JP2014172749A - Paper carrying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a paper carrying device capable of restraining an unreasonable load from being applied to paper, and capable of also restraining reduction in processing accuracy to the paper.SOLUTION: This scanner part (a paper carrying device) 100a is constituted so as to discharge paper S of executing image reading processing to a surface S1 on a first carrying passage via a discharge part 51 by rotating a discharge roller 5 when discharging the paper S of executing the image reading processing only to one surface, and is constituted so as to carry the paper S of executing the image reading processing to the surface S1 on the first carrying passage to the second carrying passage and to discharge the paper S of executing the image reading processing also to a reverse surface S2 on a second carrying passage via a discharge part 52 by reversely rotating the discharge roller 5 when discharging the paper S of executing the image reading processing to both surfaces.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet conveying apparatus, and more particularly, to a sheet conveying apparatus including a discharge roller configured to be rotatable in a first direction and a second direction.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a sheet conveying device including a discharge roller configured to be rotatable in a first direction and a second direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a double-sided recording device (paper transport device) provided with a recording unit (processing unit) for recording an image on paper. This double-sided recording apparatus has a function of recording an image on one side of a sheet and a function of recording an image on both sides of the sheet. Here, in this double-sided recording apparatus, the rotation direction can be switched between when the paper on which the image is recorded on only one side is discharged and when the paper on which the image is recorded on both sides is discharged. A switchback roller (discharge roller) is provided. As a result, when images are recorded on both sides of the paper, after the image is recorded on one side of the paper, the switchback roller rotates once in the direction opposite to the direction in which the paper is ejected. The paper on which the image is recorded only on one side is returned to the recording unit side again. In the double-sided recording apparatus according to Patent Document 1, only one paper discharge unit is provided near the surface on one side of the switchback roller.

JP 2010-228330 A

  However, in the double-sided recording device (paper transport device) disclosed in Patent Document 1, only one paper discharge unit is provided near the surface on one side of the switchback roller (discharge roller). When images are recorded on both sides, after the switchback roller rotates reversely and the sheet on which the image is recorded on only one side is returned to the recording unit (processing unit) side again, the vicinity of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet It is considered that there is a case where it is arranged in a state where the vicinity of the part overlaps the switchback roller. In this case, the reverse rotation of the switchback roller applies a force in the direction of returning to the recording unit in the vicinity of the rear end of the sheet, and in the direction of returning to the recording unit in the vicinity of the leading end of the sheet. It is considered that there is a problem that an excessive load may be applied to the paper because force is applied. Further, when the vicinity of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the sheet overlaps on the switchback roller as described above, the sheet feed amount by the switchback roller is not constant, and the accuracy of the image recording process on the sheet is lowered. There is also a problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to suppress an excessive load on the paper and to reduce the accuracy of processing on the paper. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper transport device capable of suppressing the above.

  In order to achieve the above object, a sheet transport apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first transport path including a first discharge section, and a second transport path including a second discharge section different from the first discharge section. The processing unit disposed on the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path for performing image reading processing or image printing processing on one surface or the other surface of the sheet is opposite to the first direction and the first direction. And a discharge roller for discharging the paper processed by the processing unit, and when the paper processed by the processing unit is discharged only on one side The discharge roller rotates in the first direction so that the sheet processed by the processing unit on one surface on the first transport path is discharged through the first discharge unit, and Processing by the processing unit is performed on both sides When the sheet is discharged, the discharge roller rotates in the first direction and then reversely rotates in the second direction, so that the sheet that has been processed by the processing unit on one surface on the first transport path is the second. The sheet that has been transported to the transport path and processed on the other surface of the second transport path by the processing section is also discharged through the second discharge section.

  In the paper transport device according to one aspect of the present invention, since the paper discharge section is composed of the first discharge section and the second discharge section by the configuration as described above, processing is performed only on one side. The paper discharge section can be made different between when the discharged paper is discharged and when the paper processed on both sides is discharged. As a result, even when paper that has been processed on both sides is discharged, the vicinity of the leading edge and the vicinity of the trailing edge of the paper are not placed on the discharge roller, so that the reverse rotation state The discharge roller does not apply a force in the direction of returning to the processing unit to both the vicinity of the leading end and the vicinity of the trailing end of the sheet. As a result, it is possible to suppress an excessive load on the paper. In addition, as a result of the fact that the vicinity of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the paper do not overlap on the discharge roller in this way, the amount of paper fed by the discharge roller can be made substantially constant, so that the accuracy of processing on the paper is improved It is also possible to suppress the decrease.

