CONVEYANCE DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

A conveyance device includes: a conveyance unit that conveys a material to be conveyed; a guide unit that guides the material to be conveyed, the guide unit being movable between a first position at which a first conveyance path is formed and a second position at which a second conveyance path is formed; a driving unit that drives the conveyance unit and the guide unit; a restriction unit that comes into contact with the guide unit moving in a moving direction from the second position to the first position at the first position by a driving force of the driving unit to restrict the movement of the guide unit in the moving direction; and a blocking unit that blocks transmission of the driving force of the driving unit to the guide unit when a moving load greater than or equal to a predetermined load acts on the guide unit moving in the moving direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-171826 filed Oct. 20, 2021.

BACKGROUND

(I) Technical Field

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

(Ii) Related Art

JP2007-197105A discloses an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming apparatus body, a main conveyance path which is provided within the image forming apparatus body and through which a sheet on which an image is formed, a discharge path which is connected to the main conveyance path and discharge a sheet, a switchback conveyance path which is connected to an upper side of the main conveyance path and switches back the sheet, and a re-supply path which is provided within the image forming apparatus body and which is connected to the switchback conveyance path, and re-supplies the switchback sheet.

For a conveyance device that includes a conveyance unit that conveys a material to be conveyed and a guide body that guides the material to be conveyed, the guide unit being movable between a first position at which a first conveyance path is formed and a second position at which a second conveyance path is formed, when a size of the conveyance device increases in size when a driving unit such as a solenoid that moves the guide unit is provided separately from a driving unit that drives the conveyance member.

SUMMARY

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a conveyance device that suppresses upsizing of a conveyance device as compared with a case where a driving unit that moves a guide unit is provided separately from a driving unit that drives a conveyance unit.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a conveyance device including a conveyance unit that conveys a material to be conveyed, a guide unit that guides the material to be conveyed, the guide unit being movable between a first position at which a first conveyance path is formed and a second position at which a second conveyance path is formed, a driving unit that drives the conveyance unit and the guide unit, a restriction unit that comes into contact with the guide unit moving in a moving direction from the second position to the first position at the first position by a driving force of the driving unit to restrict the movement of the guide unit in the moving direction, and a blocking unit that blocks transmission of the driving force of the driving unit to the guide unit when a moving load greater than or equal to a predetermined load acts on the guide unit moving in the moving direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Image Forming Apparatus10

A configuration of an image forming apparatus10according to the present embodiment will be described.FIG.1is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus10according to the present embodiment.

An arrow UP illustrated in the drawing indicates an upper side of the apparatus (specifically, a vertical upper side), and an arrow DO indicates a lower side of the apparatus (specifically, a vertical lower side). An arrow LH illustrated in the drawing indicates a left side of the apparatus, and an arrow RH indicates a right side of the apparatus. An arrow FR in the drawing indicates a front side of the apparatus, and an arrow RR indicates a rear side of the apparatus. Since these directions are defined for the sake of convenience in description, the apparatus configuration is not limited to these directions. The term “apparatus” may be omitted in each direction of the apparatus. That is, for example, an “upper side of the apparatus” may be simply referred to as an “upper side”.

An up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-rear direction are directions intersecting each other (specifically, orthogonal directions). The up-down direction may be referred to as a vertical direction. The left-right direction and the front-rear direction may be referred to as a lateral direction and a horizontal direction, respectively. A symbol in which “x” is described in “o” in the drawing means an arrow from the front to the rear of a paper surface. A symbol in which “·” is described in “o” in the drawing means an arrow from the rear to the front of the paper surface.

The image forming apparatus10illustrated inFIG.1is an apparatus that forms an image. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.1, the image forming apparatus10includes an image forming apparatus body11, an accommodation unit12, a discharge unit18, a first conveyance device13, an image forming unit14, a second conveyance device40, and a third conveyance device19. Each of the units in the image forming apparatus10will be described below.

Image Forming Apparatus Body11

As illustrated inFIG.1, the image forming apparatus body11is a portion in which the constituent units in the image forming apparatus10are provided. Specifically, for example, the accommodation unit12, the first conveyance device13, the image forming unit14, the second conveyance device40, and the third conveyance device19are disposed inside the image forming apparatus body11.

In the image forming apparatus10, the accommodation unit12is a portion that accommodates a recording medium P. The recording medium P accommodated in the accommodation unit12is supplied to the image forming unit14. The recording medium P accommodated in the accommodation unit12is an example of a material to be conveyed, and is a target on which an image is formed by the image forming unit14. Examples of the recording medium P include a sheet and a film. Examples of the film include a resin film and a metal film. The recording medium P is not limited to the above-described recording medium, and various recording media may be used.

The discharge unit18is a portion of the image forming apparatus10from which the recording medium P is discharged. The discharge unit18from which the recording medium P having an image formed thereon by the image forming unit14is discharged.

First Conveyance Device13

The first conveyance device13is a device that conveys the recording medium P accommodated in the accommodation unit12toward the image forming unit14. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.1, the first conveyance device13includes conveyance members13A such as a plurality of conveyance rollers, and conveys the recording medium P by the conveyance members13A.

