JP2015004705A - Sheet conveyance apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet conveyance apparatus configured to reduce the possibility of damaging a sheet in opening a cover, and to enable easy access to the device body, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes: a device body 2; a first conveyance path 141 arranged in the device body; and a cover 8 openable/closable with respect to the device body and having a holding member 8B, a separation member 8C which is held by the holding member and can be separated from the holding member toward the device body, and a second conveyance path 142 formed of facing portions of the holding member and the separation member when the holding member holds the separation member. The separation member is separated from the holding member when the cover is opened with one sheet located in both first and second conveyance paths. The separation member is held by the holding member when the cover is opened with one sheet not located at least one of the first and second conveyance paths.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus provided with a cover and a separating member separable from the cover.

  In a conventional image forming apparatus, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a paper discharge conveyance unit that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body and a movable guide that forms a conveyance path in the paper discharge conveyance unit are provided, and the paper discharge conveyance unit is opened. The movable guide is separated to the apparatus main body side in conjunction with the device.

JP 62-31640 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, for example, when the user wants to access the inside of the apparatus main body by opening the paper discharge conveyance unit, the movable guide separated in conjunction with the opening of the paper discharge conveyance unit prevents access. There is a possibility.

  On the other hand, in a configuration in which the movable guide is not separated in conjunction with the opening of the paper discharge conveyance unit, for example, when one sheet is positioned on both the conveyance path in the paper discharge conveyance unit and the conveyance path in the apparatus body In some cases, there is a possibility that a load is applied to the sheet, for example, the sheet is pulled by opening the paper discharge conveyance unit. Furthermore, it can damage the sheet.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. A sheet conveying apparatus and an image that facilitate access to the apparatus main body while reducing the possibility of the sheet being damaged when the cover is opened. A forming apparatus is provided.

  In order to achieve this object, the sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention includes an apparatus main body, a first conveying path provided in the apparatus main body, and a cover that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body, A member, a separation member that is held by the holding member and can be separated from the holding member toward the apparatus main body, and the holding member and the separation member face each other in a state where the holding member holds the separation member A cover having a second conveyance path formed of a portion, and the separation member has one sheet positioned in both the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path. When the cover is opened in a state, the sheet is separated from the holding member, and one sheet is not positioned in at least one of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path. The cover is open When that is the, characterized in that it is held by the holding member.

  In this way, it is possible to facilitate access to the apparatus main body while reducing the possibility of the sheet being damaged when the cover is opened.

  In addition, the first conveyance roller pair that sandwiches the sheet in the first conveyance path, the roller provided in the holding member and the roller provided in the separation member in the second conveyance path. A second conveyance roller pair for nipping the sheet, and the separation member is positioned in a state where one sheet is located at a position where the sheet is nipped between the first conveyance roller pair and the second conveyance roller pair. When the is opened, it may be separated from the holding member.

  This reduces the possibility of the sheet being damaged in a situation where the sheet may be sandwiched between the first conveyance roller pair and the second conveyance roller pair that are more likely to be loaded by the sheet. It is possible to facilitate access to the apparatus main body.

  Further, when the cover is opened, the connection between the first transport path and the second transport path may be released.

  In this way, the load is more likely to be applied to the sheet. When the cover is opened, there is a possibility that the sheet is damaged in the configuration in which the connection between the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path is released. Access to the apparatus main body can be facilitated while reducing.

  The cover has a first end connected to the apparatus main body, and is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body by rotating about the first end. The device main body may be located on the opposite side of the first end portion with respect to the center position of the device main body.

  In this way, the sheet can be damaged in the cover configuration in which the load is more likely to be applied to the sheet, and the connection position of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path is far from the center of rotation of the cover. It is possible to facilitate access to the apparatus main body while reducing the performance.

  Further, the separation member is provided such that a second end is connected to the cover and can be separated from the holding member by rotating about the second end, and the second end is The device main body may be located on the same side as the first end portion with respect to the center position.

  In this way, it is possible to easily access the apparatus main body while reducing the possibility of the sheet being damaged and making it easy to take out the sheet from the apparatus main body.

  The first transport path and the second transport path are linear paths extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction from the apparatus main body toward the cover, and the first transport path and the first transport path are The two transport paths may be connected by a third transport path extending in substantially the same direction as the direction from the apparatus main body to the cover.

  In this way, in a configuration having a conveyance path having a shape in which a load is more likely to be applied to the sheet, it is possible to easily access the apparatus main body while reducing the possibility of the sheet being damaged.

  The cover is a separation holding unit that holds the separation member on the holding member, and the holding is released when a force is applied to the apparatus main body side by the sheet, and the separation member is separated from the holding member. The separation holding unit may be provided, and the separation holding unit may be provided at a position avoiding an end opposite to the second end.

  With this configuration, in the configuration in which the cover and the separation member are held by the separation holding portion that is released when the force is applied, the possibility of the sheet being damaged is reduced, and access to the apparatus main body is achieved. Can be made easier.

  The separation holding unit includes a protrusion provided on one of the holding member and the separation member, and a groove into which the protrusion provided on the other of the separation member and the holding member corresponding to the protrusion is fitted. It may be a thing.

  In this way, since the separation member is separated by a mechanical mechanism, it operates even when the power is turned off.

  Further, at least one of the protrusion and the groove may be constituted by an elastic member.

  In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility of breakage of the separation holding portion due to separation / holding of the separation member.

  In addition, a motor that transmits driving to the second conveying roller pair is provided, and the second conveying roller pair is configured such that transmission of driving from the motor is cut when the cover is opened. Also good.

  In this way, it is possible to facilitate access to the apparatus main body while reducing the possibility of the sheet being damaged.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention made to achieve this object is formed on a sheet by the sheet conveying device, an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet with a developer, and the image forming unit. And a fixing device for fixing the image, wherein the first conveying roller pair is the fixing device.

  In this way, in the configuration including the fixing device having a stronger force for pinching the sheet, it is possible to easily access the apparatus main body while reducing the possibility of the sheet being damaged.

  The second transport path may be a transport path used when the image is formed on both sides of the sheet.

