JP2000044107A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability and convenience regarding an image forming device provided with a sheet loading part capable of moving an image-formed transfer sheet from an ejected sheet part to the outside. SOLUTION: An image forming device is provided with an image forming part 3 for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and an ejected sheet part disposed in the inner position of the image forming device and adapted to house the transfer sheet ejected through the image forming part 3. The ejected sheet part 4 is opened to the outside of the image forming device, and provided with a movable ejected sheet tray 6. A tray part 41 for loading the ejected transfer sheet of the movable ejected tray 6 is pulled out to the open side by a rotational movement around a rotational fulcrum F.

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 facsimile, or a printer, provided with a discharge sheet tray for stacking transfer sheets on which images have been formed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional image forming apparatus is disclosed in
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. -301321 discloses a first conventional example. As shown in FIG. 57, this image forming apparatus includes a scanner unit 601 for reading a document image, a paper feeding unit 602 for storing and supplying transfer paper, and a scanner unit 601.
The image forming unit 603 includes an image forming unit 603 that forms an image read on the transfer sheet on the transfer sheet, and a sheet discharge tray 604 that receives the image-formed transfer sheet discharged from the image forming unit 603. Note that an arrow indicates a transfer path of the transfer sheet, and 605 indicates a manual feed unit.

In such an image forming apparatus, a paper discharge tray 604 projects in a wing shape from the apparatus main body. For this reason, a large space is required for installing the image forming apparatus.

Therefore, in an image forming apparatus (second conventional example) disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-34183, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the paper supply unit 602, the image forming unit 603, the paper discharge tray 604 (paper discharge unit), and the scanner unit 601 are provided so as to be stacked from below. That is, in this configuration, since the discharge tray 604 is provided inside the apparatus, the discharge tray 6
04 is eliminated, thereby saving space.

However, in such an image forming apparatus, the user bends his / her body to take out the transfer paper from the paper discharge tray 604 and to check the presence or absence of the transfer paper in the paper discharge tray 604. I have to look into. For this reason, the image forming apparatus forcing a user to have an unnatural posture during use has a problem in operability.

That is, the image forming apparatus of the second conventional example is
Space is saved by suppressing the width of the device, and it is necessary to keep the height of the device low for further space saving. To this end, as shown in FIG. 59, the scanner unit 601, the sheet feeding unit 602, and the image forming unit 6
03 must be kept low, and the height of the space in which the paper discharge tray 604 is provided must be kept low. In this case, it is difficult to confirm the presence or absence of the image-formed transfer paper P by looking into the paper discharge tray 604 while the user is standing.
Therefore, the user must bend the body, for example, to the point where the transfer paper P can be seen, and look into the body.

On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus (third conventional example) disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 8-48453, as shown in FIG. 60, a paper discharge tray 604 (paper stacking unit) is provided inside the apparatus. The discharge tray 604 is provided so that it can be pulled out in a direction parallel to the transfer paper discharge direction from the image forming unit 603 as shown by a broken line in the drawing. With such a configuration, the user can take out the transfer paper P from the paper output tray 604 and check the presence or absence of the transfer paper P in the paper output tray 604 without being forced to take an unnatural posture. .

[0008]

However, in the configuration of the third conventional example, the operability for the user can be improved in a configuration in which the discharge tray 604 is movable and the discharge unit is provided inside the apparatus. However, the configuration of the paper discharge tray 604 for obtaining better operability or convenience has not been sufficiently studied. For this reason, there is a problem that the discharge tray 604 is insufficient in improving the operability or convenience of the movable image forming apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to further improve the operability or convenience of an image forming apparatus having a movable paper discharge tray.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a transfer sheet, the image forming apparatus being provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus. And a discharge sheet section for storing the transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section, wherein the discharge sheet section is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus. While loading the sheets, the initial position inside the image forming apparatus that supports the transfer sheet and is rotatably supported about a rectangular corner, and the loaded transfer sheet is opened to the outside. A sheet stacking section that is movable to an advanced position where the sheet is advanced to a side where the sheet is advanced.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the sheet stacking portion is rotatably provided with one corner thereof as a fulcrum.
By being pulled out by the rotation operation, the stacked transfer sheets can be advanced from the discharge sheet section to the side opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus (hereinafter, the open section side).

Therefore, even if the height of the discharged sheet portion is set low to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus, the operator can complete the image forming operation, that is, perform image formation on the sheet stacking portion. The presence of the completed transfer sheet can be easily confirmed by a simple operation of pulling out the sheet stacking portion without bending the body and looking into the discharge sheet portion.

Further, since the movement of the sheet stacking section is a rotational movement, smooth movement is possible without providing a guide means, as compared with a configuration in which the sheet stacking section is pulled out to the open section side by, for example, parallel movement. In particular, when the sheet stacking unit is pulled out by manual operation, even if any part of the sheet stacking unit is grasped with one hand, the operation can be smoothly performed, and
By grasping the part distant from the rotation fulcrum, it can be moved with a small force.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the rotational movement of the sheet stacking section is restricted to 90 degrees at the maximum.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect of the present invention, since the supporting load on the rotation fulcrum of the sheet stacking portion can be reduced, the material and structure used for the rotation fulcrum of the sheet stacking portion can be reduced. The range can be widened and the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the sheet stacking section drive means for moving the sheet stacking section from the initial position to the advanced position; Control means for activating the sheet stacking section driving means when a movement command for the sheet stacking section is generated, and wherein the sheet stacking section driving section is provided at a support point different from a rotation fulcrum in the sheet stacking section. It is characterized by transmitting a driving force.

According to the configuration of claim 3, claim 1 or 2
In addition to the operation of the invention, when a movement command for the sheet stacking unit is generated, the sheet stacking unit is driven by the sheet stacking unit driving unit and moves from the initial position to the advanced position, so that, for example, the image forming operation is completed. By issuing a movement command at the time point when is detected, it becomes possible for the operator to take out the transfer sheet without manually pulling out the sheet stacking unit.

In this case, since the driving force is transmitted to a support point provided at a position different from the rotation fulcrum of the sheet stacking unit, the sheet stacking unit is rotated by, for example, rotating a rotation shaft serving as a rotation fulcrum. In this case, the rotational load can be reduced, and the sheet stacking unit can be driven with a small driving force.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first, second, or third aspect, the control means changes the rotation angle of the sheet stacking section in accordance with the size of the transfer sheet. The sheet stacking section driving means is controlled as described above.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the first, second, or third aspect, the rotation angle of the sheet stacking section is changed according to the size of the transfer sheet. Can be prevented from rotating excessively and using extra time and driving force to advance and return the sheet stacking unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and an image forming apparatus provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus for accommodating the transfer sheet discharged through the image forming unit. A discharge sheet portion, and the discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and further, the discharged sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet,
It is possible to incline the mounting surface so that the side open to the outside becomes lower, and by tilting the mounting surface, the stacked transfer sheets advance to the side open to the outside as described above. The sheet stacking portion is provided which is an advance position to be moved and which can be sorted and moved to a different stacking position.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the transfer sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section are moved to the open section side, the height of the discharge sheet section is reduced to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Even if the setting is low, the operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet on the sheet stacking unit without bending over and looking into the discharge sheet unit. .

Further, the sheet stacking section can stack the transfer sheets at the advanced position and different stacking positions by a simple sorting operation such as inclining the stacking surface.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus having a movable paper output tray can be improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a sheet stacking section driving means for distributing and moving the sheet stacking section and a movement command for the sheet stacking section are generated. Control means for controlling the sheet stacking section driving means so that the transfer sheet of each predetermined group is stacked at a different stacking position on the sheet stacking section by moving the sheet stacking section. It is characterized by.

According to the configuration of claim 6, in addition to the function of the invention of claim 5, the transfer sheets of each predetermined group on which an image has been formed are stacked at different positions on the sheet stacking section. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a plurality of image-formed transfer sheets of a group to be distinguished are mixed and stacked at the same position of the sheet stacking unit. As a result, the operator can be released from sorting work such as transfer sheet grouping.

An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is provided with an image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and discharged through the image forming section. A discharge sheet portion, and the discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and further, the discharged sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet,
An inner initial position of the image forming apparatus, and a sheet stacking portion movable to an advance position for causing the stacked transfer sheets to advance to the side open to the outside are provided, and The stacking surface is characterized in that a step is formed for lifting the leading end of the stacked transfer sheet that is open to the outside.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the transfer sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section are moved to the opening section side, the height of the discharge sheet section is reduced in order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Even if the setting is low, the operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet on the sheet stacking unit without bending over and looking into the discharge sheet unit. .

In addition, the end of the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking portion on the open side is lifted from the stacking surface by the step formed on the stacking surface. By inserting the transfer sheet, the operator can easily and reliably take out the transfer sheet.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus having a movable paper output tray can be improved.

An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is provided with an image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and discharged through the image forming section. A discharge sheet portion, and the discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and further, the discharged sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet,
An initial position inside the image forming apparatus, and a sheet stacking portion movable to an advance position for causing the stacked transfer sheets to advance to the side open to the outside are provided, and the sheet stacking portion is , Is divided into a plurality of divided loading sections each having a different dimension from the end side opposite to the side open to the outside, and by moving upward with the end side as a fulcrum, the divided loading section The method is characterized in that a step is formed for lifting the leading end of the stacked transfer sheet that is open to the outside.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the transfer sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section are moved to the open section side, the height of the discharge sheet section is reduced to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Even if the setting is low, the operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet on the sheet stacking unit without bending over and looking into the discharge sheet unit. .

In addition, the end of the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking portion on the open side is lifted from the stacking surface by the step formed by raising the divided stacking portion upward. By putting a hand in this gap, the operator can easily and reliably take out the transfer sheet.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus having a movable paper output tray can be improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the seventh or eighth aspect, the step corresponds to each size of the transfer sheet discharged to the discharge sheet portion. Features.

According to the structure of claim 9, claim 7 or 8
In addition to the effect of the invention, the step is set according to each size of the transfer paper sheet used in the image forming apparatus,
The transfer sheet of any size used can be reliably taken out.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eighth or ninth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of divided stacking units are divided stacking units located on the side open to the outside. It is characterized in that, as it moves upward, the divided stacking portion on the fulcrum side of the divided stacking portion also engages and moves upward.

According to the tenth aspect, in addition to the operation of the eighth or ninth aspect, since the divided stacking portions inside the fulcrum side are simultaneously lifted, the sheet stack formed by the lifted divided stacking portions is simultaneously lifted. The portion has the same shape as the corresponding transfer sheet, and the transfer sheet can be reliably stacked. In the case where the transfer sheets are not engaged, members for individually lifting the divided sheets on the fulcrum side are required to stably load the transfer sheets, which complicates the apparatus configuration.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eighth, ninth or tenth aspect, the upward movement of the plurality of divided stacking units is performed from the initial position to the advanced position. It is characterized in that it occurs in conjunction with the movement of the.

According to the structure of claim 11, claims 8 and 9 are provided.
Alternatively, in addition to the operation of the tenth aspect, the operation of moving the sheet stacking unit to the advanced position and the operation of moving the divided stacking unit up and down are performed at the same time, so that operability is improved.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eighth, ninth, tenth, or eleventh aspect, the elevating mechanism for moving the plurality of divided stacking portions upward includes a discharge sheet And a lifting member formed at the bottom of the section and contacting and pushing up the lower surface of each of the divided stacking sections.

According to the structure of claim 12, claim 8,
In addition to the effects of the ninth, tenth, or eleventh aspect, it is possible to lift a plurality of divided stacking portions with a simple configuration.

An image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is provided with an image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and discharged through the image forming section. A sheet stacking unit for stacking the discharged transfer sheet, wherein the sheet discharging unit is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus. The loading section has a plurality of divided loading sections stacked in multiple stages, and these divided loading sections overlap with each other in an initial state where they are stacked and partially engaged with each other in the direction opened to the outside. It is characterized in that it can be displaced into an expanded state.

According to the structure of the thirteenth aspect, the sheet stacking section having a compact configuration that fits in the discharge sheet section,
By displacing to the extended state as required, a transfer sheet having a size larger than the discharge sheet portion can be reliably loaded.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the thirteenth aspect, one of the plurality of divided stacking portions is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body. .

According to the fourteenth aspect, in addition to the operation of the thirteenth aspect, the entire sheet stacking section is stabilized as compared with, for example, a configuration in which all of the divided stacking sections are not fixed to the apparatus. Operability and usability can be improved.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the plurality of divided stacking portions of the sheet stacking portion are displaced between the initial state and the extended state. The sheet stacking unit displacement unit and the sheet stacking unit displacement unit are activated when a movement command for the sheet stacking unit is generated, and the extension amount of the sheet stacking unit is changed according to the size of the transfer sheet. Control means for controlling the sheet stacking portion displacement means.

According to the structure of the fifteenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the extension amount of the sheet stacking portion is changed according to the size of the transfer sheet, so that the sheet stacking portion is unnecessarily enlarged. It is possible to prevent such a problem that the sheet stacking unit is unfolded and extra time and driving force are used for the advance movement and the return movement of the sheet stacking unit.

The image forming apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, further comprising a sheet detecting unit for detecting the presence or absence of a transfer sheet on the sheet stacking unit; During the return operation of returning the sheet stacking unit from the extended state to the initial state, when the sheet detecting unit detects that the transfer sheet is present on the sheet stacking unit, the returning operation of the sheet stacking unit is performed. Is characterized by stopping.

According to the construction of the sixteenth aspect, in addition to the function of the invention of the fifteenth aspect, the sheet stacking section operates to return to the original state while the transfer sheet is stacked on the sheet stacking section. It is possible to prevent the transfer sheet from being damaged, or the transfer sheet from shrinking the sheet stacking portion and applying a load to the sheet stacking portion driving means.

An image forming apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first, seventh, eighth, or thirteenth aspect.
The sheet stacking section can be moved by manual operation,
Further, a manual operation assisting member for assisting movement by manual operation is formed in the sheet stacking section.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the seventeenth aspect, the manual operation assisting member is a guide plate for aligning the ends of the transfer sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section. It is characterized by being a handle that doubles as a handle.

According to the configuration of claims 17 and 18, in addition to the effects of the invention of claims 1, 7, 8 or 13, operability by manual operation can be improved and a function as a guide plate is added. Thus, operability and usability can be improved without increasing the number of members.

The image forming apparatus according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the third, fourth or sixth aspect, further comprising an initial position detecting means for detecting that the sheet stacking portion is located at the initial position. The control unit also controls the operation of the image forming apparatus, and enables the image forming operation by the image forming unit only when the initial position detecting unit detects that the sheet stacking unit is located at the initial position. Is controlled in such a manner.

According to the configuration of claim 19, claims 3 and 4
Or, in addition to the effect of the invention of 6, since the image forming operation is not performed in a state where the sheet stacking section is not at the initial position, the transfer sheet is discharged in a state where the sheet stacking section is not at the initial position, It is possible to prevent a problem that the transfer sheet is not normally stacked on the sheet stacking unit.

In an image forming apparatus according to a twentieth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, when the control unit receives an instruction signal for starting an image forming operation, the control unit transmits the instruction signal to the initial position detecting unit. Starting the image forming operation until the arrival of the sheet stacking unit to the initial position is detected, and starting the image forming operation when the arrival of the sheet stacking unit to the initial position is detected. .

