JP2009107810A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP2009107810A
JP2009107810A JP2007283934A JP2007283934A JP2009107810A JP 2009107810 A JP2009107810 A JP 2009107810A JP 2007283934 A JP2007283934 A JP 2007283934A JP 2007283934 A JP2007283934 A JP 2007283934A JP 2009107810 A JP2009107810 A JP 2009107810A
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discharge
paper
conveyance path
sheet
image forming
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Tetsuo Kawashima
哲郎 河島
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Kyocera Document Solutions Inc
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Kyocera Mita Corp
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Priority to JP2007283934A priority Critical patent/JP2009107810A/en
Priority to US12/260,539 priority patent/US7748711B2/en
Publication of JP2009107810A publication Critical patent/JP2009107810A/en
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of providing paper with stiffness when the paper is discharged to the outside, and decreasing cost. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus selects either one of one side or both sides of the paper, forms an image on the selected one side or both sides through a transferring portion and fixing portion in this order, and then discharges the paper to the outside by discharging rollers 16, 17. The image forming apparatus comprises a discharging conveying passage 12C passing through the transferring portion and the fixing portion, having the discharging rollers 16, 17 near a terminal position, and bending the paper on which the image is formed to be guided to the discharging rollers 16, 17; a returning conveying passage 12D connected to a downstream position to the fixing portion of the discharging conveying passage and an upstream position to the transferring portion at both ends; and a stiffness adding device 22 giving stiffness to the paper provided downstream to the discharging rollers 16, 17 of the discharging conveying passage 12C, and having flexible members 23 arranged on both sides in a width direction of the discharging conveying passage 12C and having flexibility. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、用紙の両面に画像形成が可能な画像形成装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on both sides of a sheet.

画像形成装置において、用紙の片面に画像形成を行って用紙を外部に排出する場合、用紙に腰を付けることが一般に行われている。その腰付け手段として、例えば排出ローラよりも機内側に腰付け部材を水平軸回りに揺動可能に設けたものが提案されている（例えば特許文献１参照）。   In an image forming apparatus, when an image is formed on one side of a sheet and the sheet is discharged to the outside, it is generally performed to sit on the sheet. As the seating means, there has been proposed, for example, a seating member provided on the inner side of the discharge roller so as to be swingable around a horizontal axis (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

この画像形成装置による場合には、用紙を外部へ排出するときに、その用紙搬送域に腰付け部材を飛び出させて用紙に腰を付けることができる。   In the case of this image forming apparatus, when the sheet is discharged to the outside, the sheeting member can be protruded into the sheet conveyance area and the sheet can be seated.

一方、用紙の両面に画像を形成する場合には、用紙の片面に画像形成を行った後に排出ローラまで供給し（排出ローラから用紙の先端が出た状態とし）、その後排出ローラを逆回転させて用紙を機内側へ戻して（スイッチバックさせて）もう片面に画像形成を行った後に、それまで用紙搬送域から引っ込ませていた腰付け部材を用紙搬送域に飛び出させて、用紙に腰を付けて排出ローラから外部へ排出するように行っている。なお、用紙をスイッチバックさせるとき、腰付け部材を用紙搬送域から引っ込ませるのは、スイッチバックさせる用紙に腰を付けるのを防止するためである。
特開２００６−６２８５５号公報 On the other hand, when forming an image on both sides of the paper, after forming an image on one side of the paper, the paper is supplied to the discharge roller (with the leading edge of the paper protruding from the discharge roller), and then the discharge roller is rotated in reverse. Return the paper to the inside of the machine (switch back) and perform image formation on the other side, then pop the seating member that had been retracted from the paper transport area up to the paper transport area and sit back on the paper. In addition, it discharges from the discharge roller to the outside. Note that when the paper is switched back, the seating member is retracted from the paper transport area in order to prevent the paper to be switched back from being seated.
JP 2006-62855 A

ところで、用紙の両面に画像を形成する場合には、用紙への画像の形成状況や用紙の位置などに応じて腰付け部材の揺動を制御し、用紙搬送域から引っ込ませたり或いは用紙搬送域に飛び出させたりする必要があり、その制御の実行に際して各種センサを要するためコスト高となっていた。   By the way, when forming images on both sides of the paper, the swinging member is controlled to be retracted from the paper conveyance area or the paper conveyance area according to the image formation state on the paper, the position of the paper, etc. It is necessary to make it pop out, and since various sensors are required to execute the control, the cost is high.

