JP5691823B2 - Paper separating device, and image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet separating apparatus for separating sheets, and an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus provided with the sheet separating apparatus.

  For example, a document transport device (ADF) for automatically transporting a document is provided with a sheet separating device to prevent a plurality of sheets from being stacked (multi-feed) in a stacked state. ing. In this type of sheet separating apparatus, when a document passes between a separation roller (separation rotating member) and a separation pad (separation member) facing each other, the document to be fed is separated and 1 Some documents can be conveyed one by one.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the document feeder 100 according to the first conventional example. In this example, a separation roller 101 that can be rotated to separate a document and a separation pad 102 that faces the outer peripheral surface of the separation roller 101 are provided. A document conveyance path 103 for conveying a document is formed between the separation roller 101 and the separation pad 102.

  The separation pad 102 is supported by a rotating member 104 provided so as to be rotatable about a rotating shaft (not shown). A compression spring 105 is attached to the back surface of the rotating member 104 (the surface opposite to the separation pad 102 side). FIG. 11 shows a cross section passing through the axis of the compression spring 105. The rotation member 104 is pressed toward the separation roller 101 by the compression spring 105, and the separation pad 102 is pressed toward the separation roller 101 via the rotation member 104.

  An end of the compression spring 105 opposite to the rotating member 104 side is supported by an adjustment screw 106. More specifically, the end surface of the compression spring 105 abuts on a flange portion 107 provided on the adjustment screw 106. The adjustment screw 106 can be tightened in the axial direction of the compression spring 105, and the height of the flange portion 107 can be adjusted by adjusting the tightening amount of the adjustment screw 106. Thereby, the compression amount of the compression spring 105 changes according to the height of the flange portion 107, and the pressing force of the separation pad 102 toward the separation roller 101 side changes.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of the document conveying apparatus 200 according to the second conventional example. Also in this example, a separation roller 201 that can be rotated to separate a document and a separation pad 202 that faces the outer peripheral surface of the separation roller 201 are provided, and a document between the separation roller 201 and the separation pad 202 is provided. A document conveyance path 203 for conveying the document is formed.

  A compression spring 205 is attached to the back surface of the rotating member 204 that supports the separation pad 202 (the surface opposite to the separation pad 202 side). The rotation member 204 is pressed toward the separation roller 201 by the compression spring 205, and the separation pad 202 is pressed toward the separation roller 201 via the rotation member 204.

  An end portion of the compression spring 205 opposite to the rotating member 204 side is supported by a support member 206. The support member 206 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 207, and the support member 206 is rotated about the rotation shaft 207 by adjusting the tightening amount of the adjusting screw 208 attached to the support member 206. Can be done. Thereby, the compression amount of the compression spring 205 changes according to the tightening amount of the adjustment screw 208, and the pressing force of the separation pad 202 toward the separation roller 201 side changes.

  As another conventional technique, for example, Patent Document 1 below proposes a configuration in which the compression amount of the compression spring can be adjusted using a solenoid.

JP-A-10-279107

  However, in the prior art as described above, since it is necessary to provide an adjusting screw or solenoid and various other members as members for adjusting the compression amount of the compression spring, the structure is complicated and the number of parts is reduced. Therefore, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost is high.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is capable of adjusting the pressing force of the separating member toward the separating rotating member with a simple configuration, and an image reading apparatus and an image including the same. An object is to provide a forming apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide a sheet separating apparatus capable of reducing the manufacturing cost, and an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus provided with the sheet separating apparatus.

  The sheet separating apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a separation rotating member that is rotatable to separate sheets and an outer peripheral surface of the separation rotating member, and a conveyance path for conveying the sheet is provided on the separation rotating member. And a separation member formed between the rotation member and the rotation member so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft, and supports the separation member and presses the separation member toward the separation rotation member by rotating about the rotation shaft. A rotating member capable of being pressed and a pressing member for pressing the rotating member toward the separating rotating member, and a distance between the position where the pressing force of the pressing member acts on the rotating member and the rotating shaft is It is characterized by being adjustable.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to change the torque acting on the rotating member only by adjusting the distance between the position where the pressing force of the pressing member acts on the rotating member and the rotating shaft. If the torque acting on the rotating member changes, the pressing force of the separating member toward the separating rotating member also changes, so that the pressing force of the separating member toward the separating rotating member can be adjusted with a simple configuration.

