JP5834447B2 - Reverse conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a reverse conveyance device and an image forming apparatus.

  As a prior art described in the publication, an input unit that receives a flexible sheet, a reversing unit that rotates the flexible sheet around a movement axis, and an output unit that transfers the rotated flexible sheet to a sheet processing system; There exists a flexible sheet handling device provided with (refer patent documents 1 and 2). Moreover, in the prior art described in this publication, the front and back of the flexible sheet is reversed by rotating the flexible sheet around the time of movement while conveying the flexible sheet along the movement.

JP 2002-332170 A JP 2002-356251 A

  An object of the present invention is to reduce the size of the configuration for reversing the front and back of the recording material and to stabilize the conveyance for reversing the front and back of the recording material.

The invention described in claim 1 includes a first side and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side, a front side intersecting the first side, and the front side. Has a rear side located on the opposite side, a carrying-in path for carrying in a rectangular recording material, and the recording material provided in the carrying-in path, with the front side as the head A first conveying unit that conveys the recording material in the first direction, and the recording material that is provided in the carry-in path and is conveyed by the first conveying unit is conveyed in the second direction starting from the first side. The first side of the recording material and the second side of the recording material that are connected to the carry-in path and transported by the second transport unit are switched. To the reversing path for reversing the front and back surfaces of the recording material and the reversing path. The recording material conveyed by the second conveying unit is connected to the reversing path, a third conveying unit that conveys the recording material in a third direction starting from the first side, and the reversing path and An unloading path for unloading the recording material conveyed with the front and back reversed by the third conveying unit; and the recording material that is provided in the unloading path and conveyed by the third conveying unit. A fourth transport unit that transports the first side in the fourth direction, and the recording material that is provided in the transport path and transported by the fourth transport unit, And the recording material is divided into a first group having the front side as a short side and a second group having the front side as a long side. For the recording materials included in the group, The front side of the recording material conveyed by the first conveyance unit is stopped at the first position, and the recording material included in the second group is conveyed by the first conveyance unit in the carry-in path. And a stopping unit that stops the front side of the recording material at a second position upstream of the first position in the first direction .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first transport unit and the second transport unit each include a pair of rotating bodies that are arranged so as to be able to contact and separate with respect to the carry-in path, and the fourth transport unit and Each of the fifth transport units has a pair of rotating bodies that are arranged so as to be able to contact and separate with respect to the carry-out path, and each of the pair of rotating bodies rotates by receiving a driving force from the outside. And a driven rotator that rotates by receiving a driving force from the main rotator by contacting the main rotator, and when separating the main rotator and the driven rotator, the first The main rotating body is retracted from the carry-in path in the transport section and the second transport section, and the main rotating body is retracted from the carry-out path in the fourth transport section and the fifth transport section. The reversing conveyance apparatus according to Item 1.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the main rotating body provided in each of the first transport section, the second transport section, the fourth transport section, and the fifth transport section is separated from the driven rotating body. The reversing and conveying apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a restricting portion for restricting the driven rotating body from advancing into each path.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the driven rotating body provided in the first transport unit includes a tapered portion whose diameter increases along the second direction on the upstream side in the second direction, and the second transport The driven rotator provided in the section includes a tapered portion whose diameter increases along the first direction on the upstream side in the first direction, and the driven rotator provided in the fourth transport section includes A tapered portion having a diameter increasing along the fifth direction is provided on the upstream side in the five directions, and the driven rotating body provided in the fifth transport unit extends along the fourth direction on the upstream side in the fourth direction. The reverse conveying device according to claim 2, further comprising a tapered portion whose diameter increases.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the main rotating body and the driven rotating body are separated, the driven rotating body is further retracted from the carry-in route in the first transport unit and the second transport unit, 5. The reversing conveyance device according to claim 2, wherein the driven rotating body is further retracted from the carry-out path in the fourth conveyance unit and the fifth conveyance unit.

The invention described in claim 6 includes a first side and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side, a front side that intersects with the first side, and the front side. Has a rear side located on the opposite side, and transports a rectangular recording material along the transport path starting from the front side, and an image on the recording material transported by the transport unit An image forming unit for forming the image, and an image formed on the second surface of the recording material on which the image is formed on the first surface of the recording material by the image forming unit. A reversing conveyance unit that conveys the recording material by inverting the front and back of the recording material so that the first side and the second side of the recording material are interchanged with each other, and the reversing conveyance unit is connected to the conveyance path Transporting the recording material that is transported starting from the front side. A path, a first transport section that is provided in the transport path and transports the recording material that is transported in a first direction starting from the front side, and a first transport section that is provided in the transport path. The recording material conveyed by the second conveyance unit that conveys the recording material in the second direction starting from the first side, and the conveyance unit connected to the carry-in path and conveyed by the second conveyance unit. A reversing path for reversing the front and back surfaces of the recording material is provided in the reversing path by guiding the recording material so that the first side and the second side of the recording material are switched. The recording material conveyed by the second conveying unit is connected to the reversing path, the third conveying unit conveying the recording material in the third direction starting from the first side, and the reversing path and the It is conveyed with the front and back turned upside down by the third conveyor. An unloading path for unloading the recording material, and the recording material which is provided in the unloading path and is transported by the third transport unit in the fourth direction starting from the first side. A fourth transport unit, a fifth transport unit that is provided in the carry-out path and transports the recording material transported by the fourth transport unit in a fifth direction starting from the front side, and the recording The material is divided into a first group having the front side as a short side and a second group having the front side as a long side, and the recording material included in the first group is the first in the carry-in path. The front side of the recording material conveyed by the conveyance unit is stopped at the first position, and the recording material included in the second group is recorded by the first conveyance unit in the carry-in path. the front side of the first position of the timber The image forming apparatus further includes stop means for stopping at a second position upstream of the first direction .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the configuration for reversing the front and back of the recording material is reduced, and regardless of the direction of the conveyed recording material. Further, the conveyance for reversing the front and back of the recording material can be made more stable.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further stabilize the conveyance of the recording material in the second direction as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further stabilize the conveyance of the recording material in the third direction as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further stabilize the conveyance of the recording material in the fourth direction as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the conveyance of the recording material from being hindered when the front and back of the recording material are reversed as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the configuration for reversing the front and back of the recording material is reduced, and regardless of the orientation of the conveyed recording material. Further, the conveyance for reversing the front and back of the recording material can be made more stable.

1 is a diagram when an image forming apparatus to which the exemplary embodiment is applied is viewed from the front side. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an overall configuration of a sheet reversing device. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between each conveyance path provided in the sheet reversing device and a conveyance direction of the sheet P in each conveyance path. FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the second reversing guide plate is further set to an open state in the paper reversing device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the reversing unit is further set to an open state in the paper reversing device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a perspective view when the second reversing guide plate is further set in the open state in the paper reversing device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view when the second carry-in guide plate is further set to an open state in the paper reversing device shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a perspective view when the second carry-out guide plate is further set to an open state in the paper reversing device shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of each conveyance path and each conveyance unit in the sheet reversing device. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a pair of conveyance rolls provided in each conveyance unit of the sheet reversing device. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between each conveyance path and each conveyance roll pair in the sheet reversing device. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a structure of the advancing / retreating mechanism and rotation mechanism of an upstream 1st inversion roll pair. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of a sheet passing through a sheet reversing device. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between each conveyance path and each conveyance roll pair in the sheet reversing device. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a structure of the advancing / retreating mechanism and rotation mechanism of an upstream 1st inversion roll pair.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 to which the exemplary embodiment is applied as viewed from the front side. An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a so-called tandem configuration, and includes a plurality of image forming units 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K) that form toner images of respective color components by electrophotography. I have. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and controls the operation of each device and each part of the image forming device 1. The control part 80 as an example of the stop means to perform is provided. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a touch panel or the like, and includes a user interface unit (UI) 90 that outputs an instruction received from the user to the control unit 80 and presents information from the control unit 80 to the user. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a receiving unit 70 that receives image data or the like from, for example, a personal computer (PC) or an image reading device (scanner).

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 sequentially transfers (primary transfer) each color component toner image formed by each image forming unit 10 and holds the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20. And a secondary transfer device 30 that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) toner images onto a sheet P as an example of a rectangular recording material.

  Here, each of the image forming units 10 as an example of the image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum 11 that is rotatably attached. In each of the image forming units 10, around the photosensitive drum 11, a charging device 12 that charges the photosensitive drum 11, an exposure device 13 that exposes the photosensitive drum 11 to write an electrostatic latent image, and a photosensitive member A developing device 14 that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the drum 11 with toner is provided. Further, each of the image forming units 10 includes a primary transfer device 15 that transfers each color component toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 20, and a drum cleaning that removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 11. A device 16 is provided.

  Next, the intermediate transfer belt 20 is provided so as to be stretched over three roll members 21 to 23 that are rotatably provided. Of these three roll members 21 to 23, the roll member 22 drives the intermediate transfer belt 20. The roll member 23 is disposed opposite to the secondary transfer roll 31 with the intermediate transfer belt 20 interposed therebetween, and the secondary transfer device 30 is configured by the secondary transfer roll 31 and the roll member 23. A belt cleaning device 24 for removing residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is provided at a position facing the roll member 21 across the intermediate transfer belt 20.

  The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a first transport path R1 through which the paper P transported toward the secondary transfer apparatus 30 passes, and a second transport path through which the paper P after passing through the secondary transfer apparatus 30 passes. R3, a third transport path R3 that branches from the second transport path R2 downstream of the fixing device 50 (described later) and extends below the first transport path R1 to guide the paper P to the paper reversing device 100 (described later). A fourth transport path R4 is provided for guiding the paper that has passed through the paper reversing device 100 (described later) to the first transport path R1 again. Here, in the first conveyance path R1 to the fourth conveyance path R4, two side edges (one side edge and this one side edge are opposite to each other) of the four side edges of the paper P facing each other. The paper P is transported so that the other side located on the side (details will be described later) moves along these transport paths.

The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a paper reversing device 100 that reverses the front and back of the paper P carried from the third transport path R3 and transports the paper P to the fourth transport path R4. The paper reversing device 100 has a function of reversing the paper P around an axis along the paper transport direction in the first transport path R1 and the paper transport direction in the third transport path R3. That is, the sheet reversing device 100 according to the present embodiment reverses the relationship between the two side edges (side edges) of the paper P without changing the relationship between the leading and trailing edges of the paper P in the paper transport direction. The sheet reversing device 100 is configured so that the carry-in path Ra connected to the third transport path R3, the carry-out path Rc connected to the fourth transport path R4, and the front and back of the paper P supplied from the carry-in path Ra. And an inversion path Rb that is inverted and supplied to the carry-out path Rc.
A paper detection sensor 60 that detects the passage of the paper P is attached to the third transport path R3 on the paper reversing device 100 on the carry-in side of the paper P.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an opening 3 is formed in the housing 2 of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, among the sheets P transported along the second transport path R2, those not guided to the third transport path R3 are discharged to the outside of the housing 2 through the opening 3, and are not shown. It is loaded on the club. A processing device (not shown) may be provided adjacent to the casing 2 to further perform processing such as punching the paper P discharged from the opening 3.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a first paper supply device 40A that supplies the paper P to the first conveyance path R1, and on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the paper P with respect to the first paper supply device 40A. And a second paper supply device 40B for supplying the paper P to the path R1. The first paper supply device 40A and the second paper supply device 40B are configured in the same manner, and each of the first paper supply device 40A and the second paper supply device 40B has a paper storage portion 41 for storing the paper P. A take-out roll 42 for taking out and transporting the paper P stored in the paper storage unit 41 is provided.

