JP2003207953A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly generalized image forming system at a low cost, by which a space for switch-back is secured by effectively utilizing a space at the side of a main body device and a posterior peripheral device and the main body device are compactly arranged. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of option devices 20 and 50 for posterior arrangement are combined with the main body device H which forms an image. The image forming part H1 of the main body device H forms the image on one of the surfaces of a sheet recording material and the material is switched back. Then the material is carried again to the image forming part H1 of the main body device H, so that the image is formed on the both front and rear surfaces of the sheet recording material. In the image forming system, a switch-back route for inserting the sheet recording material for switch-back is set in the space G which is formed in a boundary part between the main body device H for image forming and the option device 20 to be combined with the main body H. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine, a printer, an FA, which is capable of forming images on both sides of a sheet recording material.
The present invention relates to an image forming system such as X.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for image forming apparatuses capable of recording images on both front and back surfaces of a sheet recording material. This type of image forming apparatus reverses a sheet recording material having an image recorded on one side by using a switchback mechanism or the like,
This is again supplied to the image forming unit, and image formation can be performed on the back side.

The structure is, for example, one in which a switchback space is provided in the main body or a peripheral device to be attached later, or a switchback space is provided in an external space of the image forming apparatus, and a part of the sheet recording material is provided. There is a device that is exposed to the outside of the device.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-281249 discloses a structure in which a switchback passage is provided in a sheet processing apparatus attached to one side of an image forming apparatus main body. JP-A-255476 proposes a structure of a switchback unit in which a part of a sheet is temporarily output to the outside of the apparatus by a forward / reverse rotation roller.

[0005]

However, when the space for switchback is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus or in the peripheral equipment to be attached later, the space of the main body apparatus and the peripheral equipment is inevitably inevitable. There is a problem that the size becomes large and the internal structure becomes complicated, resulting in high cost.

Further, when the external space is used as a space for switchback, if an object is placed on that space, it will be an obstacle when the sheet recording material is switched back, so that the surrounding area where the image forming apparatus is installed. There are restrictions on the situation.

Further, when the external space is provided on the discharge tray, only the post-processing device having a special structure corresponding to the switchback can be attached when the post-processing device is attached to the discharge part. There are also problems.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to secure a space for switchback by effectively utilizing the space on the main body device side, and to make a peripheral device and a main body device to be retrofitted compact. It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly versatile image forming system capable of achieving low cost.

[0009]

The present invention has means for solving the above-mentioned problems as follows.

(1) A sheet on which an image is formed on any one surface by an image forming unit of the main body device by combining a main body device for forming an image and a plurality of optional devices that can be retrofitted to the main body device. In the image forming system capable of forming the image on both the front and back sides of the sheet recording material by switching the recording material back to the image forming unit of the main body apparatus, A switchback path for performing switchback by inserting the sheet recording material is set in a space formed at a boundary portion with any of the optional devices combined with the main body device.

In this configuration, since the sheet recording material can be switched back using the space formed at the boundary between the main body apparatus for forming an image and the optional apparatus, whichever apparatus (main body apparatus) is used. (And optional devices) do not need to be provided with a conveyance path for switching back the sheet recording material, and each device can be formed compactly without complicating the configuration, and by extension, the entire image forming system. Can be made compact. Also, since the sheet recording material does not go out of the main body device and the optional device at the time of switchback,
The degree of freedom in connecting optional devices is improved, and a highly versatile image forming system can be configured.

(2) The optional device includes at least a mechanism for supplying a sheet recording material to the image forming portion of the main device and a conveying path, and the main device is placed on the optional device. It is characterized by

In this structure, the optional device is
In addition, for example, in the case of a sheet feeding desk device on which the main body device for performing image formation is placed, the option device has a mechanism and a conveyance path for supplying the sheet recording material to the main body device. Thus, the switched-back sheet recording material can be easily and efficiently supplied to the image recording unit of the main body device.

