JP3827026B2 - Paper transport device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet conveying apparatus in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser printer, and particularly relates to a structure of a sheet conveying guide arranged at the boundary of a sheet conveying path to be merged.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, in a paper transporting apparatus of a copying machine having a plurality of paper storage units (paper feed cassettes, manual paper feed trays, etc.), as shown in FIG. The sheet conveyance paths 1 and 2 join together, and the sheet P from each sheet storage unit is conveyed to the nip portion of the registration rollers 3a and 3b that feed the sheet P to the photosensitive member at a constant timing. . The sheet P conveyed to the registration rollers 3a and 3b is temporarily received by the nip portion and waits in a bent state, and is then fed to the photosensitive member by the registration rollers 3a and 3b driven in synchronization with the photosensitive member.
[0003]
At the junction of the two paper transport paths 1 and 2, both transport paths 1 so that a paper transport guide 4 for reliably feeding the paper P into the nip portions of the registration rollers 3a and 3b partitions the transport paths 1 and 2 from each other. , 2 are arranged on the boundary. Since the joining portion is limited in space, that is, is narrow in space, it is general to use a thin and rigid metal plate as the paper transport guide 4. In FIG. 16, reference numerals 5a and 5b denote conveyance rollers arranged in the paper conveyance path 1, and 6a and 6b denote conveyance rollers arranged in the paper conveyance path 2.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, a metal plate is simply used as the paper transport guide 4, and in the case of a metal plate, a sharp edge portion is formed on the end surface of the end portion 4a by a flash or the like because it is punched by a press die. The When the paper P having a surface roughness of about 10 to 20 μm is brought into contact with the edge portion and rubbed, the surface unevenness of the paper P is caught on the edge portion, and a large annoying transport sound (rubbing sound) is generated. Was uncomfortable. In particular, when the sheet P in a bent state received by the nip portions of the registration rollers 3a and 3b is strongly rubbed against the edge portion, a larger continuous rubbing sound is generated. Even if the end portion 4a of the paper transport guide 4 is bent in the direction opposite to the transport direction in order to eliminate the edge portion, the paper passes through both sides of the paper transport guide 4, so the bent side (end portion) On the side where the paper is located), the paper P is caught and a paper jam occurs or a rubbing sound is generated.
[0005]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 62-124950 discloses a technique for improving a sheet conveying apparatus that conveys a sheet to a nip portion of a registration roller so as to have a space for forming a sheet deflection on the front side of the registration roller. It is disclosed that the sheet conveyance guide is provided with a thin plate with an elastic material such as a sponge inside to prevent a collision noise when the sheet collides with the sheet conveyance guide when the sheet is bent and pulled. ing.
[0006]
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-85737, a damping member is provided in a paper conveyance guide between a registration roller and a paper feed roller, and when the paper is stretched from a bent state during a paper feeding operation, the paper is removed. It is disclosed that the vibration noise of the paper is absorbed by colliding with a damping member.
[0007]
Further, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-12351 discloses that a paper guide is provided with a soft guide sheet that comes close to or abuts the nip portion of a registration roller to stabilize the regulation of the leading edge position of the paper.
[0008]
However, none of the above-mentioned publications alleviates or reduces the rubbing sound when a sheet comes into contact with the end of a sheet conveyance guide located at the boundary of a plurality of sheet conveyance paths. There was no solution.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a paper transport device that can reduce and reduce rubbing noise during paper transport.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The problem solving means according to the present invention includes:A sheet conveying apparatus having first and second sheet conveying paths arranged in a vertical direction, wherein a sheet conveying guide is provided at a boundary between both conveying paths so as to partition the first and second sheet conveying paths, Covering the upper and lower surfaces of the end of the paper transport guide so as to wrap, as a mitigating means for reducing the sound generated when the paper contacts and rubs against the end of the paper transport guide, the end of the paper transport guide is A resin sheet having a curved surface is provided.
[0011]
    In other words, a large rubbing sound is generated when the paper comes into contact with the sharp edge of the paper transport guide and rubs.Cover it with a resin sheet in a curved shape,Rubbing noise is alleviated.