  In this way, it is possible to facilitate access to the apparatus main body while reducing the possibility of the sheet being damaged, particularly when performing image formation on both sides of the sheet.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate access to the apparatus main body while reducing the possibility of the sheet being damaged when the cover is opened.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a laser printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of the laser printer 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a top cover 8 of the laser printer 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the top cover 8 of the laser printer 1 taken along the line A-A ′. FIG. FIG. 3 is a B-B ′ sectional view of the top cover 8 of the laser printer 1. It is a figure which shows schematic structure when the top cover 8 of the said laser printer 1 exists in a closed position. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration when a top cover 8 is in an open position when a sheet S stays in the main body housing 2 of the laser printer 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration when the top cover is in an open position when the sheet S stays in the main body housing 2 and the top cover 8 of the laser printer 1. It is a figure which shows schematic structure when the top cover 8 exists in a closed position of the laser printer 1 in 3rd Example.

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

(First embodiment)
(1) Schematic Configuration of Laser Printer First, the schematic configuration of the laser printer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a laser printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the following description, the left side in FIG. 1 is “front”, the right side is “rear”, the front side of the page is “right”, and the back side is “left”. Also, the vertical direction in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a laser printer 1 (an example of a sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus) includes a main body casing 2 (an example of an apparatus main body), a paper feeding unit 3 disposed in the main body casing 2, and an exposure. A unit 4, a process unit 5 (an example of an image forming unit), a fixing unit 7, a top cover 8 (an example of a cover) provided on the main body housing 2, and a front side of the main body housing 2. A discharge tray 9 is mainly provided.

  The paper supply unit 3 is configured to supply a sheet S (an example of a sheet) to the process unit 5, and includes a supply tray 31 that can store the sheet S, a paper supply roller 33, a separation roller 34, and a conveyance roller. 36 and a registration roller 37 are mainly provided. When forming an image, first, the sheet S in the supply tray 31 is supplied to the process unit 5 by a paper feed roller 33, a separation roller 34, a conveyance roller 36 and a registration roller 37.

  The exposure unit 4 exposes the photosensitive drum 51 of the process unit 5.

  The process unit 5 is configured to transfer a toner image as a developer image to the sheet S supplied from the supply tray 31, and includes a photosensitive drum 51, a transfer roller 53, a developing roller 64, and the like. In the process unit 5, the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is uniformly charged and then exposed by the exposure unit 4, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 51. Then, the toner in the developer container 67 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 51 via the developing roller 64, whereby the electrostatic latent image is visualized and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 51. . Thereafter, the sheet S supplied from the sheet feeding unit 3 passes between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 53, whereby the toner image on the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred onto the sheet S.

  The fixing unit 7 is configured to thermally fix the toner image on the sheet S conveyed from the process unit 5, and includes a heating roller 71 and a pressure roller 72 (an example of a fixing device and a first conveying roller pair). It is mainly equipped with. The sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred by the process unit 5 passes between the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72, so that the toner image is thermally fixed. Thus, the image formation is completed, and then the sheet S is discharged onto the discharge tray 9 by a conveying roller 73 provided upstream of the switching path 125 described later, or again to form an image on the other surface. 5 is conveyed to a later-described re-conveying path 140 for guiding toward the vehicle 5. Note that the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 have a stronger force for pinching the sheet S than other conveyance rollers such as the conveyance roller 73.

  The top cover 8 is connected to the main body housing 2 by a first rotating shaft 81 located at a first end portion 8A (an example of a first end portion) that is a rear end and a lower end portion of the top cover 8. . Further, the closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 and the like, which is a position where the top cover 8 closes the upper portion of the main body housing 2 by rotating the front portion upward about the first rotation shaft 81; The top cover 8 is provided so as to be displaceable between an open position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, which is a position where the top of the main body housing 2 is opened. The top cover 8 is displaced to the open position when the sheet S is removed when the sheet S stays in the conveyance path 100, or when the process unit 5 including the developer accommodating portion 67 is replaced.

  Next, the conveyance path 100 of the sheet S formed in the main body housing 2 and the top cover 8 and the configuration related thereto will be described.

  The laser printer 1 is configured to be able to form images on both sides of the sheet S, and includes a first supply path 110, a second supply path 120, a switching path 125, a discharge path 130, and a re-conveyance path 140. A conveyance path 100 is formed. Each path is formed by wall-shaped or rib-shaped guides (reference numerals omitted) provided to face a surface on which an image of the sheet S passing through the path is formed, and the A4 size sheet S is supplied to the supply tray. Specifically, the A4 size sheet S can be guided in a state in which the longitudinal direction thereof is directed in the left-right direction while maintaining the orientation accommodated in 31.

  The first supply path 110 is a path for guiding the sheet S accommodated in the supply tray 31 toward the process unit 5 and extends upward from the upper conveying roller 36 and then curves forward. It extends to the registration roller 37 (process unit 5).

  The second supply path 120 guides the sheet S set in the manual feed opening 24 toward the process unit 5 and again forms an image on the other side of the sheet S on which the image is formed on one side. This is a part of a route for guiding to the process unit 5. Here, the manual feed opening 24 is an opening for supplying the sheet S to the process unit 5 from the outside of the main body housing 2, and is provided on the upstream side of the process unit 5 in the conveyance direction of the sheet S in the process unit 5. Are provided at the upper part of the rear end of the main body housing 2 and open upward. The second supply path 120 extends downward to the vicinity of the first supply path 110 from the manual feed opening 24 and then extends to the registration roller 37 (process unit 5) while curving forward. It merges with the first supply path 110 on the upstream side in the direction. In the second supply path 120, in the vicinity of the first rotation shaft 81 of the top cover 8, the main body casing 2 passes through the forward conveyance direction in which the sheet S is conveyed toward the process unit 5 and the manual opening 24. A conveyance roller 121 configured to be able to switch the rotation direction to a reverse conveyance direction for conveying outward is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a manual feed tray 25 is provided at the rear part of the main body housing 2. The manual feed tray 25 is set in the manual feed opening 24 by being in an upright position shown in FIG. 1 in a posture along the vertical direction with respect to the main body housing 2 and in a posture swinging backward from the upright position. The sheet S is provided so as to be displaceable between an inclined position (not shown) for supporting the sheet S from below. The manual feed tray 25 is provided so as to form a predetermined gap between the manual feed tray 25 and the top cover 8 when it is in an upright position. It has guide part 25A extended toward. With such a configuration, when the manual feed tray 25 is in the upright position, the laser printer 1 extends upward from the manual feed opening 24 to the top surface of the top cover 8, and then bends forward and the top surface of the top cover 8. An inversion path 150 is formed that opens toward the surface.