  Preferably, the sheet conveying device according to the above aspect further includes a first driven roller and a second driven roller arranged on opposite sides of the discharge roller, and the first driven roller and the discharge roller perform the first discharge. The second discharge portion is configured by the second driven roller and the discharge roller. According to this structure, the first driven roller and the second driven roller disposed on the opposite sides of the discharge roller can easily place the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit at different positions (on the discharge roller). (Positions on opposite sides of each other). Thereby, even when a sheet processed on both sides is discharged, it is possible to easily prevent the vicinity of the leading end portion and the trailing end portion of the sheet from being overlaid on the discharge roller. As a result, an unreasonable load is applied to the paper due to the force in the direction returning to the processing unit being applied to both the vicinity of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the paper by the reversely rotated discharge roller. Can be easily suppressed. In addition, the sheet disposed on the discharge roller in the first discharge unit (second discharge unit) can be stably conveyed while being sandwiched between the discharge roller and the first driven roller (second driven roller). .

  In the paper transport device according to the above aspect, preferably, when the paper processed by the processing unit on only one side is discharged, the paper is guided to the first discharge unit and the processing by the processing unit is performed on both sides. A switching member is further provided for switching the paper transport path so as to guide the paper to the second discharge unit when the broken paper is discharged. According to this configuration, by switching the sheet conveyance path by the switching member, the sheet that has been processed only on one side and the sheet that has been processed on both sides are separated from each other by two different discharge units (first discharge unit). And the second discharge part) can be easily discharged.

  In this case, preferably, the switching member is formed in a plate shape extending in a direction intersecting with the conveyance direction of the sheet so as to function as a guide for guiding the sheet to the first discharge unit or the second discharge unit. ing. According to this configuration, the switching member functions as a guide for guiding the sheet to the first discharge unit or the second discharge unit. Therefore, the sheet processed on only one side and the sheet processed on both sides are separated. And it can discharge easily and smoothly via two mutually different discharge parts (a 1st discharge part and a 2nd discharge part).

  In the sheet conveying apparatus in which the switching member is formed in a plate shape, preferably, the switching member is formed in a comb-like shape, and in the vicinity of the discharge roller that constitutes the first conveying path or the second conveying path together with the switching member. In this portion, a concave portion into which the comb-like portion of the switching member is fitted is formed. If comprised in this way, it can suppress that the level | step difference resulting from a switching member arises on a 1st conveyance path | route or a 2nd conveyance path | route by fitting the comb-tooth-shaped part of a switching member in a recessed part. In addition, by forming the switching member in a comb shape, it is possible to flatten the portion between the concave portions into which the comb-shaped portion (a plurality of comb tooth portions) of the switching member is fitted. The flat portion can also suppress the occurrence of a step due to the recess on the first transport path or the second transport path. As a result, when the paper transport path is switched by the switching member, the paper can be transported smoothly.

  Preferably, the sheet conveying apparatus provided with the switching member further includes a motor for rotating the discharge roller, and the switching member operates using an idle gear disposed between the discharge roller and the motor as a power source. It is configured. With this configuration, unlike the case where a dedicated power source for operating the switching member is separately provided, a motor for rotating the discharge roller can be used to easily switch without increasing the number of parts. The member can be operated.

  In the sheet conveying apparatus according to the above aspect, the path length of the second conveying path is preferably not more than a length along the sheet conveying direction. With this configuration, unlike the case where the path length of the second transport path is longer than the length along the sheet transport direction, the sheet transport device can be downsized.

