JP2007176126A - Paper transfer device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly guide continuous paper while allowing both of continuous paper having feed holes and pinless continuous paper to be usable. <P>SOLUTION: A paper transfer device is provided with: a tractor moving device for moving a tractor between a tractor transfer position, where the continuous paper having feed holes is transferred by the tractor, and a tractor retreat position where the tractor is not engaged with the pinless continuous paper (P); a movable guide member (KG) movable between a paper guide position for guiding the pinless continuous paper (P) and a non-guiding position for not guiding the continuous paper (P); and a linking device (36) which couples the movable guide member (KG) to the tractor moving device so as to move the movable guide member (KG) from the non-guiding position to the paper guide position in conjunction with the movement of the tractor from the tractor transfer position to the tractor retreat position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet conveying apparatus that conveys a sheet on which an image is recorded, and an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a FAX, a copying machine including the sheet conveying apparatus, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions. The present invention relates to a sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus in which continuous sheets are used as sheets on which recording is performed.

In conventional image forming apparatuses that can use continuous paper such as printers, fax machines, and copiers, as continuous paper, it is roughly divided into feed holes (sprocket holes) formed at both ends of the continuous paper in the paper width direction. There is a continuous paper (pin fault continuous paper) and a pinless continuous paper in which no feed hole is formed. The continuous paper with feed holes is conveyed by a driving tractor with the pins of the tractor engaged with the feed holes, and the pinless continuous paper is conveyed by a driving roller without using the tractor.
In recent years, with the diversification of continuous paper and mass printing, the need for not only conventional continuous paper with feed holes but also pinless paper is increasing, and both continuous papers are used in image forming apparatuses that use continuous paper. There is a need to be able to do that.

  However, when using pinless continuous paper in an image forming apparatus that uses continuous paper with feed holes, pinless continuous paper cannot be transported by the tractor, so the tractors placed at both ends of the continuous paper in the paper width direction contact the paper. There is a problem. In order to cope with this problem, it is conceivable to arrange the sheet conveyance path for conveying the continuous sheet with feed holes and the sheet conveyance path for conveying the pinless continuous sheet side by side in the sheet width direction, but the image forming apparatus becomes larger. There's a problem. Therefore, in order to avoid an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus, the paper transport path (pass route) is made common and the tractor is configured to be movable in the paper width direction. When the pinless paper is used by moving it to the paper transport position, it can be considered to move it to the retreat position outside the paper width direction.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged explanatory view of the main part of the paper conveyance path of the image forming apparatus using continuous paper.
In FIG. 9, on the upstream side of the transfer region 04 where the image carrier (photosensitive drum) 01 that carries the toner image on the surface and the transfer unit 03 that transfers the toner image onto the continuous paper 02 face each other, continuous with a feed hole. A lower tractor 06 that conveys the sheet to the transfer area 04 is disposed. On the downstream side of the transfer area 04, an upper tractor 07 is disposed that conveys a continuous sheet with a feed hole onto which a toner image has been transferred to a fixing device (not shown). A sub tractor 08 that conveys continuous paper with feed holes downstream is disposed upstream of the lower tractor 06 in the paper conveyance direction. A guide bar 010 for guiding paper is disposed between the sub tractor 08 and the lower tractor 06, and a transfer region guide member 011 and a guide bar 012 are disposed on the paper conveyance path from the lower tractor 06 to the upper tractor 07. Has been.

The tractors 06 to 08 have pins 06a to 08a, respectively, and are driven to rotate to sandwich continuous sheets between the tractor units 06b to 08b that convey continuous sheets with feed holes and the tractors units 06b to 08b. Holding members 06c to 08c. The holding members 06c to 08c are configured to be openable and closable with respect to the tractor units 06b to 08b. When the paper jam occurs in the tractor portion or when a new continuous paper is set, the holding members 06c to 08c are provided. It is configured so that it can be opened.
Each of the tractors 06 to 08 is configured to be retractable in the paper width direction by a moving mechanism (not shown) so as not to interfere with the use of pinless continuous paper.

  Below the lower tractor 06, a guide member 013 for guiding the pinless continuous paper to the transfer area 04 at the time of auto loading for automatically setting a new continuous paper is disposed. The guide member 013 is formed in the entire area in the sheet width direction, and has a downstream guide portion 013a facing the transfer area guide member 011. At the upstream end of the downstream guide portion 013a, a bent guide portion 013b is formed to be bent downward. An upstream guide portion 013c extending below the lower tractor 06 is formed at the upstream end of the bent guide portion 013b. That is, the guide member 013 is formed in a curved shape so as to turn downward with respect to the lower tractor 06 in order to secure an opening / closing space 014 for opening and closing the holding member 06c of the lower tractor 06.

(Problems of conventional technology)
In the prior art shown in FIG. 9, the guide member 013 for autoloading the pinless continuous paper is curved so as to go around the lower tractor 06 so that both the continuous paper with feed holes and the pinless continuous paper can be used. There was a need. However, in the prior art, since the guide member 013 is curved, the front end of the continuous paper 02 is bent as shown in FIG. 9 when auto-loading the continuous paper 02 having low rigidity (so-called weak strain). There is a problem that the guide portion 013b is caught, buckled, and bent.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has the following description (O01) as a technical problem.
(O01) Properly guide continuous paper while enabling use of both continuous paper with feed holes and pinless continuous paper.

