JPS60262769A - Conveying mechanism of cut sheet in picture forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make easy the disposal of jammed paper, and to prevent jammed paper from being left over as it is so as to enable jamming to be displayed even when a conveyor routing device is removed by installing the conveyor routing device removably to the picture forming device. CONSTITUTION:This conveyor routing device 4 in a copying machine is constructed as one unit which has the function of conveying, copying, and separating from a photographic sensing unit in regard to copying paper which is forwarded from a feeding device 3 one after another, and as one unit which consists of guide plates 21 through 24, register rollers 25 and 26, a corona discharger 29, a conveying belt 35 to forward a sheet of copying paper which has been copied, to a fixing device 5. This conveyor routing device is designed so that it can be drawn out toward the front of the copying machine 1 alolng guide rails 38 and 39. And this device is electrically linked with the copying machine 1 through flexible printed boards. This confirulation enables the existence of jammed paper to be displayed on the indicator of the copying machine 1 even when the conveyor routing device is drawn out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a cut sheet conveyance mechanism of an image forming apparatus,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a conveying mechanism having a function of easily removing jammed cut sheets from an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a recording apparatus. In the following description of the present invention, an electrophotographic copying machine will be taken as an example, and the cut sheet will be referred to as copy paper or simply paper.

Currently, as a mechanism for removing paper that has become stuck in the conveyance path due to a jam, the paper conveyance path is generally constructed with a device that restricts both sides of the paper, such as a guide plate or roller, and the - side is set as the conveyance direction. This is done by rotating it vertically to open it so that a hand can enter to take out the paper. However, in order to open the machine sufficiently to allow access, the normally unused space of the open member reservoir is required;
As a result, there is a drawback that the capacity of one machine increases.

Further, it is often difficult to open the guide plate due to the structure around the guide plate, or even if it is opened, it is often not opened sufficiently. Furthermore, in order to reach into the deep part of the machine, the space around the part 1 of the person must be clear, and as this is limited by the strength and configuration of the machine, it is difficult to obtain sufficient space. . Also, if the inside is not fully visible from the outside,
You may have to grope to remove jammed paper. As described above, the conventional method is severely limited by the size, strength, and configuration of the machine, and also has the problem of difficulty in removing jammed paper.

The first object of the present invention is to provide a copy paper conveyance mechanism that solves the above-mentioned problems of conventional storage. That is, it is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyance mechanism that allows jammed paper to be easily taken out and prevents the user from forgetting to dispose of jammed paper.

The present invention, which achieves the above objectives, comprises: a conveyance path means for conveying cut sheets and is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus; a passage detection means; a display means for displaying a jam state of the cut sheet in the conveyance path;
2. Means for transmitting a signal from the sheet passage detection means to the display means so that the jam display means displays the jam even in the N state.

It should be noted that copy paper used for convenience in the description of the present invention means plain paper, insulating paper, etc., and is not limited to "U paper" as long as it is in the form of a paper or sheet. Furthermore, it is said that the paper is being transported or not, and it is possible that the paper is being rolled in the paper feed section. In addition, in the embodiment described below, a drum-shaped photoreceptor is disposed in the transfer section, but it is sufficient if the drum-shaped photoreceptor has a function of carrying a latent image. The application is also ``one-chono''.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail according to examples.

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a copying machine having a unitized copy paper delivery path means (hereinafter referred to as path means) according to the present invention. The drum-shaped photoreceptor 2 of the copying machine 1 forms a latent image in area A, and by the developing means in area B! Form a toner image, transfer the toner image to the copy paper in area C, remove residual l, toner, and charge on the surface in area C, and
One rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow causes repeated copying. Copy paper is sent out sequentially from the storage stage 3, and has the function of transferring and separating it from the photoreceptor.
Copying is completed by sequentially passing through the two unitized path stages 4 and the fixing means 5, and finally the I.
It is stored in sea 6.

Hereinafter, the conveyance path means of the present invention will be explained.

