JP2001354352A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To miniaturize a paper sheet after-treatment device or image forming device with a mailbox device without generating demerits such as restrictions on the original function of each device. SOLUTION: In the digital composite machine 1, parts to a dispensed paper cassette 22 for storing a sheaf of after-treated paper sheets are integrated under a paper sheet after-treatment part 21 to be a paper sheet after-treatment unit 23, which is set under an image processing part 5 inside an image forming part 2 so that the paper sheet after-treatment unit and the image processing part are layered.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, a digital multifunction peripheral, etc., and more particularly, to a sheet for performing post-processing such as stapling or punching on a printed sheet. Post-processing equipment,
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a paper discharge device for selectively storing printed paper for each user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a sheet post-processing apparatus is provided on a side surface of an image forming apparatus main body, and a discharge port provided on the side surface is connected to a sheet conveying path in the sheet post-processing apparatus to perform printing. After receiving the completed paper and aligning the received paper in the alignment tray, post-processing such as stapling and punching is performed, and the paper is discharged to the paper stack unit.

An image forming apparatus provided with such a sheet post-processing apparatus has an advantage that the convenience of the image forming apparatus is improved by performing operations such as stapling and punching that bother the user on the image forming apparatus side. ing.

However, on the other hand, an image forming apparatus in which such a paper post-processing apparatus is added requires a large installation space because the paper post-processing apparatus mounted on the side is large, and requires another installation space. Is having a problem.

One of the causes of the increase in the size of the sheet post-processing apparatus is the above-described alignment tray provided in the sheet post-processing apparatus. Generally, the alignment tray is arranged obliquely with the downstream side in the paper transport direction lowered, but the height increases as the inclination of the alignment tray approaches vertical and the width increases as the inclination of the alignment tray approaches horizontal. Each is enlarged. In particular, when aligning large-sized paper, the size of the alignment tray in the paper transport direction is inevitably increased. In recent years, as the main body of the image forming apparatus has been reduced in size, the paper post-processing apparatus has become so large that it cannot be installed without a dedicated table or a paper cassette mechanism which is additionally provided below the main body of the image forming apparatus. .

Another cause of the increase in the size of the sheet post-processing apparatus is a sheet stack section for discharging post-processed sheets. Conventionally, the sheet stacking section of the sheet post-processing apparatus is provided further downstream of the sheet post-processing apparatus main body in which the alignment tray is provided, so that the sheet The size in the direction is further increased, and the installation space of the image forming apparatus including the sheet post-processing apparatus is required to be wider.

In order to solve such a problem, a sheet post-processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2583594 uses a printed sheet received from the image forming apparatus main body to reduce the size of a sheet-aligned tray (a sheet of the target sheet). (The dimension is shorter than the dimension in the transport direction), and the paper is discharged obliquely with the paper transport direction up so as to straddle the paper stack section. In this state, alignment is performed, post-processing is performed, and then the The upper straddling portion is pushed out to the paper stack portion to complete the post-processing.

According to this, the size of the sheet aligning tray in the sheet conveying direction is made shorter than the same direction of the sheet to be post-processed, and the sheet stack is used for alignment. Has been realized.

Conventionally, a sheet post-processing device is provided not on the side of the image forming apparatus main body but on the lower side thereof, and only a sheet stack portion for stacking post-processed sheets is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus main body. It is considered. According to this, since the sheet post-processing apparatus in which the alignment tray is provided is accommodated in the installation space of the image forming apparatus main body, the installation space of the image forming apparatus does not increase by adding the sheet post-processing apparatus. An image forming apparatus having a sheet post-processing apparatus has been downsized.

[0010]

However, the above-mentioned conventional configuration has the following problems.

First, the configuration of the sheet post-processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2583594 is disclosed. Although this configuration solves the problem of increasing the size by using the tray of the sheet stack portion for alignment, the configuration is not limited. As a result of using the paper stack unit, the paper during the aligning operation is inevitably exposed outside the machine.

Therefore, paper jams, staples, staples, etc. may occur due to external factors, such as the operator touching the paper without waiting for the end of the job, or removing the paper discharged in the previous job. There is a possibility that troubles such as poor post-processing such as punching or poor alignment may occur.

Next, the paper post-processing device is provided in the image forming apparatus main body. In this configuration, a paper stack portion for stacking the post-processed paper is formed to protrude from the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body. For this reason, the paper post-processing apparatus main body has a problem of securing an installation space, although the configuration is not as large as the configuration in which the main body is installed on the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body.

By the way, in an image forming apparatus such as a digital multifunction peripheral which has various functions such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer, which has been rapidly spreading in recent years, a printed material of a specific user is printed on a side surface of the image forming apparatus main body. 2. Description of the Related Art A paper discharge device (hereinafter, referred to as a mailbox device) including a paper discharge cassette that selectively accommodates only paper has appeared.

In the image forming apparatus provided with such a mailbox device, the mailbox device is installed on the side surface of the image forming device main body, so that the installation space is widened in the same manner as the above-mentioned sheet stack portion of the sheet post-processing device. Such a problem occurs.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a paper post-processing device and a mailbox device without causing disadvantages such as limitations on the original functions of each device. An object of the present invention is to reduce the size of an image forming apparatus including a sheet post-processing device or a mailbox device.

[0017]

According to a first image forming apparatus of the present invention, an image forming section for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and an image forming apparatus are provided. In an image forming apparatus having a sheet post-processing unit that performs a predetermined post-processing on a sheet, the sheet post-processing unit is disposed so as to be stacked on the image forming unit above or below the image forming unit, and A processed sheet storage unit that stores a sheet after the post-processing by the sheet post-processing unit is disposed so as to be stacked on the sheet post-processing unit either above or below the sheet post-processing unit. .