Next, the present invention that solves the above problems will be described. In order to facilitate correspondence with the constituent elements of the embodiments described later, the constituent elements of the present invention are enclosed in parentheses. I will add that.
The reason why the present invention is described in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described later is to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

(First invention)
In order to solve the technical problem, the sheet conveying device (SH) of the first invention is:
Tractors (K1, K2, K3) for conveying continuous paper (P) with feed holes;
Tractor conveyance in which the tractor (K1, K2, K3) is engaged with the feed hole of the continuous paper (P) with feed holes and the continuous paper (P) with feed holes is conveyed by the tractors (K1, K2, K3). The tractor (K1, K2, K3) is moved between the position and the tractor retracting position where the tractor (K1, K2, K3) is not engaged with the pinless continuous paper (P) in which no feed hole is formed. A tractor moving device (21);
A movable guide member (KG) movable between a paper guide position for guiding the pinless continuous paper (P) and a non-guide position for not guiding the continuous paper (P);
A link device (36) for connecting the movable guide member (KG) and the tractor moving device (21), wherein the tractors (K1, K2, K3) move from the tractor transport position to the tractor retracted position. The link device (36) for moving the movable guide member (KG) from the non-guide position to the paper guide position in conjunction with
It is provided with.

(Operation of the first invention)
In the paper transport device (SH) according to the first aspect of the present invention having the above-described structural requirements, the tractors (K1, K2, K3) transport the continuous paper (P) with feed holes. In the tractor moving device (21), the tractor (K1, K2, K3) engages with the feed hole of the continuous paper (P) with feed holes, and the continuous paper (with feed holes) by the tractors (K1, K2, K3). The tractor (K1) is located between the tractor transport position where P) is transported and the tractor retract position where the tractors (K1, K2, K3) are not engaged with the pinless continuous paper (P) where no feed holes are formed. , K2, K3). The movable guide member (KG) moves between a paper guide position that guides the pinless continuous paper (P) and a non-guide position that does not guide the continuous paper (P). The link device (36) for connecting the movable guide member (KG) and the tractor moving device (21) is interlocked with the movement of the tractor (K1, K2, K3) from the tractor transport position to the tractor retracted position. Thus, the movable guide member (KG) is moved from the non-guide position to the paper guide position.

  Therefore, in the sheet conveying device (SH) of the first invention, when using the continuous sheet (P) with feed holes, the movable guide is interlocked with the movement of the tractors (K1, K2, K3) to the tractor conveying position. The member (KG) moves to the non-guide position, and the continuous paper (P) with feed holes can be conveyed by the tractors (K1, K2, K3). Further, when using pinless continuous paper (P), the movable guide member (KG) moves to the paper guide position in conjunction with the movement of the tractors (K1, K2, K3) to the tractor retracting position. The pinless continuous paper (P) can be appropriately guided and conveyed by the movable guide member (KG) during loading. As a result, it is possible to appropriately guide the pinless continuous paper (P) while making it possible to use both the continuous paper (P) with feed holes and the pinless continuous paper (P).

(First Embodiment 1)
A sheet conveying apparatus (SH) according to a first aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the present invention,
The tractor moving device (21) for moving the tractor (K1, K2, K3) to the tractor retracting position set outside the continuous paper (P) width direction of the tractor conveying position;
It is provided with.
(Operation of Form 1 of the First Invention)
In the paper transport device (SH) according to the first aspect of the present invention having the above-described structural requirements, the tractor moving device (21) is configured such that the tractor retracting position is set outside the continuous paper (P) width direction of the tractor transport position. The tractor (K1, K2, K3) can be moved to the position.

(First Embodiment 2)
A sheet conveying device (SH) according to a second aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the first aspect of the present invention.
The tractor moving device having a tractor support member (K1a) that supports the tractor (K1, K2, K3) and the first link engaging member (34) and is movable together with the tractor (K1, K2, K3) ( 21) and
A first link member (37) having a first link engaged portion (37b) engaged with the first link engaging member (34); and a third link supporting the first link member (37) and The second link member (38) that rotates about the second link rotation center (38a) as the tractor support member (K1a) that has the connecting portion (38e) engages with the first link member (37). ), A third link member (46) connected to the third link connecting portion (38e) and moving vertically upward as the second link member (38) rotates, and the third link member (46) ) And a fourth link member (48) having a guide member engaging portion (48d) and moving vertically upward as the third link member (46) moves. )When,
A guide member movable portion (58) that rotates between the non-guide position set vertically below and the paper guide position set vertically above about a guide member rotation center (57), A guide member movable portion that has an engaging groove (61c) with which the guide member engaging portion (48d) engages, and moves to the paper guide position as the fourth link member (48) moves vertically upward. The movable guide member (KG) having (58);
It is provided with.

(Operation of the second aspect of the first invention)
In the sheet conveying device (SH) according to the second aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the tractor support member (K1a) of the tractor moving device (21) is connected to the tractor (K1, K2, K3) and the first link. The joint member (34) is supported and moved together with the tractors (K1, K2, K3). The first link engaged portion (37b) of the first link member (37) of the link device (36) engages with the first link engaging member (34). The second link member (38) supporting the first link member (37) and having the third link connecting portion (38e) is the tractor support member (K1a) with which the first link member (37) is engaged. Along with the movement, the second link rotation center (38a) is rotated as a center. The third link member (46) connected to the third link connecting portion (38e) moves vertically upward as the second link member (38) rotates.

