Electrostatic copying apparatus

Claim 2

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying paper sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means and located beneath the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveyed passage, return it through the copying paper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and then discharge it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper sheet from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and delivering the copying paper to the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a lower supporting shaft and an upper supporting shaft vertically spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the upper supporting shaft and delivering the copying paper from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, one end portion of the first conveying roller projecting beyond one end of the second conveying roller to an extend within the width of the copying paper passing between the conveying rollers, and a carrying means located below the first conveying roller for carrying the copying paper into the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and a forcing means for forcing downwardly the trailing end portion of the copying paper which has passed the nipping site between the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller, the forcing means comprising a protrusion formed in said one end portion of the first conveying roller.

Claim 3

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying paper sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means and located beneath the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface intothe paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, return it through the copying paper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copyingpaper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and then discharge it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper sheet from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and delivering the copying paper to the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a lower supporting shaft and an upper supporting shaft vertically spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the upper supporting shaft and delivering the copying paper from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, a third conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, and a guide plate disposed below the lower supporting shaft and carrying the copying paper into the paper returning passage from the upstraam end of the paper returning passage in cooperation with the third conveying roller.

Claim 4

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying paper sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means and located beneath the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface intothe paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, return it through the copying paper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copyingpaper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and then discharge it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper sheet from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and delivering the copying paper to the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a lower supporting shaft and an upper supporting shaft vertically spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the upper supporting shaft and delivering the copying paper from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, a third conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, and a guide plate disposed below the lower supporting shaft and carrying the copying paper into the paper returning passage from the upstraam end of the paper returning passage in cooperation with the third conveying roller.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a plurality of said first conveying rollers and the third conveying rollers are mounted on the lower supporting shaft at axially spaced intervals, and a plurality of said second conveying rollers are mounted on the upper supporting shaft at axially spaced intervals corresponding to the first conveying rollers.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the guide plate extends over the first conveying rollers and the third conveying rollers in the widthwise direction, and openings are formed in those parts of the guide plate which are opposite to the first conveying rollers.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first conveying roller and the third conveying roller are formed of a material having a relatively high coefficient of friction, and the second conveying roller is formed of a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the third conveying roller is formed of a flexible material and has a larger outside diameter than the first conveying rollers, and the third conveying roller is slightly elastically deformed by being pressed against the surface of the guide plate.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the first conveying roller is formed of rubber, the second conveying roller is formed of a synthetic resin, and the third conveying roller is formed of a foamed material.

Claim 10

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying paper sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extendig from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, return it through the copying paper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means and then discharge it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper into the paper discharging passage from the upstream end of the paper discharging passge and conveying the copying paper introduced into the paper reversing passage in the reversed moving direction, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a first supporting shaft and a second supporting shaft spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the first supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the second supporting shaft and carrying the copying paper into the paper discharging passage from the upstream end of the paper discharging passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, and a pressing means adapted to be selectively held at an operating position at which it conveys the copying paper introduced into the paper reversing passage in the reversed moving direction in cooperation with the second conveying roller and a non-operating position at which it is set apart from the second conveying roller.

Claim 11

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying paper sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extendig from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, return it through the copying paper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means and then discharge it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper into the paper discharging passage from the upstream end of the paper discharging passge and conveying the copying paper introduced into the paper reversing passage in the reversed moving direction, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a first supporting shaft and a second supporting shaft spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the first supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the second supporting shaft and carrying the copying paper into the paper discharging passage from the upstream end of the paper discharging passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, and a pressing means adapted to be selectively held at an operating position at which it conveys the copying paper introduced into the paper reversing passage in the reversed moving direction in cooperation with the second conveying roller and a non-operating position at which it is set apart from the second conveying roller.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the pressing member is comprised of a rotatable roller.

Claim 13

The apparatus of claim 8 herein the pressing means is comprised of an elastic plate.

