JP6480716B2 - SOLENOID DEVICE AND SHEET CONVEYING DEVICE USING THE SOLENOID DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a solenoid device that can mute so that an impact sound is not generated when a movable member is switched using a solenoid, and first and second branches branched from one sheet conveyance path through which a sheet is conveyed. The present invention relates to a sheet conveying apparatus that can mute so that an impact sound is not generated when a flapper provided between sheet conveying paths is switched using a solenoid device.

Generally, a solenoid having a movable iron core that can be moved back and forth is used in various devices.
There are various types of solenoid devices for switching the movable member by connecting the movable member to the movable iron core of the solenoid via a coupling member using the driving force of the solenoid when the movable core of the solenoid is electromagnetically attracted and linearly moved. Often used in equipment.

  For example, in an image forming apparatus such as a printing apparatus that prints an image on a sheet or a copying machine that copies an image on a sheet, the first and second branches branched from one sheet conveyance path through which the sheet is conveyed. The flapper provided between the paper transport paths is switched using the driving force of the solenoid, or the pickup roller that feeds the paper loaded on the paper feed tray is brought into contact with and separated from the paper using the driving force of the solenoid. Yes.

  In this type of solenoid device, the movable iron core of the solenoid is moved forward and backward between a first position (off position) when de-energized and a second position (on position) when energized. When the operation mode is switched, a hammering sound (collision sound) is generated on the solenoid side and / or on the movable member side, so various countermeasures against noise are taken for the solenoid device.

  In contrast to the above, the present applicant has previously proposed a paper conveyance device that improves the high-speed and smooth conveyance of paper while eliminating the impact sound when switching the paper conveyance path switching unit (flapper). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In addition, there is an image transfer apparatus to which a solenoid device that converts linear movement of a movable iron core of a solenoid into a rotation operation by a rack and a pinion gear is applied (for example, Patent Document 2).

  Here, with reference to Patent Literatures 1 and 2, the paper conveying device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and the image transfer device disclosed in Patent Literature 2 will be briefly described.

  First, in the paper transport device disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, although not shown here, a branch member (hereinafter referred to as a flapper) that switches the paper transport path in the paper transport path for transporting the paper is provided. It is provided so that rotation is possible.

  The flapper (branching member) is connected to a movable iron core of the solenoid (referred to as a plunger in the publication) via a connecting member, and the flapper is connected to the first paper transport path using the driving force of the solenoid. And the second paper transport path, so that the paper can be transported toward one of the paper transport paths.

  That is, the first paper transport guide member and the second paper transport guide member are installed vertically with the flapper interposed therebetween.

  In addition, first and second buffer pads as buffer members made of a flexible member are provided on each surface of the first and second paper transport guide members, and the first and second buffer pads are further provided. On the pad, there are provided resin sheet members as first and second deformable members that can be deformed to smoothly convey the paper.

  Thus, when the flapper is rotated by controlling the solenoid ON / OFF, the first buffer pad and the first resin sheet member in which the front end portion of the flapper is sequentially attached on the surface of the first paper transport guide member And the second buffer pad and the second resin sheet member, which are sequentially attached on the surface of the second paper transport guide member, can suppress the generation of impact sound from the flapper side.

  Next, in the image transfer apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, the transfer roller provided in the apparatus is intermittently rotated so as to face the transfer roller so that the transfer area can be changed according to the paper size. The mechanism is installed.

  This intermittent rotation mechanism includes a rack that is connected to a movable iron core of a solenoid and moves linearly in a direction that intersects with the rotation axis of the transfer roller by a rack guide, and a one-way clutch that meshes with the rack and that rotates on the rotation axis of the transfer roller. And a pinion gear with a one-way clutch attached via

  Thus, by moving the movable iron core of the solenoid forward and backward, the pinion gear is rotated through the rack, and the transfer region is moved by rotating the transfer roller according to the paper size.

JP 2011-195332 A JP-A-8-297422

  By the way, in the paper conveyance device described in Patent Document 1, the first and second buffer pads and the first and second resin sheet members attached in sequence on the surfaces of the first and second paper conveyance guide members are used to Although the sound can be silenced with respect to the first and second paper transport guide members, the first and second buffer pads and the first and second resin sheet members are likely to be worn when used frequently, and time elapses. It is easy to deteriorate by.

  In addition, when the first and second buffer pads and the first and second resin sheet members are sequentially attached onto the surfaces of the first and second paper transport guide members, The second buffer pad and the first and second resin sheet members are easily peeled off.