(3) At least the option device according to claim 2 and an option device for switching back the sheet recording material are provided, and the option device is configured to switch the sheet recording material when the sheet recording material is switched back. A support tray for supporting the support tray, and the support tray supports the switched sheet recording material in a state of being inserted into a space formed by the main body device and the option device. To do.

In this structure, when the sheet recording material is switched back in the space between the main body apparatus and the sheet feeding desk apparatus which is the optional apparatus, the sheet recording material is supported by the supporting tray, so that the upper surface of the optional apparatus is supported. The sheet recording material can be smoothly switched back regardless of the state.

(4) A transport path for transporting the sheet recording material from the optional device for switching back the sheet recording material to the optional device according to claim 2 is formed below the supporting tray. The support tray is formed of a transparent material so that the transport path opened by pulling out the support tray from the space can be viewed.

With this configuration, the transport path to the opened optional device can be visually observed (obliquely from above), and it is not necessary to look into the transport device from below, and trouble (paper jam etc.) recovery work can be easily performed. it can.

(5) A transport path for transporting the sheet recording material from the optional device for switching back the sheet recording material to the optional device according to claim 2 is formed below the support tray. At least one or more openings are formed in the support tray so that the transport path opened by pulling out the support tray from the space can be viewed.

In this structure, the transport path to the opened optional device can be visually checked, and the recovery work of the trouble (paper clogging or the like) which has been completed can be easily carried out without removing it from the bottom.

(6) One end of the support tray is rotatably supported by the main body of the option device for switching back the sheet recording material, and the other end of the support tray is smoothly movable on the option device. It is characterized by

In this structure, one end of the support tray is rotatably supported and the other end has a structure in which the movement resistance is reduced, so that the support tray can be smoothly slid along the upper surface of the optional device. You can Further, when the optional device for switching back the sheet recording material is packed and conveyed, the support tray can be folded to have a shape that facilitates packing and the packing size can be reduced.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(Structure of Image Forming Apparatus Main Body) FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the structure of an image forming system. An image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a main body apparatus) H is arranged in accordance with image data transmitted from the outside. A multi-colored or mono-colored image is formed on a predetermined sheet (recording paper), and an exposure unit 1, a developing unit 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a charger 5, a cleaner unit is provided in the image forming unit H1. 4, a transfer / transport belt unit 8, a fixing unit 12, a sheet transport path S, and a sheet feed tray 10, a sheet discharge tray 15, and the like.

The image data handled by the main unit H corresponds to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y).
Therefore, the exposure unit 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d),
Developing device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), photoconductor drum 3
(3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), charger 5 (5a, 5b, 5
c, 5d), cleaner unit 4 (4a, 4b, 4c,
4d) are respectively provided so as to form four kinds of latent images corresponding to the respective colors, where a is black and b is b.
There are four image stations configured with cyan for cyan, magenta for c, and yellow for d.

The photoconductor drum 3 is arranged (mounted) in the substantially central portion of the main unit H, and the charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor drum 3 to a predetermined potential. In addition to contact type roller type and brush type chargers,
As shown in the figure, a charger type charger is used.

The exposure unit 1 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) including, for example, an LED writing head in which light emitting elements are arranged in an array, a laser irradiation section and a reflection mirror shown in the drawing. Then, by exposing the charged photoconductor drum 3 to light in accordance with the input image data, it has a function of forming an electrostatic latent image according to the image data on its surface.

The developing device 2 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on each photoconductor drum 3 with (K, C, M, Y) toner. The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum after development and image transfer.

The transfer / transport belt unit 8 disposed below the photosensitive drum 3 includes a transfer belt 7, a transfer belt driving roller, a transfer belt tension roller, a plurality of transfer belt driven rollers, and transfer rollers 6 (6a, 6b). , 6
c, 6d), and the transfer belt cleaning unit 9
The transfer belt driving roller, the transfer belt driven roller, and the transfer belt tension roller stretch the transfer belt 7 and rotate it in the direction of arrow B.