[0012]
Also,Resin sheetWhen partially provided, the paper andResin sheetThe area of contact with the surface becomes smaller, and the silencing effect is further enhanced.Resin sheetIf the layout is set according to the paper size (for example, it corresponds to the center and both ends of the paper size used), the paper can be transported smoothly.Resin sheetIs divided into domestic and overseas,Resin sheetBecause the quantity of can be small, cost reduction can be expected.
[0013]
  The relaxing means includes a resin sheet that covers the end of the paper transport guide bent in the direction opposite to the transport direction, an elastic member that covers the end of the paper transport guide, and a resin sheet that covers the elastic memberThinkavailable. Accordingly, the sharp edge portion of the paper transport guide is eliminated from the transport path on which the paper is transported, and the portion in contact with the paper can be easily curved so that the paper can be transported smoothly.
[0014]
  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet conveying apparatus having first and second sheet conveying paths arranged in the vertical direction, wherein both conveyances are performed so as to partition the first and second sheet conveying paths. A sheet conveyance guide is provided at the boundary of the path, and a metal sheet is provided to cover an end portion of the sheet conveyance guide, and the metal sheet generates a sound generated when the sheet is rubbed against the end of the sheet conveyance guide. As a relaxing means for relaxing the sheet, a curved surface is formed by bending one end thereof, and an opening into which the end of the metal sheet enters is formed in the vicinity of the end of the paper transport guide..
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a copying machine provided with a paper transport device in the present embodiment. This copying machine has an original table 12 covered with an original cover 11 at the upper part of the main body 10 of the copying machine, and an original table 12. And an optical system 13 for irradiating the original placed on the original table 12 with light. The optical system 13 includes a copy lamp 14 as a light source lamp made of a halogen lamp or the like, a plurality of plane mirrors 15 and a lens 16, and is installed on a mirror base (not shown). If an automatic document feeder (not shown) is installed on the document table 12, a plurality of documents can be automatically and sequentially fed onto the document table 12.
[0016]
Below the optical system 13, a cylindrical photoconductor 17 is rotatably arranged. Around the photoconductor 17, a charger 18 that applies a predetermined charge to the surface of the photoconductor 17, and a photoconductor 17. A developing device 19 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface with toner to visualize it as a toner image, a transfer device 20 that transfers the toner image onto a sheet, and a toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 17 after transfer. Cleaning devices 21 to be removed are sequentially arranged, and a fixing device 22 having fixing rollers 22a and 22b for fixing a toner image on the paper is disposed on the downstream side of the photosensitive member 17 in the paper conveyance direction.
[0017]
Below the photosensitive member 17, a paper feeding unit 24 including first and second paper feeding cassettes 23 a and 23 b for storing paper is disposed. The first and second paper feed cassettes 23a and 23b can be inserted and removed from the front surface of the copying machine main body 10 and are arranged in two upper and lower stages, and the sheets stored in the first and second paper feed cassettes 23a and 23b. Each has a different size, and a sheet of a size selected from the first or second sheet feeding cassette 23a, 23b is fed by the user selecting a sheet size. In addition to the first and second paper feed cassettes 23a and 23b, a manual paper feed tray 25 for manually feeding paper of an arbitrary size is provided. A side surface is supported so as to be openable and closable around an axis 26.
[0018]
In addition, a paper transport device 30 is provided for transporting paper fed from the first and second paper feed cassettes 23 a and 23 b and the manual paper feed tray 25 to an image forming position between the photoconductor 17 and the transfer device 20. ing.
[0019]
The sheet conveying device 30 includes a main conveying path 31 arranged in the vertical direction and a manual feeding path 32 arranged in the horizontal direction. The main conveying path 31 and the manual feeding path 32 are formed by opposing guide plates. Has been. The main transport path 31 is arranged corresponding to the first paper feed cassette 23a and is connected to the first transport path 31a for transporting paper fed from the first paper feed cassette 23a and the second paper feed cassette 23b. Correspondingly arranged, the second conveyance path 31b for conveying the sheet fed from the second sheet cassette 23b joins, and the main conveyance path 31 has a pair of conveyance rollers 33a and 33b. Are arranged in two sets up and down. The manual feed path 32 is for carrying sheets from the opened manual feed tray 25. The manual feed path 32 is provided with a pair of manual feed rollers 34a and 34b.
