Rotating device, transporting device, and image forming apparatus

A rotating device includes: a first rotating body capable of forward rotation; a second rotating body capable of forward rotation and reverse rotation; a drive unit outputting drive forces in a forward rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction; and a transmission mechanism transmitting the drive force in the forward rotation direction output from the drive unit to the first rotating body and the second rotating body to rotate the first rotating body and the second rotating body in the forward direction and transmitting the drive force in the reverse rotation direction output from the drive unit to the first rotating body and the second rotating body to rotate the first rotating body in the forward direction and rotate the second rotating body in the reverse direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-171825 filed Oct. 20, 2021.

BACKGROUND

(i) Technical Field

The present invention relates to a rotating device, a transporting device, and an image forming apparatus.

(ii) Related Art

JP2007-197105A discloses an image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus main body, a main transport path provided in the image forming apparatus main body to transport a sheet on which an image is formed, a discharge path connected to the main transport path and discharging the sheet, a switchback transport path connected above the main transport path and switching back the sheet, and a resupply path provided in the image forming apparatus main body, connected to the switchback transport path, and resupplying the switched-back sheet.

SUMMARY

In a rotating device including a first rotating body and a second rotating body, a plurality of drive units are required and thus the rotating device becomes large in a case where the drive force of a first drive unit is transmitted to rotate the first rotating body and the second rotating body in the forward direction and the drive force of a second drive unit different from the first drive unit is transmitted to rotate the first rotating body in the forward direction and the second rotating body in the reverse direction.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a rotating device, a transporting device, and an image forming apparatus that suppress a rotating device becoming large as compared with a case where the drive force of a first drive unit is transmitted to rotate a first rotating body and a second rotating body in the forward direction and the drive force of a second drive unit different from the first drive unit is transmitted to rotate the first rotating body in the forward direction and the second rotating body in the reverse direction.

A rotating device includes: a first rotating body capable of forward rotation; a second rotating body capable of forward rotation and reverse rotation; a drive unit outputting drive forces in a forward rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction; and a transmission mechanism transmitting the drive force in the forward rotation direction output from the drive unit to the first rotating body and the second rotating body to rotate the first rotating body and the second rotating body in the forward direction and transmitting the drive force in the reverse rotation direction output from the drive unit to the first rotating body and the second rotating body to rotate the first rotating body in the forward direction and rotate the second rotating body in the reverse 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

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

The arrow UP in the drawings indicates the upper side of the apparatus (specifically, the vertically upper side), and the arrow DO indicates the lower side of the apparatus (specifically, the vertically lower side). In addition, the arrow LH in the drawings indicates the left side of the apparatus, and the arrow RH indicates the right side of the apparatus. In addition, the arrow FR in the drawings indicates the front of the apparatus, and the arrow RR indicates the rear of the apparatus. These directions are for convenience of description, and the apparatus configuration is not limited to these directions. The word “apparatus” may be omitted in each direction of the apparatus. In other words, for example, “upper side of the apparatus” may be simply referred to as “upper side”.

The up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction are mutually intersecting directions (specifically, orthogonal directions). In addition, it can be said that the up-down direction is a longitudinal direction. In addition, it can be said that the left-right direction and the front-rear direction are lateral and horizontal directions. In addition, the “X” symbol surrounded by “O” in the drawings means an arrow from the front to the back of the paper. In addition, the “dot” symbol surrounded by “O” in the drawings means an arrow from the back to the front of the paper.

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 main body11, an accommodating portion12, a discharge portion18, a first transporting device13, an image forming unit14, a second transporting device40, and a third transporting device19. Hereinafter, each part of the image forming apparatus10will be described.

Image Forming Apparatus Main Body11

As illustrated inFIG.1, the image forming apparatus main body11is a part provided with each configuration portion in the image forming apparatus10. Specifically, for example, the accommodating portion12, the first transporting device13, the image forming unit14, the second transporting device40, and the third transporting device19are disposed in the image forming apparatus main body11.

The accommodating portion12is a part in the image forming apparatus10that accommodates a recording medium P. The recording medium P accommodated in the accommodating portion12is supplied to the image forming unit14. The recording medium P accommodated in the accommodating portion12is an example of a material to be transported and is an object of image formation by the image forming unit14. Examples of the recording medium P include paper 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, and various recording media can be used.

