JP2011013489A - Punching unit and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce interference between punching members which form holes in a medium, and openings through which the punching members pass during hole formation.SOLUTION: The punching unit (PU) is equipped with: heat dissipation parts (HB, HB') for dissipating heat which are disposed opposite each other with a space between them and connected to a guiding member (27) so as to transmit heat, the guiding member (27) guiding a medium (S); the plurality of punching members (51) moved between a through-hole position where the members (51) pass through the medium (S) in the thickness direction thereof and forms holes, the medium (S) being conveyed along a conveyance path (SH5) and a separation position where the members (51) are separated from the medium (S); and a plurality of openings (27a to 27d and 27a to 27d') configured such that among the openings (27a to 27d) which are formed in the guiding member (27) and through which the punching members (51) moved in the through-hole position pass, the openings (27d and 27b') farthest from the heat dissipation parts (HB and HB') are larger than the other openings (27a to 27c, 27a, 27c, and 27d').

Description

  The present invention relates to a hole forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

  As an image forming apparatus provided with a so-called punch unit for forming a so-called punch hole on a medium on which an image is recorded by the image forming apparatus main body, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below, The described techniques are known.

  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-263527 as Patent Document 1, a punch unit (100) is provided in an intermediate device (C) for carrying paper discharged from an image forming apparatus main body (B) into a paper post-processing device (A). An image forming apparatus provided is described, and a sheet to which heat is applied from the fixing device when the toner image is fixed by the fixing device of the image forming apparatus (B) is conveyed to the intermediate device (C). The configuration passing through the punch unit (100) is described.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-3045 as Patent Document 2 discloses a copying machine (100) that carries a sheet discharged from a copying machine main body (101) into a punch unit (40) provided in a sheet processing apparatus (102). The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is heated and pressed by a fixing means (6) as a heating element of the copying machine main body (101), and then sent to the sheet processing apparatus (102) to be punched. A configuration is recorded in which the pressing member (40h) of the unit (40) is pressed against the upper frame (40j) and passes through the punch unit (40) while rubbing the upper frame (40j).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-263527 (“0012” to “0016”, “0020”, “0021”, “0029”, “0034”, “0035” FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 11) JP 2002-3045 A (“0005” to “0007”, “0020”, “0025”, FIGS. 1 and 8)

  An object of the present invention is to reduce interference between a hole forming member that forms a hole in a medium and an opening through which the hole forming member passes when the hole is formed.

In order to solve the technical problem, the hole forming apparatus according to claim 1,
A guide member that is disposed to face the space that constitutes a conveyance path through which the medium is conveyed, and that guides the medium;
A heat dissipating part connected to the guide member so as to be able to transfer heat and dissipating heat;
A plurality of hole forming members that move between a penetration position that forms a hole in the medium and a separation position that is spaced apart from the medium, penetrating in the thickness direction of the medium conveyed through the conveyance path;
A plurality of openings formed in the guide member and through which each hole forming member that moves to the penetration position penetrates, and the opening arranged farthest from the heat radiating portion is formed larger than the other openings. The plurality of openings;
It is provided with.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the hole forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
The heat dissipating part disposed at both ends of the guide member in the medium width direction;
The plurality of openings formed at intervals along the medium width direction, and the opening disposed at the center in the medium width direction that is the farthest from the heat radiating portion is larger than the other openings. The plurality of openings formed;
It is provided with.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the hole forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
The heat dissipating part disposed at one end of the guide member in the medium width direction;
The plurality of openings formed at intervals along the medium width direction, the openings disposed on the other end side in the medium width direction, which is the farthest position from the heat radiating portion, compared to other openings. The plurality of openings formed large;
It is provided with.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 4,
A rotating image carrier;
A charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier;
A latent image forming apparatus that forms a latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier;
A developing unit for developing the latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A transfer device for transferring a visible image on the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
A fixing device for heating and fixing a visible image on the surface of the medium;
The hole forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hole forming device is disposed downstream of the fixing device in a medium conveying direction, and forms a hole in the medium after heat fixing.
It is provided with.

According to the first and fourth aspects of the invention, the hole forming member that forms a hole in the medium and the hole forming member pass when the hole is formed, as compared with the configuration in which the plurality of openings are all formed in the same size. Interference with the opening can be reduced.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, compared to the conventional configuration in which the plurality of openings are all formed in the same size, the hole forming member and Interference with the opening can be reduced.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the hole forming member is provided at the other end in the medium direction that is farthest from the heat radiating portion and is easily thermally deformed, as compared with the conventional configuration in which the plurality of openings are all formed in the same size. And the aperture can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is an explanatory view of the punch unit according to the first embodiment as viewed from above, FIG. 3A is an explanatory view of the punch unit as viewed from above, and FIG. 3B is a temperature distribution diagram of the punch unit. FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view of the punch unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view seen from the direction of arrow V in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the punch unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the punch unit, FIG. 7A is an explanatory view of a state in which the upper frame is removed from the punch unit of FIG. 4, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory view of the main part of the slider. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a main part of the hole forming member. FIG. 9 is a view as seen from the direction of arrow IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the drive transmission member of the punch unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the guide member of the punch unit according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram viewed from below. 12 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the lower guide member is removed from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the upper medium guide member is removed from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the hole forming member of the punch unit of Example 1 has moved to the initial position. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the hole forming member of the punch unit of Example 1 has moved to the four hole forming position. FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the hole forming member of the punch unit of Example 1 has moved to the two hole forming position. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram viewed from above the punch unit according to the second embodiment, FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram viewed from above the punch unit, and FIG. 17B is a temperature distribution diagram of the punch unit. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the punch unit according to the second embodiment.