本発明は、このような従来技術の課題を解決するためになされたもので、用紙を外部へ排出するときには用紙に腰を付けることができ、しかもコストの低廉化が可能な画像形成装置を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides an image forming apparatus that can sit on a sheet when the sheet is discharged to the outside and can reduce the cost. The purpose is to do.

本発明の請求項１に係る画像形成装置は、用紙の片面及び両面のうちの一方を選択し、転写部及び定着部をこの順に経て画像を選択した片面又は両面に形成した後に、排出ローラにより用紙を外部へ排出する画像形成装置であって、前記転写部及び前記定着部を通るとともに終端位置の近傍に前記排出ローラを有し、画像が形成された用紙を屈曲状態にして上記排出ローラに導く排出用搬送路と、前記排出用搬送路の前記定着部よりも下流位置と前記転写部よりも上流位置とに両端が接続された戻し搬送路と、前記排出用搬送路の排出ローラよりも下流に設けられ、前記排出用搬送路の幅方向に対応する用紙の両端部を中央部に対して偏位させた状態で用紙に腰を付けるものであって、前記排出用搬送路の幅方向両側のそれぞれに配設された可撓性部材を有する腰付け手段とを具備し、片面に画像を形成する場合には排出用搬送路を経て用紙を外部へ排出し、両面に画像を形成する場合には排出用搬送路を介して排出ローラに供給しその後排出ローラを逆回転して用紙を戻し搬送路にスイッチバックさせ、その後排出用搬送路を経て外部へ排出することを特徴とする。   The image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention selects one side or both sides of the sheet, forms the image on the selected one side or both sides through the transfer unit and the fixing unit in this order, and then uses the discharge roller. An image forming apparatus for discharging a sheet to the outside, having the discharge roller in the vicinity of a terminal position through the transfer unit and the fixing unit, and bending the sheet on which the image is formed to the discharge roller. A discharge conveyance path that leads, a return conveyance path having both ends connected to a position downstream of the fixing section and an upstream position of the transfer section of the discharge conveyance path, and a discharge roller of the discharge conveyance path Provided downstream, the sheet is seated in a state where both ends of the sheet corresponding to the width direction of the discharge conveyance path are deviated from the center part, and the width direction of the discharge conveyance path Arranged on both sides With a flexible member, and when forming an image on one side, the sheet is discharged to the outside through a discharge conveyance path, and when forming an image on both sides, the sheet is discharged via a discharge conveyance path. Then, the sheet is supplied to the discharge roller, and then the discharge roller is reversely rotated to return the sheet to the conveyance path, and then discharged to the outside through the discharge conveyance path.

本発明の請求項２に係る画像形成装置は、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、前記腰付け手段を構成する可撓性部材は、樹脂製フィルムからなることを特徴とする。   An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, characterized in that the flexible member constituting the seating means is made of a resin film.

本発明の請求項３に係る画像形成装置は、請求項１又は２に記載の画像形成装置において、前記腰付け手段が、排出ローラよりも下流に設けられた除電装置よりも更に下流側に配置されていることを特徴とする。   An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the seating means is disposed further downstream than the static eliminator provided downstream from the discharge roller. It is characterized by being.

本発明による場合には、排出用搬送路の幅方向両側のそれぞれに可撓性部材が配設された構成であるので、排出用搬送路の幅方向に対応する用紙の両端部を中央部に対して偏位させた湾曲状態の腰を付けることができる。また、排出用搬送路の排出ローラよりも下流に腰付け手段が設けられ、しかもその腰付け手段が可撓性部材からなるので、両面に画像を形成させるべく用紙を排出ローラに導いた後にスイッチバックさせても、そのスイッチバックさせる用紙に腰を付き難くすることができる。更に、腰付け手段が一定の形態を保持して設けられているので、従来のように制御を必要とせず、センサの必要性も無いので、コストの低廉化が図れる。   In the case of the present invention, since the flexible members are arranged on both sides in the width direction of the discharge conveyance path, both ends of the sheet corresponding to the width direction of the discharge conveyance path are in the center. It is possible to attach a waist in a curved state that is displaced with respect to the surface. In addition, since the seating means is provided downstream of the discharge roller of the discharge transport path, and the seating means is made of a flexible member, the switch is provided after guiding the paper to the discharge roller so as to form an image on both sides. Even if the paper is backed, it is possible to make it difficult to sit back on the paper to be switched back. Furthermore, since the seating means is provided in a fixed form, it does not require control as in the prior art, and there is no need for a sensor, so the cost can be reduced.