The discharge portion18is a part where the recording medium P is discharged in the image forming apparatus10. The recording medium P is discharged to the discharge portion18with an image formed by the image forming unit14.

First Transporting Device13

The first transporting device13is a device that transports the recording medium P accommodated in the accommodating portion12toward the image forming unit14. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.1, the first transporting device13has transport members13A such as a plurality of transport rolls, and the recording medium P is transported by the transport member13A.

Image Forming Unit14

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

In the image forming unit14, each of the toner image forming units20Y to20K performs the processes of charging, exposure, development, and transfer, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images are formed on the transfer body24. Further, the image forming unit14transfers the toner image of each color formed on the transfer body24to the recording medium P, and the toner image is fixed to the recording medium P by the fixing unit26. In this manner, the image forming unit14uses an intermediate transfer method for transferring an image to the recording medium P via the transfer body24.

Second Transporting Device40

The second transporting device40is an example of a rotating device and a transporting device and is a device that transports the recording medium P with an image formed by the image forming unit14. Specifically, the second transporting device40discharges the recording medium P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit14to the discharge portion18or inverts the recording medium P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit14. In other words, the second transporting device40selectively transports the recording medium P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit14through one of a discharge path for discharge to the discharge portion18and an inversion path for inversion. The discharge path is indicated by the arrows A1, A2, and A3inFIG.2. InFIG.6, the inversion path is configured by a first inversion path indicated by the arrows B1and B2and a second inversion path indicated by the arrow B3. In other words, in the second transporting device40, the recording medium P transported through the first inversion path is transported through the first inversion path and then switched back to be transported through the second inversion path. A specific configuration of the second transporting device40will be described later.

The third transporting device19is a device that transports the recording medium P inverted by the second transporting device40toward the image forming unit14. In other words, the recording medium P inverted by the second transporting device40is transported to the image forming unit14again. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG.1, the third transporting device19has transport members19A such as a plurality of transport rolls, and the recording medium P is transported by the transport member19A.

Specific Configuration of Second Transporting Device40

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

FIGS.2,3,4, and5illustrate the second transporting device40in a case where the recording medium P is discharged to the discharge portion18. On the other hand,FIGS.6,7,8, and9illustrate the second transporting device40in a case where the recording medium P is inverted. In addition,FIG.10is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a state where opening-closing bodies81and82(described later) in the second transporting device40are open.

The support frames47and48illustrated inFIG.5and the like are examples of a support body and have a function of supporting each configuration portion of the second transporting device40including the drive rolls41A and42A, the drive motor45, and the transmission mechanism50. As illustrated inFIG.5, the support frames47and48are formed in, for example, a plate shape in which the front-rear direction is the thickness direction.

The support frame47constitutes a front side part in the second transporting device40and is disposed on the front side with respect to the support frame48. The support frame48constitutes a rear side part in the second transporting device40and is disposed on the rear side with respect to the support frame47.

The drive rolls41A,42A, and43A illustrated inFIG.2and the like are transport rolls as driven portions that are rotationally driven by the drive motor45(seeFIG.5). Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.2, the drive rolls41A and42A have shaft portions411and421and roll portions412and422provided on the outer circumferences of the shaft portions411and421. As illustrated inFIG.5, the drive rolls41A and42A have one and the other end portions (specifically, front and rear end portions) rotatably supported on the respective support frames47and48by the shaft portions411and421. InFIG.5, the drive rolls41A and42A are illustrated without the roll portions412and422being illustrated.

The drive roll41A is an example of a first rotating body and is capable of forward rotation (rotation in the arrow41X direction). The drive roll41A is also an example of a first transport member and has a function of transporting the recording medium P by forward rotation. As will be described later, the drive roll41A rotates in the forward direction by the drive force of the drive motor45being transmitted by the transmission mechanism50.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG.2, the drive roll41A has an outer peripheral surface in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the driven roll41B and has a contact region41S of contact with the driven roll41B. By coming into contact with the drive roll41A in the contact region41S, the driven roll41B, which is a transport roll, is driven by the drive roll41A and rotates. The drive roll41A and the driven roll41B are disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the image forming unit14(specifically, the fixing unit26) illustrated inFIG.1. Further, the drive roll41A and the driven roll41B transport the recording medium P transported from the image forming unit14(specifically, the fixing unit26) toward the downstream side in the transport direction (specifically, the drive roll42A) while sandwiching the recording medium P in the contact region41S. The driven roll41B is rotatably supported by the opening-closing body81.

