JP2011232489A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus having a long conveyance path and used for forming images successively on a plurality of transferred materials, the image forming apparatus being configured to be able to convey the transferred materials efficiently.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a carrying-out roller 66; a registration roller pair 80; a conveyance path La in which the length of a conveyance path for a transferred material T between the carrying-out roller 66 and registration roller pair 80 is longer than the length of the transferred material T along the conveyance direction in which the transferred material T is conveyed; a carrying-out roller drive mechanism 853; and a carrying-out roller control section 864 for controlling the carrying-out drive mechanism 853 such that when a plurality of transferred materials T are conveyed on the conveyance path LA, the interval between the predetermined n-th transferred material T and the transferred material T conveyed subsequent to the predetermined n-th transferred material is narrowed after the trailing end of the predetermined n-th transferred material T passes through the carrying-out roller 66 but before the leading end of the predetermined n-th transferred material T reaches the registration roller pair 80.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an apparatus for forming (printing) an image on a sheet as a transfer material, an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine of these is known. In general, these image forming apparatuses include a storage unit that stores paper, a paper feed unit (carry-out unit) that feeds (unloads) the paper stored in the storage unit, and a paper feed unit that feeds the paper from the storage unit. A conveyance path for conveying the paper sheet, a pair of registration rollers, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper sheet. The registration roller pair is provided on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction in the image forming unit. The registration roller pair is a pair of rollers for correcting skew of the paper (oblique feeding) and adjusting timing with the toner image before sending the paper to the image forming unit.

  By the way, an image forming apparatus having a conveyance path that is longer than a length in a direction along a sheet conveyance direction from a manual sheet feeding unit serving as a storage unit to a registration roller pair is known (see Patent Document 1). .

JP 2009-57142 A

However, in an image forming apparatus having a long conveyance path as described in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of sheets of paper are continuously printed, the sheet conveyed to the predetermined number of sheets and the next of the predetermined number of sheets are printed. There is a possibility that the distance from the transported paper is separated and printing on a plurality of papers cannot be performed at high speed. For this reason, there has been a problem that it has not been possible to cope with the recent increase in the speed of the image forming process.
In order to solve such problems, an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently transporting the paper stored in the storage unit toward the image forming unit when printing images continuously on a plurality of sheets is desired. Yes.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently transporting a material to be transferred in an image forming apparatus having a long transport path and continuously forming an image on a plurality of materials to be transferred. To do.

  The present invention includes a storage unit that stores a sheet-shaped transfer material, a carry-out roller that discharges the transfer material stored in the storage unit, an image forming unit that forms an image on the transfer material, and a stop In this state, the tip of the transfer material is once brought into contact to bend the transfer material, and then rotated and driven to send the transfer material to the image forming unit and the storage unit A transfer path for transferring the transfer material to be transferred to the image forming unit, wherein a length of the transfer path of the transfer material between the carry-out roller and the pair of registration rollers is the transfer path of the transfer material. One or a plurality of intermediate rollers that are disposed between a conveying path that is longer than the length along the conveying direction in which the transfer material is conveyed, and between the carry-out roller and the registration roller pair in the conveying path, and convey the transfer material. And rotating the carry-out roller An unloading roller driving unit that is moved, an intermediate roller driving unit that rotationally drives the one or a plurality of intermediate rollers, and a plurality of the materials to be transferred are transported to a predetermined number of times when transported through the transporting path. After the rear end of the transfer material passes through the carry-out roller, the transfer material is conveyed next to the predetermined number of sheets before the leading end of the transfer material conveyed to the predetermined number of sheets reaches the registration roller pair. A transfer roller control unit that controls the carry-out roller driving unit so as to transfer the transfer material to be transferred to the predetermined number of sheets to be transferred, and the transfer target that is transferred by the carry-out roller. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: an intermediate roller control unit that controls the intermediate roller driving unit so as to convey a material toward the registration roller pair.

  The transfer roller is disposed on the downstream side of the carry-out roller, and in a stopped state, the tip of the transfer material is once brought into contact with the transfer material to bend the transfer material, and then rotated to drive the transfer material to the registration roller. It is preferable to further include an intermediate registration roller pair that feeds the pair.

  Further, in the intermediate registration roller pair, a distance in the transport direction between the carry-out roller and the intermediate registration roller pair is curved by the intermediate registration roller pair rather than a length of an outer peripheral surface in a circumferential direction of the carry-out roller. The transfer material is arranged so that the difference between the length of the material to be transferred and the length of the material to be transferred in which the curve is not formed is short, and the carry-out roller control unit is configured to send the material to be transferred to the pair of intermediate registration rollers. Further, it is preferable to control the carry-out roller driving unit so that the carry-out roller is driven to rotate once.

  And a registration roller driving unit that rotates the registration roller pair, and an intermediate registration roller driving unit that rotates the intermediate registration roller pair. The carry-out roller driving unit, the intermediate roller driving unit, and the intermediate roller driving unit It is preferable that the registration roller driving unit and the registration roller driving unit are composed of the same driving source.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently transporting a transfer material in an image forming apparatus having a long transport path and continuously forming an image on a plurality of transfer materials. it can.

2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of each component of the copier 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration related to each roller disposed in a manual feed path La of the copier 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a paper feed clutch unit 663 in a paper feed roller driving mechanism 853. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the position of the intermediate registration roller pair 81 in association with the length of the outer peripheral surface of the paper feed roller 66. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control when the paper T is transported from the manual paper feeding unit 64 via the registration roller pair 80 in the copier 1 of the present embodiment. 6 is a timing chart corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state where a sheet T is conveyed along a manual conveyance path La, and illustrates a state where a first skew correction is performed on the first sheet T1. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a state where the paper T is transported along the manual transport path La, and is a diagram illustrating a state where the first paper T1 is transported toward the registration roller pair 80 after FIG. 7A. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where a sheet T is transported along a manual transport path La, and illustrates a state where an intermediate registration roller pair 81 is stopped to perform a first skew correction on a second sheet T2. is there. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state where a sheet T is transported along a manual transport path La, and illustrates a state where a first skew correction is performed on a second sheet T2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the paper T is transported along a manual transport path La, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second paper T2 is being transported in advance. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state where the paper T is transported along a manual transport path La, and illustrates a state where the preceding transport of the second paper T2 is completed. It is a figure which shows a mode that the paper T is conveyed by the manual conveyance path La, Comprising: It is a figure which shows a mode that the 2nd paper T2 is closely packed with the space | interval with the 1st paper T1.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
With reference to FIG. 1, the overall structure of a copier 1 as an image forming apparatus in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of each component of the copier 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a copier 1 as an image forming apparatus is disposed on an upper side in the vertical direction Z of the copier 1 and on a lower side of the copier 1 in the vertical direction Z. An apparatus main body M that forms a toner image on a sheet T as a sheet-like transfer material based on image information read by the image reading apparatus 300.

First, the image reading apparatus 300 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading apparatus 300 includes a lid member 70 and a reading unit 301 that reads an image of a document G. The lid member 70 is connected to the reading unit 301 so as to be opened and closed by a connecting unit (not shown). The lid member 70 has a function of protecting the reading surface 302A.

Next, the apparatus main body M will be described.
The main body M of the apparatus forms an image forming unit GK that forms a predetermined toner image on the paper T based on predetermined image information, and feeds the paper T to the image forming unit GK and discharges the paper T on which the toner image is formed. A paper supply / discharge unit KH for paper.
The outer shape of the apparatus main body M is configured by a case body BD as a casing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit GK includes photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d as image carriers (photosensitive members), charging units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, and a laser as an exposure unit. Scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, toner supply units 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, drum cleaning unit 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, static eliminators 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, intermediate transfer belt 7, primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, secondary transfer roller 8, counter roller 18, fixing Part 9.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed / discharge unit KH includes a paper feed cassette 52, a manual paper feed unit 64 as a storage unit, a conveyance path L for paper T, an intermediate registration roller pair 81, and three intermediate pairs. A pair of intermediate rollers 82, 83, 84 as a roller, a registration roller pair 80, a first paper discharge unit 50a, and a second paper discharge unit 50b are provided. As will be described later, the transport path L includes a first transport path L1, a second transport path L2, a third transport path L3, a manual transport path La as a transport path, a return transport path Lb, and a rear transport path Lb. It is an aggregate with the processing conveyance path Lc.

Hereinafter, each configuration of the image forming unit GK and the paper supply / discharge unit KH will be described in detail.
First, the image forming unit GK will be described.
In the image forming unit GK, charging by the charging units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d in order from the upstream side to the downstream side in order along the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, the laser scanner unit 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d exposure, development devices 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d development, intermediate transfer belt 7 and primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d primary transfer, static eliminators 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Is eliminated, and cleaning is performed by the drum cleaning units 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d.
Further, in the image forming unit GK, secondary transfer by the intermediate transfer belt 7, the secondary transfer roller 8 and the counter roller 18, and fixing by the fixing unit 9 are performed.