請求項２の発明による場合には、市販されている樹脂製フィルムで可撓性部材が形成されるので、腰付け手段を簡単に作製することができる。   In the case of the second aspect of the invention, the flexible member is formed of a commercially available resin film, so that the seating means can be easily produced.

請求項３の発明による場合には、排出用搬送路の最終位置に除電装置が一般的に配設されるが、それよりも更に下流側に可撓性部材が配設されるため、スイッチバックを行う前であって排出ロールに支持された用紙の先端を可撓性部材に達していない状態に、或いは可撓性部材に達していても腰付けされた距離を短い状態にすることができ、用紙に腰を付き難くすることができる。   In the case of the invention according to claim 3, the static eliminator is generally disposed at the final position of the discharge conveyance path, but since the flexible member is disposed further downstream than that, the switchback The leading edge of the paper supported by the discharge roll does not reach the flexible member, or the seated distance can be reduced even if the flexible member is reached. , It can make it difficult to sit down on the paper.

以下に本発明を具体的に説明する。本実施形態では、画像形成装置が複写機である場合に則して説明するが、本発明はこれに限らず、例えばプリンタ、ファクシミリ等であってもよい。   The present invention will be specifically described below. In the present embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus is a copying machine will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a printer, a facsimile, or the like.

図１は本発明の１実施形態の画像形成装置の概略構成を示す模式的正面図であり、図２は排出部の近傍を拡大して示す正面図である。   FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of a discharge portion.

この画像形成装置１は、画像形成装置１の上部に配置されていて原稿画像を読み取るための読取部２と、原稿画像に応じて読取部２により得られる画像データに基づき用紙Ｐ０に画像を形成する画像形成部３と、この画像形成部３へ用紙Ｐ０を供給する用紙供給部４と、用紙供給部４から画像形成部３を通って機外へ用紙Ｐ０を搬送する用紙搬送部５と、画像形成装置１の上述の各部２、３、４、５の動作を制御するための制御部６とを有している。   The image forming apparatus 1 is arranged on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 1 and forms an image on a sheet P0 based on a reading unit 2 for reading a document image and image data obtained by the reading unit 2 according to the document image. An image forming unit 3 that performs sheet feeding, a sheet feeding unit 4 that feeds the sheet P0 to the image forming unit 3, a sheet feeding unit 5 that transports the sheet P0 from the sheet feeding unit 4 through the image forming unit 3 to the outside of the apparatus, And a control unit 6 for controlling the operations of the above-described units 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the image forming apparatus 1.

画像形成部３は、画像形成装置１の上下方向の中央部に配置されている。画像形成部３は、読取部２からの画像データに応じた所定のビーム光を得るためのレーザビーム発生装置７と、感光体ドラム８を含みこれに所定のビーム光に応じた潜像を形成してこの潜像をトナー像に顕像化する作像部９と、トナー像を転写材としての用紙Ｐ０に転写する転写部１０と、転写されたトナー像を用紙Ｐ０に加熱定着させる定着部１１とを有している。   The image forming unit 3 is disposed at the center in the vertical direction of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming unit 3 includes a laser beam generator 7 for obtaining a predetermined beam light corresponding to the image data from the reading unit 2 and a photosensitive drum 8, and forms a latent image corresponding to the predetermined beam light on the laser beam generator 7. Then, the image forming unit 9 that visualizes the latent image into a toner image, the transfer unit 10 that transfers the toner image onto the paper P0 as a transfer material, and the fixing unit that heats and fixes the transferred toner image onto the paper P0. 11.

