US20060180982A1 - Air suction feeding device and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents
Air suction feeding device and image forming apparatus having the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060180982A1 US20060180982A1 US11/207,803 US20780305A US2006180982A1 US 20060180982 A1 US20060180982 A1 US 20060180982A1 US 20780305 A US20780305 A US 20780305A US 2006180982 A1 US2006180982 A1 US 2006180982A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air suction
- printing medium
- feed roller
- feeding device
- rollers
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/20—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat
- G03G15/2003—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat
- G03G15/2014—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat using contact heat
- G03G15/2017—Structural details of the fixing unit in general, e.g. cooling means, heat shielding means
- G03G15/2028—Structural details of the fixing unit in general, e.g. cooling means, heat shielding means with means for handling the copy material in the fixing nip, e.g. introduction guides, stripping means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H5/00—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines
- B65H5/22—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by air-blast or suction device
- B65H5/222—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by air-blast or suction device by suction devices
- B65H5/226—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by air-blast or suction device by suction devices by suction rollers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/22—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups G03G13/02 - G03G13/20
- G03G15/23—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups G03G13/02 - G03G13/20 specially adapted for copying both sides of an original or for copying on both sides of a recording or image-receiving material
- G03G15/231—Arrangements for copying on both sides of a recording or image-receiving material
- G03G15/232—Arrangements for copying on both sides of a recording or image-receiving material using a single reusable electrographic recording member
- G03G15/234—Arrangements for copying on both sides of a recording or image-receiving material using a single reusable electrographic recording member by inverting and refeeding the image receiving material with an image on one face to the recording member to transfer a second image on its second face, e.g. by using a duplex tray; Details of duplex trays or inverters
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
- G03G15/5062—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control by measuring the characteristics of an image on the copy material
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/65—Apparatus which relate to the handling of copy material
- G03G15/6552—Means for discharging uncollated sheet copy material, e.g. discharging rollers, exit trays
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/65—Apparatus which relate to the handling of copy material
- G03G15/6555—Handling of sheet copy material taking place in a specific part of the copy material feeding path
- G03G15/6558—Feeding path after the copy sheet preparation and up to the transfer point, e.g. registering; Deskewing; Correct timing of sheet feeding to the transfer point
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a printing medium feeding apparatus for use in an image forming apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an air suction feeding device which attracts an uppermost sheet of paper with air suction to adhere the paper to the surface of a feed roller.
- an image forming apparatus includes a paper feeding unit for feeding printing media such as sheets of paper one after another, an image forming unit for forming an image onto a printing medium provided from the paper feeding unit, and a feeding unit for transporting the printing medium to enable the image forming unit to form an image thereon and release the printing medium bearing the image out of the image forming apparatus.
- the image forming unit includes photosensitive bodies on which electrostatic latent images of printing data are formed and developed by developers, a transfer device for transferring the images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive bodies onto a printing medium, and a fusing device for fusing the transferred images onto the printing medium.
- the feeding unit is configured with a plurality of feeding devices arranged between the paper feeding unit and the transfer device, between the transfer device and the fusing device, and between the fusing device and an outlet, respectively, and transports the printing medium between the devices.
- the feeding device 1 includes a drive roller 3 connected to a motor (not shown) for rotation, an idler roller 5 rotating in contact with the drive roller 3 , and a spring 7 for pressing the idler roller 5 against the drive roller 3 . Because a predetermined level of pressure from the spring 7 is transmitted to the drive roller 3 via the idler roller 5 , the drive roller 3 and the idler roller 3 rotate together. Therefore, when a printing medium 9 , such as a sheet of paper, enters between the drive roller 3 and the idler roller 5 , a frictional force is generated between the printing medium 9 and the rollers. The printing medium 9 is transported in the drive roller's rotational direction via the frictional force.
- a printing medium 9 such as a sheet of paper
- the feeding device 1 having a pair of rollers not be used in some cases.
- the feeding device 1 having rollers should not be used if the top side of the paper between the transfer device and the fusing device carries an unfused image, or if it is necessary to prevent scratches on the top side of the paper.
- the air suction feeding device 10 includes a belt 11 having a plurality of air suction openings formed therein, a driving roller 13 and a driven roller 15 for rotating the belt 11 , and an air suction unit (not shown) for generating a suction force which sucks air into air suction openings.
- a plurality of air suction openings are formed on the top surface of the belt 11 , and the openings are connected to the air suction unit.
- the air suction unit is configured with a duct connected to the air suction openings of the belt 11 , and a fan for generating a suction force to suck the air. Therefore, when the fan of the air suction unit starts, the air is sucked into the air suction openings of the belt 11 and the bottom side of a printing medium 19 on the belt 11 adheres to the belt 11 and is transported while maintaining its adhesion state. In other words, the printing medium 19 can be transported via the belt 11 without applying any force onto the top of the printing medium.
- the air suction feeding device may solve the problem of paper feeding, it still requires having two rollers 13 , 15 for rotating the belt 11 . This structural feature makes the configuration more complicated and requires more space. Also, in order to suck the air from all the air suction openings formed on the circumference of the belt 11 to adhere the printing medium 19 onto the belt 11 , a large capacity fan should be used.
- an aspect of the present invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an air suction feeding device capable of protecting the top side of a printing medium during transport.
- an air suction feeding device including a feed roller comprised of a shaft and a plurality of rollers arranged on the shaft which feeds (or transports) a printing medium.
- a plurality of air suction openings are arranged between the rollers to adhere one side of the printing medium onto the surfaces of the rollers.