  The fourth link member (48) supported by the third link member (46) has a guide member engaging portion (48d), and moves vertically upward as the third link member (46) moves. To do. The guide member movable part (58) of the movable guide member (KG) is between the non-guide position set vertically downward and the sheet guide position set vertically upward with the guide member rotation center (57) as the center. Move the rotation. The guide member movable portion (58) has an engagement groove (61c) with which the guide member engagement portion (48d) engages, and the fourth link member (48) moves vertically upward as the fourth link member (48) moves. Move to the paper guide position. Accordingly, the guide member movable portion (58) of the movable guide member (KG) is moved from the non-guide position to the paper guide position in conjunction with the movement of the tractors (K1, K2, K3) from the tractor transport position to the tractor retracted position. Can be moved to.

(Embodiment 3 of the first invention)
A sheet conveying apparatus (SH) according to a third aspect of the present invention is the second aspect of the first aspect of the present invention.
The tractor moving device (21) capable of moving the tractor (K1, K2, K3) in the paper width direction according to the paper width of the continuous paper (P) with the feed hole, wherein the maximum usable feed size The first link engaged portion when the tractor (K1, K2, K3) is moved to the outside in the paper width direction from the maximum size tractor transport position corresponding to the paper width of the continuous paper (P) with holes. The tractor moving device (21) having the first link engaging member (34) engaged with (37b),
It is provided with.

(Operation of the third aspect of the first invention)
In the paper transport device (SH) according to the third aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the tractor moving device (21) has the tractor (21) in the paper width direction according to the paper width of the continuous paper (P) with feed holes. Move K1, K2, K3). The first link engaging member (34) of the tractor moving device (21) is located on the outer side in the paper width direction from the maximum size tractor conveyance position corresponding to the paper width of the continuous paper (P) having the largest feed hole that can be used. When the tractor (K1, K2, K3) is moved, the first link engaged portion (37b) is engaged. Therefore, when the tractors (K1, K2, K3) move in the paper width direction according to the paper width of the continuous paper (P) with the feed hole, the engagement with the first link engaged portion (37b) is established. Since it is cancelled | released, it can cancel | release that a movable guide member (KG) moves interlockingly.

(Second invention)
In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus (U) according to a second aspect of the invention includes the sheet conveying device (SH) according to any one of the first aspect and the first to third aspects of the invention. And
(Operation of the second invention)
The image forming apparatus (U) of the second invention having the above-described constituent features is provided with the sheet conveying device (SH) of any one of the first invention and the first to third aspects of the invention. It is possible to properly guide the pinless continuous paper (P) while making it possible to use both the paper (P) and the pinless continuous paper (P).

The above-described present invention has the following effect (E01).
(E01) It is possible to guide the continuous paper appropriately while making it possible to use both continuous paper with feed holes and pinless continuous paper.

Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet conveying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a printer U that can use continuous paper with feed holes and pinless continuous paper as an image forming apparatus is supported on a printer support surface PS. A UI (user interface) is provided on the upper right side of the printer U. The UI (user interface) is provided with a power switch, a display, etc. (not shown). A board accommodating portion S for accommodating a control board (not shown) is provided at the right end under the UI.
On the left side of the board housing S, a ROS (latent image forming device) is arranged. A drum-shaped photoconductor PR is rotatably supported on the left side of the ROS (latent image forming apparatus). A transfer unit TC is disposed on the left side surface of the photoconductor PR. Around the photoconductor PR, the transfer device TC, the cleaner CL, the charger CC, and the developing device D are arranged along the rotation direction. The transfer unit TC and the charging unit CC are not limited to the corotron type, and a roller type can be used.

  The surface of the rotating photoconductor PR is uniformly charged by a charger CC, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the charged photoconductor PR surface by a laser beam L emitted from a ROS (latent image forming device). It is formed. The electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor PR is developed into a toner image by the developing device D. The toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor PR is conveyed to a transfer region Q1 facing the transfer unit TC. A power supply circuit E is disposed below the developing device D. On the left side of the power supply circuit E, a continuous paper storage portion TR1 for storing continuous paper P with feed holes is provided.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part in the vicinity of the transfer area of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
1 and 2, the continuous paper P stored in the continuous paper storage unit TR1 is disposed on the paper transport path, and a back tension roller (transport roller) for applying tension so that the continuous paper P does not sag. It is sandwiched between BR and BR. The back tension rollers BR and BR hold the continuous paper P with a predetermined pressing force by a spring SP. A first subtractor K1 supported by a first subtractor support member K1a is disposed downstream of the back tension rollers BR and BR in the sheet conveyance direction.
In FIG. 2, on the downstream side of the first sub tractor K1 in the sheet conveying direction, the first rubber roller (driven roller) Rg1 that is driven to rotate and the first rubber roller Rg1 are brought into contact by a pinch roller separation / contact mechanism (not shown). A first pinch roller (drive roller) Rp1 that can be separated is disposed. The first pinch roller Rp1 is driven in contact with the first rubber roller Rg1 during the automatic loading of the continuous paper P, and transports the continuous paper P to the downstream side to perform an autoloading operation (an operation for setting a new continuous paper). Do. The first rubber roller Rg1, the first pinch roller, and the like constitute a first autoloading conveyance member (Rg1 + Rp1).