  The switching path 125 is a path for guiding the sheet S to the re-conveying path 140 in order to guide the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 to the outside of the main body housing 2 (discharge tray 9) or to the process unit 5 again. It extends in the front-rear direction from the fixing unit 7 to a discharge path 130 described later. Accordingly, a path (an example of a first transport path) by the fixing unit 7 and the switching path 125 extends in the front-rear direction, that is, the direction orthogonal to the upward direction that is the direction from the main body housing 2 to the top cover 8. . In addition, this path | route does not need to extend in the perfect front-back direction, For example, the thing etc. which were inclined a little up-down direction may be sufficient. Further, the switching path 125 is provided with a conveyance roller 73 for conveying the sheet S.

  The discharge path 130 is a path for guiding the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 toward the outside of the main body casing 2 (discharge tray 9). The discharge path 130 is provided from the switching path 125 to the front portion of the main body casing 2. It extends in the front-rear direction to the discharge opening 26 constituted by the edge of the opening extending in the left-right direction.

  The re-conveying path 140 is a path for guiding the sheet S to the second supply path 120 in order to guide the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 toward the process unit 5 again. More specifically, after an image is formed on one surface of the sheet S, it is a part of a path for guiding again to the process unit 5 in order to form an image on the other surface. The re-conveying path 140 extends obliquely upward in the forward direction so as to branch from the switching path 125, and then extends upward, which is a direction from the main body housing 2 toward the top cover 8. The first path 141 (an example of a third transport path) that continues to the connecting portion 50 that is the boundary with the head 8, and passes through the top cover 8 from the connecting portion 50 and finally the transport roller 121 (manual opening 24). And a second path 142 extending to the vicinity. The second path 142 is continuous from the first part 142A and the first part 142A (an example of the second transport path) extending in the front-rear direction from the connecting portion 50 to the rear end of the process unit 5 in the top cover 8. The second portion 142B extending to the vicinity of the conveying roller 121 (manual opening 24). Note that the first portion 142A of the second path 142 may not extend completely in the front-rear direction, and may be slightly inclined in the vertical direction, for example.

  The second path 142 is provided with a conveyance roller 144 (an example of a second conveyance roller pair) for nipping and conveying the sheet S.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a flapper 131 is provided at the branching portion that branches from the switching path 125 to the discharge path 130 or the re-transport path 140. Yes. The flapper 131 swings upward as indicated by a chain line when discharging the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 to the discharge tray 9 upon completion of image formation, and the flapper 131 of the sheet S on which an image is formed on one surface. In order to guide the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 to form the image on the other surface to the process unit 5 again to guide the sheet S to the re-conveying path 140, the sheet S swings downward as indicated by a solid line. .

  As described above, when the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 is discharged to the discharge tray 9 after passing through the first supply path 110, the process unit 5, the fixing unit 7, etc., the sheet S passes through the fixing unit 7. Then, it passes through the switching path 125 and the discharge path 130 and is discharged to the discharge tray 9.

  On the other hand, when the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 is guided again to the process unit 5 in order to form an image on the other side of the sheet S having an image formed on one side, the sheet S is fixed. After passing through the unit 7, it passes through the switching path 125 and the re-transport path 140. Then, the sheet S is conveyed in the reverse conveying direction by the reverse rotation of the conveying roller 121 of the second supply path 120 until the end on the rear side in the sheet conveying direction is sandwiched, and passes through the reverse path 150, and is forwardly rotated by the conveying roller 121. It is conveyed in the forward conveyance direction, passes through the second supply path 120, and is conveyed again to the process unit 5.

(2) Electrical Configuration of Laser Printer FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of the printer 1.

  2, the printer 1 includes a CPU 60, a memory 61, a network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network I / F”) 62, a solenoid 14, a notification unit 15, a detection unit 16, and a drive motor 17 (an example of a motor). ) Etc.

  The memory 61 stores a program for executing the operation of the laser printer 1. The CPU 60 controls each unit according to the program read from the memory 61.

  The network I / F 62 is connected to an external computer (not shown) or the like via a communication line and is capable of mutual data communication. For example, the network I / F 62 receives image data for image formation.

  The solenoid 14 is connected to the flapper 131, and the flapper 131 swings when the solenoid 14 is controlled by the CPU 60. More specifically, when the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 upon completion of image formation is discharged to the discharge tray 9, the solenoid 14 is controlled so that the flapper 131 swings upward as indicated by the chain line, When the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 is guided again to the process unit 5 in order to form an image on this surface, the solenoid 14 is controlled so that the flapper 131 swings downward as indicated by a solid line.

  The notification unit 15 includes a display, a lamp, and the like, and can display the operation state of the apparatus by the CPU 60 to notify the user of information.

  The detection unit 16 is provided in the upstream of the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72, the downstream of the conveying roller 144, the first path 141, and the like, and two detection signals are sent to the CPU 60 corresponding to the presence or absence of the sheet S. introduce.

  The drive motor 17 rotationally drives various rollers such as the heating roller 71, the pressure roller 72, and the conveyance roller 144 using a gear mechanism including the gear 45 described later in detail.

(3) Detailed Configuration of Top Cover Next, the detailed configuration of the top cover 8 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the top cover 8 of the laser printer 1.

  4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A ′ of FIG. 3.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ′ of FIG. 3.