- an air suction unit is provided which sucks air from the air suction openings.
- the air suction openings are arranged in spaces between the rollers, being disposed on at least two sides of the shaft.
- the air suction feeding device further comprises a medium guide arranged behind the feed roller which separates the printing medium from the surfaces of the rollers.
- the medium guide comprises a plurality of fingers disposed between the rollers in such a manner so as to not cover the air suction openings.
- an air suction feeding device including a feed roller which attracts a printing medium with air suction and feeds the printing medium.
- An air suction unit provides a suction force to the feed roller.
- a medium guide separates the printing medium from the feed roller and guides the printing medium in a predetermined direction.
- the feed roller includes air suction openings formed on a surface of the feed roller which attract one side of the printing medium to the surface of the feed roller through air suction.
- An air hole formed on one end of the feed roller and a duct arranged in the feed roller are provided to fluidly communicate the air suction openings with the air hole.
- the plurality of air suction openings are formed at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the feed roller. Also, the air suction openings are formed along the axial direction of the feed roller.
- the feed roller includes a shaft and a plurality of rollers arranged at regular intervals on the shaft.
- the plurality of air suction openings are formed along the circumferential direction of the rollers, respectively, and the duct is formed proximal to the center of the shaft.
- Yet another aspect of the present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising a paper feeding unit which provides a printing medium one after another, an image forming unit which forms an image on the surface of the printing medium provided from the paper feeding unit, a feeding unit which transports the printing medium to enable the image forming unit to form images thereon and releases the printing medium bearing the image out of the image forming apparatus, and an air suction feeding device arranged on the feeding unit which attracts one side of the printing medium onto the feed roller through air suction and transports the printing medium while maintaining the adhesion state of the printing medium onto the feed roller.
- the air suction feeding device includes a feed roller with a shaft and a plurality of rollers arranged on the shaft which transports the printing medium.
- a plurality of air suction openings are arranged between the rollers to adhere one side of the printing medium onto the surfaces of the rollers.
- An air suction unit sucks air from the air suction openings.
- the image forming apparatus further includes a transfer device and a fusing device.
- the air suction feeding device is arranged between the transfer device and the fusing device.
- the air suction feeding device can be arranged on an outlet to release the printing medium outside.
- the air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention attracts the bottom side of the printing medium through air suction and transports the printing medium while maintaining the adhesion thereof. Therefore, the top side of the printing medium bearing an image can be well protected.
- the air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be used in a small space because it has a simple structure compared with conventional air suction feeding devices using a belt, and occupies a relatively small space for installation.
- the air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention do not use a belt. Therefore, a small capacity fan can be used.
- the air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention By applying the air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention to an image forming apparatus, it becomes possible to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus and avoid wrap jams (or paper jams) during the paper feeding process.
- FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional feeding device
- FIG. 2 is still a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional air suction feeding device
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an air suction feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the air suction feeding apparatus of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air suction feeding device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a feed roller in the air suction feeding device of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a feed roller in the air suction feeding device of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus having an air suction feeding device arranged between a transfer device and a fusing device;
- FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus having an air suction feeding device arranged at an outlet.
- an air suction feeding device includes a feed roller 110 , air suction openings 120 , and an air suction unit 130 .
- the feed roller 110 is configured with a shaft 111 and a plurality of rollers 113 arranged on the shaft 111 .
- the shaft 111 is supported by a rotation support element (not shown), such as a bearing, arranged in an area where the feed roller 110 is located.
- a power transmission element like a gear or a pulley is arranged on one end of the shaft 111 , as in a general feed roller, to receive power from a motor, or the end of the shaft 111 is directly connected to the motor.
- the rollers 113 are arranged on the shaft 111 at regular intervals. Therefore, when the shaft 111 rotates the rollers 113 also rotate together.
- Each roller 113 may preferably be sized to have a diameter as large as possible in the space where the air suction feeding device 100 is arranged. If the size of the roller 113 is large, the linear velocity is reduced, the risk of printing medium slippage from the rollers is minimized. Thus, the size of the air suction openings 120 can be increased.
- the rollers 113 are preferably made of the same material used for the typical feed roller of an image forming apparatus, for example, EPDM rubber.
- the air suction openings 120 are arranged between the rollers 113 , in order to adhere one side of the printing medium to the surfaces of the rollers 113 through air suction. As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the air suction openings 120 are arranged in the spaces 115 between the rollers 113 that are arranged on the shaft 111 at regular intervals. The location and the size of the air suction openings 120 are carefully determined so that the bottom side of the printing medium can closely contact the surfaces of the rollers 113 , when the printing medium is entered into the feed roller 110 by the air suction through the air suction openings 120 .
- the air suction openings 120 may be arranged on only one side of the shaft 111 in spaces 115 between the rollers 113 .
- the printing medium being attracted may be misaligned, or the suction force which attracts the printing medium may not be sufficiently strong. Therefore, it is preferable to install the air suction openings 120 on both sides of the shaft 111 , that is, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear of the shaft 111 (in FIG. 4 , the air suction openings are arranged on right and left sides of the shaft) in every space 115 between the rollers 113 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , a total of 8 air suction openings 120 are formed in the spaces 115 between five rollers 113 .
- the air suction unit 130 generates a suction force which sucks the air from the air suction openings 120 .
- the air suction unit 130 includes a fan 131 and a suction duct 133 .
