JP5035031B2 - Medium conveying apparatus, medium discharging apparatus, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately adjust the pressure for press-holding a medium being carried in a curved state. <P>SOLUTION: A medium carrying device (SH5 to SH7+GT2+Rh2+Rh3+SP1+SP2+4) includes: a switching member (GT2); a curved passage carrying member (Rh3) having a driving member (Rh3a) and a follower member (Rh3b) to carry the medium (S) in a curved passage (SH7); a biasing member (SP1) biasing the follower member (Rh3b) to the driving member (Rh3a) with a predetermined biasing force; and a medium holding pressure adjusting member (4) which has a biasing member engagement section (4b1) engaging with the biasing member (SP1) and a switching member interlocking section (4a+4b+4c) interlocking with the movement of the switching member (GT2) and, when the switching member (GT2) switches to the curved passage (SH7), increases the holding pressure for press-holding the medium (S) by increases the biasing force of the biasing member (SP1) via the biasing member engagement section (4b1). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medium conveying apparatus, a medium discharging apparatus, and an image forming apparatus that convey a medium.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of sheet discharge trays for discharging a sheet on which an image is recorded is known.
For the image forming apparatus having a plurality of sheet discharge trays, for example, techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below are known.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-289540 as Patent Document 1 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-289541 as Patent Document 2, a recording sheet (S) is placed in a face-down state in which an image recording surface on which an image is recorded is a lower surface. A face-down discharge roller (28) provided on a face-down conveyance path (61) for conveying the recording sheet (S) to the discharged face-down trays (TRh1, TRh3 to TRh5), and the image recording surface is an upper surface The face-up discharge roller (51) provided on the face-up conveyance path (62) for conveying the recording sheet (S) to the face-up tray (TRh2) from which the recording sheet (S) is discharged in the face-up state. ) And the conveyance path of the recording sheet (S) conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body (U1, U1 ′). Techniques for optional discharge device (U6, U6 ') and a down transport path (61) or the tray switching gate (54) to switch the face-up transport path (62) is described.

  In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the transport paths (61, 62) are arranged such that the downstream end faces in the opposite direction from the upstream end as the branching position of the transport paths (61, 62). It is formed as a curved, so-called curved conveyance path. In general, the discharge roller includes a drive roller that is driven around a rotation shaft, and a driven roller that is supported so as to be able to contact and separate from the drive roller and is pressed against the drive roller with a predetermined pressure. Have. Further, in order to reduce the occurrence of image defects due to friction at the time of contact between the image recording surface and each roller, a driven roller, that is, a so-called pinch roller is often arranged on the image recording surface side.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in the face-up conveyance path (62) that is the curved conveyance path, the image recording surface passes the curved outer peripheral surface side of the curved conveyance path. Therefore, the pinch roller of the face-up discharge roller (51) is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the curved conveyance path, and in the face-down conveyance path (61), the pinch roller of the face-down discharge roller (28) is curved. It is often arranged on the inner peripheral surface side of the conveyance path. In this case, for example, when a recording sheet (S) having a high rigidity such as cardboard is used, the pinch roller of the face-up discharge roller (51) is moved along the curved conveyance path by the stiffness of the recording sheet (S). The recording sheet (S) is conveyed while being pressed in the outer peripheral direction and the pressure with which the pinch roller and the driving roller pinch the recording sheet (S) is weakened.

JP 2005-289540 A (abstract, “0043” to “0063”, FIG. 9) JP 2005-289541 A (Abstract, “0039” to “0066”, FIG. 9)

  It is a technical object of the present invention to make the pressure for holding a medium conveyed in a curved state appropriate.

In order to solve the technical problem, the medium conveying device of the invention according to claim 1 comprises:
A medium conveying path through which a medium is conveyed, the medium conveying path having a curved path branched from a predetermined branch position on the medium conveying path and conveyed in a curved state;
A switching member that is arranged at the branch position and switches the medium conveyance path so that the medium is conveyed to any one of the plurality of medium conveyance paths;
A driving member that is supported on the inner peripheral surface side of the curved path and is driven to rotate; and a driven member that is supported on the outer peripheral surface side of the curved path and disposed opposite to the driving member. A curved path conveying member that conveys the medium of the curved path;
A biasing member that biases the driven member to the drive member with a predetermined biasing force;
A medium clamping pressure adjusting member having an urging member engaging portion that engages with the urging member and a switching member interlocking portion that interlocks with the movement of the switching member, wherein the switching member moves along the conveyance path of the medium. When switching to the curved path, the urging force of the urging member is increased via the urging member engaging portion to increase the clamping pressure at which the driven member and the driving member clamp the medium. The medium clamping pressure adjusting member;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 2 is the medium conveying apparatus according to claim 1,
An upstream curve that is rotatably supported on the curved outer peripheral surface side of the curved path and on the upstream side in the medium transport direction of the driven member, and that curves the medium by contacting the medium transported on the curved path. Imparting member,
It is provided with.

