JP4227473B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers have been developed and spread widely from business use to personal use and from monochrome images to color images due to digitization of information and IT. Such digitization is a cause of promoting the combination of printer functions. In other words, a product that was previously positioned as the output of an information terminal device such as a personal computer was combined with what was conventionally an independent device such as a copy, facsimile, or image input device (scanner). In addition, high-cost performance and space-saving image forming apparatuses such as multiple roles of one unit have been commercialized. A typical example of the product is an MFC (multifunction copier) in which a conventional copier is digitized and a network connection function is added, or an MFP (multifunction printer) in which an image input function is added to a conventional printer.
[0003]
A configuration example of such a conventional image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
[0004]
In the conventional image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 11, a sheet feeding cassette 202 for stacking and storing a plurality of sheets is arranged at the lower part of the apparatus, and above the sheet feeding cassette 202, a photosensitive drum as an image carrier. An image forming process unit 207 that has a 207a and transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 207a onto a sheet is disposed. Further, a laser scanner 212 that outputs a laser beam for forming an electrostatic latent image based on an image signal on the photosensitive drum 207a is disposed above the image forming process unit 207. Further, a fixing device 208 that fixes the toner image on the sheet by heating and pressurizing the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by the image forming process unit 207 downstream of the image forming process unit 207 in the sheet conveyance direction. Is arranged.
[0005]
Above the fixing device 208, the discharge rollers 213a and 213b that discharge the sheet fixed by the fixing device 208 to the upper surface of the image forming apparatus and the sheets discharged from the out-rolling rollers 213a and 213b are face-down (recorded). A paper discharge stacking unit 210 to be stacked is disposed.
[0006]
Further, a reading scanner unit 251 that reads the document information by irradiating the document with light and photoelectrically converting the reflected light by the CCD is disposed above the paper discharge stacking unit 210. Further, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 252 that separates a plurality of documents one by one and conveys them to the image reading position of the reading scanner unit 251 is disposed above the reading scanner unit 251.
[0007]
Such a conventional image forming apparatus can reduce the installation area because the discharge stacking unit 210 does not jump out to the side surface of the apparatus main body. However, the reading scanner unit 251 and the ADF 252 are discharged upward due to problems such as stackability of sheets on the sheet discharge stacking unit 210 and sheet take-out space, and maintenance problems such as jam processing in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is difficult to keep the height of the entire image forming apparatus low. Accordingly, the conventional image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 12 is often used in a floor standing model (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0008]
On the other hand, in the conventional image forming apparatus adopted for the desktop model, a paper discharge stacking unit is provided on the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body, and the reading scanner unit and the like are arranged on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus. The thing which suppressed height low is known (for example, refer patent document 2).
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-48399 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-167099 A
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the image forming apparatus employed in the conventional desktop model generally stacks sheets face up (recording surface face up) on a sheet discharge stacking unit. Such face-up stacking has an advantage that the copying state can be recognized immediately. On the other hand, as described above, with the digitalization of printers and copiers, in a composite image forming apparatus, when used as an output of digital information from a personal computer or server, when used as a copy or facsimile, In order to respond to recognition and page alignment of sheets discharged on the paper stacking unit, such as when a plurality of originals are continuously read by ADF and images are continuously formed based on the plurality of image information. It is necessary to be able to switch between face-up loading and face-down loading. In addition, considering the installation location of the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to consider the expandability of the image forming apparatus, such as support for double-sided recording and installation of a multi-stage paper discharge stacking unit in a limited occupation space.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to reduce the height of an image forming apparatus and reduce the overall size of the image forming apparatus even when the image forming apparatus is combined, such as a copy, a facsimile, and an image input device (scanner). Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can easily switch between face-up stacking and face-down stacking, and can easily recognize and align pages discharged on the paper discharge stacking unit. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus corresponding to the expandability of the image forming apparatus, such as support for double-sided recording and mounting of a stacker or a stapler unit.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, sheet storage means for stacking and storing a plurality of sheets, and image forming means for forming an image on the sheet supplied from the sheet storage means, A storage unit in which the image forming unit is stored; A sheet discharge means for discharging a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming means from a side surface of the image forming apparatus; and a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming means. Inverted retention path that reverses by temporarily retaining and reversing A sheet reversing unit that conveys the sheet to the sheet discharging unit, and a switching unit that selectively switches between conveying the sheet conveyed from the image forming unit to the sheet discharging unit and conveying to the sheet reversing unit. The sheet storage means is disposed at the lower part of the image forming apparatus, the sheet reversing means is disposed at the upper part of the image forming apparatus, and the image forming means is disposed between the sheet storage means and the sheet reversing means. Arranged between In the image forming apparatus in which a part of the reversing stay path extends to a position covering the storage portion, a lid body that can open the reversing stay path of the sheet reversing unit is provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus. In a state where the lid is closed, a part of the reverse staying path is disposed at a position covering the storage portion, and the reverse staying path is opened and the reverse staying path is opened by opening the cover. Is moved from a position covering the storage portion, the storage portion is opened, and the image forming means is detachable from the storage portion. It is characterized by that.