  Each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is formed of a cylindrical member and functions as a photosensitive member or an image carrier. Each of the photosensitive drums 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, and 2 d is disposed so as to be rotatable in the direction of an arrow about an axis that extends in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 7. An electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

  Each of the charging units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d is disposed to face the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Each of the charging units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d uniformly charges the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d negatively (minus polarity) or positively (plus polarity).

  The laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d function as exposure units, and are spaced apart from the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Each of the laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d includes a laser light source (not shown), a polygon mirror, a polygon mirror driving motor, and the like.

  Each of the laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d scans and exposes the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d based on image information related to the image read by the reading unit 301. The scanning exposure is performed by each of the laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, thereby removing the charges on the exposed portions of the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Thereby, electrostatic latent images are formed on the respective surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

  The developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are provided corresponding to the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, respectively, and are disposed to face the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Each of the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d attaches the toner of each color to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, and converts the color toner image into the photosensitive drum. 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are formed on the respective surfaces. Each of the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d corresponds to four colors of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black. Each of the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d includes a developing roller disposed opposite to the surface of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, a stirring roller for stirring the toner, and the like.

  Each of the toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d is provided corresponding to each of the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, and each color toner supplied to each of the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. To accommodate. Each of the toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d accommodates yellow toner, cyan toner, magenta toner, and black toner.

  The toner supply units 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are provided corresponding to the toner cartridges 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d and the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, respectively. The toners of the respective colors accommodated in 5d are supplied to the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, respectively. Each of the toner supply units 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d and each of the developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are connected by a toner supply path (not shown).

  To the intermediate transfer belt 7, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are sequentially primary-transferred. The intermediate transfer belt 7 is stretched around a driven roller 35, a counter roller 18 including a driving roller, a tension roller 36, and the like. Since the tension roller 36 biases the intermediate transfer belt 7 from the inside to the outside, a predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  Primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d are arranged to face each other on the side opposite to the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d with the intermediate transfer belt 7 interposed therebetween.

  A predetermined portion of the intermediate transfer belt 7 is sandwiched between the primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d and the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, respectively. The predetermined portion thus sandwiched is pressed against the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Primary transfer nips N1a, N1b, N1c, and N1d are formed between the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d and the primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d, respectively. In each of the primary transfer nips N1a, N1b, N1c, and N1d, the toner images of the respective colors developed on the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are sequentially primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 7, respectively. As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  To the primary transfer rollers 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d, toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are respectively transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 by a primary transfer bias applying unit (not shown). A primary transfer bias for transferring the toner image is applied.

  The static eliminators 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are arranged to face the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, respectively. The static eliminators 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d respectively irradiate the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d to irradiate light, and the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, and 2c after the primary transfer is performed. 2d, each surface is neutralized (charge is removed).

  The drum cleaning units 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are disposed to face the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, respectively. Each of the drum cleaning units 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d removes toner and adhering matter remaining on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, and conveys the removed toner to a predetermined recovery mechanism. And collect it.

  The secondary transfer roller 8 secondarily transfers the full-color toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 onto the paper T. A secondary transfer bias for transferring the full color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 7 to the paper T is applied to the secondary transfer roller 8 by a secondary transfer bias applying unit (not shown).

  The secondary transfer roller 8 contacts or separates from the intermediate transfer belt 7. Specifically, the secondary transfer roller 8 is configured to be movable between a contact position where the secondary transfer roller 8 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7 and a spaced position where the secondary transfer roller 8 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 7. Specifically, the secondary transfer roller 8 is disposed at a contact position when the full-color toner image primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7 is secondarily transferred to the paper T, and in other cases. It is arranged at a separated position.

  A counter roller 18 is disposed on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer belt 7 from the secondary transfer roller 8. A predetermined portion of the intermediate transfer belt 7 is sandwiched between the secondary transfer roller 8 and the opposing roller 18. Then, the paper T is pressed against the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7 (the surface on which the toner image is primarily transferred). A secondary transfer nip N <b> 2 is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer roller 8. In the secondary transfer nip N2, the full-color toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 is secondarily transferred to the paper T.

  The fixing unit 9 melts and presses the toner of each color constituting the toner image secondarily transferred onto the paper T and fixes the toner on the paper T. The fixing unit 9 includes a heating rotator 9a heated by a heater and a pressure rotator 9b pressed against the heating rotator 9a. The heating rotator 9a and the pressure rotator 9b sandwich and pressurize the paper T onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred, and convey the paper T. By transporting the paper T while being sandwiched between the heating rotator 9a and the pressure rotator 9b, the toner transferred to the paper T is fixed to the paper T by being melted and pressurized. The

Next, the paper supply / discharge unit KH will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the lower part of the apparatus main body M, two paper feed cassettes 52 that store paper T are arranged in an up-down direction. The paper feed cassette 52 is configured to be pulled out from the housing of the apparatus main body M in the horizontal direction. In the paper feed cassette 52, a placement plate 60 on which the paper T is placed is disposed. In the paper feed cassette 52, the paper T is stored in a state of being stacked on the placement plate 60. The paper T placed on the placement plate 60 is sent out to the transport path L by the cassette paper feed unit 51 arranged at the end of the paper feed cassette 52 on the paper feed side (the left end in FIG. 1). The cassette paper feed unit 51 includes a forward feed roller 61 for taking out the paper T on the placement plate 60 and a paper feed roller pair 63 for feeding the paper T one by one to the transport path L. Is provided.

  On the right side surface (right side in FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body M, a manual paper feed portion 64 as a storage portion is provided. The manual paper feed unit 64 is provided mainly for supplying the apparatus main body M with a paper T of a size and type different from the paper T set in the paper feed cassette 52. The manual paper feed unit 64 includes a manual feed tray 65 that constitutes a part of the right side surface of the apparatus main body M in the closed state, and a paper feed roller 66 as a carry-out roller. The lower end of the manual feed tray 65 is attached to the vicinity of the paper feed roller 66 so as to be rotatable (openable and closable). The paper T is placed (accommodated) on the open manual feed tray 65. The paper feed roller 66 feeds (unloads) the paper T placed (accommodated) on the open manual feed tray 65 to the manual feed path La.

  A first paper discharge unit 50 a and a second paper discharge unit 50 b are provided on the upper side of the apparatus main body M. The first paper discharge unit 50a and the second paper discharge unit 50b discharge the paper T to the outside of the apparatus main body M. Details of the first paper discharge unit 50a and the second paper discharge unit 50b will be described later.

  The conveyance path L for conveying the paper T includes a first conveyance path L1 from the cassette paper feeding unit 51 to the secondary transfer nip N2, a second conveyance path L2 from the secondary transfer nip N2 to the fixing unit 9, and a fixing unit. 9 to the first paper discharge section 50a, the manual conveyance path La for joining the paper supplied from the manual paper feed section 64 to the first conveyance path L1, and the third conveyance path L3 on the upstream side. The paper transported from the upstream side to the downstream side is reversed and returned to the first transport path L1, and the paper transporting the third transport path L3 from the upstream side to the downstream side is connected to the second paper discharge unit 50b. And a post-processing transport path Lc for transporting to a post-processing apparatus (not shown).

Moreover, the 1st junction part P1 and the 2nd junction part P2 are provided in the middle of the 1st conveyance path L1. A first branch portion Q1 is provided in the middle of the third transport path L3.
The first junction P1 is a junction where the manual feed path La and the first transfer path L1 join. The second junction P2 is a junction where the return conveyance path Lb merges with the first conveyance path L1.
The first branch portion Q1 is a branch portion where the post-processing transport path Lc branches from the third transport path L3. A rectifying member 58 is provided in the first branch portion Q1. The rectifying member 58 rectifies the transport direction of the paper T carried out from the fixing unit 9 to the third transport path L3 toward the first paper discharge section 50a or the post-processing transport path Lc toward the second paper discharge section 50b ( Switch).

  In the middle of the first transport path L1 (specifically, between the second joining portion P2 and the secondary transfer roller 8), a sensor for detecting the paper T and correction of the skew (oblique paper feeding) of the paper T In addition, a registration roller pair 80 is arranged for matching the timing with the formation of the toner image in the image forming unit GK. The sensor is disposed immediately before the registration roller pair 80 in the transport direction of the paper T (upstream in the transport direction). The registration roller pair 80 conveys the paper T by performing the above-described correction and timing adjustment based on detection signal information from the sensor.

  The manual conveyance path La is a conveyance path that conveys the paper T stored in the manual tray 65 of the manual paper feed unit 64 to the image forming unit GK. The manual conveyance path La is a conveyance path from the manual paper feeding unit 64 to the registration roller pair 80. Specifically, the manual feed path La includes a transport path from the manual feed unit 64 to the first junction P1, and a transport path from the first junction P1 to the registration roller pair 80. The conveyance path from the first junction P1 to the registration roller pair 80 is a common conveyance path for the first conveyance path L1 and the manual conveyance path La.