  According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to suppress an excessive load on the sheet and to suppress a decrease in processing accuracy for the sheet.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an inkjet multifunction peripheral including a scanner unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the structure at the time of single-sided reading of the scanner part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which showed the structure at the time of double-sided reading of the scanner part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the switching flap and discharge guide of the scanner part by one Embodiment of this invention from the upper direction. It is the schematic diagram which showed the switching flap and idle gear at the time of the single-sided reading of the scanner part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the switching flap and idle gear at the time of the double-sided reading of the scanner part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the switching flap and discharge guide at the time of the single-sided reading of the scanner part by one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a switching flap and a discharge guide when the scanner unit according to an embodiment of the present invention performs double-side reading. It is the perspective view which showed the switching flap of the scanner part by one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a recess formed in a discharge guide of a scanner unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the structure of the inkjet multifunction device 100 including the scanner part 100a by one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. The scanner unit 100a is an example of the “paper transport device” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet multifunction peripheral 100 includes a scanner unit 100a having an image reading function and a printer unit 100b having an image printing function. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the scanner unit 100 a includes a reading unit 1 for performing image reading processing on the paper S. The printer unit 100b (see FIG. 1) includes a printing unit (not shown) for performing image printing processing on the paper S. The reading unit 1 is an example of the “processing unit” in the present invention.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the scanner unit 100a is configured to be able to perform image reading processing (single-sided reading: see FIG. 2) only on the front surface (one surface) S1 of the paper S. The image reading process (double-sided reading: see FIG. 3) can be performed on both sides of the front surface S1 and the back surface (other surface) S2 of the paper S. Hereinafter, description of the specific configuration of the printer unit 100b (see FIG. 1) will be omitted, and only the specific configuration of the scanner unit 100a will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the scanner unit 100 a is disposed in the vicinity of the paper feed port 50, and the paper feed roller 2 for feeding the paper S and the paper S fed by the paper feed roller 2. Are provided in the vicinity of two discharge units 51 and 52, which will be described later, and a discharge roller 5 for discharging the sheet S after reading. The scanner unit 100 a includes driven rollers 3 a and 4 a that rotate with the rotation of the transport rollers 3 and 4, and two driven rollers 5 a and 5 b that rotate with the rotation of the discharge roller 5.