  In addition, even if the flapper is in contact with the first and second buffer pads and the first and second resin sheet members, if the electromagnetic attraction force of the solenoid is strong, the movable iron core is moved backward to the second position side. Since the end collides inside the solenoid, an impact sound may be generated.

  Furthermore, the movable iron core of the solenoid and the rotating shaft to which the flapper is fixed are connected by a connecting member. Usually, the connecting member uses a sheet metal material or the like, so that chatter (vibration) occurs when the solenoid is operated. There is also a problem such as being easy to occur.

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the linear movement of the movable iron core of the solenoid is converted into a rotating operation by the rack and the pinion gear, but no stopper measures are taken for the movable iron core of the solenoid. In addition, there is a problem because no noise reduction measures are taken against the impact sound generated when the solenoid is operated.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a solenoid device that can mute so as not to generate an impact sound with a simple structure having a small number of parts when the movable member is switched by the driving force of the solenoid.

  In addition, when the flapper provided between the first and second paper transport paths branched from one paper transport path through which the paper is transported is switched using a solenoid device, it has a simple structure with a small number of parts. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper transport device that can mute so as not to generate an impact sound.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the first invention is between a first position that moves forward by a return spring force when not energized and a second position that moves backward by an electromagnetic attractive force when energized. A solenoid that houses a movable iron core that moves in a straight line.
A rack member coupled to the movable core and linearly reciprocating integrally with the movable core between the first and second positions;
A pinion gear that converts the linear movement of the rack member into a rotating motion;
A movable member that can be switched by the rotation of the pinion gear,
A solenoid device that converts the linear movement of the movable iron core into a rotational movement of the pinion gear via the rack member and switches the movable member,
At least one of the rack member and the pinion gear is formed using a resin material,
Furthermore, the rack member is
Rack teeth formed in parallel with the movable iron core and meshed with the pinion gear;
The first and second positions are formed by contacting the pinion gears that are formed opposite to each other on both end sides in the movement direction of the rack teeth and that rotate in the forward and reverse directions as the rack teeth reciprocate. A solenoid device comprising a pair of stopper walls to be regulated.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there are provided first and second paper transport paths branched from one paper transport path through which paper is transported,
A flapper installed between the first and second paper transport paths and switching to one of the first paper transport path and the second paper transport path;
A solenoid in which a movable iron core that linearly moves between a first position that moves forward by a return spring force when not energized and a second position that moves backward by an electromagnetic attraction force when energized;
A rack member coupled to the movable core and linearly reciprocating integrally with the movable core between the first and second positions;
A pinion gear that converts the linear movement of the rack member into a rotational movement, and
A sheet conveying device that converts the linear movement of the movable iron core into a rotation operation of the pinion gear via the rack member and switches the flapper,
At least one of the rack member and the pinion gear is formed using a resin material,
Furthermore, the rack member is
Rack teeth formed in parallel with the movable iron core and meshed with the pinion gear;
The first and second positions are formed by contacting the pinion gears that are formed opposite to each other on both end sides in the movement direction of the rack teeth and that rotate in the forward and reverse directions as the rack teeth reciprocate. A sheet conveying apparatus comprising a pair of stopper walls for regulating.

  According to the solenoid device of the first invention, the movable member can be switched by the driving force of the solenoid only by the rack member connected to the movable iron core of the solenoid and the pinion gear meshing with the rack teeth of the rack member. The solenoid device has a simple structure with a small number of parts and can be provided at low cost.

  Further, by forming at least one of the rack member and the pinion gear using a resin material, a pair of stopper walls formed at both ends of the rack teeth of the rack member when the movable member is switched by the driving force of the solenoid Because it can be silenced so that no impact sound is generated by contacting a pinion gear that rotates in the forward and reverse directions, it can also be silenced so that no impact sound is generated even when the solenoid is operated, so it is durable against noise suppression measures And can contribute to improving the quality and reliability of the solenoid device.

  Furthermore, the first and second positions of the movable iron core of the solenoid and the switching position of the movable member are accurately positioned by a pair of stopper walls formed at both ends of the rack teeth of the rack member without using a separate stubber member. In addition, since a shock-absorbing member (buffer pad) or the like described in Patent Document 1 described in the background art is not used, a highly durable solenoid device can be provided.