A pair of tractor support frames Ft are arranged on the downstream side of the first sub tractor K1 in the paper conveyance direction so as to face the paper width direction. The tractor support frame Ft supports a transfer region upstream tractor K2 for transporting the continuous paper with feed holes transported by the first subtractor K1 to the transfer region Q1. Between the transfer area upstream tractor K2 and the transfer area Q1, a guide bar GB is supported by a tractor support frame Ft, and a sheet guide G1 is supported in the vicinity of the transfer area Q1. A second autoloading transport member (Rg2 + Rp2) configured in the same manner as the first autoloading transporting member (Rg1 + Rp1) is disposed downstream of the transfer region Q1 in the paper transporting direction. Accordingly, the second auto-loading conveying member (Rg2 + Rp2) has a second rubber roller Rg2 that rotates followingly, and a second pinch roller Rp2 that is supported so as to be in contact with and separated from the second rubber roller Rg. Similar to the first pinch roller Rp1, the second pinch roller Rp2 abuts on the second rubber roller Rg2 during autoloading and conveys the continuous paper P downstream.
The first autoloading transport member (Rg1 + Rp1), the second autoloading transporting member (Rg2 + Rp2), and the like constitute an autoloading transporting member (Rg1 + Rp1 + Rg2 + Rp2).

A transfer region downstream tractor K3 supported by the tractor support frame Ft is disposed on the downstream side of the second autoloading conveyance member (Rg2 + Rp2) in the sheet conveyance direction. The tractor support frame Ft is supported on the first subtractor support member K1a by an arm member Am.
Also, below the transfer area upstream tractor K2, when using a pinless continuous sheet as the continuous sheet P, there is a movable guide member KG for guiding the front end of the sheet to the transfer area Q1 when the pinless continuous sheet is automatically loaded. Has been placed.

In FIG. 2, when continuous paper with feed holes (pin fault paper) is used as the continuous paper P, the continuous paper P with feed holes conveyed by the first subtractor K1 is downstream by the tractor K2 on the upstream side of the transfer region. , Guided by the guide bar GB and the paper guide G1, and conveyed to the transfer area Q1. In the transfer area Q1, the toner image on the photoconductor PR is transferred onto the continuous paper P by the transfer device TC. The photoconductor PR to which the toner image is transferred is cleaned by the cleaner CL, and the surface is charged again by the charger CC. The continuous paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is guided by a paper guide G1 and a guide bar GB, and is conveyed downstream by a tractor K3 on the downstream side of the transfer region.
In FIG. 1, the continuous paper P with feed holes conveyed by the transfer area downstream tractor K3 is guided by a paper guide (not shown) and conveyed to the fixing area Q2. The toner image on the continuous paper P passing through the fixing area Q2 is heated and fixed by being irradiated with fixing light by a fixing device F using a flash lamp FI.

The continuous paper P on which the toner image is heated and fixed by the fixing device F when passing through the fixing region Q2 is cooled by the cooling air blown from the cooling blower 2. The cooling air is exhausted from the exhaust duct 3. The continuous paper P on which the toner image cooled by the cooling air is formed passes between the pair of discharge rollers (drive rollers) Rb and Rb and is conveyed from the sheet guide G2 to the lower stack tray TR2. When the pinless continuous paper is used, the continuous paper P is conveyed by the driven discharge roller Rb.
The back tension rollers BR and BR, the first sub tractor K1, the transfer region upstream tractor K2, the transfer region downstream tractor K3, the discharge rollers Rb and Rb, and the like constitute a sheet conveying device SH.

  The continuous paper P with feed holes conveyed to the stack tray TR2 is stacked on the stack tray TR2 in a state of being automatically folded by a fold (not shown). The stack tray TR2 is configured to be movable up and down in the direction of the arrow Ya. The stack tray TR2 automatically moves downward according to the height of the stacked continuous paper P with feed holes, and is continuously transported with feed holes that are sequentially conveyed. The position where the paper P is stacked is always kept constant.

(Description of tractor unit)
3A and 3B are explanatory views of the paper feed tractor unit, FIG. 3A is an explanatory view of the tractor unit and paper, FIG. 3B is an explanatory view of the tractor unit, and is a sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. It is the figure seen from the arrow IIIC direction of 3B.
Next, the tractors K1 to K3 will be described. Since each tractor is configured in the same manner, only the first subtractor K1 will be described, and the description of the others will be omitted.
In FIG. 3A, the leading edge of the continuous paper P with feed holes is indicated by Pa. The continuous paper P with feed holes is formed with fold lines (portions where small holes (or slits or the like are formed along the straight lines) Pb each time they are separated by a predetermined distance in the paper transport direction. Further, feed holes Pc are formed on both sides of the continuous paper P with feed holes in the paper width direction at regular intervals a along the paper transport direction and at the same position in the paper transport direction. In the case of the pinless continuous paper P, the other structure is the same except that the feed hole Pc is not formed.