  A first transport roll 44 that transports the paper P on the first transport path R1 toward the secondary transfer apparatus 30 is provided on the first transport path R1 and upstream of the secondary transfer apparatus 30. ing. Further, the second transport roll 45 that transports the paper P toward the first transport roll 44, the third transport roll 46 that transports the paper P toward the second transport roll 45, and the paper P toward the third transport roll 46. The 4th conveyance roll 47 which conveys is provided.

  In addition to these transport rolls, the transport of transporting the paper P located on these transport paths to the first transport path R1, the second transport path R2, the third transport path R3, and the fourth transport path R4. A plurality of rolls 48 are provided. The first transport roll 44, the second transport roll 45, the third transport roll 46, the fourth transport roll 47, and the transport roll 48 are configured by a pair of roll-shaped members that are rotatably provided and press each other. One roll-shaped member is rotationally driven to carry the paper P.

  In the present embodiment, an abutting member 43 against which the leading end of the paper P is abutted is provided between the second conveying roll 45 and the third conveying roll 46. In the present embodiment, the skew of the paper P (the inclination of the paper P with respect to the transport direction) is corrected by abutting the leading end of the paper P against the abutting member 43. In addition, after the skew of the paper P is corrected by the abutting member 43, the abutting member 43 is retracted from the first transport path R1.

  The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a fixing device 50 that fixes the image secondarily transferred onto the paper P by the secondary transfer device 30 on the second transport path R2. The fixing device 50 includes a heating roll 50A that is heated by a built-in heater (not shown) and a pressing roll 50B that presses the heating roll 50A. In the fixing device 50, the paper P passes between the heating roll 50A and the pressing roll 50B, whereby the paper P is heated and pressurized, and the image on the paper P is fixed to the paper P.

  Further, a belt conveyance unit 49 is provided between the secondary transfer device 30 and the fixing device 50 to convey the paper P that has passed through the secondary transfer device 30 to the fixing device 50. The belt transport unit 49 has a belt that moves around, and transports the paper P by placing the paper P on the belt. In the present embodiment, each transport roll provided in the first transport path R1, the second transport path R2, the third transport path R3, and the fourth transport path R4 functions as a transport unit.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, an image can be formed on the first surface of the paper P supplied from the first paper supply device 40A or the like, and in addition, an image can be formed on the second surface of the paper P. Can be formed. More specifically, in this image forming apparatus 1, the front and back of the paper P that has passed through the fixing device 50 are reversed by the paper reversing device 100, and the paper P with the front and back reversed is conveyed to the secondary transfer device 30 again. Is done. Then, the image is transferred onto the second surface of the paper P by the secondary transfer device 30. Thereafter, the sheet P passes through the fixing device 50 again, and the transferred image is fixed on the sheet P. As a result, an image is formed not only on the first side of the paper P but also on the second side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the sheet reversing device 100 shown in FIG.
A sheet reversing device 100 according to this embodiment as an example of a reversing conveyance device or a reversing conveyance unit includes a frame body 101 having four columns and stays connecting the columns, and a sheet P attached to the frame 101. And a paper guide unit 200 used for reversal conveyance.

  Among these, the paper guide unit 200 includes a carry-in unit 210 into which the paper P is carried in from the third conveyance path R3, a reversing unit 220 that reverses the front and back of the paper P sent from the carry-in unit 210, and a reversing unit 220. And a carry-out unit 230 for carrying out the paper P sent from the printer to the fourth transport path R4. Here, in the present embodiment, the carry-out unit 230 is arranged above the carry-in unit 210, and the carry-out unit 230 and the carry-in unit 210 overlap when viewed from above. On the other hand, the reversing unit 220 is disposed at the front side in FIG. 2, that is, the front side in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the carry-in unit 210 and the carry-out unit 230. Thereby, in the paper reversing device 100, a space is formed between the carry-in unit 210 and the carry-out unit 230 that constitute the paper guide unit 200. In the present embodiment, the carry-in unit 210 and the carry-out unit 230 each function as an example of a transport device.

  The carry-in unit 210 has a carry-in route Ra for receiving the paper P from the third carry route R3, and the reversing unit 220 has a reverse route Rb for receiving the paper P from the carry-in route Ra. Are each provided with a carry-out path Rc for receiving the paper P from the reversing path Rb and delivering the received paper P to the fourth transport path R4. Accordingly, in the paper guide unit 200, the carry-in route Ra, the reverse route Rb, and the carry-out route Rc are connected to each other to form a continuous conveyance route.

  Here, the carry-in unit 210 includes a first carry-in guide plate 211 and a second carry-in guide plate 212 that are arranged to face each other to form a carry-in route Ra. In this example, the first carry-in guide plate 211 is located outside (below) the sheet reversing device 100 as viewed from the second carry-in guide plate 212, and the above-described space is formed above the second carry-in guide plate 212. Has been.

  The reversing unit 220 includes a first reversing guide plate 221 (see FIGS. 4 to 8 to be described later) and a second reversing guide plate 222 that are disposed to face each other to form a reversing path Rb. . In this example, the second reversing guide plate 222 is positioned outside the sheet reversing device 100 as viewed from the first reversing guide plate 221, and the second reversing guide plate 222 is opposite to the first reversing guide plate 221. The above-described space is formed on the side.

  Further, the carry-out unit 230 includes a first carry-out guide plate 231 and a second carry-out guide plate 232 that are arranged to face each other to form a carry-out route Rc. In this example, the first carry-out guide plate 231 is positioned outside (above) the sheet reversing device 100 as viewed from the second carry-out guide plate 232, and the above-described space is formed below the second carry-out guide plate 232. Has been.

  The carry-in unit 210, the reversing unit 220, and the carry-out unit 230 are each provided with a plurality of transport rolls for transporting the paper P. Details thereof will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between each conveyance path provided in the sheet reversing device 100 and the conveyance direction of the sheet P in each conveyance path. 3 corresponds to the case where the sheet reversing device 100 shown in FIG. 2 is viewed from the obliquely back side.

  Here, in the present embodiment, each part of the paper P passing through the paper reversing device 100 is defined as follows. First, the paper P has a rectangular shape, and in the paper P that is carried into the carry-in route Ra from the third transport path R3, the top in the transport direction is referred to as a paper front end Pl, and the tail in the transport direction is the rear end of the paper. Called Pt. Further, in the paper P carried into the carry-in route Ra from the third transport route R3, the left end in the transport direction is referred to as a paper first side end Ps1, and the right end in the transport direction is referred to as a paper second side end Ps2. Further, in the paper P carried into the carry-in route Ra from the third transport route R3, the surface facing upward is called a paper surface Pf, and the surface facing downward is called a paper back surface Pb. In this example, the image forming surface (first surface described above) by the image forming unit 10 is the paper back surface Pb, and the other surface (second surface described above) is the paper surface Pf.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the paper front end Pl is at the front side, the paper rear end Pt is at the rear end, the paper first side end Ps1 is at the first side, and the paper second side end Ps2 is at the second side. Correspond to the sides of each.

  In the carry-in path Ra, the sheet surface Pf faces upward from the third conveyance path R3, and the sheet first side end Ps1 and the sheet second side end Ps2 with the sheet leading edge Pl as the head and the sheet trailing edge Pt as the tail. The paper P is fed along the carry-in direction Da1 following the above. Further, from the carry-in route Ra, the paper surface Pf faces upward toward the reverse route Rb, the paper first side end Ps1 is the head, the paper second side end Ps2 is the tail, and the paper front end Pl and the rear of the paper The paper P is sent out along the delivery direction Da2 that follows the end Pt.

  From the carry-in route Ra, the paper surface Pf faces upward, and the reverse route Rb follows the paper leading edge Pl and the paper trailing edge Pt with the paper first side end Ps1 as the head and the paper second side edge Ps2 as the tail. The paper P is sent along the reverse direction Db. The delivery direction Da2 and the reverse direction Db are in the same direction at the boundary between the carry-in route Ra and the reverse route Rb. Here, the reversing direction Db has a curved shape (U-shape), and the sheet P conveyed in the reversing path Rb is a sheet first side end Ps1 and a sheet second side end Ps2 when viewed from above. Is reversed, and the relationship between the front and back surfaces (sheet front surface Pf and paper back surface Pb) is reversed and conveyed. Thereby, from the reverse path Rb, the reverse surface Pb faces upward, and the reverse direction follows the paper leading edge Pl and the paper trailing edge Pt with the paper first side end Ps1 as the head and the paper second side edge Ps2 as the tail. The paper P is sent out along Db.

  From the reverse path Rb, the sheet back surface Pb faces upward, and the sheet discharge path Rc follows the sheet leading edge Pl and the sheet trailing edge Pt with the sheet first side end Ps1 as the head and the sheet second side end Ps2 as the tail. The paper P is sent along the receiving direction Dc1. Note that the reversal direction Db and the receiving direction Dc1 are in the same direction at the boundary between the reversal path Rb and the carry-out path Rc. Further, from the carry-out route Rc, the paper back surface Pb faces upward toward the fourth transport route R4, and the paper first side end Ps1 and the paper first end are formed with the paper leading edge Pl as the head and the paper trailing edge Pt as the tail. The paper P is sent out along a carry-out direction Dc2 that follows the second side end Ps2.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the loading direction Da1 is the first direction, the delivery direction Da2 is the second direction, the reverse direction Db is the third direction, the receiving direction Dc1 is the fourth direction, and the unloading direction Dc2 is Each corresponds to the fifth direction. In addition, the carry-in route Ra and the carry-out route Rc correspond to the carrying route, respectively. Further, in the carry-in route Ra, the carry-in direction Da1 corresponds to the input direction, and the delivery direction Da2 corresponds to the output direction. Furthermore, in the carry-out route Rc, the receiving direction Dc1 corresponds to the input direction, and the carry-out direction Dc2 corresponds to the output direction.

  As described above, in the paper reversing device 100 according to the present embodiment, the traveling direction of the paper P supplied from the third transport path R3 is changed by 90 ° in the carry-in path Ra and is supplied to the reverse path Rb. The paper P supplied from the paper is rotated 180 ° in the reversing path Rb so that the front and back are reversed and supplied to the carry-out path Rc, and the traveling direction of the paper P supplied from the reverse path Rb is 90 in the carry-out path Rc. The angle is changed and supplied to the fourth transport path R4. At this time, the carry-in direction Da1 in the carry-in route Ra and the carry-out direction Dc2 in the carry-out route Rc are in the same direction. Then, before and after passing through the paper reversing device 100, the relationship between the paper front end Pl and the paper rear end Pt does not change before and after the paper reversing device 100 passes. By reversing the relationship, the paper front surface Pf and the paper back surface Pb are reversed.