The invention described in claim 3 is the medium conveying apparatus according to claim 2,
The upstream-side curving imparting member configured by a roller that rotates in contact with the medium to be conveyed;
It is provided with.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the second or third aspect,
The upstream-side bending imparting member constituted by a high-sliding member having high slidability with respect to the medium;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 5 is the medium conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The medium transport path having a second curved path that is branched from the branch position and transported in a state where the medium is curved;
A second driving member that is supported by the outer peripheral surface of the second curved path and is driven to rotate; and a second driving member that is supported by the inner peripheral surface of the second curved path and that is supported by the second driving member. A second follower member disposed oppositely, and a second curved path conveying member that conveys the medium of the second curved path;
A second urging member that urges the second driven member to the second driving member with a predetermined urging force;
The medium clamping pressure adjusting member having a second urging member engaging portion that engages with the second urging member, wherein the switching member switches the medium conveyance path to the second curved path. In this case, the urging force of the second urging member is increased via the second urging member engaging portion, and the holding by the second driven member and the second driving member is performed. The medium clamping pressure adjusting member for increasing the pressure;
It is provided with.

In order to solve the technical problem, a medium discharge device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention provides:
A medium loading section on which the medium is loaded;
The medium conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the medium is conveyed to the medium stacking unit,
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 7 is the medium ejection device according to claim 6,
An image recording surface of a medium on which an image is recorded is transported on the curved outer peripheral surface side of the curved path and stacked on the medium stacking unit.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes:
An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a medium;
The medium conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which conveys the medium;
It is provided with.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the pressure for sandwiching the medium conveyed in a curved state can be made appropriate.
According to invention of Claim 2, compared with the case where it does not have the structure of this invention, the said medium carried in to the said curved path conveyance member presses the said driven member to the outer peripheral direction of the curve of the said curved path. Can be reduced. As a result, as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided, separation of the driven member and the driving member can be reduced, and occurrence of poor conveyance of the medium in the curved path conveyance member can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided, it is possible to reduce scratches caused by friction on the surface in contact with the roller.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided, scratches caused by friction on the surface in contact with the high sliding member can be reduced.
According to invention of Claim 5, the pressure which clamps the said medium conveyed in the curved state on the said 2nd curved path can be made appropriate.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the medium ejected and stacked on the medium stacking section is conveyed in a curved state, the pressure for sandwiching the medium can be made appropriate.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided, scratches due to friction of the image recording surface can be reduced, and image defects and image quality degradation can be reduced.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the medium on which the image is recorded or the medium on which the image is recorded is conveyed in a curved state, the pressure for sandwiching the medium is made appropriate. Can do.

Next, examples which are specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

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

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

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

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

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

A secondary transfer roll T2b as an example of a secondary transfer member is disposed facing the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B in contact with the backup roll T2a, and a secondary transfer device T2 is configured by the rolls T2a and T2b. ing. Further, a secondary transfer region Q4 is formed in a region where the secondary transfer roll T2b and the intermediate transfer belt B are opposed to each other.
The single-color or multi-color toner images transferred in sequence on the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer units T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k in the primary transfer areas Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k are the secondary transfer areas. Transported to Q4.
The primary transfer units T1y to T1k, the intermediate transfer belt B, the secondary transfer unit T2, and the like constitute a transfer device T1 + T2 + B according to the first exemplary embodiment.
The image holders PRy to PRk, the developing devices Gy to Gk, the transfer device T1 + T2 + B, and the like constitute the image recording device (PRy to PRk + Gy to Gk + T1 + T2 + B) of Example 1.

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

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

The recording sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred has a fixing region Q5 which is a pressure contact region of a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating fixing member of the fixing device F and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressing fixing member. And heated and fixed when passing through the fixing region. Note that a release agent for improving the releasability of the recording sheet S from the heating roll Fh is applied to the surface of the heating roll Fh by a release agent coating apparatus Fa.
Above the fixing device F on the downstream side in the transport direction, when the recording sheet S is transported to a paper discharge tray TRh as an example of a medium discharge unit, a sheet discharge path SH3 as an example of a medium transport path is reversed. An upper connection path SH4 is provided as an example of a medium conveyance path through which the recording sheet S discharged with the image recording surface facing upward is conveyed. A connecting portion between the paper discharge path SH3 and the upper connection path SH4 is provided with a first gate GT1 as an example of a transport path switching member that switches the transport path according to the transport destination of the recording sheet S. Therefore, when the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray TRh, the fixed recording sheet S is transported through the paper discharge path SH3 and discharged to the paper discharge tray TRh by the paper discharge roll Rh.

FIG. 3 is an overall explanatory view of the optional discharge unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective explanatory view when viewed from the face-down tray side.
4 is an overall explanatory view of the optional discharge unit when viewed from the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 3, and is a perspective explanatory view when viewed from the face-up tray side.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the optional discharge unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part in a state where the second gate switches the conveyance path to the face-down discharge path.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the optional discharge unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part in a state where the second gate switches the conveyance path to the face-up discharge path.