[0020]
The main transport path 31 and the manual feed path 32 are joined on the upstream side of the registration rollers 35a and 35b in the paper transport direction, and the sheets from the first and second paper feed cassettes 23a and 23b and the manual paper feed tray 25 are joined. Is conveyed to the nip portion of the pair of registration rollers 35a and 35b.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1A, the junction between the main conveyance path 31 and the manual conveyance path 32 is
It is a space sandwiched between an upper guide plate 32a constituting a part of the manual feed path 32 and a lower guide plate 31c constituting a part of the main transport path 31, and this joining portion includes registration rollers 35a, A sheet conveyance guide 40 for reliably feeding the sheet to the nip portion 35b is disposed at the boundary between the conveyance paths 31 and 32 so as to partition the main conveyance path 31 and the manual conveyance path 32.
[0022]
As described above, since the sheet conveyance guide 40 is arranged in a narrow confluence portion, a thin and rigid metal plate is used, and conveyance of the lower guide plate 32b constituting a part of the manual conveyance path 32 is performed. It extends from the end portion on the downstream side in the direction toward registration rollers 35a and 35b obliquely upward. In the case of a metal plate, since it is punched out by a press die, a sharp edge portion is formed on the end surface of the end portion 40a, and when the sheet comes into contact with the edge portion and is rubbed, a large rubbing sound is generated. Therefore, a mitigation means for mitigating the rubbing sound is provided at the end 40a on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet conveyance guide 40 with which the conveyed sheet contacts. In FIG. 1, P indicates a sheet.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 1B, the relaxation means is a thin resin sheet 41 that covers the end 40a of the paper transport guide 40 bent in the direction opposite to the transport direction (180 ° direction). The resin sheet 41 prevents a problem that the sheet is caught on the bent end portion 40a of the sheet conveyance guide 40. The resin sheet 41 has a sufficient size to cover the entire upper and lower surfaces of the sheet conveyance guide 40 and is easily peeled off. It is firmly attached to the paper transport guide 40 with an adhesive or the like so that it does not occur. As a result, the sharp edge portion of the paper transport guide 40 is eliminated from the transport path in which the paper is transported, and the paper can be transported smoothly. Since the end 40a of the paper transport guide 40 is bent, the upper and lower paper passage gaps (the gap between the vicinity of the end of the paper transport guide 40 and the upper guide plate 32a of the manual transport path 32, the paper transport guide The gap between the vicinity of the end of 40 and the lower guide plate 31c of the main conveyance path 31 is narrow, but considering this, the passage gap is 2 to 4 mm (distance through which the paper can pass smoothly). In addition, consideration should be given to the design stage of the transport paths 31 and 32.
[0024]
Further, the resin sheet 41 has a smoothness with a surface roughness of 1 μm or less, and has a curved surface with a curvature radius of 0.5 mm or more on the downstream side in the conveyance direction (the portion wound around the bent end portion 40a). It is desirable to consider the degree of bending of the portion 40a and the material of the resin sheet 41. As shown in FIG. 3, the volume of the rubbing sound is smaller as the surface roughness of the portion rubbed by the paper is smaller, and the volume of the rubbing sound is smaller as the curvature radius is larger, particularly the surface roughness is 1 μm or less. Further, when the radius of curvature is 0.5 mm or more, the volume of the rubbing sound is such that the user does not care much (47 dB or less). The surface roughness of the paper is about 10 to 20 μm.
[0025]
When copying in the copying machine having the above-described configuration, the mirror base on which the optical system 13 is installed moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2, and the light from the copy lamp 14 is irradiated from one end of the document on the document table 12 to the other end. To do. The light reflected from the original is guided to the surface of the photosensitive member 17 charged by the charger 18 through the plurality of plane mirrors 15 and the lens 16 as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 2, and the surface of the photosensitive member 17 is exposed. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document image is formed. Then, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor 17 is visualized as a toner image by the developing device 19.