According to this, since the sheet post-processing section is disposed so as to be stacked on the image forming section either above or below the image forming section, the provision of the sheet post-processing section allows the image forming apparatus to be used. There is no increase in occupied space. In addition, in the above configuration, the processed sheet storage section for storing the post-processed sheet is also arranged to be stacked with the sheet post-processing section either above or below the sheet post-processing section. There is no problem that the installation space of the image forming apparatus is increased due to the loading section for loading the image.

As a result, the highly convenient image forming apparatus having the sheet post-processing function can be reduced in size without any restriction on the original function of the sheet post-processing section, and the installation space of the image forming apparatus can be reduced. Can be smaller.

In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the processed sheet accommodating portion is configured to be able to be pulled out from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. An easy-to-use image forming apparatus capable of taking out a post-processed sheet with a simple operation of pulling out the storage section from the apparatus main body.

In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, an offset sheet discharging means for shifting a stacking position of the post-processed sheets stored in the processed sheet storing portion is provided. According to this, the post-processed sheets are stacked in the processed sheet storage portion in a state of being shifted (offset state) by the offset sheet discharging means, so that the post-processed sheet sorting operation is performed. And the convenience of the image forming apparatus is improved.

Further, in the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, an alignment tray for stacking sheets to be subjected to post-processing and aligning the positions of the sheets is rotatably provided in the sheet post-processing section. The sheet post-processing section and the sheet storage section provided below the sheet post-processing section are separated by the alignment tray, and are placed on the alignment tray by the rotation of the alignment tray. The discharged sheet may be discharged to the processed sheet storage unit.

The transport path has a problem that the image forming apparatus becomes large because the transport path itself becomes enormous and complicated. By adopting such a configuration, the sheet post-processing section and the sheet The sheet after the post-processing can be discharged from the sheet post-processing unit to the processed sheet storage unit by a simple movement such as rotating an alignment tray that separates the sheet from the sheet storage unit installed below the sheet post-processing unit. There is no need for a separate transport path connecting the post-processing unit and the processed sheet storage unit, and the image forming apparatus can be further reduced in size.

[0024] In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is further preferable that the sheet post-processing section and the processed sheet storage section are unitized. The unit and the processed sheet storage unit are unitized to form one member, so that the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts.

Further, in the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, the sheet post-processing section and the processed sheet storage section, or the sheet post-processing unit obtained by uniting them, is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. It is preferable to adopt a configuration that enables the configuration. According to this configuration, it is possible to mount the sheet post-processing unit and the processed sheet storage unit or the sheet post-processing unit as needed, and a configuration with high optionality can be achieved. .

Further, it is preferable that a plurality of sheet post-processing units can be mounted. According to this, when a plurality of operators want to perform work using post-processing, the plurality of sheet post-processing units can be mounted. A different sheet post-processing unit can be used for each operator, so that sheets discharged by each operator are not mixed, and the convenience of the image forming apparatus is further improved.

In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of unused sheet storage sections for storing unused sheets supplied to the image forming section are provided below the image forming section. And the sheet post-processing unit can be exchanged with the unused sheet storage unit.

According to this, the sheet post-processing unit is
Since the configuration is replaceable with the unused sheet storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus, when the post-processing unit is not used, setting the unused sheet storage unit wastes space in the apparatus. do not do. Also, if the part from which the post-processing unit is removed is left open, greetings may enter the apparatus from the outside.However, setting an unused sheet storage unit can solve such a problem. Absent.

In such a configuration, a sheet post-processing unit having a size corresponding to a plurality of levels of the unused sheet storage section can be mounted in place of the unused level of the unused sheet storage section. According to this, a large-capacity sheet post-processing unit can be mounted in place of the unused sheet storage units in a plurality of stages, which is convenient for a user who performs a large amount of work using the sheet post-processing unit. And the user's selectivity increases. In addition, such a configuration can be easily realized mechanically.

In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, the sheet post-processing unit is further provided with an unused sheet accommodating section for accommodating an unused sheet supplied to the image forming section. Configuration.

According to this, since the unused sheet accommodating section is further unitized in the sheet post-processing unit to form one member, the cost can be further reduced by reducing the number of parts. By storing the sheet selected by the user and performing image formation using the unit, the sheet feeding and discharging places are unique, so that the user simply thinks of selecting the unit. A reliable printed matter can be reliably obtained, and the convenience as an image forming apparatus is further improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on a sheet based on image data in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. A user-specified sheet storage unit for storing a completed sheet is disposed above or below the image forming unit so as to be stacked with the image forming unit.

According to this, since the user-specified sheet storage section (the above-described mailbox device) is arranged so as to be stacked on the image forming section, the image forming apparatus is provided with the user-specified sheet storage section. There is no problem that the installation space of the system is widened.

As a result, a highly convenient image forming apparatus that can be used only by a specific user and can maintain confidentiality can be compactly configured, and the space occupied by the entire apparatus can be reduced.

In the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the user-specified sheet accommodating section is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.
According to this, it is possible to mount the user-specified sheet accommodating section as needed, and a highly optional configuration can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a plurality of such user-specified sheet storage units can be mounted. According to this configuration, when a plurality of operators want to use the user-specified sheet storage units, the user-specified sheet storage units can be mounted. By mounting a plurality of sheet storage units, a plurality of users can use a dedicated user-specified sheet storage unit, and sheets discharged by each operator are not mixed, thereby improving the convenience of the image forming apparatus. Further improve.

Further, in the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is more preferable that an offset sheet discharging means for shifting the stacking position of the sheets stored in the user-specified sheet storing section is provided. The sheet is displaced by the offset discharge means (offset state)
Therefore, the sheets discharged to the user-specified sheet storage unit can be easily sorted, and the convenience of the image forming apparatus is improved. Also,
Since sheets can be sorted easily, one user-specified sheet storage unit can be shared by a plurality of users belonging to one department, and the operating rate of the user-specified sheet storage unit can be increased.