1 and 3 to 6, an optional discharge unit U3 as an example of a medium discharge device is supported above the fixing device F, and the optional discharge unit U3 is located above the discharge tray TRh. And a face-down tray TRh2 as an example of a medium stacking unit, and an image recording surface. A face-up tray TRh3 as an example of a medium stacking unit, which is an example of an upward stacking unit that is stacked in an upper side state.
Further, inside the frame FL of the optional discharge unit U3, a reversal / discharge common path SH5 as an example of a medium transport path connected to the upper connection path SH4, and a face connected to the reverse / discharge common path SH5 and a face A face-down discharge path SH6 as an example of a second curved path that conveys the recording sheet S in a curved state on the down tray TRh2, and the reversing / discharge common path SH5 and connected to the face-up tray TRh3. And a face-up discharge path SH7 as an example of a curved path that conveys in a curved state.

  The face-down discharge path SH6 is provided with a reversing roll Rh2 that is an example of a second curved path conveying member and that is capable of rotating in the forward and reverse directions as an example of a medium discharging member and medium reversing member. In the discharge path SH7, a face-up sheet discharge roll Rh3, which is an example of a curved path conveyance member and an example of a medium discharge member, is disposed, and conveys the recording sheet S of each of the conveyance paths SH6 and SH7.

  The reversing roll Rh2 according to the first embodiment is supported on the curved outer peripheral surface side of the face-down discharge path SH6, and is a reversal driving roll Rh2a as an example of a second driving member that is rotationally driven, and the face-down discharge path SH6. And a reverse driven roll Rh2b as an example of a second driven member that is supported on the inner peripheral surface side of the curved surface and disposed to face the reverse drive roll Rh2a. Further, the face-up paper discharge roll Rh3 of Example 1 is supported by the curved inner peripheral surface side of the face-up discharge path SH7, and is a face-up paper discharge drive roll Rh3a as an example of a drive member that rotates. A face-up discharge driven roll Rh3b as an example of a driven member supported on the curved outer peripheral surface side of the face-up discharge path SH7 and disposed to face the face-up discharge drive roll Rh3a. The face-up paper discharge driven roll Rh3b according to the first exemplary embodiment is supported so as to be able to contact and separate from the face-up paper discharge drive roll Rh3a and is pressed against the face-up paper discharge drive roll Rh3a with a predetermined pressure. Yes.

An example of an upstream curve imparting member that is rotatably supported by the frame FL on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the face-up discharge driven roll Rh3b on the curved outer peripheral surface side of the face-down discharge path SH6. As shown, an upstream curve imparting roller Rh4 is disposed. The upstream-side bend imparting roller Rh4 according to the first exemplary embodiment contacts and rotates the recording sheet S conveyed through the face-up discharge path SH7 to bend the recording sheet S.
In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the upstream side bending imparting roller Rh4 of Example 1 is a highly slidable member having high slidability with respect to the recording sheet S, for example, PTFE, that is, fluorine such as polytetrafluoroethylene. It is made of resin, so-called Teflon (registered trademark) or the like.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the second gate according to the first embodiment.
Further, a second gate GT2 as an example of a switching member for switching the conveyance path of the recording sheet S is provided at a branch position as a connection portion between the reversing / discharge common path SH5, the face-down discharge path SH6 and the face-up discharge path SH7. Is arranged. In FIG. 7, the second gate GT <b> 2 of the first embodiment has a rotation shaft 1 that extends in the sheet width direction of the recording sheet S, that is, the front-rear direction, and the rotation shaft 1 has a downward triangular shape and a flat plate shape. The switching member main body 2 is formed in a comb-like shape with an interval in the front-rear direction. The rotary shaft 1 is rotatably supported by a shaft support member (not shown). The switching member body 2 guides the recording sheet S conveyed from the reversal / discharge common path SH5 to the right face-down discharge path SH6 or the left face-up discharge path SH7.

Further, a flat plate-like connecting plate 3 extending leftward is integrally formed at the rear end portion of the rotating shaft 1, and the rotating shaft 1 extends forward from the right end portion of the connecting plate 3. . A spring mounting projection 3a projecting forward and an engagement portion 3b projecting rearward are formed at the upper left end of the connecting plate 3.
A swinging spring SP as an example of a swinging urging member is supported between the spring mounting projection 3a and a spring support (not shown) provided on the frame FL. The rocking spring SP biases the spring mounting projection 3a so as to always pull upward.
A swing solenoid SL as an example of an elevating member is disposed below the engaging portion 3b. The swing solenoid SL has a lift shaft SLa extending upward, and a link LN as an example of a swing engagement member that engages with the engagement portion 3b is supported on an upper end portion of the lift shaft SLa. ing.
The rotary gate 1, the switching member main body 2, the connecting plate 3, the swing solenoid SL, and the link LN constitute the second gate GT2 of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, when the swing solenoid SL is off, the engaging portion 3b is lifted by the biasing force of the swing spring SP, and the lift shaft SLa is lifted via the link LN. As a result, the switching member body 2 rotates clockwise in FIGS. 5 and 6 around the rotating shaft 1 and the lower end of the switching member body 2 swings to the left. As described above, the medium transport path is switched to the face-down discharge path SH6.
When the swing solenoid SL is turned on, the lift shaft SLa is lowered, and the engaging portion 3b is lowered against the biasing force of the swing spring SP via the link LN. As a result, the switching member body 2 rotates counterclockwise in FIGS. 5 and 6 around the rotating shaft 1 and the lower end of the switching member body 2 swings to the right. As shown, the medium transport path is switched from the face-down discharge path SH6 to the face-up discharge path SH7.