  In the middle of the manual feed path La, an intermediate registration roller pair 81 for correcting skew (oblique feeding) of the paper T and adjusting the timing of transport of the paper T, and the paper T are sent toward the registration roller pair 3. A pair of intermediate rollers 82, 83, 84 are arranged.

  The return conveyance path Lb is a conveyance path that is provided to make the opposite surface (unprinted surface) opposite to the already printed surface to the intermediate transfer belt 7 when performing duplex printing on the paper T. According to the return conveyance path Lb, the sheet T conveyed from the first branching section Q1 to the first sheet discharge section 50a is turned upside down and returned to the first conveyance path L1 to the upstream side of the secondary transfer roller 8. It can be conveyed upstream of the registered registration roller pair 80. A predetermined toner image is transferred onto the unprinted surface in the secondary transfer nip N2 on the paper T that is reversed upside down by the return conveyance path Lb.

  A first paper discharge unit 50a is formed at the end of the third transport path L3. The first paper discharge unit 50 a is disposed on the upper side of the apparatus main body M. The first paper discharge unit 50a is open toward the right side surface of the apparatus main body M (the right side in FIG. 1, the manual paper feed unit 64 side). The first paper discharge unit 50a discharges the paper T transported through the third transport path L3 to the outside of the apparatus main body M.

  On the opening side of the first paper discharge section 50a, a paper discharge stacking section M1 is formed. The paper discharge stacking unit M1 is formed on the upper surface (outer surface) of the apparatus main body M. The paper discharge stacking unit M1 is a part formed by the upper surface of the apparatus main body M being depressed downward. The bottom surface of the paper discharge stacking unit M1 constitutes part of the top surface of the apparatus main body M. In the paper discharge stacking unit M1, sheets T formed with a predetermined toner image and discharged from the first paper discharge unit 50a are stacked and stacked.

A second paper discharge unit 50b is formed at the end of the post-processing conveyance path Lc. The second paper discharge unit 50b is disposed on the upper side of the apparatus main body M. The second paper discharge section 50b opens toward the left side of the apparatus main body M (left side in FIG. 1, the side to which the post-processing apparatus is connected). The second paper discharge unit 50b discharges the paper T conveyed through the post-processing conveyance path Lc to the outside of the apparatus main body M.
A post-processing device (not shown) is connected to the opening side of the second paper discharge unit 50b. The post-processing device performs post-processing (stapling, punching, etc.) of paper ejected from the image forming apparatus (copy machine 1).
A paper detection sensor is disposed at a predetermined position on each conveyance path.

Next, a paper jam (JAM) in the main transport path L1 to L3 (the first transport path L1, the second transport path L2, and the third transport path L3 are collectively referred to as “main transport path” hereinafter) and the return transport path Lb. A structure for eliminating the problem will be briefly described.
As shown in FIG. 1, main conveyance paths L <b> 1 to L <b> 3 and a return conveyance path Lb are arranged in parallel so as to mainly extend in the vertical direction Z on the left side surface (left side in FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body M. A cover body 40 is provided on the left side of the apparatus body M (left side in FIG. 1) so as to form a part of the side surface of the apparatus body M. The cover body 40 is connected to the apparatus main body M via a fulcrum shaft 43 at the lower end thereof. The fulcrum shaft 43 is disposed along the direction in which the axial direction crosses the main transport paths L1 to L3 and the return transport path Lb. The cover body 40 is configured to be rotatable between a closed position (position shown in FIG. 1) and an open position (not shown) with the fulcrum shaft 43 as a center.

  The cover body 40 includes a first cover portion 41 that is rotatably connected to the apparatus main body M by a fulcrum shaft 43, and a second cover portion 42 that is rotatably connected to the apparatus main body M by the same fulcrum shaft 43. It consists of and. The first cover portion 41 is located on the outer side (side surface side) of the apparatus main body M than the second cover portion 42. In FIG. 1, the hatched portion with the left-down dashed line is the first cover portion 41, and the hatched portion with the right-down dashed line is the second cover portion 42.

In the state where the cover body 40 is located at the closed position, the outer surface side of the first cover portion 41 forms a part of the outer surface (side surface) of the apparatus main body M.
Further, in the state where the cover body 40 is located at the closed position, the inner surface side (the apparatus main body M side) of the second cover portion 42 forms a part of the main transport paths L1 to L3.
Further, in a state where the cover body 40 is located at the closed position, the inner surface side of the first cover portion 41 and the outer surface side of the second cover portion 42 form at least a part of the return conveyance path Lb. That is, the return conveyance path Lb is formed between the first cover part 41 and the second cover part 42.

  The copying machine 1 of the present embodiment includes the cover body 40 having such a configuration, so that when a paper jam (JAM) occurs in the main transport paths L1 to L3, the cover body 40 is closed as shown in FIG. By rotating from the position to an open position (not shown) to open the main transport paths L1 to L3, it is possible to process paper jammed in the main transport paths L1 to L3. On the other hand, when a paper jam occurs in the return conveyance path Lb, the cover body 40 is rotated to the open position, and then the second cover portion 42 is moved to the apparatus main body M side (right side in FIG. ) To open the return conveyance path Lb, the paper jammed in the return conveyance path Lb can be processed.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a configuration relating to a characteristic part in the copier 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration related to each roller arranged in the manual feed path La of the copier 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the paper feed clutch unit 663 in the paper feed roller drive mechanism 853. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the position of the intermediate registration roller pair 81 in association with the length of the outer peripheral surface of the paper feed roller 66.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the manual feed path La between the manual paper feed unit 64 and the registration roller pair 80 is directed from the manual paper feed unit 64 toward the registration roller pair 80 (from the upstream side to the downstream side). ), A paper feed roller 66, an intermediate registration roller pair 81, three intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84, and a registration roller pair 80 are disposed.

As described above, the paper T placed (accommodated) on the manual feed tray 65 of the manual paper feed unit 64 is sequentially supplied to the paper feed roller 66, the intermediate registration roller pair 81, and the three intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84. The sheet is fed out and conveyed on the manual conveyance path La toward the registration roller pair 80. The manual feed path La extends long so as to cross from one side to the other side in the horizontal direction of the apparatus main body M (see FIG. 1). The manual feed path La is formed such that the length of the transport path of the paper T between the paper feed roller 66 and the registration roller pair 80 is longer than the length of the paper T along the transport direction of the paper T.
Further, the manual feed path La joins the first transport path L1 at the first junction P1. The first transport path L1 extends upward in the overall view.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet feeding roller 66, the intermediate registration roller pair 81, the three intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84 and the registration roller pair 80 are rotationally driven by a conveyance drive mechanism 850. The conveyance drive mechanism 850 includes a paper feed roller drive mechanism 853 as an output roller drive mechanism, an intermediate registration drive mechanism 854, an intermediate roller drive mechanism 855, and a registration drive mechanism 856. The transport drive mechanism 850 includes a transport drive unit 851 as a drive source.

  The conveyance drive unit 851 as a drive source in the conveyance drive mechanism 850 functions as the same drive source in each drive unit in the paper feed roller drive mechanism 853, the intermediate registration drive mechanism 854, the intermediate roller drive mechanism 855, and the registration drive mechanism 856. . The conveyance drive unit 851 is configured by, for example, a motor.

  In addition, each driving roller in the roller and the roller pair arranged in the conveyance path L where the paper T is conveyed is connected to the conveyance driving unit 851 via the clutch unit. Each clutch unit is in a transmission state in which the rotation driving force of the conveyance driving unit 851 can be transmitted to the driving roller in each roller pair or the like in a non-transmission state in which the rotation driving force is not transmitted while the conveyance driving unit 851 is driven. It is configured to be switchable. Thereby, each roller and each roller pair can be rotationally driven separately.

Specifically, the paper feed roller drive mechanism 853 includes a transport drive unit 851 as a carry-out roller drive unit and a paper feed clutch unit 663. The intermediate registration drive mechanism 854 includes a conveyance drive unit 851 as an intermediate registration drive unit and an intermediate registration clutch unit 813. The intermediate roller driving mechanism 855 includes a conveyance driving unit 851 as an intermediate roller driving unit and an intermediate roller clutch unit 823. The registration driving mechanism 856 includes a conveyance driving unit 851 as a registration roller driving unit and a registration clutch unit 803.
The sheet feeding clutch unit 663, the intermediate registration clutch unit 813, the intermediate roller clutch unit 823, and the registration clutch unit 803 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed roller 66 is disposed at the end of the manual feed tray 65 on the paper feed side (the left end in FIGS. 1 and 2) and constitutes the manual paper feed unit 64. The paper feed roller 66 takes out the paper T placed on the manual feed tray 65 from the manual paper feed unit 64 and sends it out to the transport path L (manual transport path La).