The transfer roller 6 is rotatably supported by a frame (not shown) inside the intermediate transfer belt unit, and together with the transfer belt drive roller, the transfer belt driven roller and the transfer belt tension roller, the transfer belt 7 is provided. Is suspended. The transfer roller 6 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 onto a sheet (recording paper) that is attracted onto the transfer belt 7 and conveyed.

The transfer belt 7 is provided so as to come into contact with the respective photoconductor drums 3, and the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoconductor drums 3 are sequentially superposed and transferred onto a sheet (recording paper). , And has a function of forming a color toner image (multicolor toner image). This transfer belt is formed in an endless shape using a film having a thickness of about 100 μm.

The transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the sheet (recording paper) is performed by the transfer roller 6 which is in contact with the back side of the transfer belt 7. The transfer roller 6 has a high voltage (toner charging electrode,
The opposite polarity to (1), high voltage (+) is applied.

The transfer roller 6 is a roller whose base is a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM or urethane foam). With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the recording paper (sheet).

Further, the toner adhering to the transfer belt 7 from the photoconductor drum 3 causes the back surface of the recording paper to be soiled, and is set to be removed / collected by the transfer belt cleaning unit.

The paper feed tray 10 is a sheet used for printing.
It is a tray for accumulating (recording paper) and is provided below the image forming portion of the main body device H. The paper discharge tray 15 provided on the upper part of the main body device H is a tray for placing printed sheets face down, and the paper discharge tray 33 provided on the side part of the main body device H. Is a tray for placing printed sheets face up.

Further, the main body H is provided with an S-shaped paper transport path S for sending the sheets in the paper feed tray 10 to the paper discharge tray 15 via the transfer transport unit 8 and the fixing unit 12. Has been. Further, in the vicinity of the paper transport path S from the paper feed tray 10 to the hawaii paper tray 15 and the paper discharge tray 33, there are a pickup roller 16, a registration roller 14, a fixing section 40, a transport direction switching gate 34, a transport roller 25 and the like. It is arranged.

The carrying roller 25 promotes the carrying of the sheet.
It is a small roller for assisting, and a plurality of rollers are provided along the paper transport path S. The pickup roller is provided at an end portion of the paper feed tray 10, and from the paper feed tray 10,
It is an introductory roller that supplies sheets to the sheet conveying path S one by one.

The conveyance direction switching gate 34 is rotatably provided on the side cover 34, and by separating the state indicated by the straight line from the state indicated by the broken line, the sheet is separated from the midpoint of the conveyance path S and placed on the discharge tray 33. The sheet can be ejected. In the state shown by the broken line, the sheet is the fixing unit 12, the side cover 35, and the conveyance switching guide 3.
Conveying section S ′ formed between 4 (part of sheet conveying path S)
And is discharged to the upper discharge tray 15.

Further, the registration roller 14 rotates the photosensitive drum 3 so that the sheet being conveyed in the sheet conveying path S is once held and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 can be properly multi-transferred onto the sheet. In addition, it has a function of conveying the sheet at a proper timing.

That is, the registration roller 14 moves the sheet so that the leading edge of the toner image on each photosensitive drum 3 is aligned with the leading edge of the printing range of the sheet based on the detection signal output from the pre-registration detection switch (not shown). It is set to carry.

The fixing unit 12 includes a heat roller 31,
A pressure roller 32 and the like are provided, and the heat roller 31 and the pressure roller 32 are configured to rotate while sandwiching the sheet. The heat roller 31 is set to a predetermined fixing temperature by a control unit (not shown) based on a temperature detection value (not shown), and is transferred to the sheet by thermocompression bonding with the pressure roller 33. It has a function of melting, mixing and pressing the formed multicolor toner image to heat-fix it to the sheet.