Note that the second gate GT2 of the first embodiment turns off the solenoid SL when the recording sheet S is discharged to the face-down tray TRh2 and reversed for double-sided printing, so that the face down The conveyance path is switched to the discharge path SH6. Further, when the recording sheet S is discharged to the face-up tray TRh3, the second gate GT2 switches the conveyance path to the face-up discharge path SH7 by turning on the solenoid SL.
5 and 6, the optional discharge unit U3 includes a first extending in the front-rear direction, that is, in the axial direction of the face-up discharge roll Rh3, on the upper right side of the face-up discharge driven roll Rh3b. An urging member support portion FL1 is provided, and the first urging member support portion FL1 urges the face-up paper discharge driven roll Rh3b to the face-up paper discharge drive roll Rh3a with a predetermined urging force. A first urging member SP1, which is an example of an urging member, a so-called pinch spring is supported. The first urging member SP1 according to the first embodiment includes a coiled first supported portion SP1a that is supported by being penetrated by the first urging member supporting portion FL1, and one end of the first supported portion SP1a. A first engaged portion SP1b extending upward on the right side and a first urging portion SP1c extending downward on the left side from the other end of the first supported portion SP1a are provided.

  Further, in the option discharge unit U3, a second urging member support portion FL2 extending in the front-rear direction, that is, in the axial direction of the reversing roll Rh2, is provided below the left side of the reversing driven roll Rh2b. The second urging member support part FL2 supports a second urging member SP2 as an example of a second urging member that urges the reverse driven roll Rh2b to the reverse drive roll Rh2a with a predetermined urging force. ing. The second urging member SP2 of the first embodiment is a linear spring, and includes a second supported portion SP2a supported by the second urging member support portion FL2, and one end of the second supported portion SP2a. A second engaged portion SP2b extending downward from the left side to the left side, and a second urging portion SP2c extending upward from the other end of the second supported portion SP2a to the right side.

  5 and 6, the rotary shaft 1 supports a medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 that engages with the urging members SP1 and SP2. The medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 according to the first embodiment includes a shaft portion 4 a that is fixedly supported by the rotating shaft 1 and rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 1. The medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 includes a face-up paper discharge roll biasing force adjustment arm 4b extending from the shaft portion 4a to the face-up paper discharge driven roll Rh3b. As an example of an urging member engaging portion that extends to the left and engages with the first engaged portion SP1b at the free end portion, that is, the distal end portion of the face-up discharge roll urging force adjusting arm 4b. A first engagement portion 4b1 is formed.

The medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 has a reverse roll biasing force adjustment arm 4c extending from the shaft portion 4a to the reverse driven roll Rh2b. Further, a second engaging portion as an example of a second urging member engaging portion that extends downward and engages with the second engaged portion SP2b is provided at the tip of the reverse roll urging force adjusting arm 4c. 4c1 is formed.
The shaft portion 4a, the face-up discharge roll biasing force adjusting arm 4b, and the reverse roll biasing force adjusting arm 4c constitute the switching member interlocking portion (4a + 4b + 4c) of the first embodiment.
Further, the reverse / discharge common path SH5, the face-down discharge path SH6, the face-up discharge path SH7, the second gate GT2, the reversing roll Rh2, the face-up discharge roll Rh3, and the upstream curve applying roller. The Rh4, the first urging member SP1, the second urging member SP2, and the medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 constitute a medium transport device (SH5 to SH7 + GT2 + Rh2 + Rh3 + Rh4 + SP1 + SP2 + 4) of the first embodiment.

  A reversing unit U4 as an example of an additional unit is installed on the left side of the image forming apparatus main body U1. The reversing unit U4 is provided with a reversing path SH8 as an example of a medium transporting path that is connected to the lower end of the reversing / discharging common path SH5 and that transports the recording sheet S during duplex printing. The reversing path SH8 includes a main reversing path SH8a extending linearly along the direction of gravity, an upstream reversing path SH8b connecting the main reversing path SH8a and the reversing / discharging common path SH5, and the main reversing path SH8a. And a downstream inversion path SH8c connecting the registration roll Rr. A third gate GT3 as an example of a conveyance path switching member that switches the conveyance path so that the recording sheet S is not conveyed to the upper connection path SH4 at the time of reversal is provided at the connection portion between the upstream reversal path SH8b and the reversal / discharge common path SH5. Is arranged. A reversing path as an example of a reversing path transporting member that transports the recording sheet S in the reversing path SH8 is provided on the reversing path SH8 that is a transport path downstream of the reversing / discharging common path SH5 and the face-down discharging path SH6. A transport roll Ra2 is disposed.