Details of the route means 4 are shown in FIG. 2 and below.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the unit of the path means 4,
Four guide plates 21, 22-23, and 24 are arranged as shown in the figure to guide the paper sent out from the storage means 3, and are formed by a pair of register rollers 25 and 26. They are gathering toward the nip. , ]21 The register rollers 25 and 26 are well-known and have the function of aligning the paper with the toner image on the photoreceptor 2 by controlling their rotation timing. The paper fed out from the sister rollers 25 and 26 is guided by the lower two plates 27 and 28i and connected to the photoreceptor 2,
1! ? The toner image on the photoreceptor 2 is then transferred by being charged by the corona discharger 29. Furthermore, after the transfer, the paper with the toner image is removed from the tip of the edge of the paper by a heald-like peeling guide section 30 whose longitudinal end is in contact with the photoreceptor 2. A trigger for separation is given, and the first change roller 31 and the two presser rollers 32
33 and suction box 34,
The branch at the end is gradually enlarged and finally completely separated from the photoreceptor 2, and further delivered to the fixing means 5 by the conveyor belt I.35. Note that, as described in the first section below, the path means 41 has a structure that can be pulled out toward the front in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3A shows this mechanism in side view. The path means 4 is divided into two structures 36 and 37, and each part consists of side plates on both sides constituting it and a part that connects them to perform various functions. That is, the first structure 36
The main body of the copying machine is moved by the two guide rails 38 and 39.
This serves as a stand for a second structure 37 configured to be pulled out from the base (hereinafter, the first structure 36 will be referred to as a stand). The second structure 37 is provided with the paper conveyance path portion described in FIG. 2 (hereinafter, the second structure 37 is referred to as a conveyance section).

).

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a method of electrically coupling the path means 4 and the copying machine main body l will be explained. As mentioned above, the path means 4 requires electrical connection with the main body for the rotation control of the register rollers 25 and 26 and the means for outputting the paper passage detection signal, and usually includes electric wires for power supply and signal. Connectors were used as a However, connectors have a drawback in that they are prone to poor contact when repeatedly attached and detached. As a solution to the above problem, it is sufficient that the path means 4 and the main body of the copying machine are always electrically coupled. Thereby the route means 4
Even when the paper is pulled out, a signal indicating the presence of jammed paper can be displayed on the display, making it easy to confirm that the jammed paper has been removed and preventing accidents caused by forgetting to remove the jammed paper. Further, there is an advantage that a switch is installed between the register rollers to facilitate the removal of jammed paper, and the switch rotates the rollers in the opposite direction, thereby making it possible to remove jammed paper.

In the embodiment of the present invention, by using a flexible printed board as shown in FIG. 4, an electrical connection can always be obtained between the path means 4 and the main body. 4(A) shows a state in which the path means 4 is inside the copying machine main body l, and FIG. 4(B) shows a state in which the path means 4 is pulled out. In this way, by electrically coupling the path means 4 and the copying machine main body 1 using the flexible printed board 62, the bending radius can be made smaller compared to the conventionally known coupling method using a cord, which takes up less space. The advantage is that it can be done with
Accidents such as slipping the cord are less likely to occur. Here, the length L of the flexible printed board is calculated by looking at the amount of pull-out of the path means 4, and assuming that the interval between the printed boards is h, it is necessary for a reasonable operation to be L>□+h. Become. Note that the above-mentioned flexible printed board is one in which band or linear conductive wires are arranged side by side on a film-like insulating resin base.

As mentioned above, by using a band-shaped flexible electric wire as shown in Figure 4, it is possible to constantly receive electric currents such as signals from the main body side and send them in the opposite direction. Is there a possibility that the drawer may become misaligned or twisted when the drawer is pulled out? , it can be used in a stable state at all times.

Here, the jam position detection mechanism will be explained.

In FIG. 2 showing the internal side of the path means, Ll and L2
-L3 is a lamp provided along the route, and light receiving elements S1, S2, and S3 are arranged to face the lamp. In addition, a light emitting element D1φ such as a light emitting diode is mounted on the base portion 36 of the path means 4 corresponding to each of the lamps L1, L2, and L3.
D2 and D3 are arranged (see Fig. 5).