用紙搬送部５は、画像形成装置１の一方の側部に沿って配置されていて、排出用搬送路１２Ａと排出用搬送路１２Ｂと排出用搬送路１２Ｃと戻し搬送路１２Ｄと分岐搬送路１２Ｅとを有する。排出用搬送路１２Ａ、排出用搬送路１２Ｂ、排出用搬送路１２Ｃ、戻し搬送路１２Ｄ及び分岐搬送路１２Ｅは、互いに接続されて、全体としてループ形状をなしている。排出用搬送路１２Ａ、排出用搬送路１２Ｂ、排出用搬送路１２Ｃ、戻し搬送路１２Ｄ及び分岐搬送路１２Ｅでは、用紙Ｐ０は、案内部材（図示せず）に沿って案内され、回動するローラ（図示せず）により送られる。なお、図１においては、搬送路１２Ａ〜１２Ｅの搬送方向を示す矢印により搬送路１２Ａ〜１２Ｅを図示している。   The sheet conveyance unit 5 is disposed along one side of the image forming apparatus 1, and includes a discharge conveyance path 12A, a discharge conveyance path 12B, a discharge conveyance path 12C, a return conveyance path 12D, and a branch conveyance path 12E. And have. The discharge conveyance path 12A, the discharge conveyance path 12B, the discharge conveyance path 12C, the return conveyance path 12D, and the branch conveyance path 12E are connected to each other to form a loop shape as a whole. In the discharge transport path 12A, the discharge transport path 12B, the discharge transport path 12C, the return transport path 12D, and the branch transport path 12E, the paper P0 is guided along a guide member (not shown) and rotates. (Not shown). In FIG. 1, the conveyance paths 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> E are illustrated by arrows indicating the conveyance directions of the conveyance paths 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> E.

用紙Ｐ０は、用紙供給部４から画像形成部３へ排出用搬送路１２Ａ（上流側搬送路１２Ａともいう。）に沿って搬送され、画像形成部３では排出用搬送路１２Ｂに沿って搬送され、画像形成部３から機外としての排出トレイ１３へ向けて排出用搬送路１２Ｃ（下流側搬送路１２Ｃともいう。）からほぼ水平方向に排出される。排出トレイ１３は、下流側搬送路１２Ｃの終端部（終端位置）１４に臨んで、画像形成部３と読取部２との間に配置され、機外に開放されている。   The paper P0 is transported from the paper supply unit 4 to the image forming unit 3 along a discharge transport path 12A (also referred to as an upstream transport path 12A), and is transported along the discharge transport path 12B in the image forming unit 3. Then, the paper is discharged from the image forming unit 3 toward the discharge tray 13 as the outside of the apparatus from the discharge transport path 12C (also referred to as the downstream transport path 12C) in a substantially horizontal direction. The discharge tray 13 is disposed between the image forming unit 3 and the reading unit 2 so as to face the end portion (end position) 14 of the downstream side conveyance path 12C, and is opened outside the apparatus.

下流側搬送路１２Ｃの終端部１４には、第１および第２の排出ローラ１６、１７が配置されており（図２参照）、これら排出ローラ１６、１７の下流には除電装置としての除電ブラシ２１が設けられ、その除電ブラシ２１よりも下流には腰付け装置２２が設けられている。第１および第２の排出ローラ１６、１７は、正転することにより、下流側搬送路１２Ｃを搬送される用紙Ｐ０であって画像が形成された用紙Ｐ０を機外の排出トレイ１３へ向けて送り出して排出する。   First and second discharge rollers 16 and 17 are disposed at the end portion 14 of the downstream conveyance path 12C (see FIG. 2), and a discharge brush as a discharge device is disposed downstream of the discharge rollers 16 and 17. 21 is provided, and a seating device 22 is provided downstream of the static elimination brush 21. The first and second discharge rollers 16 and 17 rotate forward so that the sheet P0 conveyed on the downstream conveyance path 12C and having the image formed thereon is directed toward the discharge tray 13 outside the apparatus. Send out and discharge.

除電ブラシ２１は、図３に示すように下流側搬送路１２Ｃの終端部１４において、搬送路１２Ｃの幅方向の全長にわたり用紙Ｐ０を除電するように配設されている。一方、腰付け装置２２は、図２〜図４（図３の左側端部の拡大図）に示すように下流側搬送路１２Ｃの終端部１４において、搬送路１２Ｃの幅方向の両側にそれぞれ配設された腰のある可撓性部材２３から構成されている。各可撓性部材２３は、上流側のシート片２４と、下流側の先端が尖ったＶ字状片２５とを有する。シート片２４は、例えば高分子ポリエチレン製等の合成樹脂シートであって、用紙Ｐ０との擦れに強くなるようにするものである。Ｖ字状片２５は、例えばＰＥＴなどの合成樹脂製であって、用紙の引っ掛かりを防止するために先端が尖ったＶ字状に形成している。シート片２４の先端とＶ字状片２５の先端とは、ほぼ同じ位置になるように設定されている。また、一対の可撓性部材２３の位置は、搬送路１２Ｃの幅方向における用紙幅が最小である用紙Ｐ０の両端部と接触する位置に設定されている。   As shown in FIG. 3, the neutralizing brush 21 is disposed at the end portion 14 of the downstream conveyance path 12C so as to neutralize the sheet P0 over the entire length in the width direction of the conveyance path 12C. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 (enlarged view of the left end portion in FIG. 3), the seating device 22 is arranged on both sides of the conveyance path 12C in the width direction at the end portion 14 of the downstream conveyance path 12C. It is comprised from the flexible member 23 with the waist provided. Each flexible member 23 has a sheet piece 24 on the upstream side and a V-shaped piece 25 with a sharp tip on the downstream side. The sheet piece 24 is, for example, a synthetic resin sheet made of high molecular polyethylene or the like, and is resistant to rubbing with the paper P0. The V-shaped piece 25 is made of a synthetic resin such as PET, for example, and is formed in a V-shape with a sharp tip to prevent the paper from being caught. The front end of the sheet piece 24 and the front end of the V-shaped piece 25 are set so as to be substantially the same position. Further, the position of the pair of flexible members 23 is set to a position in contact with both ends of the sheet P0 having the smallest sheet width in the width direction of the conveyance path 12C.