The drive roll42A is an example of a second rotating body and is capable of forward rotation (rotation in the arrow42X direction) and reverse rotation (rotation in the arrow42Y direction). The drive roll42A is also an example of a second transport member and has a function of transporting the recording medium P by forward rotation and reverse rotation. As will be described later, the drive roll42A rotates in the forward and reverse directions by the drive force of the drive motor45being transmitted by the transmission mechanism50.

The driven roll42B is an example of a third transport member and is disposed on one side (specifically, the lower side) with respect to the drive roll42A. The driven roll42C is an example of a fourth transport member and is disposed on the side opposite to the driven roll42B side (specifically, the upper side) with respect to the drive roll42A.

The drive roll42A has an outer peripheral surface in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the driven rolls42B and42C and has contact regions42S and42T of contact with the driven rolls42B and42C. By coming into contact with the drive roll42A in the contact regions42S and42T, the driven rolls42B and42C, which are transport rolls, are driven by the drive roll42A and rotate. The drive roll42A and the driven rolls42B and42C are disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the drive roll41A and the driven roll41B. Further, in a case where the recording medium P transported from the drive roll41A and the driven roll41B is discharged to the discharge portion18, the drive roll42A transports the recording medium P together with the driven roll42B by forward rotation. Specifically, by the drive roll42A rotating in the forward direction, the drive roll42A and the driven roll42B discharge the recording medium P to the discharge portion18through the discharge path (see the arrows A2and A3) while sandwiching the recording medium P in the contact region42S. At this time, the guide74is positioned at the discharge position (the position indicated by a solid line inFIG.2).

In addition, in a case where the recording medium P transported from the drive roll41A and the driven roll41B is inverted, the drive roll42A transports the recording medium P together with the driven roll42C by reverse rotation as illustrated inFIG.6. Specifically, by the drive roll42A rotating in the reverse direction, the drive roll42A and the driven roll42C transport the recording medium P through the first inversion path (see the arrow B2) while sandwiching the recording medium P in the contact region42T. At this time, the guide74is positioned at the inversion position (the position indicated by a solid line inFIG.6).

Subsequently, by the drive roll42A rotating in the forward direction, the drive roll42A and the driven roll42C transport the recording medium P through the second inversion path (see the arrow B3). At this time, the guide74is positioned at the discharge position (the position indicated by a two-dot chain line inFIG.6). In this manner, the drive roll42A and the driven roll42C invert the recording medium P by the drive roll42A rotating in the forward direction after rotating in the reverse direction.

The driven roll42B is rotatably supported by the support frames47and48. In addition, the driven roll42C is rotatably supported by the opening-closing body82.

The drive roll43A is capable of forward rotation (rotation in the arrow43X direction inFIG.2) and reverse rotation (rotation in the arrow43Y direction inFIG.6). The drive roll43A has an outer peripheral surface in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the driven roll43B and has a contact region43S of contact with the driven roll43B. By coming into contact with the drive roll43A in the contact region43S, the driven roll43B is driven by the drive roll43A and rotates. The drive roll43A and the driven roll43B are disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the drive roll42A and the driven roll42C.

Further, the drive roll43A and the driven roll43B transport the recording medium P transported from the drive roll42A and the driven roll42C toward the downstream side in the transport direction (specifically, the image forming unit14) while sandwiching the recording medium P in the contact region43S. The drive roll43A and the driven roll43B are rotatably supported by the opening-closing body82.

The drive motor45illustrated inFIG.5and the like is an example of a drive unit and outputs drive forces in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction inFIG.3and the like) and the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction inFIG.7and the like). As illustrated inFIG.5, the drive motor45has a main body451and a drive shaft452. The main body451is fixed to the support frame48on the rear side with respect to the support frame48. The drive shaft452extends from the main body451to the front side with respect to the support frame48. A stepping motor, a DC motor (that is, a direct current motor), or the like can be used as the drive motor45.