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 directions indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side are defined as front, rear, right, left, upper, lower, or front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow pointing 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.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than the components and members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a printer U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus main body U1. Image information transmitted from an information processing apparatus PC as an example of an image information transmitting apparatus electrically connected to the printer U is input to the control unit C. Image information input to the control unit C is converted into image information of yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K for forming a latent image at a predetermined time, and is output to the latent image forming device driving circuit DL. .
When the original image is a single color image, so-called monochrome, image information of only black K is input to the latent image forming device driving circuit DL.
The latent image forming device driving circuit DL has driving circuits for respective colors Y, M, C, and K (not shown), and signals corresponding to input image information are arranged for each color at a predetermined time. Output to the image forming apparatuses LHy, LHm, LHc, and LHk.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
1 and 2, the visible image forming devices Uy, Um, Uc, and Uk arranged at the center of the printer U in the gravity direction form visible images of Y, M, C, and K colors, respectively. It is a device to do.
The Y, M, C, and K latent image writing lights Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk emitted from the latent image writing light sources of the latent image forming apparatuses LHy to LHk are respectively rotated image carriers PRy, PRm, Incident on PRc and PRk. In the first embodiment, the latent image forming apparatuses LHy to LHk are constituted by so-called LED arrays.
The Y visible image forming device Uy includes a rotating image carrier PRy, a charger CRy as an example of a charging device, a latent image forming device LHy, a developing device Gy, a primary transfer device T1y, and an image carrier cleaning device CLy. have. In the first exemplary embodiment, the image carrier PRy, the charger CRy, and the image carrier cleaner CLy are configured as an image carrier unit that can be integrally attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body U1.
The visible image forming apparatuses Um, Uc, Uk are all configured in the same manner as the Y visible image forming apparatus Uy.

1 and 2, the image carriers PRy, PRm, PRc, and PRk are charged by their respective chargers CRy, CRm, CRc, and CRk, and then at image writing positions Q1y, Q1m, Q1c, and Q1k. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the latent image writing light Ly, Lm, Lc, Lk. The electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the image carriers PRy, PRm, PRc, and PRk are developed in the developing regions Q2y, Q2m, Q2c, and Q2k, as developing roller as an example of a developer carrier of the developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk. A toner image as an example of a visible image is developed with the developer held in GRy, GRm, GRc, GRk. When the developer is consumed by the developing units Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk, the developer is supplied from the developer supply containers Ky, Km, Kc, and Kk, respectively.
The developed toner image is conveyed to primary transfer regions Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k that are in contact with an intermediate transfer belt B as an example of an intermediate transfer member. The primary transfer units T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt B in the primary transfer regions Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k are supplied from a power supply circuit E controlled by the control unit C. At this time, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied.

  The toner images on the image carriers PRy to PRk are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer devices T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k. Residues and deposits on the surface of the image carrier PRy, PRm, PRc, PRk after the primary transfer are cleaned by the image carrier cleaner CLy, CLm, CLc, CLk. The cleaned surfaces of the image carriers PRy, PRm, PRc, and PRk are recharged by the chargers CRy, CRm, CRc, and CRk.

  Above the image carriers PRy to PRk, a belt module BM as an example of an intermediate transfer device that can move up and down and can be pulled out forward is disposed. The belt module BM includes the intermediate transfer belt B, a belt drive roll Rd as an example of an intermediate transfer body drive member, a tension roll Rt as an example of an intermediate transfer body stretching member, and a walking roll as an example of a meandering prevention member. Rw, an idler roll Rf as an example of a driven member, a backup roll T2a as an example of a secondary transfer region facing member, and the primary transfer units T1y, T1m, T1c, T1k. The intermediate transfer belt B can be rotated by belt support rolls Rd, Rt, Rw, Rf, T2a as an example of an intermediate transfer member support member constituted by the rolls Rd, Rt, Rw, Rf, T2a. It is supported by.

A secondary transfer roll T2b as an example of a secondary transfer member is disposed facing the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B in contact with the backup roll T2a, and a secondary transfer device T2 is configured by the rolls T2a and T2b. ing. A secondary transfer region Q4 is formed in a region where the secondary transfer roll T2b and the intermediate transfer belt B face each other.
The single-color or multi-color toner images transferred in sequence on the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer units T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k in the primary transfer regions Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k are the secondary transfer. Transported to region Q4.
The primary transfer units T1y to T1k, the intermediate transfer belt B, the secondary transfer unit T2, and the like constitute a transfer device T1 + T2 + B according to the first exemplary embodiment. Further, the visible image forming devices Uy to Uk and the transfer device T1 + T2 + B constitute an image recording unit Uy to Uk + T1 + T2 + B according to the first embodiment.

Below the visible image forming devices Uy to Uk, a pair of left and right guide rails GR as an example of a guide member is provided, and the guide rail GR has a sheet feed as an example of a paper feed container. The trays TR1 to TR4 are supported so as to be able to enter and exit in the front-rear direction. The recording sheet S as an example of a medium accommodated in the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 is an example of a conveying member, and is taken out by a pickup roll Rp as an example of a feeding member, and is separated as an example of a medium spreading member. One by one is separated by Rs. The recording sheet S is conveyed by a plurality of conveyance rolls Ra as an example of a conveyance member along a sheet feeding path SH1 that is an example of a medium conveyance path, and is upstream of the secondary transfer region Q4 in the sheet conveyance direction. The sheet is sent to a registration roll Rr as an example of the arranged transfer region conveyance timing adjustment member.
The pickup roll Rp, the separating roll Rs, and the like constitute the paper feeding device Rp + Rs of the first embodiment.
Further, a manual feed tray TR0 as an example of a manual feed unit is installed on the left side of the uppermost sheet feed tray TR1. The recording sheet S supported by the manual feed tray TR0 is fed by a manual feed roll Rp0 as an example of a manual feed member, conveyed through the manual feed path SH0, and sent to the registration roll Rr.