  By changing the mounting position of the pressing member, the distance between the rotary shaft and the position where the pressing force of the pressing member acts on the rotating member may be adjustable.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to adjust the pressing force of the separating member toward the separating rotating member only by changing the mounting position of the pressing member. A configuration that can change the mounting position of the pressing member does not require a complicated structure, and the number of parts is small compared to a configuration that uses an adjustment screw or a solenoid, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The sheet separating device includes a support member that supports an end portion of the pressing member that is opposite to the rotating member side, a position where the pressing force of the pressing member acts on the rotating member, and the supporting member At least one of the positions where the pressing member is supported is provided with a plurality of restricting portions for restricting movement of the end portion of the pressing member, and the end portion of the pressing member is provided in any of the plurality of restricting portions. May be attachable.

  According to such a configuration, the pressing force of the separation member toward the separation rotating member can be adjusted with a simple configuration in which the end portion of the pressing member is attached to any one of the plurality of restriction portions.

  The plurality of restricting portions may include a recess that accommodates an end portion of the pressing member.

  According to such a configuration, the pressing force of the separation member toward the separation rotating member can be adjusted with a very simple configuration in which the end portion of the pressing member is accommodated in the recess.

  The plurality of restricting portions may include a convex portion that is inserted into an end portion of the pressing member.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to adjust the pressing force of the separation member toward the separation rotating member with a very simple configuration in which the end portion of the pressing member is inserted into the convex portion.

  The plurality of restricting portions may be provided only at any one of a position where the pressing force of the pressing member acts on the rotating member or a position where the pressing member is supported on the support member.

  According to such a configuration, it is only necessary to attach one end portion of the pressing member to one of the restricting portions. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which both end portions of the pressing member are attached to the restricting portion, separate rotation The pressing force of the separating member toward the member can be adjusted with a simpler configuration.

  An image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes the sheet separating device, a document conveying roller for conveying a document as the sheet, and an image reading unit for reading an image of the document. .

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus that exhibits the same effect as the paper separating apparatus according to the present invention. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus capable of adjusting the pressing force of the separating member toward the separating rotating member with a simple configuration and reducing the manufacturing cost.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes the sheet separating device, a recording sheet conveying roller for conveying the recording sheet as the sheet, and an image forming unit for forming an image on the recording sheet. It is characterized by.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that has the same effect as the sheet separating apparatus according to the present invention. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of adjusting the pressing force of the separating member toward the separating rotating member with a simple configuration and reducing the manufacturing cost.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus including a sheet separating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the document conveying device, and shows a view of the vicinity of the sheet separating device viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of an internal configuration of the document conveying device, and shows a view of the vicinity of the sheet separating device as viewed obliquely from below. It is the perspective view which looked at the vicinity of the support member in a guide member from diagonally upward. It is the perspective view which showed the shape of the back surface side in a rotation member. It is sectional drawing of the paper separation apparatus for demonstrating the attachment position of a compression spring. It is sectional drawing of the paper separation apparatus for demonstrating the attachment position of a compression spring. It is sectional drawing of the paper separation apparatus for demonstrating the attachment position of a compression spring. It is the perspective view which looked at the vicinity of the support member in the guide member of the paper separation apparatus which concerns on another embodiment from diagonally upward. It is the perspective view which showed the shape of the back surface side in the rotation member of the paper separation apparatus which concerns on another embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the modification of the supporting member in a guide member. It is the perspective view which showed the modification of the shape of the back surface side in a rotation member. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a document conveying device according to a first conventional example. It is sectional drawing which showed an example of the internal structure of the original conveying apparatus based on a 2nd prior art example.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 including a sheet separating device 2c according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment reads, for example, an image of a document automatically supplied by a document transport device (ADF) 2 one by one by an image reading unit 3 and records paper based on the image data of the document. A copier that forms an image on P. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an image forming unit 4 and a paper feeding unit 5 in addition to the image reading unit 3 in the housing 1a, and a document conveying device 2 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 1a. ing.

  The document transport device 2 includes a document tray 2a, and a document can be set on the document tray 2a. The document conveying device 2 feeds the documents set on the document tray 2a one by one by the pickup roller 2b and the sheet separating device 2c. The sheet separating device 2c includes, for example, a separation roller 20 and a separation pad 21. The sent document is transported on the document transport path 2g by a plurality of document transport rollers 2d, 2e, and 2f, and passes through the second glass plate 3c in the middle of the document transport path 2g by the image reading unit 3. The image is read. The document after the image is read is sequentially discharged onto the document discharge tray 2i by the discharge roller 2h.

  The image reading unit 3 is provided with a light receiving unit such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. The image reading unit 3 irradiates the document placed on the first glass plate 3d while moving the light emitting unit in the horizontal direction (sub-scanning direction) orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and receives the reflected light from the document. The image of the original can be read by receiving the light at the unit. Further, the image reading unit 3 irradiates light toward the second glass plate 3c in a stationary state, and the light receiving unit receives reflected light from the document conveyed on the second glass plate 3c by the document conveying device 2. By doing so, it is possible to read the image of the document.

  When reading a document placed on the first glass plate 3d, main scanning is performed by receiving reflected light from the document at the light receiving unit, and sub scanning is performed by moving the light emitting unit in the sub scanning direction. Done. On the other hand, when reading originals conveyed one by one on the second glass plate 3c by the original conveying apparatus 2, main scanning is performed by receiving reflected light from the original in the light receiving section, and the second glass. Sub-scanning is performed by conveying the document on the plate 3c.

  The first glass plate 3d and the second glass plate 3c are formed on the upper surface of the housing 1a, and the document conveying device 2 is attached to the upper surface of the housing 1a so as to be opened and closed vertically. Therefore, when the original placed on the first glass plate 3d is read by the image reading unit 3, the original is placed between the original conveying device 2 and the first glass plate 3d by closing the original conveying device 2. It can be pinched. That is, the document feeder 2 constitutes an open / close cover 10 that is opened and closed to hold the document placed at the set position on the first glass plate 3d. However, the opening / closing cover 10 is not limited to the one constituted by the document conveying device 2, and any other cover that can be opened and closed can be adopted.

  The image forming unit 4 includes a photosensitive drum 4a, a charger 4b, an optical writing unit 4c, a developing unit 4d, a transfer unit 4e, and a fixing unit 4f, and forms an image on the recording paper P by an electrophotographic method. A photoconductor is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 4a. During image formation, the surface of the photoconductor drum 4a that is rotationally driven is uniformly charged by the charger 4b. The optical writing unit 4 c outputs light from an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) or a laser light source based on the image data of the original read by the image reading unit 3. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4a uniformly charged by the charger 4b by exposure with light output from the optical writing unit 4c.

  A toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4a on which the electrostatic latent image has been formed by adhering the toner supplied from the developing device 4d, and this toner image is formed on the recording paper P using the transfer device 4e. Transcribed. The recording paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to a heat treatment and a pressure treatment by the fixing device 4f, and is then discharged from the discharge roller 4g onto the discharge tray 4h.

  The paper supply unit 5 includes a paper supply cassette 6 for storing the recording paper P, and stores the recording paper P in a stacked state on a support plate 9 provided in the paper supply cassette 6. Can be done. The support plate 9 is rotatable about the axis 9a at the first end, and the second end opposite to the first end is biased upward by the compression spring 9b. The uppermost recording paper P is pressed against the paper feed roller 7. For example, a separation pad (not shown) is disposed at a position facing the paper feed roller 7, and the recording paper P delivered from the paper feed cassette 6 when the paper feed roller 7 is rotationally driven is One sheet is sent to the recording paper conveyance path 12 by the action of the separation pad.