Image Forming Unit14

The image forming unit14has a function of forming an image on the recording medium P conveyed by the first conveyance device13. The image forming unit14forms a toner image (an example of the image) on the recording medium P by an electrophotographic system. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.1, the image forming unit14includes toner image forming units20Y,20M,20C, and20K (hereinafter, referred to as20Y to20K), a transfer body24, and a fixing unit26.

In the image forming unit14, the toner image forming units20Y to20K form toner images of colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) on the transfer body24by performing charging, exposing, developing, and transferring processes. In the image forming unit14, the toner images of the colors formed on the transfer body24are transferred to the recording medium P, and the toner images are fixed onto the recording medium P by the fixing unit26. As described above, in the image forming unit14, an intermediate transfer system that transfers the image onto the recording medium P via the transfer body24is used.

The second conveyance device40is an example of a conveyance device, and is a device that conveys the recording medium P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit14. More specifically, the second conveyance device40discharges the recording medium P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit14to the discharge unit18or inverts the recording medium P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit14. That is, the second conveyance device40selectively conveys the recording medium P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit14along any one of a discharge path for discharging the recording medium and an inversion path for inverting the recording medium. The discharge path is a path indicated by arrows A1, A2, and A3inFIG.2. InFIG.6, the inversion path includes a first inversion path indicated by arrows B1and B2and a second inversion path indicated by an arrow B3. That is, in the second conveyance device40, the recording medium P conveyed along the first inversion path is conveyed along the first inversion path, is switched back, and is conveyed along the second inversion path. A specific configuration of the second conveyance device40will be described later.

The third conveyance device19is a device that conveys the recording medium P inverted by the second conveyance device40toward the image forming unit14. That is, the recording medium P inverted by the second conveyance device40is conveyed to the image forming unit14again. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.1, the third conveyance device19includes conveyance members19A such as a plurality of conveyance rollers, and conveys the recording medium P by the conveyance members19A.

Specific Configuration of Second Conveyance Device40

A specific configuration of the second conveyance device40will be described below.FIGS.2and6are front cross-sectional views of the second conveyance device40.FIGS.3and7are front views illustrating a part of a transmission mechanism50(to be described later) in the second conveyance device40.FIGS.4and8are front views illustrating a transmission mechanism50(to be described later) in the second conveyance device40.FIGS.5and9are plan views of the second conveyance device40.

FIGS.2,3,4, and5illustrate the second conveyance device40when the recording medium P is discharged to the discharge unit18.FIGS.6,7,8, and9illustrate the second conveyance device40when the recording medium P is inverted.FIG.10is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a state where opening and closing bodies81and82(to be described later) in the second conveyance device40are opened.FIG.11is a perspective view of a restriction mechanism90(to be described later) in the second conveyance device40.

As illustrated inFIGS.2,3,4, and5, the second conveyance device40includes support frames47and48, a conveyance unit49, guides71,72, and74, a restriction mechanism90, a driving motor45, a transmission mechanism50, a blocking mechanism99, and the opening and closing bodies81and82.

The support frames47and48illustrated in, for example,FIG.5are examples of support bodies and have a function of supporting constituent units of the second conveyance device40including driving rollers41A and42A, a driving motor45, and a guide74, which will be described below. As illustrated inFIG.5, the support frames47and48are formed in a shape of, for example, a plate of which a thickness direction is the front-rear direction.

The support frame47constitutes a front portion in the second conveyance device40and is disposed on a front side of the support frame48. The support frame48constitutes a rear portion in the second conveyance device40and is disposed on a rear side of the support frame47.

The conveyance unit49is a constituent unit that conveys the recording medium P. The conveyance unit49includes driving rollers41A,42A, and43A and driven rollers41B,42B,42C, and43B.

The driving rollers41A,42A, and43A illustrated in, for example,FIG.2are conveyance rollers serving as driven units that are rotationally driven by the driving motor45(seeFIG.5). Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.2, the driving rollers41A and42A include shaft units411and421and roller units412and422provided on the outer peripheries of the shaft units411and421, respectively. As illustrated inFIG.5, the driving rollers41A and42A are supported such that one end portions (specifically, front end portions) and the other end portions (specifically, rear end portions) are rotatable about the support frames47and48by the shaft units411and421. InFIG.5, the driving rollers41A and42A are illustrated with the roller units412and422being omitted.

The driving roller41A is an example of a first conveyance member, and conveys the recording medium P by rotating forward (rotating in a direction of an arrow41X). As will be described below, the driving roller41A is rotated forward by a driving force of the driving motor45transmitted by the transmission mechanism50.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the driving roller41A has an outer peripheral surface in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the driven roller41B, and has a contact region41S in contact with the driven roller41B. The driven roller41B is a conveyance roller that rotates by being driven by the driving roller41A by coming into contact with the driving roller41A in the contact region41S. The driving roller41A and the driven roller41B are disposed on a downstream side of the image forming unit14in a conveyance direction (specifically, the fixing unit26) illustrated inFIG.1. The driving roller41A and the driven roller41B convey the recording medium P conveyed from the image forming unit14(specifically, the fixing unit26) toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction (specifically, the driving roller42A) while nipping the recording medium in the contact region41S. The driven roller41B is rotatably supported by the opening and closing body81.