The feed roller 66 is formed of a cylindrical member (see FIG. 3). A conveyance driving unit 851 is connected to the roller shaft 66 </ b> A of the sheet feeding roller 66 via a sheet feeding clutch unit 663. The transport driving unit 851 drives the paper feed roller 66 to rotate.
The paper feed clutch unit 663 can be switched to a transmission state in which the rotational driving force from the conveyance driving unit 851 can be transmitted to the paper feeding roller 66 or a non-transmission state in which the rotational driving force is not transmitted to the paper feeding roller 66. . The paper feed clutch unit 663 is controlled by a paper feed roller control unit 864 described later.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the paper feed clutch unit 663 includes a base plate 676, a solenoid 670, a solenoid holder 672, a drive gear 664, a roller side gear 667, and an engagement piece 668. And an urging member 671.

The base plate 676 is fixed to the apparatus main body M via an attachment member or the like.
The solenoid holder 672 is held by the base plate 676. The solenoid holder 672 is formed in a box shape by a plate-like member. The solenoid holder 672 accommodates and holds the solenoid 670.

The solenoid holder 672 includes a pair of side plates 672A and 672B facing each other, and an upper plate 672C that connects the pair of side plates 672A and 672B on one end side. The solenoid holder 672 is open on the other end side of the pair of side plates 672A and 672B.
On one end plate 672A of the solenoid holder 672 opposite to the upper plate 672C, a support hole 672D that supports an engagement piece 668 to be described later is formed.

The solenoid 670 includes a solenoid body 670A including a solenoid coil (not shown) and an output shaft portion 670B. The solenoid body 670A is held on the upper plate 672C side of the solenoid holder 672.
The output shaft portion 670B is held by the solenoid body 670A. The output shaft portion 670 </ b> B can advance and retreat in a direction protruding from the opening of the solenoid holder 672 or in a direction retracting into the solenoid holder 672. A plate member 675 that can be brought into contact with an engagement piece 668 (described later) is fixed to the tip of the output shaft portion 670B.

  Specifically, when the solenoid coil is not energized, the output shaft portion 670B moves in the direction in which the output shaft portion 670B travels (the direction in which the output shaft portion 670B protrudes) and is positioned at the travel position. When the output shaft portion 670B is positioned at the advancing position (non-energized state), the output shaft portion 670B is in a state of pressing the engagement piece 668 (described later) against the urging force of the urging member 671 (described later).

  On the other hand, when the solenoid coil is energized, the output shaft portion 670B moves in the direction in which the output shaft portion 670B retracts (the direction in which the output shaft portion 670B is retracted) and is positioned at the retracted position (FIG. 3). reference). When the output shaft portion 670B is located at the retracted position (energized state), the output shaft portion 670B is in a state where the engagement piece 668 (described later) is not pressed (see FIG. 3).

  The drive gear 664 is disposed on the output shaft portion 670B side of the solenoid 670. The drive gear 664 is formed by a cylindrical member. The drive gear 664 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis. A conveyance drive unit 851 is connected to the rotation shaft of the drive gear 664.

  The drive gear 664 has an all-around gear 665 and a missing gear 666. The circumferential gear 665 and the toothless gear 666 are formed side by side in the axial direction on the circumferential surface of the drive gear 664.

The all-around gear 665 has a plurality of gear teeth over the entire area along the circumferential direction of its peripheral surface. An engagement piece 668 described later can be engaged with the gear teeth of the all-around gear 665.
When an engagement piece 668 (described later) is not engaged with the gear teeth of the entire peripheral gear 665, the drive gear 664 is rotatable. Further, when an engagement piece 668 (described later) is engaged with the gear teeth of the all-around gear 665, the drive gear 664 is used even when the drive force from the transport drive unit 851 is transmitted to the drive gear 664. Does not rotate.

  The missing tooth gear 666 includes a continuous portion 666A and a missing tooth portion 666B. The continuous portion 666A is an area where a plurality of gear teeth are continuously formed in the circumferential direction of the toothless gear 666. The missing tooth portion 666B is an area where no gear teeth exist in the circumferential direction of the missing tooth gear 666. A gear portion of a roller side gear 667, which will be described later, can mesh with the continuous portion 666A of the missing gear 666.

  The engagement piece 668 can be engaged with or separated from the gear teeth of the circumferential gear 665 in the drive gear 664. Thereby, the engagement piece 668 switches the drive gear 664 to a rotatable state or a non-rotatable state. The engagement piece 668 is disposed between the solenoid 670 and the drive gear 664.

The engagement piece 668 includes an engagement claw 668A formed on one end side, a support portion 668B formed on the other end 668D side, and an extending portion 668C connecting the engagement claw 668A and the support portion 668B. Have The engaging claw 668A is configured to be able to engage with the gear teeth of the entire circumferential gear 665 of the drive gear 664.
The other end portion 668D of the support portion 668B is inserted into the support hole 672D of the solenoid holder 672. The other end 668 </ b> D of the engagement piece 668 is disposed so as to protrude to the outside of one side plate 672 </ b> A of the solenoid holder 672. Since the support portion 668B is supported by the support hole 672D, the engagement piece 668 is configured to be swingable about the support hole 672D.

  A biasing member 671 described later is connected to the other end 668D of the engagement piece 668. Due to the urging force of the urging member 671, the engagement piece 668 is urged in a direction in which the engagement claw 668A side is separated from the drive gear 664.

  The extending portion 668C is disposed at a position facing the tip of the output shaft portion 670B of the solenoid 670. The output shaft portion 670 </ b> B of the solenoid 670 is configured to be able to press the extending portion 668 </ b> C against the urging force of the urging member 671 through the plate member 675 in accordance with the advance / retreat operation thereof.

  The engaging piece 668 swings around the support hole 672D when the extending portion 668C is pressed by the output shaft portion 670B. The engaging piece 668 is swung so that the engaging claw 668A engages with the gear teeth of the entire peripheral gear 665 in the drive gear 664, and the position separated from the gear teeth of the entire peripheral gear 665 in the drive gear 664. Moved to.

  As a result, when the engaging claw 668A is engaged with the gear teeth, the driving gear 664 becomes non-rotatable even when the driving force of the conveyance driving unit 851 is transmitted to the driving gear 664. Further, the drive gear 664 is in a rotatable state when the engaging claw 668A is separated from the gear teeth of the entire peripheral gear 665.

  The biasing member 671 is formed of a coil spring having a predetermined length. The biasing member 671 is disposed along the outer surface of one side plate 672A of the solenoid holder 672. The urging member 671 is arranged along the advancing / retreating direction of the output shaft portion 670B of the solenoid 670.

  One end of the urging member 671 is connected to the other end 668D (the end opposite to the engagement claw 668A) of the engagement piece 668 inserted through the support hole 672D of the solenoid holder 672. The other end of the urging member 671 is connected to a plate material 677 fixed to the solenoid holder 672.

  The urging member 671 urges the other end 668D of the engagement piece 668 and the plate material 677 to apply an elastic repulsive force in a direction in which the urging member 671 is separated. As a result, the engagement piece 668 swings around the support hole 672D, so that the engagement claw 668A side is urged away from the drive gear 664 by the urging force of the urging member 671.

  The roller side gear 667 is formed by a spur gear. The roller side gear 667 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The roller side gear 667 has a plurality of gear teeth over the entire area along the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface thereof. The roller side gear 667 is arranged such that a plurality of gear teeth formed on the peripheral surface mesh with the gear teeth of the missing gear 666 in the drive gear 664.

  The roller side gear 667 can be rotated by the rotation of the drive gear 664 when the gear teeth on the circumferential surface thereof mesh with the continuous portion 666A of the missing gear 666. On the other hand, the roller side gear 667 does not rotate when the gear teeth on its peripheral surface are arranged in the missing tooth portion 666B of the missing gear 666.

  In the present embodiment, the circumferential length of the region where the continuous portion 666 </ b> A is formed in the missing gear 666 matches the circumferential length of the outer peripheral surface of the roller side gear 667. Therefore, when the drive gear 664 makes one rotation, the roller side gear 667 rotates when it is engaged with the continuous portion 666A of the drive gear 664. Thereby, the roller side gear 667 can be rotated once by rotating the drive gear 664 once.

One end of the coupling shaft 673 is connected to the rotation shaft of the roller side gear 667. The other end side of the connecting shaft 673 is connected to the roller shaft 66 </ b> A of the paper feed roller 66. The rotation axes of the rotation shaft of the roller side gear 667, the connection shaft 673, and the roller shaft 66A of the paper feed roller 66 are the same. As a result, the roller-side gear 667 is rotated, whereby the paper feed roller 66 is rotated.
That is, the roller side gear 667 is rotated by the rotation of the drive gear 664, and the sheet feeding roller 66 is rotated by the rotation of the roller side gear 667.

By configuring the sheet feeding clutch portion 663 in this way, when the solenoid 670 is positioned at the advancing position (non-energized state) that presses the engagement piece 668 against the urging force of the urging member 671. The engagement piece 668 is positioned at a position where the engagement claw 668A engages with the gear teeth of the entire peripheral gear 665 of the drive gear 664. For this reason, the drive gear 664 does not rotate even when it is driven by the conveyance drive unit 851. As a result, the roller side gear 667 does not rotate, and the sheet feeding roller 66 does not rotate.
Therefore, the sheet feeding clutch unit 663 enters a non-transmission state in which the rotational driving force from the conveyance driving unit 851 is not transmitted to the sheet feeding roller 66 by operating the solenoid 670 to the advanced position (non-energized state).

