JPH01145957A - Automatic double-sided picture forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the efficiency of a work to release choking with sheet by a method wherein, when choking with a sheet is detected by a jam detecting switch, an intermediate part coupling means is actuated according to a kind of a sheet conveyance route in which a detecting switch is situated. CONSTITUTION:When, during a single-sided picture processing mode, a jam detecting switch situated in a sheet conveyance route A for single-sided processing detects a jam, solenoids 35a and 35b of intermediate part coupling means C1 and C2 are excited, and engagement of levers 37a and 37b with stays 38a and 38b is rendered ineffective. When an upper body 2 is lifted up, an intermediate part 3a remains at a base part 3b under gravity, and the conveyance route a is widely opened. Meanwhile, during a double-sided processing mode, when a jam detecting switch situated in a conveyance route B for double- side processing detects a jam, the intermediate part coupling means C1 and C2 are not released, and with an upper body 2 lifted up, the intermediate part 3a is simultaneously raised to widely open the conveyance route B. This constitution enables execution of easy and safe processing of a jam.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer having a function of performing automatic double-sided image processing.

[Prior art]

First, a conventional automatic double-sided image forming apparatus will be described using an automatic double-sided copying machine as an example.

Such an automatic double-sided copying machine has, of course, a single-sided processing paper conveyance path for performing one-sided copying processing.
A switchback mechanism for double-sided image processing, a branching mechanism, and even an intermediate tray are connected to this paper conveyance path for single-sided processing, and by switching these, one-sided copy processing is performed. It is configured to be able to perform double-sided copying processing on both the front and back sides.

In order to remove jammed copy paper from such an automatic duplex copying machine, it is recommended to expose the paper transport path to the outside and remove the copy paper in order to improve operability. Although this is effective, such automatic double-sided copying machines have complicated paper conveyance paths as described above.
The problem is how to remove the jammed copy paper. The same applies when opening the copying machine for maintenance inspection.

From this point of view, in conventional copying machines that only have a single-sided copying function, the main body of the copying machine is divided into an upper main body and a lower main body with the paper conveyance path for single-sided processing as a border, and the upper main body is separated from the lower main body. A so-called Taramsiel type copying machine is known, in which copying paper jammed in the single-sided processing paper conveyance path can be easily removed by opening the copying machine.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

That is, in a copying machine having only a single-sided copying function as described above, it is sufficient to simply open and close the upper body to expose the paper conveyance path for single-sided processing, but in an automatic double-sided image forming apparatus as described above, In addition to the above-mentioned paper transport path for single-sided processing, paper jams often occur in the paper transport path for double-sided processing, and even if the IE transport path for misdirection is exposed, the jammed copy paper cannot be removed. Therefore, there is a problem that the efficiency of jam disposal is low.

Furthermore, it is theoretically possible to simultaneously open both the single-sided processing paper transport path and the double-sided processing paper transport path by opening the upper main body. There is a certain limit to the angle due to weight balance, and if both the single-sided processing paper transport path and the duplex paper transport path can be opened within that range, both of the IE transport paths can be opened halfway. It can only be opened halfway, which actually reduces the efficiency of jam removal.
There is also a risk that the operator may accidentally touch the heating portion of the fixing roller or the like.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to streamline jam removal in a Taramsiel-type automatic duplex image forming apparatus configured such that both the single-sided processing paper conveyance path and the duplex paper conveyance path can be opened. , to avoid dangers such as burns.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve the above object, the main means adopted by the present invention is that a paper transport path for double-sided processing for performing double-sided image processing is connected to a paper transport path for single-sided processing for performing single-sided image processing, and the paper transport path for double-sided processing for performing double-sided image processing is The forming device main body is divided into an upper main body and a lower main body by the single-sided processing paper conveyance path,
The lower main body is divided into an intermediate part surrounded by a part of the paper transport path for single-sided processing and a part of the paper transport path for double-sided processing, and a base part other than the middle part, and further includes a base part for the double-sided processing. An automatic double-sided image forming apparatus is provided with at least one jam detection switch in each of the IEIII feeding paths, the automatic double-sided image forming apparatus is provided with intermediate portion connecting means for connecting the intermediate portion to the upper main body, and also includes intermediate portion connecting means for connecting the intermediate portion to the upper main body, and When the detection switch detects a paper jam in the paper transport path in which the jam detection switch is provided, the intermediate connecting means is actuated depending on the type of paper transport path in which the jam detection switch is provided. This is an automatic double-sided image forming apparatus that has the following points.