The registration roll Rr is an example of a conveyance path on the downstream side of the sheet feeding path SH1 with the timing when the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is conveyed to the secondary transfer area Q4. To the main transfer path SH2, and the recording sheet S is transferred to the secondary transfer region Q4. When the recording sheet S passes through the secondary transfer region Q4, the backup roll T2a is grounded, and the secondary transfer unit T2b is supplied with a polarity opposite to the charged polarity of the toner from the power supply circuit E controlled by the control unit C. A secondary transfer voltage is applied. At this time, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the recording sheet S by the secondary transfer device T2.
The intermediate transfer belt B after the secondary transfer is cleaned by a belt cleaner CLb as an example of an intermediate transfer body cleaner.

The recording sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred has a fixing region Q5 which is a pressure contact region of a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating fixing member of the fixing device F and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member. And heated and fixed when passing through the fixing region. Note that a release agent for improving the releasability of the recording sheet S from the heating roll is applied to the surface of the heating roll Fh by a release agent coating device Fa.
A paper discharge path SH3 as an example of a transport path for transporting the recording sheet S toward a paper discharge tray TRh as an example of a discharge medium stacking unit is disposed above the fixing device F on the downstream side in the transport direction. Yes. Therefore, when transported toward the paper discharge tray TRh, the fixed recording sheet S is transported through the paper discharge path SH3, and is transported by a paper discharge roll Rh from a sheet discharge port SH3a as an example of a medium discharge port. The

In FIG. 1, the paper feed path SH1 includes, as an example of a medium detection member, a first paper feed path sensor SN1 and a second paper feed path for detecting a recording sheet S fed from each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. A paper path sensor SN2, a third paper path sensor SN3, and a fourth paper path sensor SN4 are arranged.
Each of the transport paths SH1 to SH3 constitutes a transport path SH according to the first embodiment. The transport path SH, the sheet feeding device Rp + Rs, the sheet transport roll Ra, the registration roll Rr, the paper discharge roll Rh, and the like are used as medium transport devices SH + Ra to Rh is configured.

  In FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, a lower cover U1a as an example of an upstream opening member is located on the left side of the lower three-stage sheet feeding trays TR2 to TR4, and a normal position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to an open position indicated by a broken line in FIG. The lower cover U1a supports a left side guide of the paper feed path SH1 on the left side of the paper feed trays TR2 to TR4, a so-called guide, and the outside of the pair of transport rolls Ra. Therefore, by moving the lower cover U1a to the open position, the lower portion of the paper feed path SH1, that is, the upstream paper feed path SH1a on the upstream side in the transport direction is opened.

(Description of sheet conveying unit U2)
In FIG. 1, the printer U according to the first embodiment includes a sheet transport unit U2 as an example of a recorded medium transport device that is detachably mounted on the paper discharge tray TRh. The sheet conveyance unit U2 is a sheet as an example of a conveyance device carry-in port into which the recording sheet S discharged from the paper discharge roll Rh is carried on one side surface connected to the sheet discharge port SH3a of the image forming apparatus main body U1. A carry-in entrance U2a is provided. The recording sheet S carried in from the sheet carry-in entrance U2a is communicated as an example of a medium conveyance path by a recorded medium conveyance roll Ra2 as an example of a recorded medium conveyance member disposed inside the sheet conveyance unit U2. Is transported on the transport path SH5. The recording sheet S conveyed through the communication conveyance path SH5 is discharged from a sheet discharge port U2b as an example of a conveyance device discharge port formed on the other side surface of the sheet conveyance unit U2.

In FIG. 1, the sheet conveying unit U2 according to the first exemplary embodiment is formed such that the length in the left-right direction, which is the length in the medium conveying direction, is shorter than the length in the medium conveying direction of the paper discharge tray TRh. Accordingly, in the printer U, the upper right end portion is formed in a step shape by the right end portion of the sheet transport unit U2 and the right end portion of the image forming apparatus main body U1, and the discharge direction of the sheet discharge port U2b is above the discharge tray TRh. A post-processing device connection space U2c is formed on the downstream side.
In FIG. 1, a punch unit PU that forms a binding hole, that is, a so-called punch hole in a recording sheet is disposed as an example of a hole forming device on the communication conveyance path SH <b> 5 of the sheet conveyance unit U <b> 2. The configuration of the punch unit PU will be described later with reference to FIGS.

(Description of post-processing device U3)
In FIG. 1, the printer U according to the first embodiment includes a post-processing device U3 that is connected to the sheet transport unit U2 and performs post-processing on the recording sheet S discharged from the sheet discharge port U2b. The post-processing device U3 according to the first exemplary embodiment is disposed on the left side wall H1 that is opposed to the right side wall of the image forming apparatus main body U1, and on the upper end portion of the left side wall H1, and the image forming apparatus main body with respect to the left side wall H1. It has a carry-in convex part H2 as an example of a post-processing apparatus carry-in part formed so as to protrude to the U1 side.
The carry-in projection H2 is formed with a sheet carry-in port U3a as an example of a post-processing device carry-in port connected to the sheet discharge port U2b, and when the post-processing device U3 is connected to the image forming apparatus main body U1. Are arranged so as to bite into the post-processing device connection space U2c. Therefore, the overall size of the image forming apparatus U after the post-processing apparatus U3 is mounted is reduced as compared with a case where the post-processing apparatus U3 is not installed.