  Further, according to the paper transport device of the second invention, the solenoid core provided in the solenoid device of the first invention is used to drive between the first and second positions where the movable iron core of the solenoid advances and retreats. The linear movement is converted into a forward / reverse rotation operation with a pinion gear via a rack member connected to the movable iron core, and the flapper is switched in accordance with the forward / reverse rotation operation of the pinion gear. Therefore, as in the first aspect of the invention, the sheet conveying apparatus has a simple structure with a small number of parts and can be provided at low cost.

  In addition, by forming at least one of the rack member and the pinion gear using a resin material, when the flapper is switched by the driving force of the solenoid, the pair of stopper walls formed at both ends of the rack teeth of the rack member By making contact with the pinion gear that rotates in the forward and reverse directions, it is possible to mute so that no impact sound is generated, and it is also possible to mute so that no impact sound is generated even when the solenoid is activated. And can contribute to improving the quality and reliability of the sheet conveying apparatus.

  Further, the first and second positions of the solenoid movable iron core and the switching position of the flapper are accurately positioned by a pair of stopper walls formed at both ends of the rack teeth of the rack member without using a separate stopper member. In addition, since a buffer member (buffer pad) or the like described in Patent Document 1 described in the background art is not used, it is possible to provide a paper transport device having good durability.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus to which a solenoid device according to the present invention and a sheet conveying device using the solenoid device are applied. It is the perspective view which showed the solenoid apparatus which concerns on this invention, and the paper conveying apparatus using this solenoid apparatus. (A), (b) is an operation | movement diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of the solenoid apparatus which concerns on this invention, and the paper conveying apparatus using this solenoid apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a solenoid device according to the present invention and a sheet conveying device using the solenoid device will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  Before describing the solenoid device according to the present invention and the sheet conveying device using the solenoid device, an image forming apparatus to which the solenoid device and the sheet conveying device are applied will be described first.

(Image forming device)
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus to which a solenoid device according to the present invention and a sheet conveying device using the solenoid device are applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 to which a solenoid device 70 and a paper transport device 80 according to the present invention are applied is a printing device that prints images and characters on paper P, and a copy that copies images and characters on paper P. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured as an ink jet printing apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform single-sided printing or double-sided printing on a sheet P by an ink jet method, and an operation panel unit 10 that operates the entire apparatus and a sheet P are fed one by one. A sheet feeding unit 20 that rotates, a belt platen unit 30 that is rotatably disposed downstream of the sheet feeding direction from the sheet feeding unit 20, and a plurality of inks IK that are opposed to the belt platen unit 30 and eject a plurality of colors IK. The printing unit 40 includes a line-type inkjet head 41, a paper discharge unit 50 that discharges printed paper P printed by the printing unit 40, and a control unit 60 that controls the entire apparatus. .

  In addition, a sheet conveyance path for conveying the sheet P at a constant speed in the image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet feeding conveyance path KR from the sheet feeding unit 20 toward the belt platen unit 30 and the printing unit 40, and a sheet feeding conveyance path. A circulation conveyance path JR that is connected to KR and circulates through the belt platen unit 30 and the printing unit 40 so as to enable double-sided printing on the paper P, and a paper discharge unit 50 that branches off from the middle of the circulation conveyance path JR. And a paper discharge transport path HR toward the head.

  At this time, the above-described circulation transport path JR is used to transport the printing transport path JR1 along the belt platen unit 30 and the printing unit 40 and the sheet P printed on one side toward the lower side of the belt platen unit 30 side. Switch back the vertical transport path JR2, the horizontal transport path JR3 that transports the single-side printed paper P from the lower side of the belt platen section 30 toward the upstream side in the paper transport direction, and the single-side printed paper P. Then, the switchback conveyance path JR4 that conveys the leading edge of the paper P from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and the belt platen again while turning the front and back of the single-side printed paper P that is switched back and turning upward. The part 30 and the second vertical transport path JR5 transported to the printing part 40 are connected in this order.

  Further, in the paper transport path, the pair of paper transport rollers R that transports the paper P at a constant speed is spaced apart so that the smallest paper among the plural types of paper P having different paper sizes can be transported. Several are installed. At this time, each pair of paper transport rollers R is paired with a driving roller R1 that is connected to a geared motor M that is a driving source and rotates, and a driven roller R2 that is driven to press against the driving roller R1.

  A plurality of sheet sensors S for detecting the passage of the sheet P are installed at appropriate positions in the sheet conveyance path. The plurality of sheet sensors S are fixed using a light reflection type sensor or a light transmission sensor. When the sheet P transported at a speed does not reach a preset time at each sensor position, it can be detected via the control unit 60 that a sheet jam has occurred.