[0013]
The image forming means has an image carrier that forms a toner image, forms an image by electrophotography, and has an ink jet recording head and an ink tank that form an image by attaching ink droplets to a sheet, Although an image is formed by an inkjet method, any method is included.
[0014]
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the reversing residence path temporarily retains the sheet guided to the sheet reversing means, and the end of the reversing residence path opposite to the sheet discharge means is the image forming means. It is characterized by wrapping around to the side.
[0015]
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a lid that allows the sheet reversing unit to be opened on an upper surface of the image forming apparatus, the sheet reversing unit is opened, and the image forming unit is attached or detached. To do.
[0016]
The lid includes the one in which the lower surface of the image reading apparatus disposed on the upper part of the image forming apparatus constitutes the lid. Further, the image reading device and the automatic document feeder (ADF) are integrally formed, and the lower surface thereof constitutes a lid.
[0017]
Further, the sheet reversing means includes not only one that opens entirely but also one that partially opens.
[0018]
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image forming means includes a process cartridge having an image carrier that carries a latent image, and a laser beam for forming an electrostatic latent image based on an image signal on the image carrier. A laser scanner for outputting the laser scanner, wherein the laser scanner is positioned and fixed at a position where the laser beam output from the laser scanner of the image forming apparatus main body can be exposed on the image carrier, The process cartridge is detachably stored in a storage portion that is opened when the sheet reversing unit is opened.
[0019]
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a double-sided conveyance path for resending the image-formed sheet on one side reversed by the sheet reversing unit to the image forming unit and forming an image on the other side. It is characterized by that.
[0020]
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the operation input unit for performing setting input for the operation of the image forming apparatus is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus, and the sheet storage means can be pulled out in the front direction of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by that.
[0021]
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the sheet discharge unit is provided on the inner side of the outermost surface in the direction of both sides of the image forming apparatus, and a post-processing apparatus mounting portion that performs post-processing on the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge unit Is formed on the side surface of the image forming apparatus provided with the sheet discharging means.
[0022]
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, an image reading unit is further provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus, and the image reading unit can be opened and closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body together with the lid.
[0023]
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image reading unit includes a reading scanner unit, and an automatic document feeding unit attached to the upper surface of the reading scanner unit so as to be openable and closable. The opening and closing direction of the automatic document feeder is orthogonal.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. Absent.
[0025]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0026]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a printer main body which is an image forming apparatus of the present invention. A sheet feeding cassette 2 serving as a sheet storage unit for stacking and storing a plurality of sheets is disposed below the printer main body 1 so as to be capable of being pulled out to the front side of the apparatus with respect to the printer main body.