  The top cover 8 mainly includes a holding member 8B (an example of a holding member) and a separating member 8C (an example of a separating member).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the like, the holding member 8B mainly constitutes an upper portion of the top cover 8, and the main body housing is formed by the first rotation shaft 81 located at the first end 8A. 2 and is rotatably provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the like, the separation member 8C mainly constitutes a lower portion of the top cover 8, and a second end 8D (second end portion) which is a rear end of the separation member 8C. Is connected to the holding member 8 </ b> B by a second rotation shaft 82 located in the example). The separation member 8C is held by the holding member 8B by the separation holding unit 40 described in detail later. Further, when the holding by the separation holding unit 40 is released, the holding member 8B is separated. In particular, when the holding of the holding member 8B is released, the separation member 8C is configured so that the front portion rotates about the second rotation shaft 82, thereby centering on the first rotation shaft 81. The holding member 8B is rotated independently of the rotating holding member 8B, and can be separated from the holding member 8B toward the main body housing 2 side. Note that the second end 8D is a body case 2 that is an intermediate point between the first end 8A and the third end 8E that is the end opposite to the front-rear direction from the first end 8A. Is located behind the center position C (an example of the center position). That is, it is located on the same side as the first end 8A. Thereby, as will be described in detail later, when the sheet S stays in front of the main body housing 2 and in front of the second path 142, the second path 142 is more largely opened in front of the seat S, The sheet S can be easily taken out.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the second path 142 is configured by the lower surface of the holding member 8B and the upper surface of the separating member 8C in a state where the holding member 8B holds the separating member 8C. Further, the conveying roller 144 is configured to sandwich the sheet by a main driving roller 144A provided on the holding member 8B and a driven roller 144B provided on the separation member 8C. As shown in FIG. 8, the top cover 8 is separated into a holding member 8B having a main driving roller 144A and a separating member 8C having a driven roller 144B because the second path 142 can be opened.

  The connecting portion 50 includes a front end of the second path 142 on the main body housing 2 side and an end of the first path 141 shown in FIG. 1 on the top cover 8 side. The first path 141 and the second path 142 is connected. The connecting portion 50 is located forward with respect to the center position C. That is, it is located on the opposite side to the first end 8A and the center position C. Further, when the top cover 8 is opened, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the end of the first path 141 on the top cover 8 side and the end of the second path 142 on the main body housing 2 side are provided. The connection is released, and the connection between the first path 141 and the second path 142 is released at the connecting portion 50.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the separation holding unit 40 is provided at a position behind the second end 8D and the fourth end 8F, which is the end opposite to the center position C, and is a separation member. 8C is held by the holding member 8B by the separation holding unit 40 as shown in FIG. 4 when the top cover 8 is in the closed position. More specifically, a protrusion 40A (an example of a protrusion) by a leaf spring (an example of an elastic member) provided on the left and right of the separation member 8C, and a protrusion 40A provided on a portion of the holding member 8B corresponding to the protrusion 40A. The separation member 8C is held by the holding member 8B by the groove 40B (an example of the groove) in which the is fitted. Note that the holding member 8B may be provided with the protrusion 40A and the separation member 8C may be provided with the groove 40B. Further, not only the protrusion 40A but also the groove 40B may be configured by a leaf spring. Further, the protrusion 40A may be made of rubber or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the sheet S is positioned between the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 in the main body housing 2 and the conveying roller 144 in the top cover 8, the top cover 8 is positioned. Is opened, the sheet S located in the second path 142 comes into contact with the upper end of the fourth end portion 8F, the switching path 125, etc. Pulled on. As a result, the separation holding unit 40 is configured so that a certain amount of force is applied downward, that is, in the direction of the main body housing 2 by the sheet S, and the protrusion 40A is detached from the groove 40B. As a result, the separating member 8C is separated from the holding member 8B, and can be independently rotated with respect to the holding member 8B as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the conveyance roller 144 is rotated by the drive of the drive motor 17 by a gear 45. The gear 45 is provided on the main body housing 2 and the top cover 8 when the top cover 8 is in the closed position as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the like, and is connected to the main body gear 45A. A cover gear 45B, and a roller gear 45C connected to the cover gear 45B and supplying a rotation shaft of the main driving roller 144A. As a result, the drive of the drive motor 17 is transmitted to the main driving roller 144A and rotates. The driven roller 144B is also rotated by the rotation of the main driving roller 144A, and as a result, the sheet S is nipped and conveyed. On the other hand, when the top cover 8 is opened, the main body gear 45A and the cover gear 45B are separated, and the connection between the two gears 45 is disconnected. Thereby, the drive of the drive motor 17 is not transmitted to the main driving roller 144A, but the drive transmission to the transport roller 144 is cut off.

(4) Holding / separation of separation member when top cover is opened Subsequently, holding / separation of the separation member 8C when the top cover 8 is opened will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration when the top cover 8 of the laser printer 1 is in the closed position.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration when the top cover 8 is in the open position when the sheet S stays in the main body housing 2 of the laser printer 1.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration when the top cover 8 is in the open position when the sheet S stays in the main body housing 2 and the top cover 8 of the laser printer 1.

  In this embodiment, a case is considered in which the sheet S stays in the laser printer 1 after being formed on one side and then skewed during re-conveying to form an image on the other side. . When an image is formed on the sheet S by the process unit 5 or the like, as shown in FIG. 6, the top cover 8 is in the closed position, and the separation member 8C is held by the holding member 8B.

  First, when one sheet S is not located at a position that is sandwiched by both the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 in the main body housing 2 and the conveying roller 144 in the top cover 8. For example, when the sheet S stays in the process unit 5, the fixing unit 7, the switching path 125, and the first path 141 as shown in FIG. 7 during image formation on the sheet S, the detection unit 16 detects the heating roller 71. The CPU 60 transmits a signal corresponding to the presence of the sheet S upstream of the pressure roller 72 and the first path 141 and a signal corresponding to the absence of the sheet S downstream of the conveying roller 144 to the CPU 60. When the CPU 60 determines that a signal corresponding to the presence of the sheet S has been transmitted for a predetermined time or more by a timer (not shown), the CPU 60 stops the image formation, indicates that the sheet S stays in the laser printer 1, and the top The notification unit 15 notifies the user that the sheet S staying by removing the cover 8 is urged to be removed.