  Further, between the paper discharge transport path HR and the first vertical transport path JR2 in the circulation transport path JR, and between the switchback transport path JR4 and the second vertical transport path JR5 in the circulation transport path JR. The flapper F for switching the paper conveyance path is connected to the solenoid device 70 according to the present invention and is rotatably installed to constitute the paper conveyance device 80. The solenoid device 70 and the paper conveyance device 80 are Will be described in detail later.

  Here, each part of the image forming apparatus 1 will be specifically described in order, and the casing 2 forming the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 is formed in a box shape.

  First, the above-described operation panel unit 10 is installed on the upper surface 2a of the housing 2, and although detailed illustration is omitted here, a simplex / duplex printing selection key, a start key, a stop key, a numeric keypad, and the number of printed sheets A setting key, an alarm display, a liquid crystal panel, and the like are provided.

  Next, the paper feed unit 20 is installed such that the paper feed base 21 can be moved up and down along the outside of the left side plate 2 b of the housing 2 by the first geared motor 22.

  In addition, one type of paper P among a plurality of types of paper P from a minimum size (for example, a postcard size) to a maximum size (for example, A3 size) is stacked on the paper feed tray 21. The paper size of the paper P is automatically detected by a paper size detection means (not shown) in the paper feed table 21.

  When the paper feed table 21 moves up and the uppermost paper P among the unprinted papers P stacked on the paper feed table 21 reaches the paper feed position, the paper P is changed to the uppermost paper P. The paper P is fed in pressure contact with the paper feed roller 23 rotating.

  Thereafter, the fed paper P is separated one by one when it is nipped and conveyed between the separating roller 24 provided downstream of the sheet feeding roller 23 and the separating plate 25.

  At this time, the paper feed roller 23 and the separating roller 24 are respectively rotated in the clockwise direction by a second geared motor 26 serving as the same drive source.

  Further, a loop L indicated by a dotted line is formed at the leading end portion in the transport direction of the fed paper P against the registration roller pair 27 whose rotation is stopped. It becomes aligned with the pair 27.

  Thereafter, when the registration roller pair 27 starts to rotate, the skew of the paper P is corrected by the registration roller pair 27 and the conveyance timing of the paper P is adjusted, and the paper P is fed to the belt platen unit 30 and the printing unit 40. It is transported toward the.

  Next, the belt platen portion 30 described above has a plurality of air suction holes (not shown), and a belt platen 31 formed in a belt shape is driven to rotate at a constant conveyance speed by a third geared motor 32. The pulley 33 and the driven pulley 34 are stretched endlessly via an intermediate pulley 35, and the sheet P conveyed on the belt platen 31 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow while being sucked and mounted by the air suction unit 36. Yes.

  Next, the printing unit 40 described above is provided above the belt platen unit 30 so as to be opposed to the belt platen unit 30 with a slight space therebetween, and is positioned at a substantially central portion in the housing 2. .

  In this printing unit 40, a plurality of line-type inkjet heads 41 corresponding to a plurality of color inks IK are used for C (cyan), K (black), M, from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the paper P. (Magenta) and Y (yellow) are fixedly installed in this order.

  Then, a color image is printed on the paper P by the plurality of line-type inkjet heads 41 while the paper P is conveyed in the direction of the arrow by the rotation of the belt platen 31 with the paper P fixed on the belt platen 31 by air suction. Yes.

  At this time, when a color image is printed on one side on the paper P, the paper P is discharged only once through the printing transport path JR1 in the circulation transport path JR to the paper discharge section 50 described below. ing. On the other hand, when performing double-sided printing of a color image on the paper P, the front and back sides of the paper P that has already been printed on one side are reversed through the circulation conveyance path JR and passed through the printing conveyance path JR1 twice as follows. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit 50.

  Next, the paper discharge unit 50 described above is provided on the right side plate 2 c side of the housing 2 downstream of the belt platen unit 30 and the printing unit 40. The paper discharge unit 50 discharges the single-side printed or double-side printed paper P onto a paper discharge tray 52 through a pair of paper discharge rollers 51.

  Next, the control unit 60 that controls the entire apparatus is installed at an appropriate position in the housing 2. The control unit 60 includes a CPU 60 a that performs arithmetic processing and determination processing, a ROM 60 b that stores an operation program of the image forming apparatus 1, and a RAM 60 c that temporarily stores various information that can be changed in the image forming apparatus 1. And a timer 60d for measuring the time during which the paper P passes through each paper sensor S.