[0026]
On the other hand, the paper fed from the first and second paper feed cassettes 23a and 23b or the manual paper feed tray 25 passes through the main transport path 31 or the manual transport path 32 by the transport rollers 33a, 33b, 34a and 34b, and is registered. The rollers are transported to the nip portions of the rollers 35a and 35b, are temporarily received by the nip portions, stand by in a bent state, and then transferred to the photoconductor 17 by the registration rollers 35a and 35b driven in synchronization with the rotation of the photoconductor 17. It is sent to an image forming position with the device 20.
[0027]
At this time, the paper comes into contact with the vicinity of the end of the paper transport guide 40 and is rubbed strongly. However, since the end 40a of the paper transport guide 40 is covered with the resin sheet 41, the paper transport guide from the transport path on which the paper is transported. The 40 sharp edge portions are eliminated, and the contact with the paper is close to the surface from the line (edge portion) and the contact pressure is reduced. As a result, the paper is smoothly conveyed, and the rubbing noise can be reduced and reduced. .
[0028]
Then, the sheet fed to the image forming position is charged by applying a predetermined voltage by the transfer device 20, whereby the toner image on the photoreceptor 17 is transferred to the sheet. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is peeled off from the photoconductor 17 and sent between the fixing rollers 22a and 22b, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet by heating and pressing by the fixing rollers 22a and 22b.
[0029]
As described above, the edge portion 40a of the paper conveyance guide 40 is bent and covered with the resin sheet 41, so that the edge portion can be eliminated from the conveyance path, and the paper is smoothly conveyed, thereby reducing and reducing the rubbing sound. And can be achieved at low cost.
[0030]
Further, if the resin sheet 41 is a curved surface having a surface roughness of 1 μm or less and a curvature radius of 0.5 mm or more, the surface roughness is sufficiently small relative to the surface roughness of the paper, and the paper at the time of contact And the rubbing noise can be further reduced and reduced.
[0031]
(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the relaxation means includes an elastic member 50 that covers the end 40 a of the paper transport guide 40 and a thin resin sheet 51 that covers the elastic member 50. The portion of the resin sheet 51 that contacts the paper with a repulsive force of 50 is maintained in a curved surface.
[0032]
The elastic member 50 is made of a foam material such as sponge or urethane, and is firmly attached to the paper transport guide 40 with an adhesive or the like so as not to easily peel off.
[0033]
The resin sheet 51 prevents the paper from being caught on the elastic member 50, and is firmly attached to the elastic member 50 with an adhesive or the like so as not to be easily peeled off.
[0034]
By the way, it is considered that the rubbing sound when transporting the paper is proportional to the contact area between the paper and the portion where the paper contacts. That is, the larger the contact area, the greater the rubbing sound. In addition, when the elastic member 50 and the resin sheet 51 are attached to the entire upper and lower surfaces of the paper transport guide 40 (at least the entire upper and lower surfaces of the end portion 40a), the range of the attachment is large and the resin sheet 51 is large. There is a problem that it is necessary, and the work for reliably and accurately attaching is complicated and takes a long time.
[0035]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the elastic member 50 and the resin sheet 51 are partially attached to the end portion 40 a of the paper transport guide 40 across the width direction, and the contact area between the paper and the resin sheet 51 is reduced. is doing.
[0036]
And if the sticking position of the elastic member 50 and the resin sheet 51 to the end portion 40a of the paper transport guide 40 is made to correspond to the paper size near the center and both ends, the paper can be transported more smoothly. . In FIG. 5, the elastic member 50 and the resin sheet 51 arranged at the A position correspond to the central portions of the A4 and B4 sheets, and the elastic member 50 and the resin sheet 51 arranged at the B position are both ends of the A4 sheet. The elastic member 50 and the resin sheet 51 arranged at the C position correspond to the vicinity of both ends of the B4 paper.
[0037]
Here, if the arrangement of the elastic member 50 and the resin sheet 51 is the same for domestic use and overseas use, the standard size of the paper is different. As the number of elastic members 50 and resin sheets 51 required increases, the cost increases. Therefore, if it is divided into domestic (A5 / A4 / A3 / B5 / B4 compatible) and overseas (invoice / letter / legal compatible), it is possible to reduce costs because the quantity for overseas is small.