The driving roller42A is an example of a second conveyance member, and conveys the recording medium P by rotating forward (rotating in a direction of an arrow42X) and rotating backward (rotating in a direction of an arrow42Y). As will be described below, the driving roller42A is rotated forward and backward by the driving force of the driving motor45transmitted by the transmission mechanism50.

The driven roller42B is disposed on one side (specifically, a lower side) of the driving roller42A. The driven roller42C is disposed on side (specifically, an upper side) of the driving roller42A opposite the driven roller42B.

The driving roller42A has an outer peripheral surface in contact with outer peripheral surfaces of the driven rollers42B and42C and has contact regions42S and42T in contact with the driven rollers42B and42C. The driven rollers42B and42C are conveyance rollers that rotate by being driven by the driving roller42A by coming into contact with the driving roller42A in the contact regions42S and42T. The driving roller42A and the driven rollers42B and42C are disposed on a downstream side of the driving roller41A and the driven roller41B in a conveyance direction. When the recording medium P conveyed from the driving roller41A and the driven roller41B is discharged to the discharge unit18, the driving roller42A conveys the recording medium P together with the driven roller42B by rotating forward. Specifically, the driving roller42A rotates forward, and thus, the driving roller A2and the driven roller A3discharge the recording medium P to the discharge unit18along the discharge path (see arrows42A and42B) while being nipped in the contact region42S. At this time, the guide74is positioned at a discharge position (a position indicated by a solid line inFIG.2).

When the recording medium P conveyed from the driving roller41A and the driven roller41B is inverted, as illustrated inFIG.6, the driving roller42A conveys the recording medium P together with the driven roller42C by rotating backward. Specifically, the driving roller42A rotates backward, and thus, the driving roller42A and the driven roller42C convey the recording medium P in the first inversion path (see the arrow B2) while nipping the recording medium P in the contact region42T. At this time, the guide74is positioned at an inversion position (a position indicated by a solid line inFIG.6).

Thereafter, the driving roller42A rotates forward, and thus, the driving roller42A and the driven roller42C convey the recording medium P along the second inversion path (see the arrow B3). At this time, the guide74is positioned at a discharge position (a position indicated by a dashed double-dotted line inFIG.6). As described above, the driving roller42A rotates forward after rotating backward, the driving roller42A and the driven roller42C invert the recording medium P.

The driven roller42B is rotatably supported by the support frames47and48. The driven roller42C is rotatably supported by the opening and closing body82.

The driving roller43A is rotatable forward (rotating in a direction of an arrow43X inFIG.2) and backward (rotating in a direction of an arrow43Y inFIG.6). The driving roller43A has an outer peripheral surface in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the driven roller43B, and has a contact region43S in contact with the driven roller43B. The driven roller43B rotates by being driven by the driving roller43A by coming into contact with the driving roller43A in the contact region43S. The driving roller43A and the driven roller43B are disposed on a downstream side of the driving roller42A and the driven roller42C in a conveyance direction.

The driving roller43A and the driven roller43B convey the recording medium P conveyed from the driving roller42A and the driven roller42C toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction (specifically, toward the image forming unit14) while nipping the recording medium P in the contact region43S. The driving roller43A and the driven roller43B are rotatably supported by the opening and closing body82.

The guides71and72illustrated inFIG.2has a function of guiding the recording medium P. As illustrated inFIG.2, the guide71is disposed on an upstream side of the driving roller41A in a conveyance direction and on a downstream side of the fixing unit26in a conveyance direction. Specifically, the guide71is disposed on a lower side of the driving roller41A. The guide71guides the recording medium P toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction (specifically, toward the contact region41S of the driving roller41A) by bringing the recording medium P into contact with a guide surface71A facing a left side inFIG.2.

The guide72is disposed on a downstream side of the driving roller41A in a conveyance direction and on an upstream side of the driving roller42A in a conveyance direction. Specifically, inFIG.2, the guide72is disposed on an obliquely upper right side of the driving roller41A and on an obliquely lower left side of the driving roller42A. The guide72guides the recording medium P toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction (specifically, toward the contact region42S of the driving roller42A) by bringing the recording medium P into contact with a guide surface72A facing an upper side inFIG.2.

The guide74illustrated inFIG.2is an example of a guide unit and has a function of guiding the recording medium P. As illustrated inFIG.2, the guide74is disposed between the driving roller41A and the driving roller42A. That is, the guide74is disposed on a downstream side of the driving roller41A in a conveyance direction and on an upstream side of the driving roller42A in a conveyance direction.

The guide74is rotatable between a discharge position at which the discharge path is formed (a position indicated by a solid line inFIG.2) and an inversion position at which the inversion path is formed (a position indicated by a dashed double-dotted line inFIG.2). Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.5, the guide74is rotatably supported by the support frames47and48between the discharge position and the inversion position by a rotary shaft75provided at one end portion (specifically, a front end) and the other end portion (specifically, a rear end).

As illustrated inFIG.2, the guide74forms the discharge path (specifically, the path from the contact region41S to the contact region42S (see an arrow A2)) between the guide74and the guide72at the discharge position. The guide74guides the recording medium P along a guide surface74A facing a lower side at the discharge position.