The first subtractor K1 has two tractor shafts 5 and 6 that are arranged in the paper conveyance direction and are parallel to the fixed shaft 4 that extends in the paper width direction. Tractor units 7 and 7 are arranged on both sides in the paper width direction. The shaft 4 is fixedly supported by a fixed frame (not shown), and a rotational force is transmitted to a drive tractor shaft 5 of the two tractor shafts 5 and 6 from a rotary drive device (not shown). It is configured as follows. A gear (male) (not shown) is formed on the outer periphery of the drive tractor shaft 5 along the paper width direction.
Each tractor unit 7 has a unit frame 8. The unit frame 8 is supported by the tractor shafts 4, 5, and 6 so as to be slidable in the paper width direction. The unit frame 8 of the first subtractor K1 is supported (connected) by the first subtractor support member K1a by a unit case (connecting member) (not shown).

Timing pulleys 12 and 13 are mounted on the tractor shafts 5 and 6, respectively. A gear (female) that meshes with a gear (male) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drive tractor shaft 5 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the timing pulley 12 attached to the drive tractor shaft 5.
A pin belt 14 is attached to the timing pulleys 12 and 13. 3A and 3B, a plurality of tractor pins 14a are provided on the outer periphery of the pin belt 14 at regular intervals a. The tractor pin 14a can be fitted into the feed hole Pc. The pin belt 14 is formed with a straight line 14b as an inclination mounting prevention mark at an intermediate position between adjacent tractor pins 14a and 14a. In addition, a plurality of straight lines 14b as the inclined mounting prevention marks are provided at a predetermined interval in the sheet conveyance direction, and the interval between the adjacent straight lines 14b and 14b is set to 3a.
The guide frame 8 and the timing pulleys 12 and 13 constitute belt support members (8 to 13) that rotatably support the pin belt 14.

In FIG. 3, a sheet pressing member (tractor holding mechanism) 16 is supported on the guide frame 8. The sheet pressing member 16 includes a pressing member fixing portion 16a extending outward from the guide frame 8 and a pressing member movable portion 16b having an L-shaped cross section that is rotatably connected to an outer end of the pressing member fixing portion 16a. .
The pressing member movable portion 16b rotates to a position where it comes into contact with the tip of the tractor pin 14a in a state where the feed hole Pc of the continuous paper P with feed holes is fitted to the tractor pin 14b of the tractor unit 7. The pressing member movable portion 16b is held at a position in contact with the tip of the tractor pin 14a by an elastic member (not shown) to prevent the feed hole Pc from coming out of the tractor pin 14b.
A tractor K1 is constituted by the members denoted by reference numerals 4 to 16.

  In the tractor K 1, when the rotational force is transmitted to the drive tractor shaft 5, the rotation of the drive tractor shaft 5 is transmitted to the timing pulley 12 by the meshing of the gear on the outer periphery of the drive tractor shaft 5 and the gear on the inner periphery of the timing pulley 12. The Therefore, the timing pulley (belt drive member) 12 (see FIG. 3B) mounted on the ends of the tractor shaft 5 on both sides in the sheet width direction rotates. As the pulley 12 rotates, the pin belt 14 and the timing pulley 13 on both sides in the paper width direction also rotate. When the pin belt 14 rotates with the tractor pin 14a fitted in the feed hole Pc, the continuous paper P with the feed hole is transported in the paper transport direction. Further, since the drive tractor shaft 5 is formed with a gear along the axial direction, when the tractor unit 7 moves in the paper width direction, the gear of the tractor shaft 5 formed along the axial direction The sliding movement is performed with the gear of the timing pulley 12 engaged. For this reason, since the driving force is transmitted even if the tractor units 7 and 7 move, the tractor units 7 and 7 can be driven at an arbitrary position in the paper width direction.

(Description of tractor moving device)
FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of the tractor moving device according to the first embodiment.
4, the tractor moving device 21 according to the first embodiment includes an adjustment shaft 23 that is rotatably supported by a frame 22 of the printer U via a bearing. The adjustment shaft 23 includes a grip portion 24 supported on an outer end portion on the outer side of the frame 22, and a screw portion 26 formed on the inner side of the frame 22. The screw portion 26 is screwed into a screw hole K1b (see FIG. 2) formed in the first subtractor support member K1a of the first subtractor K1 and penetrates in the paper width direction.
A retracted position detection sensor SN for detecting whether or not the tractor K1 has moved to the retracted position (see the broken line in FIG. 4) when the pinless continuous paper P is used is disposed inside the frame 22. Yes.

In the tractor moving device 21, when the user manually rotates the grip portion 24, the first subtractor K1 is guided by the shafts (tractor guide members) 4 to 6, and the first subtractor support member K1a and the first subtractor The tractor K1 can be moved in the paper width direction. At this time, the tractor support frame Ft connected to the first sub tractor support member K1a via the arm Am also moves in conjunction with each other, and the tractors K1 to K3 move in the paper width direction. Therefore, depending on the sheet width of the continuous sheet P with feed holes, the sheet width direction from the maximum size tractor transport position (see the solid line in FIG. 4) to the minimum size tractor transport position (see the dashed line in FIG. 4). In addition, when the pinless continuous paper P is used, it can be moved to the tractor retracting position outside the maximum size tractor transport position in the paper width direction.
The tractor moving device 21 is provided at both ends in the paper width direction, and is configured to move the tractors K1 to K3 on both sides in the paper width direction.