Therefore, the recording sheet S to be printed on both sides is conveyed through the reversing / discharging common path SH5 and discharged to the face-down tray TRh2 until the rear end portion of the recording sheet S is sandwiched by the reversing roll Rh2. After that, the reverse roll Rh2 rotates in the reverse direction, and the recording sheet S is conveyed to the reverse path SH8. The recording sheet S transported through the reversing path SH8 is transported by the reversing path transport roll Ra2, and is transported to the registration roll Rr with the front and back sides reversed.
In FIG. 1, the paper feed path SH1 includes, as an example of a medium detection member, a first paper feed path sensor SN1 and a second paper feed path for detecting a recording sheet S fed from each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. A paper path sensor SN2, a third paper path sensor SN3, and a fourth paper path sensor SN4 are arranged. As an example of the medium detection member, the upper connection path SH4, the reversal / discharge common path SH5, and the main reversal path SH8b also include a connection path sensor SN5, a common path sensor SN6, and a reverse path sensor SN7 for detecting the recording sheet S. Is arranged.
Each of the transport paths SH1 to SH8 constitutes the transport path SH of the first embodiment. The transport path SH, the sheet feeding device Rp + Rs, the sheet transport roll Ra, the registration roll Rr, the paper discharge roll Rh, the reverse roll Rh2, and the face up. A recording sheet conveying device SH + Ra to Ra2 + Rr + GT is configured by the paper discharge roll Rh3, the reverse path conveying roll Ra2, the gates GT1 to GT3, and the like.

In FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, a lower cover U1a as an example of an upstream opening member is located on the left side of the lower three-stage sheet feeding trays TR2 to TR4, and a normal position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to an open position indicated by a broken line in FIG. The lower cover U1a supports a left side guide of the paper feed path SH1 on the left side of the paper feed trays TR2 to TR4, a so-called guide, and the outside of the pair of transport rolls Ra. Therefore, by moving the lower cover U1a to the open position, the lower portion of the paper feed path SH1, that is, the upstream paper feed path SH1a on the upstream side in the transport direction is opened.
In FIG. 1, the reversing unit U4 includes, as an example of a downstream opening member, on the left side of the main reversing path SH8a, between a normal position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1 and an open position indicated by a broken line in FIG. An inversion path opening cover U4a supported so as to be openable and closable is disposed. The reversing path opening cover U4a supports the left guide of the main reversing path SH8a, and the main reversing path SH8b is opened by moving the reversing path opening cover U4a to the open position.

FIG. 8 is an overall explanatory view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is an explanatory view for explaining a state in which the main cover moves between the open position and the normal position.
In FIG. 8, on the left side of the image forming apparatus main body U1, as an example of an opening member, it is supported so as to be openable and closable between a normal position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 8 and an open position indicated by a broken line in FIG. A main cover U1b is arranged. By moving the main cover U1b to the open position, the main transport path SH2, the downstream paper feed path SH1b, which is the downstream side of the paper feed path SH1, and the upper connection path SH4 are opened, and the reversing path SH8 is also on the upstream side. Exposed and released. Therefore, the main cover U1b functions as a downstream opening member for the lower cover U1a and also functions as an upstream opening member for the reverse path opening cover U4a.

  Above the belt module BM, developer cartridges Ky, Km, Kc, and Kk, which are examples of developer supply containers that store yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K developers, are disposed. The developers contained in the developer cartridges Ky, Km, Kc, and Kk are supplied from the developer replenishment path, which will be described later, to the developing devices Gy according to the consumption of the developer in the developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk. , Gm, Gc, Gk. In Example 1, the developer is composed of a two-component developer including a magnetic carrier and a toner provided with an external additive.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the printer U according to the first embodiment having the above configuration, in the image forming apparatus main body U1, the toner images formed on the surfaces of the image carriers PRy to PRk are transferred to the recording sheet S by the transfer device T1 + T2 + B and fixed. Fixing is performed by apparatus F. Further, the fixed recording sheet S is discharged from the image forming apparatus main body U1 based on the operator's input to the user interface UI and the image information transmitted from the image information transmitting apparatus PC. The paper is discharged to either TRh or the face-down tray TRh2 or the face-up tray TRh3 of the optional discharge unit U3 arranged as an option above the discharge tray TRh.
When the recording sheet S is discharged to the paper discharge tray TRh, the fixed recording sheet S is transported through the paper discharge path SH3 and discharged to the paper discharge tray TRh by the paper discharge roll Rh. Is done.

  When the recording sheet S is discharged to the face-down tray TRh2, the fixed recording sheet S is conveyed through the upper connection path SH4 and the reverse / discharge common path SH5. In this case, in the second gate GT2, the swing solenoid SL shown in FIG. 7 is in an OFF state, and the conveyance path of the recording sheet S is switched to the face-down discharge path SH6 shown in FIG. .

  Here, in the second gate GT <b> 2, the shaft portion 4 a of the medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 fixedly supported by the rotating shaft 1 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 1. For this reason, when the swing solenoid SL is in the off state, the reverse roll biasing force adjusting arm 4c of the medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 is interlocked with the switching member main body 2, and the second engaging portion 4c1 is The second urging member SP2 has moved to a position for pressing the second engaged portion SP2b downward to the left. Therefore, the reverse driven roll Rh2b is urged toward the reverse drive roll Rh2a by the second urging portion SP2c of the second urging member SP2.