The transmission mechanism50illustrated inFIG.5and the like is a mechanism that transmits the drive force of the drive motor45to the drive rolls41A,42A, and43A. In the present exemplary embodiment, the transmission mechanism50transmits the drive force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive rolls41A and42A to rotate the drive rolls41A and42A in the forward direction. In addition, the transmission mechanism50transmits the drive force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive rolls41A and42A to rotate the drive roll41A in the forward direction and rotate the drive roll42A in the reverse direction.

The gear51is fixed to the drive shaft452of the drive motor45. The gear52, which is an example of a first transmission member, meshes with the gear51and is fixed to the rear end portion of the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A via the one-way clutch521. The gear52is a transmission member that transmits the drive force in the forward rotation direction output from the drive motor45to the drive roll41A.

The one-way clutch521functions as a transmission unit that transmits the rotational force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow52X direction inFIG.3and the like) of the gear52to the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A and does not transmit the rotational force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow52Y direction inFIG.7and the like) of the gear52to the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A. The one-way clutch521may be grasped as an example of a first transmission member.

The gear53meshes with the gear52and is rotatably supported by the support frame48. The gear54meshes with the gear53and is rotatably supported by the support frame48. The gear55meshes with the gear54and is fixed to the rear end portion of the shaft portion421of the drive roll42A.

The pulley61, which is an example of a second transmission member, is fixed to the front end portion of the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A via the one-way clutch611. The pulley61is a transmission member that transmits the drive force in the reverse rotation direction output from the drive motor45to the drive roll41A.

The one-way clutch611functions as a transmission unit that transmits the rotational force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow61Y direction inFIGS.8,9, and the like) of the pulley61to the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A and does not transmit the rotational force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow61X direction inFIGS.4,5, and the like) of the pulley61to the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A. The one-way clutch611may be grasped as an example of a second transmission member.

The pulley62is fixed to the front end portion of the shaft portion421of the drive roll42A. The pulley62is rotatable in the forward rotation direction (the arrow62X direction) and the reverse rotation direction (the arrow62Y direction) integrally with the drive roll42A. The timing belt66is formed in an annular shape and is wound around the pulleys61and62. Further, the teeth formed on the inner circumference of the timing belt66mesh with the teeth formed on the outer circumferences of the pulleys61and62.

In this manner, in the transmission mechanism50, the gears51,52,53,54, and55and the one-way clutch521are disposed on one axial end side (specifically, the rear end side) of the drive rolls41A and42A, and the pulleys61and62, the timing belt66, and the one-way clutch611are disposed on the other axial end side (specifically, the front end side) of the drive rolls41A and42A.

The transmission mechanism50has a first transmission path50A and a second transmission path50B formed by the components described above. The first transmission path50A transmits the drive force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive rolls41A and42A to rotate the drive rolls41A and42A in the forward direction and does not transmit the drive force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive roll41A.

The second transmission path50B transmits the drive force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive rolls41A and42A to rotate the drive roll41A in the forward direction and rotate the drive roll42A in the reverse direction and does not transmit the drive force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive roll41A.

As illustrated inFIGS.3,4, and5, in the first transmission path50A, the drive force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction) from the drive motor45is transmitted in the order of the gears51,52,53,54, and55, and the gears51,52,53,54, and55rotate in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction, arrow52X direction, arrow53X direction, arrow54X direction, and arrow55X direction). Further, the rotational force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow52X direction) of the gear52is transmitted to the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A via the one-way clutch521, and the drive roll41A rotates in the forward direction. Further, the rotational force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow55X direction) of the gear55is transmitted to the shaft portion421of the drive roll42A, and the drive roll42A rotates in the forward direction. In this manner, the first transmission path50A transmits the drive force to the drive roll41A from one end side (specifically, the rear end side). In addition, the first transmission path50A is formed by the gears51,52,53,54, and55, and the one-way clutch521.

When the drive roll42A rotates in the forward direction, the rotational force in the forward rotation direction of the shaft portion421of the drive roll42A is also transmitted to the pulley62, the timing belt66, and the pulley61. However, by the one-way clutch611acting, the rotational force is not transmitted to the drive roll41A in the path from the pulley61to the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A (that is, the second transmission path50B).