Next, a more detailed configuration of the paper reversing device 100 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view when the second reversing guide plate 222 is further set to the open state in the paper reversing device 100 shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, in the reversing unit 220 constituting the paper reversing device 100, the second reversing guide plate 222 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the first reversing guide plate 221. Here, the 2nd inversion guide plate 222 rotates centering on the downward direction used as the carrying-in part 210 side. For this reason, the reversing unit 220 opens the second reversing guide plate 222 with respect to the first reversing guide plate 221, so that the reversing path Rb (see FIG. 2) formed thereby forms the sheet reversing device 100 and the image forming device. 1 (see FIG. 1) is exposed in a state of expanding upward.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the paper reversing device 100 shown in FIG. 2 when the reversing unit 220 is further set to the open state.
In the present embodiment, the reversing unit 220 itself constituting the paper reversing device 100 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the frame 101. Here, the reversing unit 220 is configured to rotate about a support provided on the near side of the frame 101 and on the far side in the drawing. Therefore, by opening the reversing unit 220 with respect to the frame body 101 in the paper reversing device 100, the space formed between the carry-in unit 210 and the carry-out unit 230 in the paper reversing device 100 becomes the paper reversing device 100 and the image. It is exposed to the front side of the forming apparatus 1 (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 6 is a perspective view when the second reversing guide plate 222 is further set to the open state in the paper reversing device 100 shown in FIG.
As described above, in the sheet reversing device 100 according to the present embodiment, after opening the reversing unit 220 with respect to the frame body 101, the reversing unit 220 further opens the second reversing guide plate 222 with respect to the first reversing guide plate 221. It is also possible.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view when the second carry-in guide plate 212 is further set to the open state in the paper reversing device 100 shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, in the carry-in unit 210 constituting the paper reversing device 100, the second carry-in guide plate 212 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the first carry-in guide plate 211 fixed to the frame body 101. Here, the second carry-in guide plate 212 rotates around the back side of the sheet reversing device 100 which is the back side in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. For this reason, in the sheet reversing apparatus 100 in which the reversing unit 220 is set to the open state, the second carry-in guide plate 212 is opened with respect to the first carry-in guide plate 211, thereby bringing in the carry-in path Ra (see FIG. 2). ) Is exposed to the front side of the sheet reversing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 1 in a state of being spread forward.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view when the second carry-out guide plate 232 is further set to the open state in the paper reversing device 100 shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the second carry-out guide plate 232 is provided in the carry-out unit 230 constituting the paper reversing device 100 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the first carry-out guide plate 231 fixed to the frame body 101. Here, the second carry-out guide plate 232 rotates around the back side of the sheet reversing device 100 which is the back side in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. For this reason, in the sheet reversing apparatus 100 in which the reversing unit 220 is set to the open state, the second carry-out guide plate 232 is opened with respect to the first carry-out guide plate 231, thereby carrying out the carry-out path Rc (see FIG. 2). ) Is exposed to the front side of the sheet reversing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 1 in a state of being spread forward.

Therefore, when the paper P is jammed in the reversing unit 220, for example, by setting the paper reversing device 100 in the state shown in FIG. 4, the jammed paper P can be removed. Further, when the paper P is jammed in the carry-in unit 210, for example, by setting the paper reversing device 100 in the state shown in FIG. 7, the jammed paper P can be removed. Further, when the paper P is jammed in the carry-out unit 230, the jammed paper P can be removed by setting the paper reversing device 100 in the state shown in FIG. 8, for example. When removing these jams, the user only has to operate each part of the sheet reversing device 100 from the front side of the image forming apparatus 1.
The carry-in unit 210 has a mechanism (not shown) for fixing the second carry-in guide plate 212 to the first carry-in guide plate 211, and the reversing unit 220 has a mechanism for fixing the second carry-in guide plate 212 with respect to the first reverse guide plate 221. A mechanism (not shown) for fixing the 2 reversing guide plate 222 is provided, and a mechanism (not shown) for fixing the second carry-out guide plate 232 to the first carry-out guide plate 231 is provided at the carry-out portion 230. , Each is attached.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of each conveyance path and each conveyance unit in the sheet reversing device 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a state where the carry-in route Ra, the reverse route Rb, and the carry-out route Rc in the paper reversing device 100 are developed on a plane.

  The sheet reversing device 100 includes a carry-in conveyance unit 300 that conveys the paper P along the carry-in direction Da1 and an upstream reverse conveyance unit 400A that conveys the paper P along the delivery direction Da2. Yes. The sheet reversing device 100 includes a midstream-side reversing and conveying unit 400B that is provided in the reversing unit 220 and conveys the sheet P along the reversing direction Db. Furthermore, the sheet reversing device 100 includes a downstream-side reversing conveyance unit 400C that conveys the sheet P along the receiving direction Dc1 and a carry-out conveyance unit 500 that conveys the sheet P along the unloading direction Dc2. I have. In the present embodiment, the upstream reversal conveyance unit 400A provided in the carry-in unit 210, the midstream reversal conveyance unit 400B provided in the reversal unit 220, and the downstream reverse conveyance unit 400C provided in the carry-out unit 230 are collected together. This is referred to as a reverse conveyance unit 400.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the carry-in transport unit 300 is the first transport unit, the upstream reversal transport unit 400A is the second transport unit, the midstream reversal transport unit 400B is the third transport unit, and the downstream reverse transport. The part 400C corresponds to the fourth transport part, and the carry-out transport part 500 corresponds to the fifth transport part. In the carry-in unit 210, the carry-in conveyance unit 300 corresponds to the input-side conveyance unit, and the upstream reverse conveyance unit 400A corresponds to the output-side conveyance unit. Further, in the carry-out unit 230, the downstream-side reverse conveyance unit 400C corresponds to the input-side conveyance unit, and the carry-out conveyance unit 500 corresponds to the output-side conveyance unit.

  Among these, the carry-in conveyance unit 300 provided in the carry-in unit 210 is, in order from the upstream side in the carry-in direction Da1, the first carry-in roll pair 301, the second carry-in roll pair 302, and the third carry-in that are closest to the third conveyance path R3. A roll pair 303, a fourth carry-in roll pair 304, a fifth carry-in roll pair 305, and a sixth carry-in roll pair 306 are provided. On the other hand, the upstream reversing conveyance unit 400A provided in the carry-in unit 210 includes, in order from the upstream side in the delivery direction Da2, an upstream first reversing roll pair 401, an upstream second reversing roll pair 402, and an upstream third reversing roll pair. 403 and an upstream fourth inversion roll pair 404 closest to the inversion path Rb.

  In addition, the middle flow side reversal conveyance unit 400B provided in the reversing unit 220 includes, in order from the upstream side in the reversal direction Db, the middle flow side first reversal roll pair 411, the middle flow side second reversal roll pair 412, and The middle flow side third reverse roll pair 413 closest to the carry-out route Rc is provided.

  Further, the downstream reversing conveyance unit 400C provided in the carry-out unit 230 includes, in order from the upstream side in the receiving direction Dc1, the downstream first reversing roll pair 421, the downstream second reversing roll pair 422, and the downstream side closest to the reversing path Rb. A side third reverse roll pair 423 and a downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424 are provided. On the other hand, the unloading / conveying unit 500 provided in the unloading unit 230 includes a first unloading roll pair 501, a second unloading roll pair 502, a third unloading roll pair 503, and a fourth unloading roll pair 504 in order from the upstream side in the unloading direction Dc2. , A fifth carry-out roll pair 505, and a sixth carry-out roll pair 506 closest to the fourth transport path R4.

  In the carry-in route Ra, between the third carry-in roll pair 303 and the fourth carry-in roll pair 304 that constitute the carry-in conveyance unit 300, the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 through the upstream reverse conveyance unit 400A. The upstream third reverse roll pair 403 is disposed. On the other hand, in the carry-out route Rc, the downstream second reverse roll pair 422-constituting the downstream reverse feed section 400C between the third carry-out roll pair 503 and the fourth carry-out roll pair 504 constituting the carry-out transport section 500. A downstream fourth reverse roll pair 424 is arranged.

  Here, in the present embodiment, in the conveyance of the sheet P from the third conveyance path R3 to the carry-in path Ra, the sheet first side end Ps1 and the sheet second side end Ps2 (both in FIG. 2) of the sheet P being conveyed. The center position of the reference) is made to coincide with the carry-in direction conveyance reference line La set linearly with respect to the third conveyance route R3 and the carry-in route Ra. In the carry-in route Ra, the first carry-in roll pair 301 to the sixth carry-in roll pair 306 constituting the carry-in conveyance unit 300 are respectively arranged so as to straddle the carry-in direction conveyance reference line La.

  In the present embodiment, in the conveyance of the paper P from the carry-in route Ra to the carry-out route Rc via the reverse route Rb, the position of the paper leading edge Pl of the conveyed paper P is set as the carry-in route Ra and the reverse route Rb. The reversing direction first transport reference line Lb1 or the reversing direction second transport reference line Lb2 set linearly with respect to the carry-out route Rc is set. Here, the reversal direction first conveyance reference line Lb1 passes through the downstream side of the carry-in direction Da1 with respect to the sixth carry-in roll pair 306 constituting the carry-in conveyance unit 300 in the carry-in route Ra, and is carried out in the carry-out route Rc. It passes through the downstream side in the carry-out direction Dc2 from the sixth carry-out roll pair 506 constituting the transport unit 500. On the other hand, the reversal direction second transport reference line Lb2 is downstream in the transport direction Da1 in the transport path Ra from the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 to the upstream third reverse roll pair 403 constituting the upstream reverse transport unit 400A. Downstream second reversing rolls that pass on the upstream side in the carry-in direction Da1 from the fourth carry-in roll pair 304 that constitutes the carry-in conveyance unit 300 and that constitute the downstream reverse conveyance unit 400C in the carry-out route Rc. The pair 422 to the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424 is downstream of the unloading direction Dc2 and passes the upstream side of the unloading direction Dc2 from the fourth unloading roll pair 504 constituting the unloading conveyance unit 500. . The classification of the paper P that is transported based on the reverse direction first transport reference line Lb1 and the paper P that is transported based on the reverse direction second transport reference line Lb2 will be described later.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in transporting the paper P from the carry-out path Rc to the fourth transport path R4, the paper first side end Ps1 and the paper second side end Ps2 of the transported paper P (both refer to FIG. 2). ) Is made to coincide with the carry-out direction conveyance reference line Lc set linearly with respect to the fourth conveyance route R4 and the carry-out route Rc. In the carry-out route Rc, the first carry-out roll pair 501 to the sixth carry-out roll pair 506 constituting the carry-out conveyance unit 500 are arranged so as to straddle the carry-out direction conveyance reference line Lc.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a pair of conveyance rolls provided in each conveyance unit of the sheet reversing device 100. Here, FIG. 10A shows an example of the configuration of the first carry-in roll pair 301 in the carry-in conveyance unit 300 provided in the carry-in unit 210. FIG. 10B shows an example of the configuration of the upstream first reversing roll pair 401 in the upstream reversing conveyance unit 400 </ b> A provided in the carry-in unit 210. Further, FIG. 10C shows an example of the configuration of the middle flow side second reversing roll pair 412 in the middle flow side reversing conveyance unit 400 </ b> B provided in the reversing unit 220. Furthermore, FIG. 10D shows an example of the configuration of the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424 in the downstream side reverse conveyance unit 400 </ b> C provided in the carry-out unit 230. FIG. 10 (e) shows an example of the configuration of the first unloading roll pair 501 in the unloading / conveying unit 500 provided in the unloading unit 230.

  As shown to Fig.10 (a), the 1st carrying-in roll pair 301 which comprises the carrying-in conveyance part 300 is arrange | positioned facing the carrying-in main driving roll 300a which receives the drive from the outside, and rotates, and the carrying-in main driving roll 300a, A carry-in driven roll 300b that rotates as the carry-in main driven roll 300a rotates. In addition, the second carry-in roll pair 302 to the sixth carry-in roll pair 306 constituting the carry-in transport unit 300 are each provided with a carry-in main roll 300a and a carry-in follower roll 300b. In the present embodiment, the first carry-in guide plate 211 is configured such that each carry-in main roll 300a constituting the first carry-in roll pair 301 to the sixth carry-in roll pair 306 is a fixed side in the carry-in unit 210 (see FIG. 3). (See FIG. 3), each carry-in driven roll 300b constituting the first carry-in roll pair 301 to the sixth carry-in roll pair 306 is movable on the movable side (openable and closable side) in the carry-in section 210 (see FIG. 3). ) To the second carry-in guide plate 212 (see FIG. 3).