(Solenoid device according to the present invention and paper transport device using the same)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a solenoid device according to the present invention and a sheet conveying device using the solenoid device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the solenoid device 70 according to the present invention, a solenoid 72 is fixedly installed on a fixing member 71 provided in the device 70.

  The solenoid 72 described above has a ring-shaped bobbin (not shown) in which a coil (not shown) is wound in a rectangular yoke 72a, and has a cylindrical shape formed in the bobbin. A long movable iron core 72b is housed so as to be movable forward and backward so as to be linearly movable in the left-right direction (arrow direction).

  At this time, the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72 is first moved forward by the return spring force when not energized by performing ON / OFF control of the current to the coil via the control unit 60, as will be described later in the operation. And a second position that is retracted by electromagnetic attraction force when energized.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72 has reached the first position when not energized.

  In addition, one end portion 73a of the rack member 73 is connected to the tip end portion 72b1 of the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72 via a connecting pin 74, and the other end portion 73b of the rack member 73 and the fixed member 71 are implanted. A return spring 76 using a tension spring is stretched between the spring latch pin 75 and the center line L in the longitudinal direction of the movable iron core 72b.

  In this embodiment, a tension spring is used as the return spring 76 for advancing the movable core 72b of the solenoid 72 to the first position when power is not supplied. However, instead of the tension spring, the compression spring is replaced with the yoke 72a of the solenoid 72. You may make it fit in the movable iron core 72b between the one end parts 73a of the rack member 73. FIG.

  Here, the rack member 73 connected to the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72 is a member constituting a main part of this embodiment.

  The above-described rack member 73 is integrally formed by molding using a polyacetal resin having a sound deadening property in addition to various properties such as strength, rigidity, hardness, dimensional stability, toughness, fatigue resistance, and wear resistance. It is formed in a substantially plate shape.

  The rack member 73 has a predetermined thickness by surrounding the periphery with narrow and low ribs so that the rectangular first plate portion 73c increases the rigidity between the one end portion 73a and the other end portion 73b. In addition, a long guide hole 73d is formed in the first plate portion 73c so as to penetrate substantially along the longitudinal center line L of the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72.

  In addition, a guide pin 77 is fitted into a long guide hole 73 d formed in the first plate portion 73 c, and the guide pin 77 is fixed to the fixing member 71.

  Thereby, the rack member 73 is guided by the guide long hole 73d and the guide pin 77, and can be reciprocated linearly in the left-right direction (arrow direction) integrally with the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72.

  In addition, a rectangular second plate portion 73e is formed above the first plate portion 73c of the rack member 73, and the second plate portion 73e is substantially in the center in the longitudinal direction of the first plate portion 73c. Is formed to have a length substantially equal to that of the first plate portion 73c from the right to the right, but the dimension in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is slightly wider than the dimension in the short direction of the first plate portion 73c. Is formed.

  Further, a substantially rectangular rectangular hole 73f is formed in the second plate portion 73e of the rack member 73 so that the longitudinal direction thereof is greatly penetrated in accordance with the longitudinal direction of the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72.

  In the rectangular hole 73 f formed in the second plate portion 73 e of the rack member 73, rack teeth 73 f 1 are formed on the upper inner wall in parallel with the longitudinal center line L of the movable iron core 72 b of the solenoid 72.

  The above-described rack tooth 73f1 meshes with a substantially meniscus pinion gear 82 which is fixed by applying a D-cut for preventing rotation to one end side of the rotation shaft 81.

  The rotating shaft 81 is rotatable integrally with the pinion gear 82 in a state where the movable member is fixed, and is a pinion gear 82 in which the linear movement of the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72 is fixed to the rotating shaft 81. It is converted into a rotating motion.

  In this embodiment, the movable member fixed to the rotation shaft 81 is a flapper F that is rotatably provided in a sheet conveying device 80 to be described later. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any suitable movable member that displaces between positions may be used.

  Further, in the rectangular hole 73f formed in the second plate portion 73e of the rack member 73, a lower portion in which a pair of stopper walls 73f2 and 73f3 are formed on the lower inner wall on the left and right inner walls connected to the left and right ends of the rack teeth 73f1. While facing the straight wall 73f4, they are symmetrically formed facing each other with a space left and right.