Claim 14

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying paper sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, return it through the copying paper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means and then discharge it through the paper discharging passage; said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper into the paper discharging passage from the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and conveying the copying paper introduced into the paper reversing passage in the reversed moving direction, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a first supporting shaft and a second supporting shaft spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the first supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the second supporting shaft and carrying the copying paper into the paper discharging passage from the upstream end of the paper discharging passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, a third conveying roller mounted on the second supporting shaft, and a pressing means adapted to be selectively held at an operating position at which it conveys the copying paper introduced into the paper reversing passage in the reversed moving direction in cooperation with the third conveying roller and a non-operating position at which it is set apart from the third conveying roller.

Claim 15

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying paper sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, return it through the copying paper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means and then discharge it through the paper discharging passage; said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper into the paper discharging passage from the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and conveying the copying paper introduced into the paper reversing passage in the reversed moving direction, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a first supporting shaft and a second supporting shaft spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the first supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the second supporting shaft and carrying the copying paper into the paper discharging passage from the upstream end of the paper discharging passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, a third conveying roller mounted on the second supporting shaft, and a pressing means adapted to be selectively held at an operating position at which it conveys the copying paper introduced into the paper reversing passage in the reversed moving direction in cooperation with the third conveying roller and a non-operating position at which it is set apart from the third conveying roller.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the first conveying roller and the third conveying roller are formed of a material having a relatively high coefficient of friction, and the second conveying roller is formed of a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction.

Claim 17

The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first conveying roller and the third conveying roller are formed of rubber, and the second conveying roller is formed of a synthetic resin.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 12 wherein a plurality of said first conveying rollers are mounted on the first supporting shaft at axially spaced intervals, a plurality of said second conveying rollers are mounted on the second supporting shaft at axially spaced intervals corresponding to the first conveying rollers, and a plurality of said third conveying rollers are mounted on the second supporting shaft at axially, spaced intervals.

Claim 19

The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the pressing means is comprised of a rotatable roller.

Claim 20

The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the rotatable roller is formed of a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction.

Claim 21

The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the rotatable roller is formed of a synthetic resin.

Claim 22

The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the pressing means is comprised of an elastic plate.

Claim 23

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveynace controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means and located beneath the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, return it through the copying paper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and then it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper sheet from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and delivering the copying paper to the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a lower supporting shaft and an upper supporting shaft vertically spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, a second conveying roller moutned on the upper supporting shaft and delivering the copying paper from the downstream end of the paper convying passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, and a carrying means located below the first conveying roller for carrying the copying paper into the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and a forcing means for forcing downwardly the trailing end portion of the copying paper which has passed the nipping site between the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller, the forcing means comprising a forcing roller having spaced protrusions on its peripheral surface, said forcing roller being mounted on the lower supporting shaft.

Claim 24

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveynace controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means and located beneath the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, return it through the copying paper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and then it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper sheet from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and delivering the copying paper to the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a lower supporting shaft and an upper supporting shaft vertically spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, a second conveying roller moutned on the upper supporting shaft and delivering the copying paper from the downstream end of the paper convying passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, and a carrying means located below the first conveying roller for carrying the copying paper into the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and a forcing means for forcing downwardly the trailing end portion of the copying paper which has passed the nipping site between the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller, the forcing means comprising a forcing roller having spaced protrusions on its peripheral surface, said forcing roller being mounted on the lower supporting shaft.

Claim 25

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying paper sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means and located beneath the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharg it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the upper conveying passage, return it through the copying paper returning pasaage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and then it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper sheet from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and delivering the copying paper to the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a lower supporting shaft and an upper supporting shaft vertically spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the upper supporting shaft and delivering the copying paper from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, and a carrying means located below the first conveying roller for carrying the copying paper into the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, said carrying means comprising a third conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft and a guide member disposed below the lower supporting shaft and cooperating with the third conveying roller, and a forcing means for forcing downwardly the trailing end portion of the copying paper which has passed the nipping site between the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller.

Claim 26

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying paper sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means and located beneath the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharg it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the upper conveying passage, return it through the copying paper returning pasaage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an image on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and then it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper sheet from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and delivering the copying paper to the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a lower supporting shaft and an upper supporting shaft vertically spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the upper supporting shaft and delivering the copying paper from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, and a carrying means located below the first conveying roller for carrying the copying paper into the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, said carrying means comprising a third conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft and a guide member disposed below the lower supporting shaft and cooperating with the third conveying roller, and a forcing means for forcing downwardly the trailing end portion of the copying paper which has passed the nipping site between the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller.