  The paper feed roller 2 and the transport roller 3 are disposed on the upper surface of the paper feed guide 6 that extends in the horizontal direction (X direction) in the vicinity of the center in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the scanner unit 100a. The driven roller 3 a corresponding to the transport roller 3 is disposed in the vicinity of the lower surface of the upper guide 7 disposed so as to face the upper surface of the paper feed guide 6. Further, the transport roller 4 is disposed in the vicinity of the outer surface on the opposite side (lower left side in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the intermediate guide 8 disposed so as to face the lower surface of the paper feed guide 6. Yes. The driven roller 4 a corresponding to the transport roller 4 is disposed in the vicinity of the inner surface of the lower guide 9 that is disposed so as to face the outer surface of the intermediate guide 8 opposite to the discharge roller 5.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the discharge roller 5 is an upper surface of the discharge guide 10 disposed so as to face the outer surface of the intermediate guide 8 on the side opposite to the conveying roller 4. And the lower surface of the paper feed guide 6. A driven roller 5 a is disposed near the lower surface of the paper feed guide 6 disposed on the upper side of the discharge roller 5, and a driven roller is disposed near the upper surface of the discharge guide 10 disposed on the lower side of the discharge roller 5. 5b is arranged. Thereby, the discharge roller 51 and the driven roller 5a constitute a discharge portion 51, and the discharge roller 5 and the driven roller 5b constitute a discharge portion 52. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the discharge units 51 and 52 are configured to function as a discharge unit for the sheet S during single-sided reading and double-sided reading, respectively. The discharge units 51 and 52 are examples of the “first discharge unit” and the “second discharge unit” in the present invention, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, at the time of single-sided reading, the paper feed roller 2, the transport rollers 3, 4 and the discharge roller 5 are configured to rotate in the directions of arrows A1, A2, A3 and A4, respectively. Accordingly, the driven rollers 3a and 4a rotate in the opposite direction to the conveying rollers 3 and 4, respectively, and the driven rollers 5a and 5b rotate in the opposite direction to the discharge roller 5, respectively. It is configured. As a result, as shown by the one-dot chain line with an arrow in FIG. It is conveyed to the reading unit 1 side via a portion between the roller 3a and a portion between the conveying roller 4 and the driven roller 4a. Then, after the image reading process is performed on the surface S1 of the sheet S by the reading unit 1, the image is discharged through the discharge unit 51 between the discharge roller 5 and the driven roller 5a.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 3, at the time of double-sided reading, after the sheet S is transported to the discharge unit 51 side in the transport path shown in FIG. 2 (see the one-dot chain line with an arrow in FIG. 2), In addition, at a timing before the sheet S is completely discharged from the discharge unit 51, the discharge roller 5 is configured to rotate backward in the arrow A5 direction that is opposite to the arrow A4 direction (see FIG. 2). ing. Accordingly, the driven rollers 5 a and 5 b are configured to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the discharge roller 5. The rotation directions of the other rollers (for example, the conveyance roller 4 and the driven roller 4a) other than the discharge roller 5 and the driven rollers 5a and 4b are the same as those in the single-side reading shown in FIG. As a result, as indicated by the two-dot chain line with an arrow in FIG. 3, during double-sided reading, the sheet S on which image reading processing has been performed only on the front surface S <b> 1 on the conveyance path shown in FIG. From the discharge portion 51 between the discharge roller 5 and the driven roller 5a to the reading portion via the portion between the paper feed guide 6 and the intermediate guide 8 and the portion between the transport roller 4 and the driven roller 4a. 1 side is conveyed. Then, after the image reading process is performed on the back surface S2 of the paper S by the reading unit 1, the image is discharged through the discharge unit 52 between the discharge roller 5 and the driven roller 5b.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the sheet S in the state where the image reading process is performed on only one side (the front surface S1) is discharged, the discharge roller 5 is in the direction of the arrow A4 (see FIG. 2). By rotating, the sheet S on which the image reading process has been performed on the surface S1 on the transport path (hereinafter referred to as the first transport path) indicated by the one-dot chain line with an arrow in FIG. Discharged. Further, when the paper S on which the image reading process has been performed on both sides (the front surface S1 and the back surface S2) is discharged, the discharge roller 5 rotates in the arrow A4 direction (see FIG. 2) and then the arrow A5 direction ( The paper S on which the image reading process has been performed on the front surface S1 on the first transport path (see the dashed line with the arrow in FIG. 2) is rotated in the reverse direction in FIG. A sheet S that has been transported to a transport path indicated by a two-dot chain line (hereinafter referred to as a second transport path) and that has undergone image reading processing on the back surface S2 on the second transport path is then passed through the discharge unit 52. Discharged. In the present embodiment, the path length of the second transport path (the length in the direction along the two-dot chain line with an arrow between the discharge units 51 and 52 in FIG. 3) is the transport direction (X The length along the direction) is set to be equal to or shorter than the length. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the paper S is transported along the second transport path, the vicinity of the front end of the paper S is disposed in the discharge unit 52 and the vicinity of the rear end of the paper S is There is a case where it is arranged in the discharge part 51.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, the image reading process is performed only on the surface S <b> 1 in the vicinity of the discharge roller 5 and between the intermediate guide 8 and the discharge guide 10. The transport path of the paper S when the broken paper S is discharged (at the time of single-sided reading) and when the paper S on which image reading processing has been performed on both sides of the front surface S1 and the back surface S2 is discharged (at the time of double-sided reading) A switching flap 11 for switching (discharge path) is arranged. This switching flap 11 constitutes a first transport path (see the one-dot chain line with an arrow in FIG. 2) and a second transport path (see the two-dot chain line with an arrow in FIG. 3) together with the discharge guide 10, and at the time of single-side reading ( The sheet S is guided to the discharge unit 51 (see FIG. 2), and the conveyance path (discharge path) of the sheet S is switched so as to guide the sheet S to the discharge unit 52 during double-sided reading (see FIG. 3). Has been. The switching flap 11 is an example of the “switching member” in the present invention.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 to 9, the switching flap 11 has a direction (Y that is orthogonal to the transport direction (direction along the X direction) of the paper S (see FIGS. 2 and 3). It is formed in a plate shape extending in the direction). Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the switching flap 11 is configured to function as a guide for guiding the paper S to the discharge unit 51 or 52. That is, at the time of single-sided reading, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface of the switching flap 11 is configured to function as a guide for guiding the paper S to the discharge unit 51. Further, at the time of duplex reading, as shown in FIG. 3, the lower surface of the switching flap 11 is configured to function as a guide for guiding the paper S to the discharge unit 52.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 to 9, the portion 11 a of the switching flap 11 opposite to the discharge roller 5 is formed in a comb shape. 7, 8, and 10, the upper surface of the discharge guide 10 disposed below the switching flap 11 has a comb-like shape of the switching flap 11 during single-sided reading (see FIG. 7). A rectangular recess 10a into which the portion 11a is fitted is formed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the switching flap 11 is disposed between the motor 12 for rotating the discharge roller 5 and the discharge roller 5. The motor 12 and the discharge roller 5 are connected to each other via four idle gears 13, 14, 15, and 16. The switching flap 11 is attached to an idle gear 16 that rotates in the opposite direction to the idle gear 15 and the discharge roller 5 while meshed with the idle gear 15 and the discharge roller 5. Specifically, a projecting portion 16 a that projects to the opposite side (lower right side in FIGS. 5 and 6) with respect to the motor 12 and the discharge roller 5 is integrally provided on the outer peripheral portion of the idle gear 16. A columnar shaft portion 11b formed at the end of the switching flap 11 on the motor 12 side (see FIG. 9) is inserted into the linear groove portion 16b formed in the protruding portion 16a. As a result, the cylindrical shaft portion 11b of the switching flap 11 moves along the groove portion 16b of the protruding portion 16a that moves along with the rotation of the idle gear 16, so that the switching flap 11 is opposite to the discharge roller 5. The comb-shaped portion 11a is configured to move up and down. Thus, in the present embodiment, the switching flap 11 is configured to operate using the idle gear 16 as a power source.