(Description of tractor moving device, movable guide member and link device)
FIG. 5 is a side view of the movable guide member and the link device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of the movable guide member and the link device that have moved to the maximum size tractor transport position as viewed from the upper right rear side.
7 is an explanatory diagram of the movable guide member and the link device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7A is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIA in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIB in FIG.
8 is an explanatory diagram of the movable guide member and the link device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIA in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 8B is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIB in FIG.

2 and 5-8, the arm Am has a lower arm member 31 fixedly supported by the first subtractor support member K1a. An L-shaped first bracket 32 is fixed to the rear side surface (-X side surface) of the lower arm member 31 in the sheet conveyance direction by screws 32a. The first bracket 32 has a second bracket support portion 32b extending horizontally, and an L-shaped second bracket 33 is fixedly supported by a screw 33a on the second bracket support portion 32b. A roll-shaped first link engaging member 34 is fixedly supported on the right end surface (+ Y end surface) of the second bracket 33. Therefore, the first bracket 32, the second bracket 33, and the first link engaging member 34 move in the paper width direction together with the first subtractor support member K1a.
The shaft 23, the retracted position detection sensor SN, the arm Am, the tractor support frame Ft, the first bracket 32, the second bracket 33, the first link engaging member 34, and the like constitute the tractor moving device 21.

(First link member)
A link device 36 is disposed on the right side of the second bracket 33. The link device 36 includes a first link member 37 that engages with the first link engagement member 34. The first link member 37 has a bifurcated projecting portion 37a projecting inwardly upward, and the first link engaging member 34 is engaged with the outer side of the bifurcated projecting portion 37a. A one-link engaged portion 37b is formed. The first link engaged portion 37b has a larger protruding amount than the inner protruding portion 37c of the protruding portion 37a, and the inner protruding portion 37c is moved when the tractors K1 to K3 move inward in the paper width direction by the tractor moving device 21. It is set not to engage with the first link engaging member 34. The inner protrusion 37c can be omitted.

(Second link member)
A second link member 38 is disposed below the first link member 37. The second link member 38 is supported by a frame (not shown) so as to be rotatable about a rotation fulcrum (second link rotation center) 38a, and a first link member support portion outside the second link member 38 in the sheet conveying direction. The first link member 37 is fixedly supported by a screw 38c on 38b. The second link member 38 has a third link connecting member support portion 38d extending inward in the sheet conveying direction, and a spring mounting portion 38e is formed on the third link connecting member support portion 38d. A roller-shaped third link connecting member (third link connecting portion) 38f is rotatably supported by the third link connecting member supporting portion 38d. One end of an urging spring (elastic member) 41 is attached to the spring attachment portion 38e, and the other end of the urging spring 41 is attached to a spring support member 42 supported by a frame (not shown). Yes. The urging spring 41 urges the second link member 38 so that the inner portion of the second link member 38 in the sheet width direction moves downward about the rotation fulcrum 38a.

(3rd link member)
A third link member 46 is arranged on the right side of the second link member 38 (+ Y direction, downstream side in the paper width direction). The third link member 46 has a shaft 46a extending in the vertical direction. The shaft 46a is supported so as to be slidable in the vertical direction by shaft support portions 47a and 47b provided above and below a shaft support member 47 supported by a frame (not shown). A frame-like connected member 46b is fixedly supported by a screw 46c at the center of the shaft 46a between the shaft support portions 47a and 47b. The third link connecting member 38f is accommodated in the frame-like connected member 46b. The connected member 46b and the shaft support portions 47a and 47b can also have a function as a stopper for restricting the movable range of the shaft 46a in the vertical direction.

(4th link member)
A fourth link member 48 is fixedly supported on the upper end of the shaft 46a by a screw 48a. The fourth link member 48 has a U-shaped guide connecting member support portion 48b, and a shaft-like guide connecting member 48c extending in the horizontal direction is rotatably supported by the guide connecting member support portion 48b. At both ends of the guide connecting member 48c, roller-shaped guide connecting portions (guide member engaging portions) 48d and 48d are provided.
The first link member 37, the second link member 38, the biasing spring 41, the spring support member 42, the third link member 46, the shaft support member 47, the fourth link member 48, and the like constitute the link device 36 of the first embodiment. Has been.

(Description of movable guide member)
A movable guide member KG is disposed above the fourth link member 48. The movable guide member KG has a guide member fixing portion 52 that guides the continuous paper P to the transfer area Q1 on the downstream side of the transfer area upstream tractor K2 along the paper transport path (paper path). The guide member fixing portion 52 includes a downstream fixing portion 52a in the vicinity of the transfer region Q1 and a midstream fixing portion 52c that fixes and supports the downstream fixing portion 52a with screws 52b. The midstream side fixing portion 52c is fixedly supported by a frame support member 53 fixedly supported by a frame (not shown) by screws 52d.
A first movable portion rotation support member 54 is fixedly supported by a screw 54a at the upstream end of the middle flow side fixed portion 52c, and a second movable portion rotation support member 56 is fixedly supported by the lower surface on the upstream side. Yes. The movable portion rotation support members 54 and 56 have rotation support portions 54b and 56a that are bent downward, and a rotation fulcrum (guide member rotation center) 57 is supported by the rotation support portions 54b and 56a. .