Further, a folding line forming conveyance path SH6 as an example of a medium conveyance path through which the recording sheet S carried in from the sheet carry-in entrance U3a is conveyed is formed inside the carry-in convex portion H2. In the vicinity of the sheet carry-in entrance U3a at the upstream end in the conveyance direction of the crease forming conveyance path SH6, conveyance control such as conveyance of the recording sheet S to be conveyed downstream or temporary stop at a predetermined position is performed. A post-processing registration roll U3b is disposed as an example of a medium transport control member. The post-processing registration roll U3b according to the first exemplary embodiment is configured to be able to be driven or stopped. The post-processing registration roll U3b controls the timing of conveying the recording sheet S to the downstream side, and abuts the front end of the recording sheet S so as to be curved. The posture of the recording sheet S, so-called sheet alignment, can be corrected.
In the crease formation transport path SH6, a crease formation device U4 is disposed downstream of the post-processing registration roll U3b in the medium transport direction. The crease formation device U4 includes an eccentric cam U4b that rotates about a rotation axis U4a, and a crease formation member U4c that moves up and down with the rotation of the eccentric cam U4b, and is stopped by a crease formation conveyance path SH6. When the crease forming device U4 is pressed against the recording sheet S, a crease along the front-rear direction is formed. In the first embodiment, the folding line forming device U4 and the post-processing registration roll U3b are both supported by the post-processing device U3, and the sheet transporting device U2 is provided with the sheet processing device U2 as compared with the case where the sheet processing device U2 is provided. Deviation due to tolerances and mounting errors when the apparatus U2 and the post-processing apparatus U3 are mounted on the image forming apparatus U1 is reduced.

  The recording sheet S conveyed to the downstream side of the folding line forming conveyance path SH6 is switched to either the upper end discharge path SH7 extending to the upper right or the first post-processing conveyance path SH8 extending to the lower side by switching the first switching member U3d. Be transported. Further, the second post-processing transport path SH9 is connected to the first post-processing transport path SH8, and the recording sheet S is moved to the first post-processing transport path SH8 or the second post by the second switching member U3e arranged at the connection portion. 2 is conveyed to one of the post-processing conveyance paths SH9.

The recording sheet S conveyed to the upper end discharge path SH7 is directly discharged from the upper end discharge port P0 to the upper end discharge portion TH0 without being subjected to post-processing.
An end binding device HTS is arranged on the downstream side of the first post-processing conveyance path SH8. The end binding device HTS stacks and aligns a plurality of recording sheets S, and forms a U-shaped needle into the recording sheet bundle at the end of the recording sheet bundle to bind it, or aligns it without binding and binds the end binding discharge section TH1. Execute the edge binding process to be discharged.
A saddle stitching device NTS is disposed downstream of the second post-processing conveyance path SH9. The saddle stitching device NTS stacks and arranges a plurality of recording sheets S, binds the central portion of the recording sheet bundle with a U-shaped needle, folds it in half, and discharges it to the saddle stitch discharge section TH2. Saddle stitching processing is performed in which the paper is folded in half and discharged.
The edge stitching device HTS and saddle stitching device NTS are conventionally known, and are described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-89462 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-89463. .

(Description of punch unit)
In FIG. 1, the punch unit PU according to the first embodiment includes a punch unit main body PU1 and a waste receiving container PU2 that receives the scrap generated when holes are formed in the recording sheet S by the punch unit main body PU1.

(Description of upper frame)
3 is an explanatory view of the punch unit according to the first embodiment as viewed from above, FIG. 3A is an explanatory view of the punch unit as viewed from above, and FIG. 3B is a temperature distribution diagram of the punch unit.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view of the punch unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a view seen from the direction of arrow V in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the punch unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the punch unit, FIG. 7A is an explanatory view of a state in which the upper frame is removed from the punch unit of FIG. 4, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory view of the main part of the slider.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a main part of the hole forming member.
FIG. 9 is a view as seen from the direction of arrow IX in FIG.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the drive transmission member of the punch unit according to the first embodiment.
3-10, punch unit main body PU1 has the upper frame 21 extended in the front-back direction as an example of a frame. 3 to 8, the upper frame 21 includes a bottom wall portion 22 as an example of a conveyance path forming portion, an upstream end wall portion 23 extending upward from an upstream end of the bottom wall portion 22 in the sheet conveyance direction, A top wall portion 24 extending from the upper end of the upstream end wall portion 23 to the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. The upper frame 21 of the first embodiment is made of metal, so-called sheet metal, in order to give strength.

In FIG. 6, as an example of an opening, the bottom wall portion 22 has four upper punch passage holes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d having the same diameter in order from the front at predetermined intervals along the front-rear direction. Is formed.
4 and 5, the upstream end wall portion 23 is formed with four gear shaft rotation support portions 23a corresponding to the upper punch passage holes 22a to 22d. In addition, four punch guide long holes 23b formed by long holes extending in the vertical direction are formed above the gear shaft rotation support portion 23a as an example of a hole forming member movement guide portion.
In FIG. 8, punch cover mounting holes 24 a are formed in the top wall portion 24 at positions corresponding to the upper punch passage holes 22 a to 22 d as an example of a hole forming member protection member.

(Description of lower frame)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the guide member of the punch unit according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram viewed from below.
4 and 5, a lower frame 26 is fixedly supported at both ends on the lower side of the upper frame 21. 5 and 11, the lower frame 26 is a lower guide as an example of a guide member that is disposed to face the bottom wall portion 22 of the upper frame 21 with a space as an example of a conveyance path forming member. The wall 27 and a chute mounting portion 28 as an example of a lower carry-in member support portion formed by bending downward from the upstream end of the lower guide wall 27 in the sheet conveying direction. In FIG. 6, the lower guide wall 27 has, as an example of a plurality of openings and an example of a lower hole forming member passage hole, at positions corresponding to the upper punch passage holes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. Four lower punch passage holes 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d are formed in order from the front at predetermined intervals along the front-rear direction. Of the lower punch passage holes 27a to 27d, the three front punch passage holes 27a to 27c on the front side have the same diameter. The diameter of the punch passage hole 27d is formed larger than that of the lower punch passage holes 27a to 27c.