  That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, during single-sided reading, the idle gear 16 causes the motor 12 to rotate the discharge roller 5 in the direction of arrow A4 (in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A4). Direction). As a result, the protruding portion 16a of the idle gear 16 is moved (rotated) in the direction approaching the discharge roller 5 (the direction of the arrow C1), and the cylindrical shaft portion 11b of the switching flap 11 is moved to the groove portion 16b of the protruding portion 16a. Is moved (slid) in the opposite direction (arrow D1 direction) with respect to the idle gear 16, and the comb-shaped portion 11a of the switching flap 11 is moved (rotated) downward (see the white arrow E1). Is done. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the comb-shaped portion 11 a of the switching flap 11 is moved so as to fit into the recess 10 a of the discharge guide 10, and the first conveyance path (the dashed line with the arrow in FIG. 2). The sheet S on which the image reading process has been performed only on the front surface S <b> 1 is conveyed to the discharge unit 51 side through a portion between the upper surface of the switching flap 11 and the intermediate guide 8. In FIG. 7, illustration of the motor 12 and the idle gears 13, 14 and 15 is omitted for simplification.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, at the time of double-sided reading, the idle gear 16 rotates the discharge roller 5 in the direction of arrow A4 (see FIG. 5) and then reversely rotates in the direction of arrow A5. The motor 12 is configured to be rotated in the direction of the arrow B2 (the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow A5). Thereby, the protrusion 16a on the outer peripheral portion of the idle gear 16 is moved (rotated) in a direction away from the discharge roller 5 (in the direction of arrow C2), and the columnar shaft portion 11b of the switching flap 11 is moved to the protrusion 16a. It is moved (slid) along the groove 16b toward the idle gear 16 (in the direction of arrow D2), and the comb-like portion 11a of the switching flap 11 is moved (rotated) in the upward direction (see the white arrow E2). The As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the comb-like portion 11a of the switching flap 11 is moved away from the recess 10a of the discharge guide 10, and the second transport path (with the arrow in FIG. 3) is moved. The sheet S on which the image reading process has been performed also on the back surface S2 on the second alternate long and short dash line) is conveyed to the discharge unit 52 side through a portion between the lower surface of the switching flap 11 and the discharge guide 10. In FIG. 8, the motor 12 and the idle gears 13, 14, and 15 are not shown for simplification.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, by providing two discharge sections for the paper S (discharge sections 51 and 52), processing (image reading processing by the reading section 1) is performed only on one side (front surface S1). The discharge portion of the paper S can be made different between when the paper S is discharged and when the paper S processed on both sides (the front surface S1 and the back surface S2) is discharged. Thereby, even when the sheet S processed on both sides is discharged, the vicinity of the front end portion and the vicinity of the rear end portion of the sheet S are not arranged on the discharge roller 5, so that The discharge roller 5 in the reverse rotation state does not apply a force in the direction of returning to the reading unit 1 to both the vicinity of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the paper S. As a result, it is possible to suppress an excessive load on the paper S. Further, as a result of the fact that the vicinity of the front end portion and the vicinity of the rear end portion of the paper S do not overlap on the discharge roller 5 in this way, the feed amount of the paper S by the discharge roller 5 can be made substantially constant. It is also possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of processing for the above.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the driven rollers 5a and 5b opposite to the discharge roller 5 are arranged, and the discharge roller 51 is constituted by the driven roller 5a and the discharge roller 5, and the driven roller A discharge portion 52 is configured by 5 b and the discharge roller 5. Accordingly, the discharge portions 51 and 52 are easily configured at different positions (positions opposite to the discharge roller 5) by the driven rollers 5a and 5b disposed on the opposite sides of the discharge roller 5. can do. As a result, even when the paper S processed on both sides is discharged, it is easily suppressed that the vicinity of the front end portion and the rear end portion of the paper S are overlapped on the discharge roller 5. Therefore, the sheet S is caused by the force in the direction of returning to the reading unit 1 on both the front end portion and the rear end portion of the sheet S by the discharge roller 5 in the reverse rotation state. Therefore, it is possible to easily suppress an excessive load. Further, the sheet S arranged on the discharge roller 5 in the discharge unit 51 (52) can be stably conveyed while being sandwiched between the discharge roller 5 and the driven roller 5a (5b).