- the suction duct 133 should be arranged in such a manner so that it can fluidly communicate the fan 131 with a plurality of the air suction openings 120 , while causing no interference between the printing medium being transported.
- the suction duct 133 is arranged under the feed roller 110 , and the fan 131 is attached to one end thereof.
- the capacity of the fan 131 is preferably large enough to generate a suction force which attracts the printing medium from the air suction openings 120 and to adhere the printing medium onto the surfaces of the rollers 113 for transport.
- the medium guide 140 separates the printing medium from the feed roller 110 . More specifically, in order to prevent a wrap jam caused by the printing medium wrapping around the feed roller 110 , the medium guide 140 is arranged in the vicinity of the feed roller 110 , and parallel to the feed roller 1110 . More preferably, a finger 141 , which protrudes upward towards the air suction opening 120 , may be formed in the space 115 between the rollers 113 as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . In this manner, the wrap jam problem can be resolved.
- the finger 141 is preferably molded in a shape that can facilitate the separation of the printing medium from the surfaces of the rollers 113 . Also, it is important that the fingers 141 do not completely cover air suction openings 120 (please refer to FIG. 4 ).
- the fan 131 of the air suction unit 130 starts running.
- the air around the feed roller 110 is drawn into the air suction openings 120 .
- the front end of the printing medium is attracted towards the feed roller 110 and the bottom side thereof adheres onto the surfaces of the rollers 113 .
- the feed roller 110 rotates, the printing medium adheres onto the surface of the feed roller 110 and moves in the rotational direction of the feed roller 110 .
- the front end keeps moving forward via the medium guide 140 .
- the front end of the printing medium goes over the medium guide 140 , it may be readily separated from the surface of the feed roller 110 with the help of the finger 141 of the medium guide 140 . Accordingly, the printing medium is not wound around the feed roller 110 , and wrap jams can be avoided.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air suction feeding device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the air suction feeding device 200 according to this exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a feed roller 210 which attracts a printing medium through air suction, an air suction unit 230 which generates a suction force, and a medium guide 240 to separate the printing medium from the feed roller 210 .
- the feed roller 210 is configured with a shaft 211 and a plurality of rollers 213 arranged on the shaft 211 .
- the shaft 211 is supported by a rotation support element 202 , such as a bearing, arranged in an area where the feed roller 210 is arranged.
- a power transmission element (not shown), such as a gear or a pulley is arranged on one end of the shaft 211 , as in a general feed roller, to receive power from a motor, or the end of the shaft 211 is directly connected to the motor.
- the rollers 213 are arranged on the shaft 211 at regular intervals. Therefore, when the shaft 211 rotates the rollers 213 also rotate together.
- Each roller 213 may preferably be sized to have a diameter as large as possible in the space where the air suction feeding device 200 is arranged. If the size of the roller 213 is large, the linear velocity is reduced, and the risk of printing medium slippage from the rollers can be minimized.
- the rollers 213 are preferably made of the same material used for the typical feed roller of an image forming apparatus, for example, EPDM rubber.
- the air suction openings 220 are formed on the surfaces of the rollers 213 in order to attract one side of the printing medium to the surfaces of the rollers 213 through air suction.
- the air suction openings 220 are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of each of the rollers 213 .
- the air suction openings 220 fluidly communicate with a duct 222 formed in axial direction of the shaft 211 .
- the duct 222 communicates with an air hole 224 formed proximal to the center of the cross section on one end of the shaft 211 where neither the motor or the power transmission element is connected. Hence, the air around the air suction openings 220 is sucked into the air hole 224 through the duct 222 .
- the size and the number of air suction openings 220 should be carefully selected to make sure that the suction force applied to the bottom side of the printing medium is strong enough to adhere the printing medium onto the surface of the feed roller 210 .
- the suction force should also be strong enough to reduce the risk of printing medium slippage from the feed roller 210 , while it does not cause any deformation of the printing medium.
- the feed roller 210 having a plurality of air suction openings 220 formed thereon, can formed of any one of a number of suitable diverse shapes.
- FIG. 7 illustrates another possible exemplary embodiment of the feed roller.
- a feed roller 310 in this particular embodiment is distinguished by its shaft 311 , which is integrally formed with a roller 313 instead of being separately fabricated.
- Other structural features, such as, an air hole 324 is formed on one end of the feed roller 310 , and a duct 322 is arranged inside to communicate the air hole 324 with air suction openings 325 formed on the surface of the feed roller 310 .
- These components are identical with the structure of the feed roller 210 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, therefore, a detailed description of the functions and constructions thereof are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
- the air suction unit 230 generates a suction force which sucks air from the air suction openings 220 .
- the air suction unit 230 includes a fan 231 and a suction duct 233 .
- the suction duct 233 fluidly communicates the fan 231 and the air hole 224 of the shaft 211 , and a rotation joint 235 is assembled to the joint portion thereof to enable the shaft 211 to rotate with respect to the fixed suction duct 233 .
- the suction duct 233 illustrated in FIG. 5 is in cylindrical shape, this is for illustrative purposes only, and other suitable shapes may be used.
- the suction duct 233 can be in diverse shapes, depending on where the shaft 211 and the fan 231 are arranged in an image forming apparatus. Also, the capacity of the fan 231 is carefully determined to generate a suction force that is strong enough to attract the printing medium from the air suction openings 220 and adhere it onto the surfaces of the rollers 213 for transport.