  The first carry-in roll pair 301 to the sixth carry-in roll pair 306 each have a function as a pair of rotating bodies, and in these, each carry-in main roll 300a serves as a main rotary body and each carry-in follower. Each of the rolls 300b functions as a driven rotating body. Furthermore, in the first carry-in roll pair 301 to the sixth carry-in roll pair 306, each carry-in main driven roll 300a functions as an input-side driven rotary body, and each carry-in driven roll 300b functions as an input-side driven rotary body. .

Here, the carry-in main roll 300a includes a shaft 3001a which is made of metal and extends along the delivery direction Da2 in the carry-in path Ra (see FIG. 9), and two rubber rolls 3002a attached to the shaft 3001a. . And in the carrying-in main drive roll 300a, each rubber roll 3002a has a columnar shape.
On the other hand, the carry-in driven roll 300b is made of metal and has a shaft 3001b extending along the delivery direction Da2 in the carry-in route Ra (see FIG. 9), and two shafts provided in the carry-in driven roll 300a with respect to the shaft 3001b. It has two resin rolls 3002b that are attached to the rubber rolls 3002a and opposite positions. In the carry-in driven roll 300b, in each resin roll 3002b, one end side which is the downstream side in the delivery direction Da2 has a cylindrical shape, while the other end side which is the upstream side in the delivery direction Da2 is tapered (tapered portion). )have.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the upstream first reversing roll pair 401 constituting the upstream reversing conveyance unit 400A is opposed to the reversing main driving roll 400a that rotates by receiving driving from the outside, and the reversing main driving roll 400a. And a reverse driven roll 400b that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the reverse main drive roll 400a. Further, the upstream second reverse roll pair 402 to the upstream fourth reverse roll pair 404 constituting the upstream reverse conveying unit 400A also include a reverse main driving roll 400a and a reverse driven roll 400b, respectively. And in this Embodiment, each reversal main driving roll 400a which comprises the upstream 1st inversion roll pair 401-the upstream 4th inversion roll pair 404 becomes the 1st which becomes a fixed side in the carrying-in part 210 (refer FIG. 3). Each reverse driven roll 400b, which is attached to the carry-in guide plate 211 (see FIG. 3) and forms the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 to the upstream fourth reverse roll pair 404, has a carry-in portion 210 (see FIG. 3). Are attached to a second carry-in guide plate 212 (see FIG. 3) which is a movable side (a side which can be opened and closed).

  The upstream first inversion roll pair 401 to the upstream fourth inversion roll pair 404 each have a function as a pair of rotating bodies. In these, each of the inversion main driving rolls 400a is used as a main driving rotary body. Each reverse driven roll 400b functions as a driven rotating body. Further, in the upstream side first reversing roll pair 401 to the upstream side fourth reversing roll pair 404, each reversal driven roll 400a is an output side driven rotating body, and each reversing driven roll 400b is an output side driven rotating body, respectively. It is functioning.

Here, the reverse driving roll 400a in the upstream reverse conveyance section 400A is made of metal and extends along the loading direction Da1 in the loading path Ra (see FIG. 9), and two shafts 4001a attached to the shaft 4001a. And a rubber roll 4002a. And in the reverse main drive roll 400a in the upstream reverse conveyance part 400A, each rubber roll 4002a has a columnar shape.
On the other hand, the reverse driven roll 400b in the upstream reverse conveyance section 400A is made of metal and extends along the carry-in direction Da1 in the carry-in route Ra (see FIG. 9), and the reverse main driven roll with respect to the shaft 4001b. Two rubber rolls 4002a provided in 400a and two resin rolls 4002b attached to positions facing each other are provided. And in the reverse driven roll 400b in the upstream reverse conveyance section 400A, in each resin roll 4002b, one end side which is the downstream side in the loading direction Da1 has a columnar shape, while the other end side which is the upstream side in the loading direction Da1 is It has a tapered shape (tapered portion).
In the upstream fourth reverse roll pair 404, in the reverse main drive roll 400a, four rubber rolls 4002a are attached to one shaft 4001a, and in the reverse follower roll 400b, four rubber rolls 4002b are attached to one shaft 4001b. Is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (c), the middle-stream-side second reversing roll pair 412 constituting the middle-stream-side reversing conveyance unit 400B is opposed to the reversing main driving roll 400a and the reversing main driving roll 400a that are rotated by being driven from the outside. And a reverse driven roll 400b that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the reverse main drive roll 400a. Further, the middle flow side first reversing roll pair 411 and the middle flow side third reversing roll pair 413 constituting the middle flow side reversing conveyance unit 400B also include a reversing main driving roll 400a and a reversing driven roll 400b, respectively. And in this Embodiment, each reversal main driving roll 400a which comprises middle flow side 1st reversal roll pair 411-middle flow side 3rd reversal roll pair 413 becomes the 1st which becomes the fixed side in reversing part 220 (refer to Drawing 3). Each reversing driven roll 400b that is attached to the reversing guide plate 221 (see FIG. 3) and forms the middle flow side first reversing roll pair 411 to the middle flow side third reversing roll pair 413 is a reversing unit 220 (see FIG. 3). Are attached to a second reversing guide plate 222 (see FIG. 3) which is a movable side (openable and closable side).

Here, the reversal main driving roll 400a in the middle flow side reversing transport unit 400B is made of metal and intersects the reversing direction Db in the reversing path Rb (see FIG. 9) and extends along the loading direction Da1 and the unloading direction Dc2. 4001a and four rubber rolls 4002a attached to the shaft 4001a. And in the reverse main drive roll 400a in the middle flow side reverse conveyance part 400B, each rubber roll 4002a has a columnar shape.
On the other hand, the reverse driven roll 400b in the middle flow side reverse conveyance section 400B is made of metal, intersects the reverse direction Db in the reverse path Rb, and extends along the carry-in direction Da1 and the carry-out direction Dc2, and the shaft 4001b. On the other hand, there are provided four rubber rolls 4002a provided on the reversal main driving roll 400a and four resin rolls 4002b attached at positions facing each other. And in the reverse driven roll 400b in the middle flow side reverse conveyance part 400B, each resin roll 4002b has a cylindrical shape, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (d), the downstream fourth inversion roll pair 424 constituting the downstream inversion conveyance section 400C is opposed to the inversion main driving roll 400a that rotates by receiving driving from the outside, and the inversion main driving roll 400a. And a reverse driven roll 400b that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the reverse main drive roll 400a. Also, the downstream first reverse roll pair 421 to the downstream third transport roll pair 423 constituting the downstream reverse transport unit 400C are each provided with a reverse main driving roll 400a and a reverse driven roll 400b. And in this Embodiment, each reversal main drive roll 400a which comprises the downstream 1st inversion roll pair 421- downstream 4th inversion roll pair 424 becomes the 1st which becomes a fixed side in the carrying-out part 230 (refer FIG. 3). Each reverse driven roll 400b that is attached to the carry-out guide plate 231 (see FIG. 3) and that constitutes the downstream first reverse roll pair 421 to the downstream fourth reverse roll pair 424 is a carry-out section 230 (see FIG. 3). Are attached to a second carry-out guide plate 232 (see FIG. 3) which is a movable side (a side which can be opened and closed).

  In addition, each of the downstream first inversion roll pair 421 to the downstream side fourth inversion roll pair 424 has a function as a pair of rotating bodies, and in these, each inversion main driving roll 400a is used as a main driving rotor. Each reverse driven roll 400b functions as a driven rotating body. Furthermore, in the downstream first inversion roll pair 421 to the downstream side fourth inversion roll pair 424, each inversion driven roll 400a is an input side driven rotating body, and each inversion driven roll 400b is an input side driven rotating body, respectively. It is functioning.

Here, the reversal main driving roll 400a in the downstream reversing conveyance unit 400C is made of metal and extends along the unloading direction Dc2 in the unloading path Rc (see FIG. 9), and two shafts 4001a attached to the shaft 4001a. And a rubber roll 4002a. And in the reverse main drive roll 400a in the downstream reverse conveyance part 400C, each rubber roll 4002a has a cylindrical shape.
On the other hand, the reverse driven roll 400b in the downstream reverse conveyance section 400C is made of metal and extends along the carry-out direction Dc2 in the carry-out path Rc (see FIG. 9), and the reverse main driven roll with respect to the shaft 4001b. Two rubber rolls 4002a provided in 400a and two resin rolls 4002b attached to positions facing each other are provided. And in the reverse driven roll 400b in the downstream reverse conveyance part 400C, in each resin roll 4002b, the one end side which becomes the downstream of the carrying-out direction Dc2 has a columnar shape, while the other end side which becomes the upstream of the carrying-out direction Dc2 is It has a tapered shape (tapered portion).
In the first reverse roll pair 421 on the downstream side, the reverse main driving roll 400a has four rubber rolls 4002a attached to one shaft 4001a, and the reverse driven roll 400b has four rubber rolls 4002b attached to one shaft 4001b. Is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (e), the first unloading roll pair 501 constituting the unloading / conveying unit 500 is disposed opposite the unloading main driving roll 500a that rotates by receiving driving from the outside, and the unloading main driving roll 500a. A carry-out driven roll 500b that rotates as the carry-out main roll 500a rotates is provided. Moreover, the 2nd unloading roll pair 502-6th unloading roll pair 506 which comprises the unloading conveyance part 500 are each provided with the unloading main drive roll 500a and the unloading driven roll 500b. And in this Embodiment, each unloading main roll 500a which comprises the 1st unloading roll pair 501-the 6th unloading roll pair 506 is the 1st unloading guide plate 231 used as the fixed side in the unloading part 230 (refer FIG. 3). (See FIG. 3), each carry-out driven roll 500b constituting the first carry-out roll pair 501 to the sixth carry-out roll pair 506 is movable on the movable side (openable and closable side) in the carry-out section 230 (see FIG. 3). ) To the second carry-out guide plate 232 (see FIG. 3).

  The first unloading roll pair 501 to the sixth unloading roll pair 506 each have a function as a pair of rotating bodies, and in these, each unloading main driving roll 500a serves as a main rotating body and each unloading driven body. Each of the rolls 500b functions as a driven rotating body. Further, in the first unloading roll pair 501 to the sixth unloading roll pair 506, each unloading main driving roll 500a functions as an output side main rotating body, and each unloading driven roll 500b functions as an output side driven rotating body. .