According to the twentieth aspect, in addition to the effect of the nineteenth aspect, the start of the image forming operation is accepted even before the sheet stacking section returns to the initial position, and the sheet stacking section returns to the initial position. Since the processing is held until the image forming apparatus is completed, the time required to obtain an image on which an image has been formed can be shortened as compared with the image forming apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the third, fourth or sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the movement of the sheet stacking part is detected by detecting the movement of the sheet stacking part to the advanced position. Means, the sheet stacking section driving means can perform a return operation of returning the sheet stacking section to an initial position before the sheet stacking section advances and moves, and the control section detects a detection result of the sheet stacking section movement detection section. Based on
When a predetermined time elapses after the sheet stacking unit has moved to the advanced position, the sheet stacking unit driving unit is controlled to return the sheet stacking unit to the initial position.

According to the structure of claim 21, claims 3 and 4
Alternatively, in addition to the effect of the sixth aspect, when a predetermined time elapses with the sheet stacking unit being moved to the advanced position, the sheet stacking unit moves from the advanced position to the initial position. Therefore, there is no need for the operator to manually return the sheet stacking unit to the initial position.

An image forming apparatus according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention is provided with an image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing the transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section. A discharge sheet portion that is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus. Further, the discharge sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet, and has an initial position inside the image forming apparatus. And a sheet stacking section movable to an advance position to advance the stacked transfer sheets to the side open to the outside, and a sheet to drive the sheet stacking section to move from the advanced position to the initial position. The sheet stacking unit advances based on the detection result of the stacking unit driving unit, the sheet stacking unit movement detecting unit that detects that the sheet stacking unit has moved to the advanced position, and the sheet stacking unit movement detecting unit. When a predetermined time elapses after moving to the position, the sheet stacking section driving means is operated, and a clear key for clearing a predetermined condition setting in the image forming apparatus is pressed even before the predetermined time elapses. Then, a control means for operating the sheet stacking section driving means is provided.

According to the construction of the twenty-second aspect, since the transfer sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section are moved to the open section side, the height of the discharge sheet section is reduced to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Even if is set low, the operator does not bend down and look at the printed transfer sheet on the sheet stacking section without looking into the discharge sheet section.
It can be easily confirmed.

When a certain period of time elapses with the sheet stacking unit still moving to the advanced position, the sheet stacking unit moves from the advanced position to the initial position, and the operator manually moves the sheet stacking unit to the initial position. There is no need to return. In addition, even if the clear key is pressed and a new use is instructed even before the predetermined time elapses, the device immediately returns to the initial position, so that the time can be used more effectively than a configuration in which the user waits for the predetermined time.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a transfer sheet and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and accommodating the transfer sheet discharged through the image forming unit. A discharge sheet portion that is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus. Further, the discharge sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet, and has an initial position inside the image forming apparatus. And a sheet stacking section movable to an advance position to advance the stacked transfer sheets to the side open to the outside, and a sheet to drive the sheet stacking section to move from the advanced position to the initial position. The sheet stacking unit advances based on the detection result of the stacking unit driving unit, the sheet stacking unit movement detecting unit that detects that the sheet stacking unit has moved to the advanced position, and the sheet stacking unit movement detecting unit. When a predetermined time elapses after moving to the position, the sheet stacking unit driving unit is operated, and when the image forming apparatus is in the initial state even before the predetermined time elapses, the sheet stacking unit driving unit is activated. Control means for activating the apparatus.

According to the twenty-third configuration, the transfer sheet stacked on the sheet stacking section is moved to the open section side, so that the height of the discharge sheet section is reduced in order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Even if is set low, the operator does not bend down and look at the printed transfer sheet on the sheet stacking section without looking into the discharge sheet section.
It can be easily confirmed.

When a certain period of time elapses with the sheet stacking section being moved to the advanced position, the sheet stacking section moves from the advanced position to the initial position, and the operator manually moves the sheet stacking section to the initial position. There is no need to return. In addition, even before the lapse of a predetermined time, the apparatus is in the initial state, and when a new use is instructed, the apparatus immediately returns to the initial position, so that the time can be used more effectively than in a configuration in which the apparatus waits until the predetermined time. .

[0068]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Embodiment 1] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 2A, which is a schematic front view of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has a scanner unit 1 in an upper part and a sheet feeding unit 2 in a lower part. An image forming section 3 and a sheet discharge section 4 (sheet discharge section) are provided between the scanner section 1 and the sheet supply section 2.

The image forming section 3 is provided on one side between the scanner section 1 and the sheet feeding section 2 as shown in FIG. 2B. Is provided in the space on the opposite side. The back side of the paper discharge unit 4 and the image forming unit 3 is a rear wall, and this wall is a storage unit 5 such as a drive mechanism and a substrate.

Therefore, the present image forming apparatus is provided with
And the side of the sheet discharge unit 4 opposite to the image forming unit 3 is open (open unit). That is, in the present image forming apparatus, the central space in the substantially U-shaped structure formed by the scanner unit 1, the image forming unit 3, and the paper feeding unit 2 is set as the paper discharging unit 4.

The scanner unit 1 reads an image of a document and converts the image into image data. The paper feed unit 2 is an image forming unit 3
Supply the transfer paper. The image forming unit 3 forms an image on the transfer paper supplied from the paper supply unit 2 based on the image data obtained from the scanner unit 1. The paper discharge unit 4 includes a movable paper discharge tray 6, and the image forming unit 3 is placed on the movable paper discharge tray 6.
The image-formed transfer paper discharged from the printer is stacked.

As shown in FIG. 3, the scanner section 1 has a document table 11 made of transparent glass or the like on the upper surface. A scanner optical system 12 is provided below the document table 11. The scanner optical system 12 includes an exposure light source 13 for irradiating a document placed on the document table 11 with light, and a photoelectric conversion element (hereinafter, referred to as a dashed line in FIG. A plurality of reflecting mirrors 14 to 16 leading to a CCD 18;
And an imaging lens 17 disposed in an optical path between
D18. In the present image forming apparatus, the dimensions of the scanner unit 1 are set, for example, as shown in FIG. The dimension setting of each part will be described later.

The image forming section 3 has a photosensitive member 19 as shown in FIG. The photoconductor 19 has a drum shape that is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Around the photoreceptor 19, a developing device 20, a transfer charger 21, a cleaning device 22, a main charger 23, and a laser scanning unit (hereinafter, referred to as LSU) from the laser irradiation point A toward the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 19. 24 and the like are provided in order.

The original image data read by the CCD 18 is sent to the LSU 24 after being subjected to image processing by the image processing circuit 59 shown in FIG. LSU24
Irradiates a laser beam to a laser irradiation point A on the surface of the photoconductor 19 according to the image data. As a result, the surface of the photoconductor 19 is exposed, and an electrostatic latent image is formed.

The developing device 20 develops the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member 19 into a visible image using toner. The transfer charger 21 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 19 to transfer paper. The cleaning device 22 removes residual toner on the surface of the photoconductor 19. The main charger 23 charges the photoconductor 19 to a predetermined potential. The LSU 24 irradiates the laser toward the laser irradiation point A of the photoconductor 19.

As shown in FIG. 3, the paper supply section 2 has a paper supply cassette 25, and the paper supply cassette 25
(Transfer sheet) is stored. In the present image forming apparatus, the dimensions of the paper feed cassette 25 are set, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, a half-moon roller 26 for discharging the transfer paper P is arranged at the front end of the paper feed cassette 25 on the paper feed side. On the downstream side of the flow of the transfer paper P from the half-moon roller 26, a pre-registration passage sensor 27 including a detection switch, a registration roller 2
8, the photoreceptor 19 and the transfer charger 21, a pair of fixing rollers 29 and 30, a post-fixing passage sensor 31 comprising a detection switch, and a paper discharge passage sensor 32 comprising a detection switch.
And a paper discharge roller 33 are provided in this order.

The pre-registration sensor 27 detects the transfer paper P
Is detected. The registration roller 28 is controlled based on a detection signal from the pre-registration passage sensor 27 and aligns the leading end between the toner image on the photoconductor 19 and the transfer paper P. The fixing rollers 29 and 30 fix the toner image on the transfer paper P by heat. The post-fixing passage sensor 31 detects that the transfer paper P has passed the fixing rollers 29 and 30. The paper discharge sensor 32 detects that the rear end of the transfer paper P has passed before the paper discharge roller 33. That is, the paper discharge passage sensor 32 detects completion of paper discharge from the image forming unit 3 to the paper discharge unit 4. The discharge roller 33 is connected between the image forming unit 3 and the discharge unit 4.
The transfer paper P is discharged to

As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 7, the movable discharge tray 6 has a rectangular tray portion 41 (sheet stacking) on which the transfer paper P discharged to the discharge portion 4 by the discharge roller 33 is stacked. Part). A base 41 a is formed at one corner of the bottom surface of the tray section 41, and a support shaft 42 erected on the bottom wall of the sheet discharge section 4 is rotatably inserted into the base 41 a. Thereby, the tray part 41 is rotatable in the C direction and the reverse C direction about the support shaft 42 as the rotation center F.

Further, the tray 41 and the side wall of the apparatus on the side of the storage section 5 such as the drive mechanism and the substrate, and the tray 41 and the image forming section 3
A gap having a size that does not hinder the rotation operation of the tray portion 41 is formed between the side device side wall. However, if the size of the gap is larger than the minimum size transfer paper P used in the present image forming apparatus, there is a possibility that the transfer paper P may fall into the gap. Is designed to be smaller than the transfer paper P.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A rack gear portion 41b that draws an arc around the base portion 41a is formed on the lower surface of 1. A pinion gear 43 provided on a rotating shaft of a stepping motor (sheet stacking section driving means) 44 is provided on the arc gear rack section 41b.
Are engaged. Thereby, the stepping motor 44
Is rotated, the driving force is transmitted to the tray section 41 via the pinion gear 43 and the rack gear section 41b, and the tray section 41 rotates around the support shaft 42.

The rotation shaft of the stepping motor 44 is connected to the support shaft 42, and the base 41a is fixed to the support shaft 42.
A configuration in which the support shaft 42 is rotated to rotate the tray portion 41 in the same manner is also conceivable. However, if the rotation is performed at only one support point, a large driving force is required for the rotation of the support shaft 42, and the rotation load becomes too large. In contrast,
By providing the rack gear portion 41b and arranging the power point separately from the rotation fulcrum F as in the movable paper discharge tray 6, the rotational load of the tray portion 41 can be reduced. As a configuration capable of reducing the rotational load, a slide mechanism or a link mechanism may be used in addition to the above-described rack and pinion mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 1, a stopper 45 is provided in the vicinity of the side wall of the apparatus on the side of the image forming section 3 so as to abut on the tray section 41 and restrict the rotation of the tray section 41 to 90 degrees. I have. This prevents the tray portion 41 from rotating more than 90 degrees and most of the tray portion 41 from coming off the bottom wall surface of the paper discharge portion 4, thereby preventing the support load applied to the support shaft 42 and the base portion 41 a from becoming too large. That's why. Here, the stopper 45 is arranged at the position shown in FIG. 1, but the arrangement position is not limited to this, and if the rotation movement of the tray portion 41 can be restricted to 90 degrees. Other configurations may be used.

On the other hand, the present image forming apparatus has a control unit shown in FIG. 9 as a control unit for controlling each unit.
The control unit includes a CPU 51 (control means), a ROM 5
2, a RAM 53 and an EEPROM 54 are provided.

The ROM 52 stores a program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus.
Reads the program and executes the above control. R
The AM 53 is a memory for temporarily storing numerical data and the like necessary for the CPU 51 to execute the program, and the data is read out by the CPU 51 as needed to execute the program. The EEPROM 54 is an electrically writable and readable non-volatile memory, and retains the written data even when the power is turned off. The EEPROM 54 is appropriately used as a memory that makes use of the non-volatile characteristics.

The CPU 51 has the stepping motor 4
4 is connected to a stepping motor driver 55. The CPU 51 outputs a control signal to the stepping motor driver 55 based on the above program, and operates the stepping motor 44.

Further, the CPU 51 includes various other sensors 56 such as the above-mentioned sheet discharge passage sensor 32 and the take-out position sensor 47, and other components for driving other motors, solenoids, clutches and the like 57 of the image forming apparatus. , The image processing circuit 59 and the CCD 18 are connected.

As shown in FIG. 11, the take-out position sensor 47 is rotated in the direction C from the home position (initial position) where the tray section 41 receives the transfer paper P, and advances to the open side in front of the apparatus. It detects that it is at the take-out position, and is configured by a micro switch or the like that is turned on when the tray section 41 reaches the take-out position.

Since the image forming apparatus functions as a digital copying machine, the image processing circuit 59 includes the CCD 18
The input image signal is subjected to processes such as multi-level binary conversion, resolution conversion, and zoom conversion. Image processing circuit 59
Is processed by the LSU 24 as an optical signal. Of course, in the image processing circuit 59, the CP
Various timings, zoom magnifications, and the like are set by the control of U51.

An operation panel 49 (see FIG. 9) is provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus. Operation panel 49
Is provided with input keys and the like for an operator to make various settings and inputs to the image forming apparatus. The input keys include a print switch for instructing the start of a printing operation, a numeric keypad for designating the number of prints, a transfer paper size designation key for designating the size of the transfer paper P to be used, a clear key, a clear all key and the like. Further, the operation panel 49 is provided with a display unit such as an LCD and an LED for performing various displays. The display unit displays the setting of the number of prints and various messages.

The operation of the image forming apparatus under the control of the CPU 51 in the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, R
The program stored in the OM 52 starts. In this case, first, an operation for detecting the presence or absence of a jam of the transfer paper P and an initial operation for setting the scanner unit 1 to the home position are executed (S1). Next, warm-up is performed to raise the temperature of the fixing roller 29, which is a heat roller, to a predetermined temperature (S2). When the warm-up is completed, the CPU 51 determines that the print operation is ready (S3). .

Next, when the print switch is turned on or a print command is generated, the CPU 51 determines that printing has started (S4) and performs a printing operation (S5). When the printing operation is completed, the operator
The tray section 41 is pulled out to the front and moved to the removal position (S6). Here, the operator takes out the transfer paper P stacked on the tray 41.

When the tray portion 41 is pulled out, the take-out position sensor 47 is turned on, and the CPU 51 detects that the tray portion 41 is taken out to the take-out position. When the extraction position sensor 47 is turned on, the CPU 51 resets the timer a provided in the CPU 51 to a numerical value 0 (S8), sets the numerical value A in a register provided in the CPU 51 (S9), and starts the timer a (S10). The above numerical value A is the time during which the tray section 41 of the movable discharge tray 6 is kept at the take-out position.

Thereafter, the value of the timer a is compared with the value of the register A. If the value of the timer a is equal to or greater than the value of the register A (S11), it is detected again whether or not the extraction position sensor 47 is ON (S12). ). Here, the extraction position sensor 47 is ON.
If so, the stepping motor 44 is rotated to rotate the tray section 41 in the reverse C direction, move (return) to the home position (S13), and return to S3 to prepare for the next printing operation.