- the printing medium separates from the surface of the feed roller 210 with the help of a medium guide 240 arranged behind the feed roller 210 , that is, in the feeding direction of the printing medium which is transported by the feed roller 210 . More specifically, the printing medium, which has adhered onto the surface of the feed roller 210 through the air suction into the air suction openings 220 , is now separated from the surface of the feed roller 210 with the help of the medium guide 240 . Sometimes, the printing medium does not separate from the feed roller 210 . This phenomenon is called a wrap jam. In order to prevent wrap jams, the medium guide 240 is arranged in the paper feeding direction behind the feed roller 210 and parallel to the feed roller 210 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the medium guide 240 includes fingers 241 opposite to the feed roller 210 , which protrude to correspond to the intervals between the rollers 213 .
- the fan 231 of the air suction unit 230 starts running. Once the fan 231 starts, the air around the feed roller 210 is drawn into the air suction openings 220 . Then, the front end of the printing medium is attracted towards the surface of the feed roller 210 , and the bottom side of the front end of the printing medium adheres onto the surface of the feed roller 210 through air suction into the air suction openings 220 . When the feed roller 210 rotates, the printing medium adhered onto the surface of the feed roller 210 also moves.
- the front end of the printing medium is placed on the medium guide 240 and the bottom side thereof separates from the feed roller 210 by the medium guide 240 . Then, the printing medium on the medium guide 240 separates from the surface of the feed roller 210 and is transported forward.
- the fingers 241 of the medium guide 240 disposed between the rollers 213 , prevent the front end of the printing medium from entering between the medium guide 240 and the feed roller 210 . In this manner, the wrap jam is effectively avoided and the printing medium can be transported easily without applying any kind of force to the top of the printing medium.
- FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, respectively, each having the above-described air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
- an image forming apparatus 400 includes a paper feeding unit 410 which feeds printing media such as sheets of paper one after another, an image forming unit 420 which forms an image onto a printing medium provided from the paper feeding unit 410 , and a feeding unit 430 to transport the printing medium to enable the image forming unit 420 to form an image thereon and release the printing medium bearing the image out of the image forming apparatus.
- the image forming unit 420 includes photosensitive bodies 421 on which electrostatic latent images of printing data are formed and developed by developers, a transfer device 423 to transfer the images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive bodies 421 onto a printing medium, and a fusing device 425 which fuses (or fixes) the transferred images onto the printing medium.
- the feeding unit 430 includes a first feeding device 431 arranged between the paper feeding unit 410 and the transfer device 423 which feeds the printing medium picked from the paper feeding unit 410 to the transfer device 423 , a second feeding device 433 arranged between the transfer device 423 and the fusing device 425 to feed the printing medium bearing the transferred image on the top surface to the fusing device 425 , and a third feeding device 435 arranged between the fusing device 425 and an outlet 437 to release the printing medium with the fused image out of the image forming apparatus 400 .
- the air suction feeding device is used in replacement of the second feeding device 433 . Since the bottom side of the printing medium adheres onto a feeding roller 433 a for transport, the top side of the printing medium which bears a transferred image is not damaged and is accurately transported to the fusing device 425 via the transfer device 423 .
- an image forming apparatus 400 ′ (which is another embodiment of electrophotographic image forming apparatus) has the same configuration with the image forming apparatus 400 in FIG. 8 , except that the air suction feeding device is used in replacement of a third feeding device 435 ′ in a feeding unit 430 .
- the bottom side of a printing medium bears a completely fused image adhered onto the feed roller 435 a through air suction, and this adhesion state is maintained until the printing medium is delivered outside through an outlet 437 .
- wrap jam problems found in conventional feeding devices can be avoided.
Abstract
An air suction feeding device which attracts a printing medium through air suction and transports the printing medium while maintaining the adhesion state of the printing medium. The air suction feeding device includes a feed roller which is configured with a shaft and a plurality of rollers arranged on the shaft to transport the printing medium through rotation. Air suction openings are arranged between the rollers to adhere one side of the printing medium onto the surfaces of the rollers and an air suction unit sucks air from the air suction openings.
Description
- This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Korean Patent Application No. 2004-76997, filed on Sep. 24, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to a printing medium feeding apparatus for use in an image forming apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an air suction feeding device which attracts an uppermost sheet of paper with air suction to adhere the paper to the surface of a feed roller.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- In general, an image forming apparatus includes a paper feeding unit for feeding printing media such as sheets of paper one after another, an image forming unit for forming an image onto a printing medium provided from the paper feeding unit, and a feeding unit for transporting the printing medium to enable the image forming unit to form an image thereon and release the printing medium bearing the image out of the image forming apparatus.
- In the case of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, the image forming unit includes photosensitive bodies on which electrostatic latent images of printing data are formed and developed by developers, a transfer device for transferring the images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive bodies onto a printing medium, and a fusing device for fusing the transferred images onto the printing medium. The feeding unit is configured with a plurality of feeding devices arranged between the paper feeding unit and the transfer device, between the transfer device and the fusing device, and between the fusing device and an outlet, respectively, and transports the printing medium between the devices.