  On the other hand, when the solenoid 670 is positioned at the retreat position where the engagement piece 668 is not pressed, the engagement piece 668 is urged in the direction away from the drive gear 664 by the urging member 671. The claw 668A is positioned at a position where it does not engage with the gear teeth of the entire peripheral gear 665 of the drive gear 664. Therefore, the drive gear 646 is rotationally driven by the rotational drive by the conveyance drive unit 851.

As the drive gear 646 rotates, the roller side gear 667 rotates, and the paper feed roller 66 is driven to rotate via the connecting shaft 673. As a result, the sheet feeding roller 66 is rotated by the rotation driving force transmitted from the conveyance driving unit 851.
Accordingly, the sheet feeding clutch unit 663 is in a transmission state in which the rotational driving force from the conveyance driving unit 851 can be transmitted to the sheet feeding roller 66 by operating the solenoid 670 to the retracted position (energized state).

As described above, the rotational driving force of the transport driving unit 851 is transmitted to the sheet feeding roller 66 by switching the sheet feeding clutch unit 663 to the transmission state. Thereby, the paper feed roller 66 is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed. The paper feed roller 66 can transport the paper T placed (accommodated) on the manual feed tray 65 toward the registration roller pair 80.
Further, by switching the paper feeding clutch unit 663 to the non-transmission state, the rotational driving force of the transport driving unit 851 is not transmitted to the paper feeding roller 66. As a result, the paper feed roller 66 is stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is disposed on the downstream side of the paper feed roller 66. The intermediate registration roller pair 81 is brought into contact with the leading end portion of the paper T in a stopped state to bend the paper T, and then rotationally driven to send the paper T toward the registration roller pair 80.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is arranged such that the distance between the sheet feeding roller 66 and the intermediate registration roller pair 81 in the transport direction of the paper T is a predetermined distance (curving distance) L. .
The curve distance L is a distance for forming an appropriate curve on the paper T when the paper feed roller 66 is rotated once to feed the paper T in the transport direction. The bending distance L is set in order to perform stable skew correction by forming an appropriate curve on the paper T. The bending distance L is a distance shorter than the length S of the outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction of the paper supply roller 66 by a length ΔL for forming a curve on the paper T (L = S−ΔL). The length ΔL for forming the curve on the sheet T is the difference between the length Lx of the sheet Tx where the curve is formed by the intermediate registration roller pair 81 and the length Ly of the sheet Ty where the curve is not formed (ΔL = Lx− Ly).

  The intermediate registration roller pair 81 includes an intermediate registration driving roller 811 and an intermediate registration driven roller 812 disposed to face the intermediate registration driving roller 811.

A conveyance drive unit 851 is connected to the roller shaft 811A of the intermediate registration drive roller 811 via an intermediate registration clutch unit 813. The conveyance driving unit 851 drives the intermediate registration roller pair 81 to rotate. The intermediate registration clutch unit 813 can be switched to a transmission state in which the rotational driving force from the conveyance driving unit 851 can be transmitted to the intermediate registration driving roller 811 or a non-transmission state in which the rotational driving force is not transmitted to the intermediate registration driving roller 811. Is done.
The intermediate registration clutch unit 813 is controlled by an intermediate registration control unit 814 described later.

  By switching the intermediate registration clutch unit 813 to the transmission state, the rotational driving force of the conveyance driving unit 851 is transmitted to the intermediate registration driving roller 811. As a result, the intermediate registration driving roller 811 is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed, and the intermediate registration driven roller 812 is rotated following the rotation of the intermediate registration driving roller 811. Therefore, the intermediate registration roller pair 81 can adjust the skew correction of the paper T fed by the paper feed roller 66 and the timing of transporting the paper T.

  Further, by switching the intermediate registration clutch unit 813 to the non-transmission state, the rotational driving force of the conveyance driving unit 851 is not transmitted to the intermediate registration driving roller 811. As a result, the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the three intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, 84 are arranged between the paper feed roller 66 and the registration roller pair 80 in the manual feed path La. Each of the three pairs of intermediate rollers 82, 83, 84 is arranged in order toward the downstream side of the intermediate registration roller pair 81. The three intermediate roller pairs include a first intermediate roller pair 82, a second intermediate roller pair 83, and a third intermediate roller pair 84. In the manual feed path La, a first intermediate roller pair 82, a second intermediate roller pair 83, and a third intermediate roller pair 84 are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side.

The first intermediate roller pair 82 includes a first intermediate drive roller 821 and a first intermediate driven roller 822 disposed to face the first intermediate drive roller 821. The second intermediate roller pair 83 includes a second intermediate drive roller 831 and a second intermediate driven roller 832 arranged to face the second intermediate drive roller 831. The third intermediate roller pair 84 includes a third intermediate drive roller 841 and a third intermediate driven roller 842 disposed to face the third intermediate drive roller 841.
The first intermediate roller pair 82, the second intermediate roller pair 83, and the third intermediate roller pair 84 sandwich the paper T that is skew-corrected by the intermediate registration roller pair 81 and sequentially conveys the paper T.

The roller shafts 821A, 831A, 841A of the first intermediate drive roller 821, the second intermediate drive roller 831, and the third intermediate drive roller 841 are directly connected.
A conveyance drive unit 851 is connected to the roller shafts 821A, 831A, and 841A of the first intermediate drive roller 821, the second intermediate drive roller 831, and the third intermediate drive roller 841 through an intermediate roller clutch unit 823, respectively. The conveyance driving unit 851 rotates and drives the first intermediate driving roller 821, the second intermediate driving roller 831, and the third intermediate driving roller 841.

The intermediate roller clutch unit 823 can transmit the rotational driving force from the conveyance driving unit 851 to the three intermediate driving rollers 821, 831, 841, or the rotational driving force can be transmitted to the three intermediate driving rollers 821, 831, 841. It is configured to be switchable to a non-transmission state that does not transmit.
In the present embodiment, the intermediate roller clutch portion 823 is provided between the roller shafts 821A, 831A, 841A of the first intermediate drive roller 821, the second intermediate drive roller 831, and the third intermediate drive roller 841, and the conveyance drive portion 851. Intervene in. Thereby, the intermediate roller clutch unit 823 simultaneously rotates or stops the three intermediate drive rollers 821, 831, and 841 by the switching operation.
The intermediate roller clutch unit 823 is controlled by an intermediate roller control unit 824 described later.

By switching the intermediate roller clutch unit 823 to the transmission state, the rotational driving force of the conveyance driving unit 851 is simultaneously transmitted to the three intermediate driving rollers 821, 831 and 841. As a result, the three intermediate drive rollers 821, 831, 841 are rotationally driven at a predetermined speed, and the first intermediate driven roller 822, the second intermediate are driven by the rotation of the three intermediate drive rollers 821, 831, 841. The driven roller 832 and the third intermediate driven roller 842 are rotated.
The first intermediate roller pair 82, the second intermediate roller pair 83, and the third intermediate roller pair 84 can sandwich the sheet T fed by the intermediate registration roller pair 81 and convey it toward the image forming unit GK. .

  Further, by switching the intermediate roller clutch unit 823 to the non-transmission state, the rotation driving force of the transport driving unit 851 is not transmitted to the intermediate roller clutch unit 823. Thereby, the intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84 are stopped.

  The registration roller pair 80 is disposed downstream of the third intermediate roller pair 84 as shown in FIG. In a stopped state, the registration roller pair 80 once contacts the leading end of the paper T to bend the paper T, and then rotates to send the paper T to the image forming unit GK. The registration roller pair 80 includes a registration driving roller 801 and a registration driven roller 802 arranged to face the registration driving roller 801.

A conveyance driving unit 851 is connected to a roller shaft 801A of the registration driving roller 801 via a registration clutch unit 803. The conveyance driving unit 851 drives the registration driving roller 801 to rotate. The registration clutch unit 803 can be switched to a transmission state in which the rotational driving force from the conveyance driving unit 851 can be transmitted to the registration driving roller 801 or a non-transmission state in which the rotational driving force is not transmitted to the registration driving roller 801.
The registration clutch unit 803 is controlled by a registration control unit 804 described later.

  By switching the registration clutch unit 803 to the transmission state, the rotational driving force of the conveyance driving unit 851 is transmitted to the registration driving roller 801. As a result, the registration driving roller 801 is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed, and the registration driven roller 802 is rotated following the rotation of the registration driving roller 801. Therefore, the registration roller pair 80 can synchronize with the skew correction of the paper T fed by the intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84 and the formation of the toner image in the image forming unit GK.