According to the above-mentioned configuration, when a paper jam occurs at the position of the lamp L2, for example, the light emitting element D2 lights up or dims to display the position of the jammed paper. Therefore, the operator can remove the jammed paper by pulling out the path means 4 in accordance with the lighting of the light emitting element. Furthermore, if the above light emitting element is also provided in the fixing means 5, it is possible to understand at a glance whether the fixing means 5 should be pulled out or the path means 4 should be pulled out. Furthermore, if the main body and the means side are always electrically connected by a flexible printed board 62 as in the route means 4 of this embodiment,
Even when the path means 4 is pulled out to remove jammed paper, the light emitting means continues to light up, making confirmation easy.

Further, for example, when jammed paper exists in two different locations, when the path means 4 is returned to the main body after only one jammed paper is removed, the light emitting element that continues to light up will cause the other jammed paper to be removed. You can learn about the existence of jam paper. This effect is due to constant electrical continuity between the main body side and the drawer side, and can be easily achieved by providing the above-mentioned band-shaped flexible conductive wire as shown in Fig. 4. As described above, FIG. 4 is a side view showing the route means 4 in the pulled out state, and the strip-shaped printed board 6 is shown in FIG.
2 is arranged so that the band surface is parallel to the bottom surface of the path means 4. Further, both ends of the printed board 62 are connected to connectors on the main body side and the route means side, but the connectors are not removed by pulling out the route means or the like.

Next, the extraction mechanism of the path means unit will be described. In FIG. 3, a method of connecting the path means 4 to the copying machine main body 1 side is shown. As described above, the path means 4 has a structure in which it can be pulled out toward the Mij side in the drawings in FIGS. There are members that are in contact with each other, such as rollers 31 and 32, and other members that are also close to the photoreceptor 2, such as the rollers 31 and 32. For this reason, if the two-way path means 4 is pulled out as it is, there is a risk that these members that come close to and come into contact with the photoreceptor 2 will rub and cause scratches on the surface of the photoreceptor 2. On the other hand, even when the path means 4 is fixed and the photoreceptor 2 is pulled out, a similar problem may occur. Therefore, the distance between the path means 4 and the photoreceptor 2 needs to be variable. These two parts are connected by a rotation center +I+40, and the conveying part 37 is configured to be rotatable about a shaft 40 with respect to the base part 36, and is pulled in the direction of the arrow by a spring 41. . Further, the conveyance section 37 is pushed to a predetermined position by a lever 42 added at the upper part on the side of the main body J, which overcomes the force of the spring 41 and acts in the opposite direction of the arrow. Here, the predetermined position is adjusted and kept constant by a pin 43 that is a component of the platform 36 and a screw 45 that is inserted into an arm 44 that is a component of the transport section 37. On the other hand, push the conveyance section 37 from the main body 1yy<-
42 is a lever 46 rotatably attached between both side plates of the main body, a lever 47 fixed to the shaft 46, and a lever 47.
It consists of a roller 48 attached to the end of the shaft, a bottle cup 49 fixed to the shaft 46, and a spring 50 stretched between the lever 47 and the bottle cup 49. 37 is pressed elastically. This elastic force increases the accuracy of the lever 42 and simplifies the meshing of the drive gears, which will be described later. FIG. 3(B) is a front view of the copying machine main body 1, in which an opening is provided in the side plate 51 of the main body so that the path means 4 can be pulled out. Further, a -2 shaft 46 protrudes from the side plate 51, a knob lever 52 is fixed to the shaft 146, and a handle 53 is provided at the end of the lever 52. When the conveyance unit 37 is put into use, this /\n)-le 53 can be configured to be fixed on the plate 54 that determines the rotation center position of the photoreceptor 2.
Since neither the first stage 4 nor the photoreceptor 2 can be pulled out forward by the lever 52, there is no risk of damaging the photoreceptor 2. When pulling out the photoreceptor 2 or the path means 4, press the lever 5.
2 to the position shown by the two-dot chain line, the spring 41
Due to the structure of the lever 42 and shaft 40, the conveying section 37 is separated from the photoreceptor 2, so it can be easily pulled out.Here, the lever 52 is pulled in the opening direction by a spring or the like, and is locked to the positioning plate 54 when closed. If configured so as to do so, it is possible to remove the hand from the knob 53 when removing the photoconductor, etc. Furthermore, by providing a detection element f- that controls the electrical relationship of the main body in association with this lever 52, the operation of the machine can be stopped by the detection element 1- when the conveying section 37 is not in a normal state. I can do it.