  In this case, when the user opens the top cover 8, the position where the sheet S is sandwiched between both the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 in the main body housing 2 and the conveying roller 144 in the top cover 8. 7, the separation holding portion 40 is not subjected to a certain downward force by the sheet S, so that the separation member 8C is held by the holding member 8B as shown in FIG. The cover 8 is opened.

  Thus, the user accesses the inside of the main body housing 2 from the opened upper portion of the main body housing 2 and removes the stayed sheet S. Then, the user closes the top cover 8 again and performs an operation indicating that the removal of the sheet S has been completed from an operation unit (not shown). When receiving an operation indicating that the removal of the sheet S has been completed, the CPU 60 starts the operation of the laser printer 1 again.

  Note that the top cover is not in a state where one sheet S is positioned between the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 in the main body housing 2 and the conveying roller 144 in the top cover 8. The case where 8 is opened means that the sheet S is located in both the switching path 125 and the second path 142 in addition to the case where the sheet S stays in either the main body housing 2 or the top cover 8 as described above. However, when the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 and the transporting roller 144 in the top cover 8 are not located in the position, or in the main body housing 2 and the top cover 8 For example, a case where the process unit 5 is exchanged can be considered. Even in such a situation, as described above, the separation member 8C is held by the holding member 8B when the top cover 8 is opened. Thereby, the possibility that the separating member 8 </ b> C hinders the user's access to the main body housing 2 can be reduced.

  On the other hand, when one sheet S is in a position that is sandwiched by both the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 in the main body housing 2 and the conveying roller 144 in the top cover 8. That is, when the sheet S stays in the fixing unit 7, the first path 141, and the conveyance roller 144 during image formation on the sheet S, the detection unit 16 detects the upstream of the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72, the conveyance roller. A signal corresponding to the presence of the sheet S is transmitted to the CPU 60 at all locations along the first path 141 downstream of 144. When the CPU 60 determines that a signal corresponding to the presence of the sheet S has been transmitted for a predetermined time or more by a timer (not shown), the CPU 60 stops image formation and indicates that the sheet S stays in the laser printer 1. The notification unit 15 notifies the user that the sheet S staying by removing the top cover 8 is urged to be removed.

  In this case, the sheet S is positioned in the second path 142 and is held between both the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 in the main body housing 2 and the conveying roller 144 in the top cover 8. 8, when the user opens the top cover 8, the sheet S applies a certain amount of downward force to the separation holding unit 40, so that the separation member 8 </ b> C is Separated from the holding member 8B, the second path 142 is opened.

  Thereby, the user easily removes the staying sheet S from the opened second path 142. Then, the user returns the top cover 8 to the closed position again. At this time, when the separation member 8C comes into contact with the member in the main body housing 2 and an upward force is applied, the protrusion 40A is fitted again into the groove 40B, and the separation member 8C is held again by the holding member 8B. The user performs an operation to the effect that the removal of the sheet S is completed using an operation unit (not shown). When receiving an operation indicating that the removal of the sheet S has been completed, the CPU 60 starts the operation of the laser printer 1 again.

<Effect>
According to the embodiment described above, when the top cover 8 is opened with respect to the main body housing 2, one sheet S is placed on both the heating roller 71, the pressure roller 72, and the conveying roller 144. When there is a possibility of being pinched, the separating member 8C constituting one surface of the second path 142 separates from the holding member 8B constituting the other surface toward the main body housing 2 side. Thereby, when the 2nd path | route 142 is open | released and the top cover 8 is open | released, the load concerning the sheet | seat S can be reduced. Further, when there is no possibility that one sheet S is sandwiched between the heating roller 71, the pressure roller 72, and the conveying roller 144, the separating member 8C is held by the holding member 8B. . Thereby, when the top cover 8 is opened, the separation member 8 </ b> C can be prevented from obstructing access to the main body housing 2. Therefore, when the top cover 8 is opened, it is possible to easily access the main body housing 2 while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged.

  Further, when the top cover 8 is opened, the first path and the 141 second path 142 are configured such that the load on the sheet S is more easily applied than the configuration in which the connection between the first path and the 141 second path 142 is not released. When the top cover 8 is opened when there is a possibility that a certain load or more may be applied to the seat S, the second path 142 is opened. Thereby, the load applied to the sheet S when the top cover 8 is opened can be reduced. Therefore, in the configuration in which the load is more likely to be applied to the sheet S, it is possible to easily access the main body housing 2 while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged.

  Further, when the top cover 8 is opened, the load is more easily applied to the sheet S than when the connecting portion 50 of the first path 141 and the second path 142 is near the first rotation shaft 81. In a configuration in which the connecting portion 50 between the first path 141 and the second path 142 is far from the first rotation shaft 81, the top cover 8 is opened when there is a possibility that a certain load is applied to the sheet S. In doing so, the second path 142 is opened. Thereby, the load applied to the sheet S when the top cover 8 is opened can be reduced. Therefore, in the configuration of the top cover 8 in which a load is more easily applied to the sheet S, it is possible to easily access the main body housing 2 while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged.

  In addition, when there is a possibility that a certain load or more is applied to the sheet S when the top cover 8 is opened, the separating member 8C sandwiches the center position C of the main body housing 2 from the holding member 8B. By separating the second end portion 8D on the same side as the first end portion 8A, that is, on the opposite side to the connecting portion 50, the main body housing 2 is separated. Accordingly, the second path 142 is more largely opened on the side on which the sheet S is positioned than in the case where the separation member 8C rotates around the second end portion 8D on the same side as the connecting portion 50. Therefore, it is possible to easily access the main body housing 2 while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged and making it easy to take out the sheet S from the main body housing 2.

  In addition, when the top cover 8 is opened, the switching path 125 and the first shape of the shape in which the load is more easily applied to the seat S than when the two paths extending in the front-rear direction are not connected by the path extending in the up-down direction. When the sheet S is positioned in the first portion 142A of the path 141 and the second path 142, the second path 142 is opened. Thereby, the load applied to the sheet S when the top cover 8 is opened can be reduced. Therefore, in the configuration having the conveyance path 100 having a shape in which a load is more likely to be applied to the sheet S, it is possible to easily access the main body housing 2 while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged.