[0038]
Furthermore, the width of the resin sheet 51 needs to be sufficiently larger than the width of the elastic member 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the elastic member 50 is deformed by the pressure when the resin sheet 51 is stuck and protrudes from the side of the resin sheet 51, or the sticking position of the resin sheet 51 is shifted. This is to prevent such a problem that the member 50 protrudes from the side of the resin sheet 51 and the paper is caught by the protruding portion and a paper jam occurs. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0039]
As a result, even if the paper comes into contact with the vicinity of the end of the paper conveyance guide 40 and is rubbed strongly, the sharp edge portion of the paper conveyance guide 40 is covered with the elastic member 50 and the resin sheet 51, so that the edge portion is on the conveyance path. Therefore, the sheet is smoothly conveyed, and the rubbing sound can be reduced and reduced.
[0040]
Further, the portion of the resin sheet 51 that contacts the sheet can be maintained in a curved surface by the repulsive force of the elastic member 50 that covers the end portion 40a of the sheet conveyance guide 40, and the sheet conveyance guide 40 as in the first embodiment. Compared with the case of bending the end 40a, the mold required for bending is not required, and the mold cost can be reduced, and the manufacturing time can be greatly shortened.
[0041]
Further, since the elastic member 50 and the resin sheet 51 are partially attached to the end portion 40a of the sheet conveyance guide 40, the contact area between the sheet and the vicinity of the end portion is reduced, and the rubbing sound is further reduced and reduced. In addition, the workability at the time of assembly can be improved, the members can be saved, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0042]
Furthermore, by making the resin sheet 51 larger than the elastic member 50, the allowable range of work variation such that the elastic member 50 is not exposed even if the attaching position of the resin sheet 51 is slightly shifted is widened, and workability is greatly improved. To do.
[0043]
(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the relaxing means is a molded resin member 60 that covers the end 40 a of the paper transport guide 40.
[0044]
The molding resin member 60 is preferably made of an engineering plastic such as polyacetal, and is molded into a U shape covering the end portion 40a. As shown in FIG. 8, the end portion 40a of the paper transport guide 40 is formed across the width direction. It is partially fitted and firmly fixed with an adhesive or the like. The arrangement of the molding resin members 60 is set in accordance with the paper size as in the second embodiment.
[0045]
The molded resin member 60 has a smooth curved surface on the surface corresponding to the end 40a of the paper conveyance guide 40 (the portion that the paper contacts and rubs), and the surface roughness is 1 μm or less. The radius of curvature is desirably 0.5 mm or more, which can further reduce and reduce the rubbing sound. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0046]
As a result, even if the paper comes into contact with the vicinity of the end of the paper conveyance guide 40 and is rubbed strongly, the sharp edge portion of the paper conveyance guide 40 is covered with the molded resin member 60, so that the edge portion disappears from the conveyance path. The paper is smoothly conveyed, and the rubbing sound can be reduced and reduced.
[0047]
In addition, the workability during assembly is greater than when the bending step of the end portion 40a of the sheet conveyance guide 40 as in the first embodiment and the two sticking operations as in the second embodiment are required. Is greatly improved. Moreover, since the accuracy of the molded resin member 60 depends on the finishing accuracy of the inner surface of the mold, a smooth curved surface in the molded resin member 60 that contributes to the silencing effect of the rubbing sound can be secured easily and efficiently. In addition to improving workability at the time, productivity of a member having a high silencing effect can be greatly improved.
[0048]
Further, since the molded resin member 60 is partially fitted on the end portion 40a of the paper transport guide 40, the contact area between the paper and the vicinity of the end portion is reduced, and the rubbing noise can be further reduced and reduced. In addition, the workability at the time of assembly can be further improved, moreover, members can be saved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, the large molded resin member 60 has quality problems such as warpage and twisting, but by providing a part, one molded resin member 60 can be made smaller and the accuracy can be improved.