The lower punch passage holes 27a to 27d have a cylindrical cap 27e as an example of a safety protection member for preventing a user from accidentally touching the tip of a punch member, which is a sharp member, to prevent injury. Is provided. In addition, the lower frame 26 of the first embodiment is made of a sheet metal like the upper frame 21.
4, 5, and 11, a lower chute 29 that guides the recording sheet S into the punch unit body PU <b> 1 is fixedly supported on the chute mounting portion 28 of the lower frame 26. In addition, the lower chute 29 of Example 1 is comprised with resin.

(Explanation of upper chute)
12 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the lower guide member is removed from the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the upper medium guide member is removed from the state shown in FIG.
4, 5, and 13, an upper chute 31 is disposed on the upstream end wall portion 23 of the upper frame 21 so as to correspond to the lower chute 29 and guides the recording sheet S into the punch unit body PU <b> 1. Fixedly supported. The upper chute 31 is formed continuously with the chute main body 31a disposed on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction, the chute main body 31a as an example of a reinforcing portion, and the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 22 of the upper frame 21 and the upper punch. And ribs 31b formed so as to border the passage holes 22a to 22d.

(Explanation of Mylar)
8, 9, and 12, a thin film mylar 32 is fixedly supported on the lower surface of the rib portion 31 b as an example of a medium guide member. Therefore, the mylar 32 of the first embodiment is supported with a space between the bottom wall portion 22 of the upper frame 21 by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the rib portion 31b. In FIG. 12, the Mylar 32 has a predetermined interval along the front-rear direction at positions corresponding to the upper punch passage holes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d as an example of the guide hole forming member passage portion. The four mylar side punch passage holes 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are formed with the same diameter in order from the front.

Further, the mylar 32 of the first embodiment is made of a resin material having a smaller thermal conductivity than the sheet metal constituting the bottom wall portion 22 of the upper frame 21. Accordingly, a part of the communication transport path SH5 is formed by a gap between the mylar 32 supported by the upper frame 21 via the rib portion 31b and the lower guide wall 27 of the lower frame 26.
4 to 7 and 10, a downstream guide 34 as an example of a downstream guide member is supported on the downstream side of the upper frame 21 and the lower frame 26 in the sheet feeding direction.

(Explanation of motor unit)
3, 7, and 10 to 13, a motor support frame 36 as an example of a drive source support portion is supported at the front ends of the upper frame 21 and the lower frame 26.
A punch drive motor unit 37 as an example of a hole forming drive source is supported on the motor support frame 36. The punch drive motor unit 37 is connected with a cable 37a as an example of a connection member for supplying a control signal and power, and the drive is controlled. 7 and 10, the punch drive motor unit 37 supports a drive gear 37b as an example of a drive gear. Behind the drive gear 37b, as an example of a drive transmission member, an intermediate gear 38 that meshes with the drive gear 37b and transmits the drive is rotatably supported by the motor support frame 36. As an example of the movement direction conversion member, a slider movement protrusion 38a is formed on the outer peripheral side of the left end surface of the intermediate gear 38 so as to protrude.

  A heat radiating plate HB is fixedly supported at the front end of the motor support frame 36 as an example of a heat radiating portion. That is, the heat radiating plate HB is in relation to the upper punch passage hole 22d formed on the rearmost side among the four upper punch passage holes 22a to 22d formed in the upper frame 21 along the front-rear direction. It is arranged at the most distant position. In addition, the heat sink HB of Example 1 is comprised with the sheet metal.

(Slider description)
7 and 9, a slider 41 as an example of a hole forming member movement transmitting member extending in the front-rear direction is supported inside the upper frame 21 so as to be movable along the front-rear direction. The slider 41 includes a slider main body 42 extending in the front-rear direction, and a gear connecting portion 43 as an example of a moving force applied portion formed integrally with the front end portion of the slider main body 42.
In FIG. 7, the slider main body 42 is formed with four sliding punch passage long holes 42a extending in the front-rear direction at positions corresponding to the upper punch passage holes as an example of the movement hole forming member guided portion. . In FIG. 9, rack teeth 42b as an example of a drive transmission portion are formed on the lower surface of the slider main body 42 along the front-rear direction at positions corresponding to the left side of the sliding punch passage long holes 42a. Yes.
In FIG. 7B, on the right side surface of the gear connecting portion 43, as an example of the moving direction converted portion, a pair of protrusion interlocking portions 43a extending along the vertical direction protruding toward the intermediate gear 38 are formed. The slider moving protrusion 38a of the intermediate gear 38 is accommodated so as to be sandwiched between the protrusion interlocking portions 43a.

(Description of working gear)
4 and 7 to 9, a gear shaft 46 as an example of a gear rotation shaft is supported on the gear shaft rotation support portion 23a of the upper frame 21, and the rack teeth 42b are supported on the gear shaft 46. Corresponding to the above, a punch operating gear 47 as an example of a hole forming member operating member is rotatably supported. In FIG. 7, the four punch operating gears 47 of the first embodiment are formed in a fan shape, and two four-hole operating gears 48 arranged at both front and rear ends and two two holes arranged at the center side. Operating gear 49.

7 and 10, the four-hole operating gear 48 has gear teeth 48a that are formed on the outer periphery of the sector shape and mesh with the rack teeth 42b. The four-hole operating gear 48 has a punch operating groove 48b as an example of a hole forming member operating portion formed on the gear shaft 46 side of the gear teeth 48a. In FIG. 10, the punch operating groove 48b is formed on the rear side and is formed along a fan-shaped arc, the non-operating groove portion 48b1, and is continuously formed on the front side of the non-operating groove portion 48b1 and is more than the sector-shaped arc. And an actuating groove 48b2 formed in a curved shape toward the gear shaft 46 side.
7 and 10, the two-hole operating gear 49 has gear teeth 49a meshing with the rack teeth 42b and punch operating grooves 49b, like the four-hole operating gear 48. The punching groove 49b of the two-hole operating gear 49 is formed continuously on the four-hole operating groove 49b2 formed in the same manner as the operating groove 48b2, and on the rear side of the four-hole operating groove 49b2. It has a four-hole operating groove 49b2 and a two-hole operating groove 49b1 formed in a symmetrical shape.