  The recording paper transport path 12 is provided with one or a plurality of recording paper transport rollers 13. The recording paper P delivered one by one from the paper feed cassette 6 is transported through the recording paper transporting path 12 by the recording paper transporting roller 13 and sent to the image forming unit 4. Then, the recording paper P is temporarily stopped by the registration roller 14 immediately before the photosensitive drum 4a, and is sent out in accordance with the transfer timing of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 4a.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the document conveying device 2, and shows the vicinity of the sheet separating device 2c as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the document conveying device 2, and shows the vicinity of the sheet separating device 2c as viewed obliquely from below.

  The sheet separating device 2c provided in the document conveying device 2 according to the present embodiment uses the separation roller 20 and the separation pad 21 when the plurality of documents are conveyed (multi-feed) in a stacked state. At least one of the originals is separated.

  The separation roller 20 is a separation rotating member that can be rotated to separate a document, and can be rotated, for example, in a direction in which the document is conveyed (clockwise in FIG. 1). However, the separation rotating member is not limited to the separation roller 20 and may be configured by a belt or the like. The separation pad 21 is a separation member provided to face the outer peripheral surface of the separation roller 20, and forms a document conveyance path 2 g between the separation pad 21 and the separation roller 20. The separation roller 20 has a long shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the document conveyance direction, and a separation pad 21 is provided at a position facing the central portion of the separation roller 20 in the longitudinal direction. The separation pad 21 is preferably formed of a material having a relatively large frictional force, and can be formed of, for example, rubber, cork or sponge.

  The separation pad 21 is supported by a rotating member 22 that can rotate around a rotating shaft 223. The rotating shaft 223 of the rotating member 22 extends, for example, in a direction parallel to the rotating axis of the separation roller 20 (a direction orthogonal to the document transport direction). Therefore, the separation pad 21 can be pressed against the document that is about to pass between the separation roller 20 and the separation pad 21 by rotating the rotation member 22 toward the separation roller 20 around the rotation shaft 223. . As a result, when a plurality of originals are being fed multiple times, the original on the separation pad 21 side is separated by the separation pad 21 pressed to the separation roller 20 side, and is in contact with the separation roller 20 1 Only the original document is conveyed downstream.

  A compression spring 23 as a pressing member that presses the rotating member 22 toward the separation roller 20 is provided on the back surface side of the rotating member 22 (the side opposite to the separation pad 21 side). 2 and 3, a cross section passing through the axis of the compression spring 23 is shown. The rotation member 22 is pressed toward the separation roller 20 by the compression spring 23, and the separation pad 21 is pressed toward the separation roller 20 via the rotation member 22. However, the pressing member is not limited to the compression spring 23, and may be another member as exemplified by an elastic member such as rubber.

  An end of the compression spring 23 opposite to the rotating member 22 side is supported by a support member 24. The support member 24 is formed integrally with a guide member 25 for forming a part of the document transport path 2g in the document transport device 2, for example. In the present embodiment, the rotating member 22 is rotatably attached to the guide member 25, but is not limited to such a configuration.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the support member 24 in the guide member 25 as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the shape of the back surface side of the rotating member 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the rotating member 22 has a contact surface 221 that contacts the upper end surface of the compression spring 23. On the other hand, the support member 24 is formed with a contact surface 241 that contacts the lower end surface of the compression spring 23. These contact surfaces 221 and 241 face each other in parallel, and the compression spring 23 is attached between the contact surfaces 221 and 241 so that the axis extends in a direction orthogonal to the contact surfaces 221 and 241. Yes.