[0049]
Here, as shown in FIG. 9, if the molding resin member 60 provided partially is made smaller so as to cover only the vicinity of the end portion of the paper transport guide 40, the molding is formed on the end portion 40 a of the paper transport guide 40. The work of externally fitting the resin member 60 becomes easier and the workability can be further improved, and the manufacturing cost can be further reduced by reducing the number of members. In this case, in order to prevent the sheet from being caught on the end of the molded resin member 60, a resin sheet 61 that covers the end of the molded resin member 60 may be attached to the sheet transport guide 40.
[0050]
(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the relaxing means is a metal sheet 70 made of stainless steel or the like that covers the end 40 a of the paper transport guide 40.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 11, the metal sheet 70 is bent so that one end of the metal sheet 70 is folded, and is fitted into the end 40a of the paper transport guide 40 in the width direction so as not to be easily peeled off. The sheet is firmly attached to the paper transport guide 40 with an agent or the like. At this time, the upper end portion 70a of the metal sheet 70 is slightly bent in the opposite direction so that it can be smoothly fitted into the end portion 40a of the paper transport guide 40 without resistance. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, an opening 40 b into which the end portion 70 a of each metal sheet 70 enters is formed in the vicinity of the end portion of the sheet conveyance guide 40, and the sheet is fed to the end portion 70 a of the metal sheet 70. Prevents getting caught. The arrangement of the metal sheets 70 is set according to the paper size as in the second embodiment.
[0052]
Further, the metal sheet 70 has a smooth surface property due to its material, and a portion corresponding to the end portion 40a of the paper transport guide 40 (a portion where the paper contacts and rubs) is naturally curved due to bending. It has become. The surface roughness is preferably 1 μm or less, and the radius of curvature is preferably 0.5 mm or more, so that the rubbing sound can be more relaxed and reduced. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0053]
As a result, even if the paper comes into contact with the vicinity of the end of the paper transport guide 40 and is rubbed strongly, the sharp edge portion of the paper transport guide 40 is covered with the bent metal sheet 70, so that the edge portion is covered. The sheet disappears from the conveyance path and is smoothly conveyed, and the rubbing sound can be reduced and reduced.
[0054]
Further, since the metal sheet 70 is partially fitted into the end portion 40a of the paper transport guide 40, the contact area between the paper and the vicinity of the end portion can be reduced, and the rubbing noise can be further reduced and reduced. The bending process of the metal sheet 70 can be performed easily and with high accuracy, the workability during assembly can be improved, the members can be saved, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0055]
Further, even if a smooth curved surface is not formed by using a mold with high finishing accuracy as in the third embodiment, the surface of the metal sheet 70 is rubbed by the surface property and the curved surface naturally formed by bending. The sound silencing effect can be enhanced, and the mold cost can be reduced.
[0056]
(Fifth embodiment)
In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the relief means has a smooth surface on the portion of the end 40 a of the paper conveyance guide 40 that is formed in a comb-teeth shape that protrudes downstream in the conveyance direction. By forming it into a curved surface.
[0057]
That is, when manufacturing the paper transport guide 40, in order to eliminate the sharp edge portion of the end portion 40a generated by the punching process using a press die, the end portion is subjected to surface processing such as roughing and finishing with a grinder. 40a is formed into a curved surface with a smooth surface.
[0058]
In addition, the contact area between the sheet and the end portion 40a is reduced by forming the end portion 40a in a comb shape and partially processing the end portion 40a. In addition, the arrangement of the end portion 40a protruding to the downstream side in the transport direction is set according to the paper size as in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the surface roughness of the end portion 40a is preferably 1 μm or less, and the curvature radius is preferably 0.5 mm or more, which can further reduce and reduce the rubbing sound. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0059]
As a result, the edge portion 40a of the paper conveyance guide 40 has no sharp edge portion, and when the paper is rubbed in contact with the end portion 40a of the paper conveyance guide 40, the contact with the paper is close to the surface from the line (edge portion). As a result, the contact pressure is reduced, whereby the sheet is smoothly conveyed, and the rubbing noise can be reduced or reduced.