- A typical example of the feeding device is illustrated in
FIG. 1 . As shown inFIG. 1 , thefeeding device 1 includes adrive roller 3 connected to a motor (not shown) for rotation, an idler roller 5 rotating in contact with thedrive roller 3, and a spring 7 for pressing the idler roller 5 against thedrive roller 3. Because a predetermined level of pressure from the spring 7 is transmitted to thedrive roller 3 via the idler roller 5, thedrive roller 3 and theidler roller 3 rotate together. Therefore, when aprinting medium 9, such as a sheet of paper, enters between thedrive roller 3 and the idler roller 5, a frictional force is generated between theprinting medium 9 and the rollers. Theprinting medium 9 is transported in the drive roller's rotational direction via the frictional force. - However, it is preferable that the
feeding device 1 having a pair of rollers not be used in some cases. For example, thefeeding device 1 having rollers should not be used if the top side of the paper between the transfer device and the fusing device carries an unfused image, or if it is necessary to prevent scratches on the top side of the paper. - As an attempt to resolve the above problem, an air suction feeding device for attracting the printing medium through air suction was developed. As shown in
FIG. 2 , the airsuction feeding device 10 according to a related art includes abelt 11 having a plurality of air suction openings formed therein, adriving roller 13 and a drivenroller 15 for rotating thebelt 11, and an air suction unit (not shown) for generating a suction force which sucks air into air suction openings. - More specifically, a plurality of air suction openings are formed on the top surface of the
belt 11, and the openings are connected to the air suction unit. The air suction unit is configured with a duct connected to the air suction openings of thebelt 11, and a fan for generating a suction force to suck the air. Therefore, when the fan of the air suction unit starts, the air is sucked into the air suction openings of thebelt 11 and the bottom side of aprinting medium 19 on thebelt 11 adheres to thebelt 11 and is transported while maintaining its adhesion state. In other words, theprinting medium 19 can be transported via thebelt 11 without applying any force onto the top of the printing medium. - Although the air suction feeding device may solve the problem of paper feeding, it still requires having two
rollers belt 11. This structural feature makes the configuration more complicated and requires more space. Also, in order to suck the air from all the air suction openings formed on the circumference of thebelt 11 to adhere theprinting medium 19 onto thebelt 11, a large capacity fan should be used. - Accordingly, there is a need for an improved air suction feeding device capable of protecting the top side of a printing medium during transport which features a relatively simple configuration and minimized size for installation into relatively small spaces.
- An aspect of the present invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an air suction feeding device capable of protecting the top side of a printing medium during transport.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide an air suction feeding device featuring a relatively simple configuration and a small size, which is thereby arranged into a very small space.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus using an air suction feeding device which is reduced in size and causes less wrap jams during the paper feeding process.
- To achieve the above objects and advantages, there is provided an air suction feeding device including a feed roller comprised of a shaft and a plurality of rollers arranged on the shaft which feeds (or transports) a printing medium. A plurality of air suction openings are arranged between the rollers to adhere one side of the printing medium onto the surfaces of the rollers. Additionally, an air suction unit is provided which sucks air from the air suction openings.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air suction openings are arranged in spaces between the rollers, being disposed on at least two sides of the shaft.
- Preferably, the air suction feeding device further comprises a medium guide arranged behind the feed roller which separates the printing medium from the surfaces of the rollers. In particular, the medium guide comprises a plurality of fingers disposed between the rollers in such a manner so as to not cover the air suction openings.
- Another aspect of the present invention provides an air suction feeding device including a feed roller which attracts a printing medium with air suction and feeds the printing medium. An air suction unit provides a suction force to the feed roller. A medium guide separates the printing medium from the feed roller and guides the printing medium in a predetermined direction.
- Here, the feed roller includes air suction openings formed on a surface of the feed roller which attract one side of the printing medium to the surface of the feed roller through air suction. An air hole formed on one end of the feed roller and a duct arranged in the feed roller are provided to fluidly communicate the air suction openings with the air hole.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of air suction openings are formed at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the feed roller. Also, the air suction openings are formed along the axial direction of the feed roller.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the feed roller includes a shaft and a plurality of rollers arranged at regular intervals on the shaft.
- Here, the plurality of air suction openings are formed along the circumferential direction of the rollers, respectively, and the duct is formed proximal to the center of the shaft.
- Yet another aspect of the present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising a paper feeding unit which provides a printing medium one after another, an image forming unit which forms an image on the surface of the printing medium provided from the paper feeding unit, a feeding unit which transports the printing medium to enable the image forming unit to form images thereon and releases the printing medium bearing the image out of the image forming apparatus, and an air suction feeding device arranged on the feeding unit which attracts one side of the printing medium onto the feed roller through air suction and transports the printing medium while maintaining the adhesion state of the printing medium onto the feed roller.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air suction feeding device includes a feed roller with a shaft and a plurality of rollers arranged on the shaft which transports the printing medium. A plurality of air suction openings are arranged between the rollers to adhere one side of the printing medium onto the surfaces of the rollers. An air suction unit sucks air from the air suction openings.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a transfer device and a fusing device. The air suction feeding device is arranged between the transfer device and the fusing device.
- Also, the air suction feeding device can be arranged on an outlet to release the printing medium outside.
- As described above, the air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention attracts the bottom side of the printing medium through air suction and transports the printing medium while maintaining the adhesion thereof. Therefore, the top side of the printing medium bearing an image can be well protected.
- The air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be used in a small space because it has a simple structure compared with conventional air suction feeding devices using a belt, and occupies a relatively small space for installation.
- In contrast to conventional air suction feeding devices which use a belt, the air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention do not use a belt. Therefore, a small capacity fan can be used.
- By applying the air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention to an image forming apparatus, it becomes possible to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus and avoid wrap jams (or paper jams) during the paper feeding process.
- Other objects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.
- The above and other objects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional feeding device; -
FIG. 2 is still a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional air suction feeding device; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an air suction feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the air suction feeding apparatus ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air suction feeding device according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a feed roller in the air suction feeding device ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a feed roller in the air suction feeding device ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus having an air suction feeding device arranged between a transfer device and a fusing device; and -
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus having an air suction feeding device arranged at an outlet. - Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures.