  In addition, when the top cover 8 is opened, the holding member 8B and the separation member 8C are held by the separation holding portion 40 that is released from being held when a force is applied to the main body housing 2 by the sheet S. With respect to the separation member, the separation member 40 is provided at a position far from the second rotation shaft 82, for example, avoiding the fourth end 8F, so that the force applied to the separation holding unit 40 by the sheet S is reduced by a smaller force. 8C can be separated. Thereby, the load applied to the sheet S when the top cover 8 is opened can be further reduced as compared with the case where the separation holding unit 40 is provided at the fourth end 8F. Accordingly, in the configuration in which the holding member 8B and the separation member 8C are held by the separation holding unit 40 that is released by being applied with force, the possibility of the sheet S being damaged is reduced to the main body housing 2. Can be easily accessed.

  In addition, since the separation member 8C is separated by a mechanical mechanism, it operates even when the power is turned off.

  In addition, since the separation member 8C is separated and held by the protrusions 40A and the grooves 40B formed of an elastic member such as a leaf spring, the possibility of breakage of the separation holding portion 40 can be reduced.

  In addition, when the top cover 8 is opened, the transmission of the drive to the transport roller 144 is cut off, so that the load applied to the sheet S can be made smaller than when the drive of the transport roller 144 is continued. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to access the main body housing 2 while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged.

Further, when the top cover 8 is opened, the sheet S can be held between the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 that have a stronger force for holding the sheet S than other rollers such as the registration roller 37. In the case where there is a characteristic, the second path 142 is opened.
Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to access the main body housing 2 while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged.

  In particular, when image formation is performed on both sides of the sheet S, when the top cover 8 is opened, one sheet S and the top cover 8 that is used when image formation is performed on both sides. If the second path 142 is located in both of the second paths 142, the second path 142 is opened. Therefore, when image formation is performed on both sides of the sheet S, it is possible to facilitate access to the main body housing 2 while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The points not described are the same as in the first embodiment.

  The separation holding unit 40 is configured such that the protrusion 40A is detached from the groove 40B when a certain force or more is applied downward. More specifically, when one sheet S is positioned on both the switching path 125 (an example of the first transport path) in the main body housing 2 and the second path 142 in the top cover 8. When the top cover 8 is opened, the sheet S located in the second path 142 is moved in the direction of opening the top cover 8 by being caught by the upper part of the switching path 125, the upper part of the first path 141, the fourth end 8F, or the like. On the contrary, it is pulled downward, that is, in the direction of the main body housing 2. As a result, a certain level of force is applied to the separation holding unit 40. For example, one sheet S is positioned in the switching path 125 and the second path 142, and the sheet S is sandwiched between at least one of the heating roller 71, the pressure roller 72, and the conveying roller 144. In the same manner, when the sheet S is sandwiched between the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 or the conveying roller 144, the sheet S positioned in the second path 142 is against the opening direction of the top cover 8. It is pulled downward or in the direction of the main body housing 2 with a certain force.

  The detection unit 16 is provided in the switching route 125, the second route 142, the first route 141, and the like.

  First, when one sheet S is not located in both the switching path 125 in the main body housing 2 and the second path 142 in the top cover 8, for example, as in the first embodiment. Consider the case where the sheet S stays in the process unit 5, the fixing unit 7, the switching path 125, and the first path 141 as shown in FIG.

  In this case, the notification unit 15 notifies the user that the sheet S has accumulated in the laser printer 1 by the detection unit 16, the CPU 60, and the like so that the top cover 8 is opened.

  When the user opens the top cover 8, as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the top cover 8 is opened while the separating member 8C is held by the holding member 8B.

  Note that when one sheet S is not positioned in both the switching path 125 in the main body housing 2 and the second path 142 in the top cover 8, the sheet S is as described above. In addition to the case of staying in the main body housing 2, for example, the case of staying in the top cover 8 or the case of staying in neither the main body housing 2 nor the top cover 8 can be considered.

  On the other hand, when one sheet S is positioned in both the switching path 125 in the main body housing 2 and the second path 142 in the top cover 8, that is, during image formation on the sheet S. Consider the case where the sheet S stays in the switching path 125, the first path 141, and the second path 142.

  In this case, the notification unit 15 notifies the user that the sheet S has accumulated in the laser printer 1 by the detection unit 16, the CPU 60, and the like so that the top cover 8 is opened.

  And since the sheet | seat S is located in both the 2nd path | route 142 in the top cover 8, and the switching path | route 125 in the main body housing | casing 2, when a user opens the top cover 8, the sheet | seat S is provided. Since a certain amount of downward force due to the above is applied to the separation holding unit 40, as shown in FIG. 8, the separation member 8C is separated from the holding member 8B, and the second path 142 is opened.

<Effect>
According to the embodiment described above, when the top cover 8 is opened with respect to the main body housing 2, when one sheet S is located in both the switching path 125 and the second path 142. The separating member 8C constituting one surface of the second path 142 separates from the holding member 8B constituting the other surface toward the main body housing 2 side. Thereby, when the 2nd path | route 142 is open | released and the top cover 8 is open | released, the load concerning the sheet | seat S can be reduced. Further, when the sheet S is not positioned in both the switching path 125 and the second path 142, the separation member 8C is held by the holding member 8B. Thereby, it can reduce that the access to the main body housing | casing 2 is prevented when the top cover 8 is open | released. Therefore, when the top cover 8 is opened, it is possible to easily access the main body housing while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, and 9. The points not described are the same as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the laser printer 1 different from that shown in FIG. 6 when the top cover 8 is in the closed position.

  In this embodiment, the image forming process and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the structure of the transport path 100 is mainly different from that in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the manual feed opening 24 and the manual feed tray 25 are not provided, and the second supply path 120 is formed on the other side after an image is formed on one side of the sheet S set on the supply tray 31. In order to form an image again, it becomes a part of a path for guiding toward the process unit 5 again, and becomes a path extending from the second path 142 extending in the front-rear direction to the registration roller 37.