  Therefore, in the optional discharge unit U3 of the first embodiment, when the recording sheet S is discharged to the face-down tray TRh2, the second urging member SP2 causes the reverse driven roll Rh2b to be the reverse drive roll Rh2a. The recording sheet S is conveyed on the face-down discharge path SH6 while being urged to the side. As a result, in the optional discharge unit U3 of the first embodiment, the recording sheet S is transferred to the reverse driven roll Rh2b and the reverse drive roll Rh2a by the medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 and the second urging member SP2. The nipping pressure is conveyed in a proper state and discharged to the face-down tray TRh2.

  When the recording sheet S is discharged to the face-up tray TRh3, the upper connection path SH4, the recording sheet S is fixed to the face-down tray TRh2, similarly to the case where the recording sheet S is discharged to the face-down tray TRh2. The reversal / discharge common path SH5 is conveyed. In this case, in the second gate GT2, the oscillation solenoid SL is turned on, and the conveyance path of the recording sheet S is switched to the face-up discharge path SH7 shown in FIG. Therefore, the recording sheet S is discharged to the face-up tray TRh3 by the face-up discharge roll Rh3.

  In the face-up discharge path SH7 of the first embodiment, the face-up discharge driven roll Rh3b supported so as to be able to contact and separate from the face-up discharge drive roll Rh3a is connected to the face-up discharge path SH7. Is supported on the outer peripheral surface side of the curve. Therefore, for example, when a recording sheet S having a rigid, so-called stiffness, such as thick paper, is used, the recording sheet S is less curved on the face-up discharge path SH7 than the plain paper, and the face-up discharge is performed. The driven roll Rh3b is pressed in the outer peripheral direction of the face-up discharge path SH7 by the stiffness of the recording sheet S. For this reason, the recording sheet S conveyed to the face-up discharge roll Rh3 has a weak clamping pressure for the face-up discharge drive roll Rh3a and the face-up discharge drive roll Rh3b to hold the recording sheet S. It may be transported in a state where

  However, in the option discharge unit U3 according to the first embodiment, when the swing solenoid SL is on, the shaft portion 4a of the medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 is connected to the second gate GT2 as shown in FIG. It rotates counterclockwise integrally with the rotating shaft 1. For this reason, the face-up discharge roll biasing force adjusting arm 4b rotates counterclockwise around the shaft portion 4a in conjunction with the switching member main body 2. As a result, the first engaging portion 4b1 has moved to a position where the first engaged portion SP1b of the first urging member SP1 is pressed to the lower left side. Therefore, the face-up paper discharge driven roll Rh3b is urged toward the face-up paper discharge drive roll Rh3a by the first urging portion SP1c of the first urging member SP1.

Therefore, in the optional discharge unit U3 of the first embodiment, when the recording sheet S is discharged to the face-up tray TRh3, the first biasing member SP1 moves the face-up discharge driven roller Rh3b to the face. The recording sheet S is conveyed on the face-up discharge path SH7 while being urged toward the up-discharge driving roll Rh3a.
As a result, in the optional discharge unit U3 of the first embodiment, the recording sheet S is moved to the face-up discharge driven roller Rh3b and the face-up discharge by the medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 and the first biasing member SP1. The paper is conveyed in a state where the clamping pressure between the paper driving roll Rh3a is sufficiently increased and discharged to the face-up tray TRh3. That is, even when the recording sheet S is strong, the recording sheet S is conveyed with an appropriate clamping pressure by the face-up sheet discharge roll Rh3 and discharged to the face-up tray TRh3.

  As a result, in the optional discharge unit U3 of the first embodiment, the medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 is transported along the transport path (SH6, SH7) along which the recording sheet S is transported in conjunction with the swing of the second gate GT2. Appropriate clamping pressure is applied only to the transport rolls (Rh2, Rh3). In particular, in the face-up discharge path SH7 shown in FIG. 6 where a conveyance failure may occur, the clamping pressure of the face-up discharge roll Rh3 is efficiently optimized.

  Further, in the optional discharge unit U3 of the first embodiment, the upstream-side curve imparting roller Rh4 disposed on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction of the face-up discharge driven roll Rh3b is conveyed through the face-up discharge path SH7. The recording sheet S is in contact with the recording sheet S from above. Therefore, the recording sheet S is bent in advance by the upstream-side bending imparting roller Rh4 and is carried into the face-up discharge roll Rh3.

  Here, when the upstream-side curve imparting roller Rh4 is not disposed, the recording sheet S may be carried into the face-up sheet discharge roll Rh3 with a small curvature. Therefore, for example, when the stiffness of the recording sheet S is strong, the face-up discharge driven roll Rh3b is easily pressed in the outer peripheral direction of the face-up discharge path SH7. That is, due to the stiffness of the recording sheet S, the face-up paper discharge drive roll Rh3a and the face-up paper discharge drive roll Rh3b are easily separated from each other, and the conveyance failure of the recording sheet S in the face-up paper discharge roll Rh3 occurs. It is more likely to occur.