  Further, by switching the registration clutch unit 803 to the non-transmission state, the rotational driving force of the conveyance driving unit 851 is not transmitted to the registration driving roller 801. As a result, the registration roller pair 80 is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 2, the copier 1 includes a control unit 810 in addition to the above-described components. The control unit 810 controls the transport driving unit 851 and the like. The control unit 810 controls the drive start and drive stop of the transport drive unit 851.
The control unit 810 also includes a paper feed roller control unit 864 serving as a carry-out roller control unit, an intermediate registration control unit 814, an intermediate roller control unit 824, and a registration control unit 804.

  The paper feed roller control unit 864 feeds the paper feed roller drive mechanism 853 (paper feed clutch unit 663) to rotate or stop the paper feed roller 66 when the paper T is sent from the manual paper feed unit 64 to the intermediate registration roller pair 81. ) To control.

  Specifically, the paper feed roller control unit 864 switches the paper feed clutch unit 663 from the non-transmission state to the transmission state by switching the solenoid 670 in the paper feed clutch unit 663 from the non-energized state to the energized state. Further, the paper feed roller control unit 864 switches the paper feed clutch unit 663 from the transmission state to the non-transmission state by switching the solenoid 670 in the paper feed clutch unit 663 from the energized state to the non-energized state.

  In this embodiment, the paper feed roller control unit 864 feeds the paper feed roller drive mechanism 853 (feeding mechanism) so as to rotate the paper feed roller 66 by one rotation when the paper T is sent to the intermediate registration roller pair 81. The paper clutch unit 663) is controlled.

  Specifically, the paper feed roller control unit 864 switches the solenoid 670 in the paper feed clutch unit 663 from the non-energized state to the energized state. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the solenoid 670 energized state is switched to the non-energized state. Here, the predetermined time is a time for rotating the drive gear once. By rotating the drive gear 664 once, the roller side gear 667 that meshes with the toothless gear 666 of the drive gear 664 rotates once.

  In addition, when a plurality of sheets of paper T are transported on the manual transport path La, the paper feed roller control unit 864 performs after the rear end of the paper T transported to a predetermined number of times has passed the paper feed roller 66. Thus, before the leading edge of the sheet T conveyed to the predetermined number reaches the registration roller pair 80, the interval between the sheet T conveyed next to the predetermined number and the sheet T conveyed to the predetermined number is reduced. The paper feed roller drive mechanism 853 (paper feed clutch unit 663) is controlled so as to be conveyed.

  Specifically, the paper feed roller control unit 864 controls the paper feed roller 66 to rotate and drive the paper T with a predetermined interval between the paper T and the next paper T to be transported.

  The intermediate registration control unit 814 controls the intermediate registration driving mechanism 854 (intermediate registration clutch unit 813) so as to convey the paper T conveyed by the paper supply roller 66 toward the intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84. Further, the intermediate registration control unit 814 causes the intermediate registration roller mechanism 81 (intermediate registration clutch unit 813) to stop the intermediate registration roller pair 81 when the sheet T conveyed by the paper supply roller 66 is curved. ) To control.

  The intermediate roller control unit 824 includes an intermediate roller driving mechanism 855 (intermediate roller clutch unit 823) so as to convey the paper T conveyed by the intermediate registration roller pair 81 to the registration roller pair 80 after being conveyed by the paper feed roller 66. ) To control.

  Further, when the intermediate roller control unit 824 sends the paper T to the registration roller pair 80, the intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84 are brought into contact with the registration roller pair 80 so as to form a predetermined curve on the paper T. The intermediate roller driving mechanism 855 (intermediate roller clutch portion 823) is controlled. Specifically, the intermediate roller control unit 824 controls the delivery length of the paper T1 based on detection signal information from a sensor (not shown) arranged in the manual feed path La.

  The registration control unit 804 controls the registration driving mechanism 856 (registration clutch unit 803) so that the sheet T conveyed by the third intermediate roller pair 84 is conveyed toward the image forming unit GK. Further, the registration control unit 804 is configured to stop the registration roller pair 80 (resist clutch unit 803) so that the registration roller pair 80 is stopped when the paper T conveyed by the intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84 is curved. ) To control.

Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the operation of the copier 1 of the present embodiment will be briefly described.
First, a case where single-sided printing is performed on the paper T stored in the paper feed cassette 52 will be described.
The paper T accommodated in the paper feed cassette 52 is sent out to the first transport path L1 by the forward feed roller 61 and the paper feed roller pair 63, and then registered via the first junction P1 and the first transport path L1. It is conveyed to the roller pair 80.
In the registration roller pair 80, skew correction of the paper T and timing adjustment with the toner image are performed.

The paper T discharged from the registration roller pair 80 is introduced between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer roller 8 (secondary transfer nip N2) via the first conveyance path L1. A toner image is transferred onto the paper T between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer roller 8.
Thereafter, the paper T is discharged from between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer roller 8, and is interposed between the heating rotator 9a and the pressure rotator 9b in the fixing unit 9 via the second conveyance path L2. Introduced into the fixing nip. Then, the toner melts in the fixing nip, and the toner is fixed on the paper T.

Next, the paper T is transported to the first paper discharge section 50a through the third transport path L3, and is discharged from the first paper discharge section 50a to the paper discharge stacking section M1 by the discharge roller pair 53.
In this way, single-sided printing of the paper T stored in the paper feed cassette 52 is completed.

  When single-sided printing is performed on the paper T placed on the manual feed tray 65, the paper T placed on the manual feed tray 65 is sent out to the manual feed path La by the paper feed roller 66, and then the first joining portion. The sheet is conveyed to the registration roller pair 80 by the intermediate registration roller pair 81 and the intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84 via P1. Subsequent operations are the same as the one-side printing operation of the paper T accommodated in the paper feed cassette 52 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the copier 1 when performing duplex printing will be described.
In the case of single-sided printing, as described above, the paper T on which single-sided printing has been performed is discharged from the first paper discharge unit 50a to the paper discharge stacking unit M1, and the printing operation is completed.
On the other hand, when performing double-sided printing, the paper T on which single-sided printing has been performed is reversed from the time of single-sided printing and conveyed again to the registration roller pair 80 via the return conveyance path Lb. Then, double-sided printing is performed on the paper T.

  More specifically, the operation is the same as the above-described single-sided printing operation until the paper T on which single-sided printing has been performed is discharged from the first paper discharge unit 50 a by the discharge roller pair 53. Thus, in the case of double-sided printing, in a state where the paper T on which single-sided printing has been performed is held by the discharge roller pair 53, the rotation of the discharge roller pair 53 is stopped and rotated in the reverse direction. Thus, when the discharge roller pair 53 is rotated in the reverse direction, the paper T held by the discharge roller pair 53 moves in the reverse direction (from the first paper discharge portion 50a to the first branch portion Q1). Transported in the direction of heading).

  As described above, when the paper T is transported in the reverse direction on the third transport path L3, the paper T is rectified to the return transport path Lb by the rectifying member 58, and then, via the second junction P2. Then, it joins the first transport path L1. Here, the paper T is turned upside down from the one-side printing.

  Further, the paper T is corrected or adjusted by the registration roller pair 80 and is introduced between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer roller 8 through the first conveyance path L1. Since the unprinted surface of the sheet T passes through the return conveyance path Lb and faces the intermediate transfer belt 7, the toner image is transferred to the unprinted surface, and as a result, duplex printing is performed.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7G, the operation of the control unit 810, which is a characteristic part of the copier 1 of the present embodiment, will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control when the paper T is conveyed from the manual paper feed unit 64 via the registration roller pair 80 in the copier 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a timing chart corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the paper T is transported through the manual transport path La, and illustrates a state in which the first skew correction is performed on the first paper T1. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the paper T is transported through the manual transport path La, and illustrates a state in which the first paper T1 is transported toward the registration roller pair 80 after FIG. 7A. It is. FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a state where the paper T is transported through the manual transport path La, and the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is stopped to perform the first skew correction on the second paper T2. FIG. FIG. 7D is a diagram illustrating a state in which the paper T is transported through the manual transport path La, and illustrates a state in which the first skew correction is performed on the second paper T2.

FIG. 7E is a diagram illustrating a state in which the paper T is transported through the manual transport path La, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second paper T2 is being transported in advance. FIG. 7F is a diagram illustrating a state where the paper T is transported through the manual transport path La, and illustrates a state where the preceding transport of the second paper T2 is completed. FIG. 7G is a diagram illustrating a state in which the paper T is transported through the manual transport path La, and illustrates a state in which the second paper T2 is transported with a gap from the first paper T1. is there.
In the description of the operation of the control unit 810, which is a characteristic part of the copier 1 of the present embodiment, the sheet conveyed to the predetermined number is also referred to as “first sheet T1” or “sheet T1”. The sheet conveyed next to the eye is also referred to as “second sheet T2” or “sheet T2”.

  In the copying machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the power of the copying machine 1 is turned on, the charging units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, the laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, the developing devices 16a and 16b, Power is supplied to 16c and 16d, the opposing roller 18, the secondary transfer roller 8, the control unit (not shown), the fixing unit 9 and the like, and the charging units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are controlled by a control signal from the control unit. The laser scanner units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d developing devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, the opposing roller 18, the secondary transfer roller 8, and the fixing unit 9 are controlled. Then, the charging process, the exposure process, the development process, the transfer process, and the fixing process are sequentially performed.