On the other hand, in S12, the take-out position sensor 47
In the case of F, since the tray unit 41 has been returned to the home position by a manual operation by the operator, the process returns to S3 without going through S13 to prepare for the next printing operation.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, the tray section 41 of the movable sheet discharge tray 6 is configured to be able to advance to the open side in front of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, after the transfer paper P is discharged, the tray portion 41 is pulled out toward the user,
As shown in FIG. 11, even when the height of the paper discharge unit 4 is set low to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus, the operator 60 leans down and looks into the paper discharge unit 4. The presence of the printed transfer paper P on the tray 41 without
It can be easily confirmed.

Further, in the movable paper discharge tray 6,
Since the tray section 41 is configured to be pulled out from the home position to the take-out position on the front side of the apparatus by rotational movement about the support shaft 42, for example, compared with a configuration in which the tray section is moved to the front side of the apparatus by parallel movement. Thus, the movement of the tray section 41 can be smoothly performed with a simple configuration.

That is, in order to translate the rectangular tray portion smoothly in a simple configuration, it is necessary to provide two guide means in the tray portion in parallel with the moving direction. In the case of movement, since it is supported at one point, smooth movement is possible without providing a guide means. In particular, in the case of a configuration in which the tray unit is pulled out by manual operation as in the present embodiment, if the tray unit is a parallel-moving tray unit,
Unless the center of the tray section is grasped, smooth movement may not be expected because the force is not evenly applied, but if the tray section 41 is a rotational movement, even if any part of the tray section 41 is grasped with one hand The tray portion 41 can be moved with a small force by being able to operate smoothly and by gripping a portion distant from the rotation fulcrum F.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray can be improved.

In the present image forming apparatus, the tray 41
Is moved back to the take-out position, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, the tray unit 41 is automatically returned to the home position. Therefore, even if the operator takes out the transfer paper P from the paper discharge unit 4, the tray unit 41 Even if the user forgets to return the 41 to the home position, the next use will not be hindered.

Further, after the tray section 41 returns to the home position, the image forming apparatus enters a ready state in which the printing operation can be performed. Therefore, the copying (printing) operation is started with the tray section 41 not returning to the home position. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the next printed transfer paper P is discharged onto the tray 41, that is, a situation where the transfer paper P is not stacked at an appropriate position on the tray 41.

As a result, the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus having the movable paper discharge tray can be further improved. In addition, such a configuration in which the tray unit 41 is returned to the home position after a lapse of a predetermined time, and after the tray unit 41 is returned to the home position,
The configuration in which the image forming apparatus enters the ready state in which the image forming apparatus can perform the printing operation is not limited to the configuration of the movable discharge tray of the type in which the tray unit 41 is moved by the rotational movement like the movable discharge tray 6 described above. The same effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to the movable paper discharge tray having the above configuration.

In the case where the tray section 41 is manually pulled out to the front side of the apparatus as in the present image forming apparatus, the tray section 4 is not ready when the printing operation is not completed.
When 1 is pulled out, the transfer paper P is not stacked on the tray 41, or is not stacked at an appropriate position even on the tray 41. This may hinder the movement of the tray unit 41 and may damage the discharged transfer paper P.

In order to avoid such a problem, it is desirable to provide a lock mechanism for stopping the rotation of the tray 41 and fixing the tray 41 at the home position until the printing operation is completed.

FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of the lock mechanism.
A solenoid 60 having a lock bar 60a that moves forward and backward is formed on the bottom wall of the paper discharge unit 4. In addition, a lock rod fitting recess 4 into which the lock rod 60a in the advanced state can be fitted is located on the lower surface of the tray part 41 and at a position facing the lock rod 60a when the tray part 41 is at the home position.
1c is formed. Further, the solenoid 60 is provided as shown in FIG.
Is connected to the CPU 51 shown in FIG.

When the CPU 51 detects that a predetermined number of sheets of transfer paper P have been discharged by the paper discharge sensor 32, it determines that the printing operation has been completed, and controls the solenoid 60 to control the lock rod. The tray 60 is lowered to release the lock of the tray section 41 to enable the rotational movement.

As a result, the operability and convenience in an image forming apparatus having a movable paper output tray capable of moving the tray portion by manual operation can be improved. still,
The same effect can be obtained by applying such a lock mechanism not only to the above-mentioned movable paper discharge tray 6 but also to other movable paper discharge trays in which the tray section can be moved by manual operation.

The movable discharge tray 6 of the present image forming apparatus
In FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the rotation fulcrum F of the tray section 41 is set to the apparatus front side of the image forming section 3 when the tray section 41 is at the home position. In addition, as shown in FIG. When the tray unit 41 is at the home position, the apparatus front side opposite to the image forming unit 3 side, or as shown in FIG. 14, when the tray unit 41 is at the home position, The opposite drive mechanism / substrate storage side 5 may be used.

Further, in the movable discharge tray 6 of the present image forming apparatus, the tray 41 and the drive mechanism, the side wall of the device on the side of the storage section 5 such as a substrate, are arranged so as not to hinder the rotational movement of the tray 41. In addition, a wide gap is provided between the tray unit 41 and the apparatus side wall on the image forming unit 3 side. However, as shown in FIG. 15, a configuration may be employed in which the corner of the tray unit 41 that comes into contact with the side wall is chamfered. . Note that FIG.
Has a rotation fulcrum F at the same position as the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

[Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Note that, for convenience of explanation, members (means) having the same functions as members (means) shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the structure shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and includes, for example, the movable discharge tray 6 shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8.

In the present image forming apparatus, unlike the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the movable discharge tray 6
The rotation angle of the tray section 41 in the direction C is changed according to the operation conditions. The change of the rotation angle is based on the input condition when there is a condition input from the operator using the operation panel 49, that is, the transfer paper P to be used.
And the number of prints, and if there is no condition input, the change is made according to the size of the transfer paper P based on the document size.

In the present image forming apparatus, the movable discharge tray 6 is automatically moved to the take-out position when the printing operation is completed.

Therefore, a control unit shown in FIG. 16 is provided instead of the control unit shown in FIG.
The document size sensor 50 is provided in the scanner unit 1 and detects a document size. The CPU 51 determines the size of the transfer paper P to be used based on the detected original size.

In the above configuration, the operation of the present image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, the program stored in the ROM 52 is started, and the initial operation is performed (S21). Next, the CPU 51 performs a warm-up for raising the temperature of the fixing roller 29 to a predetermined temperature (S
22) When this is completed, it is determined that the print operation is ready (S23).

Next, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the size of the transfer paper P and the number of prints have been input from the operation panel 49 or the like (S24). If the determination is YES, the input is performed based on the input conditions. The rotation angle of the tray unit 41 meeting the conditions is determined (S25), and the angle is determined by the EEPROM 54.
(S27).

On the other hand, if NO is determined in S24, the rotation angle of the tray 41 corresponding to the size of the transfer paper P based on the document size detected by the document size sensor 50 is determined (S26), and the angle is determined. The data is stored in the EEPROM 54 (S27). Note that, in detail, the EEP
The rotation angle of the tray unit 41 is stored in the ROM 54 as the rotation angle of the stepping motor 44.

Thereafter, when a print command is generated by, for example, pressing a print switch on the operation panel 49 in S28, the CPU 51 determines that printing has started and starts a printing operation (S29).

Next, the printing operation is completed (S30),
When the discharge of the transfer paper P onto the tray portion 41 of the movable discharge tray 6 is completed, the CPU 51 rotates the stepping motor 44 forward by the rotation angle stored in the EEPROM 54 to rotate the tray portion 41 of the movable discharge tray 6. Is rotated in the direction C and moved toward the front of the apparatus (S31).

The completion of the printing operation is determined by the CPU 51 based on the passage signal of the transfer sheet P from the sheet ejection sensor 32.
Judge. For example, if the number of prints is set to 10, the CPU 51 determines that
When the paper ejection is detected, it is determined that the printing operation is completed.

When the stepping motor 44 rotates in the forward direction in S31, the driving force is transmitted to the tray 41 via the pinion gear 43 and the rack gear 41b. Therefore, the tray portion 41 on which the transfer paper P is loaded rotates by a predetermined angle in the C direction. Here, the operator takes out the transfer paper P from the tray unit 41.

When the movement of the tray section 41 is completed in S32 and the take-out position sensor 47 is turned on, the CPU 51
The CPU 51 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the removal position sensor 47 was turned on (S33).

If the predetermined time has elapsed, the stepping motor 44 is rotated in the reverse direction by the amount previously rotated in the forward direction, and the tray portion 41 is moved to the home position (S34). The operation of the above S33 is the same as that of the aforementioned S
The operations are the same as those in steps 8 to S11.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, similarly to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the configuration is such that the tray portion 41 of the movable sheet discharge tray 6 can advance by rotation to the front of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, even if the height of the paper output unit 4 is set low for the purpose of downsizing the image forming apparatus,
The operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet P on the tray section 41 without bending the body and looking into the sheet discharge section 4.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray.

In the present image forming apparatus, when conditions such as the number of prints and the size of the transfer paper P are input by the operator, the rotation angle of the tray unit 41 is changed according to the input conditions, and the condition input is performed. Is not performed, the rotation angle of the tray unit 41 is changed based on the size of the transfer paper P determined according to the document size.

For example, when the size of the transfer paper P is large or the number of prints is small, the tray 41 can be sufficiently taken out without rotating the tray 41 largely. If the tray portion 41 is largely rotated, extra time and driving force are used for the advance movement of the tray portion 41 to the take-out position and the return movement to the home position. With the above configuration, such a problem can be avoided.

As a result, the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus having the movable discharge tray can be further improved. Note that such a configuration in which the moving amount (rotation amount in this case) of the tray unit is changed according to conditions such as the size and the number of transfer sheets P is such that the tray unit 41 is rotated like the movable discharge tray 6 described above. The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the movable paper discharge tray of the type moved by movement, and the same effect can be obtained by applying the invention to a movable paper discharge tray of another configuration.

Further, the tray section 41 automatically advances toward the opening section at the timing when the printing operation is completed. Therefore, the operator 60 manually operates the tray section 41 at the timing when the printing operation is completed. There is no need to pull out the transfer paper P, and the transfer paper P can be easily taken out from the movable paper discharge tray 6. Thereby, the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus having the movable discharge tray can be further improved. Note that such a configuration in which the tray 41 is automatically advanced to the opening side at the timing when the printing operation is completed is of a type in which the tray 41 is moved by rotation like the movable discharge tray 6. The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the movable discharge tray, and the same effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to a movable discharge tray having another configuration.

[Embodiment 3] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. still,
For convenience of explanation, members (means) having the same functions as members (means) shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the structure shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 9 and also includes the movable paper discharge tray 6 shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, for example. . However, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, a plurality of movable discharge trays 6 are provided on the mounting surface (upper surface) on which the discharged transfer paper P is stacked, as shown in FIGS. A tray section 61 having a step is provided. The other configuration is the same as that of the movable discharge tray 6 except that the tray portion 61 having a step on the mounting surface is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b), the tray section 61 has a step on the mounting surface, and has divided mounting surfaces 61a to 61d having different heights for each step. FIG. 18 (a)
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the tray section 61, and FIG. 4B is a side view thereof. The lowermost stage on the mounting surface is the tray 61
Bottom 61e.

[0133] The provision of such a step on the mounting surface is made easy by taking out the transfer paper P from the tray 61 by lifting the leading end of the transfer paper P discharged to the tray 61 from the mounting surface. And to ensure.

In this image forming apparatus, the transfer paper P from the minimum postcard size to the maximum A4 size can be used. Therefore, the dimension L _{1 in} the discharge direction (A direction) of the uppermost divided placement surface 61 a is the dimension in the A direction of the postcard which is the minimum size transfer paper P to be used, and the second placed divided placement from the top. dimension L ₂ of the a direction of the surface 61b is, a dimension of the transfer paper P A5 size, divided from the top of the 3-stage mounting surface 61c
Dimension L ₃ of the direction A, the A dimension of the transfer paper P B5 size, the fourth row from the top, i.e. A dimension L ₄ of the split mounting surface 61d of the second row from the bottom, A4 The size of the transfer paper P is designed to match the size of the transfer paper P in the direction A.

Here, as described above, when the transfer paper P of each size is discharged onto the tray 61 as described above, the leading end of the transfer paper P is formed at the step formed on the mounting surface. Are set so as to float above the upper surface (loading surface) of the tray portion 61.

As shown in FIG. 19B, the divided mounting surface 6
If the dimension of 1x in the direction A is longer than the dimension of the transfer sheet P, the leading end of the transfer sheet P comes into close contact with the divided mounting surface 61x, and it becomes difficult to take out the transfer sheet P. Therefore, the transfer paper P
In order to ensure that the transfer paper P is taken out by raising the leading end of the transfer paper P by a step, the dimension of the divided mounting surface 61x in the A direction is changed as shown in FIG. It should be maximally smaller than the size of On the other hand, when the dimension in the direction A of the divided mounting surface 61x is set too short than the size of the transfer paper P, the leading end of the transfer paper P comes into close contact with the next stage divided mounting surface indicated by a virtual line, and It becomes difficult to take out the paper P. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3C, the dimension of the divided mounting surface 61x in the direction A is the transfer paper P.
Ａ of the A dimension is required.

That is, assuming that the size of the corresponding transfer sheet P in the direction A is M, the size L of the corresponding divided mounting surface in the direction A is L.
Is designed within 50% to 100% of M, the transfer paper P
Although it varies depending on the stiffness or the like of the paper used, it can be almost easily taken out.

In the present image forming apparatus, the divided mounting surface 6
The dimensions 1a to 61d are set to 90% of the dimensions of the corresponding transfer paper P of each size. Therefore, the tray section 6
The postcard-size transfer paper P discharged onto the first paper stack 1 is placed on the uppermost divided placement surface 61a, and as shown in FIG.
The leading end of the postcard rises above the divided mounting surface 61b of the next stage. Similarly, the transfer paper P of A5 size discharged onto the tray 61 is placed on the divided placement surface 61a and the divided placement surface 61b, and the leading end of the transfer paper P is divided into the lower stage. It will rise from the mounting surface 61c. Similarly, the B5 size transfer paper P discharged onto the tray 61
Are placed on the divided placement surfaces 61a to 61c, and the leading end of the transfer paper P is placed on the lower divided placement surface 61d.
It will be more prominent. Similarly, the A4-size transfer paper P discharged onto the tray 61 is placed on the divided mounting surface 61a.
21 is placed on the divided placement surface 61d, and the leading end of the transfer paper P rises from the bottom 61e at the bottom.
reference).

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the operator places the transfer paper P of each size discharged on the tray 61 into the gap formed at the leading end of the transfer paper P by an arrow X.
By inserting the hand from the direction of, it is possible to take it out with one operation.

In this case, the divided mounting surfaces 61a to 61d formed on the mounting surface of the tray 61 are set so that the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the direction A also corresponds to each size of the transfer paper P. However, this is not necessary.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, similarly to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the configuration is such that the tray portion 61 of the movable sheet discharge tray 6 can advance by rotation to the front of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, even if the height of the paper output unit 4 is set low for the purpose of downsizing the image forming apparatus,
The operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer paper P on the tray 61 without bending the body and looking into the paper discharge unit 4. As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and the convenience in the image forming apparatus including the movable discharge tray.

Further, since a plurality of steps are formed on the mounting surface of the tray 61, the leading end of the transfer paper P stacked thereon floats at the step, and a hand is inserted into the floating portion to transfer the paper. By removing the paper P, the transfer paper P can be reliably removed.