  The pair of stopper walls 73f2 and 73f3 formed in the rectangular hole 73f of the second plate portion 73e of the rack member 73 described above are substantially semi-moon-shaped pinion gears that rotate in the forward and reverse directions as the rack teeth 73f1 reciprocate. 82 has a function of regulating the first and second positions of the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72.

  At this time, the substantially meniscus pinion gear 82 is formed using polyacetal resin, and both ends of the substantially meniscus pinion gear 82 are missing, so that the rack teeth 73f1 and the pinion A stroke S (FIG. 3) in which the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72 is set between the first and second positions is obtained by the rotation of the gear 82 in the forward and reverse directions.

  In this embodiment, the pinion gear 82 is formed in a half-moon shape so that both end portions are missing, but this is not limiting, and the pinion gear 82 is not missing in the moving direction of the rack teeth 73f1. Both ends may be missing so that the stroke S (FIG. 3) described above is obtained.

  Further, a pair of stopper walls 73f2 and 73f3 formed in the rectangular hole 73f of the second plate portion 73e of the rack member 73 are movable members (for example, flappers) fixed to the rotating shaft 81 in accordance with the operation of the solenoid 72. F) The sound is silenced so that no impact sound is generated on the side, and the sound is silenced so that no impact sound is generated on the movable core 72b side of the solenoid 72.

  In this embodiment, the rack member 73 and the pinion gear 82 are formed using polyacetal resin. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and has substantially the same performance as that of polyacetal resin. What is necessary is just to form using the resin material which has property.

  Unlike the embodiment, even if at least one of the rack member 73 and the pinion gear 82 is formed using a resin material, as will be described in the operation described later, a solenoid 72 and a movable member (for example, a flapper F) are used. ) Can be silenced so that no impact sound is generated during each operation.

  Still further, in this embodiment, the rack member 73 is formed in the shape described above, but is not limited to this shape, and a guide function that moves linearly in connection with the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72; A rack tooth, a stopper function that restricts the stroke S (FIG. 3) of the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72, and a silence function that silences so that no impact noise is generated when the solenoid 72 and the movable member (for example, the flapper F) are operated. Any shape may be used as long as it has a shape.

  The solenoid device 70 according to the present invention configured as described above includes the rack member 73 connected to the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 70 and the pinion gear 82 that meshes with the rack teeth 73f1 of the rack member 73. Since the movable member (for example, the flapper F) can be switched by the driving force, the solenoid device 70 has a simple structure with a small number of parts and can be provided at a low cost.

  Further, by forming at least one of the rack member 73 and the pinion gear 82 using a resin material, when the movable member (for example, the flapper F) is switched by the driving force of the solenoid 72, the rack teeth 73f1 of the rack member 73 are switched. The pair of stopper walls 73f2 and 73f3 formed at both ends of the shaft can be silenced so that no impact sound is generated by abutting the pinion gear 82 rotating in the forward and reverse directions, and the impact sound is also generated when the solenoid 72 is operated. Since the sound can be muted so as not to occur, durability against the sound muting countermeasure can be obtained, and the quality and reliability of the solenoid device 70 can be improved.

  Further, the first and second positions of the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72 and the switching position of the movable member (for example, the flapper F) are formed at both end portions of the rack tooth 73f1 of the rack portion 73 without using another stubber member. The solenoid can be positioned accurately by the pair of stopper walls 73f2 and 73f3 and has good durability because it does not use a buffer member (buffer pad) or the like described in Patent Document 1 described above in the background art. A device 70 can be provided.

  Next, a sheet conveying device 80 using the solenoid device 70 according to the present invention includes a flapper F that is rotatably provided in the image forming apparatus 1 described above with reference to FIG.

  The flapper F is installed between the first and second paper transport paths branched from one paper transport path for transporting the paper P, and one of the first and second paper transport paths. It has a function of switching to the transport path.

  For example, in FIG. 1, the flapper F is switched between the paper discharge transport path HR (first paper transport path) and the first vertical transport path JR2 (second paper transport path) in the circulation transport path JR. Alternatively, the flapper F is switched between the switchback conveyance path JR4 (first paper conveyance path) and the second vertical conveyance path JR5 (second paper conveyance path) in the circulation conveyance path JR.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the flapper F described above is formed in a long shape along the paper width direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction using a resin material, and has a streamlined airfoil shape along the paper conveyance direction. Is formed.

  Specifically, the flapper F is formed with a thin and sharp tip at the front end Fa located on the upstream side in the paper conveyance direction, and the paper P is one of the first and second paper conveyance paths (not shown). The guide is easy to enter one of the paper transport paths.