Claim 27

The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a plurality of the first conveying rollers and the third conveying rollers are mounted on the lower supporting shaft at axially spaced intervals, and a plurality of the second conveying rollers are mounted on the upper supporting shaft at axially spaced intervals corresponding to the first conveying rollers.

Claim 28

The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the guide plate extends over the first conveying rollers and the third conveying rollers in the widthwise direction, and openings are formed in those parts of the guide plate which are opposite to the first conveying rollers.

Claim 29

The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the first conveying roller and the third conveying roller are formed of a material having a relatively high coefficient of friction, and the second conveying roller is formed of a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction.

Claim 30

The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the third conveying roller is formed of a flexible material and has a larger outside diameter than the first conveying roller, and the third conveying roller is slightly elastically deformed by being pressed against the surface of the guide plate.

Claim 31

The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the first conveying roller is formed of rubber, the second conveying roller is formed of a synthetic resin, and the third conveying roller is formed of a foamed material.

Claim 32

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means and located beneath the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits comunication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing pasage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, return it through the copying ppper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an irage on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and then it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper sheet from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and delivering the copying paper to the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a lower supporting shat and an upper supporting shaft vertically spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the upper supporting shaft and delivering the copying paper from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, and a carrying means located below the first conveying roller for carrying the copying paper into the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and a forcing means for forcing downwardly the trailing end portion of the copying paper which has passed the nipping site between the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller, said forcing means comprising a movable member disposed downstream of the nipping site of the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller and being adapted to be selectively held at an upper non-operating position at which it does not interfere with the copying paper and a lower operating position; and means for, after the trailing end of the copying paper has passed the nipping site of the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller, moving the movable member from the upper non-operating position to the lower operating position whereby the trailing end portion of the copying paper is forced downwardly.

Claim 33

An electrostatic copying apparatus of the type comprising a copying paper conveying passage, a copying paper feeding means for feeding a copying sheet to the paper conveying passage, a conveyance controlling means disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means having upstream and downstream ends, a copying paper discharging passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, a copying paper reversing passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the conveyance controlling means, and a copying paper returning passage extending from its upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the conveyance controlling means and located beneath the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, said conveyance controlling means being adapted to be held selectively at a first position at which it permits communication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and the upstream end of the paper discharging passage and a second position at which it permits comunication between the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and also communication between the upstream end of the paper reversing passage and the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and of the type being adapted to form an image on one surface of a copying paper sheet while it is conveyed through the paper conveying passage after being fed thereto from the paper feeding means, introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and thereafter discharge it through the paper discharging passage, or to introduce the copying paper sheet bearing an image on one surface into the paper reversing pasage through the conveyance controlling means held at the second position, reverse the moving direction of the copying paper sheet after its trailing end has passed the downstream end of the paper conveying passage, return it through the copying ppper returning passage, re-feed it into the paper conveying passage, form an irage on the other surface of the copying paper sheet while it is re-conveyed through the paper conveying passage, thereafter introduce it into the paper discharging passage through the conveyance controlling means held at the first position and then it through the paper discharging passage; wherein said apparatus further comprises a multifunctional conveying means for carrying the copying paper sheet from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage and delivering the copying paper to the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and the multifunctional conveying means includes a lower supporting shat and an upper supporting shaft vertically spaced from each other, a first conveying roller mounted on the lower supporting shaft, a second conveying roller mounted on the upper supporting shaft and delivering the copying paper from the downstream end of the paper conveying passage in cooperation with the first conveying roller, and a carrying means located below the first conveying roller for carrying the copying paper into the paper returning passage from the upstream end of the paper returning passage, and a forcing means for forcing downwardly the trailing end portion of the copying paper which has passed the nipping site between the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller, said forcing means comprising a movable member disposed downstream of the nipping site of the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller and being adapted to be selectively held at an upper non-operating position at which it does not interfere with the copying paper and a lower operating position; and means for, after the trailing end of the copying paper has passed the nipping site of the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller, moving the movable member from the upper non-operating position to the lower operating position whereby the trailing end portion of the copying paper is forced downwardly.