Further, a divided mounting surface 61a for forming a step is provided.
Since 61d is set according to each size of the transfer paper P used in the present image forming apparatus, reliable removal of the transfer paper P of any size used is realized.

As a result, the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray can be further improved by employing the step structure of the mounting surface. In the present embodiment, the tray 61 having a step formed on the mounting surface is combined with the movable discharge tray 6 configured to be pulled out by rotation, but the opening 61 on the front side or the side of the apparatus. Needless to say, the same effect can be obtained even when combined with a movable discharge tray other than the above, such as a movable discharge tray configured to be pulled out by parallel movement.

[0145] Further, in this embodiment, the above-described tray 61, has been formed to correspond to the A4 size which is the maximum size of the transfer sheet P dimension L ₄ of the split mounting surface 61d is used, The dimension of the tray 61 in the direction A is larger than the dimension of the A4 size in the direction A.
1e may be designed to have a size corresponding to the maximum A4-size transfer paper P, and the leading end of the A4-size transfer paper P may protrude from the tray 61.

In the tray section 61, the divided mounting surfaces 61a to 61d are designed such that the thickness is changed for each step. For example, as shown in FIG. Tray section 6 whose section is serrated
It may be 3. Also in this case, the divided mounting surfaces 63a to 63
The dimension d in the direction A may be designed so that the leading end of the transfer paper P rises up by a step when the transfer paper P of the corresponding size is stacked.

[Embodiment 4] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. still,
For convenience of explanation, members (means) having the same functions as members (means) shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. However, the paper discharge unit 4
A movable discharge tray 65 shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 is provided in place of the movable discharge tray 6.

In the present image forming apparatus, an image of a size larger than the transfer paper P of the maximum usable size can be taken. For example, the maximum size of the transfer paper P that can be used is A4, while the maximum size of the image that can be captured is A3 or B4. That is, the image of the maximum size is automatically reduced to an image of the A4 size. In this case, of the scanner unit 1, the sheet feeding unit 2, and the image forming unit 3,
The scanner unit 1 needs the largest area.
For example, the document size of B4 is 25, as shown in FIG.
7 × 364 (mm), and the length in the longitudinal direction of the scanner unit 1 on which the B4 size document can be placed is 490 mm.
Degree is needed. This is because a space for constructing a drive unit for moving the reflection mirrors 14 to 16 and the exposure light source 13 is required.

In the present image forming apparatus, since the paper feed unit 2 and the image forming unit 3 are constructed within the length of the scanner unit 1, the image forming unit 3 is connected to the scanner unit 1 as shown in FIG. Between the paper unit 2 and the paper unit 2, the scanner unit 1 is provided on one side in the longitudinal direction (A direction), and the paper discharge unit 4 is provided on the other side. As a result, the image forming apparatus has a substantially U-shaped structure by the scanner unit 1, the image forming unit 3, and the sheet feeding unit 2, and the area of the image forming apparatus on a plane (area required for installation) is reduced. ing.

In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the photosensitive member 19 has a drum diameter of 30 mm, the developing device 20 has a width of 130 mm, and the photosensitive member 1 in the transfer charger 21 has the same structure.
The distance between the end on the 9th side and the housing of the image forming apparatus (including the fixing roller) is set to 70 mm. As a result, the image forming unit 3 sets the size of the image forming apparatus in the longitudinal direction to 240 m.
m.

The length of the paper discharge unit 4 is a size obtained by subtracting the length of the image forming unit 3 from the above length of the scanner unit 1. That is,
It becomes 250 mm from (490-240) mm. In this case, since the length of the A4 size transfer paper P is 297 mm, the A4 size transfer paper P protrudes from the paper discharge unit 4 by 47 mm in the direction A, but does not fall from the paper discharge unit 4.

With the above-described configuration, the present image forming apparatus can be installed in a small space unlike the configuration in which the sheet feeding unit 2, the image forming unit 3, the paper discharging unit 4, and the scanner unit 1 are simply stacked. It is a desktop type device with a low height.

As shown in FIG. 23, the movable discharge tray 65 has a tray section 66 (sheet loading section) on which the transfer paper P discharged to the discharge section 4 by the discharge rollers 33 is loaded. I have. As shown in FIG. 25, the tray portion 66 has a rectangular shape, and runners 81 are formed on the lower surface thereof on both sides in a direction orthogonal to the direction A which is the discharge direction. Further, two rail portions 79 extending in the direction A are formed on the bottom wall portion of the sheet discharging portion 4 and the runners 81 are respectively fitted therein.

As a result, the tray section 66 has a home position (the state shown in FIG. 23) at which the transfer paper P discharged by the paper discharge roller 33 is accurately received.
It is configured to be drawn out in the direction A, which is the discharge direction, and to be able to be drawn out to the open side on the side of the apparatus.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the tray section 66 has four divided trays 66a to 66d corresponding to the sheet size of the transfer sheet P used in the present image forming apparatus.
Is divided into And these divided trays 66a-
Reference numeral 66d denotes a rotating shaft 6 at the end on the image forming unit 3 side.
7 and is rotatable in the D direction and the reverse D direction.

In the present image forming apparatus, the transfer paper P from the minimum postcard size to the maximum A4 size can be used. Accordingly, shown in FIG. 24, the dimension L ₁ in the discharge direction of the smallest rectangular divided tray 66a (direction A) is designed commensurate with A dimension of the postcard which is a transfer sheet P of the minimum size to be used Similarly, the size L ₂ in the direction a of the next U-shaped split tray 66b is designed to meet the a dimension of the transfer paper P A5 size, split tray 66c of the next U-shape dimension L ₃ of the a direction, is designed to match the a dimension of the transfer paper P B5 size, the dimension L ₄ of the a direction of the split tray 66d of the U-shaped outermost is, A4 size Of the transfer paper P in the direction A.

[0158] The appropriate size here is that the transfer paper P of the corresponding size is discharged onto the tray section 66, and the transfer paper P is placed on the predetermined divided trays 66a to 66d of the appropriate size. The leading end of the transfer paper P has such a size as to protrude so as to be easily taken out.

For this purpose, assuming that the dimension of the corresponding transfer sheet P in the direction A is M, the dimension L of the corresponding divided mounting surface in the direction A is set within 50% to 100% of M. The leading end can be protruded without dropping the corresponding transfer paper P. In the present image forming apparatus, M is set to 90%. The split tray 66a
In the case of ~ 66d, the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the A direction also corresponds to each size of the transfer paper P in the same manner as the dimension in the A direction.
In this image forming apparatus, the transfer paper P is made slightly smaller.

Further, the divided tray portions 66a to 66d
When the inner tray portion is engaged with the outer tray portion, and the outer split tray is rotated in the D direction around the rotation shaft 67, that is, when the upper split tray is lifted upward, all of the inner split trays are located inside the split tray. The split tray is lifted at the same time.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of a main part of an engaging portion between the outermost split tray 66d and the inner split tray 66c. The split tray 66d is provided with an engaging portion 75, and the split tray 66c is provided with an engaging portion 74 for engaging with the engaging portion 75 of the split tray 66d. When the outer split tray 66d is lifted upward (direction D) in the figure, the engaging portion 74 is engaged with the engaging portion 75, and the inner split tray 66c is also lifted at the same time. Such an engaging portion 75 and an engaging portion 74 are formed by the divided trays 66a to 66a.
Those corresponding to each other between 66d are formed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23 or 24, on the bottom wall portion of the paper discharge portion, three vertically movable projections 68 to 70 made of an actuator rod or the like are provided along a direction orthogonal to the A direction. Are provided in a row. The lifting projection 68
The ejected transfer paper P is driven up when the discharged transfer paper P is B5 size, the elevation protrusion 69 is driven up when the discharged transfer paper P is A5 size, and the elevation protrusion 70 is When the transferred transfer sheet P has a postcard size, the transfer sheet P is driven to rise.

On the back surface of the tray 66, as shown in FIG.
Grooves 73a to 73c into which the holes 70 to 70 are fitted are formed. The groove 73a into which the raised projection 68 is fitted,
It is formed over the split tray 66d and the split tray 66c. The groove 73b into which the raised projection 69 is fitted is formed over the divided tray 66d, the divided tray 66c, and the divided tray 66b. The groove 73c into which the raised projection 70 is fitted is provided in the divided tray 66d.
, Split tray 66c, split tray 66b, split tray 6
6a. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the ends of the grooves 73a to 73c on the image forming unit 3 side are chamfered to form smooth curves and connect to the lower surfaces of the divided trays 66a to 66c.

As a result, in the movable discharge tray 65, the elevation protrusions 68 to 70 corresponding to the size of the transfer paper P are driven to rise, and in this state, the operator slides the tray 66 in the direction A. Then, the divided trays 66a to 66d corresponding to the size of the transfer paper P are lifted.

FIGS. 27A to 27C show how the tray section 66 moves when the B5 size transfer sheet P is discharged and taken out from the tray section 66. FIG.
The tray 66 is in the home position. At this time, the divided trays 66a to 66d are engaged with each other, and the mounting surfaces are flush. In this state, the lifting projection 68 corresponding to the B5 size is driven to rise. The rising protrusion 68 is fitted into a groove 73a formed on the divided tray 66a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the tray section 66 is slid in the direction A by the operator, the raising / lowering convex section 68 moves in the groove 73a, and the image is formed in the groove 73a. It reaches the end on the part 3 side. Here, the groove 7
The 3 a and the elevation protrusion 68 also have a function as a guide member for sliding movement of the tray 66.

When the tray portion 66 is further slid in the direction A, the back surface of the divided tray 66c rides on the elevation protrusion 68 as shown in FIG. It is separated from the tray 66d and lifted upward. At this time, the split trays 66b and 66a inside the split tray 66c are lifted together. That is, the divided trays 66c, 66b,
66a will be lifted. Also, here, the groove 73
Since the end on the side of the image forming unit 3 in FIG. 4A is chamfered, the friction is small, and the divided tray 66c smoothly rides on the elevation protrusion 68.

Further, the present image forming apparatus is provided with a lock mechanism for stopping the movement of the tray section 66 and fixing the tray section 66 at the home position until the printing operation is completed. This locking mechanism is the same as that described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

That is, a solenoid 60 (see FIG. 29) having a lock rod 60a which moves forward and backward is provided on the bottom wall of the paper discharge section 4, and the lower surface of the tray 66, the tray 66 being home. At a position facing the lock bar 60a when in the position, a lock bar insertion recess 66e into which the lock bar 60a in the advanced state can be inserted is formed (see FIG. 24).

The present image forming apparatus includes a control unit shown in FIG. 29 instead of the control unit shown in FIG. The raising / lowering projections 68 to 70 are connected to the CP via a driver for the lifting / lowering projections.
It is connected to U51. Solenoid 60 for lock mechanism
Is connected to the CPU 51 via a driver 82 of a solenoid.

A home position sensor 80 and a document size sensor 50 are connected to the CPU 51. The home position sensor 80 is turned on when the tray section 66 reaches the home position.
And a microswitch provided at the position shown in FIG. Based on the detection result of the document size sensor 50, the CPU 51 determines the size of the transfer paper P to be used based on the detected document size.

In the above configuration, the operation of the present image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. However, the operations of S41 to S45 in the flowchart of FIG. 30 are the same as the operations of S1 to S5.

When the printing operation is completed in S46 and the discharge of the transfer paper P onto the tray section 66 of the movable paper discharge tray 65 is completed, the CPU 51 moves up and down convex portions 68 to 70 according to the size of the transfer paper P. Is activated (S47), and the lock bar 60a of the solenoid 60 is lowered to release the lock of the tray 66 (S48).

In the above S47, the CPU 51 executes the processing in FIG.
1, the elevation projections 68 to 70
Control the lifting operation of First, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the size of the transfer paper P is the A4 size, based on the detection result of the document size sensor 50 (S61). Here, if the size is the A4 size, the process returns to S48 in the flowchart of FIG. 30 without raising any of the elevation protrusions 68 to 70.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in S61, subsequently, it is determined whether or not the used transfer paper P is of B5 size (S62). Here, if the size is the B5 size, the elevation protrusion 68 corresponding to the B5 size is raised (S5).
63), and returns to S48 in the flowchart of FIG.

On the other hand, if NO is also determined in S62,
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the used transfer paper P is A5 size (S64). Here, in the case of the A5 size, the elevation convex portion 69 corresponding to the A5 size is raised (S
65), returning to S48 in the flowchart of FIG. 30, and when determining NO, raises the raising / lowering convex portion 70 corresponding to the postcard size (S66), and returns to S48 in the flowchart of FIG.

In S48, when the lock of the tray 66 is released, the operator slides the tray 66 in the direction A (S49). With this movement, the transfer paper P
The divided trays 66a to 66d corresponding to the size of the above are lifted upward. Here, the operator takes out the transfer paper P. The leading end of the transfer paper P is in a state of being lifted by a step formed in the tray 66.

After that, the tray unit 66 is returned to the home position by the operator (S50), and when the home position sensor 80 is turned on (S51), the CPU 51 raises the lock rod 60a of the solenoid 60 to move the tray unit 66. After locking (S52), and lowering the raising and lowering convex portions 68 to 70 that are being driven up (S53), the process proceeds to S43.
And waits for the next printing operation.

FIGS. 28A to 28D show the transfer paper P when the tray 66 is pulled out to the take-out position in the A direction.
5 shows the state of the tray section 66 depending on the size of the tray section 66. FIG. 5A shows a case where the transfer paper P is A4 size, and the divided trays 66a to 66d of the tray section 66 are in a state of being engaged with each other. FIG. 6B shows a case where the transfer paper P is of B5 size, and the tray unit 66 includes divided trays 66a to 66c.
Are engaged and lifted upward. FIG.
In the case where the transfer paper P is A5 size, the tray section 66 is lifted upward by the engagement of the divided trays 66a and 66b. FIG. 4D shows a case where the transfer paper P is in a postcard size, and only the divided tray 66 a of the tray unit 66 is lifted upward.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, the tray section 66 of the movable sheet discharge tray 65 is configured to be able to advance to the open side of the image forming apparatus. Even when the height of the paper unit 4 is set to be low, the operator pulls out the tray unit 66 to bend the body and look at the paper output unit 4 without having to look down at the printed unit 4. Can easily be confirmed.

In the movable discharge tray 65, the tray section 66 is divided into a plurality of divided trays 66a to 66d, and each of the divided trays 66a to 66d is centered on a rotation shaft 67 on the image forming section 3 side. By lifting upward, a step is formed on the mounting surface of the tray section 66. Therefore, similarly to the tray 61 in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, the leading end of the stacked transfer paper P floats at the step, and a hand is inserted into the floating portion to take out the transfer paper P. Thus, the transfer paper P can be reliably taken out.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus having the movable discharge tray.

Further, also here, the divided trays 66a to 66d forming the steps are set in accordance with each size of the transfer paper P used in the image forming apparatus. , Reliable take-out can be realized.

In the movable paper discharge tray 65, the divided trays 66a to 66a corresponding to the size of the transfer paper P are linked to the movement of the tray section 66 in the direction A.
Since d rises to form a step, the sliding operation of the tray section 66 and the elevating operation of the divided trays 66a to 66d are performed collectively. Therefore, the tray section 6
6, the divided tray 66a is formed to form a step.
There is also an advantage that operability is superior to a configuration in which the operation of lifting ~ 66d is performed separately.