The fixing section 40 having the fixing unit 12 is integrated with the sheet discharging section 30 so that it can be pulled out from the main body device H at the time of jam processing as shown in FIG. There is. That is, the fixing unit 40 and the paper discharge unit 30 which are integrated are mounted on the slide member 37 which is slidable by being guided by the guide rail 36 provided on the main body device H side, and the fixing unit 40 and the paper discharge unit 30 are integrated. It can be separated from the main body device H up to the distance L1.

The sheet after fixing the multicolor toner image is
Reversed paper discharge path of the paper transport path S by the transport rollers 25.
The sheet is conveyed to the sheet discharge section 30 and is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 15 in the inverted state (with the multicolor toner image facing downward). Further, although the color image forming apparatus is described here, it may have a configuration including a single image forming station (monochrome image forming apparatus).

(Post-Processing Device) The post-processing device includes a device for sorting sorters (mail bins) M shown in phantom in FIG. 1 and a device such as a finisher for performing stapling and punching. Then, it is directly attached to the main body device H or is attached via the relay transfer device 50 which is attached later.

(Paper-Feeding Desk Device) The paper-feeding desk device 20, which is an optional device, is usually equipped with a paper-feeding tray for accommodating sheet recording materials, and accommodates a wide variety of sheet recording materials in advance. be able to. The sheet feeding desk device 20 shown in the drawing is a double-sided tray unit 2 that supplies the sheet recording material having images formed on one side to the main body apparatus H again in order to form images on both front and back surfaces of the sheet recording material at the top.
6 and two paper feed trays 20a and 20b.

Further, in the paper feeding desk device 20, when the double-sided image forming function is not required, a paper feeding tray can be inserted instead of the double-sided tray unit 26. Further, although the sheet feeding desk device 20 shown in the figure has a three-stage configuration, the present invention is not limited to this, and a short one having a one-stage configuration,
Depending on the purchaser's application, budget, etc., such as a 2-step or 4-step configuration, it is possible to select and install from a plurality of types.

When the main body device H is placed on such a paper feed desk device 20, a flat clearance space is formed between the main body device H and the paper feed desk device 20 due to the rubber feet t, .... G is generated, and in this embodiment, the gap space G is used as a switchback path (second reversal path) of the sheet recording material.

(Relay Carrying Device and Paper Tray) The relay carrying device 50 mounts the sheet recording material, which is mounted on the paper discharging unit 30 of the main body device H and discharged from the main body device H, to the next functional unit (the paper discharge tray 33, the paper tray). It is a device that fulfills the relay function of transporting to the reversing tray 9 and the double-sided tray unit 26) of the paper feeding desk device 20.

The relay conveyance device 50 is provided with a first reversing section 51 and a second reversing section 52 at the upper and lower parts of the first reversing path 50a, and the first reversing section 51 discharges the paper. A reversing operation (switchback operation) is performed when the sheet recording material is face-down and discharged to the tray 33 or the post-processing device to be attached later.

The second reversing unit 52 performs a reversing operation when reversing (switchback) the sheet recording material when forming images on both front and back surfaces of the sheet recording material, and switches back the above-mentioned sheet feeding desk device 20. The expanded paper reversal tray (support tray) 9 is inserted into the switchback path G, which is connected to the path G.

Reference numeral 53 is a first gate, 54 is a second gate, and 55 is a conveying path from the second reversing section 52 to the double-sided tray unit 26 of the sheet feeding desk device 20. 5
5a is an upper opening of the conveyance path 55, which is connected to the switchback path G of the paper feeding desk device 20. 55b is the transport path 5
The lower opening 5 connects to the double-sided tray unit 26.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sheet reversing tray 9 is rotatably supported with respect to the main body of the relay conveyance device 50 about a rotation fulcrum portion 91 provided on both lower sides of the relay conveyance device 50. The relay transport device 50 is installed in the main unit H.
1 (see FIG. 1), it is unfolded by 90 ° and inserted into the gap space G formed between the main body device H and the paper feed desk device 20, and the second switchback path is formed thereon. Guide the sheet recording material. Then, at the time of transportation and packaging of the relay conveyance device 50, as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet reversal tray 9 is folded to facilitate the packaging.