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the sheet S that has been processed only on one side (the front surface S1) (image reading processing by the reading unit 1) is discharged (see FIGS. 2, 5, and 7). ), The sheet S is guided to the discharge unit 51, and when the sheet S that has been processed on both sides (the front surface S1 and the back surface S2) is discharged (see FIGS. 3, 6, and 8), the sheet S is removed. A switching flap 11 for switching the transport path (discharge path) of the paper S is provided so as to be guided to the discharge unit 52. Accordingly, by switching the transport path of the paper S by the switching flap 11, the paper S processed only on one side and the paper S processed on both sides are different from each other two discharge units (discharge unit 51). And 52) can be easily discharged.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the switching flap 11 is formed in a plate shape extending in the direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper S, and the switching flap 11 functions as a guide for guiding the paper S to the discharge unit 51 or 52. To be configured. As a result, the switching flap 11 functions as a guide for guiding the paper S to the discharge unit 51 or 52. Therefore, the paper S on which processing (image reading processing by the reading unit 1) is performed only on one side (front surface S1) and both sides ( The sheet S processed on the front surface S1 and the back surface S2) can be easily and smoothly discharged through two different discharge portions (discharge portions 51 and 52).

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the switching flap 11 is formed in a comb-like shape, and together with the switching flap 11, the first transport path (see the one-dot chain line with the arrow in FIG. 2) or the second transport path (FIG. 3). A recess 10a into which the comb-like portion 11a of the switching flap 11 is fitted is formed in a portion (discharge guide 10) in the vicinity of the discharge roller 5 constituting the two-dot chain line with an arrow. Thereby, it can suppress that the level | step difference resulting from the switching flap 11 arises on the 1st conveyance path | route or the 2nd conveyance path | route by fitting the comb-shaped part 11a of the switching flap 11 in the recessed part 10a. Further, by forming the switching flap 11 in a comb-like shape, the portion between the recesses 10a into which the comb-like portion (a plurality of comb-tooth portions) 11a of the switching flap 11 can be flattened can be made flat. The flat portion between the recesses 10a can also suppress the occurrence of a step due to the recess 10a on the first transport path or the second transport path. As a result, when the transport path of the paper S is switched by the switching flap 11, the paper S can be transported smoothly.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the switching flap 11 is configured to operate using the idle gear 16 disposed between the discharge roller 5 and the motor 12 for rotating the discharge roller 5 as a power source. . Accordingly, unlike the case where a dedicated power source for operating the switching flap 11 is separately provided, the switching flap can be easily and without increasing the number of parts by using the motor 12 for rotating the discharge roller 5. 11 can be operated.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the path length of the second transport path (see the two-dot chain line with an arrow in FIG. 3) is the length along the transport direction of the paper S (the direction along the X direction). Set to below. Thus, unlike the case where the path length of the second transport path is longer than the length along the transport direction of the paper S, the scanner unit 100a can be downsized.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the scanner unit included in the inkjet multifunction peripheral is shown as an example of the paper conveyance device of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to a printer unit included in an inkjet multifunction peripheral, and can also be applied to a general paper conveyance device such as a scanner device and a printer device that operate independently without being included in the multifunction peripheral.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the paper discharge unit (first discharge unit) on which the image reading process has been performed on only one side is disposed on the upper side of the discharge roller, and the paper on which the image reading process has been performed on both sides is discharged. Although the example in which the portion (second discharge portion) is disposed below the conveyance roller is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a paper discharge portion on which image reading processing has been performed on only one side is disposed below the discharge roller, and a paper discharge portion on which image reading processing has been performed on both sides is disposed on the upper side of the discharge roller. May be.