In the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of unused sheet storage units for storing unused sheets supplied to the image forming unit are provided below the image forming unit. The unused sheet storage section and the user-specified sheet storage section can be exchanged.

According to this, the sheet post-processing unit is
Since the configuration is replaceable with the unused sheet storage section provided in the image forming apparatus, if the user-specified sheet storage section is not used, setting the unused sheet storage section wastes space in the apparatus. Does not occur. Also, if the part from which the post-processing unit is removed is left open, greetings may enter the apparatus body from outside.
By setting the unused sheet storage section, such a problem does not occur.

Further, in the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, an unused sheet accommodating section for accommodating an unused sheet supplied to the image forming section is unitized in the user-specified sheet accommodating section. According to this configuration, the unused sheet storage unit is unitized in the user-specified sheet storage unit to form one member, so that the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts, and the unit can be reduced. By storing the sheet selected by the user and forming an image using the unit, the sheet feeding and discharging positions are made unique, and the user can select all the units by simply selecting the unit. A printed matter can be obtained with the specified paper size, and the convenience as an image forming apparatus is further improved.

[0041]

[Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows a digital MFP 1 as an embodiment to which the configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied. The digital multifunction peripheral is an image forming apparatus having a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 has an image forming unit 2 having an image processing unit 5 therein as a center, a scanner unit 3 installed on an upper surface thereof, and a scanner unit 3 installed therebelow. And a paper feed cassette unit 4.

The scanner unit 3 reads an image of a document and converts the image information into digital data. The read digital data is output to the image processing unit 5 of the image forming unit 2.

The paper feed cassette section 4 stores paper to be supplied to the image processing section 5 of the image forming section 2 and has therein a paper cassette (unused sheet storage section) for storing sheets of a predetermined size. ) 16 are provided in a plurality of stages. Each of the paper cassettes 16 can be pulled out from the front side (front side) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in a state where the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is configured by mounting the image forming section 2 on the upper surface of the paper supply cassette section 4. Further, by further pulling it out, it can be attached to and detached from the paper feed cassette unit 4 main body.

Here, the scanner unit 3 and the paper feed cassette unit 4 are treated as optional devices configured to be separable to the image forming unit 2, but may be configured to be inseparable.

The image processing unit 5 provided in the image forming unit 2 forms an image based on digital data input from the scanner unit 3 or a connected personal computer (not shown). The photosensitive drum 6 includes a charging charger 7, a developing device 8, a transfer charger 9, and the like. Since the configuration of the image processing unit 5 is well known, no further description will be given here.

On the downstream side (paper discharge side) of the image processing unit 5 in the paper transport direction, a fixing device 1 for fixing an image on paper is provided.
0, and a conveyance belt 11 and a paper discharge roller 12 are provided between the fixing device 10 and the paper discharge tray 15. The transport belt 11 and the discharge roller 1
A first transport path 14 that guides the sheet that has passed through the fixing device 10 to a discharge tray 15 is configured by the sheet 2 and a discharge path 13 that connects the transport belt 11 and the discharge roller 12.

Further, on the paper feeding side (right side as viewed from the front) of the paper feeding cassette unit 4 and the image forming unit 2, between each paper cassette 16 and the image processing unit 5, A paper feed path 17 for guiding the paper fed from 16 to the image processing unit 5 is formed so as to extend over the paper feed cassette unit 4 and the image forming unit 2.

A plurality of transport rollers 18 for transporting the paper are provided in the paper transport path 17, and a PS roller 19 is provided in front of the image processing section 5. With each paper cassette 16
A sheet fed from a sheet cassette 16 by a sheet feed roller 20 provided for each sheet and fed through a sheet feed path 17 is guided to the image processing unit 5 in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 6.

Below the image processing section 5 and the first transport path 14 inside the image forming section 2, a sheet post-processing section (stapler, alignment tray, etc.) for performing stapling processing on printed sheets is provided. Sheet post-processing unit) 21
And a paper discharge cassette (processed sheet storage unit) provided below the sheet post-processing unit 21 for storing a post-processed sheet bundle
22 are provided. The sheet post-processing unit 21 and the sheet discharge cassette 22 are unitized and provided as a sheet post-processing unit (sheet post-processing unit) 23. Here, an example in which the stapling process is performed as the post-processing has been described, but it goes without saying that punching or other post-processing may be performed.

The paper inlet of the paper post-processing unit 23 is
The paper discharge transport path 13 of the first transport path 14 via a path 24
A flapper (not shown) is swingably provided at a portion where the passage 24 and the first transport path 14 meet. Due to the flapper, the conveyance path of the sheet that has passed through the fixing device 10 is
It can be selectively switched by the side.

Here, the transport path of the sheet guided from the first transport path 14 to the sheet post-processing section 21 through the path 24 is such that the sheet surface on which the image is formed by the image processing section 5 faces outward. It is formed in a U-shape. The paper that has passed through the fixing device 10 is curled with the image forming surface facing inward, and the paper path on which the image is formed faces the outside. By passing the sheet, a force for correcting the curl generated in the sheet in the reverse direction is applied, and the curl of the sheet can be suppressed. In addition, if a complicated conveyance path that is not U-shaped is used, not only mechanical parts such as a complicated conveyance path but also swelling of paper may occur, but such a simple U-shaped conveyance By using a route, there is no such problem.

In the sheet post-processing unit 23, the sheet discharge cassette 22 is configured to be able to be pulled out to the sheet post-processing section 21. Therefore, in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in which such a sheet post-processing unit 23 is installed, the discharge cassette 22 is located on the discharge side of the image forming unit 2 in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 as shown by a virtual line in FIG. By pulling out the sheet bundle from the side, the sheet bundle stored in the sheet discharge cassette 22 can be easily taken out.