  The discharge path 130 (an example of the first conveyance path) includes a forward conveyance direction in which the sheet S is conveyed toward the discharge tray 9 through the discharge opening 26 and a forward conveyance direction in the vicinity of the discharge opening 26. A conveyance roller 132 (an example of a first conveyance roller pair) configured to be able to switch the rotation direction to a reverse conveyance direction that is the opposite direction to the rotation direction is provided.

  The flapper 131 is provided in the lower part of the discharge path 130 in this embodiment. The flapper 131 swings downward as indicated by a chain line when discharging the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 to the discharge tray 9 upon completion of image formation, and the sheet S having an image formed on one surface thereof. When the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 is guided again to the process unit 5 in order to form an image on the other surface, the sheet S swings upward as indicated by a solid line.

  As described above, when the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 is discharged to the discharge tray 9 after passing through the first supply path 110, the process unit 5, the fixing unit 7, etc., the same path as in the first embodiment is used. Passes and is discharged to the discharge tray 9.

  On the other hand, when the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 is guided again to the process unit 5 in order to form an image on the other side of the sheet S having an image formed on one side, the sheet S is fixed. After passing through the unit 7, the CPU 60 controls the switching path 125 and the discharge path 130 so that the flapper 131 swings downward. The forward end of the conveyance roller 132 holds the rear end in the sheet conveyance direction. It is conveyed in the forward conveyance direction until it is done. Then, the sheet S is guided upward by the flapper 131 and re-conveyed by being conveyed in the reverse conveying direction by the reverse rotation of the conveying roller 132 while the CPU 60 is controlled to swing the flapper 131 upward. The route 140 is passed. Then, it passes through the second supply path 120 and is conveyed again to the process unit 5.

  The separation holding unit 40 is configured such that the protrusion 40A is detached from the groove 40B when a certain force or more is applied downward. More specifically, for example, when one sheet S is positioned at a position that is sandwiched between both the transport roller 132 in the main body housing 2 and the transport roller 144 in the top cover 8, the top is formed. When the cover 8 is opened, the sheet S located in the second path 142 is pulled downward, that is, in the direction of the main body housing 2 as in the first embodiment, so that a certain level of force is applied to the separation holding unit 40. It has become.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the detection unit 16 is provided in the forward conveyance direction downstream of the conveyance roller 132, the conveyance roller downstream of the conveyance roller 144, the first path 141, and the like.

  First, when one sheet S is not in a position that is sandwiched between both the transport roller 132 in the main body housing 2 and the transport roller 144 in the top cover 8, for example, When the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 is guided again to the process unit 5 in order to form an image on the other side of the sheet S on which the image is formed, before being conveyed to the second path 142. Consider a case where the sheet S stays in the downstream of the transport roller 132 in the forward transport direction and in the first path 141.

  In this case, the notification unit 15 notifies the user that the top cover 8 is opened, assuming that the sheet S stays in the laser printer 1 by the detection unit 16, the CPU 60, and the like.

  When the user opens the top cover 8, the sheet S is sandwiched by both the downstream in the forward conveyance direction of the conveyance roller 132 in the main body housing 2 and the conveyance roller 144 in the top cover 8. Since it is not positioned, the separation holding portion 40 is not subjected to a certain downward force by the sheet S. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the top cover 8 is opened while the separation member 8C is held by the holding member 8B. Is done.

  On the other hand, when one sheet S is in a position sandwiched between both the transport roller 132 in the main body housing 2 and the transport roller 144 in the top cover 8, that is, in FIG. As shown, when the sheet S discharged from the fixing unit 7 is guided again to the process unit 5 in order to form an image on the other side of the sheet S having an image formed on one side, the discharge path 130, Consider a case where the sheet S stays in the first path 141 and the second path 142.

  In this case, the notification unit 15 notifies the user that the top cover 8 is opened by the detection unit 16 and the CPU 60.

  When the user opens the top cover 8, the sheet S is located at a position that is sandwiched between the conveyance roller 132 in the main body housing 2 and the conveyance roller 144 in the top cover 8. In this case, since a certain force or more in the downward direction due to the sheet S is applied to the separation holding unit 40, the separation member 8C is separated from the holding member 8B and the second path 142 is opened as shown in FIG.

<Effect>
According to the embodiment described above, when the top cover 8 is opened with respect to the main body housing 2, one sheet S is transported within the main body housing 2 and the transport rollers within the top cover 8. 144, the separation member 8C constituting one surface of the second path 142 is moved from the holding member 8B constituting the other surface toward the main body housing 2 side. Separate toward. Thereby, when the 2nd path | route 142 is open | released and the top cover 8 is open | released, the load concerning the sheet | seat S can be reduced. In addition, when the sheet S is not located at a position sandwiched by both the transport roller 132 in the main body housing 2 and the transport roller 144 in the top cover 8, the separation member 8C is held by the holding member 8B. Is done. Thereby, it can reduce that the access to the main body housing | casing 2 is prevented when the top cover 8 is open | released. Therefore, when the top cover 8 is opened, it is possible to easily access the main body housing while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged.

  When the top cover 8 is opened, when the sheet S is positioned on the discharge path 130, the first path 141, and the second path 142 that are more likely to be loaded on the sheet S, the second path 142 is opened. Thereby, the load applied to the sheet S when the top cover 8 is opened can be reduced. Therefore, in the configuration having the conveyance path 100 having a shape in which a load is more likely to be applied to the sheet S, it is possible to easily access the main body housing 2 while reducing the possibility of the sheet S being damaged.