  However, in the optional discharge unit U3 of Example 1, even when the stiffness of the recording sheet S is strong, the face-up discharge driving roll Rh3a is pressed by the pressing force of the recording sheet S by the upstream curve imparting roller Rh4. And the face-up paper discharge drive roll Rh3b are not easily separated from each other, and the conveyance failure of the recording sheet S in the face-up paper discharge roll Rh3 occurs compared to the case where the upstream curve imparting roller Rh4 is not disposed. Is reduced.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H012) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and can be applied to an inkjet recording image forming apparatus.
(H02) In the above-described embodiment, only one option discharge unit U3 is mounted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of option discharge units U3 are mounted side by side in the vertical direction. It is also possible to configure.

(H03) In the above embodiment, the medium transport device (SH5 to SH7 + GT2 + Rh2 + Rh3 + Rh4 + SP1 + SP2 + 4) is configured by each member (SH5 to SH7 + GT2 + Rh2 + Rh3 + Rh4 + SP1 + SP2 + 4) of the optional discharge unit U3. It is also possible to configure by providing the same members as the members SP1, SP2 and 4 to the members of the recording sheet conveying devices SH + Ra to Ra2 + Rr + GT of U1. For example, in the first gate GT1 of the recording sheet conveying devices SH + Ra to Ra2 + Rr + GT, members similar to the members SP1, SP2, and 4 are provided, so that the paper discharge roll Rh on the paper discharge path SH3 and the upper connection are provided. The present invention can be applied to the transport roll on the path SH4.

(H04) In the present invention, it is desirable to provide the upstream curve imparting roller Rh4 on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the face-up discharge driven roll Rh3b, but this may be omitted.
(H05) In the embodiment, the second gate GT2 controls the on / off of the swing solenoid SL in order to swing the switching member main body 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to use a swinging motor that swings the switching member main body 2.
(H06) In the embodiment, the first urging member SP1 is constituted by a pinch spring, a so-called torsion spring, and the second urging member SP2 is constituted by a linear spring, but is not limited thereto. For example, each of the urging members SP1 and SP2 can be configured by a leaf spring or the like. Further, for example, the first urging member SP1 can be constituted by a linear spring, and the second urging member SP2 can be constituted by a torsion spring.

(H07) In the embodiment, the configuration of the present invention that increases the clamping pressure of the recording sheet S is applied only to the face-up discharge path SH7 side shown in FIG. The face-down discharge path SH6 side shown in FIG. 5 can be omitted.
(H08) In the above embodiment, the shaft portion 4a of the medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 is fixedly supported by the rotating shaft 1 of the second gate GT2 and rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 1. For example, by providing a clutch in the shaft portion 4a, the type of the recording sheet S (thick paper, plain paper, OHP, etc.) is discriminated, and the clutch is only applied when the recording sheet S is strong. By turning on, it is possible to increase the clamping pressure of the recording sheet S only when there is a high possibility that a conveyance failure will occur.

(H09) In the second gate GT2 of the first embodiment, normally, the swing solenoid SL is in an off state, and the conveyance path of the recording sheet S is switched to the face-down discharge path SH6. When the recording sheet S is discharged to the face-up tray TRh3, the swing solenoid SL is turned on, and the conveyance path of the recording sheet S is switched to the face-up discharge path SH7. Therefore, in a normal state, that is, in a state where the swing solenoid SL is off, a high pressure is continuously applied to the reversing roll Rh2 by the second urging member SP2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The swing of the second gate GT2 is controlled by a swing motor, and at the normal time, the lower end portion of the switching member body 2 is disposed at a neutral position between the face-down discharge path SH6 and the face-up discharge path SH7, The urging members SP1, SP2 are applied to the reversing roll Rh2 and the face-up paper discharge roll Rh3 in a state where none of the urging members SP1, SP2 is pressed, that is, a so-called neutral state. It is also possible to prevent the holding pressure due to.

(H010) In the embodiment, the shaft portion 4a of the medium clamping pressure adjusting member 4 is fixedly supported by the rotating shaft 1 of the second gate GT2, and the rotation amount of the switching member interlocking portion (4a + 4b + 4c) The rotation amount of the rotary shaft 1 is configured to be the same, but is not limited thereto, and for example, the rotation of the rotary shaft 1 is transmitted to the switching member interlocking portion (4a + 4b + 4c) via a gear. As a result, a difference is generated between the rotation amount of the switching member interlocking portion (4a + 4b + 4c) and the rotation amount of the rotating shaft 1 to increase or decrease the rotation amount of the switching member interlocking portion (4a + 4b + 4c). It is also possible to do. Further, for example, a drive motor that rotates the switching member interlocking portion (4a + 4b + 4c) without rotating and supporting the shaft portion 4a on the rotating shaft 1 is provided, a torque limiter is provided on the rotating shaft 1, The switching member interlocking portion (4a + 4b + 4c) is provided with a stopper or the like that comes into contact with the switching member main body 2 or the frame FL when the second gate GT2 is rotated by a predetermined amount of rotation. The rotation amount of 4a + 4b + 4c) can be increased or decreased with respect to the rotation amount of the rotary shaft 1. As a result, for example, by adjusting the rotation amount of the switching member interlocking portion (4a + 4b + 4c) by the rotation amount of the drive motor and adjusting the urging force by the urging members SP1, SP2, the recording sheet S is In the case of plain paper, it can be conveyed with a normal clamping pressure, and in the case of thick paper, it can be conveyed with a high clamping pressure.