As described above, in the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the sheet post-processing unit 21 is integrated with the sheet discharge cassette 22 for storing the post-processed sheet bundle under the sheet post-processing unit 21.
3, and is incorporated below the image processing unit 5 in the image forming unit 2 so as to be stacked with the image processing unit 5.

Therefore, not only the installation space of the sheet post-processing unit 21 but also the installation space of the portion for stacking and storing the post-processed sheet bundle is included in the original installation space of the image forming unit 2. The installation space of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is approximately equal to the maximum paper size to be processed by the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and the installation space of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is provided by providing the paper post-processing unit 21. Is not going to get bigger.

In the case of the digital multifunction peripheral 1, since the paper post-processing unit 21 and the paper discharge cassette 22 are configured to be installed inside the image forming unit 2, the paper discharge cassette 22 and the paper post-processing unit 21 Need not necessarily be unitized, and the paper post-processing unit 21 and the paper discharge cassette 22 are separately configured,
The components may be arranged so as to be stacked, and the sheet bundle in the sheet discharge cassette 22 may be taken out from the image forming unit 2 by some method.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the sheet post-processing unit 23 provided in the digital MFP 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In FIGS. 2 to 5, the surface on the sheet discharge side of the sheet post-processing unit 23 is flush with the sheet post-processing unit of the sheet discharge cassette 22 in the sheet post-processing unit 23 shown in FIG. 1. Portions protruding from 21 are omitted.

FIG. 2 shows the sheet post-processing unit 23 as viewed from the front of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. As shown in FIG. 2, in the sheet post-processing unit 23, the sheet post-processing section 210 and the discharge cassette 22 are separated by an alignment tray 24 provided in the sheet post-processing section 21. The alignment tray 24 is for stacking sheets carried into the sheet post-processing unit 21 and serves as a processing table when performing stapling.

The sheet post-processing unit 21 located above the sheet post-processing unit 23 includes a shifter unit 25 having a roller 26 for drawing a sheet into the sheet post-processing unit 21 in addition to the alignment tray 24 described above. And rear side guides 30 and 31, a stapler 32, and the like.

FIG. 3A is a view of the sheet post-processing unit 23 as viewed from above, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a view as viewed from the left side (discharge side) of the digital multifunction peripheral 1.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the matching tray 24 is composed of two sheets, a near-side matching tray 24a and a back-side matching tray 24b. A space communicating with the paper discharge cassette 22 is provided between the paper discharge cassette 24b. The front side guide 30 is provided on the upper surface of the front alignment tray 24a, and the rear side guide 3 is provided on the upper surface of the rear alignment tray 24b.
1 is provided.

Each of these front and rear side guides 3
The reference numeral 31 moves the front aligning tray 24a or the rear aligning tray 24b in a direction perpendicular to the paper loading direction (the direction indicated by the arrow a in the drawing) and moves the shifter unit 25 to the above-described position. The sheet is carried into the sheet post-processing section 21 and is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sheet (sheet bundle) loaded on the alignment tray 24 is carried. The movement of the front side guide 30 is performed by the reversible motor 3.
The movement of the rear side guide 31 is performed by a first driving mechanism 33 having a motor 3a.
The operation is performed by the second drive mechanism section 34 having 4a. The end of the rear side guide 31 is formed as a gear, and the motor 34a comes into contact with the gear. The rotation of the motor 34a causes the rear side guide 31 to move.

The amount of movement of each of the front and rear side guides 30 and 31 in the direction of arrow a is controlled in accordance with the paper size recognized on the digital multifunction peripheral 1 side.
The amount of movement of the front side guide 30 in the axial direction is detected by the sensor 38b.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the front alignment tray 24a and the rear alignment tray 24b are inclined such that the downstream side in the carrying direction of the paper carried into the paper post-processing section 21 is downward. The position adjustment in the sheet loading direction is performed by the weight of the sheet (sheet bundle) placed on the alignment tray 24.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the front alignment tray 24a and the rear alignment tray 24b are supported by a shaft 80 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) as a fulcrum. The space that communicates with the paper cassette 22 is rotated downward with the rotation end as a rotation end.
Is discharged into the paper discharge cassette 22 located below with a simple configuration without separately forming a transport path or the like. 4A is a perspective view of the sheet post-processing unit 23, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the sheet post-processing unit 23 from which an outer wall portion is removed.

The rotation of the front alignment tray 24a is performed by the same first driving mechanism 33 as that for moving the front side guide 30 in parallel, and the rotation of the rear alignment tray 24b is controlled by the rear alignment tray. This is performed by a third drive mechanism unit 35 having a motor 35a capable of reversible rotation provided at the end of 24b. The front and rear alignment trays 24a.
The motors 33a and 35a come into contact with gears provided at the ends of the respective rotation shafts 80 of the motor 24b.
Receiving the driving force from 35a, the front and rear alignment trays 24a and 24b rotate. Here, each of the alignment trays 24a and 24b on the front side and the rear side is provided with a single drive mechanism, so that it is possible to drive only the front side alignment tray 24a, only the rear side alignment tray 24b, or both. Become.

When the rear alignment tray 24b rotates downward, the rear side guide 31 also rotates in the same direction.
At the time of rotation, the back side guide 31 is
The second drive mechanism 34 having the motor 34a does not hinder the rotation of the rear alignment tray 24b because it moves further away.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shifter unit 25 provided near the paper inlet of the paper post-processing section 21 receives the paper carried in from the paper inlet by an internal roller 26. Chuck the leading edge of the paper to ensure that the paper is
1 inside. Such a rotational force of the roller 26 is provided by a fourth drive mechanism 36 provided at an end of the rotary drive shaft 27.