[0027]
An image forming unit 6 is disposed above the paper feed cassette 2. The image forming means 6 includes a photosensitive drum 10 as an image carrier, an image forming process unit 6A for transferring a toner image on the photosensitive drum 10 to a sheet, and an image forming process unit 6A disposed above the image forming process unit 6A. A laser scanner 6B that outputs laser light for forming an electrostatic latent image based on an image signal on the photosensitive drum 10;
[0028]
Further, a fixing device 11 that heats and pressurizes the sheet on which the toner image is transferred by the image forming process unit 6A and fixes the toner image on the sheet downstream of the image forming process unit 6A in the sheet conveyance direction. Is arranged at substantially the center of the printer body 1. A fixing paper discharge roller 12a and a fixing paper discharge roller 12b are disposed downstream of the fixing device 11 in the sheet conveying direction. A fixing paper discharge sensor 13 is provided between the fixing device 11 and the fixing paper discharge roller 12a and the fixing paper discharge roller 12b.
[0029]
Discharge roller pairs 32a and 32b serving as sheet discharge means for discharging the sheet fixed by the fixer 11 from the side surface of the printer body 1 are provided downstream of the fixer 11 in the sheet conveyance direction. Be placed. A discharge tray 20 on which sheets discharged from the discharge roller pairs 32a and 32b are stacked on the side surface of the printer main body 1 below the discharge roller pairs 32a and 32b. The sheet stacking surface is inclined.
[0030]
Between the sheet feeding cassette 2 and the image forming process unit 6A, a first sheet conveying path 5A that reverses in a reverse C shape from above the sheet feeding cassette 2 and goes downward of the image forming process unit 8 is provided. Is formed.
[0031]
In the sheet conveying path 5A, a sheet feeding roller 3 for feeding sheets stacked on the sheet feeding cassette 2 from the sheet feeding cassette 2 and a sheet fed by the feeding roller 3 are separated one by one. Separation and conveyance roller pairs 4a and 4b and registration rollers 8 for conveying the sheets fed by the separation and conveyance roller pairs 4a and 4b toward the image forming process unit 6A are arranged.
[0032]
A second sheet conveying path 5B is formed between the image forming process unit 6A and the fixing device 11.
[0033]
Between the fixing device 11 and the discharge roller pair 32a and 32b, a third sheet conveyance path 5C rising from the downstream side of the fixing device 11 in the sheet conveyance direction toward the discharge roller pair 32a and 32b is formed. ing.
[0034]
Above the image forming process unit 6A and the laser scanner 6B, a sheet reversing unit 15 that reverses the sheet on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing unit 11 and conveys the sheet to the discharge roller pair 32a and 32b is disposed. Is done. In other words, the sheet reversing unit 15 is disposed on the upper portion of the printer main body 1 on the opposite side of the sheet cassette 2 via the image forming unit 6.
[0035]
The sheet reversing means 15 is provided on the upper surface of the printer main body 1 continuously to the reverse conveying path 18A branched from the third sheet conveying path 5C provided on the downstream side of the fixing device 11 and the reverse conveying path 18A. The reversing stay path 18B is provided so as to face, and the reversing discharge path 18C is branched from the connecting position of the reversing conveyance path 18A and the reversing stay path 18B toward the discharge roller pair 32a, 32b.
[0036]
A first flapper 21 is provided at the entrance of the reverse conveying path 18A. By switching the first flapper 21, it is possible to select whether the sheet conveyed from the fixing device 11 is conveyed to the discharge roller pair 32a, 32b as it is or conveyed to the reverse conveying path 18A. Composed. Further, a merging roller 16a and a merging roller 16b are disposed downstream of the first flapper 21 on the reverse conveyance path 18A side. A reverse discharge path paper detection sensor 19 is disposed above the merging roller 16a and the merging roller 16b.
[0037]
A reversing roller 17a and a reversing roller 17b are disposed at the entrance of the reversing staying path 18B. The reversing roller 17a and the reversing roller 17b are configured to be forwardly and reversely rotated by a driving unit such as a motor (not shown). Is conveyed to the reverse discharge path 18C.
[0038]
The tip of the reversal staying path 18B has a curved shape so as to go around the side surface of the printer main body 1. Accordingly, the leading edge of the sheet does not jump out of the printer main body 1 regardless of the size of the sheet.