[Effect]

For example, when a jam detection switch provided on the single-sided paper conveyance path detects a paper jam, the intermediate connecting means becomes inactive. Therefore, since the intermediate section is not connected to the upper main body, the intermediate section remains on the base section side even when the upper main body is opened, making it possible to widen the paper transport path for single-sided processing and easily remove paper jams. can.

Further, when a jam detection switch provided on the paper conveyance path for double-sided processing detects a paper jam, the intermediate portion connecting means connects the intermediate portion to the upper main body. As a result, when the upper main body is opened, the intermediate section is also opened in conjunction with the upper main body, and the paper conveyance path for double-sided processing between the intermediate section and the base section is largely exposed, and the copies that remain in that section are Paper removal is easily performed.

〔Example〕

Next, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings to provide an understanding of the present invention.

Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic front cross-sectional view showing a state in which a copy process is possible of an automatic double-sided copying machine as an example of an automatic double-sided image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, and FIG. A view corresponding to Figure 1 and Figure 3 showing a state in which the upper body is opened to remove paper jams that occur in the processing paper conveyance path.
The figure is a view corresponding to Figure 1 showing a state in which the upper main body and the middle part are integrated and opened in order to remove paper jams that occur in the paper conveyance path for duplex processing in the automatic duplex copying machine, and Figure 4 is the same view. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the arrangement position of the jam detection switch provided in the automatic double-sided copying machine, FIG. , an enlarged front view of the section viewed from arrow A shown in FIG.
FIG. 6(b) is a sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 6(a), FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the intermediate connecting means shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. (b) is a front view showing the operating state of the components shown in FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a schematic front view for explaining an example of an intermediate connecting means in an automatic double-sided copying machine according to another embodiment; FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing the automatic double-sided copying machine shown in FIG. 9 with only the upper body opened, and FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-section showing the operating state of the intermediate connecting means shown in FIG. 9. It is a diagram.

Note that the following examples are merely examples embodying the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

First, with reference to FIG. 1, the general structure of an automatic double-sided copying machine to which the present invention can be applied will be explained. In FIG. 1, an automatic double-sided copying machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as copying machine I) has an upper cassette 4°, a lower cassette 4, and a manual feed tray 5 on one side as paper feed units, and the end of copying processing is on the other side. It has a paper discharge tray 6 for carrying out the printed copy paper. The copy paper fed from the manual feed tray 5 passes through some upper and lower feed rollers 7.8, and is then fed to a pair of upper and lower registration rollers 9.

The copy paper fed from the upper cassette 4a is fed to the registration rollers 9 via the feed roller 8. Further, the lower cassette 4 directly supplies the registration rollers 9 .

The copying machine 1 has a document table 10 on its upper surface, and as the document metalwork 0 moves in the left-right direction in FIG. Of the light emitted from the light source 11, a portion of the light reflected by the original is reflected by the mirrors 12a, 12I,
, 12o, passes through the lens 13, is further reflected by the mirror 14, and is imaged on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1-5.

Since the photosensitive drum 15 receives exposure while rotating, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original image is formed on its surface.

This electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image when passing through the developing section 16. As the photosensitive drum 15 further rotates, the toner image passes through the transfer section 17 facing the transfer charger 18. Here, the toner image is transferred onto the copy paper fed out by the registration rollers 9.

The copy paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is further supplied by a conveyor belt 19 to a pair of upper and lower fixing rollers 20, where the toner image is fixed.

At this time, in the single-sided image processing mode, the pair of upper and lower switching guides 21 on the downstream side are maintained at the positions shown by solid lines in FIG. The sheet passes through the feed roller 22 and is discharged from the switching guide 21 to the sheet discharge tray 6 by a pair of upper and lower sheet discharge rollers 23.

In this embodiment, copies are transported through the feed roller 7.8, registration roller 9, transfer unit 17, transport belt 9, fixing roller 20, feed roller 22, switching guide 21, and paper ejection roller 23. The paper transport path constitutes a paper transport path A for single-sided processing.

Next, when the processing mode is the double-sided image processing mode, the switching guide 21 is switched to the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Therefore, the copy paper on which the fixing process has been completed on one side is sent out by the feed roller 22, and the switching guide 21 directs its traveling direction toward the reversing guide 24. A reversing roller 25 is provided at the entrance of the reversing guide 24, and the copy paper fed into the reversing guide 24 by the reversing roller 25 is moved forward by switching the direction of rotation of the reversing roller 25. The direction is reversed, and the paper is sent to the roller below the feed roller 22 and the driven roller 26 that follows the feed roller 22, passes through the branch section 27, and is fed into the intermediate tray 28.

