 33 is provided at the location where the two paper conveyance paths 51 and 52 merge. This chute member 33 functions as a guiding member for guiding the papers conveyed from the two paper conveyance paths 51 and 52 to the downstream paper conveyance path 53 in the conveyance direction.

[0027] One end of the chute member 33 is fixed as a fulcrum. And on both sides of the other end of the chute member 33, two regulating members 41 and 42 having different hardnesses are provided respectively. These two regulating members 41 and 42 regulate the position of the chute member 33 by being provided on both sides of the chute member 33 respectively.

[0028] The regulating member 41 regulates the position of the chute member 33 by abutting against a bearing provided on the rotation axis of the conveying roll 31 on the side opposite to the chute member 33. Further, the regulating member 42 regulates the position of the chute member 33 by abutting against a member constituting the paper conveying path 52 on the side opposite to the chute member 33.

[0029] In this way, the chute member 33 is movably attached at the location where the two paper conveying paths 51 and 52 merge, and due to the pressure of the paper conveyed from the paper conveying paths 51 and 52, one of the two regulating members 41 and 42 is pushed and deformed, thereby reducing the conveying resistance of the paper conveying path from which the paper has been conveyed among the paper conveying paths 51 and 52.

[0030] For example, FIG. 3 shows the state of the chute member 33 when the paper P is conveyed from the paper conveying path 52.

[0031] When the paper P is conveyed from the paper conveying path 52, the chute member 33 is pushed by the pressing force of the paper P, and a force is applied to the chute member 33 toward the side where the conveying roll 31 is provided. Therefore, the regulating member 41 provided between the chute member 33 and the bearing of the conveying roll 31 is deformed, and the chute member 33 moves a little toward the conveying roll 31 side. As a result, the gap of the paper conveying path 52 widens and the conveying resistance is reduced.

[0032] Next, FIG. 4 shows the state of the chute member 33 when the paper P is conveyed from the paper conveying path 51.

[0033] When the sheet P is conveyed from the sheet conveyance path 51, the chute member 33 is pushed by the pressing force of the sheet P, and a force is applied to the chute member 33 toward the side where the conveyance roll 32 is provided. Therefore, the regulating member 42 provided between the chute member 33 and the member constituting the sheet conveyance path 52 is deformed, and the chute member 33 moves slightly toward the conveyance roll 32 side. As a result, the gap of the sheet conveyance path 51 widens and the conveyance resistance is reduced.

[0034] In addition, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the deformation amounts of the regulating members 41 and 42 are schematically shown greatly for easy understanding of the explanation. However, the actual deformation amount varies depending on the material of the conveyed sheet, the conveyance speed, etc., and may not deform as much as shown in the figure.

[0035] As described above, the chute member 33 in the present embodiment is such that the regulating member provided on the side opposite to the side where the sheet has been conveyed among the regulating members 41 and 42 is compressed and deformed, so that the sheet conveyance path where the sheet has been conveyed widens, and the angle when the sheet enters the clamping position of the conveyance rolls 31 and 32 approaches 90 degrees. As a result, the conveyance resistance of the sheet conveyance path where the sheet has been conveyed is reduced as compared with the case where the chute member 33 is fixed.

[0036] Here, the thickness, cross-sectional area, hardness due to the material, etc. of the regulating members 41 and 42 are determined according to various conditions such as the pressing force corresponding to the type of the conveyed sheet, and how much the conveyance resistance is reduced when the chute member 33 moves from the central position.

[0037] For example, when a material with a cross-sectional area such that the compression rate of a regulating member becomes 50% due to the pressing force on the chute member 33 when a thick paper is conveyed is used as the regulating member, if the original thickness of the regulating member is 4 mm, it will be compressed and deformed until the thickness becomes 2 mm when the sheet is conveyed. That is, the chute member 33 also moves 2 mm, the sheet conveyance path widens, and the conveyance resistance is reduced.

[0038] Moreover, the pressing force applied to the chute member 33 when the thick paper is conveyed is greater than the pressing force applied to the chute member 33 when the plain paper is conveyed. Therefore, when thick paper with a large conveying resistance is conveyed, the regulating member deforms more significantly than when plain paper is conveyed, and the amount of reduction in the conveying resistance increases.

[0039] Here, among the two paper conveyance paths 51 and 52 joined by the chute member 33, it is assumed that the conveyance resistance in the paper conveyance path 51 is greater than the conveyance resistance in the paper conveyance path 52. Specifically, it is assumed that the shape of the paper conveyance path 52 is not straight due to reasons such as the device layout, resulting in an increase in the conveyance resistance.