The shifter unit 25 is also configured to move parallel to the rotation drive shaft 27 in the axial direction. While the rear end of the sheet drawn into the sheet post-processing unit 22 is chucked by the internal roller 26, the shifter unit 25
By moving itself in the axial direction, the sheets stacked on the alignment tray 24 can be offset in a direction perpendicular to the sheet loading direction. Such axial movement of the shifter unit 25 itself is performed by a fifth drive mechanism 37 having a reversible motor 37a. The shift amount of the shifter unit 25 in the axial direction is determined by a sensor 38a.
Is detected by.

The stapler 32 is provided at the front end in the paper loading direction of the front side guide 30 provided on the front alignment tray 24a. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in the digital multifunction peripheral 1, the stapler 32 is fixed to the front side guide 30, and the front side guide 30 is moved forward by the first drive mechanism 33. When the stapler 32 moves in parallel on the side alignment tray 24a, the stapler 32 also moves. As a result, the stapling position for the aligned paper is unique regardless of the paper size, and the convenience of the apparatus is improved.

7 (a) to 7 (i), the sheet bundle S stacked on the alignment tray 24 in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 and subjected to the stapling process by the stapler 32 is discharged below the alignment tray 24. The transition of the state of discharging paper to the paper cassette 22 is shown. 7A to 7I are diagrams viewed from the left side of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7I,
In the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the timing of rotating the front-side alignment tray 24a and the rear-side alignment tray 24b downward at the same time as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 7 (d) to 7 (f), a second timing in which the rear alignment tray 24b is rotated first and then the front alignment tray 24a is rotated, and the opposite timing shown in FIG. 7 (g). As shown in (i), the front alignment tray 24a is rotated first, and then the rear alignment tray 24a is rotated.
By alternately combining third timings such as rotating b, the sheet bundle S discharged to the discharge cassette 22 is offset-discharged in a direction perpendicular to the sheet carrying direction. .

In the case of the digital multifunction peripheral 1, as described above, the offset paper can be discharged in the same direction even by moving the shifter unit 25 in the axial direction. Can be offset in more steps, the work of sorting the sheets after the post-processing is facilitated, and the convenience of the apparatus is further improved.

In the digital multi-functional peripheral 1, as shown in FIG.
Is provided, but the disposition position of such a sheet post-processing unit 23 is not limited to the inside of the image forming unit 2 which is a unit including the image processing unit 5, and the digital multifunction peripheral In order to avoid an increase in the installation space of the image processing unit 5, the unit may be disposed on the upper or lower side of the image processing unit 5, in the lower part of the scanner unit 3 or in the sheet cassette unit 4.

The following describes another digital multifunction peripheral as an embodiment to which the configuration of the present invention is applied.

The digital multifunction peripherals 41, 42 and 43 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, respectively, correspond to the sheet post-processing unit 2 provided inside the image forming unit 2 in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a configuration in which the paper cassette 16 is provided in the paper cassette unit 4 installed below the image forming unit 2 instead of the paper cassette 16.

The paper post-processing unit 23a set in each of the digital multifunction peripherals 41, 42, and 43 is provided in place of the paper cassette 16 which can be pulled out and detached from the main body of the paper cassette unit 4. So, Figure 8
9 is set at the lowest position, in the structure of FIG. 9 is set at the second position from the bottom, and in the structure of FIG. 10, the position is set at the first and second positions from the bottom. The guide members and the like in the sheet post-processing unit 23a when attached to the main body of the sheet cassette unit 4 have the same configuration as the sheet cassette 16.

Further, in order to enable the paper to be conveyed to the paper post-processing unit 23a set in the main body of the paper supply cassette 4, the paper discharge side of the paper supply cassette 4 and the image forming unit 2 (front side). (Left side as viewed), a sheet post-processing unit 2 extending from the path 24 and provided in place of the sheet cassette 16.
Second transport path 4 for transporting printed paper to 3a
4 is newly formed so as to straddle the sheet feeding cassette unit 4 and the image forming unit 2.

The digital multifunction peripherals 41.4 of such a configuration
In 2.43, when removing the post-processed sheet bundle,
Like the other paper cassettes 16, the digital multifunction peripheral 41
Only the portion of the sheet discharge cassette 22 in the sheet post-processing unit 23a is pulled out from the front side of 42 and 43. Once inserted, the sheet post-processing unit in the sheet post-processing unit 23a is fixed with screws or the like, and only the portion of the sheet discharge cassette 22 can be pulled out. Therefore,
It is not necessary to secure a space for drawing out the paper discharge cassette 22 on the paper discharge side of the image forming unit 2 as in the case of the digital multi-functional peripheral 1, and the space below the paper discharge tray 15 can be used effectively.

It is needless to say that the number of paper post-processing units 23a set in place of the paper cassette 16 and the set position are arbitrary. If it is not necessary, remove the paper post-processing unit 23a and remove the paper cassette 1
By setting 6, wasteful space can be eliminated and the efficiency of the apparatus can be improved.

The digital multifunction peripheral 45 shown in FIG. 11 is different from the digital multifunction peripheral 45 in that a paper post-processing unit 23b is provided in the paper feed cassette unit 4 installed below the image forming unit 2 instead of the paper cassette 16. 8 to 10, the digital multifunction peripheral 45 includes a paper post-processing unit 23 b for a plurality of paper cassettes 16 (two in this case). In this state, the sheet post-processing unit 23b is set in place of the two-stage sheet cassettes 16 and 16. A guide member and the like when attached to the main body of the paper feed cassette unit 4 in the large-capacity paper post-processing unit 23b include:
It has the same configuration as a stack of two paper cassettes 16.

Also in this case, the digital multifunction peripheral 41
Similarly to the other paper cassettes 16, when removing the post-processed sheet bundle, only the portion of the paper discharge cassette 22 in the paper post-processing unit 23b from the front side of the digital multifunction peripheral 45 is taken out. It is designed to draw out.

In such a configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 45, since it is regrettable that an overflow of the discharge amount occurs, the apparatus is easy to use for a user who performs a large amount of printing work.