Here, the carry-out main roll 500a includes a shaft 5001a made of metal and extending along the receiving direction Dc1 in the carry-out path Rc (see FIG. 9), and two rubber rolls 5002a attached to the shaft 5001a. . In the carry-out main roll 500a, the rubber rolls 5002a each have a cylindrical shape.
On the other hand, the unloading driven roll 500b is made of metal and extends along the receiving direction Dc1 in the unloading path Rc (see FIG. 9), and two unloading main driving rolls 500a are provided for the shaft 5001b. There are provided two resin rolls 5002b attached to positions facing the rubber roll 5002a. In the carry-out driven roll 500b, in each resin roll 5002b, one end side that is the downstream side of the receiving direction Dc1 has a cylindrical shape, while the other end side that is the upstream side of the receiving direction Dc1 is a tapered shape (tapered portion). )have.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between each conveyance path and each conveyance roll pair in the sheet reversing device 100 according to the present embodiment. Here, FIGS. 11A to 11E correspond to FIGS. 10A to 10E, respectively. That is, FIG. 11A shows the relationship between the carry-in route Ra and the first carry-in roll pair 301 in the carry-in unit 210. FIG. 11B shows the relationship between the carry-in route Ra and the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 in the carry-in unit 210. Further, FIG. 11C shows the relationship between the reversing path Rb and the middle flow side second reversing roll pair 412 in the reversing unit 220. Furthermore, FIG. 11D shows the relationship between the carry-out path Rc and the downstream-side fourth reverse roll pair 424 in the carry-out unit 230. FIG. 11E shows the relationship between the carry-out path Rc and the first carry-out roll pair 501 in the carry-out unit 230.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the carry-in main roll 300a and the carry-in follower roll 300b constituting the first carry-in roll pair 301 are configured to be able to contact and be separated from each other. And when the 1st carrying-in roll pair 301 is made to contact, both the carrying-in main roll 300a and the carrying-in driven roll 300b will be in the state which advanced to the carrying-in path | route Ra. On the other hand, when the first carry-in roll pair 301 is separated, the carry-in driven roll 300a moves away from the carry-in driven roll 300b, so that the carry-in driven roll 300b maintains the state of having advanced into the carry-in route Ra. The main roll 300a is retracted from the carry-in route Ra. Note that the second carry-in roll pair 302 to the sixth carry-in roll pair 306 that constitute the carry-in transport unit 300 together with the first carry-in roll pair 301 perform the same contact and separation operation as the first carry-in roll pair 301.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the reverse main drive roll 400a and the reverse follower roll 400b constituting the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 are configured to be able to contact and be separated from each other. When the upstream first reversing roll pair 401 is brought into contact, both the reversing main driving roll 400a and the reversing driven roll 400b enter the carry-in path Ra. On the other hand, when the upstream first reversing roll pair 401 is separated, the reversing driven roll 400a moves away from the reversing driven roll 400b, so that the reversing driven roll 400b maintains the state of having advanced into the carry-in path Ra. The reverse main roll 400a is in a state of being retracted from the carry-in route Ra. The upstream second reverse roll pair 402 to the upstream fourth reverse roll pair 404 that constitute the upstream reverse conveyance unit 400A together with the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 are also in contact with the upstream first reverse roll pair 401. Perform the release operation.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (c), the reverse main driving roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b constituting the middle-stream-side second reverse roll pair 412 are configured to always contact each other. At this time, both the reverse driven roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b enter the reverse path Rb. The middle flow side first reversing roll pair 411 and the middle flow side third reversing roll pair 413 that constitute the middle flow side reversing conveyance unit 400B together with the middle flow side second reversing roll pair 412 are also the same as the middle flow side second reversing roll pair 412. It is configured to always contact.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (d), the reverse main driving roll 400 a and the reverse driven roll 400 b constituting the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424 are configured to be able to contact and be separated from each other. When the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424 is brought into contact, both the reverse main drive roll 400a and the reverse follower roll 400b enter the carry-out path Rc. On the other hand, when the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424 is separated, the reverse driven roll 400a moves away from the reverse driven roll 400b, so that the reverse driven roll 400b maintains the state of having advanced into the carry-out path Rc. The reverse main roll 400a is in a state of being retracted from the carry-out route Rc. The downstream side first reverse roll pair 421 to the downstream side third reverse roll pair 423 that form the downstream side reverse conveyance unit 400C together with the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424 are also in contact with the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424. Perform the release operation.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (e), the carry-out main driving roll 500a and the carry-out driven roll 500b constituting the first carry-out roll pair 501 are configured to be able to contact and be separated from each other. When the first unloading roll pair 501 is brought into contact, both the unloading main driving roll 500a and the unloading driven roll 500b enter the unloading route Rc. On the other hand, when the first carry-out roll pair 501 is separated, the carry-out driven roll 500a moves away from the carry-out driven roll 500b, so that the carry-out driven roll 500b maintains the state of having advanced into the carry-out path Rc. The main roll 500a is retracted from the carry-out route Rc. In addition, the 2nd unloading roll pair 502-the 6th unloading roll pair 506 which comprise the unloading conveyance part 500 with the 1st unloading roll pair 501 perform the same contact / separation operation as the 1st unloading roll pair 501.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an advance / retreat mechanism 600 that advances and retracts the upstream first inversion roll pair 401 and a rotation mechanism 700 that rotates the upstream first inversion roll pair 401. Here, FIG. 12A is a view of the upstream first inversion roll pair 401 and the advance / retreat mechanism 600 set in the contact state as viewed from the downstream side in the loading direction Da1. FIG. 12B is a view of the upstream first inversion roll pair 401 and the advance / retreat mechanism 600 set in the separated state as viewed from the downstream side in the loading direction Da1. Further, FIG. 12C is a view of the upstream first inversion roll pair 401, the advance / retreat mechanism 600, and the rotation mechanism 700 set in the separated state as viewed from the downstream side in the delivery direction Da2. FIG. 12D is a view of the rotating mechanism 700 as viewed from the downstream side in the loading direction Da1.

  The advancing / retreating mechanism 600 according to the present embodiment is attached to an advancing / retreating motor 601 for advancing / retreating the reversing main driving roll 400a in the upstream first reversing roll pair 401 with respect to the reversing driven roll 400b, and a rotation shaft of the advancing / retreating motor 601. A gear train 602 including gears, a main drive cam shaft 603 fixedly attached to one gear constituting the gear train 602, and a main drive cam attached to the main drive cam shaft 603 in two axial directions 604. Further, the advancing / retreating mechanism 600 includes a ball bearing 605 attached to the shaft 4001a of the reversing main driving roll 400a at positions facing the two main driving cams 604 provided on the main driving cam shaft 603, and a reversing main driving roll. Corresponding to each of the main driving side bearing 606 that is attached to both ends of the shaft 4001a of 400a and rotatably supports the reverse main driving roll 400a, and the two main driving side bearings 606, the loading path of the first loading guide plate 211. It is fixedly attached to a surface opposite to the surface forming Ra, and supports the reverse main driving roll 400a via the main driving side bearing 606 so as to be movable to the side approaching the loading path Ra and the side moving away from the loading path Ra. A main drive side bearing guide 607. Further, the advancing / retreating mechanism 600 is attached to both ends of the shaft 4001b of the reverse driven roll 400b in the upstream first reverse roll pair 401, and a driven bearing 611 that rotatably supports the reverse driven roll 400b, and two driven sides. Corresponding to each of the bearings 611, the second carry-in guide plate 212 is fixedly attached to the surface opposite to the surface that forms the carry-in route Ra, and the reverse driven roll 400b approaches the carry-in route Ra and A driven-side bearing guide 612 that is movably supported on the side away from the carry-in route Ra, and both ends are fixedly attached to a surface of the second carry-in guide plate 212 that is opposite to the surface that forms the carry-in route Ra, The center portion of the driven-side bearing 611 is arranged in contact with a portion outside the portion supported by the driven-side bearing guide 612. And a ring 613.

  On the other hand, the rotation mechanism 700 of the present embodiment includes a rotation motor 701 for rotating the reverse main driving roll 400 a in the upstream first reverse roll pair 401, and a motor side pulley 702 attached to the rotation shaft of the rotation motor 701. A roll-side pulley 703 that is fixedly attached to one end of the shaft 4001a in the reverse driving roll 400a, and a timing belt 704 that has an endless shape and is spanned between the motor-side pulley 702 and the roll-side pulley 703; Is provided.

  Then, the operation | movement (it calls a contact operation | movement below) which transfers the upstream 1st inversion roll pair 401 in a separation state to a contact state is demonstrated. In the initial state of the contact operation, the forward / backward motor 601 stops driving, and the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 and the forward / backward mechanism 600 are in the positional relationship shown in FIGS. 12 (b) and 12 (c). In addition, the rotation mechanism 700 is in a state indicated by a solid line in FIG. Further, in the initial state in the contact operation, the rotation motor 701 stops driving, and the reverse main driving roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b constituting the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 both stop rotating. . At this time, the respective resin rolls 4002b provided in the reverse driven roll 400b advance to the carry-in path Ra and are not blocked by the carry-in path Ra, and the rubber rolls 4002a provided in the reverse main roll 400a are carried in the carry-in path Ra. It is put in the position evacuated from.

  With the start of the contact operation, the rotation motor 701 starts to rotate. Then, with the rotation of the rotation motor 701, the reverse main drive roll 400a of the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 starts rotating via the motor side pulley 702, the timing belt 704, and the roll side pulley 703. At this time, since the reverse driven roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b are not in contact with each other, the reverse driven roll 400b remains stopped.

  Next, the advance / retreat motor 601 starts to rotate. Then, with the rotation of the advance / retreat motor 601, each main driving cam 604 starts rotating via the gear train 602 and the main driving cam shaft 603. Then, the advancing / retreating motor 601 stops rotating when each of the main driving cams 604 makes a half rotation from the state shown in FIG. 12B and reaches the state shown in FIG. As the main driving cams 604 rotate, the ball bearings 605 are pushed up by the cam surfaces of the main driving cams 604 toward the loading path Ra. As a result, the reversing main driving roll 400a including the shaft 4001a to which each main driving cam 604 is attached approaches the reversing driven roll 400b facing each other across the carry-in route Ra, advances into the carry-in route Ra, and then the carry-in route. In Ra, each rubber roll 4002a provided on the reverse driven roll 400a and each resin roll 4002b provided on the reverse driven roll 400b contact each other. At this time, when the paper P is present in the carry-in path Ra, the reverse driven roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b come into contact with each other through the paper P.

  As the reverse driven roll 400a comes into contact with the reverse driven roll 400b, the reverse driven roll 400b receives a force toward the side away from the carry-in path Ra from the reverse driven roll 400a. As a result, the reverse driven roll 400b tends to move to the side away from the carry-in route Ra. Here, in the present embodiment, the driven bearings 611 attached to both ends of the shaft 4001b of the reverse driven roll 400b approach the carry-in path Ra via the springs 613 attached to the second carry-in guide plate 212. Is receiving the power to For this reason, the reverse driven roll 400b maintains the state where it is supported by the second carry-in guide plate 212 by the driven bearings 611 and the driven bearing guides 612, and is pressed by the reverse driven roll 400a and the spring 613. It stops at a position where the force is balanced.

  On the other hand, as the reverse driven roll 400a comes into contact with the reverse driven roll 400b, the reverse driven roll 400b receives the driving force from the reverse driven roll 400a and starts rotating. At this time, the contact position between the reverse driven roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b is inside the carry-in path Ra. When shifting from the separated state to the contact state, the roll-side pulley 703 is moved from the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 12D to the rotating motor 701 and the motor-side pulley 702 by a broken line in the drawing. Move to the indicated position. At this time, the position fluctuation between the motor-side pulley 702 attached to the rotation motor 701 and the roll-side pulley 703 attached to the reverse main driving roll 400a is absorbed by the timing belt 704. Regardless, the rotation driving of the reverse main driving roll 400a is continued.

  Subsequently, an operation (hereinafter referred to as a separation operation) for shifting the upstream first inversion roll pair 401 in a contact state to a separation state will be described. In the initial state in the separation operation, the advance / retreat motor 601 stops driving, and the upstream first reversing roll pair 401 and the advance / retreat mechanism 600 are in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 700 is in a state indicated by a broken line in FIG. Further, in the initial state in the separation operation, the rotation motor 701 continues to drive, and both the reverse main driving roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b constituting the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 continue to rotate. . At this time, each rubber roll 4002a provided on the reverse driven roll 400a and each resin roll 4002b provided on the reverse driven roll 400b are placed at positions advanced into the carry-in path Ra.