  In the above embodiment, two driven rollers that rotate in accordance with the rotation of the discharge roller are provided in the vicinity of the discharge roller, and the paper is sandwiched and conveyed by the discharge roller and each of the two driven rollers. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a fixing member that does not rotate may be provided in the vicinity of the discharge roller, and the paper may be sandwiched and conveyed by the discharge roller and the fixing member.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the sheet conveyance path (discharge path) is switched using a plate-like switching flap (switching member) extending along the direction intersecting the sheet conveyance direction has been described. Not limited to this. In the present invention, the sheet conveyance path (discharge path) may be switched using switching means other than the switching flap. In the present invention, the switching flap may be formed in an elongated shape extending along the paper conveyance direction.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the switching flap (switching member) showed the example formed in the comb-tooth shape, this invention is not limited to this. In this invention, the switching flap may be formed in the shape which does not have a comb-tooth shaped part. For example, the switching member may be formed in a large rectangular plate shape.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the switching flap (switching member) operates using an idle gear provided between the motor for rotating the discharge roller and the discharge roller as a power source has been shown. Not exclusively. In the present invention, a dedicated power source for operating the switching flap may be separately provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the path length of the sheet transport path (second transport path) on which the image reading process has been performed on both sides is set to be equal to or shorter than the length along the sheet transport direction is shown. The present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the path length of the sheet conveyance path on which image reading processing has been performed on both sides may be set larger than the length along the sheet conveyance direction.

1 Reading unit (processing unit)
5 discharge roller 5a driven roller (first driven roller)
5b driven roller (second driven roller)
10 discharge guide 10a recess 11 switching flap (switching member)
11a Comb-shaped part 12 Motor 16 Idle gear 51 Discharge part (1st discharge part)
52 Discharge part (second discharge part)
100a Scanner unit (paper transport device)
S paper

Claims (7)

A first transport path including a first discharge unit;
A second transport path including a second discharge unit different from the first discharge unit;
A processing unit disposed on the first transport path and the second transport path for performing image reading processing or image printing processing on one surface or the other surface of the paper;
A discharge roller configured to be rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and for discharging the paper that has been processed by the processing unit;
When the sheet that has been processed by the processing unit only on one side is discharged, the discharge roller rotates in the first direction, so that the processing unit is placed on the one surface on the first transport path. When the paper that has been processed by the processing unit is discharged through the first discharge unit, and the paper that has been processed by the processing unit on both sides is discharged, When the discharge roller rotates in the first direction and then reversely rotates in the second direction, the sheet having been processed by the processing unit on the one surface on the first conveyance path is transferred to the second conveyance path. The sheet conveying apparatus is configured such that the sheet conveyed to the second conveyance path and processed by the processing unit on the other surface of the second conveying path is discharged via the second discharge unit. A first driven roller and a second driven roller disposed on opposite sides of the discharge roller;
2. The first discharge portion is configured by the first driven roller and the discharge roller, and the second discharge portion is configured by the second driven roller and the discharge roller. Paper transport device.   When the sheet processed by the processing unit is discharged only on one side, the sheet is guided to the first discharge unit, and the sheet processed by the processing unit is discharged on both sides. 3. The paper transport apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switching member for switching a transport path of the paper so as to guide the paper to the second discharge unit.   The switching member is configured to function as a guide for guiding the paper to the first discharge portion or the second discharge portion by being formed in a plate shape extending in a direction intersecting with the conveyance direction of the paper. The paper conveying apparatus according to claim 3. The switching member is formed in a comb-teeth shape,
The recessed part which the comb-tooth-shaped part of the said switching member fits in the part of the vicinity of the said discharge roller which comprises the said 1st conveyance path | route or the said 2nd conveyance path | route with the said switching member is formed. The paper transport device described in 1. A motor for rotating the discharge roller;
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the switching member is configured to operate using an idle gear disposed between the discharge roller and the motor as a power source.   7. The sheet transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a path length of the second transport path is equal to or shorter than a length along a transport direction of the sheet.

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