- The matters defined in the description such as a detailed construction and elements are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
- Referring to
FIG. 3 andFIG. 4 , an air suction feeding device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes afeed roller 110,air suction openings 120, and anair suction unit 130. - The
feed roller 110 is configured with ashaft 111 and a plurality ofrollers 113 arranged on theshaft 111. Theshaft 111 is supported by a rotation support element (not shown), such as a bearing, arranged in an area where thefeed roller 110 is located. Also, a power transmission element like a gear or a pulley is arranged on one end of theshaft 111, as in a general feed roller, to receive power from a motor, or the end of theshaft 111 is directly connected to the motor. Therollers 113 are arranged on theshaft 111 at regular intervals. Therefore, when theshaft 111 rotates therollers 113 also rotate together. Eachroller 113 may preferably be sized to have a diameter as large as possible in the space where the airsuction feeding device 100 is arranged. If the size of theroller 113 is large, the linear velocity is reduced, the risk of printing medium slippage from the rollers is minimized. Thus, the size of theair suction openings 120 can be increased. Therollers 113 are preferably made of the same material used for the typical feed roller of an image forming apparatus, for example, EPDM rubber. - The
air suction openings 120 are arranged between therollers 113, in order to adhere one side of the printing medium to the surfaces of therollers 113 through air suction. As can be seen inFIG. 3 , theair suction openings 120 are arranged in thespaces 115 between therollers 113 that are arranged on theshaft 111 at regular intervals. The location and the size of theair suction openings 120 are carefully determined so that the bottom side of the printing medium can closely contact the surfaces of therollers 113, when the printing medium is entered into thefeed roller 110 by the air suction through theair suction openings 120. Optionally, theair suction openings 120 may be arranged on only one side of theshaft 111 inspaces 115 between therollers 113. In that case, however, the printing medium being attracted may be misaligned, or the suction force which attracts the printing medium may not be sufficiently strong. Therefore, it is preferable to install theair suction openings 120 on both sides of theshaft 111, that is, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear of the shaft 111 (inFIG. 4 , the air suction openings are arranged on right and left sides of the shaft) in everyspace 115 between therollers 113. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 , a total of 8air suction openings 120 are formed in thespaces 115 between fiverollers 113. - The
air suction unit 130 generates a suction force which sucks the air from theair suction openings 120. To this end, theair suction unit 130 includes afan 131 and asuction duct 133. Thesuction duct 133 should be arranged in such a manner so that it can fluidly communicate thefan 131 with a plurality of theair suction openings 120, while causing no interference between the printing medium being transported. In the present embodiment, thesuction duct 133 is arranged under thefeed roller 110, and thefan 131 is attached to one end thereof. Here, the capacity of thefan 131 is preferably large enough to generate a suction force which attracts the printing medium from theair suction openings 120 and to adhere the printing medium onto the surfaces of therollers 113 for transport. - It is also preferable to install a
medium guide 140 behind thefeed roller 110, in other words, in the feeding direction of the printing medium which is transported by thefeed roller 110. Themedium guide 140 separates the printing medium from thefeed roller 110. More specifically, in order to prevent a wrap jam caused by the printing medium wrapping around thefeed roller 110, themedium guide 140 is arranged in the vicinity of thefeed roller 110, and parallel to the feed roller 1110. More preferably, afinger 141, which protrudes upward towards theair suction opening 120, may be formed in thespace 115 between therollers 113 as shown inFIG. 3 andFIG. 4 . In this manner, the wrap jam problem can be resolved. Thefinger 141 is preferably molded in a shape that can facilitate the separation of the printing medium from the surfaces of therollers 113. Also, it is important that thefingers 141 do not completely cover air suction openings 120 (please refer toFIG. 4 ). - The following will now explain the operation of the air suction feeding device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- When a printing medium enters the
feed roller 110, thefan 131 of theair suction unit 130 starts running. As a result, the air around thefeed roller 110 is drawn into theair suction openings 120. Then, the front end of the printing medium is attracted towards thefeed roller 110 and the bottom side thereof adheres onto the surfaces of therollers 113. When thefeed roller 110 rotates, the printing medium adheres onto the surface of thefeed roller 110 and moves in the rotational direction of thefeed roller 110. As the rotation of thefeed roller 110 continues, the front end keeps moving forward via themedium guide 140. Once the front end of the printing medium goes over themedium guide 140, it may be readily separated from the surface of thefeed roller 110 with the help of thefinger 141 of themedium guide 140. Accordingly, the printing medium is not wound around thefeed roller 110, and wrap jams can be avoided. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air suction feeding device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 5 , the airsuction feeding device 200 according to this exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes afeed roller 210 which attracts a printing medium through air suction, anair suction unit 230 which generates a suction force, and amedium guide 240 to separate the printing medium from thefeed roller 210. - The
feed roller 210 is configured with ashaft 211 and a plurality ofrollers 213 arranged on theshaft 211. Theshaft 211 is supported by arotation support element 202, such as a bearing, arranged in an area where thefeed roller 210 is arranged. Also, a power transmission element (not shown), such as a gear or a pulley is arranged on one end of theshaft 211, as in a general feed roller, to receive power from a motor, or the end of theshaft 211 is directly connected to the motor. Therollers 213 are arranged on theshaft 211 at regular intervals. Therefore, when theshaft 211 rotates therollers 213 also rotate together. Eachroller 213 may preferably be sized to have a diameter as large as possible in the space where the airsuction feeding device 200 is arranged. If the size of theroller 213 is large, the linear velocity is reduced, and the risk of printing medium slippage from the rollers can be minimized. Therollers 213 are preferably made of the same material used for the typical feed roller of an image forming apparatus, for example, EPDM rubber. - The
air suction openings 220 are formed on the surfaces of therollers 213 in order to attract one side of the printing medium to the surfaces of therollers 213 through air suction. Theair suction openings 220 are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of each of therollers 213. As shown inFIG. 6 , theair suction openings 220 fluidly communicate with aduct 222 formed in axial direction of theshaft 211. Theduct 222 communicates with anair hole 224 formed proximal to the center of the cross section on one end of theshaft 211 where neither the motor or the power transmission element is connected. Hence, the air around theair suction openings 220 is sucked into theair hole 224 through theduct 222. The size and the number ofair suction openings 220 should be carefully selected to make sure that the suction force applied to the bottom side of the printing medium is strong enough to adhere the printing medium onto the surface of thefeed roller 210. The suction force should also be strong enough to reduce the risk of printing medium slippage from thefeed roller 210, while it does not cause any deformation of the printing medium. - The