[Embodiment 2] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, components having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

The configuration of the present invention shown in FIG. 12 is applied.
The digital multifunction peripheral 51 according to the embodiment is replaced with the two-stage paper post-processing unit 23a set in the digital multifunction peripheral 43 of FIG. 10 described in the first embodiment, and is used only by a specific user. A mailbox (user-specified sheet storage unit) 52, which is a discharge cassette for selectively discharging only prints of a specific user, is set in four stages.

Since each mailbox 52 is occupied by a specific user, it is clear that the greater the number of stages, the better the usability.
Assuming that the capacity of the paper cassette 16 is half that of the paper cassette 16, a total of four mailboxes 52 are set in the space of the two paper cassettes 16.

Needless to say, the number of mailboxes 52 to be set in place of the paper cassette 16 and the setting position are arbitrary. With such a configuration, a large number of paper discharge cassettes 52 are required. If not, the paper cassette 16 is set in place of the mailbox 52 (for two stages), thereby eliminating wasteful space and improving the efficiency of the apparatus. Conversely, when the number of users using the mailbox 52 increases and the number of mailboxes 52 needs to be increased, the number of the paper cassettes 16 is reduced and the discharge cassettes 52 (2
Various equipment environments can be realized by installing them.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show the structure of the mailbox 52. FIG. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the mailbox 52, and FIG. 2B is a view of the mailbox 52 as viewed from the front side of the digital multi-function peripheral 51.

The paper conveyed into the mailbox 52 is offset by the shifter unit 25 provided in the vicinity of the paper inlet (not shown) and the front side guide 61 and The alignment process in the rear side guide 60 is performed.

The front and rear side guides 61 and 60 provided in the mailbox 52 are shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), the mail is moved in a direction perpendicular to the paper carrying direction (the direction of arrow a in the figure) by a sixth driving mechanism 62 provided on the back of the bottom surface of the mail box 52, and the mail is moved. The sheets stacked in the box 52 are aligned. Front and back side guides 61 and 60
Are translated in the opposite directions by the same amount by the sixth drive mechanism 62, so that the paper is aligned with the mailbox 52 on a center basis.

As described above, in the configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 51, the mailbox 52 is arranged so as to be stacked on the image processing unit 5. There is no problem such as space expansion. Also, in particular, in the case of the mailbox 52, unlike a sorter provided with a plurality of bins, which is a kind of a paper discharge device, it is possible to attach a key from the outside by forming a cassette in which the contents are not exposed. In addition, the confidentiality can be improved.

The following describes another digital multifunction peripheral as an embodiment to which the configuration of the present invention is applied.

The digital multi-function peripheral 53 shown in FIG. 15 has a mailbox 52 and a paper cassette 16 which are unitized instead of the all paper cassettes 16 and all the mailboxes 52 of the digital multi-function peripheral 51 shown in FIG. The paper feed / box unit 54 is set in four stages.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show the structure of the paper feed / box unit 54. FIG. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the paper feed / box unit 54, and FIG. 6B is a view of the paper feed / box unit 54 as viewed from the front side of the digital multi-function peripheral 53.

In the paper feed / box unit 54, the mailbox 52 and the paper cassette 16 are separated by a bottom surface 54a of the mailbox 52 portion.
The paper feed side of 4a is configured as a paper feed lid 55 that can be lifted upward with the shaft 55a as a fulcrum. The paper is supplied into the paper cassette 16 by opening the paper supply lid 55.

With this configuration, the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. In addition, the paper of the size selected by the user is stored in the paper feed / box unit 54, and the paper feed / box By performing image formation using the box unit 54, the locations where paper is fed and discharged become unique, and the user can select all units and obtain all printed matter in the specified paper size. And the convenience of the digital multifunction peripheral is further improved.

FIG. 17 shows a configuration of a paper feeding / post-processing unit 56 that can be set in the digital multi-function peripheral 53 of FIG. 15 in place of the paper feeding / box unit 54 described above. Paper feed
The post-processing unit 56 has a configuration in which the sheet post-processing unit 23 and the sheet cassette 16 described in the first embodiment are unitized.

In the paper feed / post-processing unit 56, the paper cassette 16 and the paper discharge cassette 22 are integrated with the paper post-processing section 21 so as to be drawn out to the paper feed side. Further, the paper discharge side of the bottom surface 57a of the paper discharge cassette 22 that separates the paper post-processing unit 23 and the paper cassette 16 is configured as a paper supply lid 58 that can be lifted upward with the shaft 58a as a fulcrum. ing. The paper is supplied into the paper cassette 16 by first pulling out the paper cassette 16 and the paper discharge cassette 22 to the paper supply side, and then opening the paper supply lid 58.

With such a configuration, similarly to the above, the cost can be further reduced by reducing the number of parts, and the paper of the size selected by the user is stored in the paper feeding / post-processing unit 56. In addition, by performing image formation using the paper supply / post-processing unit 56, the paper supply and discharge locations become unique, and the user can select the unit only by selecting the unit. The printed matter can be reliably obtained, and the convenience of the digital multifunction peripheral is further improved.

[0101]

According to the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, as described above, an image forming section for forming an image on a sheet based on image data, In an image forming apparatus having a sheet post-processing unit that performs processing, the sheet post-processing unit is disposed so as to be stacked with the image forming unit above or below the image forming unit,
Further, the processed sheet storage section for storing the sheet after the post-processing by the sheet post-processing section is arranged so as to be stacked on the sheet post-processing section either above or below the sheet post-processing section.

Thus, the provision of the sheet post-processing section does not increase the space occupied by the image forming apparatus, and also provides the image forming apparatus with a stacking section for stacking the post-processed sheets. There is no problem that the installation space of the device is widened.

As a result, a highly convenient image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing function can be reduced in size without imposing any restriction on the original functions of the sheet post-processing section, and the installation space for the image forming apparatus can be reduced. This has the effect of being smaller.