(H011) In the above embodiment, it is desirable that the outer peripheral surface of the upstream bending imparting roller Rh4 is processed by Teflon (registered trademark), which is the high sliding member, but this is omitted. It is also possible to integrally form the same member as the shaft portion of the upstream-side bending imparting roller Rh4.
(H012) In the embodiment described above, the upstream curvature imparting roller Rh4 is disposed as an example of the upstream curvature imparting member, but is not limited thereto. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the face-up discharge path SH7 It is also possible to configure with a protruding portion protruding inward from the inside. In this case, the protrusions are processed with Teflon (registered trademark), which is the highly slidable member, so that scratches on the recording sheet S due to contact with the recording sheet S are reduced. It is also possible to make it.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an overall explanatory view of the optional discharge unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective explanatory view when viewed from the face-down tray side. 4 is an overall explanatory view of the optional discharge unit when viewed from the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 3, and is a perspective explanatory view when viewed from the face-up tray side. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the optional discharge unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part in a state where the second gate switches the conveyance path to the face-down discharge path. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the optional discharge unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part in a state where the second gate switches the conveyance path to the face-up discharge path. FIG. 7 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the second gate according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an overall explanatory view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is an explanatory view for explaining a state in which the main cover moves between the open position and the normal position.

Explanation of symbols

4 ... Medium clamping pressure adjusting member,
(4a + 4b + 4c) ... switching member interlocking part,
4b1 ... biasing member engaging portion,
4c1 ... 2nd biasing member engaging part,
GT2 ... switching member,
(PRy˜PRk + Gy˜Gk + T1 + T2 + B)... Image recording device,
Rh2 ... second curved path conveying member,
Rh2a ... second driving member,
Rh2b ... second driven member,
Rh3: Curved path conveying member,
Rh3a: Driving member,
Rh3b ... driven member,
Rh4: Upstream curvature imparting member, roller, high sliding member,
SP1 ... biasing member,
SP2 ... second biasing member,
S ... medium
SH5 to SH7 ... medium transport path,
(SH5 to SH7 + GT2 + Rh2 + Rh3 + Rh4 + SP1 + SP2 + 4)... Medium conveying device,
SH6 ... second curved path,
SH7: Curved road,
TRh2, TRh3 ... Medium loading section,
U: Image forming apparatus,
U3: Medium discharge device.

Claims (8)

A medium conveying path through which a medium is conveyed, the medium conveying path having a curved path branched from a predetermined branch position on the medium conveying path and conveyed in a curved state;
A switching member that is arranged at the branch position and switches the medium conveyance path so that the medium is conveyed to any one of the plurality of medium conveyance paths;
A driving member that is supported on the inner peripheral surface side of the curved path and is driven to rotate; and a driven member that is supported on the outer peripheral surface side of the curved path and disposed opposite to the driving member. A curved path conveying member that conveys the medium of the curved path;
A biasing member that biases the driven member to the drive member with a predetermined biasing force;
A medium clamping pressure adjusting member having an urging member engaging portion that engages with the urging member and a switching member interlocking portion that interlocks with the movement of the switching member, wherein the switching member moves along the conveyance path of the medium. When switching to the curved path, the urging force of the urging member is increased via the urging member engaging portion to increase the clamping pressure at which the driven member and the driving member clamp the medium. The medium clamping pressure adjusting member;
A medium carrying device comprising: An upstream curve that is rotatably supported on the curved outer peripheral surface side of the curved path and on the upstream side in the medium transport direction of the driven member, and that curves the medium by contacting the medium transported on the curved path. Imparting member,
The medium conveying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The upstream-side curving imparting member configured by a roller that rotates in contact with the medium to be conveyed;
The medium conveying apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The upstream-side bending imparting member constituted by a high-sliding member having high slidability with respect to the medium;
The medium conveying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the medium conveying apparatus is provided. The medium transport path having a second curved path that is branched from the branch position and transported in a state where the medium is curved;
A second driving member that is supported by the outer peripheral surface of the second curved path and is driven to rotate; and a second driving member that is supported by the inner peripheral surface of the second curved path and that is supported by the second driving member. A second follower member disposed oppositely, and a second curved path conveying member that conveys the medium of the second curved path;
A second urging member that urges the second driven member to the second driving member with a predetermined urging force;
The medium clamping pressure adjusting member having a second urging member engaging portion that engages with the second urging member, wherein the switching member switches the medium conveyance path to the second curved path. In this case, the urging force of the second urging member is increased via the second urging member engaging portion, and the holding by the second driven member and the second driving member is performed. The medium clamping pressure adjusting member for increasing the pressure;
5. The medium carrying device according to claim 1, further comprising: A medium loading section on which the medium is loaded;
The medium conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the medium is conveyed to the medium stacking unit,
A medium discharge device comprising: The medium discharging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an image recording surface of a medium on which an image is recorded is transported on the curved outer peripheral surface side of the curved path and stacked on the medium stacking unit. An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a medium;
The medium conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which conveys the medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images