feed roller 210, having a plurality ofair suction openings 220 formed thereon, can formed of any one of a number of suitable diverse shapes.FIG. 7 illustrates another possible exemplary embodiment of the feed roller. Afeed roller 310 in this particular embodiment is distinguished by itsshaft 311, which is integrally formed with aroller 313 instead of being separately fabricated. Other structural features, such as, anair hole 324 is formed on one end of thefeed roller 310, and aduct 322 is arranged inside to communicate theair hole 324 with air suction openings 325 formed on the surface of thefeed roller 310. These components are identical with the structure of thefeed roller 210 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, therefore, a detailed description of the functions and constructions thereof are omitted for clarity and conciseness. - The
air suction unit 230 generates a suction force which sucks air from theair suction openings 220. To this end, theair suction unit 230 includes afan 231 and asuction duct 233. Thesuction duct 233 fluidly communicates thefan 231 and theair hole 224 of theshaft 211, and a rotation joint 235 is assembled to the joint portion thereof to enable theshaft 211 to rotate with respect to the fixedsuction duct 233. Even though thesuction duct 233 illustrated inFIG. 5 is in cylindrical shape, this is for illustrative purposes only, and other suitable shapes may be used. In effect, thesuction duct 233 can be in diverse shapes, depending on where theshaft 211 and thefan 231 are arranged in an image forming apparatus. Also, the capacity of thefan 231 is carefully determined to generate a suction force that is strong enough to attract the printing medium from theair suction openings 220 and adhere it onto the surfaces of therollers 213 for transport. - Then, the printing medium separates from the surface of the
feed roller 210 with the help of amedium guide 240 arranged behind thefeed roller 210, that is, in the feeding direction of the printing medium which is transported by thefeed roller 210. More specifically, the printing medium, which has adhered onto the surface of thefeed roller 210 through the air suction into theair suction openings 220, is now separated from the surface of thefeed roller 210 with the help of themedium guide 240. Sometimes, the printing medium does not separate from thefeed roller 210. This phenomenon is called a wrap jam. In order to prevent wrap jams, themedium guide 240 is arranged in the paper feeding direction behind thefeed roller 210 and parallel to thefeed roller 210. As shown inFIG. 5 , themedium guide 240 includesfingers 241 opposite to thefeed roller 210, which protrude to correspond to the intervals between therollers 213. - When a printing medium, such as a sheet of paper, enters the
feed roller 210 in the airsuction feeding device 200, thefan 231 of theair suction unit 230 starts running. Once thefan 231 starts, the air around thefeed roller 210 is drawn into theair suction openings 220. Then, the front end of the printing medium is attracted towards the surface of thefeed roller 210, and the bottom side of the front end of the printing medium adheres onto the surface of thefeed roller 210 through air suction into theair suction openings 220. When thefeed roller 210 rotates, the printing medium adhered onto the surface of thefeed roller 210 also moves. As the rotation of thefeed roller 210 continues, the front end of the printing medium is placed on themedium guide 240 and the bottom side thereof separates from thefeed roller 210 by themedium guide 240. Then, the printing medium on themedium guide 240 separates from the surface of thefeed roller 210 and is transported forward. Here, thefingers 241 of themedium guide 240, disposed between therollers 213, prevent the front end of the printing medium from entering between themedium guide 240 and thefeed roller 210. In this manner, the wrap jam is effectively avoided and the printing medium can be transported easily without applying any kind of force to the top of the printing medium. -
FIG. 8 andFIG. 9 illustrate electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, respectively, each having the above-described air suction feeding device of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , animage forming apparatus 400 includes apaper feeding unit 410 which feeds printing media such as sheets of paper one after another, animage forming unit 420 which forms an image onto a printing medium provided from thepaper feeding unit 410, and afeeding unit 430 to transport the printing medium to enable theimage forming unit 420 to form an image thereon and release the printing medium bearing the image out of the image forming apparatus. - The
image forming unit 420 includesphotosensitive bodies 421 on which electrostatic latent images of printing data are formed and developed by developers, atransfer device 423 to transfer the images formed on the surfaces of thephotosensitive bodies 421 onto a printing medium, and afusing device 425 which fuses (or fixes) the transferred images onto the printing medium. - The
feeding unit 430 includes afirst feeding device 431 arranged between thepaper feeding unit 410 and thetransfer device 423 which feeds the printing medium picked from thepaper feeding unit 410 to thetransfer device 423, asecond feeding device 433 arranged between thetransfer device 423 and thefusing device 425 to feed the printing medium bearing the transferred image on the top surface to thefusing device 425, and athird feeding device 435 arranged between the fusingdevice 425 and anoutlet 437 to release the printing medium with the fused image out of theimage forming apparatus 400. The air suction feeding device is used in replacement of thesecond feeding device 433. Since the bottom side of the printing medium adheres onto a feedingroller 433 a for transport, the top side of the printing medium which bears a transferred image is not damaged and is accurately transported to thefusing device 425 via thetransfer device 423. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , animage forming apparatus 400′ (which is another embodiment of electrophotographic image forming apparatus) has the same configuration with theimage forming apparatus 400 inFIG. 8 , except that the air suction feeding device is used in replacement of athird feeding device 435′ in afeeding unit 430. - Again in this particular embodiment, the bottom side of a printing medium bears a completely fused image adhered onto the
feed roller 435 a through air suction, and this adhesion state is maintained until the printing medium is delivered outside through anoutlet 437. Thus, wrap jam problems found in conventional feeding devices can be avoided. - While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. An air suction feeding device comprising:
a feed roller comprised of a shaft and a plurality of rollers arranged on the shaft which feeds a printing medium;
a plurality of air suction openings arranged between the rollers to adhere one side of the printing medium onto the surfaces of the rollers; and
an air suction unit which sucks air from the air suction openings.