戻し搬送路１２Ｄは、図１に示すように、下流側搬送路１２Ｃの終端部１４よりも上流であって定着部１１よりも下流の第１位置に入側端を、上流側搬送路１２Ａの転写部１０よりも上流の合流部１５に出側端をそれぞれ接続し、前記入側端から合流部１５へ用紙Ｐ０を搬送するために設けられている。戻し搬送路１２Ｄの入側端の部分には、後述する姿勢変更路１２Ｄ−１が下流側搬送路１２Ｃの終端部１４と共用する状態で設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 1, the return conveyance path 12 </ b> D has an inlet end at a first position upstream of the end portion 14 of the downstream conveyance path 12 </ b> C and downstream of the fixing unit 11, and the upstream conveyance path 12 </ b> A. The outlet side end is connected to the merging portion 15 upstream of the transfer portion 10, and is provided for transporting the paper P 0 from the inlet side end to the merging portion 15. A posture changing path 12D-1 (described later) is provided at the entrance end of the return transport path 12D so as to be shared with the end portion 14 of the downstream transport path 12C.

この戻し搬送路１２Ｄは、用紙Ｐ０の両面に画像を形成する場合に、下流側搬送路１２Ｃに沿って排出トレイ１３へ向けて搬送された用紙Ｐ０をスイッチバックさせて、用紙Ｐ０の表裏を反転させるために設けられている。即ち、第１および第２の排出ローラ１６、１７が正転することにより、用紙Ｐ０が下流側搬送路１２Ｃを搬送される。搬送された用紙Ｐ０における下流側搬送路１２Ｃの搬送方向Ｆ１についての後端部が、第１および第２の排出ローラ１６、１７の位置に達すると、第１および第２の排出ローラ１６、１７は回動を一旦停止される。これにより、用紙Ｐ０の後端部が機内に残され、後端部以外の用紙Ｐ０の部分は、排出トレイ１３側に排出される。その後、第１および第２の排出ローラ１６、１７は逆回転することにより、用紙Ｐ０の上記後端部を先頭側にして戻し搬送路１２Ｄを搬送される。   This return conveyance path 12D switches back the paper P0 conveyed toward the discharge tray 13 along the downstream conveyance path 12C and reverses the front and back of the paper P0 when images are formed on both sides of the paper P0. It is provided to make it. That is, when the first and second discharge rollers 16 and 17 are rotated forward, the paper P0 is transported through the downstream transport path 12C. When the trailing end of the transported paper P0 in the transport direction F1 of the downstream transport path 12C reaches the position of the first and second discharge rollers 16, 17, the first and second discharge rollers 16, 17 Is temporarily stopped from rotating. As a result, the rear end portion of the paper P0 is left in the apparatus, and the portion of the paper P0 other than the rear end portion is discharged to the discharge tray 13 side. Thereafter, the first and second discharge rollers 16 and 17 are rotated in the reverse direction, and are conveyed through the return conveyance path 12D with the rear end portion of the paper P0 set as the leading side.