As illustrated inFIGS.7,8, and9, in the second transmission path50B, the drive force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction) from the drive motor45is transmitted in the order of the gears51,52,53,54, and55, and the gears51,52,53,54, and55rotate in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction, arrow52Y direction, arrow53Y direction, arrow54Y direction, and arrow55Y direction). Further, the rotational force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow55Y direction) of the gear52is transmitted to the shaft portion421of the drive roll42A, and the drive roll42A rotates in the reverse direction. Further, the rotational force in the reverse rotation direction of the shaft portion421of the drive roll42A is transmitted to the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A via the pulley62, the timing belt66, the pulley61, and the one-way clutch611, and the drive roll42A rotates in the forward direction. In this manner, the second transmission path50B transmits the drive force to the drive roll41A from the other end side (specifically, the front end side). In addition, the second transmission path50B is formed by the gears51,52,53,54, and55, the pulleys61and62, the timing belt66, and the one-way clutch611.

By the one-way clutch521acting, the drive force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction) from the drive motor45is not transmitted to the drive roll41A in the path from the gear52to the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A (that is, the first transmission path50A).

As described above, in the transmission mechanism50, the drive force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction) from the drive motor45is transmitted in the path from the gear52to the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A (that is, the first transmission path50A), the drive force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction) from the drive motor45is transmitted in the path from the pulley61to the shaft portion411of the drive roll41A (that is, the second transmission path50B), and the drive roll41A is rotated in the forward direction as a result. In other words, in the transmission mechanism50, the drive roll41A is rotated in the forward direction regardless of whether the drive force output from the drive motor45is in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction) or in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction).

With a transmission member (a gear, a belt, or the like) that is not illustrated, the transmission mechanism50transmits the drive force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction) from the drive motor45to the drive roll43A to rotate the drive roll43A in the forward direction and transmits the drive force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction) from the drive motor45to rotate the drive roll43A in the reverse direction.

The guides71and72illustrated inFIG.2are guide portions guiding the recording medium P. As illustrated inFIG.2, the guide71is disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the drive roll41A and on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the fixing unit26. Specifically, the guide71is disposed on the lower side with respect to the drive roll41A. By the recording medium P coming into contact with a guide surface71A facing the left side inFIG.2, the guide71guides the recording medium P toward the downstream side in the transport direction (specifically, the contact region41S of the drive roll41A).

The guide72is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the drive roll41A and on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the drive roll42A. Specifically, inFIG.2, the guide72is disposed on the diagonally upper right side with respect to the drive roll41A and on the diagonally lower left side with respect to the drive roll42A. By the recording medium P coming into contact with a guide surface72A facing the upper side inFIG.2, the guide72guides the recording medium P toward the downstream side in the transport direction (specifically, the contact region42S of the drive roll42A).

The guide74illustrated inFIG.2is a guide portion guiding the recording medium P. As illustrated inFIG.2, the guide74is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the drive roll41A and on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the drive roll42A.

The guide74is rotatable between the discharge position where the discharge path is formed (the position indicated by a solid line inFIG.2) and the inversion position where the inversion path is formed (the position indicated by a two-dot chain line inFIG.2). At the discharge position, the guide74forms the discharge path (specifically, the path from the contact region41S to the contact region42S (see the arrow A2)) with the guide72. The guide74guides the recording medium P on a guide surface74A facing the 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)) with the opening-closing bodies81and82. The guide74guides the recording medium P on a guide surface74B facing the left side at the inversion position.

As an example, the guide74is configured to be rotated to the discharge position and the inversion position using the drive force of the drive motor45.

The opening-closing bodies81and82are examples of an opening-closing portion and are supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the support frames47and48. The opening-closing bodies81and82move relative to the support frames47and48including the drive rolls41A and42A, the drive motor45, and the transmission mechanism50to be opened and closed.

Specifically, the opening-closing bodies81and82are opened and closed to the open position illustrated inFIG.2and the closed position illustrated inFIG.10by integrally rotating the other end side (specifically, the left end side) with one end side (specifically, the right end side of the opening-closing body82) as a fulcrum. InFIGS.2,6, and10, the rotating shaft (fulcrum) of the opening-closing bodies81and82is indicated by reference numeral82S.