[Embodiment 5] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. still,
For convenience of explanation, members (means) having the same functions as members (means) shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. However, the paper output unit 4
Is equipped with a movable paper discharge tray 83 shown in FIG.

The movable discharge tray 83 has three tray portions (divided stacking portions) as a sheet stacking portion for stacking the transfer sheets P discharged to the sheet discharging portion 4 by the sheet discharging rollers 33.
It has a multi-stage tray section consisting of 84, 85 and 86.
Hereinafter, the tray unit 8 of the three that constitutes the multi-stage tray unit
4 is referred to as a lower tray, the tray 85 is referred to as a middle tray, and the tray 86 is referred to as an upper tray.

Rail sections 86a and 85a are formed on the lower surface of the upper tray section 86 and the middle tray section 85, respectively, on both sides parallel to the direction A as the discharge direction. Rail section 8 provided on upper tray section 86
A stopper 87 provided on the upper surface of the middle tray unit 85 on the image forming unit 3 side is fitted into 6a. The stopper 87 functions as a runner and is movable in the rail portion 86a. A stopper 88 provided on the upper surface of the lower tray 84 on the side of the image forming unit 3 is fitted into the rail 85 a provided on the middle tray 85. The stopper 88 also functions as a runner and is movable in the rail portion 85a. The upper tray section 86 is provided with a fixing section 86b formed on the image forming section 3 side.
, And is fixed to the bottom wall of the paper discharge unit 4.

As shown in FIGS. 33 (a) to 33 (c), when the lower tray 84 is moved in the direction A from the state shown in FIG. The stopper 88 provided is the middle tray portion 85 on it.
The rail portion 85a moves along the rail portion 85a, and moves to the end of the rail portion 85a in the direction A to prevent the movement (see FIG. 8B). Here, the lower tray section 8
4 is moved in the direction A, the stopper 88 is locked to the rail portion 85a, so that the middle tray portion 85 also moves in the A direction along with the movement of the lower tray portion 84, and the middle tray portion 85 is moved. The stopper 87 provided on the upper tray portion 86 moves along the rail portion 86a formed thereon, moves to the A-direction end of the rail portion 86a, and stops (see FIG. c)).

That is, in the movable discharge tray 83 provided in the present image forming apparatus, each of the three tray portions 8 shown in FIG.
From the most compact state where 4-86 are superimposed,
Each of the three tray units 84 to 86 in FIG.
Transfer paper P discharged until the paper is lined up in the direction
It is possible to change the dimension (dimension in the direction A) of the loading surface on which the information is loaded.

As a result, in the present image forming apparatus,
The dimensions of each of the tray portions 84 to 86 are indicated by X ₀ ,
If the X _1, X _2, and the X ₀ the minimum, so that the sum of X ₀ and X ₁ and X ₂ can be used transfer sheet P having a size the maximum.

As shown in FIG. 34, a rack gear portion 84a extending in the direction A is formed on the lower surface side of the lower tray portion 84.
Stepping motor (sheet stacking section driving means) 4
The pinion gear 88 connected to the rotary shaft of No. 4 meshes.

Thus, when the stepping motor 44 rotates forward, the lower tray 84 moves in the direction A to extend the dimension of the movable discharge tray 83 in the direction A, thereby increasing the mounting surface. When 44 rotates in the reverse direction, it moves in the reverse A direction to reduce the size of the movable discharge tray 83 in the A direction and narrow the mounting surface.

In this image forming apparatus, the amount of rotation of the stepping motor 44 is determined according to the size of the transfer paper P used, and the size of the mounting surface is adjusted to the size corresponding to the size of the transfer paper P. Is to be adjusted.

The size of the transfer sheet P is determined from the size of the document detected by the document size sensor 50 in the scanner unit 1 as described above. In addition, a sensor or the like for detecting the size of the transfer paper P according to the difference between the cassettes set in the paper feeding unit 2 may be provided in the paper feeding unit 2, or the original may be performed by the operator before the start switch is turned on. Size and printing conditions (A3
The size of the transfer sheet P may be determined based on the setting conditions such as A4 reduction.

Since the transfer speed of the transfer paper P is usually constant, for example, the image forming unit 3 described with reference to FIG.
From the detection result of the pre-registration passage sensor 27 composed of a detection switch or the post-fixing passage sensor 31 also composed of a detection switch, the time from the detection of the leading edge of the transfer paper P to the detection of the trailing edge (transfer The time required for the paper P to pass through is calculated, and the size of the transfer paper P can be detected from the passing time and the transport speed of the transfer paper P.

In the present image forming apparatus, the operation of expanding the multi-stage tray section of the movable discharge tray section 83 is described as follows.
The operation performed at the timing when the transfer paper P is discharged and returning the multi-stage tray unit to the original state (home position)
The transfer is performed at a timing when the transfer paper P is taken out from the multi-stage tray section.

As the control unit, a control unit shown in FIG. 35 is provided instead of the control unit shown in FIG. The document size sensor 50 is provided in the scanner unit 1 and detects a document size. The CPU 51 determines the size of the transfer paper P to be used based on the detected original size.

The above-described tray discharge sensor 90 is for detecting the presence or absence of the transfer paper P discharged to the tray section 41. The on-tray paper ejection sensor 90 is, for example, a switch type or photoelectric type sensor, and is provided in the upper tray 86 located at the uppermost stage in the multi-stage tray as shown in FIG. This tray discharge sensor 9
As 0, a photoelectric sensor provided at a position Z1 facing the upper tray 86 in the scanner unit 1 and a weight sensor provided at a position Z2 to which the load of the upper tray 86 is applied in the multi-stage tray. You can also.

In the above configuration, the operation of the present image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. However, S7
The operations of 1 to S74 are the same as the operations of S1 to S4. If the print switch is turned on or a print command is generated in S74 and the CPU 51 determines that printing has started, the printing operation is started (S7).
5).

When the printing operation is started, the CPU 51
Determines whether the multi-stage tray section has already been moved, that is, whether the multi-stage tray section has been expanded to a predetermined size determined according to the size of the transfer paper P (S76). Such movement of the multi-stage tray unit can be determined by monitoring the drive of the stepping motor 44 for moving the multi-stage tray unit.

If it is determined NO in S76,
The CPU 51 shifts to S77, and the CPU 51
The amount of movement of the multi-stage tray unit, that is, the amount of movement of the lower tray unit 84, is calculated in accordance with the size of the transfer paper P detected from the document size detected in (S77).

Then, the first transfer paper P is applied to the discharge rollers 3
3, the CPU 51 determines that the paper discharge passage sensor 32 has been turned on (S78), and then the CPU 51 sets the stepping motor 44 so that the multi-stage tray portion is widened by the size calculated in S77.
Is rotated forward, and the lower tray portion 84 of the movable discharge tray 83 is rotated.
Is moved in the direction A (S79).

Thereafter, when the CPU 51 determines that the printing operation is completed (S80), it determines whether the tray discharge sensor 90 is OFF (S81), and when the tray discharge sensor 90 is OFF, that is, When the transfer paper P is taken out by the operator, the multi-stage tray unit is moved to the home position, which is the original state (S82), and the process returns to S72 to prepare for the next printing operation.

Completion of the printing operation in S80 is based on the passing signal of the transfer sheet P from the sheet ejection passing sensor 32.
The PU 51 makes the determination. For example, if the number of prints is set to ten, the CPU 51
When it is detected that 10 sheets have been discharged, it is determined that the printing operation is completed.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, the movable discharge tray 83 has the multi-stage tray section, and each of the tray sections 84 to 86 of the multi-stage tray section is opened at the side of the apparatus side of the image forming apparatus. It is a configuration that moves and spreads. Therefore, while having a compact configuration that fits in the paper output unit 4,
If necessary, transfer paper P having a size larger than the paper discharge unit 4 can be reliably stacked.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the convenience of the image forming apparatus provided with a movable discharge tray.

In the movable discharge tray 83, since the upper tray 86 of the multi-stage tray is fixed to the apparatus main body, all the trays constituting the multi-stage tray are not fixed. In comparison, the movable discharge tray section 8
3 stabilizes the whole and can improve operability and usability.

In the present embodiment, the size of the discharged transfer sheet P is detected, and the length of the multi-stage tray portion is adjusted in accordance with the detected size.
There is no need to unnecessarily extend the multi-stage tray portion, and the working efficiency around the image forming apparatus does not deteriorate.

In addition, such an operation of expanding the multi-stage tray portion is performed in accordance with the timing at which the transfer paper P is discharged from the image forming portion 3, and an operation of returning to the original state is performed.
Since the transfer is performed at the timing when the transfer sheet P is taken out from the multi-stage tray section, the multi-stage tray section spread before the transfer sheet P is discharged, and also spread after the transfer sheet P is taken out. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the work efficiency is reduced in the multi-stage tray section as it is.

The movable paper discharge tray 83
Regarding the timing of the return operation, the movable discharge tray 6 having a configuration in which, for example, the tray unit 41 described in the second embodiment is pulled out by rotational movement regardless of the movable discharge tray unit 83 described in the present embodiment. The same effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to another automatically-returnable movable discharge tray.

The return timing of the movable discharge tray 83 to the home position is not limited to the above.
Alternatively, in combination with the above, when the clear key is turned on and the condition setting of the printing operation is changed, or when a predetermined time elapses, the condition setting of the previous use is cleared and the operation returns to the initial setting. You may.

The present image forming apparatus does not have a configuration in which the paper feed unit 2 is provided with a manual feed tray. 27 and the detection results of the post-fixing passage sensor 31,
The size of the transfer paper P cannot be calculated based on the passage time of the transfer paper P. Therefore, in the case of a configuration having a manual feed tray, the CPU 51 determines that paper is fed from the manual feed tray.
Is detected, the CPU 51 may control the movable discharge tray 83 to have a size that allows the transfer paper P having the maximum size.

In the case of a configuration in which the mounting surface is widened by moving, as in the case of the movable discharge tray 83 described above, the operation is performed so that the multi-stage tray section returns to the original state if the transfer paper P is mounted. Then, the transfer sheet P is not damaged, and the multi-stage tray portion does not shrink with the transfer sheet P, and a load is applied to the pinion gear 88 and the rack gear portion 84a that are the driving units of the multi-stage tray portion.

For this reason, if any signal instructing the movable discharge tray 83 to return to the home position is generated, it is checked whether the tray discharge sensor 90 is turned on, and the tray discharge sensor 90 is checked. Is ON
The operation of temporarily stopping the movement of the multi-stage tray unit and warning the operator of the abnormality may be performed.

Further, even if there is an obstacle on the path through which the multi-stage tray moves, the multi-stage tray does not shrink with the transfer paper P, and the pinion gear 88 and the rack gear 84a, which are the driving units of the multi-stage tray, are moved. Since a load is applied, when the load applied to such a drive unit reaches a certain standard or higher,
The operation of temporarily stopping the movement of the multi-stage tray unit and warning the operator of the abnormality may be performed.

The warning operation includes a message display using the display unit, a blinking display of a warning lamp, a warning sound such as a buzzer, a warning by a voice message, and the like. When the image forming apparatus is connected to another computer or printer via a network, or connected to a facsimile via a telephone line, as shown in the following sixth embodiment, Together with the image forming apparatus itself,
Generate a warning.

Further, in this embodiment, the spreading operation and the returning operation of the multi-stage tray portion in the movable discharge tray 83 are automatically performed, but may be performed manually.

[Embodiment 6] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. still,
For convenience of explanation, members (means) having the same functions as members (means) shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 35. However, the paper discharge unit 4 is replaced with the movable paper discharge tray 6 as shown in FIGS.
8 is provided.

[0221] The movable discharge tray 100 is provided with a discharge roller 33.
And a tray unit (sheet stacking unit) 101 for stacking the transfer paper P discharged to the sheet discharging unit 4 by the printer. On the lower surface of the tray unit 101, a moving unit 102 for tilting the tray unit 101 with respect to the installation surface of the apparatus main body is provided.

[0222] By the moving section 102, the tray section 101
As shown in FIG. 39 (a), there is a first tilted state that is lowered in the direction A, which is the discharge direction, and as shown in FIG. 39 (b), a second tilted state that is lowered in the direction B.

When the tray 101 is driven to the first inclined state in FIG. 39A with the transfer paper P stacked on the tray 101, the transfer paper P on the paper output unit 4 is 40
As shown in (a), the sheets are stacked in the direction A, which is the discharge direction. On the other hand, if the tray unit 101 is driven to the second inclined state in FIG. 39B in a state where the transfer sheets P are stacked on the tray unit 101, the transfer sheet P on the sheet discharging unit 4 is moved to the state shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the sheets are stacked in the direction B toward the front of the apparatus. Further, in a state in which the transfer sheets P are stacked on the tray section 101, the tray section 101 is driven to the first inclined state and then driven to the second inclined state. As shown in FIG. 40 (c), P is loaded in a state where it is shifted to the side of the apparatus, which is an opening, and the corner of the front of the apparatus.

That is, in the movable paper discharge tray 100, the stacking position of the transfer paper P discharged to the paper discharge unit 4 and stacked on the tray unit 101 can be sorted by switching the inclination of the tray unit 101. it can.

A guide plate 1 for preventing the transfer paper P from dropping due to sorting is provided on the mounting surface of the tray unit 101.
01a and 101b are provided.

FIGS. 41 (a) to 41 (a) show the structure of the moving section 102 which enables the sorting movement of the tray section 101. FIG.
It is shown in (c). As shown in FIG.
A support plate 95 fixed to the lower surface of the tray unit 101;
It comprises a support member 96 for supporting the support plate 95 so as to be tiltable, and three solenoids 97 to 99 each having a lifting rod. The solenoid 60 is a CPU 51 shown in FIG.
Are connected via a solenoid driver 105.

The CPU 51 raises the lifting rods of the solenoids 97 and 98 and lowers the lifting rods of the solenoid 99 to bring the tray section 101 into the first inclined state, as shown in FIG. Leave it alone. On the other hand, in order to bring the tray unit 101 into the second inclined state, as shown in FIG.
The lifting rods of the solenoids 98 and 99 are raised, and the lifting rods of the solenoid 97 are kept lowered.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 42, the present image forming apparatus (201 in the figure) is connected to another computer 202 and a printer 204 by a network, and is also connected to a facsimile 205 through a telephone line. .

Therefore, in the present image forming apparatus, whether it is a copy function for copying an original image read by the scanner unit 1, a print operation request from the facsimile 205, or a print operation from another computer 203 or the printer 204 Depending on the operation request, the driving of the mobile unit 102 is controlled to sort the stacking position of the transfer papers P stacked on the tray unit 101.

Here, the position where the transfer paper P on which the image is formed by the copy function is stacked at the first sorting position, and the transfer paper on which the image is formed in response to a print operation request from the computer 203 or the printer 204 on the network. The position where P is stacked is a second sorting position, and the position where the transfer paper P on which an image is formed in response to a print operation request from the facsimile 205 via a telephone line is stacked is a third sorting position.

Further, in the present image forming apparatus, if the transfer paper P remains on the tray section 101 after a certain period of time, it is regarded that the transfer paper P has been left unattended. The information is transmitted to the external facsimile 205, the computer 203, and the printer 204 using a line, and a warning is issued to the operator.