(Other examples)
(1) In the above embodiment, the sheet conveying apparatus is the laser printer 1, but the sheet conveying apparatus is not limited to this. For example, an inkjet printer, a multifunction machine having a copy function and a FAX function in addition to a printer function, and a sheet to be conveyed May be a reading device or the like. The cover is the top cover 8, but is not limited thereto, and may be a cover provided on the side surface of the main body housing 2, for example.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the processing is executed by one CPU 60. However, the processing is executed by a plurality of CPUs 60, or only a hardware circuit such as ASIC (Applied SpeCiC Integrated Circuit), or the CPU 60 and the hardware A configuration in which processing is executed by a circuit may be used.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the first end 8A, which is the center of rotation of the top cover 8, is rearward with respect to the central position C, the connecting portion 50 is forward with respect to the central position C, and the central position C. However, the connecting portion 50 may be located behind the central position C, that is, on the same side as the first end portion 8A. As an example of this, for example, one sheet S is located in both the top cover 8 and the main body housing 2 of the second portion 142B of the second path 142. At this time, the connecting portion 50 is a boundary between the top cover 8 and the main body housing 2 of the second portion 142B.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the connection between the first path 141 and the second path 142 in the connecting portion 50 is released by opening the top cover 8, but for example, the configuration is the same as the above (3), A configuration in which the connection is not released may be used.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the second end portion 8D, which is the center of rotation of the separating member 8C, is located on the same side (rear) as the first end portion 8A across the center position C. However, the structure which 2nd end part 8D is located in the different side (front) from the 1st end part 8A may be sufficient.

  (6) In the above-described embodiment, the path within the main body housing 2 extends in the front-rear direction, such as the fixing unit 7, the switching path 125, the discharge path 130, and the like, and the path within the top cover 8 extends in the front-rear direction. Although the separating member 8C is held or separated depending on whether or not the sheet S stays in the second path 142 and the first path 141 extending upward, this need not be the case. For example, the separation member 8C is held or separated depending on whether the sheet S stays in the second path 142 that is the path in the top cover 8 and the first path 141 that is the path in the main body housing 2. It may be.

  (7) In the above-described embodiment, the separation holding unit 40 is provided at a position avoiding the second end 8D and the fourth end 8F that is the end opposite to the front-rear direction. The structure provided in the edge part 8F may be sufficient.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the separation member 8C is separated by the sheet S when a downward force is applied to the separation holding unit 40 by a certain amount or more, but the staying position of the sheet S is determined by the detection result of the detection unit 16. The CPU 60 may determine whether or not both are the top cover 8 and the main body housing 2, and the separation holding unit 40 may be held and separated.

  (9) In the above embodiment, the drive transmission of the transport roller 144 is cut off by opening the top cover 8, but the drive transmission may not be cut off. Further, the drive transmission of the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 may be cut off, or the drive transmission of both the transport roller 144 and the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 may be cut off. It may be. In this way, it is possible to further reduce the burden on the sheet S when the top cover 8 is opened.

  (10) In the above-described embodiment, the top cover 8 has the front portion rotated upward about the first rotation shaft 81 located at the first end portion 8A which is the rear end and the lower end portion of the top cover 8. Although it was configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body housing 2 by moving, this need not be the case. For example, the structure etc. which are fixed with a nail | claw etc. with respect to the main body housing | casing 2 and can be opened and closed by a user applying force in the direction perpendicular | vertical to the main body housing | casing 2 may be sufficient.

  (11) In the above embodiment, the separation member 8C can be rotated independently of the separation member 8B around the second rotation shaft 82 after being separated from the holding member 8B. The cover 8 may be configured to allow only a certain angle of rotation. That is, after separating with respect to the top cover 8, it may be configured to rotate together with the top cover 8 while maintaining a certain angle.

  (12) In the above embodiment, the holding member 8B is connected to the main body housing 2 by the first rotating shaft 81, and the separating member 8C is connected to the holding member 8B by the second rotating shaft 82. However, this need not be the case. For example, the separation member 8 </ b> C may be connected to the main body housing 2 by the second rotation shaft 82. Alternatively, the holding member 8B may be connected to the separation member 8C by the first rotation shaft 81, and the separation member 8C may be connected to the main body housing 2 by the second rotation shaft 82.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Laser printer 73 Conveyance roller 125 Switching path 140 Reconveyance path 141 1st path 142 2nd path 144 Conveyance roller S Sheet

Claims (12)

The device body;
A first transport path provided in the apparatus body;
A cover that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body, the holding member, a separation member that is held by the holding member and is separable from the holding member toward the apparatus main body, and the holding member is the separation member A cover having a second transport path configured by facing portions of the holding member and the separation member in a state of holding
The separating member is
When the cover is opened in a state where one sheet is located in both the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path, the sheet is separated from the holding member,
A sheet held by the holding member when the cover is opened in a state where one sheet is not positioned on at least one of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path. Conveying device. A first conveying roller pair that sandwiches the sheet in the first conveying path;
A second conveying roller pair that sandwiches the sheet by a roller provided on the holding member and a roller provided on the separation member in the second conveying path;
The separating member is
The sheet is separated from the holding member when the cover is opened in a state where one sheet is positioned at a position sandwiched between the first conveyance roller pair and the second conveyance roller pair. The sheet conveying apparatus according to 1.   The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the cover is opened, the connection between the first conveying path and the second conveying path is released. The cover has a first end connected to the apparatus main body and is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body by rotating around the first end.
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the connection position is located on the opposite side of the first end portion with respect to the center position of the apparatus main body. The separation member is provided to be separable from the holding member by connecting a second end to the cover and rotating around the second end.
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second end portion is located on the same side as the first end portion with the center position of the apparatus main body interposed therebetween. The first transport path and the second transport path are linear paths extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction from the apparatus main body to the cover,
The said 1st conveyance path | route and the said 2nd conveyance path | route are connected by the 3rd conveyance path | route extended in the substantially same direction as the direction which goes to the said cover from the said apparatus main body. Sheet transport device. The cover is a separation holding unit that holds the separation member on the holding member, and the holding is released when a force is applied to the apparatus main body side by the sheet, and the separation member can be separated from the holding member. A separation holding part that
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the separation holding unit is provided at a position avoiding an end opposite to the second end.   The separation holding unit includes a protrusion provided on one of the holding member and the separation member, and a groove in which the protrusion provided on the other of the separation member and the holding member corresponding to the protrusion is fitted. Item 8. The sheet conveying apparatus according to Item 7.   The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the protrusion and the groove is configured by an elastic member. A motor for transmitting driving to the second pair of conveying rollers;
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second conveying roller pair cuts transmission of driving from the motor when the cover is opened. The sheet conveying device according to claim 2,
An image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet with a developer;
A fixing device for fixing the image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the first conveying roller pair is the fixing device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second transport path is a transport path used when the image is formed on both surfaces of the sheet.