Further, the opening-closing bodies81and82have a function of guiding the recording medium P. The opening-closing body81is disposed on the left side with respect to the drive roll41A. The opening-closing body81has a guide surface81A facing the guide71and a guide surface81B facing the opening-closing body82side (the diagonally upper left side inFIG.2). In the opening-closing body81, the recording medium P is guided toward the downstream side in the transport direction (specifically, the contact region41S of the drive roll41A) by coming into contact with the guide surface81A. In addition, in the opening-closing body81, the recording medium P is guided toward the downstream side in the transport direction (specifically, the contact region43S of the drive roll43A) by coming into contact with the guide surface81B.

Further, as described above, the driven roll41B is rotatably supported by the opening-closing body81, and the driven roll41B moves integrally with the opening-closing body81.

The opening-closing body82is disposed on the upper side with respect to the opening-closing body81, the guide74, and the drive roll42A. The opening-closing body82has a guide surface82A facing the guide surface81B of the opening-closing body81. In the opening-closing body82, the recording medium P is guided toward the downstream side in the transport direction (specifically, the contact region43S of the drive roll43A) by coming into contact with the guide surface82A. Further, the driven roll42C is rotatably supported in one end portion (specifically, the right end portion) of the opening-closing body82, and the driven roll42C moves integrally with the opening-closing body82. In addition, the drive roll43A and the driven roll43B are rotatably supported in the other end portion (specifically, the left end portion) of the opening-closing body82, and the drive roll43A and the driven roll43B move integrally with the opening-closing body82.

In a case where, for example, the discharge path (see the arrows A1and A2inFIG.2) and the inversion path (see the arrows B1, B2, and B3inFIG.6) are clogged with the recording medium P (so-called jam), the opening-closing bodies81and82are opened and closed so that the clogging is eliminated. In addition, the opening and closing of the opening-closing bodies81and82are performed in, for example, a state where an exterior cover (not illustrated) provided on the image forming apparatus main body11and covering the opening-closing bodies81and82is open.

Action According to Present Embodiment

In the present exemplary embodiment, the transmission mechanism50transmits the drive force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive rolls41A and42A to rotate the drive rolls41A and42A in the forward direction. In addition, the transmission mechanism50transmits the drive force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive rolls41A and42A to rotate the drive roll41A in the forward direction and rotate the drive roll42A in the reverse direction.

Accordingly, the number of drive motors is reduced and an increase in the size of the second transporting device40and an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus10are suppressed as compared with a case where the transmission mechanism50transmits the drive force of the drive motor45to rotate the drive rolls41A and42A in the forward direction and transmits the drive force of a drive motor different from the drive motor45to rotate the drive roll41A in the forward direction and the drive roll42A in the reverse rotation.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the transmission mechanism50has the first transmission path50A and the second transmission path50B. The first transmission path50A transmits the drive force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive rolls41A and42A to rotate the drive rolls41A and42A in the forward direction and does not transmit the drive force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive roll41A. The second transmission path50B transmits the drive force in the reverse rotation direction (the arrow45Y direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive rolls41A and42A to rotate the drive roll41A in the forward direction and rotate the drive roll42A in the reverse direction and does not transmit the drive force in the forward rotation direction (the arrow45X direction) output from the drive motor45to the drive roll41A.

Since the transmission mechanism50has the first transmission path50A and the second transmission path50B as described above, transmission path configuration and/or control is not complicated and the configuration and/or control of the second transporting device40and the image forming apparatus10being complicated is suppressed as compared with a case where the rotation directions of the drive rolls41A and42A are controlled simply with a single transmission path.

In addition, in the transmission mechanism50, the gears51,52,53,54, and55and the one-way clutch521are disposed on one axial end side (specifically, the rear end side) of the drive rolls41A and42A, and the pulleys61and62, the timing belt66, and the one-way clutch611are disposed on the other axial end side (specifically, the front end side) of the drive rolls41A and42A.

Accordingly, the second transporting device40is space-saving as compared with a case where the gears51,52,53,54, and55, the one-way clutches521and611, the pulleys61and62, and the timing belt66are disposed on one axial end side (specifically, the rear end side or the front end side) of the drive rolls41A and42A.

In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, the opening-closing bodies81and82move relative to the support frames47and48including the drive rolls41A and42A, the drive motor45, and the transmission mechanism50to be opened and closed.

Accordingly, a change in the positional relationship of the drive rolls41A and42A, the drive motor45, and the transmission mechanism50is suppressed as compared with a case where the drive rolls41A and42A, the drive motor45, and a part of the transmission mechanism50move relative to the support frames47and48together with the opening-closing bodies81and82.