A guide member movable portion 58 is disposed on the upstream side of the intermediate flow side fixed portion 52c in the sheet conveying direction. The guide member movable portion 58 has a plate-shaped movable portion main body 59. The movable part main body 59 has a rotation support part 59 a formed by bending at the outer side in the paper width direction, and the rotation support part 59 a is supported by the rotation fulcrum 57. Accordingly, the guide member movable portion 58 rotates with respect to the guide member fixing portion 52 between a lower non-guide position (see the solid line in FIG. 5) and an upper paper guide position (see the broken line in FIG. 5). It is supported movably.
An inverted U-shaped link device connected member 61 is supported on the lower surface of the movable portion main body 59. Connected portions 61a and 61a that are bent downward are formed on both sides of the connected member 61 in the paper width direction. The connected portions 61a and 61a have engaging grooves 61c that extend obliquely upward to the right. 61c is formed. Guide member connecting portions 48d and 48d of the fourth link member 48 are supported by the engagement grooves 61c and 61c so as to be movable along the engagement grooves 61c and 61c.
The movable guide member KG according to the first embodiment is configured by the members denoted by the reference numerals 52 to 61. Further, the tractors K1 to K3, the tractor moving device 21, the link device 36, the movable guide member KG, and the like constitute the sheet conveying device SH of the first embodiment.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the printer U as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration requirements, when the pinless continuous paper P is used, the tractor moving device 21 is adjusted to retract the tractors K1 to K3 to the outside in the paper width direction. The position is moved (see the broken line in FIG. 4). At this time, with the movement of the first subtractor support member K1a that supports the first subtractor K1 (see the arrow in FIG. 6), the first link engagement member 34 moves outward in the sheet width direction and the first link. A force that engages the engaged portion 37b and moves the first link member 37 outward in the paper width direction is applied. By this force, the first link member 37 and the second link member 38 rotate around the rotation fulcrum 38a (see the arrow in FIG. 6). When the second link member 38 rotates, the connected member 46b of the third link member 46 with which the third link connecting member 38f is engaged (contained) is moved upward, and the shaft to which the connected member 46b is fixed. 46a is guided by the shaft support member 47 and moves upward (see the arrow in FIG. 6). When the shaft 46a moves upward, the fourth link member 48 moves upward (see the arrow in FIG. 6). When the fourth link member 48 moves upward, the guide member movable portion 58 rotates around the rotation fulcrum 57 due to the engagement between the guide member connecting portions 48d and 48d of the fourth link member 48 and the engaging grooves 61c and 61c. It moves (see the arrow in FIG. 6) and moves from the lower non-guide position (see the solid line in FIG. 5) to the upper paper guide position (see the broken line in FIG. 5).
As a result, the guide member movable portion 58 of the movable guide member KG can be moved to the paper guide position by adjusting the tractor moving device 21 and moving the tractors K1 to K3 to the retracted position. When the guide member movable portion 58 moves to the paper guide position, the guide member movable portion 58 and the guide member fixing portion 52 become substantially linear, and the continuous paper P can be guided smoothly and appropriately.

  When performing an auto-loading operation in which a new pinless continuous paper P is automatically set with the movable guide member KG moved to the paper guide position, first, the front end portion of the pinless continuous paper P is sandwiched between back tension rollers BR. Then, the first automatic loading is pulled to the position of the conveying member (Rg1 + Rp1). In this state, when an autoload button (not shown) on the user interface UI is input, the pinless continuous paper P is sandwiched and transported downstream by the first autoload transport member (Rg1 + Rp1). . Accordingly, the pinless continuous paper P is guided by the movable guide member KG, the guide bar GB, and the paper guide G1, passes through the transfer region Q1, and is transported to the second auto-load transport member (Rg2 + Rp2). At this time, since the guide member movable portion 58 moves to the paper guide position and the guide member movable portion 58 and the guide member fixing portion 52 are substantially linear, the movable guide member KG is stepped as in the prior art. It can be reduced that the front end of the continuous paper P, which has been a problem when it is in a shape (curved), is caught or buckled and bent. In particular, buckling of weak continuous paper can be reduced. The pinless continuous paper P is transported further downstream by the second auto-load transport member (Rg2 + Rp2) and a guide member (not shown), passes through the fixing region Q2, and is transported to the discharge roller Rb. Then, the pinch rollers Rp1 and Rp2 of the auto-load transport member (Rg1 + Rp1 + Rg2 + Rp2) are separated from the rubber rollers Rg1 and Rg2, and the autoloading operation ends.

  On the other hand, when the continuous paper P to be used is changed from the pinless continuous paper P to the continuous paper P with feed holes, the tractor moving device 21 is adjusted according to the paper width of the continuous paper P, and the tractors K1 to K3 are transported by the tractor. The position is moved (see the solid line or the one-dot chain line in FIG. 4). At this time, the first link engaging member 34 moves inward in the paper width direction in conjunction with the tractor moving device 21, but the link device 36 also includes the urging force of the urging spring 41, the guide member movable portion 58 and the shaft 46. The state returns to the state shown in FIGS. When the first link engagement member 34 is disengaged from the first link engaged portion 37b, the guide member movable portion 58 moves from the paper guide position to the non-guide position. As a result, a space 71 for opening and closing the pressing member movable portion 16b of the tractor K2 is formed between the tractor K2 on the upstream side of the transfer region and the movable guide member KG, and is pressed when the paper jam is cleared or the paper is set. The member movable part 16b can be easily rotated.