  Further, the flapper F is formed such that the rear end portion Fb side located on the downstream side in the paper transport direction is thicker than the front end portion Fa, and the intermediate portion Fc between the front end portion Fa and the rear end portion Fb is the rear end. The upper and lower surfaces are thicker than the portion and are formed in an arc shape.

  Further, a plurality of streamline-shaped fins Fin are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the flapper F at predetermined intervals in the paper width direction while also serving as reinforcement, so that the paper P can be smoothly conveyed. Yes.

  In addition, the flapper F is inserted into the intermediate portion Fc of the flapper F in the sheet conveyance direction in a state in which the rotation shaft 81 formed in a long direction along the sheet width direction is fixed. And can be rotated together.

  In addition, the long rotation shaft 81 to which the flapper F is fixed has the substantially half-moon-shaped pinion gear 82 previously described with respect to the solenoid device 70 fixed to the one end side, and the pinion gear 82 has a solenoid. Rack teeth 73f1 formed on a rack member 73 provided in the apparatus 70 are engaged with each other.

  Further, both ends of the long rotation shaft 81 are pivotally supported by a pair of shaft support members 84 (only one side is shown) via a pair of bearings 83 (only one side is shown).

  Here, the operation of the solenoid device 70 according to the present invention and the sheet conveying device 80 using the solenoid device 70 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, FIG. 3A shows a state where the solenoid device 70 and the paper transport device 80 are inactive (OFF state).

  Here, in the solenoid device 70 and the sheet conveying device 80, when the energization to the coil (not shown) of the solenoid 72 is stopped (OFF), the electromagnetic attractive force does not work, so the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72 and the movable iron core. The rack member 73 connected to 72b moves linearly to the left (in the direction of the arrow X1) by the urging force of the return spring 76 and reaches the first position.

  Along with this, the rack teeth 73f1 formed in the rectangular holes 73f of the second plate portion 73e of the rack member 73 also move linearly to the left (in the direction of the arrow X1), and the pinion gear 82 meshed with the rack teeth 73f1 rotates. It rotates in the forward direction (clockwise) integrally with the moving shaft 81 and contacts the right stopper wall 73f3 formed in the rectangular hole 73f. Here, the movement of the rack member 73 and the solenoid 72 to the left of the movable iron core 72b is restricted, and the movable iron core 72b stops at the first position.

  This eliminates the need to provide another stopper member necessary for restricting the leftward movement of the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72, so that no impact sound is generated.

  Further, the flapper F fixed to the rotating shaft 81 is also rotated clockwise integrally with the rotating shaft 81, and the front end Fa side and the rear end Fb side through the rotating shaft 81 take a substantially horizontal posture and stop. Therefore, it is possible to switch the paper transport path to the first paper transport path (or the second paper transport path).

  When the paper transport path is switched by the flapper F, even if the pinion gear 82 contacts the right stopper wall 73f3 formed in the rectangular hole 73f of the second plate portion 73e of the rack member 73, the characteristics of the polyacetal resin Since no impact sound is generated, no impact sound is generated even when the flapper F is activated.

  Next, FIG. 3B shows an operation state (ON state) of the solenoid device 70 and the sheet conveyance device 80.

  Here, in the solenoid device 70 and the paper transport device 80, when a coil (not shown) of the solenoid 72 is energized (ON), an electromagnetic attractive force is applied, so that the movable iron core 72b of the solenoid 72 and the movable iron core 72b are connected. The rack member 73 moves linearly to the right (in the direction of the arrow X2) against the urging force of the return spring 76 and reaches the second position.

  Along with this, the rack teeth 73f1 formed in the rectangular holes 73f of the second plate portion 73e of the rack member 73 also move linearly to the right (in the direction of the arrow X2), and the pinion gear 82 meshed with the rack teeth 73f1 rotates. It rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) opposite to the forward direction integrally with the moving shaft 81 and comes into contact with the left stopper wall 73f2 formed in the rectangular hole 73f. Here, the rack member 73 and the solenoid 72 are contacted. The movement of the movable iron core 72b to the right is restricted, and the movable iron core 72b stops at the second position.

  This eliminates the need to provide another stopper member when the solenoid 72 moves the movable iron core 72b to the right, so that no impact sound is generated.