In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, the drive roll42A transports the recording medium P with the driven roll42B by forward rotation and transports the recording medium P with the driven roll42C by reverse rotation. Accordingly, the number of components is reduced and an increase in the size of the second transporting device40and an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus10are suppressed as compared with a case where the driven roll42C transports the recording medium P by a transport member different from the drive roll42A.

Modification Example of Image Forming Unit14

The present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment in which the image forming unit14that is an intermediate transfer method is used as an example of an image forming unit. As an example of an image forming unit, for example, a direct transfer method may be used in which each of the toner image forming units20Y to20K directly forms a toner image on the recording medium P not via the transfer body24. In an example of an image forming unit, an image forming unit may eject ink to the recording medium P to form an image, and the unit has only to have a function of forming an image on the recording medium P.

Modification Example of Second Transporting Device40

The present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment in which the second transporting device40is provided in the image forming apparatus10as an example of a transporting device and a rotating device. An example of a transporting device may be provided in an apparatus having a function other than the function of image formation (for example, image reading, heating, and cutting) or the transporting device may be used alone.

Further, an example of a rotating device may be configured as a device not intended for transport insofar as the device includes a first rotating body capable of forward rotation and a second rotating body capable of forward rotation and reverse rotation.

Modification Example of Recording Medium P

The present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment in which the recording medium P is used as an example of a material to be transported. For example, an example of a material to be transported may be transported for a purpose other than image formation (for example, image reading, heating, and cutting) or being transported may be the only purpose thereof.

Modification Examples of Drive Rolls41A and42A

The present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment in which the drive roll41A is used as an example of a first transport member and a first rotating body. An example of a first transport member may be a transport member such as a transport drum and a transport belt. An example of a first rotating body may be a drum other than a transport drum, an annular belt other than a transport belt, or the like insofar as forward rotation is possible.

The present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment in which the drive roll42A is used as an example of a second transport member and a second rotating body. An example of a second transport member may be a transport member such as a transport drum and a transport belt. An example of a second rotating body may be a drum other than a transport drum, an annular belt other than a transport belt, or the like insofar as forward rotation and reverse rotation are possible.

Modification Examples of Driven Rolls42B and42C

The present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment in which the driven roll42B is used as an example of a third transport member and the driven roll42C is used as an example of a fourth transport member. Examples of third and fourth transport members may be a transport member such as a transport drum and a transport belt.

Modification Example of Transmission Mechanism50

The present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment in which the transmission mechanism50transmits the drive force of the drive motor45to the drive rolls41A,42A, and43A, and any mechanism may be used insofar as the drive force of the drive motor45is transmitted to at least the drive rolls41A and42A. The transmission mechanism50may be configured to transmit the drive force of the drive motor45to a configuration portion other than the drive rolls41A,42A, and43A.

Although the gears51,52,53,54, and55are used in the transmission mechanism50, a transmission member such as a pulley and a belt may replace the gears in whole or in part. Accordingly, as an example of a first transmission member, a transmission member such as a pulley and a belt may be used without being limited to the gear52.

Although the pulleys61and62and the timing belt66are used in the transmission mechanism50, a transmission member such as a gear may replace the pulleys61and62and the timing belt66. Accordingly, as an example of a second transmission member, a transmission member such as a gear may be used without being limited to the pulley61.

Modification Examples of Support Frames47and48

The present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment in which the support frames47and48as examples of a support body are formed in a plate shape in which the front-rear direction is the thickness direction. For example, the support frames47and48may be formed in a block shape (for example, a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped) or a box shape, and the support frames47and48are capable of varying in shape. An example of a support body has only to be capable of supporting each configuration portion of the second transporting device40including the drive rolls41A and42A, the drive motor45, and the transmission mechanism50.

Modification Examples of Opening-closing Bodies81and82

The present invention is not limited to the present exemplary embodiment in which the opening-closing bodies81and82as examples of an opening-closing portion have a function of guiding the recording medium P and are opened and closed so that, for example, clogging with the recording medium P is eliminated. For example, an example of the opening-closing portion may be a cover (that is, a lid) solely for covering a configuration portion of the apparatus or may be opened and closed with respect to a support body such as the support frames47and48.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the above modification examples may be combined as appropriate.