[0039]
A second flapper 36 is provided at the inlet of the reverse discharge path 18C. The second flapper 36 is normally configured such that its tip is biased by a spring or the like to close the outlet of the reverse conveying path 18A. By appropriately setting the urging force of the second flapper 36 by a spring or the like, the second flapper 36 is pushed up by the leading edge of the sheet conveyed toward the reverse stay path 18B, and the reverse stay path 18B side Configured to allow the sheet to pass through. Further, the second flapper 36 may be configured such that each conveyance path is switched at a predetermined timing when the sheet passes by a solenoid or the like.
[0040]
A conveyance roller 34a and a conveyance roller 34b are provided between the second flapper 36 and the discharge roller pair 32a and 32b. Further, a reverse discharge path paper detection sensor 35 is provided between the transport roller 34a and the transport roller 34b and the pair of discharge rollers 32a and 32b.
[0041]
The reverse discharge path 18C is configured to join the third sheet conveyance path 5C and immediately before the discharge roller pair 32a and 32b.
[0042]
The discharge roller pair 32a, 32b is disposed on the upper side surface of the printer main body 1 and at a position entering the inside of the printer main body 1 from the lower side surface of the printer main body 1 where the paper feed cassette 2 is disposed. Be placed.
[0043]
For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, a mounting portion for a post-processing device (paper discharge option) 33 such as a stacker or a staple unit is formed at the discharge position formed by the discharge roller pair 32a and 32b, and the rear portion is provided there. Even when the processing device 33 (paper discharge option) is mounted, the width (Wop in FIG. 2) in which the base of the paper discharge option 33 protrudes from the side surface of the printer main body 1 can be minimized. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can expand the image forming apparatus while reducing the width of the image forming apparatus and mounting various options.
[0044]
In FIG. 1, a lid 14 is provided on the upper surface of the printer main body 1. The lid body 14 has a hinge (not shown) and can be opened and closed. Then, by opening the lid body 14, a part of the reverse conveyance path 18 </ b> A, the reverse retention path 18 </ b> B, and the reverse discharge path 18 </ b> C are opened.
[0045]
A storage section 7 for the image forming process unit 6A is formed below the laser scanner 6B. The image forming process unit 6A is detachably accommodated in the accommodating portion 7.
[0046]
The laser scanner 6B is appropriately positioned at a position where the laser light output from the laser scanner 6B can be exposed on the photosensitive drum 10 in a state where the process unit 6A is stored in the storage unit 7, and the printer It is fixed to the main body 1 side.
[0047]
When the lid 14 is opened, the storage portion 7 is opened, and the process unit 6A can be attached and detached without moving the laser scanner 6B.
[0048]
Next, a sheet conveying operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Since image forming operations such as formation of an electrostatic latent image and fixing of a toner image are well known, details thereof are omitted.
[0049]
[Face-up discharge]
The sheet on which the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the image forming unit 6 and the toner image is fixed on the upper surface side of the sheet by the fixing device 11 is transferred to the third sheet by the fixing discharge roller 12a and the fixing discharge roller 12b. The sheet is conveyed to the conveyance path 5C and is discharged onto the discharge tray 20 with the image forming surface of the sheet facing upward by the discharge roller pair 32a and 32b. In this case, face-up discharge occurs. When the sheet is discharged face up, the image forming surface is on the upper surface side, so that there is an advantage that the copying state can be recognized immediately.
[0050]
[Face down discharge]
In a case where a plurality of documents are continuously read by an automatic document feeder (ADF) which will be described later and images are continuously formed based on the plurality of image information, sheets discharged onto the discharge tray 20 are transferred. By performing face-down discharge in which the image forming surface of the sheet is discharged downward, it is possible to cope with page alignment of the sheet. Such face-down discharge operation will be described below.
[0051]
The sheet on which the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the image forming unit 6 and the toner image is fixed on the upper surface of the sheet by the fixing device 11 is conveyed to the third sheet by the fixing discharge roller 12a and the fixing discharge roller 12b. It is conveyed to the path 5C. At this time, the first flapper 21 is switched so that the front end faces downward, and the sheet conveyed from the fixing device 11 is conveyed to the reverse conveying path 18A. The sheet conveyed to the reverse conveying path 18A passes through the merging roller 16a and the merging roller 16b, further pushes up the tip of the second flapper 36, and is conveyed to the reverse stagnation path 18B by the reverse roller 17a and the reverse roller 17b. Is done.