(Description of punch member)
8 to 10, a punch member 51 extending in the vertical direction is arranged as an example of a hole forming member at a position corresponding to the upper punch passage holes 22a to 22d of the upper frame 21. The punch member 51 is connected to the punch member 51 as an example of a hole-forming actuated member that penetrates the punch member 51 in the left-right direction. The punch member actuating shaft 52 passes through the punch actuating grooves 48 b and 49 b of each actuating gear 47 and penetrates the punch guide slot 23 b of the upper frame 21. Therefore, the punch member 51 is supported so that the punch member actuated shaft 52 is movable in the vertical direction with the punch guide long hole 23b guiding it. Therefore, the upper portion of the punch member 51 is disposed so as to penetrate the punch passage long hole 42a when the slider 41 slides, and when the punch member 51 moves in the vertical direction, the upper punch passage holes 22a to 22d and the Mylar It is set so as to pass through the side punch passage holes 32a to 32d and the lower punch passage holes 27a to 27d.

12 and 13, a leading end 51 a formed in a bifurcated shape for forming a punch hole in the recording sheet S is formed at the lower end of the punch member 51.
3 to 5 and 7, a punch cover 53 is disposed at the upper end of the punch member 51 as an example of a protection member, and is fixed to the punch cover mounting hole 24 a by a claw 53 a of the punch cover 53. Has been.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the hole forming member of the punch unit of Example 1 has moved to the initial position.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the hole forming member of the punch unit of Example 1 has moved to the four hole forming position.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the hole forming member of the punch unit of Example 1 has moved to the two hole forming position.
7, 10, and 14, the punch unit PU <b> 1 according to the first embodiment is held at the initial position shown in FIG. 14 when the post-processing for forming the punch holes is not performed. In the initial position, the punch member actuated shaft 52 is in contact with the central portion of the actuating grooves 48b and 49b farthest from the gear shaft 46, and the punch member 51 is retracted upward from the communication conveyance path SH5 and conveyed. The recording sheet S is held at a separated position.

In FIG. 15, when post-processing for forming four punch holes in the recording sheet S is performed, the punch drive motor unit 37 is driven to rotate forward. When the punch drive motor unit 37 is driven to rotate in the forward direction, the slider moving projection 38a moves rearward as the intermediate gear 38 rotates. As a result, the slider moving protrusion 38a pushes the protrusion interlocking portion 43a backward, and the slider 41 slides backward. At this time, the slider 41 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction without being blocked by the punch member 51 by the sliding punch passage long hole 42a.
When the slider 41 moves rearward, the rack teeth 42a also move rearward, and the meshing operating gear 47 rotates rearward. When the operation gear 47 rotates rearward, the four punch member operation shafts 52 supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction are guided along the operation groove portions 48b2 and the four-hole operation groove portions 49b2, respectively, and approach the gear shaft 46. . As a result, the four punch members 51 to which the punch member operating shafts 52 are connected are moved downward and moved to a penetrating position penetrating the recording sheet S in the communication conveyance path SH5. When the punch member 51 penetrates the recording sheet S and four punch holes are formed, the scrap is collected in the lower scrap receiving container PU2, and then the punch driving motor unit 37 is driven in reverse rotation. Return to the initial position shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 16, when post-processing for forming two punch holes in the recording sheet S is performed, the punch drive motor unit 37 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction. When the punch drive motor unit 37 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, the slider moving projection 38a moves forward as the intermediate gear 38 rotates. As a result, the slider movement protrusion 38a pushes the protrusion interlocking portion 43a forward, and the slider 41 slides forward. When the slider 41 moves forward, the rack teeth 42a also move forward, and the operating gear 47 rotates forward as shown in FIG.

When the operating gear 47 rotates forward, the punch member operating shaft 52 that penetrates the four-hole operating gear 48 disposed at both front and rear ends is guided by the arc-shaped non-operating groove 48b1. The non-operating groove 48b1 is formed in an arc shape, and the distance between the non-operating groove portion 48b1 and the gear shaft 46, that is, the fan-shaped radius is constant, so that the punch member operating shaft 52 does not move in the vertical direction. That is, the punch members 51 on both the front and rear sides are held at the separated positions, and punch holes are not formed in the recording sheet S.
On the other hand, the punch member operating shaft 52 that passes through the two-hole operating gear 49 arranged on the center side in the front-rear direction is guided by the two-hole operating groove 49b1 and descends downward. Accordingly, the inner two punch members 51 move to the penetrating position, and form punch holes in the recording sheet S.
Accordingly, when the punch drive motor unit 37 is driven in reverse rotation, two punch holes are formed in the recording sheet S. Thereafter, when the punch drive motor unit 37 is driven in forward rotation, the initial position shown in FIG. Return to.