  In the present embodiment, an operation when a plurality of sheets of paper T are supplied from the manual paper feed unit 64 will be described. Specifically, a plurality of sheets of paper T are placed on the manual feed tray 65. After the power of the copier 1 is turned on, information on an instruction to print a plurality of sheets of paper T is input to the control unit 810 in response to an instruction to print a plurality of sheets of paper T from the user.

  In step ST1, the control unit 810 drives the transport drive unit 851 as a drive source (timing t1 in FIG. 6). In this state, each clutch portion is in a non-transmitting state. In FIG. 6, “ON” means that the conveyance drive unit 851 is in a driving state or each clutch unit is in a transmission state, and “OFF” means that the conveyance drive unit 851 is in a stopped state or each clutch is in a transmission state. It means that it is a non-transmission state.

In step ST2, conveyance (feeding) of a predetermined first sheet T1 among a plurality of sheets T is started. Specifically, the paper feed roller control unit 864 switches the paper feed clutch unit 663 from the non-transmission state to the transmission state and rotates the paper feed roller 66 (timing t2 in FIG. 6).
As a result, the first sheet T1 is fed from the manual sheet feeder 64 to the manual conveyance path La.

In the present embodiment, the paper feed roller control unit 864 controls the paper feed clutch unit 663 so as to rotate the paper feed roller 66 by one rotation.
Specifically, the paper feed roller control unit 864 controls the paper feed clutch unit 663 to rotate the drive gear 664 (see FIG. 3) once. As a result, the paper feed roller 66 rotates by one rotation. Specifically, the paper feed roller control unit 864 switches the paper feed clutch unit 663 from the non-transmission state to the transmission state (timing t2 in FIG. 6), and after elapse of a predetermined time (time for rotating the drive gear 664), The feeding clutch unit 663 is switched from the transmission state to the non-transmission state (timing t3 in FIG. 6).

In step ST3, the first skew correction is performed on the first sheet T1 by the intermediate registration roller pair 81.
Specifically, the paper T1 sent out by the paper supply roller 66 by one rotation of the paper supply roller 66 reaches the intermediate registration roller pair 81. The leading edge of the sheet T1 abuts against a registration nip N81 between the intermediate registration driving roller 811 and the intermediate registration driven roller 812 in the intermediate registration roller pair 81. The intermediate registration roller pair 81 is not driven to rotate.

Here, the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is arranged such that the distance between the sheet feeding roller 66 and the intermediate registration roller pair 81 in the transport direction of the paper T is a predetermined distance (curving distance) L (see FIG. 4). . The curve distance L is a distance for forming an appropriate curve on the paper T when the paper feed roller 66 is rotated once to feed the paper T in the transport direction. The bending distance L is a distance shorter than the length S of the outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction of the paper supply roller 66 by a length ΔL for forming a curve on the paper T (L = S−ΔL).
Therefore, an appropriate curve is formed on the paper T1 that abuts against the registration nip by feeding the paper feed roller 66 by one rotation (see FIG. 7A). Thus, stable skew correction (first skew correction) is performed on the first sheet T1.

  In step ST4, the first sheet T1 is conveyed toward the registration roller pair 80 (see FIG. 7B). Specifically, the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is rotationally driven by switching the intermediate registration clutch portion 813 to the transmission state (timing t4 in FIG. 6). At the same time, by switching the intermediate roller clutch portion 823 to the transmission state, the three pairs of intermediate rollers 82, 83, 84 are driven to rotate (timing t4 in FIG. 6). As a result, the first sheet T1 is sequentially sandwiched and conveyed by the intermediate registration roller pair 81, the first intermediate roller pair 82, the second intermediate roller pair 83, and the third intermediate roller pair 84.

  In step ST5, it is determined whether or not printing of a plurality of sheets T is continued. If printing of a plurality of sheets of paper T is continued (YES), the process proceeds to step ST6 in order to perform control to pack and transport the next transported paper T into the previously transported paper. If printing of a plurality of sheets T is not continued (NO), there is no sheet T to be transported next, and the process proceeds to step ST11.

  In step ST6, the rotation of the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is stopped in order to perform skew correction on the second sheet T2 conveyed (see FIG. 7C). Specifically, after the first sheet T1 passes through the intermediate registration roller pair 81, the intermediate registration clutch unit 813 is switched to the non-transmission state (timing t5 in FIG. 6).

  In step ST7, the conveyance (feeding) of the second sheet T2 is started. Specifically, the paper feed roller control unit 864 switches the paper feed clutch unit 663 from the non-transmission state to the transmission state and rotates the paper feed roller 66 (timing t6 in FIG. 6).

In step ST8, the first skew correction is performed on the second sheet T2 (see FIG. 7D).
In the present embodiment, similarly to the first sheet T1, the sheet feeding roller control unit 864 controls the sheet feeding clutch unit 663 so as to rotate the sheet feeding roller 66 by one rotation (timing t6 in FIG. 6). And timing t7).
The control related to skew correction by the paper feed roller 66 and the intermediate registration roller pair 81 for the second paper T2 is the same as the control for the first paper T1 in step ST3, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In step ST9, the second sheet T2 is conveyed by a predetermined length by the intermediate registration roller pair 81 (preceding conveyance).
Specifically, before the first sheet T1 reaches the registration roller pair 80, the intermediate registration clutch unit 813 is switched to the transmission state, and the rotational driving of the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is started (timing in FIG. 6). t8). By starting the rotational driving of the intermediate registration roller pair 81, the conveyance of the first sheet T1 is started (see FIG. 7E).

  Thereafter, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the intermediate registration clutch portion 813 is switched to the non-transmission state, and the rotation of the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is stopped (timing t10 in FIG. 6). This conveyance is also referred to as “preceding conveyance”. In the preceding conveyance, before the first sheet T1 reaches the registration roller pair 80, the second sheet T2 is conveyed at a distance from the first sheet T1.

Here, in the preceding conveyance, the first sheet T2 is sent out by the paper feed roller 66, and the second paper T2 sent out to the paper feed roller 66 is sent out by the intermediate registration roller pair 81. This is realized by being performed before the sheet T1 reaches the registration roller pair 80.
The intermediate registration roller pair 81 is stopped in a state where the second sheet T2 is fed out by a predetermined length (see FIG. 7F).

  Here, while the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is transporting the second sheet T2 in advance (a predetermined timing between timing t8 and timing t10 in FIG. 6), the first sheet T1 has no registration. A second skew correction is performed by the roller pair 80.

Specifically, the first sheet after the second sheet T2 is started to be transported at a predetermined timing (between timing t8 and timing t10 in FIG. 6) before the preceding transport is finished. The sheet T1 is conveyed to the intermediate roller pair 82, 83, 84 and reaches the registration roller pair 80.
The leading edge of the first sheet T1 abuts against a registration nip N8 between the registration driving roller 801 and the registration driven roller 802 in the registration roller pair 80. The registration roller pair 80 (registration driving roller 801) is not driven to rotate.

When the first sheet T1 reaches the registration roller pair 80 and a predetermined time elapses, the intermediate roller clutch portion 823 is switched to the non-transmission state to stop the rotation of the intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84 (timing in FIG. 6). t9). As a result, the sheet T1 is bent and skew correction is performed.
The registration roller pair 80 and the intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84 adjust the feed length of the paper T1 based on detection signal information from a sensor (not shown) disposed in the manual feed path La, and perform skew correction. Do.

In step ST10, by switching the clutches to the transmission state, the registration roller pair 80 and the intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, 84 are rotationally driven, and the first sheet T1 is transferred from the registration roller pair 80 to the image forming unit GK. At the same time, the second sheet T2 that has been transported in advance is transported toward the registration roller pair 80 so as to be close to the first sheet T1 (timing t11 in FIG. 6) (see FIG. 7G).
In this way, by transporting the second sheet T2 in advance, it is possible to transport the first sheet T1 and the second sheet T2 with a small interval.

When the first sheet T1 and the second sheet T2 are conveyed, the process returns to step ST5.
The process for the third and subsequent sheets T from step ST5 is continued until the process for a plurality of sheets T for which printing has been instructed is completed. In the transport of the third and subsequent sheets of paper T, the first sheet T1 in the above description is “sheet T1 transported to a predetermined number of sheets”, and the second sheet T2 is “next to the predetermined number of sheets”. Suppose that the paper T2 is transported to the paper. As a result, when a plurality of sheets of paper T are continuously printed, the same control as described above is performed in all cases of the sheet T1 conveyed to the predetermined number of sheets and the sheet T2 conveyed next to the predetermined number of sheets. The control is applied.
In this way, the sheet T2 conveyed next to the predetermined number of sheets is conveyed in advance, thereby reducing the interval between the sheet T1 conveyed to the predetermined number of sheets and the sheet T2 conveyed next to the predetermined number of sheets. can do.