分岐搬送路１２Ｅは、下流側搬送路１２Ｃの分岐部１８から戻し搬送路１２Ｄの所定部１９へ用紙Ｐ０を搬送するために設けられている。下流側搬送路１２Ｃの分岐部１８には、用紙Ｐ０の搬送方向を切り換えるための分岐部材としての分岐レバー２０が設けられている。分岐レバー２０は、定着部１１から送り出される用紙Ｐ０の搬送方向を、下流側搬送路１２Ｃに沿う方向と、分岐搬送路１２Ｅに沿う方向とのいずれか一方に切り換える。   The branch conveyance path 12E is provided for conveying the sheet P0 from the branching portion 18 of the downstream conveyance path 12C to the predetermined portion 19 of the return conveyance path 12D. A branch lever 20 serving as a branch member for switching the transport direction of the paper P0 is provided at the branch portion 18 of the downstream transport path 12C. The branch lever 20 switches the transport direction of the paper P0 sent out from the fixing unit 11 to one of the direction along the downstream transport path 12C and the direction along the branch transport path 12E.

制御部６は、図示しないが、制御中枢としてのマイクロコンピュータと、これに接続されて使用者が操作するための操作部とを含む。操作部からの入力信号に従って、マイクロコンピュータは予め記憶されたプログラムに基づいて各部２、３、４、５を制御する。   Although not shown, the control unit 6 includes a microcomputer as a control center and an operation unit connected to the control unit and operated by a user. In accordance with an input signal from the operation unit, the microcomputer controls each unit 2, 3, 4, 5 based on a program stored in advance.

また、本実施形態の画像形成装置１は、用紙Ｐ０の両面に画像を形成する両面画像形成機能を有している。この機能のための構成として、用紙搬送部５の戻し搬送路１２Ｄと、用紙搬送部５および画像形成部３の動作を制御しつつこれらの動作を順次自動的に行うための両面画像形成制御手段としての制御部６とが備えられている。   The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a double-sided image forming function for forming images on both sides of the paper P0. As a configuration for this function, double-sided image formation control means for automatically performing these operations sequentially while controlling the operations of the return conveyance path 12D of the sheet conveyance unit 5 and the sheet conveyance unit 5 and the image forming unit 3. As a control unit 6.

両面画像形成時には、制御部６は、以下の手順で制御を行う。先ず、用紙Ｐ０を排出用搬送路１２Ａ、１２Ｂ、１２Ｃに沿って搬送し、その間に、用紙Ｐ０の表面Ｐ４に画像を画像形成部３により形成する。表面Ｐ４に画像が形成された用紙Ｐ０を、排出用搬送路１２Ｃの終端部１４でスイッチバックさせて戻し搬送路１２Ｄに戻す。用紙Ｐ０を、戻し搬送路１２Ｄを経て排出用搬送路１２Ａ、１２Ｂ、１２Ｃに沿って搬送する。スイッチバックして戻し搬送路１２Ｄを経て排出用搬送路１２Ａの転写部１０よりも上流位置に戻された用紙Ｐ０は、表面Ｐ４に画像を形成するときに対して表裏が逆になっている。用紙Ｐ０の裏面Ｐ５に画像を画像形成部３により形成する。両面に画像を形成された用紙Ｐ０を排出トレイ１３に排出する。   At the time of double-sided image formation, the control unit 6 performs control according to the following procedure. First, the paper P0 is transported along the discharge transport paths 12A, 12B, and 12C, and an image is formed on the surface P4 of the paper P0 by the image forming unit 3 during that time. The paper P0 on which the image is formed on the front surface P4 is switched back at the end portion 14 of the discharge conveyance path 12C and returned to the return conveyance path 12D. The sheet P0 is transported along the discharge transport paths 12A, 12B, and 12C via the return transport path 12D. The sheet P0 that has been switched back and returned to the upstream position from the transfer section 10 of the discharge transport path 12A through the return transport path 12D is opposite to that when the image is formed on the front surface P4. An image is formed on the back surface P5 of the paper P0 by the image forming unit 3. The paper P0 on which images are formed on both sides is discharged to the discharge tray 13.

排出ローラ１６、１７を有する上記排出用搬送路１２Ｃは、用紙Ｐ０を屈曲させた状態で排出ローラ１６、１７に導くようになっている。また、戻し搬送路１２Ｄの入側端の部分に設けられた前記姿勢変更路１２Ｄ−１は、下流側搬送路１２Ｃの終端部１４と共用する状態で設けられていて、排出ローラ１６、１７に導かれた用紙Ｐ０が屈曲状態からほぼ真っ直ぐに伸びた伸長状態に姿勢を変更し得るように構成されている。   The discharge conveyance path 12C having the discharge rollers 16 and 17 is guided to the discharge rollers 16 and 17 in a state where the paper P0 is bent. Further, the posture changing path 12D-1 provided at the entrance side end portion of the return conveyance path 12D is provided in a state shared with the terminal end portion 14 of the downstream conveyance path 12C, and is provided to the discharge rollers 16 and 17. The guided paper P0 can be changed in posture from a bent state to an extended state in which the paper P0 extends almost straight.