[0052]
The reverse roller 17a and the reverse roller 17b are reversely rotated at a predetermined timing when the trailing edge of the sheet conveyed to the reverse stay path 18B passes through the second flapper 36.
[0053]
When the reverse roller 17a and the reverse roller 17b are rotated in reverse, the reverse discharge path paper detection sensor 19 provided in the reverse conveyance path 15 detects the leading edge or the trailing edge of the sheet, and the sheet is detected based on the detected value. It is obtained by calculating a predetermined timing when the rear end of the rear end passes through the second flapper 36.
[0054]
By reversing the reverse roller 17a and the reverse roller 17b, the sheet retained in the reverse retention path 18B is conveyed to the reverse discharge path 18C. At this time, as described above, since the tip of the second flapper 36 is biased downward by a spring or the like, the sheet is prevented from being reversely fed to the reverse conveying path 18A, and at the same time the reverse discharge path 18C is discharged. Transport is not hindered.
[0055]
Then, the sheet is transported by the transport roller 34a, the transport roller 34b, and the discharge rollers 32a and 32b, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 20 with the image forming surface of the sheet facing downward. In this case, face-down discharge occurs.
[0056]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a sheet conveyance state when the face-down discharge described above is performed.
[0057]
FIG. 3 shows the conveyance state of the first and second sheets when the face-down is continuously discharged, and the details of the sheets conveyed through the respective conveyance paths are as described above.
[0058]
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0059]
The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment includes an image reading unit 51 on a lid 14 provided on the upper surface of the printer main body 1. The image reading unit 51 includes a reading scanner unit 51A and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 51B.
[0060]
The ADF 51B includes a document stacking tray 53 on which a plurality of documents can be placed. The documents placed on the document stacking tray 53 are separated and conveyed one by one by the feeding roller 54 and the separation pad 55, and the information on the document image is read by the optical carriage 58 by passing through the document reading position 56. . Image information of the original read by the optical carriage 58 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD and transmitted to the laser scanner 6B as an electrical signal. The other details of the image forming operation are the same as those of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and are therefore omitted.
[0061]
The image reading unit 51 including the reading scanner unit 51 and the automatic document feeding unit (ADF) 51B is attached to the upper left of the printer main body 1 through the rotary hinge 60 together with the lid body 14. Therefore, the image reading unit 51 can be opened and closed with respect to the printer main body 1 together with the lid 14 with the rotary hinge 60 as a fulcrum with respect to the printer main body 1.
[0062]
The ADF 51B is attached to the upper surface of the reading scanner unit 51A through a rotary hinge (not shown) so as to be freely opened and closed. The ADF 51B is attached to the reading scanner unit 51A so as to open and close in a direction orthogonal to the opening and closing direction of the image reading unit 51 by the rotary hinge 60. Since other configurations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
[0063]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an opening / closing direction (direction of arrow A in the figure) of the ADF 51B with respect to the reading scanner unit 51A. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an opening / closing direction of the image reading unit 51 with respect to the printer main body 1 (in the direction of arrow B in the figure).
[0064]
Therefore, the opening / closing direction of the image reading unit 51 is orthogonal to the opening / closing direction of the single ADF 51B, and the ADF 51B does not fall backward even when the image reading unit 51 is in the open state.
[0065]
FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the sheet reversing unit 15 is opened by opening the image reading unit 51 including the lid 14. The opening of the image reading unit 51 including the lid 14 opens a part of the reverse conveying path 18A, the reverse stay path 18B, and the reverse discharge path 18C in the first embodiment. This is the same as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 7, with the sheet reversing means opened, the storage unit 7 is opened and the process unit 6A does not move the laser scanner 6B, as in the first embodiment. It becomes possible to attach and detach.