  With the start of the separation operation, the rotation motor 701 stops rotating. Then, as the rotation motor 701 stops rotating, the reverse main drive roll 400a stops rotating together with the motor side pulley 702, the timing belt 704, and the roll side pulley 703. Further, as the reverse main driving roll 400a stops rotating, the reverse driven roll 400b contacting the reverse main driving roll 400a also stops rotating. At this time, if the paper P is present in the carry-in path Ra, the conveyance of the paper P sandwiched between the reverse driven roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b is also stopped.

  Subsequently, the forward / backward motor 601 starts to rotate. Then, with the rotation of the advance / retreat motor 601, each main driving cam 604 starts rotating via the gear train 602 and the main driving cam shaft 603. Then, the advancing / retreating motor 601 stops rotating when each of the main driving cams 604 makes a half rotation from the state shown in FIG. 12A and reaches the state shown in FIG. As the main driving cams 604 rotate, the ball bearings 605 are pushed down by the cam surfaces of the main driving cams 604 toward the side away from the loading path Ra. As a result, the reversing main driving roll 400a including the shaft 4001a to which each main driving cam 604 is attached moves away from the reversing driven roll 400b facing and in contact with the carry-in route Ra, and in the carry-in route Ra Each rubber roll 4002a provided in the roll 400a is separated from each resin roll 4002b provided in the reverse driven roll 400b, and further retracts from the carry-in path Ra.

  As the reverse driven roll 400a is separated from the reverse driven roll 400b, the reverse driven roll 400b does not receive a force toward the side away from the carry-in path Ra from the reverse driven roll 400a, while the spring 613 and the driven bearing guide. Through 612, the force toward the side approaching the carry-in route Ra is continuously received. As a result, the reverse driven roll 400b tends to move to the side approaching the carry-in route Ra. Here, in the present embodiment, driven-side bearing guides 612 are provided corresponding to the movements of the driven-side bearings 611 attached to both ends of the shaft 4001b of the reverse driven roll 400b toward the loading path Ra. Is regulated by. For this reason, the reverse driven roll 400b is supported by the second carry-in guide plate 212 by the driven bearings 611 and the driven bearing guides 612, and the driven bearing guides 612 by the pressing force of the springs 613. At the position where it hits the end of the loading path Ra side. At this time, each resin roll 4002b provided in the reverse driven roll 400b is placed in a position where the carry-in path Ra is not blocked while maintaining the state of having advanced into the carry-in path Ra.

  When shifting from the contact state to the separation state, the roll-side pulley 703 is moved from the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 12D to the rotation motor 701 and the motor-side pulley 702 by the solid line in the drawing. Move to the indicated position. At this time, position fluctuations between the motor-side pulley 702 attached to the rotation motor 701 and the roll-side pulley 703 attached to the reverse main driving roll 400a are absorbed by the timing belt 704.

  Here, the upstream first reversing roll pair 401 has been described as an example. However, the upstream second reversing roll pair 402 to the upstream constituting the upstream reversing conveyance unit 400A together with the upstream first reversing roll pair 401. The side fourth reverse roll pair 404 is also provided with an advance / retreat mechanism 600 and a rotation mechanism 700. Moreover, the 1st carrying-in roll pair 301-the 6th carrying-in roll pair 306 which comprises the carrying-in conveyance part 300, the downstream 1st reversing roll pair 421-the downstream 4th reversing roll pair 424 which comprises the downstream reversing conveyance part 400C, The first carry-out roll pair 501 to the sixth carry-out roll pair 506 constituting the carry-out conveyance unit 500 are also provided with an advance / retreat mechanism 600 and a rotation mechanism 700. On the other hand, the middle flow side first reversing roll pair 411 to the middle flow side third reversing roll pair 413 constituting the middle flow side reversing conveyance unit 400B are provided with a rotating mechanism 700 for rotationally driving them. An advance / retreat mechanism 600 for advancing / retreating driving is not provided.

  In the present embodiment, a driven-side bearing 611, a driven-side bearing guide 612 provided corresponding to the carry-in transport unit 300, the upstream-side reverse transport unit 400A, the downstream-side reverse transport unit 400C, and the carry-out transport unit 500, and Each of the springs 613 functions as a restricting portion. In the carry-in unit 210, the driven-side bearing 611, the driven-side bearing guide 612, and the spring 613 provided in the carry-in conveyance unit 300 function as an input-side regulating unit, and the driven-side bearing 611 provided in the upstream reverse conveyance unit 400A. The driven-side bearing guide 612 and the spring 613 function as an output-side restricting portion. Further, in the carry-out unit 230, the driven-side bearing 611, the driven-side bearing guide 612, and the spring 613 provided in the downstream inversion conveyance unit 400C function as an input-side regulating unit, and the driven-side bearing 611 provided in the carry-out conveyance unit 500. The driven-side bearing guide 612 and the spring 613 function as an output-side restricting portion.

  Now, the reverse conveyance operation of the paper P by the paper reversing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of the paper P passing through the paper reversing device 100. Table 1 also shows the paper size / orientation, the reversal direction conveyance reference (the reversal direction first conveyance reference line Lb1 and the reversal direction second conveyance reference line Lb2), and the reversal conveyance when the sheet reversing apparatus 100 performs reversal conveyance. The image forming timing by each image forming unit 10 for the second surface of the paper P carried out of the paper reversing device 100 and two groups (first group and second group) divided by the size and orientation of the paper P The associated table is shown. Here, the first group includes JIS A3 vertical feed (SEF), legal size vertical feed (SEF), A4 vertical feed (SEF), and letter size vertical feed (SEF). It is assumed that the group includes JIS A4 horizontal feed (LEF) and letter size vertical feed (LEF). However, this grouping is only an example. The table shown in Table 1 is stored in a memory (not shown) provided in the control unit 80, for example. FIG. 13 shows a case where the first paper P1 is JIS A3 size vertical feed (SEF), and a case where the second paper P2 is letter size horizontal feed (LEF).

  In the initial state, the first carry-in roll pair 301 to the sixth carry-in roll pair 306 constituting the carry-in transport unit 300 are set to the separated state and the rotation stopped state. Further, the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 to the upstream fourth reverse roll pair 404 constituting the upstream reverse conveying unit 400A are set to the separated state and the rotation stopped state. Further, the middle flow side first reversing roll pair 411 to the middle flow side third reversing roll pair 413 configuring the middle flow side reversing conveyance unit 400B are set in a rotation stopped state. Furthermore, the downstream first inversion roll pair 421 to the downstream side fourth inversion roll pair 424 configuring the downstream inversion conveyance unit 400C are set to the separated state and the rotation stopped state. And the 1st unloading roll pair 501-the 6th unloading roll pair 506 which comprise the unloading conveyance part 500 are set to a separation state and a rotation stop state. In addition, the control unit 80 acquires the size (size) and orientation of the paper P that is an object of image formation from the UI 90 or an external computer device or the like via the receiving unit 70.

  For example, when images are formed on both sides of the paper P, the paper P that has been transported in the first transport path R1 and on which the image has been formed on the first surface by the image forming units 10 and the fixing device 50 is the second transport path R2. To the third transport path R3. In the third transport path R3, the paper P is transported with the paper leading edge Pl as the head and the paper surface Pf facing upward. At this time, the control unit 80 determines the paper on the paper P based on the length (hereinafter referred to as paper width) of the paper P input from the UI 90 or the like from the paper first side end Ps1 to the paper second side end Ps2. The paper P is transported so that the center position of the width overlaps the carry-in direction transport reference line La.

  Next, on the third transport path R3, the control unit 80 starts the rotation operation and the contact operation of the carry-in transport unit 300 based on the result of the paper detection sensor 60 detecting the passage of the paper front end Pl. Along with this, on the carry-in route Ra, the carry-in transport unit 300 is set in a contact state and starts rotating.

  Subsequently, the paper P moves along the carry-in direction Da1 from the third carrying route R3 into the carry-in route Ra. At this time, in the carry-in route Ra, the carry-in transport unit 300 is set in a contact state and is rotating. On the other hand, at this time, in the carry-in route Ra, the upstream-side reverse conveyance unit 400A is set to the separated state and stopped rotating. Accordingly, the paper P that has entered the carry-in route Ra from the third transport route R3 is sandwiched by the carry-in transport unit 300, and the paper front P1 is at the top and the paper surface Pf is facing upward, and the carry-in direction Da1. Move along. Here, in this embodiment, each reversing driven roll 400b in the upstream reversing conveyance unit 400A set in the separated state remains in the carry-in path Ra (see FIG. 11B). Since the resin roll 4002b provided on each reversing driven roll 400b has a tapered shape (see FIG. 10B), each reversing driven roll 400b transports the paper P along the carry-in direction Da1. It is hard to be a hindrance.

  Then, the paper P stops in the carry-in route Ra. At this time, the control unit 80 determines that the position of the paper front end Pl on the paper P is the first conveyance reference line Lb1 in the reverse direction based on the elapsed time after the paper detection sensor 60 detects the passage of the paper front end Pl. Alternatively, the rotation operation of the carry-in conveyance unit 300 is stopped and the separation operation of the carry-in conveyance unit 300 is started at the timing when the reversing direction second conveyance reference line Lb2 is reached. Accordingly, the paper P in the carry-in path Ra does not come into contact with the carry-in main rolls 300a that constitute the carry-in and transport unit 300 in addition to the reverse main rolls 400a that constitute the upstream-side reverse feed unit 400A. As a result, the paper P in the carry-in route Ra stops with the paper first side end Ps1 facing the reversing route Rb and the paper surface Pf facing upward. Here, whether the paper front end Pl of the paper P is stopped with reference to the reversing direction first transport reference line Lb1 or the reversing direction second transport reference line Lb2 as a reference, the paper P is in the first group or It depends on which of the second group it belongs to. When the paper P is, for example, JIS A3 size vertical feed (SEF), the control unit 80 stops the paper P at a position where the paper leading edge Pl of the paper P overlaps the first conveyance reference line Lb1 in the reverse direction. Also, when the paper P is, for example, letter size lateral feed (LEF), the control unit 80 stops the paper P at a position where the paper leading edge Pl of the paper P overlaps with the second conveyance reference line Lb2 in the reverse direction. . At this time, the paper P that stops in the carry-in path Ra is in a state where the central position of the paper width overlaps with the carry-in direction conveyance reference line La regardless of the size and orientation, and the position of the paper leading edge Pl. Is overlapped with the reverse direction first transport reference line Lb1 or the reverse direction second transport reference line Lb2.

  Next, the sheet P moves in the delivery route Ra along the delivery direction Da2. At this time, the control unit 80 stops the sheet P in the carry-in route Ra, and then starts the rotation operation and the contact operation of the upstream-side reverse conveyance unit 400A. Along with this, in the carry-in route Ra, the upstream reversal conveyance unit 400A is set in a contact state and starts rotating. On the other hand, at this time, in the carry-in route Ra, the carry-in transport unit 300 is set to the separated state and stops rotating. Therefore, the paper P that has been stopped in the carry-in path Ra is sandwiched by the upstream-side reversing conveyance unit 400A, and the delivery direction Da2 is set with the paper first side end Ps1 leading and the paper surface Pf facing upward. Move along. Here, in the present embodiment, each carry-in driven roll 300b in the carry-in conveyance unit 300 set in the separated state remains in the carry-in route Ra (see FIG. 11A). Since the resin roll 3002b provided on the driven roll 300b has a tapered shape (see FIG. 10A), each of the carry-in driven rolls 300b transports the paper P along the delivery direction Da2. It is hard to become an obstacle.