  The compression spring 23 can change an attachment position along a direction parallel to the contact surfaces 221 and 241. It is preferable that the attachment position can be changed in a direction orthogonal to the rotation shaft 223 of the rotation member 22. By changing the mounting position of the compression spring 23, the position between the position where the pressing force of the compression spring 23 acts on the rotation member 22 (the contact position of the compression spring 23 on the contact surface 221) and the rotation shaft 223 of the rotation member 22. The distance is adjustable.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the contact surface 221 of the rotating member 22 is provided with three restricting portions 222 for restricting the movement of the upper end portion of the compression spring 23. Each restricting portion 222 is formed of, for example, a recess formed in the contact surface 221, and the recess has an arcuate inner surface corresponding to the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the compression spring 23. Each restricting portion 222 is formed as one concave portion by being connected in a straight line in a direction orthogonal to the rotation shaft 223 of the rotating member 22. By accommodating and attaching the upper end portion of the compression spring 23 to one of the three restricting portions 222, the position where the pressing force of the compression spring 23 on the rotating member 22 acts can be switched in three stages.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the contact surface 241 of the support member 24 is provided with three restricting portions 242 for restricting the movement of the lower end portion of the compression spring 23. Each restricting portion 242 includes, for example, a recess formed inside a rib protruding from the contact surface 241, and the recess has an arc-shaped inner surface corresponding to the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the compression spring 23. Each restricting portion 242 is formed as one concave portion by being aligned and connected in a straight line to the rotating shaft 223 of the rotating member 22. By housing and attaching the lower end portion of the compression spring 23 to one of the three restricting portions 242, the position of the support member 24 that supports the compression spring 23 can be switched in three stages.

  It is preferable that the number of restricting portions 222 of the rotating member 22 and the number of restricting portions 242 of the support member 24 are the same. However, the number of restricting portions 222 and 242 is not limited to three, but may be two or four or more.

  6A to 6C are cross-sectional views of the sheet separating device 2c for explaining the attachment position of the compression spring 23. FIG.

  In FIG. 6A, the compression spring 23 is attached to the central restriction portions 222 and 242 among the three restriction portions 222 of the rotating member 22 and the three restriction portions 242 of the support member 24. In FIG. 6B, the compression spring 23 is attached to the restriction portions 222 and 242 far from the rotation shaft 223 among the three restriction portions 222 of the rotation member 22 and the three restriction portions 242 of the support member 24. Yes. In FIG. 6C, the compression spring 23 is attached to the restriction portions 222 and 242 closer to the rotation shaft 223 among the three restriction portions 222 of the rotation member 22 and the three restriction portions 242 of the support member 24. Yes. 6A to 6C, the compression amount of the compression spring 23 is the same, and the pressing force F1 of the compression spring 23 is also the same. However, the configuration may be such that the amount of compression of the compression spring 23 changes and the pressing force F1 of the compression spring 23 also changes according to the mounting position of the compression spring 23.

  The center of the position where the pressing force of the compression spring 23 acts on the contact surface 221 of the rotating member 22 constitutes a force point P1. The axis of the rotating shaft 223 of the rotating member 22 constitutes a fulcrum P2. A contact point of the separation pad 21 with the outer peripheral surface of the separation roller 20 (a point that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the separation roller 20 via the original when the original passes) constitutes an action point P3. The distance L1 between the force point P1 and the fulcrum P2 varies depending on the mounting position of the compression spring 23. On the other hand, the distance L2 between the fulcrum P2 and the action point P3 is constant regardless of the mounting position of the compression spring 23.

In this case, the torque T acting on the rotating member 22 by the pressing force F1 of the compression spring 23 at the force point P1 can be expressed by the following formula (1).
T = F1 × L1 (1)

Therefore, the pressing force F2 of the separation pad 21 toward the separation roller 20 can be expressed by the following formula (2).
F2 = (F1 × L1) / L2 (2)

  In this example, in any of FIGS. 6A to 6C, the pressing force F1 of the compression spring 23 and the distance L2 between the fulcrum P2 and the action point P3 are the same. Therefore, according to the above equation (2), in the case of FIG. 6B where the distance L1 between the force point P1 and the fulcrum P2 is long, the pressing force F2 of the separation pad 21 toward the separation roller 20 is greater than in the case of FIG. 6A. . Further, in the case of FIG. 6C where the distance L1 between the force point P1 and the fulcrum P2 is short, the pressing force F2 of the separation pad 21 toward the separation roller 20 is smaller than in the case of FIG. 6A.

  In the present embodiment, the torque T acting on the rotating member 22 can be changed only by adjusting the distance L1 between the position where the pressing force F1 of the compression spring 23 acts on the rotating member 22 and the rotating shaft 223. . If the torque T acting on the rotating member 22 changes, the pressing force F2 of the separation pad 21 toward the separation roller 20 also changes. Therefore, the pressing force F2 of the separation pad 21 toward the separation roller 20 is adjusted with a simple configuration. can do.

  In particular, the pressing force F <b> 2 of the separation pad 21 toward the separation roller 20 can be adjusted only by changing the mounting position of the compression spring 23. A configuration in which the mounting position of the compression spring 23 can be changed does not require a complicated structure, and the number of parts is small as compared with a configuration using an adjustment screw or a solenoid, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, the pressing force F2 of the separation pad 21 toward the separation roller 20 can be adjusted with a simple configuration in which the end of the compression spring 23 is attached to any of the plurality of restriction portions 222 and 242. Furthermore, the pressing force F <b> 2 of the separation pad 21 toward the separation roller 20 can be adjusted with a very simple configuration in which the end portions of the compression springs 23 are accommodated in the restriction portions 222 and 242 formed of concave portions.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the support member 24 in the guide member 25 of the paper separating apparatus 2c according to another embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the shape of the back surface side of the rotating member 22 of the sheet separating apparatus 2c according to another embodiment.

  In this example, the three restricting portions 222 provided on the contact surface 221 of the rotating member 22 are, for example, convex portions protruding from the contact surface 221, and the convex portions have the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the compression spring 23. It has a corresponding arcuate outer surface. The restricting portions 222 are arranged in a straight line in a direction orthogonal to the rotation shaft 223 of the rotating member 22. By inserting and attaching any one of the three restricting portions 222 to the upper end portion of the compression spring 23, the position where the pressing force of the compression spring 23 acts on the rotating member 22 can be switched in three stages.

  Further, the three restricting portions 242 provided on the contact surface 241 of the support member 24 are, for example, convex portions protruding from the contact surface 241, and the convex portions correspond to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the compression spring 23. It has an arcuate outer surface. The restricting portions 242 are arranged in a straight line in a direction orthogonal to the rotation shaft 223 of the rotating member 22. By inserting and attaching any one of the three restricting portions 242 to the lower end portion of the compression spring 23, the position of the support member 24 that supports the compression spring 23 can be switched in three stages.

  Also in this example, the number of restricting portions 222 of the rotating member 22 and the number of restricting portions 242 of the support member 24 are preferably the same, but the number of restricting portions 222 and 242 is not limited to three. It may be one or four or more.

  In the present embodiment, the pressing force F2 of the separation pad 21 toward the separation roller 20 can be adjusted with a very simple configuration in which the end portions of the compression springs 23 are inserted into the restricting portions 222 and 242 formed of convex portions. it can.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a modification of the support member 24 in the guide member 25. As illustrated in FIG. 5 or FIG. 8, when a plurality of restricting portions 222 are provided at the position (contact surface 221) where the pressing force F <b> 1 of the compression spring 23 acts on the rotating member 22, May be configured as shown in FIG. 9, for example, without providing a plurality of restricting portions 242.

  In this example, the lower end portion of the compression spring 23 is slidably held by the support member 24. More specifically, a slot-like groove 244 is formed inside the annular rib protruding from the contact surface 241 of the support member 24, and the lower end of the compression spring 23 is accommodated in the groove 244. Accordingly, the lower end portion can slide in a direction orthogonal to the rotation shaft 223 of the rotation member 22.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the shape of the back surface side of the rotating member 22. As illustrated in FIG. 4 or 7, when a plurality of restricting portions 242 are provided at a position (contact surface 241) in the support member 24 that supports the compression spring 23, the rotating member 22 has a plurality of restricting portions. For example, the configuration shown in FIG.