At the inversion position, the guide74forms the first inversion path (specifically, the path from the contact region41S to the contact region42T (see the arrow B2inFIG.6)) between the opening and closing bodies81and82. The guide74guides the recording medium P along a guide surface74B that faces a left side at the inversion position.

The above-described discharge path is an example of a first conveyance path, and the discharge position of the guide74is an example of a first position. The above-described inversion path is an example of a second conveyance path, and the inversion position of the guide74is an example of a second position. The inversion path may be considered as an example of the first conveyance path, the inversion position may be considered as an example of the first position, the discharge path may be considered as an example of the second conveyance path, and the discharge position may be considered as an example of the second position.

In the present embodiment, the guide74is driven by the driving force of the driving motor45. Specifically, as will be described below, the guide74rotates between the discharge position and the inversion position by the driving force of the driving motor45transmitted by the transmission mechanism50.

As illustrated inFIGS.2and11, the guide74includes a projection76serving as a contacted portion that comes into contact with contact surfaces91and92to be described later. The projection76is disposed on an upstream side of the rotary shaft75in a conveying direction in the guide74. The projection76projects a front side from the guide74.

The driving motor45illustrated in, for example,FIG.5is an example of a driving unit and drives the conveyance unit49and the guide74. As illustrated inFIG.5, the driving motor45includes a body451and a driving shaft452. The body451is fixed to the support frame48on the rear side of the support frame48. The driving shaft452extends from the body451toward a front side of the support frame48. For example, a stepping motor is used as the driving motor45.

The transmission mechanism50illustrated in, for example,FIG.5is a mechanism that transmits the driving force of the driving motor45to the driving roller41A,42A, and43A and the guide74. In the present embodiment, the transmission mechanism50transmits the driving force in a forward rotation direction (in a direction of an arrow45X) output from the driving motor45to the driving rollers41A and42A, and thus, the driving rollers41A and42A are rotated forward. The transmission mechanism50transmits the driving force in a backward rotation direction (a direction of an arrow45Y) output from the driving motor45to the driving rollers41A and42A, and thus, the driving roller41A is rotated forward and the driving roller42A is rotated backward.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.3,4, and5, the transmission mechanism50includes, as constituent elements, gears51,52,53,54, and55, pulleys61and62, a timing belt66, and one-way clutches521and611.

The gear51is fixed to the driving shaft452of the driving motor45. The gear52meshes with the gear51, and is fixed to a rear end portion of the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A via the one-way clutch521. The one-way clutch521functions as a transmission unit that transmits a rotational force of the gear52in a forward rotation direction (a direction of an arrow52X in , for example,FIG.3) to the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A and does not transmit a rotational force of the gear52in a backward rotation direction (a direction of an arrow52Y in, for example,FIG.7) to the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A.

The gear53meshes with the gear52and is rotatably supported by the support frame48. The gear54meshes with the gear53and is fixed to the rotary shaft75of the guide74. The gear55meshes with the gear54, and is fixed to a rear end portion of the shaft unit421of the driving roller42A.

The pulley61is fixed to a front end portion of the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A via a one-way clutch611. The one-way clutch611functions as a transmission unit that transmits a rotational force of the pulley61in a backward rotation direction (a direction of an arrow61Y in, for example,FIGS.8and9) to the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A and does not transmit a rotational force of the pulley61in a forward rotation direction (a direction of an arrow61X in, for example,FIGS.4and5) to the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A.

The pulley62is fixed to a front end portion of the shaft unit421of the driving roller42A. The pulley62is rotatable together with the driving roller42A in a forward rotation direction (a direction of an arrow62X) and a backward rotation direction (a direction of an arrow62Y). The timing belt66has an annular shape and is wound around the pulleys61and62. Teeth formed on an inner periphery of the timing belt66mesh with teeth formed on outer peripheries of the pulleys61and62.

As described above, in the transmission mechanism50, the gears51,52,53,54, and55and the one-way clutch521are disposed at one end side (specifically, a rear end side) of the driving rollers41A and42A in an axial direction, and the pulleys61and62, the timing belt66, and the one-way clutch611are disposed at the other end side (specifically, a front end side) of the driving rollers41A and42A in the axial direction.

The transmission mechanism50includes a first transmission path50A and a second transmission path50B formed by the above-described constituent elements. The first transmission path50A is a path through which the driving force output from the driving motor45in the forward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45X) is transmitted to the driving rollers41A and42A to cause the driving rollers41A and42A to rotate forward and through which the driving force output from the driving motor45in the backward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45Y) is not transmitted to the driving rollers41A. The first transmission path50A is a path for moving the guide74in a moving direction from the inversion position to the discharge position (hereinafter, referred to as a first moving direction). The first moving direction is a direction indicated by an arrow M1in the drawing.

The second transmission path50B is a path through which the driving force output from the driving motor45in the backward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45Y) is transmitted to the driving rollers41A and42A to cause the driving roller41A to rotate forward and the driving roller42A to rotate backward and through which the driving force output from the driving motor45in the forward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45X) is not transmitted to the driving roller41A. The second transmission path50B is a path for moving the guide74in a moving direction from the discharge position to the inversion position (hereinafter, referred to as a second moving direction). The second moving direction is a direction indicated by an arrow M2in the drawing.