In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, the processed sheet accommodating portion may be configured to be drawn out from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.

Thus, the post-processed sheet can be taken out by a simple operation of pulling out the processed sheet accommodating portion from the apparatus main body, so that the image forming apparatus can be easily used.

Further, in the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, an offset sheet discharging means for shifting the stacking position of the post-processed sheets stored in the processed sheet storing section is provided. Can also.

As a result, the post-processed sheet is displaced by the offset sheet discharging means (offset state).
In this case, the sheets are stacked in the processed sheet storage portion, so that the sheets after the post-processing are easily sorted and the convenience of the image forming apparatus is improved.

In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, an alignment tray for stacking sheets to be subjected to post-processing and aligning the positions of the sheets is rotatably provided in the sheet post-processing section. The sheet post-processing section is separated from the sheet storage section provided below the sheet post-processing section by the alignment tray, and the sheet placed on the alignment tray is rotated by the rotation of the alignment tray. May be discharged to the processed sheet storage unit.

Thus, the post-processed sheet can be moved by a simple movement such as rotating an alignment tray that separates the sheet post-processing section and the sheet storage section installed below the sheet post-processing section. Can be discharged to the processed sheet storage unit, so that there is no need for a separate conveyance path connecting the sheet post-processing unit and the processed sheet storage unit, and the image forming apparatus can be further miniaturized.

Further, in the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, the sheet post-processing section and the processed sheet storage section may be configured as a unit.

As a result, since the sheet post-processing section and the processed sheet storage section are unitized to form one member, the effect of reducing the number of parts and reducing costs can be achieved.

Further, in the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, the sheet post-processing section and the processed sheet storage section include a unit in which the sheet post-processing section and the processed sheet storage section are unitized. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus may be configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body.

As a result, the sheet post-processing section and the processed sheet storage section can be mounted as required, and a highly optional configuration can be achieved.

Further, in the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, in which the sheet post-processing unit and the processed sheet storage unit are unitized, a plurality of sheet post-processing units can be mounted. It can also be.

Thus, since a plurality of sheet post-processing units can be mounted, if a plurality of operators want to perform work using post-processing, a plurality of sheet post-processing units can be mounted, so that Since different sheet post-processing units can be used, sheets discharged by each operator are not mixed, and the effect that the convenience of the image forming apparatus is further improved can be achieved.

Further, in the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of unused sheet storing sections for storing unused sheets supplied to the image forming section are provided below the image forming section. And the sheet post-processing unit can be exchanged with the unused sheet storage unit.

Since the sheet post-processing unit can be replaced with an unused sheet storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus, the unused sheet storage unit is set when the post-processing unit is not used. By doing so, there is an effect that waste is not generated in the space inside the apparatus, and the intrusion of dust from the outside into the apparatus main body can be prevented.

In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, in which the unused sheet storage section and the sheet post-processing unit are exchangeable, a plurality of stages of unused sheet storage sections may be used. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a sheet post-processing unit having a size corresponding to a plurality of levels of the unused sheet storage unit can be mounted.

As a result, a large-capacity sheet post-processing unit can be mounted in place of a plurality of unused sheet storage sections, so that the configuration is convenient for a user who performs a large amount of work using the sheet post-processing section. , Increasing user selectivity. In addition, such a configuration can be easily realized mechanically.

In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, the sheet post-processing unit is further provided with an unused sheet accommodating section for accommodating unused sheets supplied to the image forming section. Configuration.

As a result, the cost can be further reduced by reducing the number of parts. In addition, a sheet selected by the user is stored in the unit, and the sheet is formed by using the unit to perform image formation. The location where the paper is fed and discharged is unique, so that the user can reliably obtain the desired printed matter only by selecting the unit, which further enhances the convenience of the image forming apparatus. Play together.

As described above, according to the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on a sheet based on image data, an image-formed sheet related to a specific user is provided. In this configuration, a user-specified sheet storage unit that stores only the image forming unit is disposed above or below the image forming unit so as to be stacked with the image forming unit.

Since the user-specified sheet storage section (the above-described mailbox device) is arranged so as to be stacked on the image forming section, the image forming apparatus is provided with the user-specified sheet storage section. There is no problem such as space expansion.

As a result, a highly convenient image forming apparatus which can be used only by a specific user and can maintain confidentiality can be compactly constructed, and the occupied space of the entire apparatus can be reduced.

Further, in the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, the user-specified sheet accommodating section may be configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.

As a result, the user-specified sheet storage section can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus, so that the user-specified sheet storage section can be mounted as required, and the configuration having high optionality can be achieved. Play together.

In the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of user-specified sheet storage units can be mounted.

Thus, since a plurality of user-specified sheet storage units can be mounted, when a plurality of operators want to use the user-specified sheet storage units, a plurality of user-specified sheet storage units can be mounted. This makes it possible for the user to use the dedicated user-specified sheet accommodating section, and the discharged sheets of each operator are not mixed, so that the convenience of the image forming apparatus is further improved.

Further, in the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, an offset sheet discharging means for shifting the stacking position of the sheets stored in the user-specified sheet storing section may be provided.

As a result, the sheets are stacked on the user-specified sheet storage section by the offset discharge means in a state of being shifted (offset state), so that the sorting operation of the sheets discharged to the user-specified sheet storage section is easy. And the convenience of the image forming apparatus is improved. In addition, since sheets can be easily sorted, it is possible to use one user-specified sheet storage unit shared by a plurality of users belonging to one department, thereby increasing the operation rate of the user-specified sheet storage unit. Is played together.

In the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of unused sheet storage sections for storing unused sheets supplied to the image forming section are provided below the image forming section. The unused sheet storage section and the user-specified sheet storage section can be exchanged.

Since the sheet post-processing unit can be replaced with an unused sheet storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus, the unused sheet storage unit is not used when the user-specified sheet storage unit is not used. By setting it, the space inside the device is not wasted and the dust can be prevented from entering the device body from the outside.