[0067]
[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0068]
In the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, the image forming unit 6 and the sheet are provided with a double-sided conveyance path 75 that resends the sheet reversed by the sheet reversing unit 15 to the image forming process unit 6A and forms an image on the back surface of the sheet. It is provided between the storage means 2.
[0069]
The double-sided conveyance path 75 joins the sheet conveyance path 5 </ b> C at one end side adjacent to the fixing device 11, and joins the sheet conveyance path 5 </ b> A at the other end close to the sheet storage unit 2.
[0070]
A fixing paper discharge roller 12a and a fixing paper discharge roller 12b are disposed downstream of the fixing device 11 in the sheet conveying direction. A double-sided pressure roller 70 is disposed so as to nip the fixing paper discharge roller 12a. The double-sided conveyance path 75 is provided with a first conveyance roller 72a, a first conveyance roller 72b, a second conveyance roller 74a, and a second conveyance roller 74b. Further, a double-sided sheet re-feed sensor 73 is provided between the first transport roller 72a and the first transport roller 72b and the second transport roller 74a and the second transport roller 74b.
[0071]
Next, a sheet conveying operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. Since image forming operations such as formation of an electrostatic latent image and fixing of a toner image are well known, details thereof are omitted.
[0072]
The sheet on which the toner image is fixed on the upper surface of the sheet by the fixing unit 11 is conveyed to the third sheet conveying path 5C by the fixing sheet discharging roller 12a and the fixing sheet discharging roller 12b. At this time, the leading edge of the first flapper 21 is switched to face downward, and the sheet conveyed from the fixing device 11 is conveyed to the reverse conveying path 18A.
[0073]
Then, after the rear end of the sheet passes through the fixing paper discharge roller 12a and the fixing paper discharge roller 12b and conveyed by a predetermined amount, for example, when the rear end of the sheet reaches the P point position, the sheet reversing unit 15 The merging roller 16a and the merging roller 16b, and the reversing roller 17a and the reversing roller 17b are reversed. The reverse rotation timing of each roller and roller can also be performed by detecting the leading edge or the trailing edge of the sheet by the fixing sheet discharge sensor 13.
[0074]
The leading edge of the reversely conveyed sheet is directed toward the double-sided pressure roller 70 by the waist of the paper, and is nipped by the fixing paper discharge roller 12a and the double-sided pressure roller 70, and the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 75. The The sheet conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 75 is detected by the double-sided refeed sensor 73 at the leading or trailing edge of the sheet, and the first conveying roller 72a and the first conveying roller 72b, and the second conveying roller 74a and the second conveying roller. The roller 74b is appropriately rotated and conveyed again to the sheet conveying path 5A at a predetermined timing. The sheet conveyed to the sheet conveying path 5A is then retransmitted to the image forming process unit 6A to form an image on the back side of the sheet.
[0075]
Depending on the size of the sheet on which the double-sided image is formed, for example, when the sheet size is small, the sheet is not conveyed to the reversal staying path 18B, but is stopped once in the sheet conveying path 5A, In some cases, the paper is reversely conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 75. On the other hand, when the sheet size is large, the sheet may be conveyed to the reverse staying path 18B and then reversely conveyed to the duplex conveying path 75 from there.
[0076]
9 and 10 include an image reading unit 51 having a reading scanner unit 51A and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 52B on the lid 14 of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. . Since other configurations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
[0077]
In the image forming apparatuses according to the first to third embodiments, the sheet feeding is performed in the so-called product front direction such as the insertion / extraction direction of the sheet storage unit 2 and the direction of the display unit of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. The sheet conveyance directions such as the paper, conveyance, and paper discharge directions are orthogonal to each other.
[0078]
The embodiment described above is summarized as follows.
[0079]
(1) An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image storage unit 2 for stacking and storing a plurality of sheets, and an image forming unit 6 for forming an image on a sheet supplied from the sheet storage unit 2. In the forming apparatus, the sheet discharging means 32a and 32b for discharging the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming means 6 from the side surface of the image forming apparatus 1 and the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming means 6 are reversed. Sheet reversing means 15 (18A, 18B, 18C) for conveying the reversed sheet to the sheet discharging means, and the sheet storage means 2 is disposed below the image forming apparatus, and the sheet reversing means 15 ( 18A, 18B, 18C) are arranged above the image forming apparatus 1, and the image forming means 6 is replaced with the sheet storage means 2 and the sheet reversing means 15 (18A, 18A, 18C). 8B, are positioned to sandwich between 18C).