  In this example, in conjunction with the control unit 80 starting the rotation operation and the contact operation of the upstream reversing conveyance unit 400A, the rotation operation of the midstream reversing conveyance unit 400B and the downstream reversing conveyance unit 400C Rotation operation and contact operation are started. Accordingly, in the reversing path Rb, the middle flow reversing conveyance unit 400B starts to rotate. In addition, along with this, in the carry-out route Rc, the downstream-side reverse conveyance unit 400C is set in a contact state and starts rotating.

  Following this, the paper P moves along the delivery direction Da2, the reverse direction Db, and the reception direction Dc1 from the carry-in route Ra to the reverse route Rb and from the reverse route Rb to the carry-out route Rc. At this time, in the carry-in route Ra, the upstream-side reverse conveyance unit 400A is set in a contact state and is rotating. At this time, in the reversing path Rb, the midstream reversing conveyance unit 400B is rotating. Further, at this time, in the carry-out route Rc, the downstream-side reversing conveyance unit 400C is set in a contact state and is rotated. On the other hand, at this time, in the carry-out route Rc, the carry-out conveyance unit 500 is set to the separated state and stops rotating. Accordingly, the sheet P that has entered the reversing path Rb from the carry-in path Ra is sandwiched between the upstream reversing conveyance unit 400A and the midstream reversing conveyance unit 400B, with the sheet first side end Ps1 at the top and the sheet surface Pf facing upward. , The leading side moves along the reverse direction Db and the rear end moves along the delivery direction Da2. Then, the sheet P that has entered the reversing path Rb is sandwiched by the middle-side reversing conveyance unit 400B, and the sheet back surface Pb is moved upward from the state where the sheet first surface end Ps1 is the top and the sheet surface Pf faces upward. It moves along the reversal direction Db while shifting to the facing state. Thereafter, the sheet P that has entered the unloading path Rc from the reversing path Rb is sandwiched between the downstream reversing and conveying section 400C and the midstream reversing and conveying section 400B, with the sheet first side end Ps1 at the top and the sheet back surface Pb facing upward. , The leading side moves along the receiving direction Dc1 and the trailing end moves along the reverse direction Db. During the period from the carry-in path Ra to the carry-out path Rc via the reverse path Rb, the position of the paper leading edge Pl of the paper P depends on the reverse conveyance direction first conveyance reference line Lb1 or the reverse direction first line according to the group to which the paper P belongs. 2 is conveyed so as to overlap with the conveyance reference line Lb2. Here, in the present embodiment, each carry-out driven roll 500b in the carry-out conveyance unit 500 set in the separated state is still advanced to the carry-out route Rc (see FIG. 11E). Since the resin roll 5002b provided on the driven roll 500b has a tapered shape (see FIG. 10E), each carry-out driven roll 500b transports the paper P along the receiving direction Dc1. It is hard to become an obstacle.

  Then, the paper P stops in the carry-out route Rc. At this time, the control unit 80, for example, the center position of the sheet width in the sheet P reaches the carry-out direction conveyance reference line Lc based on the elapsed time since the upstream reverse conveyance unit 400A started conveying the sheet P. At the timing, the rotation operation of the downstream reverse conveyance unit 400C is stopped, and the separation operation of the downstream reverse conveyance unit 400C is started. Along with this, in addition to the unloading main driving rolls 500a constituting the unloading / conveying unit 500, the reversing main driving rolls 400a constituting the downstream side reverse conveying unit 400C do not come into contact with the paper P in the unloading path Rc. As a result, the paper P in the carry-out path Rc stops with the paper leading edge Pl facing the fourth transport path R4 and the paper back surface Pb facing upward. At this time, the paper P in the carry-out path Rc is in a state where the position of the paper leading edge Pl overlaps the reverse direction first transport reference line Lb1 or the reverse direction second transport reference line Lb2 regardless of the size and direction. In addition, the center position of the sheet width overlaps with the carry-out direction conveyance reference line Lc.

  Here, in the present embodiment, regardless of the size of the sheet P to be conveyed, the carry-in direction conveyance reference line Lc in the carry-out route Rc from the carry-in direction conveyance reference line La in the carry-in route Ra through the reverse route Rb. The distance to reach is determined. Accordingly, the period during which the paper P is transported from the carry-in route Ra to the carry-out route Rc via the reverse route Rb is constant regardless of the size of the paper P when the transport speed of the paper P is constant.

  In this example, the control unit 80 starts the rotation stop operation and the separation operation of the downstream reverse conveyance unit 400C, and the rotation stop operation and separation operation of the upstream reverse conveyance unit 400A and the midstream side The rotation stopping operation of the reverse conveying unit 400B is started. Along with this, in the carry-in route Ra, the upstream reversal conveyance unit 400A is set to the separated state and stops rotating, and in the reversal route Rb, the midstream reversal conveyance unit 400B stops rotating.

  Next, the paper P moves in the carry-out route Rc along the carry-out direction Dc2. At this time, the control unit 80 stops the paper P in the carry-out route Rc, and then starts the rotation operation and the contact operation of the carry-out conveyance unit 500. Accordingly, on the carry-out route Rc, the carry-out conveyance unit 500 is set in a contact state and starts rotating. On the other hand, at this time, in the carry-out route Rc, the downstream reversing conveyance unit 400C is set to the separated state and stops rotating. Accordingly, the paper P that has been stopped in the carry-out path Rc moves along the carry-out direction Dc2 while being sandwiched by the carry-out conveyance unit 500, with the paper leading edge Pl as the leading edge and the paper back surface Pb facing upward. To go. Thereafter, the paper P is carried out from the carry-out route Rc to the fourth transport route R4. Here, in this embodiment, each reversing driven roll 400b in the downstream reversing conveyance unit 400C set in the separated state remains in the carry-out path Rc (see FIG. 11D). Since the resin roll 4002b provided on each reversing driven roll 400b has a tapered shape (see FIG. 10D), each reversing driven roll 400b transports the paper P along the carry-out direction Dc2. It is hard to be a hindrance.

  Then, the control unit 80 stops the rotation operation of the carry-out conveyance unit 500 and starts the separation operation of the carry-out conveyance unit 500 at a timing after the paper P is carried out from the carry-out route Rc. Along with this, in the unloading route Rc, both the downstream-side reversing conveyance unit 400C and the unloading conveyance unit 500 are separated from each other.

  Thereafter, the paper P whose front and back are reversed by the paper reversing device 100 is conveyed again from the fourth conveying path R4 to the image forming units 10 and the fixing device 50 via the first conveying path R1. Become.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the position of the paper front end Pl of the paper P conveyed from the carry-in route Ra to the carry-out route Rc via the reverse route Rb is determined based on the size and orientation of the paper P ( In the unit of (first group or second group), they are aligned on the reverse direction first transport reference line Lb1 or the reverse direction second transport reference line Lb2. Here, the paper P belonging to the first group has a longer length (hereinafter referred to as the paper length) from the paper leading edge Pl to the paper trailing edge Pt than the paper P belonging to the second group. In the present embodiment, the direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper P (the delivery direction Da2, the reverse direction Db, the reception direction Dc1) in the transport route from the carry-in route Ra to the carry-out route Rc via the reverse route Rb. The reversal transport unit 400 (upstream reversal transport unit 400A, midstream reversal transport unit 400B, and downstream reversal transport unit 400C) is disposed on the center side. Accordingly, both of the relatively large size paper P belonging to the first group and the relatively small size paper P belonging to the second group can be positioned in an area that can be reversed and conveyed by the reversing conveyance unit 400. Regardless of the size and orientation of the paper P, the paper P can be stably reversed and conveyed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the position of the paper front end Pl of the paper P conveyed from the carry-out path Rc toward the fourth transport path R4 along the carry-out direction Dc2 is determined based on the size and orientation of the paper P. As a unit, the reverse direction first transport reference line Lb1 or the reverse direction second transport reference line Lb2 is aligned. Accordingly, when the transport speed of the paper P is constant during the period until the paper P reaches each image forming unit 10 from the paper reversing device 100 via the fourth transport path R4 and the first transport path R1. It becomes constant for each group to which P belongs. For this reason, when image formation is performed on the second surface of the reversely conveyed paper P, the image formation timing in each image forming unit 10 can be made uniform for each group to which the paper P belongs. In this example, the group to which the paper P belongs is used as a unit, and as shown in Table 1, the timing T1 is set for the first group, and the timing T2 is set for the second group.

  In this embodiment, the paper P is divided into two groups. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the paper P may be divided into three or more groups. In this case, a reverse direction conveyance reference line may be set corresponding to each of the divided groups.

In the present embodiment, the main driving rolls (loading main driving roll 300a, reversing main driving roll 400a, and unloading main driving roll 500a) are retracted from each path in both the transport path Ra and the transport path Rc of the sheet reversing device 100. The reason is as follows.
First, since the main roll may be rotationally driven from the outside, when the main roll that is not used for conveyance remains in the path, the main roll that is not used for conveyance depends on another main roll used for conveyance. There is a concern that the conveyance of the paper P may be hindered. In the present embodiment, each main roll includes a rubber roll having a higher coefficient of friction than the resin roll constituting each driven roll, so that the main roll that is not used for conveyance remains in the path. In this case, there is a concern that the main roll not used for conveyance hinders the conveyance of the paper P by the other main roll used for conveyance. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which each driven roll including a resin roll is left in each path in each path, while each main roll that provides a rubber roll is retracted from each path.

<Embodiment 2>
The basic configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but in the first embodiment, the carry-in conveyance unit 300, the upstream-side reverse conveyance unit 400A, and the downstream-side reverse conveyance unit 400C that constitute the paper reversing device 100. In each of the roll pairs constituting the carry-out conveyance unit 500, the main roll side is advanced and retracted. In the present embodiment, both the main roll side and the driven roll side are advanced and retracted. . In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between each conveyance path and each conveyance roll pair in the sheet reversing device 100 according to the present embodiment. Here, FIGS. 14A to 14E correspond to FIGS. 10A to 10E, respectively. That is, FIG. 14A shows the relationship between the carry-in route Ra and the first carry-in roll pair 301 in the carry-in unit 210. FIG. 14B shows the relationship between the carry-in route Ra and the upstream first inversion roll pair 401 in the carry-in unit 210. Further, FIG. 14C shows the relationship between the reversing path Rb and the middle flow side second reversing roll pair 412 in the reversing unit 220. Furthermore, FIG. 14D shows the relationship between the carry-out path Rc and the downstream-side fourth reverse roll pair 424 in the carry-out unit 230. FIG. 14E shows the relationship between the carry-out route Rc and the first carry-out roll pair 501 in the carry-out unit 230.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, the carry-in main roll 300a and the carry-in follower roll 300b constituting the first carry-in roll pair 301 are configured to be able to contact and be separated from each other. And when the 1st carrying-in roll pair 301 is made to contact, both the carrying-in main roll 300a and the carrying-in driven roll 300b will be in the state which advanced to the carrying-in path | route Ra. In contrast, when the first carry-in roll pair 301 is separated, the carry-in main roll 300a and the carry-in follower roll 300b move away from each other, so that both the carry-in main roll 300a and the carry-in follower roll 300b retreat from the carry-in path Ra. It will be in the state. Note that the second carry-in roll pair 302 to the sixth carry-in roll pair 306 that constitute the carry-in transport unit 300 together with the first carry-in roll pair 301 perform the same contact and separation operation as the first carry-in roll pair 301.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, the reverse main driving roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b constituting the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 are configured to be able to contact and be separated from each other. When the upstream first reversing roll pair 401 is brought into contact, both the reversing main driving roll 400a and the reversing driven roll 400b enter the carry-in path Ra. On the other hand, when the upstream first reversing roll pair 401 is separated, the reversing main driving roll 400a and the reversing driven roll 400b move away from each other so that both the reversing main driving roll 400a and the reversing driven roll 400b are brought into the carry-in path Ra. It will be in a state of being saved from. The upstream second reverse roll pair 402 to the upstream fourth reverse roll pair 404 that constitute the upstream reverse conveyance unit 400A together with the upstream first reverse roll pair 401 are also in contact with the upstream first reverse roll pair 401. Perform the release operation.