In the first transmission path50A, as illustrated inFIGS.3,4, and5, the driving force from the driving motor45in the forward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45X) is transmitted to the gears51,52,53,54, and55in this order, and the gears51,52,53,54, and55rotate in the forward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45X, the direction of the arrow52X, the direction of the arrow53X, the direction of the arrow54X, and the direction of the arrow55X). The rotational force of the gear52in the forward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow52X) is transmitted to the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A via the one-way clutch521, and thus, the driving roller41A rotates forward. The rotational force of the gear54in the forward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow54X) is transmitted to the rotary shaft75, and the guide74moves in the first moving direction. The rotational force of the gear55in the forward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow55X) is transmitted to the shaft unit421of the driving roller42A, and thus, the driving roller42A rotates forward. As described above, the first transmission path50A is a path through which the driving force is transmitted to the driving roller41A from one end side (specifically, a rear end side). The first transmission path50A is a path formed by the gears51,52,53,54, and55and the one-way clutch521.

When the driving roller42A rotates forward, the rotational force of the shaft unit421of the driving roller42A in the forward rotation direction is also transmitted to the pulley62, the timing belt66, and the pulley61, but is not transmitted to the driving roller41A through the path from the pulley61to the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A (that is, the second transmission path50B) due to an action of the one-way clutch611.

In the second transmission path50B, as illustrated inFIGS.7,8, and9, the driving force from the driving motor45in the backward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45Y) is transmitted to the gears51,52,53,54, and55in this order, and the gears51,52,53,54, and55rotate in the backward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45Y, the direction of the arrow52Y, the direction of the arrow53Y, the direction of the arrow54Y, and the direction of the arrow55Y). The rotational force of the gear54in the backward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow54Y) is transmitted to the rotary shaft75, and the guide74moves in the second moving direction. The rotational force of the gear55in the backward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow55Y) is transmitted to the shaft unit421of the driving roller42A, and thus, the driving roller42A rotates backward. The rotational force of the shaft unit421of the driving roller42A in the backward rotation direction is transmitted to the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A via the pulley62, the timing belt66, the pulley61, and the one-way clutch611, and thus, the driving roller42A rotates forward. As described above, the second transmission path50B is a path through which the driving force is transmitted to the driving roller41A from the other end side (specifically, a front end side). The second transmission path50B is formed by the gears51,52,53,54, and55, the pulleys61and62, the timing belt66, and the one-way clutch611.

The driving force of the driving motor45in the backward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45Y) is not transmitted to the driving roller41A through the path from the gear52to the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A (that is, the first transmission path50A) due to an action of the one-way clutch521.

As described above, the transmission mechanism50rotates the driving roller41A forward by transmitting the driving force from the driving motor45in the forward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45X) through the path from the gear52to the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A (that is, through the first transmission path50A) and transmitting the driving force from the driving motor45in the backward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45Y) through the path from the pulley61to the shaft unit411of the driving roller41A (that is, through the second transmission path50B). That is, in the transmission mechanism50, regardless of whether the driving force output from the driving motor45is in the forward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45X) or in the backward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45Y), the driving roller41A is rotated forward.

In the transmission mechanism50, transmission members (not illustrated) (a gear, a belt, and the like) transmit the driving force from the driving motor45in the forward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45X) to the driving roller43A to rotate the driving roller43A forward, and transmit the driving force from the driving motor45in the backward rotation direction (the direction of the arrow45Y) to rotate the driving roller43A backward. As described above, in the transmission mechanism50, the driving rollers41A,42A, and43A and the guide74are operated in cooperation with each other.

The restriction mechanism90illustrated inFIGS.2and11, and the like is a mechanism that restricts the movement (specifically, the rotation) of the guide74. The restriction mechanism90includes the contact surfaces91and92that come into contact with the projection76. The contact surfaces91and92are provided on the support frame47by forming a cutout95(seeFIG.11) in the support frame47. The contact surface91is an example of a first restriction unit, and is a surface facing an obliquely lower right side inFIG.2. The contact surface92is an example of a second restriction unit, and is a surface facing an obliquely upper left side inFIG.2.

The contact surface91comes into contact with the guide74moving to the discharge position from the inversion position in the first moving direction by the driving force of the driving motor45to restrict the movement of the guide74in the first moving direction. Accordingly, the guide74is positioned at the discharge position, and is restricted from moving in the first moving direction beyond the discharge position.

The contact surface92comes into contact with, at the inversion position, the guide74moving to the inversion position from the discharge position in the second moving direction by the driving force of the driving motor45to restrict the movement of the guide74in the second moving direction. Accordingly, the guide74is positioned at the inversion position, and is restricted from moving in the second moving direction beyond the inversion position.

Each of the contact surface91and the contact surface92is also an example of the restriction unit. The contact surface92may be grasped as an example of the first restriction unit, and the contact surface91may be grasped as an example of the second restriction unit.

Driving of Driving Motor45

For example, the driving motor45starts outputting the driving force in the forward rotation direction or the backward rotation direction such that the movement of the guide74to the inversion position or the discharge position is completed before a distal end of the recording medium P conveyed by the conveyance unit49reaches the guide74.

Even after the guide74moves to the inversion position or the discharge position, the driving motor45conveys the recording medium P along the discharge path or the inversion path by continuing to output the driving force in the forward rotation direction or the backward rotation direction. Thus, even after the guide74comes into contact with the contact surface91or the contact surface92, the driving force may be output from the driving motor45, and a moving load greater than or equal to a predetermined load may act on the guide74.

In the present embodiment, a driving speed of the driving motor45until the guide74positioned at the inversion position is brought into contact with the contact surface91at the discharge position is less than a driving speed after the guide74is brought into contact with the contact surface91. A driving speed of the driving motor45until the guide74positioned at the discharge position is brought into contact with the contact surface92at the inversion position is less than a driving speed after the guide74is brought into contact with the contact surface92.

In the present embodiment, a distance between the inversion position and the discharge position is known, and the driving speed of the driving motor45is set to a low speed within a range in which the guide74moves by the distance.

The blocking mechanism99illustrated inFIGS.5and9is an example of a blocking unit, and blocks the transmission of the driving force of the driving motor45to the guide74. Specifically, the blocking mechanism99includes a torque limiter and blocks the transmission of the driving force of the driving motor45to the guide74when a moving load greater than or equal to a predetermined load acts on the guide74moving in the first moving direction. Accordingly, as described above, even though the driving force is output from the driving motor45after the guide74comes into contact with the contact surface91, a moving load exceeding the predetermined load is prevented from acting on the guide74.

Even when the guide74moves in the second moving direction, the blocking mechanism99blocks the transmission of the driving force of the driving motor45to the guide74when the moving load greater than or equal to the predetermined load acts on the guide74. Accordingly, as described above, even though the driving force is output from the driving motor45after the guide74comes into contact the contact surface92, the moving load exceeding the predetermined load is prevented from acting on the guide74. As described above, in the present embodiment, the blocking mechanism99functions as an example of a first blocking unit and a second blocking unit.

Opening and Closing Bodies81and82

The opening and closing bodies81and82are examples of an opening and closing unit, and are supported by the support frames47and48so as to be openable and closable. The opening and closing bodies81and82are opened and closed by moving relative to the support frames47and48including the driving rollers41A and42A, the driving motor45, and the guide74.

Specifically, the opening and closing bodies81and82are opened and closed between an opened position illustrated inFIG.2and a closed position illustrated inFIG.10by integrally rotating the other end side (specifically, a left end side of the opening and closing body82) with one end side (specifically, a right end side) as a support point. InFIGS.2,6, and10, rotary shafts (support points) of the opening and closing bodies81and82are indicated by a reference82S.

The opening and closing bodies81and82have a function of guiding the recording medium P. The opening and closing body81is disposed on a left side of the driving roller41A. The opening and closing body81includes a guide surface81A facing the guide71and a guide surface81B facing the opening and closing body82(an obliquely upper left side inFIG.2). At the opening and closing body81, the recording medium P comes into contact with the guide surface81A, and thus, the recording medium P is guided toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction (specifically, toward the contact region41S of the driving roller41A). At the opening and closing body81, the recording medium P comes into contact with the guide surface81B, and thus, the recording medium P is guided toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction (specifically, toward the contact region43S of the driving roller43A).

As described above, the driven roller41B is rotatably supported by the opening and closing body81, and the driven roller41B moves together with the opening and closing body81.

The opening and closing body82is disposed on an upper side of the opening and closing body81, the guide74, and the driving roller42A. The opening and closing body82includes a guide surface82A facing the guide surface81B of the opening and closing body81. At the opening and closing body82, the recording medium P comes into contact with the guide surface82A, and thus, the recording medium P is guided toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction (specifically, toward the contact region43S of the driving roller43A). The driven roller42C is rotatably supported at one end portion (specifically, a right end side) of the opening and closing body82, and the driven roller42C moves together with the opening and closing body82. The driving roller43A and the driven roller43B are rotatably supported at the other end portion (specifically, a left end portion) of the opening and closing body82, and the driving roller43A and the driven roller43B move together with the opening and closing body82.

For example, when the recording medium P is jammed in the discharge path (see the arrows A1and A2inFIG.2) and the inversion path (see the arrows B1, B2, and B3inFIG.6), the opening and closing bodies81and82are opened and closed to remove the j ammed recording medium P. The opening and closing bodies81and82are opened and closed, for example, in a state where an exterior cover (not illustrated) that is provided on the image forming apparatus body11to cover the opening and closing bodies81and82is opened.

Action According to Present Embodiment

In the present embodiment, the driving motor45drives the conveyance unit49and the guide74. The contact surface91comes into contact with the guide74moving to the discharge position from the inversion position in the first moving direction by the driving force of the driving motor45to restrict the movement of the guide74in the first moving direction. When the moving load greater than or equal to the predetermined load acts on the guide74moving in the first moving direction, the blocking mechanism99blocks the transmission of the driving force of the driving motor45to the guide74.

As described above, since the driving motor45drives the conveyance unit49and the guide74, increases in sizes of the second conveyance device40and the image forming apparatus10are suppressed as compared with a case where the driving motor45includes a driving unit that moves the guide74is provided separately from the driving unit that drives the conveyance unit49.

In the present embodiment, the driving speed of the driving motor45until the guide74positioned at the inversion position is brought into contact with the contact surface91at the discharge position is less than the driving speed after the guide74is brought into contact with the contact surface91.

Thus, as compared with a case where the driving speed of the driving motor45until the guide74positioned at the inversion position is brought into contact with the contact surface91at the discharge position is set to be greater than or equal to the driving speed after the guide74is brought into contact with the contact surface91, a contact sound generated when the guide74comes into contact with the contact surface91is reduced.

In the present embodiment, the driving motor45drives the guide74to move in the second moving direction from the discharge position to the inversion position. The contact surface92comes into contact with, at the inversion position, the guide74moving to the inversion position from the discharge position in the second moving direction by the driving force of the driving motor45to restrict the movement of the guide74in the second moving direction. When the moving load greater than or equal to the predetermined load acts on the guide74moving in the second moving direction, the blocking mechanism99blocks the transmission of the driving force of the driving motor45to the guide74.

As described above, even when the guide74is moved in the second moving direction, since the driving motor45drives the guide74, upsizing of the second conveyance device40and the image forming apparatus10are suppressed as compared with a case where a driving unit that moves the guide74in the second moving direction is provided separately from the driving unit that drives the conveyance unit49.

In the present embodiment, the driving speed of the driving motor45until the guide74positioned at the discharge position is brought into contact with the contact surface92at the inversion position is less than the driving speed after the guide74is brought into contact with the contact surface92.

Thus, as compared with a case where the driving speed of the driving motor45until the guide74positioned at the discharge position is brought into contact with the contact surface92at the inversion position is set to be greater than or equal to the driving speed after the guide74is brought into contact with the contact surface92, a contact sound when the guide74comes into contact with the contact surface92is reduced.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.2, the guide74is disposed between the driving roller41A and the driving roller42A.

Thus, upsizing of the second conveyance device40and the image forming apparatus10are suppressed as compared with a case where the guide74is disposed at a position outside a gap between the driving roller41A and the driving roller42A.

In the present embodiment, the transmission mechanism50that transmits the driving force of the driving motor45to the driving rollers41A and42A transmits the driving force of the driving motor45to the guide74.

Thus, upsizing of the second conveyance device40and the image forming apparatus10are suppressed as compared with a case where a transmission mechanism different from the transmission mechanism50that transmits the driving force of the driving motor45to the driving rollers41A and42A transmits the driving force of the driving motor45to the guide74.

In the present embodiment, the opening and closing bodies81and82are opened and closed by moving relative to the support frames47and48including the driving rollers41A and42A, the driving motor45, and the guide74.

Thus, a positional relationship among the driving rollers41A and42A, the driving motor45, and the guide74are prevented from being changed as compared with a case where the driving rollers41A and42A, the driving motor45, and a part of the guide74move relative to the support frames47and48together with the opening and closing bodies81and82.

Modification of Image Forming Unit14

In the present embodiment, although the image forming unit14employing an intermediate transfer system is used as an example of the image forming unit, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a direct transfer system in which each of the toner image forming units20Y to20K directly forms the toner image on the recording medium P without using the transfer body24may be used as an example of the image forming unit. As an example of the image forming unit, an image forming unit that ejects ink onto the recording medium P to form an image may be used, and any image forming unit may be used as long as the image forming unit has a function of forming an image on the recording medium P.

Modification of Second Conveyance Device40

In the present embodiment, although the second conveyance device40is provided, as an example of the conveyance device, in the image forming apparatus10, the present invention is not limited thereto. As an example of the conveyance device, a device having functions (for example, reading, heating, and cutting of an image) other than the function of forming the image may be provided, or the conveyance device may be used alone.

Modification of Recording Medium P

In the present embodiment, although the recording medium P is used as an example of the material to be conveyed, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as an example of the material to be conveyed, a material that is conveyed for a purpose other than the formation of the material (for example, the reading, heating, and cutting of the image) may be used, or a material that is only conveyed may be used.

Modification of Conveyance Unit49

In the conveyance unit49, although the driving roller41A is used as an example of the first conveyance member, the present invention is not limited thereto. A conveyance member such as a conveyance drum or a conveyance belt may be used as an example of the first conveyance member.

In the conveyance unit49, although the driving roller42A is used as an example of the second conveyance member, the present invention is not limited thereto. A conveyance member such as a conveyance drum or a conveyance belt may be used as an example of the second conveyance member.

As described above, in place of or in addition to the conveyance roller such as the driving roller, a conveyance member such as a conveyance drum or a conveyance belt, or a constituent unit that conveys the material to be conveyed may be provided as an example of the conveyance unit.

Modification of Guide74

In the present embodiment, although the guide74as an example of the guide unit is rotatable between the discharge position and the inversion position, the present invention is not limited thereto. As an example of the guide unit, for example, the guide unit may be slidable (that is, linearly movable) between the discharge position and the inversion position, or may be movable between the discharge position and the inversion position.

In the present embodiment, although the guide74as an example of the guide unit is rotatable between the discharge position at which the discharge path is formed (the position indicated by the solid line inFIG.2) and the inversion position at which the inversion path is formed (the position indicated by the dashed double-dotted line inFIG.2), the present invention is not limited thereto. As an example of the guide unit, for example, the guide unit may move to the first discharge position at which the first discharge path is formed and the second discharge position at which the second discharge path is formed, or may move to the position at which a conveyance path other than the discharge path and the inversion path is formed.