The copy paper temporarily stored in the intermediate tray 28 is further fed to a feed roller 31 by a forward feed roller 29 and a paper refeed roller 30, and is again fed to the registration roller 9 by the feeding function of the feed roller 31.

Thereafter, the copy paper passes through the transfer section 17 and the conveyor belt 19 again, and then undergoes the fixing process at the fixing roller 20. At this time, the switching guide 21 is switched again to the solid line state, and the copy paper that has been sent out from the fixing roller 20 via the feed roller 22 and has undergone double-sided copying processing is transferred to the paper discharge roller 22.
3 and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 6.

In this embodiment, the reversing guide 24, the reversing roller 2
5, driven roller 26, branching section 27, intermediate tray 28, advance roller 29, paper refeed roller 30, feed roller 3
The copy paper transport path according to 1 is the paper transport path B for double-sided processing.
The paper transport path B for double-sided processing and the IE transport path A for single-sided processing are connected to each other at the registration rollers 9 and the switching guide 21.

The copying machine 1 is divided into an upper main body 2 and a lower main body 3, with the single-sided processing paper transport path A as a boundary. Further, the lower main body 3 includes a part of the paper transport path A for single-sided processing from the registration roller 9 to the switching guide 21, and a part of the paper transport path A for double-sided processing from the switching guide 21 to the registration roller 9 via the intermediate tray 28. It is divided into an intermediate portion 3a surrounded by a part of the path B, and a base portion 3t other than the intermediate portion 3a.

The upper body 2 is rotatable relative to the lower body 3 about a horizontal axis 32 fixed to the lower body 3, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, and the intermediate portion 3a is
As shown in FIG. 3, it can be separated from the base portion 3b while being integrally connected to the upper body 2.

At least one jam detection switch is provided in each of the paper transport path A for single-sided processing and the paper transport path B for double-sided processing, and signals from these jam detection switches are transmitted to a microcomputer that controls the entire copying machine. It is then determined where the paper jam occurred. Fourth
The figure shows the arrangement of such a jam detection switch. Here is the jam detection switch 33. , 33b,
33C is for detecting a paper jam in the paper conveyance path A for single-sided processing; 34. and 34 are jam detection switches for detecting paper jams in the paper conveyance path B for duplex processing. Jam detection switch 3 like this
3,1-33. Ya 34. , 34I is composed of a limit switch, an optical switch, and other devices that detect the rotation of a roller that rotates as the paper is fed.

In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 38 is connected to the head portion 3 when the upper body 2 is opened as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
I, to greatly expose the paper conveyance path A for single-sided processing, making it easier to clear jams in that area, and to combine with the head portion 31.I. apart from and coupled to the upper body 2, in particular:
By greatly exposing the paper conveyance path B for double-sided processing to the outside, it is possible to easily clear jams in that part. FIGS. This is for explaining the intermediate connecting means C1 for connecting.

In this case, a pair of solenoids 35. 1 and 35b are provided, and the intermediate portion 3. Lever 37a, 37I, which can swing freely around a pair of bins 36a, 36I, provided horizontally on I, respectively, connect the solenoid 3.
5a and 35h. Lever 37 above. The tips of the solenoids 35a and 37 are each formed into an L-shape as shown in the figure, and are connected by spring means (not shown) to each solenoid 35a,
The plunger 35b is biased in a direction to be pulled out. Further, on the upper main body 2 side, each of the above-mentioned levers 37a,
Stays 38a and 38h are provided opposite to 37h.

The above solenoid 35a (35I,), lever 37° (37h), stay 38a (38b),
constitutes the intermediate connecting means C.

The solenoids 35a and 35b are in a de-energized state when the copying machine 1 is in the normal copying state shown in FIG. .3B+, is rotationally biased in the direction of engagement. Figures 7 and 8 (al) show such levers 37a, 371. engaged with stays 38..3B&, respectively.

In this state, if either or both of the jam detection switches 34□ and 34i provided on the IE transport path side B' for double-sided processing detects a paper jam, the solenoid 35
．． ．． 35b is maintained in the de-energized state. Therefore,
In this state, when the upper main body 2 is opened centering on the shaft 32 as shown in FIGS. , 35b , pin 36a
, 36h, lever 37. , 37b, stay 38. , 38i, and are integrally lifted up while remaining attached to the upper body 2. As a result, the paper transport path B for double-sided processing, in which the jam detection switch 34a or 34I that detects the paper jam is provided, is largely exposed, making it easy to remove jammed paper in this area.