[0080]
For this reason, the height of the image forming apparatus is kept low, the entire image forming apparatus is made compact, and the face-up stacking and the face-down stacking can be switched to recognize the sheet discharged onto the discharge stacking unit. And page alignment.
[0081]
Further, since the sheet reversing means 15 (18A, 18B, 18C) is arranged above the image forming apparatus rather than the image forming means 6, the temperature inside the apparatus due to the sheet that has passed through the fixing device 11 is suppressed during continuous printing. Further, it is possible to prevent the image writing laser scanner 6B that is relatively weak to a high temperature from being heated from below.
[0082]
Furthermore, since only the space for the passage of the sheet reversing means 15 (18A, 18B, 18C) needs to be secured, the influence on the product height of the image forming apparatus can be minimized.
[0083]
(2) The sheet reversing means 15 (18A, 18B, 18C) has a reversing staying path 18B for temporarily retaining the reversed sheet, and the reversing staying path 18B is opposite to the sheet discharge means 32a, 32b. Is configured to wrap around the side of the image forming means 6 inside the image forming apparatus 1.
[0084]
For this reason, the leading edge of the sheet does not protrude from the image forming apparatus 1.
[0085]
Further, there is no possibility that the user will carelessly touch the sheet discharged face down.
[0086]
(3) The upper surface of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a lid 14 that can open the sheet reversing means 15 (18A, 18B, 18C), and the sheet reversing means 15 (18A, 18B, 18C) is opened. The image forming unit 6 is configured to be attached and detached.
[0087]
Therefore, it is possible to perform jam processing of the sheet reversing unit 15 (18A, 18B, 18C) without moving the image forming unit 6.
[0088]
Further, during continuous printing, the sheet heated after passing through the fixing device 11 can be dissipated from the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 1, so that an image writing laser scanner that is relatively weak against high temperatures without increasing the temperature in the apparatus. Heating 6B from below can be prevented.
[0089]
Further, maintenance and inspection of the image forming unit 6 can be easily performed.
[0090]
(4) The image forming means 6 includes a process cartridge 6A having an image carrier 10 that carries a latent image, and a laser beam for forming an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier 10 based on an image signal. The laser scanner 6B is positioned at a position where the laser beam output from the laser scanner 6B of the image forming apparatus 1 can be exposed on the image carrier 10. The process cartridge 6A is fixed and detachably accommodated in the accommodating portion 7 that is opened when the sheet reversing means 15 (18A, 18B, 18C) is opened.
[0091]
For this reason, the process cartridge 6A can be easily attached and detached without moving the laser scanner 6B. Further, since the laser scanner 6B is not moved when the process cartridge 6A is attached or detached, the positioning accuracy of the laser scanner 6B can be maintained, and stable image formation can be performed.
[0092]
(5) Further, a double-sided conveyance path 75 for resending the sheet reversed by the sheet reversing unit 15 (18A, 18B, 18C) to the image forming unit 6 to form an image on the back side of the sheet is provided.
[0093]
For this reason, the influence on the height of the image forming apparatus 1 is minimized, and further, duplex recording on the sheet of the image forming apparatus 1 is possible.
[0094]
(6) Further, an operation input unit for performing setting input regarding the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus, and the sheet storage unit can be pulled out in the front direction of the image forming apparatus.
[0095]
(7) Further, the sheet discharge means 32a, 32b is provided inside the outermost surface in the direction of both sides of the image forming apparatus 1, and a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing on the sheets discharged from the sheet discharge means 32a, 32b. 33 is formed on the side surface of the image forming apparatus 1 provided with the sheet discharge means 32a and 32b.