姿勢変更路１２Ｄ−１における排出用搬送路１２Ｃを挟んで分岐レバー２０とは反対側には、用紙Ｐ０の後端が姿勢変更路１２Ｄ−１に入ったことを光学的に検出する後端検出センサ２２が設けられている。この後端検出センサ２２は、例えば反射型のもので、用紙Ｐ０の後端が通過すると用紙Ｐ０からの反射光を捉えなくなり、そのことにより用紙Ｐ０の後端を検出する。この検出信号は前記制御部６に与えられ、制御部６はその信号入力に基づいて排出ローラ１６、１７の回転を一旦停止させる。このとき、用紙Ｐ０は、その後端が姿勢変更路１２Ｄ−１の内側に入った状態で停止するように設定されている。   A rear end detection that optically detects that the rear end of the sheet P0 has entered the posture change path 12D-1 on the opposite side of the discharge conveyance path 12C in the posture change path 12D-1 from the branch lever 20. A sensor 22 is provided. The trailing edge detection sensor 22 is, for example, a reflection type sensor, and when the trailing edge of the paper P0 passes, the reflected light from the paper P0 is not captured, thereby detecting the trailing edge of the paper P0. This detection signal is given to the control unit 6, and the control unit 6 temporarily stops the rotation of the discharge rollers 16 and 17 based on the signal input. At this time, the sheet P0 is set to stop in a state in which the rear end thereof is inside the posture changing path 12D-1.

したがって、このように構成された本実施形態に係る画像形成装置１による場合には、排出用搬送路１２Ｃの幅方向両側に腰のある可撓性部材２３が設けられた構成であるので、排出用搬送路１２Ｃの幅方向に対応する用紙Ｐ０の両端部を、用紙Ｐ０の幅方向中央部に対して偏位させた湾曲状態に腰を付けることができる。また、排出用搬送路１２Ｃの排出ローラ１６、１７よりも下流に腰付け装置２２が設けられ、しかもその腰付け装置２２が腰のある可撓性部材２３からなるので、両面に画像を形成させるべく用紙Ｐ０を排出ローラ１６、１７に導いた後にスイッチバックさせても、そのスイッチバックさせる用紙Ｐ０に腰を付き難くすることができる。更に、腰付け装置２２が一定の形態を保持して設けられているので、従来のように制御を必要とせず、センサの必要性も無いので、コストの低廉化が図れる。   Therefore, in the case of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, the flexible member 23 having waists is provided on both sides in the width direction of the discharge conveyance path 12C. It is possible to sit on the curved state in which both end portions of the paper P0 corresponding to the width direction of the transport path 12C are displaced with respect to the central portion in the width direction of the paper P0. In addition, a seating device 22 is provided downstream of the ejection rollers 16 and 17 in the ejection transport path 12C, and the seating device 22 is formed of a flexible member 23 having a waist, so that images are formed on both sides. Therefore, even if the paper P0 is guided to the discharge rollers 16 and 17 and then switched back, the paper P0 to be switched back can be made difficult to get stuck. Further, since the seating device 22 is provided in a fixed form, it does not require control as in the prior art, and there is no need for a sensor, so the cost can be reduced.

また、本実施形態にあっては、市販されている樹脂製フィルムで腰のある可撓性部材２３が形成されるので、腰付け装置２２を簡単に作製することができる。更には、排出用搬送路１２Ｃの最終部１４に除電ブラシ２１が一般的に配設されるが、それよりも更に下流側に可撓性部材２３が配設されるため、スイッチバックを行う前であって排出ロール１６、１７に支持された用紙Ｐ０の先端を可撓性部材２３に達していない状態に、或いは可撓性部材２３に達していても腰付けされた距離を短い状態にすることができ、用紙Ｐ０に腰を付き難くすることができる。   Moreover, in this embodiment, since the flexible member 23 with waist | waist is formed with the resin-made film marketed, the back mounting apparatus 22 can be produced easily. Further, the neutralizing brush 21 is generally disposed in the final portion 14 of the discharging conveyance path 12C, but since the flexible member 23 is disposed further downstream than that, before the switchback is performed. In this state, the leading end of the paper P0 supported by the discharge rolls 16 and 17 does not reach the flexible member 23, or the seated distance is reduced even if the flexible member 23 is reached. It is possible to make the paper P0 difficult to sit on.