Note that the shaft 32 is constituted by a torsion bar and always biases the upper body 2 in the direction of lifting it. It is also extremely easy to lift the 1 unit as a whole. In addition to using a torsion bar, the means for lifting the upper main body 2 as described above may be constituted by a single coiled spring wound around the shaft 32.

In addition, in the copying state shown in FIG. 1, the jam detection switch 3 on the paper conveyance path side B for single-sided processing shown in FIG.
When 3□ to 33o detect a paper jam, the solenoid 35. and 35I are excited, the levers 37a and 37b are rotated against the aforementioned spring means (not shown), and the stay 38a is rotated.
, 3 B+.

The engagement with is released. Therefore, when the upper main body 2 is opened in this state, the intermediate portion 3a will be opened as shown in FIG.
Only the upper main body 2 remaining on the heirth portion 3L side is lifted, and the paper transport path A for single-sided processing between the intermediate portion 38 and the upper main body 2 is widened, making it easier to clear jams in this portion.

The above solenoid 35. ．． 35b is energized, lever 35
．． , 35I, stays 38. ．． The state away from 38b is shown in FIG. 8 (bl).

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a locking pin 39 is integrally attached to the frame constituting the frame of the intermediate portion 3a, and a locking pin 39 is integrally attached to the frame forming the frame of the intermediate portion 3a.

A groove 40 capable of accommodating the locking pin 39 is formed in the frame constituting the frame body, and when the intermediate portion 3a is closed, the locking pin 39 is fitted into the groove 40 and the intermediate portion 3a is closed. is accurately positioned and fixed to the base portion 3I.

The above solenoids 35a, 35b, lever 35
35b, etc. can also be provided on the upper main body 2 side. In this case, the stays 3.8a, 38I are provided on the intermediate portion 3a side.

In a copying machine 1' according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 9, unlike the copying machine 1 shown in FIG. It is attached so that it can move freely. In such a structure, the intermediate part 3a' cannot be completely separated from the heath 3', but the intermediate part 3a' and the upper main body 2' can be detachably connected by the intermediate part connecting means C2 as described below. By doing so, the intermediate part 38' can be lifted from the base part 3b' as the upper body 2' opens, or only the upper body 2' can be lifted up with the intermediate part 3a' attached to the base part 3'. It is possible to perform the opening operation.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, there is a groove 42 in the intermediate portion 3a'.
is formed in the vertical direction, and the connecting link 4 is inserted into this groove 42.
3 is loosely fitted. Upper end opening 428 of the groove 42
are widened as shown in the figure in order to allow the connecting link 43 to swing and to facilitate insertion of the connecting link 43.

The connecting link 43 has two long holes 4 in its longitudinal direction.
4. ．． 44b are drilled side by side, and the upper elongated hole 44
A pin 45 provided on the frame 43° (FIG. 11) of the upper main body 2' is slidably attached to the pin 8. As shown in FIG. 11, a solenoid 47 and a pin 48 are attached to a frame 46 constituting the frame body of the intermediate portion 3a', and a roughly L-shaped engagement member 49 is attached to the pin 48. It can be installed freely. This engaging member 49 has one end connected to the solenoid 47, and is swing-driven by the solenoid 47 from the position shown by the two-dot chain line to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. It can be fitted into the elongated hole 44. When the solenoid 47 is de-energized, the connecting link 43 is returned to the position shown by the two-dot chain line by a spring means (not shown).

Frame 46 as above. Solenoid 47, pin 48
．． Engagement member 49. As shown in FIG. 11, the intermediate portion connecting means constituted by the connecting link 43 and the like connects the intermediate portion 3. ' are provided on both sides.

The above connecting link 43. Solenoid 47. The engaging member 49 constitutes intermediate portion connecting means C9.

Next, the operation of the intermediate portion connecting means C7 will be explained.

In the normal state where copying is possible as shown by the solid line in FIG. 9, the intermediate portion 3a' is pressed against the base portion 3L' from above by the upper body 2'.
There is no need to energize the solenoid 47 for connecting ' to the upper body 2'.

Next, when the jam detection switch 34a or 34 installed in the duplex paper transport path B detects a paper jam, the solenoid 47 is energized and the engagement member 49 moves to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. It is swung, and its tip has a long hole 441. It will be inserted into.

Therefore, in this state, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 9,
When the upper body 2' is opened, the pin 45 is inserted into the elongated hole 44. The connecting link 43 is lifted up. When the connecting link 43 is further lifted, the lower end of the elongated hole 44b is moved to the engaging member 4.
9, and by further lifting the upper body 2', the intermediate portion 3a' is lifted as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9 via the engaging member 49 and the connecting link 43, and the intermediate portion 3. The paper transport path B for double-sided processing between the base 3b' and the base 3b' is widened, making it easier to clear paper jams there.