2. The air suction feeding device according to claim 1 , wherein the air suction openings are arranged in spaces between the rollers, being disposed on at least two sides of the shaft.
3. The air suction feeding device according to claim 1 further comprises a medium guide arranged behind the feed roller to separate the printing medium from the surfaces of the rollers.
4. The air suction feeding device according to claim 3 , wherein the medium guide comprises a plurality of fingers disposed between the rollers in such a manner so as to not cover the air suction openings.
5. An air suction feeding device comprising:
a feed roller which attracts a printing medium with air suction and feeds the printing medium;
an air suction unit which provides a suction force to the feed roller; and
a medium guide to separate the printing medium from the feed roller and guide the printing medium in a predetermined direction.
6. The air suction feeding device according to claim 5 , wherein the feed roller is comprised of:
a plurality of air suction openings formed on a surface of the feed roller which attract one side of the printing medium to the surface of the feed roller through air suction;
an air hole formed on one end of the feed roller; and
a duct built inside the feed roller to fluidly communicate the air suction openings with the air hole.
7. The air suction feeding device according to claim 6 , wherein the plurality of air suction openings are formed at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the feed roller.
8. The air suction feeding device according to claim 7 , wherein the plurality of air suction openings are formed along the axial direction of the feed roller.
9. The air suction feeding device according to claim 6 , wherein the feed roller is comprised of:
a shaft; and
a plurality of rollers arranged at regular intervals on the shaft.
10. The air suction feeding device according to claim 9 , wherein the air suction openings are formed along the circumferential direction of the rollers, respectively.
11. The air suction feeding device according to claim 9 , wherein the duct is formed proximal to the center of the shaft.
12. The air suction feeding device according to claim 9 , wherein the medium guide is comprised of a plurality of fingers disposed between the rollers.
13. An image forming apparatus comprising:
a paper feeding unit which provides a printing medium one after another;
an image forming unit which forms an image on the surface of the printing medium provided from the paper feeding unit;
a feeding unit to transport the printing medium to enable the image forming unit to form images thereon and release the printing medium which bears the image out of the image forming apparatus; and
an air suction feeding device arranged on the feeding unit which attracts one side of the printing medium onto the feed roller through air suction and transports the printing medium while maintaining the adhesion state of the printing medium onto the feed roller.
14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the air suction feeding device is comprised of:
a feed roller with a shaft and a plurality of rollers arranged on the shaft to transport the printing medium;
a plurality of air suction openings arranged between the rollers to adhere one side of the printing medium onto the surfaces of the rollers; and
an air suction unit which sucks air from the air suction openings.
15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14 further comprises a transfer device and a fusing device, and the air suction feeding device is arranged between the transfer device and the fusing device.
16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the air suction feeding device is arranged at an outlet to release the printing medium outside.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR2004-76997 | 2004-09-24 | ||
KR1020040076997A KR100565793B1 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2004-09-24 | Air suction feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060180982A1 true US20060180982A1 (en) | 2006-08-17 |
Family
ID=36814876
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/207,803 Abandoned US20060180982A1 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2005-08-22 | Air suction feeding device and image forming apparatus having the same |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060180982A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100565793B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107381125A (en) * | 2017-08-01 | 2017-11-24 | 广东云印科技有限公司 | One kind printing conveyer |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5063415A (en) * | 1989-10-13 | 1991-11-05 | Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus |
US6234472B1 (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2001-05-22 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Hardcopy apparatus and method for outputting media |
-
2004
- 2004-09-24 KR KR1020040076997A patent/KR100565793B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2005
- 2005-08-22 US US11/207,803 patent/US20060180982A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5063415A (en) * | 1989-10-13 | 1991-11-05 | Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus |
US6234472B1 (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2001-05-22 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Hardcopy apparatus and method for outputting media |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107381125A (en) * | 2017-08-01 | 2017-11-24 | 广东云印科技有限公司 | One kind printing conveyer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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KR100565793B1 (en) | 2006-03-29 |
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