[0040] Therefore, among the two regulating members 41 and 42, one regulating member 41 that is pushed when paper is conveyed through the paper conveyance path 52 with a large conveyance resistance is configured to be softer than the other regulating member 42.

[0041] That is, among the two regulating members 41 and 42, one regulating member 42 provided on the side of the paper conveyance path 52 with a large conveyance resistance is configured to be harder than the other regulating member 41.

[0042] By reducing the hardness of the regulating member provided on the side opposite to the side with a large conveyance resistance among the two paper conveyance paths that merge in this way, the conveyance resistance of the paper conveyance path with a large conveyance resistance can be reduced more effectively.

[0043] If there are no problems with the conveyance resistance when plain paper is conveyed, the hardness of the regulating member 41 can be adjusted so that the regulating member 41 provided on the side opposite to the paper conveyance path 52 with a large conveyance resistance among the two paper conveyance paths 51 and 52 does not deform under the pressure when plain paper is conveyed, but deforms under the pressure when thick paper with a greater thickness than plain paper is conveyed.

[0044] That is, when plain paper is conveyed through the paper conveyance path 52, the regulating member 41 hardly deforms, and when thick paper is conveyed through the paper conveyance path 52, the regulating member 41 may be configured to deform to reduce the conveyance resistance in the paper conveyance path 52.

[0045] The two regulating members 41 and 42 are constituted by an elastic member such as a sponge-like member, for example. As an example, the regulating members 41 and 42 can use a high-functional urethane foam called PORON (registered trademark). Such a high-functional urethane foam has a small compression residual strain compared with a general foam, and is suitable for use as a cushioning material because it has little sag even when repeatedly deformed and maintains its original shape.

[0046] Next, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the schematic structure of the place where the two paper conveyance paths shown in FIG. 2 merge.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the positions of the shoot members 33 are regulated by the regulating members 41 and 42 provided on both sides of the shoot member 33, respectively.

[0048] Next, FIG. 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of the place where the two paper conveyance paths shown in FIG. 2 merge.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the regulating member 41 provided on one side of the shoot member 33 abuts against the bearing provided on the shaft of the conveyance roll 31, and the regulating member 42 provided on the other side of the shoot member 33 abuts against the member constituting the paper conveyance path 52.

[0050] Next, FIG. 7 shows a front view of the place where the two paper conveyance paths shown in FIG. 2 merge.

[0051] Two regulating members 41 and 42 are provided on the front side and the back side respectively on each of the left and right sides of the chute member 33. However, in Fig. 7, since it is located on the back side of the axis of the conveying roll 31, it is in a state where it cannot be visually recognized. Referring to Fig. 7, it can be seen that the positions where the regulating members 41 and 42 of the chute member 33 are provided are outside the paper width when the conveyed paper passes, so as not to interfere with the conveyance of the conveyed paper.

[0052] Finally, a perspective view of only the chute member 33 described above is shown in Fig. 8.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 8, it can be seen that the mounting portion 43 provided in the lower portion of the chute member 33 is configured to be movably fixed to the installation location, and the regulating members 41 and 42 are provided on the front side and the back side respectively of the two arm portions extending to the left and right.

[0054] That is, the chute member 33 is configured to be movable about the mounting portion 43, and the regulating members 41 and 42 are in a structure where their positions are defined by coming into contact with predetermined locations respectively.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0055] 10 Image forming apparatus 20 Terminal device 30 Network 31, 32 Conveying rolls 33 Chute member 41, 42 Regulating members 43 Mounting portion 51, 52, 53 Paper conveyance path

Claims

1. A guiding member provided at a location where two paper conveyance paths merge, guiding the paper conveyed from the two paper conveyance paths to a downstream paper conveyance path in the conveyance direction; Two regulating members made of sponge-like members, provided on both sides of the guiding member respectively, with different hardnesses to regulate the position of the guiding member; An image forming apparatus comprising the above.

2. The guiding member is movably attached at a location where two paper conveyance paths merge, and when one of the two regulating members is pushed and deformed by the pressure of the paper conveyed from the paper conveyance path, the conveyance resistance of the paper conveyance path from which the paper has been conveyed is reduced. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. Among the two regulating members, one regulating member that is pushed when paper is conveyed to the paper conveyance path with a large conveyance resistance is configured to be softer than the other regulating member. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 2.

4. Among the two regulating members, one regulating member provided on the side of the paper conveyance path with a large conveyance resistance is configured to be harder than the other regulating member. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 2.

5. The regulating member provided on the side opposite to the paper conveyance path with a large conveyance resistance among the two paper conveyance paths is configured to have a hardness such that it does not deform under the pressure when plain paper is conveyed, but deforms under the pressure when thick paper with a greater thickness than plain paper is conveyed. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

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