Step ST11 when printing of a plurality of sheets of paper T is not continued in step ST5 (NO) will be described.
In step ST <b> 11, a second skew correction is performed by the registration roller pair 80 on the paper T <b> 1 transported to a predetermined number of sheets when there is no paper to be transported next.
The skew correction control by the registration roller pair 80 is the same as the control of the first sheet T1 in step ST9, and thus the description thereof is omitted. The paper T1 subjected to the skew correction is sent to the image forming unit GK. Then, since there is no sheet to be conveyed next, the control ends.

According to the copying machine 1 of the present embodiment, for example, the following effects are achieved.
In the copying machine 1 of the present embodiment, the paper feed roller 66 that feeds the paper T accommodated in the manual paper feed unit 64, the registration roller pair 80, and between the paper feed roller 66 and the registration roller pair 80. A manual feed path La in which the length of the transport path of the paper T is longer than the length along the transport direction of the paper T in the paper T, the paper feed roller driving mechanism 853, and a plurality of sheets of paper T pass through the transport path La. In the case of being transported, after the trailing edge of the paper T transported to the predetermined number of sheets has passed through the paper feed roller 66, before the leading edge of the paper T transported to the predetermined number of sheets reaches the registration roller pair 80. A paper feed roller control unit 864 that controls the paper feed roller drive mechanism 853 so as to transport the paper T that is transported next to the predetermined number of sheets at a distance from the paper T that is transported to the predetermined number of sheets; Is provided.

  Therefore, it is possible to transport the paper T that is transported next to the predetermined number of sheets with a gap from the paper T that is transported to the predetermined number of sheets. Accordingly, when images are continuously formed on a plurality of transfer materials, the paper T can be efficiently conveyed toward the image forming unit GK.

Further, in the present embodiment, the sheet T is disposed on the downstream side of the sheet feeding roller 66, and once the leading end of the sheet T is brought into contact with the sheet T in a stopped state to bend the sheet T, the sheet T is rotated to drive the sheet T. An intermediate registration roller pair 81 that feeds toward the pair 80 is further provided.
Therefore, the paper T fed by the paper feed roller 66 is skew-corrected by the intermediate registration roller pair 81 and then sent out toward the registration roller pair 80. Accordingly, the skew correction can be performed by the intermediate registration roller pair 81 before the skew correction is performed by the registration roller pair 80.

For example, the paper T fed from the manual paper feed unit 64 is highly likely to be fed obliquely. Even in such a case, the oblique conveyance of the sheet T that is obliquely fed can be suppressed by performing the skew correction by the intermediate registration roller pair 81 before performing the skew correction by the registration roller pair 80. .
Further, when the length of the transport path is long, there is a high possibility that the skew amount of the sheet T that is obliquely fed is increased by being transported along the long transport path. Such a possibility can be suppressed by performing skew correction by the intermediate registration roller pair 81 before skew correction of the paper T is performed by the registration roller pair 80.

Further, in the present embodiment, the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is configured such that the distance in the conveyance direction between the sheet feeding roller 66 and the intermediate registration roller pair 81 is greater than the length of the outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction of the sheet feeding roller 66. The sheet 81 is arranged so as to be shortened by the difference between the length of the sheet T on which the curve 81 is formed and the length of the sheet T on which the curve is not formed. Further, the paper feed roller control unit 864 controls the paper feed roller drive mechanism 853 so that the paper feed roller 66 is rotated by one rotation when the paper T is sent to the intermediate registration roller pair 81.
Therefore, an appropriate curve can be stably formed on the paper T by controlling the paper feed roller 66 to rotate only once. Thereby, appropriate skew correction can be performed stably.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the paper feeding clutch unit 663 includes a drive gear 664, a roller side gear 667 that can mesh with the drive gear 664, and a solenoid 670. Then, the rotation or stop of the drive gear 664 is controlled by operating the solenoid 670. As a result, the drive gear 664 rotates the paper feed roller 66 once through the roller side gear 667.
That is, the paper feed clutch unit 663 is configured mainly with a gear mechanism. Therefore, the paper feed clutch unit 663 has less variation in the rotation amount when the paper feed roller 66 is rotated than the case where the paper feed clutch unit 663 is mainly configured by an electromagnetic clutch. As a result, the length of the paper T that is transported for skew correction can be stabilized. Accordingly, appropriate skew correction can be stably performed on the paper T.

The present embodiment further includes a registration roller driving unit that rotationally drives the registration roller pair 80 and an intermediate registration roller driving unit that rotationally drives the intermediate registration roller pair 81, and includes a carry-out roller driving unit and an intermediate roller driving unit. The intermediate registration roller driving unit and the registration roller driving unit are configured by a conveyance driving unit 851 as the same driving source.
Therefore, since each roller and each roller pair are driven by the same drive source, the number of drive sources can be reduced. Thereby, the cost of the components in the copy machine 1 can be reduced. Moreover, since the number of drive sources can be reduced, the storage space for the component parts in the copier 1 can be effectively utilized.

As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be implemented with a various form, without being limited to embodiment mentioned above.
For example, the paper feed roller control unit 864 controls the rotation or stop of the paper feed roller 66 by the switching operation of the paper feed clutch unit 663, but is not limited thereto. For example, an independent drive source corresponding to the paper feed roller 66 may be provided, and the rotation or stop of the paper feed roller 66 may be directly controlled by the independent drive source. Similarly, for the intermediate registration control unit 814, the intermediate roller control unit 824, and the registration control unit 804, the rotation or stop of each roller pair may be directly controlled by an independent drive source.

In the above-described embodiment, the storage unit is the manual paper feed unit 64. However, the storage unit is not limited thereto, and may be a paper feed cassette 52.
In the above-described embodiment, the intermediate roller pair is the three intermediate roller pairs 82, 83, and 84, but is not limited thereto. There may be two pairs of intermediate rollers, or four or more pairs.

The type of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof.
The sheet-shaped transfer material is not limited to paper, and may be a film sheet, for example.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Copy machine (image forming apparatus), 64 ... Manual paper feed part (accommodating part), 66 ... Paper feed roller (carry-out roller), 80 ... Registration roller pair, 82, 83, 84 ... Intermediate roller Pair (intermediate roller), 824... Intermediate roller control section, 851... Transport drive section (unloading roller drive section, intermediate registration roller drive section, intermediate roller drive section, registration roller drive section), 853. Mechanism (carrying roller driving mechanism), 855... Intermediate roller driving mechanism, 864... Feeding roller control unit (carrying roller control unit), GK... Image forming unit, La. ...... Paper (Transfer material)

Claims (4)

An accommodating portion for accommodating a sheet-shaped transfer material;
An unloading roller for unloading the material to be transferred housed in the housing portion;
An image forming unit for forming an image on the transfer material;
A pair of registration rollers for temporarily driving the tip of the transfer material in a stopped state to bend the transfer material and then rotating it to send the transfer material to the image forming unit;
A transport path for transporting the transfer material stored in the storage unit to the image forming unit, wherein a length of the transfer path of the transfer material between the unloading roller and the registration roller pair A transport path longer than the length along the transport direction in which the transfer material in the transfer material is transported,
One or a plurality of intermediate rollers that are disposed between the carry-out roller and the registration roller pair in the conveyance path and convey the transfer material;
A carry-out roller drive mechanism having a carry-out roller drive section for rotating the carry-out roller;
An intermediate roller drive mechanism having an intermediate roller drive unit that rotationally drives the one or more intermediate rollers;
When a plurality of sheets of the material to be transferred are transported on the transport path, the rear end of the material to be transferred transported to the predetermined number of sheets is transported to the predetermined number of sheets after passing through the carry-out roller. Before the leading edge of the transfer material reaches the registration roller pair, the transfer material transported next to the predetermined number of sheets is transported with a gap from the transfer material transported to the predetermined number of sheets. A carry-out roller controller for controlling the carry-out roller drive mechanism;
An intermediate roller control unit that controls the intermediate roller driving mechanism so as to convey the material to be transferred conveyed by the carry-out roller toward the registration roller pair;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Located at the downstream side of the carry-out roller, in a stopped state, the tip of the transfer material is once brought into contact with the transfer material to bend the transfer material, and then rotated to drive the transfer material to the registration roller pair. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an intermediate registration roller pair that feeds toward the image forming apparatus. In the intermediate registration roller pair, the distance between the carry-out roller and the intermediate registration roller pair in the transport direction is curved by the intermediate registration roller pair in comparison with the length of the outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction of the carry-out roller. It is arranged so that the difference between the length of the transfer material and the length of the transfer material where the curve is not formed is short,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the carry-out roller control unit controls the carry-out roller driving mechanism so that the carry-out roller is driven to rotate once when the transfer material is fed to the intermediate registration roller pair. . A registration roller driving section that rotationally drives the registration roller pair;
An intermediate registration roller driving unit that rotationally drives the intermediate registration roller pair;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the carry-out roller driving unit, the intermediate roller driving unit, the intermediate registration roller driving unit, and the registration roller driving unit are configured from the same driving source.

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