[0060]
Further, since the end portion 40a of the paper conveyance guide 40 is formed with a smooth curved surface, there is no need to provide another member on the end portion 40a of the paper conveyance guide 40 as in the first to fourth embodiments. In addition, the number of parts can be reduced, and the sheet passage gap above and below the end 40a of the sheet conveyance guide 40 (the gap between the vicinity of the end of the sheet conveyance guide 40 and the upper guide 32a of the manual conveyance path 32, the sheet conveyance guide). The gap between the vicinity of the end portion of 40 and the guide 31c of the main conveyance path 31 is not narrow, and the passing gap can be maintained in the existing state, and design change or the like is not required.
[0061]
Further, the end 40a of the paper transport guide 40 is formed in a comb-like shape, and the surface processing is applied to the portion protruding downstream in the transport direction, so the contact area between the paper and the end 40a is reduced, The rubbing sound can be further relaxed and reduced.
[0062]
(Sixth embodiment)
In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the relaxing means is composed of a plurality of protrusions 80 that protrude alternately up and down along the end 40 a near the end of the paper transport guide 40. The protrusion 80 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape by pushing the vicinity of the end of the paper transport guide 40 up and down by pressing. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0063]
As a result, although the sharp edge portion of the paper conveyance guide 40 is exposed, the paper is rubbed in contact with the plurality of protrusions 80, does not contact the edge portion, and the contact area between the paper and the vicinity of the end portion is large. It becomes small, and a rub sound can be eased and reduced.
[0064]
Further, it is only necessary to press the vicinity of the end portion of the paper conveyance guide 40, and it is not necessary to provide another member at the end portion 40a of the paper conveyance guide 40 as in the first to fourth embodiments. Since polishing by a grinding machine as in the form is not required, the number of parts can be reduced and workability at the time of assembly can be greatly improved.
[0065]
(Seventh embodiment)
In the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the relaxing means is formed by forming the end 40a of the paper transport guide 40 into a waveform by pressing. In the figure, Y indicates the paper transport direction. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0066]
Thereby, although the sharp edge portion of the paper transport guide 40 is exposed, the contact area between the paper and the end 40a of the paper transport guide 40 is reduced, and the rubbing noise can be reduced and reduced. Further, if the end portion 40a of the sheet conveyance guide 40 is formed into a curved surface after the end portion 40a is formed into a corrugated shape as in the fifth embodiment, the sharp edge portion of the sheet conveyance guide 40 is formed. And the contact area can be reduced.
[0067]
Further, it is only necessary to press the vicinity of the end of the paper transport guide 40, and it is not necessary to provide another member as in the first to fourth embodiments at the end 40a of the paper transport guide 40. Reduction and improvement in workability during assembly can be greatly achieved.
[0068]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, many corrections and changes can be added to the said embodiment within the scope of the present invention. For example, in each embodiment, the improvement of the paper conveyance guide at the junction of the main conveyance path and the manual conveyance path has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the position is located at the boundary of the paper conveyance path at the junction of the plurality of paper conveyance paths. For example, a paper transport guide at the junction of the first transport path and the second transport path in the main transport path, or a transport path that reverses the paper to make double-sided copy etc. You may apply to the paper conveyance guide in the junction part of this.
[0069]
In the first embodiment, the end portion of the paper transport guide is formed in a comb-like shape, and a portion of the end portion that protrudes downstream in the transport direction is bent by 180 °, and the bent portion is covered with a resin sheet. Accordingly, a relaxing means may be partially provided at the end of the paper transport guide to reduce the contact area between the paper and the resin sheet, thereby further reducing and reducing the rubbing sound. Furthermore, in the second to fifth embodiments, the relaxing means may be provided over the entire end portion of the paper transport guide.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the end portion of the paper transport guideCover with resin sheetBy this, smooth contact between the paper and the paper transport guide is achieved, and it is possible to alleviate the rubbing sound that was annoying when the paper being transported rubs in contact with the vicinity of the end of the paper transport guide, Reduce unpleasant noiseit can.