Modification of Driving Motor45

In the present embodiment, although a stepping motor is used as the driving motor45as an example of the driving unit, the present invention is not limited thereto. As an example of the driving motor45, for example, a DC motor (that is, a direct current motor) may be used, and any driving unit that drives the conveyance unit49and the guide74may be used.

Modification of Contact Surfaces91and92

In the present embodiment, although the contact surfaces91and92as examples of the first restriction unit and the second restriction unit are formed on the support frames47and48, the present invention is not limited thereto. As examples of the first restriction unit and the second restriction unit, for example, members (for example, a projection and the like) provided on the support frames47and48may be used, and members coming into contact with the guide74to restrict the movement of the guide74may be used.

Modification of Blocking Mechanism99

In the present embodiment, although the blocking mechanism99as an example of the blocking unit includes a torque limiter, the present invention is not limited thereto. As an example of the blocking member, for example, a clutch or the like that can intermittently transmit the driving force from the driving motor45may be used, and the transmission of the driving force of the driving motor45to the guide74may be blocked.

Modification of Transmission Mechanism50

In the present embodiment, although the transmission mechanism50transmits the driving force of the driving motor45to the driving rollers41A,42A, and43A and the guide74, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the transmission mechanism50may transmit the driving force of the driving motor45to the driving roller42A as the conveyance member that rotates forward and backward and the guide74as the guide unit and does not to transmit the driving force to at least one of the driving rollers41A,43A, and42A. That is, at least one of the driving rollers41A and43A may receive a driving force from a driving unit different from the driving motor45. For example, at least one of the driving rollers41A and43A may receive a driving force from a driving unit that drives the fixing unit26.

Even though the driving roller41A constantly rotates forward as in the present embodiment or the driving roller41A rotates backward similarly to the driving roller42A, the recording medium P may be prevented from entering the contact region41S when the driving roller41A rotates backward, and thus, the driving roller41A can be driven by the same driving unit as the driving roller42A and the guide74.

The transmission mechanism50may transmit the driving force of the driving motor45to constituent units other than the driving rollers41A,42A, and43A and the guide74.

Although a gear51,52,53,54,55is used in the transmission mechanism50, a transmission member such as a pulley or a belt may be used instead of all or a part of the gear gap.

Although the pulleys61and62and the timing belt66are used in the transmission mechanism50, a transmission member such as a gear may be used instead.

Modification of Support Frames47and48

In the present embodiment, although the support frames47and48as examples of the support body are formed in a shape of a plate of which a thickness direction is to the front-rear direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the support frames47and48may be formed in a block shape (for example, a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped) or a box shape, and various shapes can be used as the shapes of the support frames47and48. As an example of the support body, any support body may be used as long as the support body can support the constituent units of the second conveyance device40including the driving rollers41A and42A, the driving motor45, and the transmission mechanism50.

Modification of Opening and Closing Bodies81and82

In the present embodiment, although the opening and closing bodies81and82as examples of the opening and closing unit have the function of guiding the recording medium P and are opened and closed, for example, in order to remove the jammed recording medium P. For example, a cover (that is, a lid) for mainly covering the constituent units of the apparatus may be used as an example of the opening and closing unit, and the opening and closing unit may be opened and closed with respect to the support bodies such as the support frames47and48.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications, changes, or improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a plurality of modifications among the above-described modifications may be combined and employed.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES

10: Image forming apparatus11: Image forming apparatus body12: Accommodation unit13: First conveyance device13A: Conveyance member14: Image forming unit18: Discharge unit19: Third conveyance device19A: Conveyance member20Y TO20K: Toner image forming unit24: Transfer body26: Fixing unit40: Second conveyance device (example of conveyance device)41A: Driving roller (example of first conveyance member)41B: Driven roller41S: Contact region42A: Driving roller (example of second conveyance member)42B: Driven roller42C: Driven roller42S: Contact region42T: Contact region43A: Driving roller43B: Driven roller43S: Contact region45: Driving motor (example of driving unit)47: Support frame (example of support body)48: Support frame (example of support body)49: Conveyance unit50: Transmission mechanism50A: First transmission path50B: second transmission path51: Gear52: Gear53: Gear54: Gear55: Gear61: Pulley62: Pulley66: Timing belt71: Guide71A: Guide surface72: Guide72A: Guide surface74: Guide (example of guide unit)74A: Guide surface74B: Guide surface75: Rotary shaft76: Projection81: Opening and closing body (example of opening and closing unit)81A: Guide surface81B: Guide surface82: Opening and closing body (example of opening and closing unit)82A: Guide surface90: Restriction mechanism91: Contact surface (example of restriction unit and first restriction unit)92: Contact surface (example of restriction unit and second restriction unit)95: Cutout99: Blocking mechanism (example of blocking unit, first blocking unit, and second blocking unit)411: Shaft unit412: Roller unit421: Shaft unit451: Body452: Driving shaft521: One-way clutch611: One-way clutchP: Recording medium (example of material to be conveyed)