FIG. 43 shows a configuration of a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus. The document sensor 103 includes the scanner unit 1
This is a sensor for detecting that a document is set on the document. When the document sensor 103 is turned on, the CPU 51 detects that the generated print command is for the copy function.

The on-tray paper discharge sensor 90 is constituted by a weight sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the transfer paper P on the tray 101 based on a change in weight due to the transfer paper P discharged on the tray 101 here. ing. This is the tray 101
In a configuration in which the transfer sheet P is placed by the above-mentioned sorting movement, in order to avoid a problem that the transfer sheet P is not turned on even though the transfer sheet P is on the tray unit 101 depending on the arrangement position of the optical sensor. It is.

The external interface unit 104 has a CPU
A communication interface provided to enable information communication such as image data and control signals between the facsimile machine 51, the facsimile machine 205, the computer 203 and the printer 204 on the network.

With the above configuration, the operation of the present image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. However, the operations in S91 to S93 are the same as the operations in S1 to S3 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. In S94, the CPU
When detecting that a print command has been issued and a print operation request has been made, the print operation 51 performs a print operation (S9).
5). When the printing operation is completed (S96), it is determined whether or not the original sensor 103 is ON (S97). If the original sensor 103 is ON, it is determined that the request is a printing operation by copying, and The driving of the moving section 102 is controlled so that the loading position of the first position becomes the first distribution position (S99).

On the other hand, if the document sensor 103 is not ON in S97, it is determined whether the print operation request is from a network or a telephone line (S9).
8). If it is determined in S98 that the request is a print operation request from the network, the driving of the mobile unit 102 is controlled to be at the second distribution position (S100).
If it is determined that the request is a print operation request from a telephone line, the driving of the mobile unit 102 is controlled so as to be at the third distribution position (S101).

Thereafter, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the tray section 101 was moved (S10).
2) If the predetermined time has elapsed, the tray discharge sensor 9
It is determined whether or not 0 is ON (S103).

Here, the tray discharge sensor 90 is turned off.
If so, the driving of the moving section 102 is controlled to
01 is returned to the original state (S105), and then S9
It returns to 3 and becomes ready state.

On the other hand, in S103, the tray discharge sensor 90
Is determined to be ON, that is, if the transfer paper P is still placed on the tray unit 101, a signal is sent to the image forming apparatus itself, the computer 203, the printer 204, and the facsimile 205 to issue a warning. After that (S104), the process returns to S93. The warning operation to be performed by each device in S104 includes a message display using a display unit, a blinking display of a warning lamp, a notification by a warning sound such as a buzzer, a warning by a voice message, and the like.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, the movable paper discharge tray 100 is configured to move the transfer paper P stacked on the tray section 101 to the open side. Even if the height of the paper output unit 4 is set low for the sake of image formation, the operator does not bend over and look at the paper output unit 4 to print the transfer paper on the tray unit 101. The presence of P can be easily confirmed.

The movable discharge tray 100 is provided in the tray section 1.
The stacking position of the transfer paper P is distributed to a plurality of positions by driving the recording paper P to be inclined. Therefore, the distribution positions can be divided according to the functions, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which the transfer sheets P printed out by the respective functions are mixed and stacked at the same position on the tray unit 101.

In the image forming apparatus, the distribution operation for each function is performed by a print operation request from the copy function, from the printer 204 or the computer 203 connected via a network, or from the facsimile 205 connected via a telephone line. The printed transfer paper P is placed in the tray 1
01 different positions. Therefore, the transfer paper P printed out by each function
Can be avoided at the same position on the tray unit 101, and the operator can be released from the sorting work of the transfer paper P for each function (each group).

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray.

In the present image forming apparatus, a warning is issued to the operator after a certain period of time has passed while the transfer paper P is stacked on the tray section 101, and the operator can be alerted. It is possible to prevent the transfer paper P discharged to the paper discharge unit 4 from being forgotten and left alone.

[Embodiment 7] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. still,
For convenience of explanation, members (means) having the same functions as members (means) shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, a sheet discharge portion (sheet stacking portion) on which the transfer paper P is discharged, which is a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus, can be manually moved. A description will be given of a contrivance of the sheet portion in the paper discharge tray having the configuration.

Although the overall configuration of the movable discharge tray is not specifically illustrated here, the movable discharge tray in each of the image forming apparatuses according to the first, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments of the present invention described above is used. When the operation is possible even in the manual operation, the combination provides an effect that the operability at the time of the manual operation is further improved in addition to the effects of the image forming apparatus of each embodiment.

As in the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the height of the paper discharge unit 4 is set low for miniaturization, the operator needs to set the tray unit to be movable and If it can be pulled out to the open side of the side of the apparatus, it is possible to easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer paper P on the tray unit without bending the body and looking into the paper discharge unit 4. When the tray portion is manually moved, the tray portion can be easily pulled out if a grip on which the operator's finger hangs or a manual operation assisting member such as an opening is formed.

Therefore, for example, in the case of the movable discharge tray 6 in which the tray unit 41 is moved by the rotational movement shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment, FIGS.
As in the tray section 150 shown in FIG.
Is provided in the thickness direction, the tray portion 150 can be easily rotated by putting a finger on the opening 151. Similarly, a handle may be formed at the same position.

As shown in FIG. 46 (a), the handle 152 is attached to the mounting surface which is the upper surface of the tray 150, or as shown in FIG. 46 (b).
It may be attached to the 0 side.

However, in the case of the opening 151, the opening 15
If the size of the transfer paper P is smaller than the minimum size of the transfer paper P used in the present image forming apparatus, the transfer paper P may drop from the opening 151. Therefore, the size of the opening 151 is the minimum size. It must be smaller than the transfer paper P.

Also, the tray section 6 which moves in parallel like the movable paper discharge tray 65 shown in FIG.
In the case of No. 6, the opening 150 and the handle 152 may be arranged in the pulling-out direction, for example, as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 47 and 48, the tray section 150 is provided in the B direction, which is the front side of the image forming apparatus, the A direction, which is the opening side of the apparatus, and the A direction and the B direction. In the case of a configuration that can be moved in the E direction between them, it may be provided in accordance with each drawing direction. Here, by providing a plurality of the grips 152 and the openings 151, it is easy to control the pulling direction and the pulling position, and the pulling operation can be further facilitated because the pulling can be performed with both hands.

The movement of the tray 151 in three directions is as follows.
A projection is provided on the lower surface of the tray 151, and
The rails into which the protrusions are fitted may be formed in the bottom wall of each of the A, B, and E directions to be pulled out.

The handle 152 is provided on the upper surface of the tray 150.
49A and 49B, as shown in FIGS. 49A and 49B, a handle 152a having a function as a guide plate used to align the edges of the stacked transfer papers P in the discharge direction and the direction perpendicular thereto. It can be 152b. In such a case, the handles 152a.
The dimension of one side up to 52b must be equal to or greater than each dimension of the maximum size transfer paper P used.

[Eighth Embodiment] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. still,
For convenience of explanation, members (means) having the same functions as members (means) shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a further improvement of a sheet portion (sheet stacking portion), which is a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus and from which transfer paper P is discharged.

Although the overall configuration of the movable discharge tray is not specifically illustrated here, it is adopted in the tray portion of the movable discharge tray in the image forming apparatuses according to the first, third, and fourth embodiments of the present invention. By doing so, in addition to the effects of the image forming apparatus of each embodiment, the operation of aligning the transfer paper P is not required, and the effect that the usability is further improved is exhibited.

As in the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the height of the paper discharge unit 4 is set low for miniaturization, the operator needs to set the tray unit to be movable and If it can be pulled out to the open side of the side of the apparatus, it is possible to easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer paper P on the tray unit without bending the body and looking into the paper discharge unit 4.

Here, the operator pulls out the tray portion to take out the transfer paper P from the tray portion. The transfer paper P discharged and stacked on the tray portion is stacked in a directional manner. Is desirable.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
By making the mounting surface of the transfer sheet 60 inclined, the transfer paper P can be aligned with the side that is lower due to the inclination. In this case, as shown in FIG. 51, it is more preferable to provide the guide plate 161 on the lower side.

By combining such a guide plate 161 with the inclination of the mounting surface, FIGS.
The end portions of the transfer papers P stacked in the four directions shown in (d) can be aligned. In the figure, the arrow indicates the inclination direction (lower direction) of the mounting surface.

The inclination of the mounting surface and the configuration of the guide plate are adopted, for example, in the tray section 61 of the movable discharge tray 6 in the third embodiment and the tray section 66 of the movable discharge tray 65 in the fourth embodiment. If so, according to the inclination direction (lower direction) of the mounting surface, as shown in FIG.
a to 61d and the divided trays 66a to 66d may be designed.

Ninth Embodiment Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members (means) having the same functions as the members (means) shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. A configuration in which the paper discharge unit 4 includes the movable paper discharge tray 6 is exemplified. However, the transfer paper P on which the transfer paper P is loaded, such as the movable paper discharge tray 65 of the fourth embodiment, receives the transfer paper P. The present invention can be applied to all movable paper discharge trays that move forward to the opening portion so that the operator can easily take out the transfer paper P from the position.

In the present image forming apparatus, the tray 41
The printing operation by the image forming unit 3 is enabled only when is at the home position. And the tray part 4
When a print command is generated, for example, when the start switch is turned on even when 1 is not at the home position, a print start instruction is accepted, but the start of the print operation is suspended until the tray unit 41 returns to the home position. On the other hand, the print command is also used as an instruction to return the tray section 41 to the home position, and the tray section 41 is returned to the home position.

The controller shown in FIG. 9 has a home position sensor (initial position detecting means) 80 for detecting the state where the tray section 41 of the movable discharge tray 6 is at the home position, instead of the take-out position sensor 47. Are arranged.

In the above configuration, the operation of the present image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The CPU 51 turns on the start switch, or receives a print operation request from another apparatus via a telephone line or a network as in the image forming apparatus of the sixth embodiment, and generates a print command. When it is determined that the home position sensor 80 has been turned on (S111), it is determined whether the tray unit 41 is at the home position (S112).

If the home position sensor 80 is ON in S112, the CPU 51 starts a printing operation (S113). On the other hand, if the home position sensor 80 is not ON in S112, it is determined that the tray unit 41 has not returned to the home position.
The PU 51 suspends the print start (S11).
4) Control the drive of the stepping motor 44 to move the tray section 41 to the home position (S11).
5). Thereafter, returning to S112, when detecting that the home position sensor 80 has been turned ON, the printing operation is started (S113).

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, the tray section 41 of the movable sheet discharge tray 6 can be advanced to the front of the image forming apparatus. Is set to a low height,
The operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet P on the tray section 41 without bending the body and looking into the sheet discharge section 4. Also, when a print command is issued, before starting the printing operation, it is checked whether or not the tray unit 41 has returned to the home position, and the printing operation is started only when the tray unit 41 is located at the home position. It is possible to prevent a problem that the transfer paper P is discharged in a state where the transfer paper P is not located at the home position, and the transfer paper P is not normally stacked on the tray unit 41.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray.

In addition, before a print command is issued and the printing operation is started, it is checked whether or not the tray section 41 has returned to the home position. If not, the print start is temporarily suspended. Since the printing operation is started after the tray portion 41 is returned to the home position, the operator manually operates the tray portion 4.
It is not necessary to return 1 to the home position, and the operability can be further improved.

[Embodiment 10] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members (means) having the same functions as the members (means) shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. A configuration in which the paper discharge unit 4 includes the movable paper discharge tray 6 is exemplified. However, a tray unit for loading the transfer paper P, such as the movable paper discharge tray 65 of the fourth embodiment, receives the transfer paper P at a home position. Accordingly, the present invention can be applied to all movable paper discharge trays which advance and move toward the opening so that the operator can easily take out the transfer paper P.

In this image forming apparatus, the tray 41
When a predetermined time has elapsed after the is moved to the take-out position, the tray section 41 is moved to the home position. In addition, when the clear key is turned on,
The tray unit 41 is returned to the home position without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time. The clear key is a key that is pressed when a predetermined condition setting such as the size and the number of sheets of the transfer paper P is once cleared and a new input is performed when the image forming apparatus is used again.

In the above configuration, the operation of the present image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. However, the operations of S121 to S127 are the same as the operations of S1 to S7, and thus the description is omitted.

At S128, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the take-out position sensor was turned on, that is, the tray portion 41 was advanced to the take-out position. This S1
The operation at 28 is the same as the operation at S8 to S11.

If NO is determined in S128, that is, while the predetermined time has not elapsed, it is determined whether or not the clear key is turned on by the operator (S129), and the clear key is not turned on. In this case, the process returns to S128 and waits for the elapse of a predetermined time. When it is confirmed in S128 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S130, in which the stepping motor 44 is rotated, and the tray 41 is rotated in the reverse C direction to return to the home position.

On the other hand, if YES is determined in S129, that is, if it is detected that the operator has already turned on the clear key for the next use, the flow advances to S130 to rotate the tray section 41 in the reverse C direction. To the home position.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, since the tray section 41 of the movable sheet discharge tray 6 can advance to the front of the image forming apparatus, the sheet discharging section 4 is required to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Is set to a low height,
The operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet P on the tray section 41 without bending the body and looking into the sheet discharge section 4. In addition, the configuration is such that the tray portion 41 is returned to the home position after a predetermined time from rotating the tray portion 41 to the take-out position, and even if the clear key is pressed before the predetermined time has elapsed, the tray portion 41 is returned to the home position. Configuration.

Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to manually return the tray 41 to the home position after removing the transfer paper P from the paper discharge unit 4, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to return the tray 41 beforehand. In addition to the effect of being able to do so, if the operator presses the clear key within a certain period of time and enters the predetermined conditions for the next printing operation, the tray section 41 immediately returns to the home position, so that the next printing operation can be performed. The time can be shortened and the time can be used effectively.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray.

Further, in the present image forming apparatus, when the clear key is turned on, the tray section 41 is returned without waiting a predetermined time. There is also a key, all release keys are ON
Then, when the entire apparatus is reset, the tray section 41 can be returned without waiting for a predetermined time.

[Embodiment 11] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members (means) having the same functions as the members (means) shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. A configuration in which the paper discharge unit 4 includes the movable paper discharge tray 6 is exemplified. However, the transfer paper P on which the transfer paper P is loaded, such as the movable paper discharge tray 65 of the fourth embodiment, receives the transfer paper P. The present invention can be applied to all movable paper discharge trays that move forward to the opening portion so that the operator can easily take out the transfer paper P from the position.

In the present image forming apparatus, while the tray portion 41 moved to the take-out position is being returned to the home position, the input of the predetermined condition for the next use is not accepted. I have. Here, the predetermined condition is
For example, the size of the transfer sheet P, the number of sheets to be processed, and the like.

In the above configuration, the operation of the present image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. CP
When the rotation of the stepping motor 44 is started to return the tray unit 41 to the home position (S131), the U51 monitors the rotation of the stepping motor 44 to determine whether the tray unit 41 is moving. A determination is made (S132). In the determination of S132, the movement of the tray unit 41 can be determined by a sensor or the like that is turned on except when the tray unit 41 is at the home position.

If it is determined in S132 that the tray section 41 is moving, the CPU 51 sets a predetermined condition input using the operation panel 49 to a disabled state (S133), and proceeds to S133.
Return to 132. Thereafter, in S132, when it is determined that the movement of the tray unit has been completed, that is, when the determination is NO, the CPU 51 sets a state where a predetermined condition can be input using the operation panel 49 (S134).