Further, the punch unit main body PU1 of the first embodiment is configured by the members having the reference numerals 21 to 52, and the punch unit PU of the first embodiment is configured by the punch unit main body PU1 and the waste receiving container PU2. Yes.
In the first embodiment, the punch unit PU is configured as a unit that can be attached to and detached from the sheet transport unit U2 by an operator such as a so-called service engineer. When the punch unit PU is operated, the scraps collected in the scrap receiving container PU2 are counted by a counting means, so-called counter, according to the formation of two holes or four holes, and the counted scraps By determining whether or not the waste container PU2 is full, the user is notified of the waste disposal time of the waste container PU2. In addition, since the punch unit PU is configured integrally with the waste receiving container PU2, when the replacement of the punch unit PU is detected by replacement due to failure of the punch unit or replacement due to change of the type of the punch unit, etc. The waste receiving container PU2 is determined to be empty, and the counter is set to be reset.
A punch operating system 38a + 41 + 42b + 43a + 47 + 52 as an example of a hole forming member operating system for operating the punch member 52 by the slider moving protrusion 38a, protrusion interlocking portion 43a, slider 41, rack tooth 42b, operating gear 47, punch member operated shaft 52, etc. Is configured.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the printer U of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the toner image recorded on the recording sheet S by the image recording units Uy to Uk + T1 + T2 + B is heated and fixed by the fixing device F. When a punch hole is formed, the recording sheet S on which the image is fixed is transported through the communication transport path SH5, temporarily stopped at a predetermined position, and the punch hole is formed by the punch unit PU, and the downstream side To the post-processing device U3. When post-processing is performed on the recording sheet S in which the punch holes are formed, such as end binding, saddle stitching, or alignment without binding, post-processing is performed by the post-processing device U3. When punch holes are not formed and other post-processing is performed, the recording sheet S passes through the punch unit PU, is conveyed to the post-processing device U3, and post-processing is performed.

In FIG. 1, the punch unit PU of Example 1 is disposed in the communication conveyance path SH5, and is closer to the fixing device F than the case where it is disposed in the post-processing device U3. It is easy to pass through the punch unit PU before it is sufficiently cooled. Accordingly, the punch unit PU is heated by the recording sheet S that has been conveyed through the communication conveyance path SH5 and carried into the punch unit PU.
In the heated punch unit PU, there is a difference between the heat received by the lower lower guide wall 27 and the heat received by the upper bottom wall portion 22 and the punch member 51, and the lower guide wall 27, There may be a difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion with the bottom wall portion 22 or the like. Accordingly, there may be a difference in thermal expansion between the lower guide wall 27 on the lower side and the bottom wall portion 22 on the upper side, and the relative relationship between the upper punch member 51 and the lower punch passage holes 27a to 27d. The target position may deviate from a predetermined position.

Here, a heat radiating plate HB is fixedly supported in front of the motor support frame 36 of the punch unit PU of the first embodiment, and the heat received by the punch unit PU is transferred to the punch through the heat radiating plate HB. Heat is dissipated outside the unit PU.
However, there is a difference in heat distribution between the front side and the rear side close to the heat radiating plate HB, and as shown in FIG. 3B, the rear side farther from the heat radiating plate HB tends to become higher in temperature.
Therefore, there is a possibility that a difference in thermal expansion occurs on the rear side of the lower guide wall 27 of the punch unit PU.

On the other hand, in FIG. 6, in the punch unit PU of the first embodiment, the diameter of the lower punch passage hole 27d is formed large, and the punch member 51 is located on the rear side where a difference in thermal expansion is likely to occur. Even when the relative position of the lower punch passage hole 27d is shifted, contact between the punch member 51 and the edge of the lower punch passage hole 27d is avoided.
Therefore, when the punch member 51 performs post-processing for forming punch holes on the recording sheet S conveyed into the punch unit PU, the punch member 51 that moves in the vertical direction and the lower punch passage are used. Interference with the edge of the hole 27d, so-called galling, is reduced.

Further, in the first embodiment, only the lower punch passage hole 27d that may cause galling is formed to have a larger diameter than the other lower punch passage holes 27a to 27c. If all the lower punch passage holes 27a to 27d have a large diameter, sound is likely to leak to the outside through the lower punch passage holes 27a to 27d, and there is a concern about noise, but only the lower punch passage hole 27d is present. In the large-diameter example 1, sound leakage is also minimized.
Further, if all the lower punch passage holes 27a to 27d have a large diameter, when post-processing is performed on the recording sheet S, the gap between the lower punch passage holes 27a to 27d and the punch member 51 becomes large, and recording is performed. There is a possibility that the hole diameter of the punch hole formed in the sheet S may be defective.
However, in Example 1 in which only the lower punch passage hole 27d has a large diameter, the possibility of a defect occurring in the hole diameter of the punch hole formed in the recording sheet S is minimized.

(Description of punch unit)
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram viewed from above the punch unit according to the second embodiment, FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram viewed from above the punch unit, and FIG. 17B is a temperature distribution diagram of the punch unit.
FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the punch unit according to the second embodiment.
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.

In FIG. 17, a heat radiating plate HB ′ paired with the heat radiating plate HB is fixedly supported at the rear end of the punch unit body PU1 of the second embodiment as an example of a heat radiating portion. In addition, the heat radiating plate HB ′ of the second embodiment is made of sheet metal like the heat radiating plate HB.
18, in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the pair of front and rear heat sinks HB, HB among the four lower punch passage holes 27a, 27b ', 27c, 27d' as an example of a plurality of openings. Only the second lower punch passage hole 27b 'from the front as an example of the opening formed farthest from both of' is more than the other three lower punch passage holes 27a ', 27c, 27d'. It has a large diameter. That is, the three lower punch passage holes 27a, 27c, 27d 'are formed with the same diameter.