  Therefore, in the printer U of the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce buckling of the continuous paper P when the pinless continuous paper P is automatically loaded, and to open and close the pressing member movable portion 16b when using the continuous paper P with feed holes. Space 71 can also be secured. As a result, the single printer U can use the pinless continuous paper P and the continuous paper P with feed holes, and the printer U can be prevented from being enlarged.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H05) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the tractor moving device 21 is exemplified as a manual adjustment configuration. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the tractor moving device 21 depends on the paper type (whether there is a feed hole) or the paper width input through the user interface. It is also possible to adjust the position of the tractor in the paper width direction by rotating the motor. In addition, the tractor moving device 21 is installed at both ends in the paper width direction, but is not limited to this. For example, a combination of a pinion (gear) and a rack (a rod-like member having gear teeth) is combined with one end side. It is also possible to configure so that the adjustment amount on the other end side is interlocked.

(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the printer as the image forming apparatus is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a FAX, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine having all or a plurality of functions can be used. Further, the present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus of a conventionally known image recording system such as an ink jet recording system. Further, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a monochrome image forming apparatus, and may be configured by a color image forming apparatus.
(H03) In the above-described embodiment, the guide member movable portion of the movable guide member is configured to be rotatable with respect to the guide member fixing portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a configuration that slides up and down together with the shaft 46a. It is also possible to do.
(H04) In the above-described embodiment, the position where the movable guide member KG is disposed is not limited to the upstream side of the transfer region, and can be disposed at an arbitrary position on the sheet conveyance path.
(H05) In the above embodiment, the continuous paper P on which the fold line Pb is formed is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use continuous paper (roll paper or the like) on which no fold line is formed. is there.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet conveying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part in the vicinity of the transfer area of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3A and 3B are explanatory views of the paper feed tractor unit, FIG. 3A is an explanatory view of the tractor unit and paper, FIG. 3B is an explanatory view of the tractor unit, and is a sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. It is the figure seen from the arrow IIIC direction of 3B. FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of the tractor moving device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view of the movable guide member and the link device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective explanatory view of the movable guide member and the link device that have moved to the maximum size tractor transport position as viewed from the upper right rear side. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the movable guide member and the link device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7A is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIA in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIB in FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the movable guide member and the link device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIA in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 8B is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIB in FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged explanatory view of the main part of the paper conveyance path of the image forming apparatus using continuous paper.

Explanation of symbols

21 ... tractor moving device,
34 ... 1st link engaging member,
36 ... Link device,
37 ... first link member,
37b ... first link engaged portion,
38 ... second link member,
38a ... second link rotation center,
38e ... 3rd link connection part,
46. Third link member,
48 ... Fourth link member,
48d ... guide member engaging portion,
57 ... Guide member rotation center,
58 ... movable part of the guide member,
61c ... engaging groove,
K1, K2, K3 ... tractor,
K1a: tractor support member,
KG: movable guide member,
P: Continuous paper,
SH: Paper transport device,
U: Image forming apparatus.

Claims (5)

A tractor for conveying continuous paper with feed holes;
The tractor engages with the feed hole of the continuous paper with feed holes and the tractor does not engage with the tractor transport position where the continuous paper with feed holes is transported by the tractor and the pinless continuous paper with no feed holes formed. A tractor moving device for moving the tractor between a tractor retracting position;
A movable guide member movable between a paper guide position for guiding the pinless continuous paper and a non-guide position for not guiding the continuous paper;
A link device for connecting the movable guide member and the tractor moving device, wherein the movable guide member is moved from the non-guide position to the tractor retracted position in conjunction with the movement of the tractor from the non-guide position. The link device to move to a paper guide position;
A sheet conveying apparatus comprising: The tractor moving device for moving the tractor to the tractor retracting position set outside the continuous paper width direction of the tractor conveying position;
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The tractor moving device having a tractor supporting member that supports the tractor and the first link engaging member and is movable together with the tractor;
A first link member having a first link engaged portion that engages with the first link engaging member; and a first link member that supports the first link member and has a third link connecting portion. The second link member that rotates about the second link rotation center as the tractor support member moves, and the second link member that is connected to the third link connecting portion moves vertically upward as the second link member rotates. The third link member, and the fourth link member supported by the third link member and having a guide member engaging portion and moving vertically upward as the third link member moves. When,
A guide member movable portion that rotates between the non-guide position set vertically downward and the paper guide position set vertically upward around the rotation center of the guide member, wherein the guide member engaging portion is The movable guide member having an engaging groove to be engaged, and having a guide member movable portion that moves to the paper guide position as the fourth link member moves vertically upward;
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The tractor moving device capable of moving the tractor in the paper width direction in accordance with the paper width of the continuous paper with feed holes, for the maximum size corresponding to the paper width of the continuous paper with the maximum size of usable feed holes The tractor moving device having the first link engaging portion that engages with the first link engaged portion when the tractor is moved outward in the paper width direction from the tractor transport position;
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising:   An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet conveying device according to claim 1.

Images