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, the tray section 41 of the movable sheet discharge tray 6 is configured to be able to advance to the front of the image forming apparatus. Is set to a low height,
The operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet P on the tray section 41 without bending the body and looking into the sheet discharge section 4. In addition, while the tray unit 41 is being returned to the home position, the predetermined condition cannot be input. Therefore, the same printing operation is performed before the tray unit 41 is returned to the home position.
The problem that the transfer paper P is discharged can be avoided.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray.

While the tray section 41 is moving,
A warning operation may be performed to notify the operator that the user is moving. The warning at this time is a message display using a display unit, a blinking display of a warning light, a warning sound such as a buzzer, a warning by a voice message, and the like.

Also, in the present image forming apparatus, while the tray section 41 is moving, the input of the predetermined condition for the next use is not accepted. Tray unit 4 with position sensor 80 etc.
When it is detected that 1 has returned to the home position, the printing operation may be started. This allows
Since the condition can be input while the tray unit 41 is moving, the required time can be further reduced.

[0294]

As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a transfer sheet;
A discharge sheet portion that is provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and stores a transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section, and the discharge sheet section is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus;
Further, the discharged sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet, and is supported rotatably about one corner of a rectangular shape. The initial position inside the image forming apparatus for loading the transfer sheet, The sheet stacking section is provided with a movable sheet stacking portion that can be moved to an advanced position where the transferred transfer sheet is advanced to the side that is open to the outside.

Thus, by pulling out the sheet stacking section by a rotating operation, the stacked transfer sheets advance from the non-sheet section to the side open to the outside of the image forming apparatus (hereinafter, open section side). Therefore, even if the height of the discharge sheet unit is set low for the purpose of downsizing the image forming apparatus, the operator can complete the image forming operation, that is, the image on the sheet stacking unit. The presence of the formed transfer sheet can be easily confirmed by a simple operation of pulling out the sheet stacking portion without bending the body and looking into the discharge sheet portion.

Further, since the movement of the sheet stacking section is a rotational movement, smooth movement can be achieved without providing a guide means, as compared with a configuration in which the sheet stacking section is pulled out toward the opening section by, for example, parallel movement. In particular, when the sheet stacking unit is pulled out by manual operation, even if any part of the sheet stacking unit is grasped with one hand, the operation can be smoothly performed, and
By grasping the part distant from the rotation fulcrum, it can be moved with a small force.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and the convenience in the image forming apparatus having the movable discharge tray.

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the rotation of the sheet stacking section is restricted to a maximum of 90 degrees.

Thus, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, since the supporting load on the rotation fulcrum of the sheet stacking portion can be reduced, the range of the material and structure used for the rotation fulcrum of the sheet stacking portion can be expanded, and the design can be improved. This has the effect that the degree of freedom can be increased.

The image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the sheet stacking section drive means for moving the sheet stacking section from the initial position to the advanced position, Control means for activating the sheet stacking section driving means when a movement command for the sheet stacking section is generated, and wherein the sheet stacking section driving section is provided at a support point different from a rotation fulcrum in the sheet stacking section. This is a configuration for transmitting the driving force.

Thus, in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible for the operator to take out the transfer sheet without manually pulling out the sheet stacking section, and to rotate the fulcrum of the sheet stacking section. Since the driving force is transmitted to a support point provided at a position different from the position, for example, the rotation load can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which a rotation shaft serving as a rotation fulcrum is rotated to move the sheet stacking portion, and the sheet stacking portion is reduced. It can be driven with a small driving force.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first, second or third aspect, the control means changes the rotation angle of the sheet stacking section in accordance with the size of the transfer sheet. Thus, the sheet stacking section driving means is controlled.

Thus, in addition to the effects of the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, the rotation angle of the sheet stacking section is changed according to the size of the transfer sheet, so that the sheet stacking section is unnecessarily rotated greatly. Further, it is possible to prevent a problem that extra time and driving force are used for the advance movement and the return movement of the sheet stacking unit.

An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is provided with an image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing the transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section. A discharge sheet portion, and the discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and further, the discharged sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet,
It is possible to incline the mounting surface so that the side open to the outside becomes lower, and by tilting the mounting surface, the stacked transfer sheets advance to the side open to the outside as described above. This is a configuration in which a sheet stacking portion that is an advance position to be moved and that can be sorted and moved to a different stacking position is provided.

With this configuration, the transfer sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section are moved to the open section side. Therefore, the height of the discharge sheet section is set low to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Even if there is, the operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet on the sheet stacking unit without bending down and looking into the discharge sheet unit.

In addition, the sheet stacking section can stack the transfer sheets at the advanced position and at different stacking positions by a simple sorting operation such as inclining the stacking surface.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and the convenience in the image forming apparatus having the movable discharge tray.

In the image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a sheet stacking section driving means for distributing and moving the sheet stacking section and a movement command for the sheet stacking section are generated. A control unit that controls the sheet stacking unit driving unit so that the transfer sheet of each predetermined group is stacked at a different stacking position on the sheet stacking unit by moving the sheet stacking unit. It is.

Thus, in addition to the effect of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the transfer sheets of each predetermined group on which the image has been formed are stacked at different positions on the sheet stacking section. Therefore, the image-formed transfer sheets of a plurality of distinct groups are
It is possible to avoid a situation where the sheets are mixedly loaded at the same position of the sheet stacking unit. As a result, there is an effect that the operator can be released from sorting work such as transfer sheet grouping.

An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is provided with an image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing the transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section. A discharge sheet portion, and the discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and further, the discharged sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet,
An inner initial position of the image forming apparatus, and a sheet stacking portion movable to an advance position for causing the stacked transfer sheets to advance to the side open to the outside are provided, and The stacking surface has a configuration in which a step is formed for lifting the leading end of the stacked transfer sheet that is open to the outside.

[0311] Since the transfer sheet stacked on the sheet stacking section is moved to the open section side, the height of the discharge sheet section is set low to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Even if there is, the operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet on the sheet stacking unit without bending down and looking into the discharge sheet unit.

[0312] In addition, the end of the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking portion on the open side is lifted from the stacking surface by the step formed on the stacking surface. By inserting the transfer sheet, the operator can easily and reliably take out the transfer sheet.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray.

[0314] The image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with an image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and discharged through the image forming section. A discharge sheet portion, and the discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and further, the discharged sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet,
An initial position inside the image forming apparatus, and a sheet stacking portion movable to an advance position for causing the stacked transfer sheets to advance to the side open to the outside are provided, and the sheet stacking portion is , Is divided into a plurality of divided loading sections each having a different dimension from the end side opposite to the side open to the outside, and by moving upward with the end side as a fulcrum, the divided loading section This is a configuration in which a step is formed to lift the leading end of the stacked transfer sheet that is open to the outside.

With this configuration, the transfer sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section are moved to the opening section side. Therefore, the height of the discharge sheet section is set low to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Even if there is, the operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet on the sheet stacking unit without bending down and looking into the discharge sheet unit.

[0316] In addition, the end of the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking portion on the open side is lifted from the stacking surface by the step formed by raising the divided stacking portion upward. By putting a hand in this gap, the operator can easily and reliably take out the transfer sheet.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray.

An image forming apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the step corresponds to each size of the transfer sheet discharged to the discharge sheet portion. is there.

[0319] Thus, in addition to the effects of the seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention, since the steps are set according to each size of the transfer paper sheet used in the image forming apparatus, transfer sheets of all sizes used are used. In this case, there is an effect that reliable removal can be performed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eighth or ninth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of divided stacking portions may include a divided stacking portion located on the side open to the outside. With the upward movement, the divided stacking portion on the fulcrum side of the divided stacking portion also engages and moves upward.

Thus, in addition to the effects of the eighth or ninth aspect of the present invention, since the divided stacking portions on the inner side from the fulcrum side are simultaneously lifted, the sheet stacking portion constituted by each of the lifted divided stacking portions has a corresponding transfer position. The transfer sheet has the same shape as the sheet, so that the transfer sheet can be reliably stacked.

An image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect, wherein the upward movement of the plurality of divided stacking units is performed from the initial position to the advanced position. It is a configuration that occurs in conjunction with the movement of

Thus, in addition to the effect of the eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect, the operation of moving the sheet stacking unit to the advanced position and the operation of moving the divided stacking unit up and down are performed collectively. This has the effect of improving operability.

[0324] The image forming apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the eighth, ninth, tenth or eleventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the lifting mechanism for moving the plurality of divided stacking parts upward is provided with a sheet discharging sheet. And a lifting member that is formed at the bottom of the section and contacts and pushes up the lower surface of each divided stacking section.

[0325] Thereby, Claims 8, 9, 10 or 11
In addition to the effects of the present invention, it is possible to raise a plurality of divided stacking portions with a simple configuration.

An image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is provided with an image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing the transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section. A sheet stacking unit for stacking the discharged transfer sheet, wherein the sheet discharging unit is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus. The loading section has a plurality of divided loading sections stacked in multiple stages, and these divided loading sections overlap with each other in an initial state where they are stacked and partially engaged with each other in the direction opened to the outside. It is a configuration that can be displaced into an expanded and extended state.

[0327] Thus, while being a compact sheet stacking section that fits in the discharge sheet section, the transfer sheet having a size larger than that of the discharge sheet section can be reliably stacked by being displaced to the extended state as necessary. it can.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the convenience of the image forming apparatus having a movable paper output tray.

An image forming apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein one of the plurality of divided stacking portions is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body.

Thus, in addition to the effects of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the entire sheet stacking section can be stabilized, and the operability and usability can be improved, as compared with a configuration in which all of the divided stacking sections are not fixed to the apparatus. This has the effect of being able to improve.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the plurality of divided stacking portions of the sheet stacking portion are displaced between the initial state and the extended state. The sheet stacking unit displacement unit and the sheet stacking unit displacement unit are activated when a movement command for the sheet stacking unit is generated, and the extension amount of the sheet stacking unit is changed according to the size of the transfer sheet. And control means for controlling the sheet stacking section displacement means.

Thus, in addition to the effects of the thirteenth and fourteenth aspects, the amount of extension of the sheet stacking portion is changed according to the size of the transfer sheet. This has the effect of preventing problems such as using extra time and driving force for the part's advance movement and return movement.

An image forming apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, further comprising sheet detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a transfer sheet on the sheet stacking part, During the return operation of returning the sheet stacking unit from the extended state to the initial state, when the sheet detecting unit detects that the transfer sheet is present on the sheet stacking unit, the returning operation of the sheet stacking unit is performed. Is stopped.

Thus, in addition to the effect of the fifteenth aspect, the sheet stacking section operates to return to the original state in a state where the transfer sheet is stacked on the sheet stacking section, thereby damaging the transfer sheet, This has the effect of preventing the transfer sheet from shrinking the sheet stacking section and preventing a problem such as applying a load to the sheet stacking section driving means.

An image forming apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the first, seventh, eighth or thirteenth aspect.
The sheet stacking section can be moved by manual operation,
Further, a manual operation assisting member for assisting movement by manual operation is formed in the sheet stacking section.

An image forming apparatus according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the manual operation assisting member is a guide plate for aligning the ends of the transfer sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section. This is a configuration that also serves as a handle.

As a result, in addition to the effects of the first, seventh, eighth, or thirteenth aspect, operability by manual operation can be improved.
Further, by adding a function as a guide plate, there is an effect that operability and usability can be improved without increasing the number of members.

An image forming apparatus according to a nineteenth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the third, fourth or sixth aspect, further comprising an initial position detecting means for detecting that the sheet stacking portion is located at the initial position. The control unit also controls the operation of the image forming apparatus, and enables the image forming operation by the image forming unit only when the initial position detecting unit detects that the sheet stacking unit is located at the initial position. The configuration is such that control is performed as follows.

Accordingly, in addition to the effects of the third, fourth, or sixth aspect of the present invention, the image forming operation is not performed when the sheet stacking section is not at the initial position, so that the sheet stacking section is not at the initial position. This has the effect of preventing a problem that the transfer sheet is discharged in the state and the transfer sheet is not normally stacked on the sheet stacking section.

In the image forming apparatus according to a twentieth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, when the control unit receives an instruction signal to start an image forming operation, the control unit transmits the instruction signal to the initial position detecting unit. In this configuration, the start of the image forming operation is suspended until the arrival of the sheet stacking unit at the initial position is detected, and the image forming operation is started when the arrival of the sheet stacking unit at the initial position is detected.

Accordingly, in addition to the effects of the nineteenth aspect, the start of the image forming operation is accepted even before the sheet stacking section returns to the initial position, and is held until the sheet stacking section returns to the initial position. Therefore, the time required to obtain an image on which an image has been formed can be shortened as compared with the image forming apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, which is effective.

The image forming apparatus according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the third, fourth or sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the movement of the sheet stacking part is detected by detecting the movement of the sheet stacking part to the advanced position. Means, the sheet stacking section driving means can perform a return operation of returning the sheet stacking section to an initial position before the sheet stacking section advances and moves, and the control section detects a detection result of the sheet stacking section movement detection section. Based on
When a predetermined time has elapsed after the sheet stacking unit has moved to the advanced position, the sheet stacking unit driving unit is controlled to return the sheet stacking unit to the initial position.

[0343] Thus, in addition to the invention of the third, fourth or sixth aspect of the present invention, when a certain period of time elapses while the sheet stacking section remains at the advanced position, the sheet stacking section moves from the advanced position to the initial position. Since the operator does not need to manually return the sheet stacking unit to the initial position, the operability and usability can be further improved.

An image forming apparatus according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention is provided with an image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing the transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section. A discharge sheet portion that is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus. Further, the discharge sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet, and has an initial position inside the image forming apparatus. And a sheet stacking section movable to an advance position to advance the stacked transfer sheets to the side open to the outside, and a sheet to drive the sheet stacking section to move from the advanced position to the initial position. The sheet stacking unit advances based on the detection result of the stacking unit driving unit, the sheet stacking unit movement detecting unit that detects that the sheet stacking unit has moved to the advanced position, and the sheet stacking unit movement detecting unit. When a predetermined time elapses after moving to the position, the sheet stacking section driving means is operated, and a clear key for clearing a predetermined condition setting in the image forming apparatus is pressed even before the predetermined time elapses. Then, control means for operating the sheet stacking section driving means is provided.

With this configuration, the transfer sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section are moved to the opening section side. Therefore, the height of the discharge sheet section is set low to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Even if there is, the operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet on the sheet stacking unit without bending down and looking into the discharge sheet unit.

[0346] Then, when a certain period of time has elapsed with the sheet stacking section being moved to the advanced position, the sheet stacking section is moved from the advanced position to the initial position, and the operator manually moves the sheet stacking section to the initial position. There is no need to return. In addition, even if the clear key is pressed and a new use is instructed even before the predetermined time elapses, the device immediately returns to the initial position, so that the time can be used more effectively than a configuration in which the user waits for the predetermined time.

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus having a movable paper output tray.

