JP2002278188A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of preventing the curl of a sheet and the defect of an image from occurring and realizing the improvement of durability. SOLUTION: This image forming device is provided with a curved guide part 12 for making the sheet passing through a fixing means 11 go toward a sheet stacking means 14 while changing the direction of the sheet on the downstream side of the fixing means 11, and a sheet carrying path R between the guide part 12 and a sheet feeding means 2. Then, the path R is inclined by a specified angle and also the sheet feeding means 2, a transfer means 9 and the fixing means 11 are successively arranged along the path R so that the fixing means 11 may be at an uppermost part. Furthermore, the sheet P is made to go toward the stacking means 14 while changing the direction of the sheet P by the guide part 12 curved to deliver the sheet P nearly in a horizontal direction toward the stacking means 14.

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, and more particularly, to a sheet feeding unit for feeding a sheet to an image forming unit, a transfer unit for transferring a toner image formed by the image forming unit to a sheet, The present invention relates to an arrangement of a fixing unit for fixing a transferred toner image to a sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been an image forming apparatus which forms an image on a sheet by adopting an electrophotographic method or another recording method. As such an image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic copying machine,
There are a printer, a word processor and a facsimile machine.

In such an image forming apparatus, an image forming section provided with an image carrier, a sheet feeding means for feeding a sheet to the image forming section, and an image forming section formed on the image carrier of the image forming section. Some include transfer means for transferring the transferred toner image to the sheet fed by the sheet feeding means, and fixing means for fixing the toner image transferred by the transfer means to the sheet.

Meanwhile, as such an image forming apparatus, there is a conventional one in which a sheet after image formation is inverted and discharged in order to reduce the height and width of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first configuration of a laser beam printer which is an example of such a conventional image forming apparatus.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a laser beam printer. The laser beam printer 100 includes an image forming unit 101 and a paper feeding unit 102. Here, the image forming unit 101 is a photosensitive drum 1 that is an image carrier.
A transfer roller 105 that presses against the photosensitive drum 103 and forms a transfer unit that transfers a toner image to recording paper as a sheet;
A laser scanner 106 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum.

The paper supply section 102 includes a paper supply cassette 107 for storing recording paper, and a paper supply roller 108 serving as a sheet feeding unit for feeding out the recording paper stored in the paper supply cassette 107. I have.

The image forming apparatus 1 having such a configuration
In the case of forming an image on recording paper at 00, first, a laser beam is irradiated by a laser scanner 105 on a photosensitive drum 103 having a uniformly charged surface to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Then, the latent image is developed using toner to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum.

In addition, in parallel with the toner image forming operation, the paper feed roller 108 is rotated, and the paper feed cassette 10 is rotated.
Then, the recording paper stored in the sheet 7 is sent out, and thereafter, the direction is reversed by the recording paper reversing unit 110 to be directed to the registration roller pair 111. Then, the recording paper is fed to the transfer unit of the image forming unit 101 at a predetermined timing by the registration roller pair 111, and thereafter, the transfer roller 10
The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto the recording paper by applying a transfer voltage to the recording paper 5.

Next, the recording paper on which the toner image has been transferred in this manner is conveyed to a fixing device 112, and the fixing device 112
The toner image is permanently fixed on the recording paper by heating and pressing the recording paper. After the toner image is fixed in this way, the recording sheet is inverted again by the recording sheet reversing unit 113 and is discharged almost horizontally to the recording sheet stacking unit 114 with the recording surface facing down. It should be noted that, in the figure, a thick line indicates a movement locus of the recording paper.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second configuration of a laser beam printer which is an example of a conventional image forming apparatus. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 201 denotes a recording paper table,
Reference numeral 207 denotes a recording sheet reversing unit, and 208 denotes a recording sheet loading unit. After the recording sheet P loaded on the recording sheet loading table 201 is sent out by the feed roller 108, the transport roller pair 2
In step 09, the toner image is fed to the transfer unit of the image forming unit 101, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred in the transfer unit.

After the toner image is transferred in this manner, the toner image is conveyed to a fixing device 112, and the fixing device 112
, The toner image is permanently fixed on the recording paper. After the toner image is fixed in this manner, the recording sheet P is turned by approximately 90 degrees in the recording sheet reversing unit 207, and the recording sheet stacking unit 208
The recording paper is discharged obliquely with the recording surface facing down. Note that, in the same drawing, a thick line indicates a movement locus of the recording paper P.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third configuration of a laser beam printer which is an example of a conventional image forming apparatus. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 307 denotes a recording sheet reversing unit;
Reference numeral 308 denotes a recording paper stacking unit. The recording paper P stacked on the paper feeding cassette 107 is sent out in a substantially vertical direction by the paper feeding roller 108, and then fed to the transfer unit of the image forming unit 101 by the conveyance roller 309. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum at the transfer section is transferred.

After the toner image is transferred as described above, the recording paper P is conveyed to a fixing device 112, and is heated and pressed in the fixing device 112, so that the toner image is permanently fixed on the recording paper. Is done. After the toner image is fixed in this manner, the recording sheet P is turned by approximately 90 degrees in the recording sheet reversing unit 307, and is discharged almost horizontally to the recording sheet stacking unit 308 with the recording surface facing down. . Note that, in the same drawing, a thick line indicates a movement locus of the recording paper P.

[0017]

In such a conventional image forming apparatus, for example, the first image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
In the laser beam printer having the configuration described above, the recording paper sent out substantially horizontally from the fixing device 112 is inverted by the recording paper inverting unit 113 with a curvature by approximately 180 degrees so as to suppress the height dimension of the device, and then the recording paper is almost horizontally rotated. I try to discharge.

However, the recording paper is almost 180
When the recording paper is reversed, large curls are likely to be formed on the recording paper, and the recording paper reversing unit 113 rubs against the conveyance path with a strong force, so that a rubbing mark may be formed on the back surface of the recording paper. Furthermore, when a relatively thick recording paper is used, if the transport load becomes large and exceeds the output torque of the motor, there is a possibility that the recording paper cannot be properly discharged.

Further, since the laser scanner 105 is disposed beside the fixing device 112 as a heat source as shown in FIG. 1, the laser scanner 105 is affected by heat radiation from the fixing device 112, and the laser scanner 105 is not shown. Problems such as a change in the refractive index of the optical lens may occur, and as a result, a good output image may not be obtained. In other words, the laser beam printer of the first configuration has problems such as curling of the recording paper, rubbing marks on the back of the recording paper, defective discharge due to overload, and defective images due to heat radiation from the fixing device.

On the other hand, in the laser beam printer of the second configuration shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG.
Since the recording paper P sent out substantially horizontally from 12 is changed by approximately 90 degrees in the recording paper reversing unit 207, that is, the angle of change in the direction of the recording paper is smaller than that of the laser beam printer having the first configuration. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the curling of the recording paper, the rubbing trace on the back surface of the recording paper, and the discharge failure due to the overload described above.

However, if the angle of change in the direction of the recording paper is reduced as described above, curling of the recording paper can be prevented, but when the recording paper P is loaded on the recording paper Is stacked obliquely or in an upright state depending on the angle of the recording sheet stacking section 208, the recording sheet P may be bent and deformed by its own weight.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, since the process cartridge 104 and the laser scanner 105 are disposed above the fixing device 112 which is a heat source, the fixing device 11
Due to the rise in the temperature inside the apparatus due to the heat radiation from the printer 2, the toner in the process cartridge solidifies, and the refractive index of an optical lens (not shown) in the laser scanner changes, resulting in a good output. Images may not be obtained. In other words, in the laser beam printer having the second configuration, it is possible to prevent the curl of the recording paper or the like, but there is a problem that the recording paper is deformed or an image is defective due to heat radiation from the fixing device.

Further, in the laser beam printer of the third configuration, as shown in FIG.
In the same manner as the laser beam printer of the second configuration, approximately 9
Since the direction of 0 degrees is changed, that is, the angle of change in the direction of the recording paper is smaller than that of the laser beam printer having the first configuration, the curl of the recording paper, the rubbing trace on the back surface, and the overload described above. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of defective paper discharge and the like.

Further, since the fixing device 112, which is a heat source, is disposed in the upper part of the apparatus, the process cartridge 1
04 and the laser scanner 105 are not affected by the heat radiation from the fixing device 112.
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of image defects due to heat radiation from the second.

However, in the case where the recording paper is sent almost vertically from the fixing device 112, the laser scanner 105 can be attached to the apparatus main body in an oblique state as shown in FIG. Then, the laser scanner 10 is tilted as described above.
5 is attached, for example, the laser scanner 105
The load on the bearing of the scanner motor (not shown) that drives the polygon mirror 106a provided in the
As a result, there is a problem that the bearing is scraped and the life of the scanner motor is shortened. In other words, in the laser beam printer having the third configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of curling of recording paper and the like and the occurrence of image defects due to heat radiation from the fixing device 112, but there is a problem in that the durability is impaired. .

In order to solve the problems of the laser beam printers of the second and third configurations, for example, the size of the entire apparatus is increased so that the fixing device 112, which is a heat source, is mounted on the process cartridge 104 or the laser scanner 105. It is sufficient to keep the laser scanner 105 as close to horizontal as possible, but it is necessary to increase the size of the apparatus and increase the manufacturing cost. I do.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of curling of a recording sheet (sheet), the occurrence of an image defect, and the durability. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the performance.

[0028]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming section provided with an image carrier, sheet feeding means for feeding a sheet to the image forming section, and an image forming section provided on the image carrier of the image forming section. An image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit configured to transfer the formed toner image onto a sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit; and a fixing unit configured to fix the toner image transferred by the transfer unit to the sheet. A sheet stacking unit for stacking a sheet to be discharged after the toner image is fixed, and a curve provided downstream of the fixing unit to turn the sheet passing through the fixing unit toward the sheet stacking unit while changing the direction. And a sheet conveyance path provided between the sheet feeding means and the guide section, wherein the sheet conveyance path is inclined at a predetermined angle and the sheet conveyance is performed. The sheet feeding unit, the transfer unit, and the fixing unit are sequentially arranged along a path such that the fixing unit is located at the uppermost position, and the guide unit is arranged such that the sheet is substantially moved toward the sheet stacking unit. It is characterized by being curved so as to be discharged in a horizontal direction.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the sheet feeding means, the transfer means and the fixing means are arranged substantially linearly obliquely upward along the sheet conveying path.

According to the present invention, the exposure means for forming a latent image on the image carrier provided in the image forming section is arranged at substantially the same height as the fixing means or below the fixing means. It is a feature.

The present invention is characterized in that the exposure means is arranged in a substantially horizontal state.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the sheet conveying path is provided substantially parallel to a diagonal line of the apparatus main body.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the sheet conveying path is inclined at an angle of 45 ± 15 ° from a horizontal plane with respect to the apparatus main body.

Further, according to the present invention, when the sheet passes through the fixing unit, the sheet is passed within a range from a direction parallel to the sheet conveying path to a direction perpendicular to the apparatus main body. Is constituted.

Further, as in the present invention, after the toner image formed on the image carrier of the image forming unit is transferred to the sheet fed to the image forming unit by the sheet feeding unit by the transfer unit, the toner image is transferred to the sheet. Is fixed to a sheet by a fixing unit, and thereafter, the sheet on which the toner image is fixed is discharged,
The sheet is loaded on the sheet loading means. In addition, a curved guide section is provided downstream of the fixing section to turn the sheet passing through the fixing section toward the sheet stacking section while changing the direction, and a sheet conveying path is provided between the guide section and the sheet feeding section. Then, the sheet conveying path is inclined at a predetermined angle, and the sheet feeding unit, the transferring unit, and the fixing unit are sequentially arranged along the sheet conveying path such that the fixing unit is at the uppermost position. Further, the sheet is directed toward the sheet stacking unit while changing its direction by a guide portion curved so that the sheet is discharged in a substantially horizontal direction toward the sheet stacking unit.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a laser beam printer as an example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, this laser beam printer
An electrophotographic method of forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by irradiating the photosensitive drum with laser light is employed.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 50 denotes a laser beam printer. The laser beam printer 50 includes an image forming unit 51 and a paper feeding unit 52. Here, the image forming unit 52 forms a transfer unit that presses against the process cartridge 7 having the photosensitive drum 8 or the like as an image carrier and presses the photosensitive drum 8 to transfer the toner image onto the recording paper P as a sheet. The apparatus includes a transfer roller 9 as a transfer unit and a laser scanner 5 as an exposure unit that irradiates a laser beam onto the photosensitive drum to form an electrostatic latent image. Reference numeral 5a denotes a polygon mirror provided in the laser scanner 5, and the polygon mirror 5a is driven by a scanner motor (not shown).

The paper supply section 52 is detachably mounted on a laser beam printer main body (hereinafter, referred to as an apparatus main body) 53, and is disposed above the paper supply cassette 1 and the paper supply cassette 1 for storing the recording paper P. And a paper feed roller 2 serving as a sheet feeding means for feeding the recording paper P stored in the paper feed cassette 1.

In the figure, reference numeral 4 denotes a registration sensor. Based on a signal from the registration sensor, a control unit (not shown) synchronizes the leading edge position of the recording paper P with the light emission timing of the laser scanner 5 to perform recording. An image is drawn from a predetermined position on the paper P. Also,
Reference numeral 6 denotes a folding mirror. Reference numeral 10 denotes a conveyance guide that guides the recording paper P after transfer to a fixing device 11 that is a fixing unit.

Further, R is a sheet conveying path provided between the sheet feeding roller 2 and a recording sheet guide member 12 which is a guide section described later. In the present embodiment, the sheet conveying path R is 4 from the horizontal surface with respect to the device body 53
It is provided so as to be inclined in a range of 5 ± 15 °, for example, 45 °.

Then, the image forming apparatus 5 having such a configuration is used.
0, when an image is formed on the recording paper P, first, a laser beam is irradiated by a laser scanner 5 on a photosensitive drum 8 having a uniformly charged surface to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Thereafter, the latent image is developed using toner to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum.

In parallel with the toner image forming operation, the paper feed roller 2 is rotated to feed the recording paper P stored in the paper feed cassette 1, and thereafter, the image is formed by the transport rollers 3a and 3b. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto the recording paper by applying a transfer voltage to the transfer roller 9.

Next, the recording paper P on which the toner image has been transferred as described above is conveyed to the fixing device 11, and the recording paper P is heated and pressed in the fixing device 11, whereby the toner image is permanently fixed on the recording paper. Is done. After the toner image is fixed in this way, the recording paper P is guided by the recording paper guide member 12, and the paper discharge cassette 1 is a sheet stacking unit formed integrally with the outer cover 13.
The recording paper is discharged almost horizontally on the recording surface 4 with the recording surface facing down. Note that, in the same drawing, a thick line indicates a movement locus of the recording paper P.

As shown in the drawing, the paper feed roller 2, the transfer section (transfer roller 9), and the fixing device 11 are arranged along the sheet conveyance path R, and the fixing device 11 is located at the top. They are arranged obliquely upward on the line.

A curved recording paper guide member 12 is provided immediately downstream (downstream) of the fixing device 11 and turns the recording paper P passing through the fixing device 11 toward the discharge cassette 14 while changing the direction. Are curved so as to be discharged in a substantially horizontal direction toward the paper discharge cassette 14.

In the present embodiment, the recording paper guide member 12 is turned by about 135 ° in the present embodiment so as to change the direction of the recording paper P by 90 ° or more with respect to the direction in which the recording paper P passes through the fixing device 11. It is curved to change.

The paper feed roller 2, the transfer roller 9, and the fixing device 11 are arranged obliquely upward in a substantially straight line, and the recording paper guide member 12 moves the recording paper P through the fixing device 11. By changing the direction by 90 ° or more, the direction of the recording sheet P is changed by 180 ° as compared with the configuration in which the recording paper P is turned 180 ° like the conventional laser beam printer having the first configuration shown in FIG. The recording paper P can be discharged horizontally with a small angle. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the curl of the recording paper P, the rubbing traces on the back surface, and the occurrence of paper discharge failure due to overload.

Further, by disposing the fixing device 11 at the uppermost portion of the sheet conveying path R, in other words, the process cartridge 7 and the laser scanner 5 can be disposed below or beside the fixing device 11. In addition, the process cartridge 7 and the laser scanner 5 are not affected by the heat generated from the fixing device 11, so that a good output image can always be obtained.

In this embodiment, an exhaust means (not shown) is provided in the outer cover 13, and even when continuous printing is performed, the heat generated from the fixing device 11 is not changed by the exhaust means. It is designed to be discharged outside the main body of the apparatus. Thus, the process cartridge 7 and the laser scanner 5 can be prevented from being affected by the heat generated from the fixing device 11.

As described above, the sheet conveying path R is inclined at a predetermined angle, and the sheet feeding roller 2, the transfer roller 9 and the fixing device 11 are moved along the sheet conveying path R.
By sequentially arranging the tops 1 at the top, it is possible to always obtain a good output image without being affected by heat generated from the fixing device 11.

Further, since the recording paper P can be discharged in a substantially horizontal direction toward the paper discharge cassette 14 without inverting the recording paper by 180 °, that is, the direction change angle can be reduced, so that the recording paper P can be reduced. P curl can be prevented from occurring.

Further, by providing the fixing device 11 at the uppermost part of the apparatus main body 53, the laser scanner 5 can be disposed at substantially the same height as the fixing device 11 or below the fixing device 11, as shown in FIG. Laser scanner 5
Can be arranged in a substantially horizontal state. As a result, a large load is not applied to the bearing of the motor (not shown) that drives the polygon mirror 5a provided in the laser scanner 5, and as a result, the durability can be improved.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a laser beam printer as an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

In the figure, reference numeral 22 denotes a recording paper guide member,
Reference numeral 21 denotes a fixing device. The recording paper conveyance (passing) direction of the fixing device 21 is the recording paper conveyance (passing) of the fixing device 11 of the laser beam printer according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The direction is parallel to the sheet conveyance path R, but is substantially perpendicular to the apparatus main body 53.

By setting the recording paper conveyance (passing) direction of the fixing device 21 to be substantially perpendicular to the apparatus main body 53, the curvature of the recording paper guide member 22 is increased accordingly. By doing so, the fixing device 21 can be disposed further above the apparatus main body.

As described above, the recording paper P to the fixing device 21
The recording paper conveyance (passing) direction of the fixing device 21 is within a range from a direction parallel to the sheet conveyance path R to a direction perpendicular to the apparatus main body 53 so as not to adversely affect the entry of the recording paper. The fixing device 21 is configured to pass P in a range from a direction parallel to the sheet conveyance path R to a direction perpendicular to the apparatus main body 53, and the recording of the fixing device 21 is performed as in the present embodiment. The fixing device 21 can be further disposed in the upper portion of the apparatus main body by making the sheet conveying (passing) direction closer to the direction substantially perpendicular to the apparatus main body 53. As a result, problems such as an image defect due to an increase in temperature inside the apparatus can be further improved.

In the above description, the sheet conveyance path R is set at 45 ± 1 from the horizontal plane with respect to the apparatus main body 53.
Although the case where it is provided to be inclined in the range of 5 ° has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sheet conveyance path R is provided substantially parallel to the diagonal line of the apparatus main body 53 without setting an angle. You may do it.

[0060]

As described above, according to the present invention, the sheet is provided between the guide portion curved so as to be discharged in the substantially horizontal direction toward the sheet stacking means and the sheet feeding means. The sheet conveyance path is inclined at a predetermined angle, and the sheet feeding means, the transfer means and the fixing means are sequentially arranged along the sheet conveyance path such that the fixing means is at the uppermost position, and the orientation is changed by the guide part. By causing the sheet to move toward the sheet stacking means, it is possible to prevent the sheet from curling and the like, and to prevent the occurrence of image defects, and to improve the durability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser beam printer as an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser beam printer as an example of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration of a laser beam printer as an example of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration of a laser beam printer as an example of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a third configuration of a laser beam printer as an example of a conventional image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 paper cassette 2 paper feed roller 5 laser scanner 7 process cartridge 8 photosensitive drum 9 transfer roller 11 fixing device 12 recording paper guide member 14 paper discharge cassette 21 fixing device 22 recording paper guide member 50 laser beam printer 51 image forming unit 52 paper feed Part 53 Main unit P Recording paper R Sheet transport path

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kenji Matsuzaka 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2H071 BA03 BA41 DA02 DA09 DA12 DA22 DA23 DA24 EA04 2H072 CA01 FA00 FB00 JA04 3F049 CA00 LA02 LA05 LA07 LB03 3F053 HA03 HA08 HB11 LA02 LA05 LA07 LB03 3F101 FA01 FB11 FC11 LA02 LA05 LA07 LB03

Claims (7)

[Claims] An image forming unit having an image carrier; sheet feeding means for feeding a sheet to the image forming unit; and a toner image formed on the image carrier of the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that transfers the sheet to the sheet fed by the feeding unit; and a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred by the transfer unit to the sheet. A sheet stacking unit for stacking sheets to be discharged, a curved guide unit provided downstream of the fixing unit and turning the sheet passing through the fixing unit toward the sheet stacking unit while changing the direction; A sheet conveying path provided between a feeding unit and the guide section, wherein the sheet conveying path is inclined at a predetermined angle and the sheet is formed along the sheet conveying path. The feeding unit, the transfer unit, and the fixing unit are sequentially arranged such that the fixing unit is at the uppermost position, and the guide unit is configured to discharge the sheet in a substantially horizontal direction toward the sheet stacking unit. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus is curved. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding unit, the transfer unit, and the fixing unit are disposed substantially linearly and obliquely upward along the sheet conveyance path. apparatus. 3. An exposure device for forming a latent image on an image carrier provided in the image forming section is disposed at substantially the same height as the fixing device or below the fixing device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said exposure means is arranged in a substantially horizontal state. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet conveyance path is provided substantially parallel to a diagonal line of the apparatus main body. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet conveying path is inclined within a range of 45 ± 15 ° from a horizontal plane with respect to the apparatus main body. 7. The fixing unit is configured to pass the sheet in a range from a direction parallel to the sheet conveyance path to a direction perpendicular to the apparatus main body when passing through the fixing unit. 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein
The image forming apparatus as described in the above.