  In this example, the upper end of the compression spring 23 is slidably held by the rotating member 22. More specifically, a slot 224 having a long hole is formed by a recess formed in the contact surface 221 of the rotating member 22, and the upper end of the compression spring 23 is accommodated in the groove 224. The upper end portion is slidable in a direction orthogonal to the rotation shaft 223 of the rotating member 22.

  In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, it is only necessary to attach one end portion of the compression spring 23 to any one of the restricting portions (222 or 242), and thus both end portions of the compression spring 23 are restricted. Compared with a configuration that is attached to the portions 222 and 242, the pressing force F2 of the separation pad 21 toward the separation roller 20 can be adjusted with a simpler configuration.

  As described above, the restriction portions 222 and 242 for restricting the end portion of the compression spring 23 may be provided only on one of the rotating member 22 and the support member 24. In addition, the restricting portions 222 and 242 are not limited to the configuration including any one of the concave portion and the convex portion, and other various shapes such as a configuration in which the concave portion and the convex portion are combined can be employed.

  The separation member provided to face the outer peripheral surface of the separation roller 20 is not limited to the separation pad 21 and may be constituted by other members such as a roller. In this case, for example, a configuration in which a roller as a separating member is supported by the rotating member 22 may be employed.

  If the distance L1 between the position where the pressing force F1 of the compression spring 23 acts on the rotating member 22 and the rotation shaft 223 can be adjusted, the mounting position of the compression spring 23 is not limited to a configuration that can be changed. The structure etc. which can change the position of the rotating shaft 223 of the rotating member 22 may be sufficient.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the sheet separating device 2c is provided in the copying machine as the image forming device 1 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and other configurations such as a printer that does not include the image reading unit 3 are provided. The sheet separating apparatus 2c according to the present invention can also be applied to the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, the sheet separating device 2c according to the present invention may be applied to a separation pad (not shown) provided at a position facing the sheet feeding roller 7. That is, the paper in the present invention includes not only the original but also various other papers such as recording paper.

  Further, the sheet separating apparatus 2c according to the present invention may be applied to an image reading apparatus such as a scanner apparatus that does not include the image forming unit 4. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the sheet separating apparatus 2c according to the present invention alone.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Original conveying apparatus 2c Paper separation apparatus 2d Original conveying roller 2g Original conveying path 3 Image reading part 4 Image forming part 12 Recording paper conveying path 13 Recording paper conveying roller 20 Separation roller 21 Separation pad 22 Rotating member 24 Support member 25 Guide member 221 Abutting surface 222 Restricting portion 223 Rotating shaft 224 Groove portion 241 Abutting surface 242 Restricting portion 244 Groove portion

Claims (7)

A separation rotating member rotatable to separate the paper;
A separation member provided opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the separation rotation member, and forming a conveyance path for conveying paper between the separation rotation member;
A rotating member provided rotatably about a rotating shaft, supporting the separating member, and capable of pressing the separating member toward the separating rotating member by rotating about the rotating shaft;
A pressing member for pressing the rotating member toward the separating rotating member,
By changing the mounting position of the pressing member, the distance between the position where the pressing force of the pressing member acts on the rotating member and the rotating shaft can be adjusted. apparatus. A support member that supports an end of the pressing member opposite to the rotating member;
At least one of a position where the pressing force of the pressing member acts on the rotating member and a position where the pressing member is supported on the support member has a plurality of positions for restricting movement of the end of the pressing member. restricting portion is provided, the sheet separating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the end portion of the pressing member to one of the plurality of restricting portions is attachable. The sheet separating apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of restricting portions include a concave portion that accommodates an end portion of the pressing member. It said plurality of restricting portions, the sheet separation apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a convex portion to be inserted into an end portion of the pressing member. The plurality of restricting portions are provided only at one of a position where a pressing force of the pressing member acts on the rotating member or a position where the pressing member is supported on the support member. The sheet separating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 . A sheet separating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ;
A document transport roller for transporting the document as the paper;
An image reading apparatus comprising: an image reading unit for reading an image of the document. A sheet separating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ;
A recording paper transport roller for transporting the recording paper as the paper;
An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit for forming an image on the recording paper.

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