なお、上述した実施形態では、排出用搬送路１２Ｃの幅方向両側のそれぞれに可撓性部材２３を配置しているが、本発明はこれに限らず、可撓性部材２３を３以上で配置してもよい。   In the above-described embodiment, the flexible members 23 are arranged on both sides in the width direction of the discharge conveyance path 12C. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the flexible members 23 are arranged in three or more. May be.

本発明の１実施形態の画像形成装置の概略構成を示す模式的正面図である。1 is a schematic front view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 排出部の近傍を拡大して示す正面図である。It is a front view which expands and shows the vicinity of a discharge part. 排出部を用紙排出側から見た図である。It is the figure which looked at the discharge part from the paper discharge side. 図３の左側端部を示す拡大図である。It is an enlarged view which shows the left side edge part of FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 画像形成装置
１０ 転写部
１１ 定着部
１２Ｃ 排出用搬送路
１２Ｄ 戻し搬送路
１６、１７ 排出ローラ
２２ 腰付け装置
２３ 可撓性部材
Ｐ０ 用紙 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Transfer part 11 Fixing part 12C Discharge conveyance path 12D Return conveyance path 16, 17 Discharge roller 22 Seating apparatus 23 Flexible member P0 Paper

Claims (3)

用紙の片面及び両面のうちの一方を選択し、転写部及び定着部をこの順に経て画像を選択した片面又は両面に形成した後に、排出ローラにより用紙を外部へ排出する画像形成装置であって、
前記転写部及び前記定着部を通るとともに終端位置の近傍に前記排出ローラを有し、画像が形成された用紙を屈曲状態にして上記排出ローラに導く排出用搬送路と、
前記排出用搬送路の前記定着部よりも下流位置と前記転写部よりも上流位置とに両端が接続された戻し搬送路と、
前記排出用搬送路の排出ローラよりも下流に設けられ、前記排出用搬送路の幅方向に対応する用紙の両端部を中央部に対して偏位させた状態で用紙に腰を付けるものであって、前記排出用搬送路の幅方向両側のそれぞれに配設された可撓性部材を有する腰付け手段とを具備し、
片面に画像を形成する場合には排出用搬送路を経て用紙を外部へ排出し、両面に画像を形成する場合には排出用搬送路を介して排出ローラに供給しその後排出ローラを逆回転して用紙を戻し搬送路にスイッチバックさせ、その後排出用搬送路を経て外部へ排出することを特徴とする画像形成装置。 An image forming apparatus that selects one side or both sides of a sheet, forms an image on one or both sides through a transfer unit and a fixing unit in this order, and then discharges the sheet to the outside by a discharge roller.
A discharge conveyance path that passes through the transfer unit and the fixing unit and has the discharge roller in the vicinity of the terminal position, and guides the sheet on which the image is formed to a bent state to the discharge roller;
A return conveyance path having both ends connected to a position downstream of the fixing unit and an upstream position of the transfer unit of the discharge conveyance path;
The sheet is provided downstream of the discharge roller of the discharge conveyance path, and sits on the sheet with both ends of the sheet corresponding to the width direction of the discharge conveyance path being deviated from the center. And a seating means having flexible members disposed on both sides in the width direction of the discharge transport path,
When forming an image on one side, the paper is discharged to the outside through the discharge conveyance path, and when forming an image on both sides, the sheet is supplied to the discharge roller through the discharge conveyance path, and then the discharge roller is rotated in reverse. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the sheet is returned to the conveyance path and then discharged to the outside through the ejection conveyance path. 請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記腰付け手段を構成する可撓性部材は、樹脂製フィルムからなることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible member that constitutes the seating means is made of a resin film. 請求項１又は２に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記腰付け手段が、排出ローラよりも下流に設けられた除電装置よりも更に下流側に配置されていることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seating unit is disposed further downstream than the static eliminator provided downstream from the discharge roller.
JP2007283934A 2007-10-31 2007-10-31 Image forming apparatus Pending JP2009107810A (en)

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JP2011068451A (en) * 2009-09-25 2011-04-07 Kyocera Mita Corp Image forming device

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