[0071]
AlsoAt the end of the paper transport guideResin sheetBy partially providing the paper andResin sheetThe contact area becomes smaller, and the rubbing sound can be more relaxed and reduced.AlsoOneResin sheetCan be reduced to improve workability during assembly, andResin sheetIt is possible to save the manufacturing cost.
[0072]
Also,forCover the end of the paper transport guide with an elastic member and then cover it with a resin sheet. Cover the end of the paper transport guide with a molded resin member.UrineTherefore, it is possible to easily form a curved surface at the part where the paper contacts.TheThe paper is smoothly conveyed, and the rubbing sound can be reduced and reduced.
[0073]
In addition, if an elastic member and a resin sheet are used without bending the end portion of the paper transport guide, the mold required for bending can be eliminated, and the mold cost can be reduced, and the manufacturing time can be greatly shortened. .
[0074]
In addition, when a molded resin member is used, workability during assembly is greatly improved. Moreover, since the accuracy of the molded resin member depends on the finishing accuracy of the inner surface of the mold, it is possible to easily and efficiently ensure a smooth curved surface in the molded resin member that contributes to the silencing effect of the rubbing sound. Not only the workability can be improved, but also the productivity of a member having a high silencing effect can be greatly improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A and 1B show a sheet conveying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of an essential part of a sheet conveying guide.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a copying machine.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the influence of surface roughness and radius of curvature on the volume of rubbing sound.
FIGS. 4A and 4B show a paper conveying apparatus according to a second embodiment, wherein FIG. 4A is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a principal part of a paper conveying guide.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a paper transport guide.
6A and 6B show a state in which the elastic member protrudes from the resin sheet, where FIG. 6A is a plan view and FIG. 6B is a longitudinal sectional view.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show a sheet conveying device according to a third embodiment, wherein FIG. 7A is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of an essential part of a sheet conveying guide.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a paper transport guide.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state when the end of the molded resin member is covered with a resin sheet.
FIGS. 10A and 10B show a paper conveying apparatus according to a fourth embodiment, wherein FIG. 10A is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part, and FIG. 10B is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a main part of a paper transport guide.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a paper transport guide.
FIGS. 12A and 12B show a paper conveying apparatus according to a fifth embodiment, wherein FIG. 12A is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part, and FIG. 12B is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a main part of a paper transport guide.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a paper transport guide.
14A and 14B show an end portion of a paper transport guide according to a sixth embodiment, where FIG. 14A is a side view, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an end portion of a paper transport guide according to a seventh embodiment.
FIGS. 16A and 16B show a conventional paper conveyance device, in which FIG. 16A is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part, and FIG. 16B is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of an essential part of a paper conveyance guide.
[Explanation of symbols]
P paper
31, 32 Paper transport path
40 Paper transport guide
40a end
41, 51 Resin sheet
50 Elastic members
60 Molded resin parts
70 Metal sheet

Claims (6)

A sheet conveying apparatus having first and second sheet conveying paths arranged in a vertical direction, wherein a sheet conveying guide is provided at a boundary between both conveying paths so as to partition the first and second sheet conveying paths, Covering the upper and lower surfaces of the end of the paper transport guide so as to wrap, as a mitigating means for reducing the sound generated when the paper contacts and rubs against the end of the paper transport guide, the end of the paper transport guide is A paper transporting device provided with a resin sheet having a curved surface. The paper conveying apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the resin sheet is partially provided in a width direction. The paper transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resin sheet is provided via an elastic member. 2. The paper transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an end portion of the paper transport guide is bent in a direction opposite to the transport direction. A sheet conveying apparatus having first and second sheet conveying paths arranged in a vertical direction, wherein a sheet conveying guide is provided at a boundary between both conveying paths so as to partition the first and second sheet conveying paths, A metal sheet is provided to cover an end portion of the paper transport guide, and the metal sheet is folded at one end as a relaxing means for reducing noise generated when the paper contacts and rubs against the end of the paper transport guide. A paper conveying apparatus characterized in that a curved surface is formed by bending, and an opening into which an end of the metal sheet enters is formed near an end of the paper conveying guide.   6. A paper conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet has a surface roughness of 1 [mu] m or less.

Images