[0096]
For this reason, the mounting portion of the post-processing device 33 that performs post-processing on a sheet such as a stacker or a stapler unit can be arranged in a state where it enters the inside of the apparatus from the side surface of the image forming apparatus 1, so that the overall width of the image forming apparatus is suppressed. It becomes possible.
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the height of the product image forming apparatus can be reduced even when the image forming apparatus is combined, such as a copy, a facsimile, and an image input device (scanner). An image forming apparatus that reduces the size of the image forming apparatus as a whole and that can be switched between face-up stacking and face-down stacking, and that facilitates the recognition and page alignment of sheets discharged onto the discharge stacking unit. Can be provided. Furthermore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus corresponding to the expandability of the image forming apparatus, such as support for double-sided recording and mounting of a stacker or a stapler unit.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which a post-processing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a sheet conveyance state.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an opening / closing direction of an ADF.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an opening / closing direction of the image reading unit.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the sheet reversing unit is opened.
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional image forming apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image forming device (printer body)
2 Sheet storage means (the paper feed cassette)
6 Image forming means
6A process cartridge
6B Laser scanner
14 Lid
15 Sheet reversing means
18B Reverse retention path
32a, 32b Sheet discharge means (discharge roller pair)
33 Post-processing device (paper delivery option)
75 Double-sided conveyance path

Claims (8)

Sheet storage means for stacking and storing a plurality of sheets;
Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet supplied from the sheet storage means ;
A storage section for storing the image forming means;
A sheet discharge means for discharging a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming means from a side surface of the image forming apparatus;
A sheet reversing unit that includes a reversing staying path for temporarily reversing and reversing a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and conveying the reversed sheet to the sheet discharging unit;
A switching unit that selectively switches between conveyance of the sheet conveyed from the image forming unit to the sheet discharge unit and conveyance to the sheet reversing unit;
With
The sheet storage means is disposed at the bottom of the image forming apparatus, and the sheet reversing means is disposed at the top of the image forming apparatus,
The image forming unit is disposed between the sheet storage unit and the sheet reversing unit ,
In the image forming apparatus in which a part of the reversing stay path extends to a position covering the storage portion,
The upper part of the image forming apparatus is provided with a lid that can open the reverse retention path of the sheet reversing means,
In a state where the lid is closed, a part of the inversion retention path is arranged at a position covering the storage portion,
By opening the lid, the reversal staying path is opened and a part of the reversing staying path moves from a position that covers the housing part to open the housing part, and the image forming unit from the housing part. An image forming apparatus configured to be detachable . The said sheet discharging means before Symbol reversing retention passage opposite end, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that crowded write around the side of the image forming means. The image forming means is a process cartridge having an image carrier for carrying a latent image ,
The image forming apparatus includes a laser scanner that outputs laser light for forming an electrostatic latent image based on an image signal on the image carrier,
The laser scanner is positioned and fixed at a position where the laser beam output from the laser scanner of the image forming apparatus main body can be exposed on the image carrier,
The process cartridge, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is removably accommodated to the accommodating portion is opened when opening the reversing staying path. 2. A double-sided conveyance path is provided, wherein a sheet on which an image has been formed on one side reversed by the sheet reversing unit is retransmitted to the image forming unit and an image is formed on the other side. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3 . 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation input unit configured to input a setting for an operation of the image forming apparatus on the front side of the image forming apparatus, and wherein the sheet storage unit can be pulled out in a front direction of the image forming apparatus. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 4 to 4 . The sheet discharging means is provided inside the outermost surface in the direction of both sides of the image forming apparatus, and the sheet discharging means includes a mounting portion for a post-processing device that performs post-processing on the sheet discharged from the sheet discharging means. the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that formed in the image forming apparatus side. Further, the image reading unit is provided in the upper portion of the image forming apparatus, the image reading unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is opened and closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body with the lid Image forming apparatus. The image reading unit includes a reading scanner unit and an automatic document feeding unit attached to an upper surface of the reading scanner unit so as to be openable and closable, and an opening / closing direction of the image reading unit and an opening / closing direction of the automatic document feeding unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein are orthogonal to each other.

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