(Operation of Example 2)
In FIG. 17, in the punch unit PU of Example 2, there is a separation in heat distribution between the front and rear end portions close to the heat sinks HB and HB ′ and the central portion far from both the heat sink plates HB and HB ′. As shown to 17B, the center part far from both said heat sinks HB and HB 'tends to become high temperature.
On the other hand, in the punch unit PU of Example 2 shown in FIG. 18, the diameter of the lower punch passage hole 27 b ′ that tends to become high among the lower punch passage holes 27 a to 27 d ′ is large. Even when the relative position between the punch member 51 and the lower punch passage hole 27b ′ is shifted due to deformation due to heat, the edges of the punch member 51 and the lower punch hole 27b ′ are also formed. Is avoided, and the occurrence of galling is reduced.
Further, in the configuration of the second embodiment in which only the lower punch passage hole 27b ′, which may cause galling, has a large diameter, only the lower punch passage hole 27d in the first embodiment has a large diameter. Compared with a configuration in which all of the four lower punch passage holes 27a to 27d are formed with a large diameter, the risk of sound leakage and defects occurring in the diameter of the punch holes formed in the recording sheet S are minimized. Yes.

(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 made in the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. Is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H08) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the printer U is illustrated as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the printer U is not limited to this, and can be applied to a copying machine, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions. Further, the image forming apparatus is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus of an arbitrary image forming system such as an ink jet recording system, a thermal head system, or a printing machine such as a lithograph. Further, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a multi-color developing image forming apparatus, and may be configured by a single color, so-called monochrome image forming apparatus, and is not limited to a so-called tandem image forming apparatus, and may be a rotary type image forming apparatus. It is also applicable to.

(H02) In the embodiment, only the heat radiating plate HB at the front end of the punch unit PU, or both the heat radiating plate HB and the heat radiating plate HB 'are fixedly supported at both front and rear ends, and the heat radiating plate HB or the heat radiating plate Although two examples of the configuration in which the lower punch passage hole 27d or the lower punch passage hole 27b 'formed at the farthest position from both HB and HB' are made larger in diameter are illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration in which two or more heat sinks are fixedly supported is also possible.
In this case, it is conceivable that only the punch passage hole corresponding to the position where the temperature becomes the highest is made large according to the separation of the heat distribution generated on the lower guide wall 27.
That is, it is possible to have a configuration in which only the punch passage hole formed at the farthest position from all the heat radiating plates has a large diameter.

(H03) In the above-described embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which only the punch passage holes formed at the farthest positions from all the heat sinks have a large diameter and the other three punch passage holes have the same diameter. If there are two or more punch passage holes that are heated to a certain degree of possibility of galling, it is possible to make the other punch passage holes larger in diameter in addition to the position farthest from all the heat sinks. .
Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the punch passage hole at a position where the temperature is low has a small diameter according to the difference in the heat distribution, and the diameter increases in order as the temperature rises.

(H04) In the embodiment, not only the punch passage hole formed in the lower guide wall 27 but also the bottom wall portion 22 corresponding to the punch passage hole formed on the lower guide wall 27 and the mylar 32 In the formed punch passage hole, when there is a punch passage hole whose temperature is increased to a level where galling occurs, a configuration in which the punch passage hole having a possibility of galling may be formed with a large diameter is also possible.
(H05) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the punch unit PU that forms two holes or four holes is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only two holes or only four holes are formed or formed. It is also possible to configure a punch unit that changes the interval of punch holes to be formed, or forms three or more punch holes. In other words, in a punch unit that forms punch holes in accordance with specifications such as usage and use area, it is also possible to form a punch passage hole having a large diameter that may cause galling.

(H06) In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable to have a configuration including the mylar 32 that reduces the occurrence of condensation on the recording sheet S and degrading the image on the recording sheet S when condensation occurs in the punch unit PU. A configuration in which the mylar 32 is omitted is also possible.
(H07) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the punch unit PU is provided in the sheet conveying device U2 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration in which the punch unit PU is provided in the image forming apparatus main body U1 or the post-processing device U3 is also possible. is there.

(H08) In the above embodiment, the end processing device HTS, the saddle stitching device NTS, and the post-processing device U3 provided with the crease forming device U4 are illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. On the other hand, a curl correction device or the like, which is a conventional technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-052033, is provided, and the end binding device HTS, the saddle stitching device NTS, and the crease forming device U4 are omitted. Any configuration is possible.

27 ... Guide member,
27a-27d, 27a-27d '... a plurality of openings,
27d, 27b '... openings,
B + T1 + T2 ... transfer device,
CRk to CRy ... charging device,
F: fixing device, Gk to Gy: developing device,
LHk to LHy ... latent image forming device,
PRk to PRy: image carrier,
PU ... hole forming device,
S: medium, SH5: transport path, U: image forming apparatus.

Claims (4)

A guide member that is disposed to face the space that constitutes a conveyance path through which the medium is conveyed, and that guides the medium;
A heat dissipating part connected to the guide member so as to be able to transfer heat and dissipating heat;
A plurality of hole forming members that move between a penetration position that forms a hole in the medium and a separation position that is spaced apart from the medium, penetrating in the thickness direction of the medium conveyed through the conveyance path;
A plurality of openings formed in the guide member and through which each hole forming member that moves to the penetration position penetrates, and the opening arranged farthest from the heat radiating portion is formed larger than the other openings. The plurality of openings;
A hole forming apparatus comprising: The heat dissipating part disposed at both ends of the guide member in the medium width direction;
The plurality of openings formed at intervals along the medium width direction, and the opening disposed at the center in the medium width direction that is the farthest from the heat radiating portion is larger than the other openings. The plurality of openings formed;
The hole forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The heat dissipating part disposed at one end of the guide member in the medium width direction;
The plurality of openings formed at intervals along the medium width direction, the openings disposed on the other end side in the medium width direction, which is the farthest position from the heat radiating portion, compared to other openings. The plurality of openings formed large;
The hole forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A rotating image carrier;
A charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier;
A latent image forming apparatus that forms a latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier;
A developing unit for developing the latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A transfer device for transferring a visible image on the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
A fixing device for heating and fixing a visible image on the surface of the medium;
The hole forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hole forming device is disposed downstream of the fixing device in a medium conveying direction, and forms a hole in the medium after heat fixing.
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images