Also, a jam detection switch 33 provided on the single-sided processing paper conveyance path A. 33o detects a paper jam, solenoid 47 is maintained in a de-energized state. Therefore, the engagement member 49 is connected to the elongated hole 44 of the connecting link 43.
1. Therefore, when the upper main body 2' is opened as shown in FIG. 9, the connecting link 43 does not engage with the intermediate portion 3a', and the connecting link 43 hangs down on the pin 45 as shown in FIG. The state remains the same. At this time, middle part 3
A' remains centered on the base portions 3I,' due to its own weight.

Therefore, the paper transport path A for single-sided processing between the intermediate portion 3a' and the upper main body 2' is widened, making it easier to clear jams in this portion. When the upper main body 2 is closed from this state, the direct link 43 is inserted into the groove 42 along the widening upper end opening 42.1 of the groove 42, and the copy paper is inserted into the paper conveyance path for single-sided processing. If a paper jam occurs in both paper transport path A and paper transport path B for double-sided processing, the paper transport paths are sequentially opened in accordance with the priority order, and finally all the jammed paper is removed.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, in the present invention, a paper transport path for double-sided processing for performing double-sided image processing is connected to a paper transport route for single-sided processing for performing single-sided image processing, and the image forming apparatus main body An intermediate section that is divided into an upper main body and a lower main body by a paper transport path for processing, and the first main body is surrounded by a part of the paper transport path for single-sided processing and a part of the paper transport path for double-sided processing. The automatic double-sided image forming apparatus is divided into a base part and a base part, and is further provided with at least one jam detection switch in each of the paper conveyance paths for screen processing, the intermediate part being separated from the upper part. In addition to providing an intermediate connecting means to be connected to the main body, when any of the above jam detection switches detects a paper jam in the paper conveyance path where the jam detection switch is installed, the paper on which the jam detection switch is installed is removed. This is an automatic double-sided image forming apparatus characterized in that the intermediate connecting means is activated depending on the type of conveyance path, so when the upper body is opened in response to a paper jam, the paper jam can be removed. Since the appropriate paper conveyance path that has occurred is opened preferentially, the efficiency of removing jammed copy paper is improved. Furthermore, since the degree of opening of the paper conveyance path is increased, there is less need to force one's hand into a narrow space, and the risk of burns and the like is reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view showing a state in which an automatic double-sided copying machine as an example of an automatic double-sided image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied is capable of copy processing, and FIG. Figure 1 corresponds to the state in which the upper body is opened to remove a paper jam that occurs in the paper transport path, and Figure 3 shows how to remove a paper jam that occurred in the paper transport path for double-sided processing in the same automatic duplex copying machine. 1 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 1 showing a state in which the upper main body and the middle part are opened as one unit, FIG. The figure is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of the intermediate part connecting means that can be used in the same embodiment.
Figure (a) is an enlarged front view of the section viewed from arrow A shown in Figure 5, Figure 6 (tb) is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 6 (a),
7 is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the intermediate connecting means shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 ta+ and (bl are front views showing the operating states of the components shown in FIG. is another implementation (
FIG. 10 is a schematic front view for explaining an example of an intermediate connecting means in an automatic double-sided copying machine according to the above-mentioned technology J. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing only the upper body of the automatic double-sided copying machine shown in FIG. 11 are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the operating state of the intermediate connecting means shown in FIG. 9, respectively. [Explanation of symbols] 1... Copying machine 2... Upper main body 3R...
・Middle part 3...Base part 33,, 33
t,, 33o, 34. , 34I. . . . Jam detection switch A . . . Paper transport path for single-sided processing B . . . Paper transport paths for double-sided processing CI, C2 . . . Intermediate connection means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A paper transport path for double-sided processing for performing double-sided image processing is connected to a paper transport route for single-sided processing for performing single-sided image processing, and the image forming apparatus main body is Divided into two parts: main body and lower main body,
The lower main body is divided into an intermediate part surrounded by a part of the paper transport path for single-sided processing and a part of the paper transport path for double-sided processing, and a base part other than the middle part, and further includes a base part for the double-sided processing. An automatic double-sided image forming apparatus in which at least one jam detection switch is provided in each paper conveyance path, the intermediate part connecting means for connecting the intermediate part to the upper main body, and one of the jam detection switches described above. When the switch detects a paper jam in the paper conveyance path in which the jam detection switch is provided, the intermediate portion connecting means is operated according to the type of the paper conveyance path in which the jam detection switch is provided. An automatic double-sided image forming device characterized by: