JP2002278195A - Image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the stability and reliability of an image formation system which has an image forming device and a postprocessor built on the entire top-surface of a recording material supply device. SOLUTION: The image forming device 2 and postprocessor 5 are mounted on the entire top-surface of the recording material supply device 6; and the image forming device 2 and postprocessor 5 are fixed to the recording material supply device 6 and also fixed to each other by a fixing means 100.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system having an excellent expandability, mainly an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. The present invention relates to an image forming system including at least a recording material supply device that supplies a recording material to an image forming apparatus and a post-processing device that performs post-processing on the recording material discharged from the image forming device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a single function as a printer, a post-processing apparatus such as a sorter, a finisher, and a mail bin, and a sheet recording material are used in accordance with a user's request and an environment of use. 2. Description of the Related Art There has been provided an image forming system with excellent expandability that satisfies demands by arbitrarily combining peripheral devices (hereinafter, referred to as optional devices) such as a recording material supply device for supplying.

However, in such a conventional image forming system, there is a problem that the function cannot be expanded as desired due to the installation space of the image forming system allocated in an office or the like.

That is, conventionally, in most cases, the optional device is installed on the upper, lower, or side of the image forming apparatus. For this reason, those installed at the upper and lower parts can still effectively use the width of the image forming apparatus, but those installed beside the image forming apparatus increase the installation space by the width of the optional apparatus. . If the installation space is not enough, it is difficult to add such optional devices.

In order to solve such a problem, the applicant of the present application has previously provided an image forming apparatus with a recording material supply unit for accommodating a small-size recording material and a small-size recording material. It has a width corresponding to the dimensions, and is configured to discharge the recording material on which the image has been formed to the upper surface of the image forming apparatus,
Including the image forming apparatus, all the optional devices except the recording material supply device connected thereto accommodate a large-sized recording material larger than the small-sized recording material, and have a width corresponding to the size of the large-sized recording material. An image forming system for assembling the recording material supply apparatus so as to substantially fit within the upper surface range thereof has been filed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-330350).

[0006]

In the image forming system disclosed in the above publication, a post-processing device such as a sorter, a finisher, a mail bin or the like for performing post-processing on the recording material discharged from the image forming device is also provided beside the image forming device. In addition, it is assembled so as to be substantially fitted on the upper surface of the recording material supply device.

[0007] These post-processing devices have a vertically long shape, and if they are placed on the upper surface of the recording material supply device, the post-processing device is likely to be in an unstable state, and the post-processing device may be inclined.

As described above, when the post-processing device mounted on the upper surface of the recording material supply device is inclined, an image forming system including the image forming device, the post-processing device, the recording material supply device, etc. However, there is a problem that the provided system lacks stability at the time of arrangement.

In particular, the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus is provided with a discharge tray for discharging the recording material after the post-processing, and the discharge tray is opposite to the side where the image forming apparatus is arranged. On the side. If a large amount of the recording material discharged on the discharge tray accumulates, the center of gravity of the post-processing device is moved by the recording material, and an inclination is generated on the side opposite to the side where the image forming apparatus is disposed. The risk of the post-processing device falling over increases.

[0010] Even if the image forming apparatus does not fall over, a gap may be formed between a post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus which are disposed adjacently on the upper surface of the recording material supply apparatus. A transfer port for recording material exists on the adjacent surface between the post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus. When the gap at the transfer port increases, smooth transfer of the recording material between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus is performed. Cannot be performed, and a problem such as an increase in transport jam occurs.

In the image forming system, when an optional device such as a scanner, a post-processing device, a recording material supply device, or the like is connected to the image forming device, a power supply for supplying power to the optional device is provided. A signal line for exchanging image data and control signals between the code and each optional device is provided. In most cases, the cables such as the power cord and the signal line are generally located on the back surface or side surface of the device, and the place where the device is installed is often placed along the wall surface.

At this time, if the above devices are installed too close to the wall surface, the space for arranging the cables between the device and the wall surface is reduced, resulting in excessive bending stress in the cables and deterioration of the cables. There is a problem of being promoted.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the stability and reliability of the above-described image forming system proposed by the present applicant. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system capable of performing the above.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image forming system according to the present invention has an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material and a peripheral device selectively provided to the image forming apparatus. An image forming system comprising: a device;
As a peripheral device, a recording material supply device that accommodates the recording material and supplies the accommodated recording material to the image forming apparatus, and performs a predetermined post-process on the recording material discharged from the image forming device. An image forming system including at least one post-processing device, wherein the image forming device and the first post-processing device are assembled within an upper surface of the recording material supply device, and the image forming device and the first A fixing means is provided for fixing the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus to each other in a state where the adjacent surfaces of the first post-processing apparatus are in contact with each other.

In the case where the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing device are mounted on the recording material supply device, the width of the first post-processing device is narrow (that is, the width of the first post-processing device is small). Has a vertically long shape), the first post-processing device is disposed in a very unstable state, and the first post-processing device may fall over and fall from the recording material supply device.

Further, even if the first post-processing apparatus does not fall over, a gap is formed between the first post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus which are arranged adjacently on the upper surface of the recording material supply apparatus, and There is a possibility that the smooth transfer of the recording material between the post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus is hindered, and that the conveyance jam increases.

However, according to the above configuration, since the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing device are fixed to each other by the fixing means, the first post-processing device exerts a force in the direction of overturning the first post-processing device. Even if is applied, the first post-processing device is supported by the fixing means, and the fall-down or the like is prevented. This makes it possible to use the image forming system having the configuration in which the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are assembled in the upper surface area of the recording material supply apparatus in a stable state.

In the image forming system, the fixing means may include an engaging pin provided on one of adjacent surfaces of the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus, and an engaging pin provided on one adjacent surface of the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are provided on one adjacent surface of the processing device, are slidable in an in-plane direction of the adjacent surface, and are fixed to each other by engaging with the engagement pin. A slide member having an engagement hole that engages with the slide member. The engagement hole is configured to move either the engagement position or the release position at a position facing the engagement pin by sliding movement of the slide member. It is possible to adopt a configuration adapted to take.

According to the above arrangement, when the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are fixed by the fixing means, the image forming apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus while the slide member is moved to the open position. The image forming apparatus and the first post-processing device are fixed by installing the first post-processing device on the recording material supply device and then moving the slide member to the engagement position. Thus, the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus can be easily fixed.

Further, in the image forming system, it is preferable that the engagement pin is provided on the image forming apparatus side and the slide member is provided on the first post-processing apparatus side.

That is, when the fixing means is constituted by the engagement pin and the slide member as described above, it is apparent that the slide member has a more complicated structure and is more costly. The fixing means is required only when the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are used in combination, and is not used when only the image forming apparatus is used.

Therefore, by providing the fixing means having a more complicated structure on the first post-processing apparatus side, it is possible to prevent an increase in cost on the image forming apparatus side.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material; and a peripheral device selectively attached to the image forming apparatus. System, as a peripheral device,
A recording material supply device that stores the recording material and supplies the stored recording material to the image forming apparatus; and a first post-processing that performs a predetermined post-processing on the recording material discharged from the image forming apparatus. In the image forming system including at least the image forming apparatus, the recording material supply apparatus on which the image forming apparatus is mounted includes a predetermined distance between the image forming apparatus and peripheral devices attached to the image forming apparatus and a wall of a building or the like. And a regulating member for forming the space.

In an image forming system in which various peripheral devices are connected to an image forming apparatus, it is necessary to connect cables such as a power supply and signal lines in the image forming system. In this case, the cables are generally located on the back or side of each device constituting the image forming system, and the place where the device is installed is often placed along the wall surface. However, at this time, if the image forming system is installed too close to the wall surface, the space for arranging the cable between the device and the wall surface is reduced, so that excessive bending stress is generated in the cable and deterioration of the cable is caused. Promoted.

On the other hand, according to the above configuration, the regulating member for forming a predetermined space between the image forming apparatus and peripheral devices attached to the image forming apparatus and the wall surface of the building or the like is provided. Therefore, when the image forming system is installed on a wall surface, the regulating member appropriately secures an arrangement space for the cables between the image forming system and the wall surface.

By providing the regulating member on the recording material supply device side without providing the regulating member on the image forming device side, unnecessary force (force for distorting the device) generated when the regulating member is pressed against the wall surface of the building is provided. ) Does not work on the image forming apparatus, so that good image formation is possible.

In the above-mentioned image forming system, the regulating member is provided at least on a side where cables for connecting the image forming apparatus and peripheral devices attached to the image forming apparatus are provided. The supporting member is also used, and it is preferable that the supporting member is configured to protrude from the outer wall of the housing of the image forming apparatus and the peripheral device.

According to the above configuration, since the regulating member contacts the wall surface of the building at a portion that contacts the floor, the regulating member can reliably maintain a distance from the wall surface of the building or the like, and can be connected to the image forming apparatus and the recording material supply apparatus. The force that distorts the positional relationship does not work. Further, by using the regulating member also as a supporting member of the recording material supply device, it is possible to avoid an increase in the number of components due to the addition of the regulating member.

In the image forming system, a second post-processing device is provided on the floor on the side opposite to the side on which the first post-processing device is disposed, beside the image forming device. It can be configured.

According to the above-described configuration, the first and second post-processing devices can be provided at both ends of the image forming apparatus. The upper part of the main unit can be used effectively.

In the image forming system, the second post-processing device is provided movably on a floor provided by roller-shaped support means, and can be connected to and separated from the image forming device. The image forming apparatus has a recording material conveyance path configured in a substantially vertical shape from bottom to top near one side surface, and the arrangement of the first and second post-processing apparatuses is as follows. For the image forming apparatus,
It is preferable that the second post-processing device is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus where the recording material transport path is located, and the first post-processing device is provided on the opposite side.

That is, the first post-processing device is mounted on the upper surface of the recording material supply device together with the image forming device, and the image forming device and the first post-processing device are mutually fixed by the fixing means. Fixed. Therefore, in the image forming system, it is not easy to release the contact state between the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus. If it is provided on the side where the recording paper is conveyed, it becomes extremely difficult to remove the jam when a conveyance jam occurs in the recording material conveyance path.

On the other hand, according to the above configuration, the second post-processing device movably disposed by the roller-shaped support member can easily be connected to and separated from the image forming apparatus. By providing the second post-processing device on the side of the forming apparatus where the recording material transport path is located, it is possible to easily perform the jam processing when a transport jam occurs in the recording material transport path.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
It is as follows.

FIG. 2 shows an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 1 includes a scanner 3, an automatic document feeder 4, a post-processing device 5, a recording material supply device 6, and a relay feed unit, each of which is a peripheral device, with the image forming device 2 as a core. 8 is connected,
Functionality has been extended. Among them, the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 are placed side by side on the upper surface of the recording material supply apparatus 6, and the scanner 3 is mounted above them together with the automatic document feeder 4 arranged above the system. It is arranged by being supported on the rack 7.

When the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer as an externally connected device, the image data from the externally connected device is output to the image forming apparatus 2. It is to record and output.

An electrophotographic processing section 20 centered on the photosensitive drum 200 is disposed substantially at the center left side of the image forming apparatus 2. A charging roller 2 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 200 is provided around the photosensitive drum 200.
01, an optical scanning unit 22 for writing an electrostatic latent image by scanning an optical image on a uniformly charged photosensitive drum 200, and a developing unit for reproducing the electrostatic latent image written by the optical scanning unit 22 with a developer 202, photosensitive drum 200
A transfer unit 203 for transferring the image reproduced on the recording material, and removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 200 after the transfer, thereby enabling a new image to be recorded on the photosensitive drum 200 A cleaning unit 204 and a charge removing lamp unit (not shown) for removing charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 200 are disposed.

At the lower part of the image forming apparatus 2, a recording material supply unit 21 capable of storing a recording material of a maximum A4 size is arranged. The recording material supply unit 21 includes a recording material storage tray 210 that stores the recording material, and a separation feeding unit 21 that separates and feeds the recording materials stored in the recording material storage tray 210 one by one.
1 and 1. In this separation feeding means 211, 1
The recording materials separated and fed one by one are transferred to the electrophotographic process section 2
0 is sequentially supplied between the photosensitive drum 200 and the transfer unit 203, and an image recorded and reproduced on the photosensitive drum 200 is transferred. Operations such as replenishment of the recording material to the recording material supply unit 21 and replacement of the recording material are performed by pulling out the recording material storage tray 210 to the front side of the image forming apparatus 2 main body.

The lower surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 2 receives a recording material sent from a recording material supply device 6 which is provided as an option. A recording material receiving port 27 for sequentially supplying the recording material toward the recording medium is provided.

A fixing device 23 is disposed above the electrophotographic process unit 20. The fixing device 23 receives the recording material on which the image has been transferred sequentially, and heats and fixes the developer transferred on the recording material. Send the recording material out. The recording material on which the image is recorded is transferred from the discharge roller 28 of the image forming apparatus to the relay conveyance unit 8 on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 2. Thus, the recording material transport path 6 of the image forming apparatus 2
4 is configured substantially vertically from bottom to top.

In the upper and lower spaces of the optical scanning unit 22, a device control unit 24 for accommodating a process control unit (PCU) board for controlling an electrophotographic process and an interface board for receiving image data from outside the apparatus. An image control unit 25 having an image control unit (ICU) board for performing predetermined image processing on image data received from the interface board and causing the optical scanning unit 22 to scan and record an image; , And a power supply unit 26 for supplying power to the unit.

The recording material supply device 6 is an optional externally provided recording material supply device, and has three recording material supply portions 61, 62, and 63. Recording material supply unit 6
In 1.62 and 63, the recording material storage trays 610 and 620
The recording material accommodated in the image forming apparatus 630 is separated one by one by separation feeding means 611, 621, and 631 provided in each of the recording materials, and the recording material receiving port 27 of the image forming apparatus 2 provided on the upper surface of the unit. Recording material outlet 65 communicating with
Supply towards. During operation, the recording material supply units 61, 62, and 63 containing recording materials of a desired size selectively operate. The recording material is supplied to the recording material supply units 61, 62, and 63 by pulling out the recording material storage trays 610, 620, and 630 to the front side of the unit main body. And recording materials of the same size are stored.

The recording material supply device 6 is configured so that the image forming device 2 and the post-processing device 5 are placed on the upper portion. The recording material supply device 6 is moved in this state and fixed between the system racks 7. A movable roller 69 and a fixed part 68 are provided at the lower part so as to be able to be arranged. At the time of movement, the fixed portion 68 is rotated to ascend to separate the fixed portion 68 from the floor surface, and at the time of fixing, the fixed portion 68 is rotated to descend to contact the fixed portion 68 with the floor surface, thereby recording. The material supply device 6 is fixed.

In FIG. 2, a recording material supply device 6 of a type having three different recording material supply units 61, 62 and 63.
However, as shown in FIG. 3A, the same recording material supply unit is stacked in a plurality of stages, or as shown in FIG. 3B, the recording material supply unit is only one stage. Etc.

The post-processing device 5 introduces the recording material on which the image discharged from the relay conveyance unit 8 and the image forming device 2 is recorded by a carry-in roller 50 at an upper portion of the device, and performs post-processing on the recording material. Is applied. Instead of the recording material supply device 6, a mere desk unit having substantially the same dimensions as the recording material supply device 6 and excluding the recording material supply function may be used.

The post-processing includes staple processing, punching processing, sorting processing, and the like. The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 performs stapling processing, and the post-processed processing is performed in the lower discharge tray 59. Those not subjected to post-processing are selectively discharged to the upper discharge tray 56 by the switching gate 52.

The scanner 3 automatically supplies a document on a sheet by the automatic document feeder 4 and sequentially exposes and scans the document one by one to read a document image. A manual reading mode for reading a document image by manually setting a document on a sheet that cannot be automatically supplied by the apparatus 4 is provided. The image of the document set on the transparent document table 30 is exposed and scanned by a first scanning unit 31 and a second scanning unit 32 that move along the document table 30 at a predetermined speed relationship with each other. , Mirrors and imaging lenses 3
The document image is converted into an electric signal and output after being guided by an optical component such as 3 to form an image on the photoelectric conversion element 34.

The automatic document feeder 4 feeds the document placed on the document set tray 40 toward the document placing table 30 and discharges the scanned document onto the document discharge tray 42. It has. In addition, the document is rotated upward with the back side of the apparatus as a fulcrum, and the front side of the apparatus is opened so that a document on a sheet that cannot be automatically supplied is placed on the document table 30 and can be read and scanned. It is configured as follows.

The relay conveyance unit 8 is mounted on a paper discharge tray 29 provided on the top of the image forming apparatus 2, and is configured to transfer a recording material on which an image discharged from a paper discharge roller 28 of the image forming apparatus 2 is recorded. This is a transport unit for introducing the paper toward the post-processing device 5 located downstream of the image forming apparatus 2.

Further, another recording material for guiding the recording material to a discharge tray 9 formed by the upper surface 82 of the unit and the upper surface 54 of the post-processing device 5 in the middle of the recording material conveyance path 84 of the relay conveyance unit 8. The transport path 83 branches. The two discharge destinations can be changed by switching the gate 81 arranged at the branch of the transport path.

In the image forming system 1 having such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 2 and a post-processing apparatus 5 are placed side by side on a recording material supply apparatus 6. And the width dimension of the image forming apparatus 2 main body is L
1. Assuming that the width of the post-processing device 5 is L2, the width L of the recording material supply device 6 is designed to be substantially equal to L1 + L2. However, the width L2 of the post-processing device 5 does not include the dimensions of the paper discharge trays 56 and 59 provided to protrude from the side of the post-processing device 5, and
The width dimension of the bottom surface of the post-processing device 5 is shown.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of a method of assembling the image forming system 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 in a case where the recording material supply device 6 and the post-processing device 5 are added to the image forming device 2 to extend the functions. .

When the post-processing device 5 and the image forming apparatus 2 are mounted on the recording material supply device 6, first, as shown in FIGS. The forming apparatus 2 is placed and fixed. FIG. 1A is a multi-stage type in which the same recording material supply unit is stacked in three stages, and FIG. 1B is a configuration having only one recording material supply unit. The mounting method is the same for either the multi-stage or single-stage recording material supply device 6.

When the image forming apparatus 2 is mounted on the upper surface, the operation is performed with the recording material storage tray 210 (see FIG. 2) of the recording material supply unit 21 removed from the image forming apparatus 2. By removing the recording material storage tray 210, a mounting portion (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 2 in advance is exposed, and the recording material supply device 6 is screwed using this mounting portion. Then, the recording material storage tray 210 is inserted. With such a fixing method, there is an advantage that the fixing screw cannot be seen from the front. In addition, besides this,
A fixing method of screwing the image forming apparatus 2 and the recording material supply apparatus 6 on the back side using a predetermined fixing member or the like, or
A combination of these two fixing methods may be used.

The attachment of the recording material supply device 6 of the post-processing device 5 is performed after the image forming apparatus 2 is fixed on the recording material supply device 6 as described above. The placement of the post-processing device 5 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), first, the post-processing device 5 is temporarily placed on the recording material supply device 6 (procedure), and then slid in the direction of the paper discharge tray 21 of the image forming apparatus 5 (procedure).

To fix the post-processing device 5 thus mounted, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the front cover 5a of the post-processing device 5 is opened, and the post-processing device 5 is mounted in advance. Using the unit 5b, the recording material supply device 6 is screwed at two places at the bottom. At this time, the process is performed in a state where the uppermost recording material storage tray 610 of the recording material supply device 6 is pulled out. After the screwing is completed, there is an advantage that the screws cannot be visually recognized from the outside by closing the recording material storage tray 610. On the rear side of the apparatus, as shown in FIG.
Is further fixed to the recording material supply device 6.

In the configuration of the image forming system 1, as described above, the post-processing device 5 is mounted on the upper surface of the recording material supply device 6, so that the post-processing device 5 is mounted on the floor. The rigidity of the mounting surface is lower than that of the above. That is, in the upper frame of the recording material supply device 6 serving as the mounting surface of the post-processing device 5, bending due to the weight of the post-processing device 5 is likely to occur. The post-processing device 5 has a vertically long shape,
Since the recording material supply device 6 is placed with a narrow width on the upper surface, the placement state of the post-processing device 5 tends to be unstable.

In particular, in the post-processing apparatus 5, the discharge trays 56, 5 for discharging the recording material after the post-processing is performed.
The discharge trays 56 and 59 are provided on the side opposite to the side where the image forming apparatus 2 is disposed.
When a large amount of the recording material discharged onto the discharge trays 56 and 59 accumulates, the post-processing device 5 uses the recording material.
The center of gravity of the post-processing device 5 moves, and a tilt is generated on the side opposite to the side on which the image forming apparatus 2 is disposed, so that the risk of the post-processing apparatus 5 falling over increases.

The image forming apparatus 2 disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the recording material supply device 6 even if it does not fall down.
There is a possibility that a gap may occur between the post-processing device 5 and the post-processing device 5. A transfer port for the recording material is provided on the adjacent surface between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5. When the gap at the transfer port increases, the recording material is transferred between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5. Smooth delivery of materials cannot be performed, and transport jams increase.

In the image forming system 1, in order to solve this problem, as shown in FIG.
And the post-processing device 5 are fixed to each other by the fixing means 100.

As described above, not only is the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 fixed to the recording material supply apparatus 6, but also the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 are fixed to the fixing means 100.
, The stability of the image forming system 1 can be increased. That is, even if the recording material accumulates in the discharge trays 56 and 59 in the post-processing device 5 and the center of gravity of the post-processing device 5 moves to the side opposite to the side where the image forming apparatus 2 is disposed, the post-processing device is fixed by the fixing unit 100. 5 is prevented from falling. Further, since the gap on the adjacent surface between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 does not increase, it is possible to suppress the conveyance jam and perform the stable transfer of the recording material.

The fixing means 100 is preferably provided near the upper part of the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5, so that even when a force in the direction of turning over the post-processing apparatus 5 is generated. The positional relationship between the post-processing device 5 and the image forming device 2 can be kept good. Further, when the fixing means 100 is provided near the upper part of the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5,
When a force in the direction of overturning is generated, a strong force acts on the fixing means 100 and may damage the fixing means 100. By providing the fixing means 100 on the upper part, the fixing member 100 is prevented from being damaged. be able to.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 show specific examples of the structure of the fixing means 100. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the image forming apparatus 2 is provided with an engagement pin 101 as a part of the fixing unit 100. The engagement pin 101 is
If the image forming apparatus 2 is configured to be screwed to the image forming apparatus 2 on a surface adjacent to the post-processing apparatus 5,
This is preferable only when the image forming system 1 includes the recording material supply device 6 because the engagement pin 101 can be easily provided. The number of the engagement pins 101 is two in the configuration of FIG. 5, but the number is not particularly limited.
When the post-processing device 5 is not mounted in the image forming system 1, a good-looking screw such as a round plate screw or a decorative lid member is fitted into the mounting hole 102 of the engagement pin 101. The mounting hole 102 can be prevented from being exposed on the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 2.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the engagement pin 101 has a top portion 101a, a shaft portion 101, and a screw portion 101.
c, and has a flange portion 101d. The above-mentioned engagement pin 1
5 is attached to the mounting hole 102 of the image forming apparatus 2 by the screw portion 101c (see FIG. 5A). At this time, the flange portion 101d comes into contact with the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 2 so that the top portion 101a and shaft portion 101
b is adjusted to an appropriate position. In addition, in the above-mentioned engagement pin 101, the diameter of the top part 101a is
Is larger than the diameter.

On the other hand, the post-processing device 5 is provided with a slide engaging means 103 as another part of the fixing means 100 as shown in FIG. Slide engagement means 103
Includes a slide plate 104 and a slide guide member 105, and the slide plate 104 is held by the slide guide member 105 fixed to a side surface of the post-processing device 5. That is, the slide plate 104 is configured to be slidably held between the side surface of the post-processing device 5 and the slide guide member 105.

The engagement pin 101 is provided on the slide plate 104.
An engagement hole 106 for engaging with the engagement pin 106 is provided at a position facing the engagement pin 101 by sliding movement of the slide plate 104. I am getting it.

Specifically, the engagement hole 106 is
As shown in (b), the longitudinal direction is the slide plate 104.
Has a keyhole shape that coincides with the sliding direction of the engaging pin 101. A thick hole 106a having a diameter larger than the diameter of the top 101a of the engagement pin 101 is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction, and the other end is The elongated hole 106b has a width smaller than the diameter of the top 101a.

The procedure for fixing the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 to each other is as follows.
4 is moved in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. At this time, the slide plate 104 is
a is the open position facing the engagement pin 101. Also,
The post-processing device 5 is positioned by fitting a positioning hole (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the post-processing device 5 with a positioning pin 66 on the upper surface of the recording material supply device 6. Note that the positioning pins 66 are also engaged pins 101.
Similarly to the above, only when the image forming system 1 is provided with the recording material supply device 6, it is preferable that the recording material supply device 6 be provided with a screw or the like.

When the post-processing device 5 is mounted in the above-described procedure of FIG. 4A in a state where the slide plate 104 is in the open position, the slide plate 104 is moved to an arrow shown in FIG. Move in the B direction. At this time, the slide plate 10
4 indicates that the long hole 106b of the engagement hole 106 is
And an engagement position opposed to. That is, the engagement pin 1
01 is a long hole 106b of the engagement hole 106.
, The image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 are fixed to each other.

When the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 are fixed to each other by moving the slide plate 104 in the direction of arrow B, fixing screw holes formed at the front end of the slide plate 104 are formed. 4A, the slide plate 104 is fixed on the front side of the post-processing device 5 by screwing so that the engagement between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing device 5 is not released (FIG. 4B). )reference).

The fixing of the slide plate 104 by screws is performed with the front cover 5a of the post-processing device 5 opened as shown in FIGS. 4 (b) and 6 (a).
After the slide plate 104 is screwed, the screws can be made invisible by closing the front cover 5a.

When the fixing means 100 is constituted by the engaging pins 101 and the slide engaging means 103 as described above, the engaging pins 101 are provided on the post-processing device 5 side,
The slide engagement means 103 can be provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side. However, since the fixing means is necessary only when the post-processing device 5 is attached to the image forming apparatus 2, the sliding engagement means 103 having a more complicated structure than the engagement pin 101 is used. It is preferably provided on the side.

The configuration of the fixing means 100 is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 while maintaining a predetermined contact state. . For example, the fixing means 100 does not need to be provided on the mutually adjacent surfaces of the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5, and a fixing plate or the like is arranged on the back side of the apparatus.
The fixing plate may be screwed to both devices.

Further, even when the fixing means 100 is provided with a configuration other than the above-described engagement pin 101 and slide engagement means 103, the means provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side and the post-processing apparatus 5 side In the case where one of the means provided in the above has a more complicated structure than the other, it is preferable to provide the means having the complicated structure on the post-processing device 5 side.

In the image forming system 1, when the post-processing device 5 and the recording material supply device 6 are combined with the image forming device 2, the post-processing device 5 is mounted on the upper surface of the recording material supply device 6. ing.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a cover member 67 is provided on the mounting surface of the post-processing device 5 in the recording material supply device 6.
Is provided. This is because the image forming system 1 may not be combined with the post-processing device 5. In this case, the cover member 67 covers the mounting surface of the post-processing device 5 in the recording material supply device 6. It has become.

Then, the post-processing device 5 is connected to the recording material supply device 6.
7A, the fixing screw for fixing the lid member 67 to the recording material supply device 6 is removed, and the lid member 67 is supplied with the recording material. Remove from the upper surface of the device 6. In the configuration shown in FIG. 7A, a total of four screws, two screws attached from the top side and two screws attached from the front side, are used as fixing screws for fixing the lid member 67. However, the two screws to be attached from the front side are configured to be attached in a state where the uppermost recording material storage tray 610 of the recording material supply device 6 is pulled out, and are visible from outside when the recording material accommodation tray 610 is closed. You may not be able to do so.

As shown in FIG. 7B, at least one of the screw holes for the two screws to be mounted from the upper surface side can be used for mounting the positioning pin 66 described above. . When the post-processing device 5 is combined with the image forming system 1, the lid member 67 on the recording material supply device 6 is removed for the following reasons. That is, the lid member 67 is made of resin, and if there is no electrical conduction between the image forming apparatus 2, the post-processing apparatus 5, and the recording material supply apparatus 6, a problem of radio interference may occur. When the apparatus 5 is attached, the cover member 67 is removed, and the sheet metal structure of the post-processing apparatus 5 and the sheet metal structure of the recording material supply apparatus 6 are screwed to establish electrical continuity. Can not be.

[Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Image forming system 1 according to Embodiment 2
As in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 2 is used as a nucleus, and the scanner 3, the automatic document feeder 4, the post-processing device 5, the recording material supply device 6, The relay conveyance unit 8 is connected, and the function is extended. Among them, the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 are placed side by side on the upper surface of the recording material supply apparatus 6, and the scanner 3 is mounted above them together with the automatic document feeder 4 arranged above the system. It is arranged by being supported on the rack 7.

As described above, in the configuration of the image forming system 1 in which various peripheral devices are connected to the image forming apparatus 2,
A power cord for supplying power to each peripheral device and a signal line for exchanging image data and control signals between the peripheral devices are provided. In general, the cables 11 such as the power cord and the signal line are generally located on the back or side of the image forming system 1 as shown in FIG. 8 so as not to be visually recognized by the user. Yes, and the place where the image forming system 1 is installed is often placed along a wall surface.

At this time, if the image forming system 1 is installed so as to be too close to the wall surface, the space for arranging the cables 11 between the image forming system 1 and the wall surface is reduced, and each cable has an excessively large space. There is a possibility that bending stress is generated and deterioration of the cable is promoted. For this reason, it is preferable that the image forming system 1 be installed at a certain distance from the wall surface so that a space for arranging the cables 11 is secured.

For this reason, in the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment, the distance between the image forming system 1 and the wall is regulated so that the space for arranging the cables 11 is appropriately secured. It is characterized in that a regulating member 12 is provided.

The regulating member 12 is, as shown in FIG.
When arranging the image forming system 1 in a state where the image forming system 1 is brought into contact with a wall surface, an appropriate arrangement space is secured, but it is preferable that the image forming system 1 is also used as a fixing portion 68 for fixing the recording material supply device 6 to a floor surface. is there.

That is, the image forming system 1 has a recording material supply device 6 at the lowermost portion, and the image forming device 2 and the post-processing device 5 are placed on the upper surface thereof. To the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5
In this case, an unnecessary force may be generated in the device provided with the regulating member 12, and the device may be distorted.

This can be easily understood by considering the procedure when the image forming system 1 is installed. When the image forming system 1 is installed, first, the image forming apparatus 2, the post-processing apparatus 5, and the like are placed on the recording material supply apparatus 6, and then the cables 11 are arranged on the rear side of the image forming system 1. Make the connection. Then, when the connection of the cables 11 is completed, the image forming system 1 is moved while being pressed, and is moved to a location along the wall surface. This image forming system 1
During the movement of the recording material, the recording material supply device 6 is moved while being pressed in order to perform the smooth movement.

At this time, the movement of the image forming system 1 is stopped when the regulating member 12 contacts the wall surface. However, when the regulating member 12 is the image forming system 1
When the device is provided in an apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 2 or the post-processing apparatus 5 disposed above the recording material supply device 6, the recording material supply device 6 may be further pushed in after the regulating member 12 comes into contact with the wall surface. is there. In this case, in the device provided with the regulating member 12, the force pushed back from the wall surface by the regulating member 12 and the force received from the mounting surface with the recording material supply device 6 act in opposite directions, This causes distortion in the device provided with the regulating member 12. In particular, when such distortion occurs in the image forming apparatus 2, the image quality is adversely affected.

On the other hand, when the regulating member 12 is provided in the recording material supply device 6, the movement of the recording material supply device 6 is stopped when the regulating member 12 contacts the wall surface. The above-described distortion does not occur in the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 placed on the upper surface of the recording material supply device 6. Further, when the regulating member 12 is provided on the upper portion of the recording material supply device 6, forces in opposite directions act on the upper and lower portions of the recording material supply device 6, and the recording material supply device 6 may be distorted. However, such a problem can be avoided by providing the regulating member 12 below the recording material supply device 6. Further, since the recording material supply device 6 is designed on the premise that the image forming device 2, the post-processing device 5, and the like are mounted on the upper portion, the recording material supply device 6 is made relatively firmly. It is preferable that the recording material supply device 6 be provided with the regulating member 12.

When the regulating member 12 is provided below the recording material supply device 6, the regulating member 12 is also used as a fixing portion 68 for fixing the recording material supply device 6 to the floor, thereby reducing the number of parts. Can be planned.

The configuration in which the restricting member 12 is also used as the fixing portion 68 will be described below with reference to the drawing of FIG. still,
FIG. 9 shows a view of the regulating member 12 viewed from the upper surface side.

The regulating member (fixing portion 68) 12 is a circular portion 12a made of a material such as plastic and having a circular shape.
And a metal screw post 12b provided at the center of the circular portion 12a. The height can be adjusted up and down along the screw post 12b by rotating the circular portion 12a in the direction of the arrow in the figure. It has become. That is, even if the circular portion 12a of the regulating member 12 is rotated, the space between the circular portion 12a and the wall surface of the building does not change, so that a predetermined interval can always be maintained.

The regulating member 12 has a circular portion 12.
a is brought into contact with the wall surface to form the image forming system 1.
And acts as a regulating member 12 for securing an appropriate space between the wall and the wall.
When the diameter of 2a is 80 mm and the center of the circular portion 12a is located about 30 mm outside the outer wall of the housing of the recording material supply device 6, the distance d between the wall surface of the building and the outer wall of the recording material supply device 6 is set to about 70mm. Is done. In addition, the regulating member 12
By moving the circular portion 12a to the lowermost position and contacting the floor surface, the circular portion 12a functions as a fixing portion 68 for fixing the image forming system 1.

When the fixing portions 68 are also used as the regulating members 12, all the fixing portions 68 must be
It is not necessary to use That is, the regulating member 12
Is on the rear side of the device where the cables 11 are arranged,
This is necessary for appropriately maintaining the distance between the image forming system 1 and the wall surface, and at least the fixing portion 68 on the rear side of the apparatus (the cable arrangement side) may be used also as the restricting member 12.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the regulating member 12 not only protrudes beyond the outer wall of the recording material supply device 6 on the back side of the image forming system 1 but also protrudes from the side of the image forming system 1. Also, it is preferable to dispose it near the outer wall of the recording material supply device 6. In this case, there is an advantage that the operation of rotating the circular portion 12a of the regulating member 12 can be easily performed.

[Embodiment 3] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
It is as follows. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Image forming system 1 according to the third embodiment
As in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 10, a scanner 3, an automatic document feeder 4, a post-processing device 5, a recording material supply device 6, a relay The transport unit 8 and the sorter (mail bin) 10 are connected to extend the function. Among them, the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 are placed side by side on the upper surface of the recording material supply apparatus 6, and the scanner 3 is mounted above them together with the automatic document feeder 4 arranged above the system. It is arranged by being supported on the rack 7. Further, the sorter 110 is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 2 with the post-processing apparatus 5.
It is installed on the floor on the side opposite to the arrangement side.

When the recording material on which an image is recorded by the image forming apparatus 2 is discharged to the sorter 110, the image forming apparatus 2
Then, the recording material is once sent to the discharge roller 28 side, and when the rear end of the recording material has passed the switching guide 251, the switching guide 251 is switched, and the recording material is switched back by reversing the rotation direction of the discharge roller 28. . Then, the recording material that has been switched back is guided to the carry-in roller 51 by the switching guide 251 so that the recording material is sorted.
Discharge to the side.

Post-processing performed in the image forming system 1 includes stapling processing and sorting processing.
In the image forming system 1 exemplified as “0”, the post-processing device 5 performs a stapling process, and the sorter 110 performs a sorting process. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may have the opposite configuration, or both may have the same function, and can meet the needs of many users.

Those that are not post-processed by the sorter 110 are discharged to the uppermost discharge tray, and one of the lower discharge trays is selected for each copy and destination for each of the other discharge trays. Is discharged.

The sorter 110 is connected to the image forming apparatus 2 while being set on the floor, and has a roller-shaped support member 111 provided on the bottom surface of the sorter 110.
With this configuration, it is possible to move in the separation / contact direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 2.

In the configuration shown in FIG.
The recording material receiving port from the image forming apparatus 2 at 0 is a height at which the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the recording material discharge port of the image forming apparatus 2 when the image forming apparatus 2 is mounted on the recording material supply apparatus 6 and used. Is set to That is, in the image forming system 1, the sorter 110 is provided for the purpose of sorting a large number of recording materials on which images are formed by the image forming apparatus 2. This is because the recording material supply device 6 is often provided at the same time, or the height of the sorter 110 is inevitably increased in order to provide a large number of discharge trays in the sorter 110.

However, even in the case where the sorter 110 is provided, when the recording material supply device 6 is not combined, the recording material supply device 6 is replaced with the recording material supply device 6 having the same dimensions as the recording material supply device 6. The image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 may be placed on a desk device using a simple desk device having no function of supplying the image data.

Further, as described above, the post-processing apparatus installed on the floor at the side of the image forming apparatus 2 and on the side opposite to the side where the post-processing apparatus 5 is disposed includes the sorter 11 as described above.
It is also possible to provide a finisher without being limited to zero.
The finisher has a smaller number of paper discharge trays than the sorter 110, and can have the same height as the image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 2 is combined with a finisher having the same height as the image forming apparatus 2, when the image forming apparatus 2 and the finisher are placed on the mounting surface having the same height, The recording material receiving port and the recording material discharging port of the image forming apparatus 2 can be connected at the same height.

The image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the recording material supply device 6.
When the finisher is combined with the image forming apparatus 2, the finisher stand can move the finisher 112 by a roller-shaped support member as shown in FIG. The height of the recording material receiving port of the finisher 112 and the recording material discharging port of the image forming apparatus 2 may be made equal to each other.

In the image forming system 1, when the sorter 110 (or the finisher 112 mounted on the finisher stand 113) is assembled to the image forming apparatus 2, as shown in FIG.
(Or the finisher 112 placed on the finisher stand 113) in the direction of the image forming apparatus 2 with the recording material receiving port of the sorter 110 (or the finisher 112) facing the recording material discharge port of the image forming apparatus 2. Move it as if pushing it in.

At this time, the sorter 110 (or the finisher 112 placed on the finisher stand 113)
As shown in FIG. 13, the guide pin 205 provided on the image forming apparatus 2
(Or the finisher 112 placed on the finisher stand 113) is positioned by being inserted into a connection hole 114 provided on the side. In addition, guide pin 2
The arrangement of the connection holes 114 and the connection holes 114 may be reversed with respect to the image forming apparatus 2 and the sorter 110 (or the finisher 112 placed on the finisher stand 113).

In the image forming system 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the arrangement of the post-processing device 5 and the sorter 110 is such that the sorter 110 (or the finisher 112 mounted on the finisher stand 113) is arranged with respect to the image forming device 2. It is preferable that the post-processing device 5 is provided on the opposite side of the image forming apparatus 2 on the side where the recording material transport path 64 configured substantially vertically from the bottom to the upper side is located near one side surface.

That is, the post-processing device 5 is the same as that of the first embodiment.
As described above, the image forming apparatus 2 is mounted on the upper surface of the recording material supply apparatus 6 together with the image forming apparatus 2, and the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 are fixed to each other by the fixing unit 100. For this reason, in the image forming system 1,
It is not easy to release the contact state between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5, and if the post-processing apparatus 5 is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 2 where the recording material transport path 64 is located. This is because when a conveyance jam occurs in the recording material conveyance path 64, the jam processing becomes extremely difficult.

In contrast, the sorter 110 (or the finisher 11 placed on the finisher stand 113)
As described above, 2) is arranged so as to be movable by the roller-shaped support member, so that it is easy to separate and contact the image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, when a conveyance jam occurs in the recording material conveyance path 64 of the image forming apparatus 2, the sorter 110 (or the finisher 112 placed on the finisher stand 113) is moved and the sorter 110 (or the finisher stand 1) is moved.
13) and the image forming apparatus 2
The recording material conveyance path 64 can be opened by sliding the conveyance path cover 206 of the image forming apparatus 2 in this space as shown in FIG. Processing can be performed easily.

[0110]

As described above, the image forming system of the present invention is an image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material and peripheral equipment selectively attached to the image forming apparatus. As a peripheral device, a recording material supply device that stores the recording material and supplies the stored recording material to the image forming apparatus, and a predetermined post-processing on the recording material discharged from the image forming device An image forming system including at least a first post-processing device for performing the above-described processing, wherein the image forming device and the first post-processing device are assembled within an upper surface range of the recording material supply device, and the image forming device And a fixing means for fixing the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing device to each other in a state where the adjacent surfaces of the first post-processing device are in contact with each other.

Therefore, since the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are fixed to each other by the fixing means, a case where a force in the direction of turning over the first post-processing apparatus acts on the first post-processing apparatus. Even so, the first post-processing device is supported by the fixing means, and the fall-down or the like is prevented. This allows
There is an effect that the image forming system in which the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are assembled within the upper surface range of the recording material supply apparatus can be used in a stable state.

In the image forming system, the fixing means may include an engaging pin provided on one adjacent surface of the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus, and an engaging pin provided on the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are provided on one adjacent surface of the processing device, are slidable in an in-plane direction of the adjacent surface, and are fixed to each other by engaging with the engagement pin. A slide member having an engagement hole that engages with the slide member. The engagement hole is configured to move either the engagement position or the release position at a position facing the engagement pin by sliding movement of the slide member. It is possible to adopt a configuration adapted to take.

Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is fixed to the first post-processing apparatus by the fixing means, the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are moved only by the operation of moving the slide member. There is an effect that the fixation can be easily performed.

In the image forming system, it is preferable that the engaging pin is provided on the image forming apparatus side and the slide member is provided on the first post-processing apparatus side.

That is, by providing a means having a more complicated structure in the fixing means on the first post-processing apparatus side, it is possible to prevent an increase in cost on the image forming apparatus side.

As described above, the image forming system of the present invention is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material and peripheral equipment selectively attached to the image forming apparatus. A recording material supply device that stores the recording material as a peripheral device and supplies the stored recording material to the image forming apparatus; and performs a predetermined post-processing on the recording material discharged from the image forming apparatus. In an image forming system including at least a first post-processing device, the recording material supply device on which the image forming device is mounted includes an image forming device, peripheral devices attached to the image forming device, and a wall of a building or the like. And a regulating member for forming a predetermined space between the first and second members.

Therefore, when the image forming system is installed on a wall surface, a predetermined space is formed between the image forming apparatus and peripheral devices attached to the image forming apparatus and a wall surface of a building or the like. Since the regulating member is provided, a space for disposing the cables is appropriately secured between the image forming system and the wall surface by the regulating member.

As a result, it is possible to suppress a problem that the cables are excessively bent between the image forming system and the wall surface, thereby accelerating the deterioration of the cables, and improving the reliability of the image forming system. It has the effect of being able to increase.

By providing the regulating member on the recording material supply device side instead of the image forming device side, unnecessary force generated when the regulating member is pressed against the wall surface of the building (force for distorting the device). ) Does not work on the image forming apparatus, so that an excellent image can be formed.

Further, in the image forming system, the regulating member is provided at least on the recording material supply device provided on the side where cables for connecting the image forming apparatus and peripheral devices attached to the image forming apparatus are provided. The supporting member is also used, and it is preferable that the supporting member is configured to protrude from the outer wall of the housing of the image forming apparatus and the peripheral device.

Therefore, since the restricting member comes into contact with the wall surface of the building at the portion that comes into contact with the floor, there is an effect that the distance can be reliably maintained with the wall surface of the building or the like. Further, by using the regulating member also as a supporting member of the recording material supply device, an effect of avoiding an increase in the number of components due to the addition of the regulating member can be achieved.

In the image forming system, a second post-processing device is provided on the floor on the side opposite to the side on which the first post-processing device is disposed, beside the image forming device. It can be configured.

Therefore, the first and second post-processing devices can be provided at both ends of the image forming apparatus, so that the variability in configuring the image forming system is widened, and the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body is moved. It has the effect that it can be used effectively.

In the image forming system, the second post-processing device is movably provided on a floor provided by roller-shaped support means, and can be connected to and separated from the image forming device. The image forming apparatus has a recording material conveyance path configured in a substantially vertical shape from bottom to top near one side surface, and the arrangement of the first and second post-processing apparatuses is as follows. For the image forming apparatus,
Preferably, the second post-processing device is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus where the recording material transport path is located, and the first post-processing device is provided on the opposite side.

Therefore, the second post-processing device movably disposed by the roller-shaped support member can easily be connected to and separated from the image forming apparatus, and the position of the recording material transport path of the image forming apparatus can be easily adjusted. Providing the second post-processing device on the side where the recording paper is conveyed provides an effect that the jam can be easily removed when a conveyance jam occurs in the recording material conveyance path.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of divided devices that constitute an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the image forming system.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams for explaining how to attach a recording material supply device and an image forming apparatus in the image forming system. FIG.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are explanatory diagrams for explaining how to attach a post-processing apparatus to an image forming apparatus and a recording material supply apparatus in the image forming system.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustrating attachment of an engagement pin to an image forming apparatus in a fixing unit of the image forming system, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory view illustrating the engagement pin. .

FIG. 6A is a perspective view illustrating attachment of a slide engagement unit to a post-processing device in a fixing unit of the image forming system, and FIG. 6B is an engagement hole of the slide engagement unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows a shape.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views for explaining an operation of removing a lid member when the post-processing device is mounted on the upper surface of the recording material supply device in the image forming system.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an installation state of the image forming system.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration in which a regulating member is also used as a support unit of a recording material supply device in the image forming system.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an image forming system in which a floor-standing type post-processing device is further added to the image forming system.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a configuration in which a post-processing device is mounted on a floor-standing type stand as the floor-standing type post-processing device.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to attach a floor-standing type post-processing device in the image forming system.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a positioning method at the time of mounting a floor-standing type post-processing apparatus in the image forming system.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an open state of a recording material conveyance path of the image forming apparatus in the image forming system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image forming system 2 image forming device 5 post-processing device (first post-processing device) 6 recording material supply device 11 cables 12 regulating member 100 fixing means 101 engaging pin 104 slide plate (slide member) 110 sorter (second member) Post-processing device)

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shigetaka Hayashi 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Inside (72) Inventor Toshiki Ogita 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor, St. Tokushige, 22-22, Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Toyoaki Namba, 22-22, Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term (Reference) 2C061 AQ06 BB01 BB10 BB11 BB17 BB35 CK04 2H071 AA22 AA57 BA03 BA13 BA16 BA19 BA20 DA05 DA24 EA04

Claims (7)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material;
What is claimed is: 1. An image forming system comprising: a peripheral device selectively attached to said image forming apparatus, wherein the peripheral device stores a recording material and supplies the stored recording material to the image forming apparatus. An image forming system comprising at least a device and a first post-processing device for performing a predetermined post-processing on the recording material discharged from the image forming device, wherein the image is formed within an upper surface range of the recording material supply device. The image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are assembled with each other, and the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are in a state where the adjacent surfaces of the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus are in contact with each other. An image forming system, comprising: fixing means for fixing an apparatus to each other. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fixing means includes an engaging pin provided on one of adjacent surfaces of said image forming apparatus and said first post-processing apparatus, and one adjacent side of said image forming apparatus and said first post-processing apparatus. And an engagement hole slidably movable in the in-plane direction of the adjacent surface and engaging the engagement pin to fix the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus to each other. A slide member, wherein the engagement hole takes one of an engagement position and an open position at a position facing the engagement pin by sliding movement of the slide member. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the engaging pin is provided on the image forming apparatus side, and the slide member is provided on the first post-processing apparatus side. 4. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material,
What is claimed is: 1. An image forming system comprising: a peripheral device selectively attached to said image forming apparatus, wherein the peripheral device stores a recording material and supplies the stored recording material to the image forming apparatus. An image forming system including at least a device and a first post-processing device for performing predetermined post-processing on a recording material discharged from the image forming device, wherein the recording material supply for mounting the image forming device is provided. An image forming system, comprising: an image forming apparatus; and a regulating member for forming a predetermined space between a wall surface of a building or the like and an image forming apparatus and peripheral devices attached to the image forming apparatus. 5. The control member is also used at least as a support member of the recording material supply device provided on the side where cables for connecting the image forming apparatus and peripheral devices attached to the image forming apparatus are provided. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the support member is configured to protrude from outer walls of housings of the image forming apparatus and peripheral devices. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second post-processing device installed on the floor at a side opposite to the side on which the first post-processing device is disposed. Item 6. The image forming system according to any one of Items 1 to 5. 7. The second post-processing device is movably provided on a floor provided by roller-shaped support means, and can be connected to and separated from the image forming device. And a recording material transporting path configured in a substantially vertical shape from bottom to top near one side surface, and the arrangement of the first and second post-processing devices is relative to the image forming device. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second post-processing device is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus where the recording material transport path is located, and the first post-processing device is provided on the opposite side.
3. The image forming system according to 1.