An image forming apparatus according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention is provided with an image forming portion for forming an image on a transfer sheet and a transfer sheet provided at an inner position of the image forming device and discharged through the image forming portion. A discharge sheet portion that is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus. Further, the discharge sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet, and has an initial position inside the image forming apparatus. And a sheet stacking section movable to an advance position to advance the stacked transfer sheets to the side open to the outside, and a sheet to drive the sheet stacking section to move from the advanced position to the initial position. The sheet stacking unit advances based on the detection result of the stacking unit driving unit, the sheet stacking unit movement detecting unit that detects that the sheet stacking unit has moved to the advanced position, and the sheet stacking unit movement detecting unit. When a predetermined time elapses after moving to the position, the sheet stacking unit driving unit is operated, and when the image forming apparatus is in the initial state even before the predetermined time elapses, the sheet stacking unit driving unit is activated. And a control means for operating.

With this configuration, the transfer sheet stacked on the sheet stacking section is moved to the open section side. Therefore, the height of the discharge sheet section is set low to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. Even if there is, the operator can easily confirm the presence of the printed transfer sheet on the sheet stacking unit without bending down and looking into the discharge sheet unit.

[0350] When a certain period of time elapses while the sheet stacking section remains at the advanced position, the sheet stacking section moves from the advanced position to the initial position, and the operator manually moves the sheet stacking section to the initial position. There is no need to return. In addition, even before the lapse of a predetermined time, the apparatus is in the initial state, and when a new use is instructed, the apparatus immediately returns to the initial position, so that the time can be used more effectively than in a configuration in which the apparatus waits until the predetermined time. .

As a result, by adopting the configuration of the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience in the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a tray portion of a movable discharge tray is moved to an advanced position provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line C of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating an internal structure of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an image forming unit in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 illustrates a scanner unit and a B4 of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a dimensional relationship with a size document.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a dimensional relationship between a sheet cassette and A4 size transfer paper in the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing the structure of the movable discharge tray shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a driving unit of a tray unit in the movable discharge tray illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus including the movable discharge tray illustrated in FIG. 1;

11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an advanced state of a tray section on which transfer papers are stacked in the image forming apparatus including the movable discharge tray illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a schematic front view showing a structure in which a lock mechanism is added to a tray portion of the movable discharge tray shown in FIG. 1;

13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the movable fulcrum of the movable discharge tray illustrated in FIG. 1 is moved to a position where the tray portion is advanced, at a different position.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the movable fulcrum of the movable discharge tray illustrated in FIG. 1 is moved to a position where the tray section is advanced, in a different position.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the rotation fulcrum of the movable discharge tray shown in FIG. 1 is set at another position and the tray is chamfered and moves to the tray extension position. is there.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus including the control unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 18A is a plan view illustrating a tray portion of a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18B is a side view of the tray portion. It is.

19 (a) to 19 (c) are diagrams illustrating dimensions of a divided mounting surface in a tray unit illustrated in FIG. 18 and transfer paper P mounted thereon.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of FIG.

20 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where transfer paper of a minimum size is placed on the divided placement surface of the tray unit shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a transfer sheet of the maximum size is placed on the divided placement surface of the tray shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a tray unit having a different shape without changing the function of the tray unit illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 23 is a schematic front view showing a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing a configuration of a movable paper discharge tray shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a driving unit that enables the tray section of the movable paper discharge tray shown in FIG. 23 to slide.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing an engagement portion formed between the divided trays of the tray portion in the movable paper ejection tray shown in FIG.

FIGS. 27 (a) to (c) are explanatory views showing a process in which a divided tray of the tray section in the movable discharge tray shown in FIG.

28 (a) to (d) are explanatory views showing a state where the movable discharge tray shown in FIG. 23 has been moved to an advanced position according to the size of a transfer sheet.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus including the movable discharge tray illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus including the movable discharge tray illustrated in FIG. 23;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a process of raising / lowering convex portion operation in the flowchart shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a schematic front view showing a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 33 (a) to (c) are explanatory views showing a state in which the multi-stage tray section of the movable paper discharge tray shown in FIG. 32 moves to expand the mounting surface.

34 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a driving unit that drives a multi-stage tray unit of the movable discharge tray illustrated in FIG. 32 and positions of respective sensors.

35 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus including the movable discharge tray illustrated in FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus provided with the movable paper ejection tray shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 37 is a schematic front view showing a movable paper ejection tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a schematic plan view showing a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 37.

FIGS. 39 (a) and (b) are explanatory views showing a state of movement of a tray section in the movable paper discharge tray shown in FIG. 37.

40 (a) to 40 (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the placement positions to be sorted by the movable discharge tray shown in FIG. 38.

41 (a) is a plan view showing a configuration of a moving section which enables a sorting operation of the tray sections of the movable discharge tray shown in FIG. 38, and FIG. 41 (b) is a tray section. 41 shows the operating state of the moving section when the first tilt state is set.
(C) is an explanatory view showing an operation state of the moving section when the tray section is in the second inclined state.

42 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 37 is connected to another apparatus via a network.

43 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus including the movable discharge tray illustrated in FIG. 37.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus provided with the movable discharge tray shown in FIG. 37.

FIGS. 45 (a) to (c) are explanatory views showing the configuration of a tray portion on which a manual operation assisting member is formed, of a movable discharge tray provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. is there.

FIGS. 46A and 46B are explanatory views showing the configuration of a tray portion on which a manual operation assisting member is formed, of a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a tray portion on which a manual operation assisting member is formed, of a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a tray portion on which a manual operation auxiliary member is formed, of a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 49A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a tray portion on which an auxiliary member for manual operation is formed, of a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 49B is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the transfer paper stacked on the tray unit of FIG.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a tray portion of a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a tray section of a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 52A to 52D are explanatory diagrams illustrating a configuration of a tray unit of a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a tray unit of a movable discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a schematic front view showing a conventional image forming apparatus.

And FIG. 58 is a schematic front view showing another conventional image forming apparatus.

59 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the operator of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 58 checks a transfer sheet in a sheet discharge unit.

FIG. 60 is a side sectional view of a main part showing another conventional image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Scanner part 2 Paper supply part 3 Image forming part 4 Paper discharge part (discharge sheet part) 6 Movable discharge tray 25 Paper supply cassette 32 Discharge passage sensor 33 Discharge roller 41 Tray part (sheet stacking part) 41b Rack gear (sheet) Loading part driving means) 43 Pinion gear (sheet loading part driving means) 44 Stepping motor (sheet loading part driving means) 47 Extraction position sensor (sheet loading part movement detecting means) 49 Operation panel 50 Document size sensor 51 CPU (control means) 61 Sheet section (sheet stacking section) 65 Movable paper discharge tray (sheet stacking section) 66 Tray section 66a to 66d Split tray (split stacking section) 68 to 70 Lifting convex section (lifting member) 80 Home position sensor (initial position detecting means) 84 Lower tray section (divided stacking section) 85 Middle tray section (divided stacking section) 86 Upper tray A section (divided stacking section) 84a Rack gear section (sheet stacking section driving section) 88 Pinion gear (sheet stacking section driving section) 90 Tray discharge sensor (stacking section upper sheet detection section) 100 Movable discharge tray (sheet stacking section) 102 Mobile unit (sheet stacking unit driving means) 151 Opening (manual operation auxiliary member) 152 Handle (manual operation auxiliary member)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Naoki Kamei 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Inoue 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside (72) Inventor Michiaki Nishimura 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Hideki Sekino 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Sharp Corporation ( 72) Inventor Morita Goku 22-22, Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan (72) Inventor Hiroaki Nakamura 22-22, Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Yoshiyori Hayashi 22-22, Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Shigeharu Maehara Nagaike, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 22-22 Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Koichi Eto 22-22 No. 22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Inside (72) Inventor Satoshi Kawano 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Seiji Funada 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Shinichiro Hiraoka 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Masakazu Suzuki 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Atsushi Saito 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Sharp Corporation F-term (Reference) 2H072 AA17 AB11 AB17 AB25 FA03 FB03 3F054 AA01 AC02 AC03 AC05 BA02 BC04 BD01 BD06 BJ02 BJ12 CA07 CA10 CA23 CA25 CA31 CA34 DA05 DA12

Claims (23)

[Claims] An image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet; and a discharge sheet section provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing a transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section. The discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus. Further, the discharge sheet portion is loaded with the discharged transfer sheet and supported rotatably around a rectangular corner to load the transfer sheet. A sheet stacking section movable to an initial position inside the image forming apparatus to be moved and an advance position to advance the stacked transfer sheets to the side open to the outside. Image forming device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the sheet stacking section is up to 90 degrees.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is regulated. 3. A sheet stacking section driving means for moving the sheet stacking section from the initial position to an advanced position, and when a movement command for the sheet stacking section is issued,
2. A control means for operating the sheet stacking section driving means, and wherein the sheet stacking section driving means transmits a driving force to a support point different from a rotation fulcrum in the sheet stacking section. Or the image forming apparatus according to 2. 4. The sheet stacking section driving section controls the sheet stacking section driving means such that the rotation angle of the sheet stacking section is changed according to the size of the transfer sheet. The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 5. An image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and a discharge sheet section provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing a transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section, The discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus. Further, the discharged transfer sheet is stacked on the discharge sheet portion, and the mounting surface is inclined so that the side open to the outside becomes lower. It is possible to move the loaded transfer sheet to the side open to the outside by tilting the loading surface, and the sheet loading can be moved to a different loading position. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus; 6. A sheet stacking section driving means for distributing and moving the sheet stacking section, and when a movement command for the sheet stacking section is issued,
Control means for controlling the sheet stacking section driving means so that the transfer sheet of each predetermined group is stacked at a different stacking position on the sheet stacking section by the movement of the sheet stacking section. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: 7. An image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and a discharge sheet section provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing a transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section, The discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and further, the discharged transfer sheet is stacked on the discharge sheet portion, the initial position inside the image forming apparatus, and the stacked transfer sheets. A sheet stacking portion movable to an advance position for advancing to the side open to the outside is provided; and a stacking surface of the sheet stacking portion is open to the outside of the transfer sheet stacked therein. An image forming apparatus characterized in that a step is formed for lifting a leading end portion on the side where the head is located. 8. An image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and a discharge sheet section provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing a transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section, The discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and further, the discharged transfer sheet is stacked on the discharge sheet portion, the initial position inside the image forming apparatus, and the stacked transfer sheets. A sheet stacking portion movable to an advance position for allowing the sheet stacking portion to advance to the side open to the outside is provided, and the sheet stacking portion is provided from an end side opposite to the side open to the outside; Are divided into a plurality of divided stacking portions each having a different size, and the upper end portion is moved upward with the end portion side as a fulcrum, whereby the leading end portion of the transfer sheet stacked on the divided stacking portion is open to the outside. Steps to float An image forming apparatus for forming a difference. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the step corresponds to each size of the transfer sheet discharged to the discharge sheet portion. 10. The plurality of divided stacking portions engage with the divided stacking portions closer to the fulcrum than the divided stacking portions as the divided stacking portions located on the side open to the outside move upward. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus moves upward. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the upward movement of the plurality of divided stacking portions occurs in conjunction with the movement from the initial position to the advanced position. . 12. The lifting mechanism for moving the plurality of divided stacking portions upward includes a lifting member formed at the bottom of the discharge sheet portion and contacting and pushing up the lower surface of each divided stacking portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, 9, 10, or 11, wherein 13. An image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and a discharge sheet section provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing a transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section. The discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus. Further, the discharge sheet portion is provided with a sheet stacking portion for stacking the discharged transfer sheet, and the sheet stacking portion is stacked in multiple stages. It has a plurality of divided loading parts, and these divided loading parts can be displaced into an initial state in which they are overlapped and stacked, and an extended state in which a part is engaged with each other in the direction opened to the outside and spreads. An image forming apparatus comprising: 14. One of the plurality of divided stacking units includes:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the image forming apparatus is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body. 15. A sheet stacking section displacing means for displacing a plurality of divided stacking sections of the sheet stacking section between the initial state and the extended state, and when a movement command for the sheet stacking section is issued.
Control means for operating the sheet stacking portion displacement means and controlling the sheet stacking portion displacement means so that the extension amount of the sheet stacking portion is changed according to the size of the transfer sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: 16. A stacking part upper sheet detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a transfer sheet on the sheet stacking part, wherein the control means performs a return operation of returning the sheet stacking part from the extended state to the initial state. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the returning operation of the sheet stacking unit is stopped when the transfer sheet is detected on the sheet stacking unit by the sheet stacking unit upper sheet detecting unit. 17. The sheet stacking section is movable by manual operation, and a manual operation assisting member is formed on the sheet stacking section to assist movement by manual operation. 14. The image forming apparatus according to 1, 7, 8 or 13. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said manual operation assisting member is a handle serving also as a guide plate for aligning the ends of the transfer sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section. 19. An image forming apparatus comprising: an initial position detecting unit for detecting that a sheet stacking unit is positioned at the initial position; the control unit also controls an operation of the image forming apparatus; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein control is performed such that the image forming unit can perform an image forming operation only when it is detected that the image forming unit is located at an initial position. . 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the instruction signal for starting the image forming operation is input, the control unit starts the image forming operation until the initial position detecting unit detects that the sheet stacking unit reaches the initial position. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the image forming operation is started when the arrival of the sheet stacking unit to the initial position is detected. 21. A sheet stacking section movement detecting means for detecting that the sheet stacking section has moved to an advanced position, and the sheet stacking section driving means includes an initial state before the sheet stacking section advances. A return operation to return to the position is possible. Based on the detection result of the sheet stacking unit movement detecting unit, the control unit sets the sheet stacking unit to a predetermined time after the sheet stacking unit has moved to the advanced position. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sheet stacking unit driving unit is controlled to return the sheet stack to an initial position. 22. An image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and a discharge sheet section provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing a transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section, The discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and further, the discharged transfer sheet is stacked on the discharge sheet portion, the initial position inside the image forming apparatus, and the stacked transfer sheets. A sheet stacking unit movable to an advance position for advancing to the side open to the outside, a sheet stacking unit driving unit for driving the sheet stacking unit to move from the advanced position to an initial position, and the sheet stacking unit. A sheet stacking section movement detecting means for detecting that the sheet stacking section has moved to the advanced position, and a predetermined time after the sheet stacking section has been moved to the advanced position based on the detection result of the sheet stacking section movement detecting means. When but passed, while actuating the sheet stacking section drive means, the clear key for clearing the predetermined condition set in the image forming apparatus even before the predetermined time has elapsed is pressed,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that operates the sheet stacking unit driving unit. 23. An image forming section for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and a discharge sheet section provided at an inner position of the image forming apparatus and containing a transfer sheet discharged through the image forming section, The discharge sheet portion is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and further, the discharged transfer sheet is stacked on the discharge sheet portion, the initial position inside the image forming apparatus, and the stacked transfer sheets. A sheet stacking unit movable to an advance position for advancing to the side open to the outside, a sheet stacking unit driving unit for driving the sheet stacking unit to move from the advanced position to an initial position, and the sheet stacking unit. A sheet stacking section movement detecting means for detecting that the sheet stacking section has moved to the advanced position, and a predetermined time after the sheet stacking section has been moved to the advanced position based on the detection result of the sheet stacking section movement detecting means. Control means for operating the sheet stacking section driving means when the image forming apparatus is in the initial state even before the predetermined time has elapsed, while An image forming apparatus.