Further, in the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, an unused sheet accommodating section for accommodating unused sheets to be supplied to the image forming section is unitized in the sheet accommodating section designated by the user. It can also be configured.

Thus, in addition to reducing the number of parts, cost can be reduced. In addition, a sheet selected by the user is stored in the unit, and image formation is performed using the unit. The paper and the location where the paper is discharged are unique, and the user can obtain printed matter with the specified paper size by simply selecting the unit, which further improves the convenience of the image forming apparatus. Play.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, and is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a sheet post-processing unit provided in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front of the digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram of the sheet post-processing unit as viewed from above, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of the sheet post-processing unit as viewed from the left side of the digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a sheet post-processing unit, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the sheet post-processing unit with an outer wall portion removed.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory views showing the configuration of a shifter unit provided in the sheet post-processing unit, as viewed from above the sheet post-processing unit.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory views showing the configuration near the stapler provided in the sheet post-processing unit, as viewed from above the sheet post-processing unit.

FIGS. 7A to 7I show transitions of a state in which a bundle of sheets stacked on an alignment tray is discharged to a lower discharge cassette in the digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram viewed from the left side of the digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, and is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, and is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and is a front sectional view showing the configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, and is a front sectional view illustrating a configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, and is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral.

13 (a) and 13 (b) each show a configuration of a mailbox provided in the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 12;
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the mailbox viewed from above, and FIG. 2B is an explanatory view of the mailbox viewed from the front of the digital multifunction peripheral.

14 (a) to (c) show the movement of a side guide provided in the mailbox of FIG. 13, and are explanatory views of the mailbox as viewed from above.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and is a front sectional view showing the configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral.

16A and 16B show the configuration of a paper feed / box unit provided in the digital multi-functional peripheral of FIG. 15, wherein FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the paper feed / box unit, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the unit as viewed from the front of the digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 17 shows a sheet feeder provided in the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a paper feeding / post-processing unit that can be attached in place of a box unit, and is an explanatory diagram of the unit as viewed from the front of the digital multifunction peripheral.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 2 image forming unit 3 scanner unit 4 paper feed cassette unit 5 image processing unit (image forming unit) 16 paper cassette (unused sheet storage unit) 21 paper post-processing unit (sheet post-processing unit) ) 22 Discharge cassette (processed sheet storage unit) 23 Paper post-processing unit (sheet post-processing unit) 23a Paper post-processing unit (sheet post-processing unit) 23b Paper post-processing unit (sheet post-processing unit) 25 Shifter unit (offset) Paper discharging means) 41 Digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 42 Digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 43 Digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 45 Digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 51 Digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 52 Mail box (user-specified sheet storage unit) 54 Paper feed / box unit 56 Paper and post-processing unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (Reference) B65H 33/08 B65H 33/08 F term (Reference) 3F054 AA01 AC02 AC03 AC05 BA02 BC02 BC08 BC15 BF08 BF22 BH14 DA01 DA06 3F107 AA01 AB01 AC02 AC03 AC04 BA02 BA07 CB04 CB14 3F343 FA02 FB02 FB03 FB04 GA03 GB01 GC01 GD01 HA16 HB03 HC04 KB03 KB13 LC15

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data; and a sheet post-processing unit that performs predetermined post-processing on the sheet on which the image is formed. The post-processing unit is disposed so as to be stacked on the image forming unit above or below the image forming unit, and the processed sheet storage unit that stores the sheet after the post-processing by the sheet post-processing unit includes the sheet An image forming apparatus, which is arranged so as to be stacked on a sheet post-processing unit either above or below a post-processing unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processed sheet storage portion can be pulled out from an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an offset sheet discharging unit that shifts a stacking position of the post-processed sheets stored in the processed sheet storage unit. . 4. An alignment tray for stacking sheets to be subjected to post-processing and for aligning the positions of the sheets is rotatably provided in the sheet post-processing section, and the alignment tray is used to adjust the position of the sheets. The post-processing section is separated from a sheet storage section provided below the sheet post-processing section, and the sheet placed on the alignment tray is discharged to the processed sheet storage section by the rotation of the alignment tray. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The sheet post-processing section and a processed sheet storage section are unitized.
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing section and the processed sheet storage section, or a sheet post-processing unit formed by unitizing the sheet post-processing section and the processed sheet storage section, are detachable from an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of the sheet post-processing units can be mounted. 8. A plurality of unused sheet storage sections for storing unused sheets to be supplied to the image forming section are arranged below the image forming section so as to be stacked with the image forming section. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the used sheet storage unit and the sheet post-processing unit are exchangeable. 9. Instead of an unused sheet storage section for a plurality of stages,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a sheet post-processing unit having a size corresponding to a plurality of stages of the unused sheet storage unit can be mounted. 10. The sheet post-processing unit further comprises:
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein an unused sheet storage unit that stores unused sheets supplied to the image forming unit is unitized. 11. An image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on a sheet based on image data, wherein the user-specified sheet storing section for storing an image-formed sheet relating to a specific user includes the image forming section. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is disposed so as to be stacked on the image forming unit either above or below the image forming unit. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the user-specified sheet storage portion is detachable from an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of the user-specified sheet storage sections can be mounted. 14. An image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an offset sheet discharging means for shifting a stacking position of sheets stored in said user-specified sheet storing section. apparatus. 15. A plurality of unused sheet storage units for storing unused sheets supplied to the image forming unit, which are arranged below the image forming unit so as to be stacked with the image forming unit. The used sheet storage part and the user-specified sheet storage part are exchangeable.
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. 16. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein an unused sheet accommodating section for accommodating an unused sheet supplied to the image forming section is unitized in said user-specified sheet accommodating section. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.