  Further, the flapper F fixed to the rotating shaft 81 is also counterclockwise integrally with the rotating shaft 81, the front end Fa side is directed upward, and the rear end Fb side via the rotating shaft 81 is inclined downward. Since the posture is stopped, the sheet conveyance path can be switched to the second sheet conveyance path (or the first sheet conveyance path).

  When the paper transport path is switched by the flapper F, even if the pinion gear 82 contacts the right stopper wall 73f3 formed in the rectangular hole 73f of the second plate portion 73e of the rack member 73, the characteristics of the polyacetal resin Since no impact sound is generated, no impact sound is generated even when the flapper F is activated.

  Further, the stroke S of the movable iron core 72b when the solenoid 72 is turned on / off is applied to the pair of stopper walls 73f2 and 73f3 formed in the rectangular hole 73f of the second plate portion 73e of the rack member 73 by the pinion gear 82. Since it can set by touching, the 1st and 2nd position of movable iron core 72b and the switching position of flapper F can be positioned correctly.

1 Image forming apparatus,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Operation panel part, 20 ... Paper feed part, 30 ... Belt platen part, 40 ... Printing part,
50: paper discharge unit, 60: control unit,
70 ... Solenoid device,
71 ... fixed member, 72 ... solenoid, 72a ... yoke, 72b ... movable iron core,
73 ... Rack member, 73a ... One end, 73b ... Other end, 73c ... First plate part,
73f1 ... rack teeth, 73f2, 73f3 ... a pair of stopper walls, 73f4 ... lower straight wall,
74 ... Connecting pin, 75 ... Spring latch pin, 76 ... Return spring, 77 ... Guide pin,
80 ... paper transport device,
81 ... Rotating shaft, 82 ... Pinion gear, 83 ... Pair of bearings, 84 ... Pair of shaft support members,
F ... Flapper, P ... Paper,
KR: transport path for paper feed, JR: transport path for circulation, JR1: transport path for printing,
JR2: First vertical transport path, JR3: Horizontal transport path, JR4: Switchback transport path,
JR5: second vertical transport path, HR: paper discharge transport path,
R: paper transport roller pair, R1: driving roller, R2: driven roller, S: paper sensor.

Claims (2)

A solenoid in which a movable iron core that linearly moves between a first position that moves forward by a return spring force when not energized and a second position that moves backward by an electromagnetic attraction force when energized;
A rack member coupled to the movable core and linearly reciprocating integrally with the movable core between the first and second positions;
A pinion gear that converts the linear movement of the rack member into a rotating motion;
A movable member that can be switched by the rotation of the pinion gear,
A solenoid device that converts the linear movement of the movable iron core into a rotational movement of the pinion gear via the rack member and switches the movable member,
At least one of the rack member and the pinion gear is formed using a resin material,
The rack member includes a first plate portion connected to the movable iron core, and a second plate portion connected to the first plate portion,
The second plate part is formed with a long rectangular hole penetrating in the moving direction of the movable iron core,
Rack teeth that mesh with the pinion gear are formed on the upper inner wall of the rectangular hole,
The left and right walls connected to the left and right ends of the rack teeth in the rectangular hole are in contact with the pinion gears that rotate in the forward and reverse directions with the reciprocating movement of the rack teeth, and thus the first and second positions. A solenoid device, characterized in that a pair of stopper walls are provided . A first and second paper transport path branched from one paper transport path through which the paper is transported;
A flapper installed between the first and second paper transport paths and switching to one of the first paper transport path and the second paper transport path;
A solenoid in which a movable iron core that linearly moves between a first position that moves forward by a return spring force when not energized and a second position that moves backward by an electromagnetic attraction force when energized;
A rack member coupled to the movable core and linearly reciprocating integrally with the movable core between the first and second positions;
A pinion gear that converts the linear movement of the rack member into a rotational movement, and
A sheet conveying device that converts the linear movement of the movable iron core into a rotation operation of the pinion gear via the rack member and switches the flapper,
At least one of the rack member and the pinion gear is formed using a resin material,
The rack member includes a first plate portion connected to the movable iron core, and a second plate portion connected to the first plate portion,
The second plate part is formed with a long rectangular hole penetrating in the moving direction of the movable iron core,
Rack teeth that mesh with the pinion gear are formed on the upper inner wall of the rectangular hole,
The left and right walls connected to the left and right ends of the rack teeth in the rectangular hole are in contact with the pinion gears that rotate in the forward and reverse directions with the reciprocating movement of the rack teeth, and thus the first and second positions. And a pair of stopper walls for restricting the sheet.

Images