Next, the opening and closing mechanism of the kite plates 22 and 23 will be explained according to FIG. FIG. 5 shows the guide plate 22 with the route means 4 pulled out.
23 is shown in a perspective view in an open state. The path means 4 is attached to the wall of the platform 36/\endor 63
By pulling it toward you, it comes out of the device main body 1 while being guided by the guide rail 38Φ39. In the state shown in FIG. 5, the rear end portions of the guide plates 22 and 23 are rotatably attached to the shaft 64, so that they can be opened wide in the direction of the arrow as shown in the figure. That is, when the path means 4 is pulled out, there are no other mechanisms in the upper, lower, left, and right spaces of the means, so that the guide plate can be freely opened and closed using the surrounding space. After opening the guide plates 22 and 23 and removing the jammed paper, it is sufficient to close the guide plates and push the path means toward the main body.

As shown in -1-, the opening/closing center of the guide plates 22-23 is located at the back of the path means 4, so even if the path means 4 is accidentally pushed in with the guide plates in the open position, the guide plates There is no risk of damage due to contact with other means. Furthermore, if the guide plates are opened at the top and bottom, a space is required within the path means, but in the case of this embodiment, other components can be placed above and below the guide plates, and the device It becomes possible to use the space inside effectively.

As described above, in the cut sheet conveyance mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the conveyance path means is removable from the image forming apparatus main body, so that jam removal can be easily performed, and the conveyance path means can be connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Since the jam display means displays the jam even when the jam has been cleared, there is an effect that no one forgets to clear the jam.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus schematically depicting the configuration of the apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the conveyance path means, and FIG.
A) is an explanatory diagram of the safety mechanism of the transport path means section, and Fig. 3 (B)
is a side view of the outside of the safety mechanism in Figure 3 (A), Figure 4 (A)
4(B) is an explanatory view showing the state in which the conveyance path means section is pulled out from the main body, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the conveyance path means section. 1-111 copying machine 2-111 photoreceptor 3----1 storage means 4--1 route means 5-1-constant attachment means 21/22 fist 23/24--1 force
Guide plate 25, 26---Register rollers 27, 28---Guide plate 29---Corona discharger 34---Suction box 36---First structure (pedestal part) 37---Second structure (conveyance part) 38・39---Guide rail 40---One rotation center axis 41---Nokune 42---
---R/F-43----Pin 45----Screw 47
-----Renohe 48----Roller 49----Pin rod 50----Spring 51/55---- (111
1 plate 52----1\-53-----/\n1ζ゛J 54-----Positioning plate' 58--1 Cutting ring 62-----Flexible printed board 65--1 rotation Shaft 6Ro1---Locking part 6Hoo---Spring 68---Guide part 69 Reference 70, 71---One opening 72◆73---One hanging roller Applicant Canon Co., Ltd. Figure 2

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) It has a conveyance path for conveying cut sheets,
a conveyance path means that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body; a paper passage detection means disposed on the conveyance path; a display means for displaying a jam state of the cut sheet in the conveyance path; An image forming apparatus comprising: means for transmitting a signal from the paper passage detecting means to the display means so that the jam display means displays the jam even when the image forming apparatus is detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. cut sheet conveyance mechanism. (2) A cut sheet conveyance mechanism for an image forming apparatus according to claim (1), wherein the conveyance path means and the main body of the image forming apparatus are electrically connected.