  As shown in FIG. 14C, the reverse main driving roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b constituting the middle-stream-side second reverse roll pair 412 are configured to always contact each other. At this time, both the reverse driven roll 400a and the reverse driven roll 400b enter the reverse path Rb. The middle flow side first reversing roll pair 411 and the middle flow side third reversing roll pair 413 that constitute the middle flow side reversing conveyance unit 400B together with the middle flow side second reversing roll pair 412 are also the same as the middle flow side second reversing roll pair 412. It is configured to always contact.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (d), the reverse main driving roll 400 a and the reverse driven roll 400 b constituting the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424 are configured to be able to contact and be separated from each other. When the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424 is brought into contact, both the reverse main drive roll 400a and the reverse follower roll 400b enter the carry-out path Rc. On the other hand, when the downstream side fourth inversion roll pair 424 is separated, the inversion main driving roll 400a and the inversion driven roll 400b are moved away from each other, so that both the inversion main driving roll 400a and the inversion driven follower 400b are brought into the carry-out path Rc. It will be in a state of being saved from. The downstream side first reverse roll pair 421 to the downstream side third reverse roll pair 423 that form the downstream side reverse conveyance unit 400C together with the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424 are also in contact with the downstream side fourth reverse roll pair 424. Perform the release operation.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (e), the unloading main driving roll 500a and the unloading driven roll 500b constituting the first unloading roll pair 501 are configured to be able to contact and be separated from each other. When the first unloading roll pair 501 is brought into contact, both the unloading main driving roll 500a and the unloading driven roll 500b enter the unloading route Rc. On the other hand, when the first unloading roll pair 501 is separated, the unloading main driving roll 500a and the unloading driven roll 500b move away from each other, so that both the unloading main driving roll 500a and the unloading driven roll 500b are retracted from the unloading path Rc. It will be in the state. In addition, the 2nd unloading roll pair 502-the 6th unloading roll pair 506 which comprise the unloading conveyance part 500 with the 1st unloading roll pair 501 perform the same contact / separation operation as the 1st unloading roll pair 501.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of an advance / retreat mechanism 600 that advances and retracts the upstream first inversion roll pair 401. Here, FIG. 15 shows only the reverse driven roll 400b side of the upstream first reverse roll pair 401, and an advance / retreat mechanism 600 that advances and retracts the reverse main drive roll 400a and a rotation mechanism 700 that rotates the reverse main drive roll 400a. Is the same as that described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 12). FIG. 15A shows the reverse driven roll 400b when set in the contact state, and FIG. 15B shows the reverse driven roll 400b when set in the separated state.

  The advancing / retracting mechanism 600 according to the present embodiment is attached at two locations in the axial direction with respect to the driven cam shaft 621 and the driven cam shaft 621 attached to, for example, a gear train 602 (see FIG. 12) via a clutch or the like. Driven side cam 622, a lever shaft 623 fixedly attached to the second carry-in guide plate 212, for example, and a lever shaft 623, which is rotatably attached around the shaft. One end side of the driven side cam 622 is on the cam surface of the driven side cam 622. The other end side further includes a lever 624 arranged in contact with the shaft 4001b of the reverse driven roll 400b.

  Here, the upstream first reversing roll pair 401 has been described as an example. However, the upstream second reversing roll pair 402 to the upstream constituting the upstream reversing conveyance unit 400A together with the upstream first reversing roll pair 401. The side fourth reverse roll pair 404 is also provided with an advance / retreat mechanism 600 and a rotation mechanism 700. Moreover, the 1st carrying-in roll pair 301-the 6th carrying-in roll pair 306 which comprises the carrying-in conveyance part 300, the downstream 1st reversing roll pair 421-the downstream 4th reversing roll pair 424 which comprises the downstream reversing conveyance part 400C, The first carry-out roll pair 501 to the sixth carry-out roll pair 506 constituting the carry-out conveyance unit 500 are also provided with an advance / retreat mechanism 600 and a rotation mechanism 700. On the other hand, the middle flow side first reversing roll pair 411 to the middle flow side third reversing roll pair 413 constituting the middle flow side reversing conveyance unit 400B are provided with a rotating mechanism 700 for rotationally driving them. An advance / retreat mechanism 600 for advancing / retreating driving is not provided.

  In this embodiment, by adopting such a configuration, the separation of each pair of rolls constituting the carry-in transport unit 300, the upstream reverse transport unit 400A, the downstream reverse transport unit 400C, and the carry-out transport unit 500 is achieved. Along with the operation, both the primary roll and the secondary roll constituting each roll pair can be retracted from the respective transport paths. Accordingly, in the conveyance of the paper P and the change of the paper conveyance direction in each of the carry-in route Ra and the carry-out route Rc, the conveyance roll pair unrelated to the conveyance is more difficult to prevent the conveyance of the paper P. Further, when the configuration of the present embodiment is adopted, the driven rolls in the respective roll pairs constituting the carry-in conveyance unit 300, the upstream reverse conveyance unit 400A, the downstream reverse conveyance unit 400C, and the carry-out conveyance unit 500 are illustrated in FIG. It is not necessary to provide the taper part shown in FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 10 ... Image forming unit, 20 ... Intermediate transfer belt, 30 ... Secondary transfer apparatus, 50 ... Fixing device, 60 ... Paper detection sensor, 70 ... Receiving part, 80 ... Control part, 90 ... User interface Part (UI), 100 ... paper reversing device, 101 ... frame, 200 ... paper guide part, 210 ... carry-in part, 220 ... reversing part, 230 ... carry-out part, 300 ... carry-in conveying part, 400 ... reverse conveying part, 400A ... upstream reversal transport section, 400B ... middle stream reversal transport section, 400C ... downstream reversal transport section, 500 ... unload transport section, Da1 ... carry-in direction, Da2 ... delivery direction, Db ... reversal direction, Dc1 ... receive direction, Dc2 ... Payout direction, P ... paper, R1 ... first transport path, R2 ... second transport path, R3 ... third transport path, R4 ... fourth transport path, Ra ... carry-in path, Rb ... reverse path, Rc ... carry-out path

Claims (6)

The first side and the second side located opposite to the first side, the front side intersecting with the first side and the rear side located opposite to the front side A carrying-in route for carrying in a recording material having a rectangular shape by having
A first transport unit that is provided in the transport path and transports the transported recording material in a first direction starting from the front side;
A second transport unit that is provided in the carry-in path and transports the recording material transported by the first transport unit in a second direction starting from the first side;
By guiding the recording material connected to the carry-in path and conveyed by the second conveyance unit so that the first side and the second side of the recording material are switched, An inversion path for inverting the front and back surfaces of the recording material;
A third transport unit that is provided in the reversing path and transports the recording material transported by the second transport unit in a third direction starting from the first side;
An unloading path for unloading the recording material that is connected to the reversing path and is conveyed in a state where the front and back are reversed by the reversing path and the third conveying unit;
A fourth conveyance unit that is provided in the carry-out path and conveys the recording material conveyed by the third conveyance unit in a fourth direction starting from the first side,
A fifth conveyance unit that is provided in the carry-out path and conveys the recording material conveyed by the fourth conveyance unit in a fifth direction starting from the front side;
The recording material is divided into a first group having the front side as a short side and a second group having the front side as a long side, and the recording material included in the first group is The front side of the recording material conveyed by the first conveyance unit is stopped at the first position, and the recording material included in the second group is conveyed by the first conveyance unit in the carry-in path. A reversing and conveying apparatus including stop means for stopping the front side of the recording material at a second position upstream of the first position in the first direction . Each of the first transport unit and the second transport unit has a pair of rotating bodies that are arranged so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from each other with the carry-in route interposed therebetween, and the fourth transport unit and the fifth transport unit are respectively , Having a pair of rotating bodies arranged so as to be able to contact and separate across the carry-out path,
Each of the pair of rotating bodies includes a main rotating body that rotates by receiving a driving force from the outside, and a driven rotating body that rotates by receiving the driving force from the main rotating body by contacting the main rotating body. ,
When the main rotating body and the driven rotating body are separated from each other, the main rotating body retreats from the carry-in path in the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and the fourth transport unit and the fifth transport unit. The reversing and conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main rotating body is retracted from the carry-out path in the section.   When the driven rotor provided in each of the first transport unit, the second transport unit, the fourth transport unit, and the fifth transport unit is separated from the driven rotor, the driven rotors are respectively The reversing and conveying apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a restricting portion that restricts the advancing into the path. The driven rotating body provided in the first transport unit includes a tapered portion whose diameter increases along the second direction on the upstream side in the second direction,
The driven rotating body provided in the second transport unit includes a tapered portion whose diameter increases along the first direction on the upstream side in the first direction,
The driven rotating body provided in the fourth transport unit includes a tapered portion whose diameter increases along the fifth direction on the upstream side in the fifth direction,
4. The inversion according to claim 2, wherein the driven rotating body provided in the fifth transport unit includes a tapered portion whose diameter increases along the fourth direction on the upstream side in the fourth direction. Conveying device. When the main rotating body and the driven rotating body are separated from each other, the driven rotating body is further retracted from the carry-in path in the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and the fourth transport unit and the fifth transport unit 5. The reverse conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the driven rotating body is further retracted from the carry-out path in the conveying unit. The first side and the second side located opposite to the first side, the front side intersecting with the first side and the rear side located opposite to the front side A conveying means for conveying the recording material having a rectangular shape by having the front side as a head along the conveying path;
An image forming unit that forms an image on the recording material conveyed by the conveying unit;
When an image is formed on the second surface of the recording material on which the image is formed on the first surface of the recording material by the image forming unit, the first side of the recording material conveyed by the conveying means A reversing conveyance unit that reverses and conveys the front and back of the recording material so that the side and the second side are interchanged with each other,
The reversing conveyance unit is
A carry-in path for carrying the recording material that is connected to the transport path and transported starting from the front side;
A first transport unit that is provided in the transport path and transports the transported recording material in a first direction starting from the front side;
A second transport unit that is provided in the carry-in path and transports the recording material transported by the first transport unit in a second direction starting from the first side;
By guiding the recording material connected to the carry-in path and conveyed by the second conveyance unit so that the first side and the second side of the recording material are switched, An inversion path for inverting the front and back surfaces of the recording material;
A third transport unit that is provided in the reversing path and transports the recording material transported by the second transport unit in a third direction starting from the first side;
An unloading path for unloading the recording material that is connected to the reversing path and is conveyed in a state where the front and back are reversed by the reversing path and the third conveying unit;
A fourth conveyance unit that is provided in the carry-out path and conveys the recording material conveyed by the third conveyance unit in a fourth direction starting from the first side,
A fifth conveyance unit that is provided in the carry-out path and conveys the recording material conveyed by the fourth conveyance unit in a fifth direction starting from the front side;
The recording material is divided into a first group having the front side as a short side and a second group having the front side as a long side, and the recording material included in the first group is The front side of the recording material conveyed by the first conveyance unit is stopped at the first position, and the recording material included in the second group is conveyed by the first conveyance unit in the carry-in path. An image forming apparatus comprising: a stopping unit that stops the front side of the recording material at a second position that is upstream of the first position in the first direction .

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