As described above, the sheet reversing tray 9 inserted into the gap space G formed between the main body apparatus H and the sheet feeding desk apparatus 20 guides the sheet recording material to be switched back. The sheet recording material can be smoothly guided regardless of the state of the upper surface of the apparatus 20.

A vertical opening (may be a hole) 92 is formed in the sheet reversing tray 9, and as shown in FIG. 2, the sheet discharging section 30 and the fixing section 40 of the main body apparatus H are processed at the time of jam processing or the like. Along with the slide movement in the separating direction by the distance L1, the conveyance path 5 formed below the sheet conveyance tray 9 is also formed.
5, that is, from the relay conveyance device 50 to the paper feed desk device 2
The lower opening 55b of the transport path 55 to the double-sided tray unit 26 of No. 0 can be confirmed from the outside (see FIG. 3).

Specifically, the operator passes through the opening 92 of the paper transport tray 9 from diagonally above and the transport path 5 immediately below the opening 92.
The state of the lower opening 55b of No. 5 can be clearly confirmed. Instead of the opening 92, the paper transport tray 9 may be made of a material such as transparent resin. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the paper transport tray 9 may be formed of a metal wire material having an outer diameter of about 3 to 5 mmφ (such as iron or stainless steel).

The paper reversing tray 9 has its base (one end) rotatably supported by a rotation fulcrum 91, and
The tip portion (the other end) has a structure with a small movement resistance (for example, as shown in FIG. 3, convex portions d, d are provided to reduce the slip resistance, or as shown in FIG. ，
The resistance may be lowered by attaching r or the like to make rolling contact.

Further, the length L2 of the sheet reversing tray 9 (see FIG.
(Refer to FIG. 3), the relay conveyance device 50 is used for the paper discharge unit 3 of the main body device H.
0, the opening movement length (limit) L1 so as not to drop from the paper feed desk device 20 when pulled out together with the fixing unit 40
It is preferable to set the time sufficiently longer than.

The present invention does not limit the structure of the image forming apparatus to that shown in FIG. 1, but at least the sheet recording material on which an image is formed on one side by the image forming section is switched back. As long as the image forming apparatus is capable of forming an image forming system capable of forming an image on both the front and back surfaces of the sheet recording material after being conveyed to the image forming section again, the book is formed regardless of its format or structure. It can be applied to the invention.

[0058]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects.

(1) Since the space formed at the boundary between the main body device for image formation and the option device is used as a switchback path, the switch of the sheet recording material is used in any device (main body device and option device). It is not necessary to provide a path for backing, each device can be compactly formed without complicating the configuration, and in turn, the entire image forming system can be made compact. Further, since the sheet recording material does not go out of the main body device and the option device at the time of switchback, the degree of freedom in exposing the option device is improved, and a highly versatile image forming system can be configured.

(2) Since the optional device has a mechanism and a conveying path for supplying the sheet recording material to the main body device, the switched-back sheet recording material can be easily transferred to the image recording portion of the main body device. Can be well supplied.

(3) Since the sheet recording material is supported by the support tray when the sheet recording material is switched back in the space between the main body apparatus and the paper feeding desk apparatus which is the optional apparatus, the state of the upper surface of the optional apparatus can be determined. In any case, the sheet recording material can be smoothly switched back.

(4) Since the support tray is made of a transparent material, the transport path to the opened optional device can be visually checked, and it is not necessary to look into the transport device from below, and trouble (paper clogging etc.) restoration work is easy. Can be done

(5) Since at least one or more holes are formed in the support tray, it is possible to visually check the transport path to the opened optional device, and it is not necessary to remove it from the bottom. Work can be performed easily.

(6) One end of the support tray is rotatably supported by the option device body for switching back the sheet recording material, and the other end of the support tray is smoothly movable on the option device supporting the support tray. Therefore, the structure is designed to reduce movement resistance, so the support tray can be smoothly slid along the upper surface of the optional device and separated from the device body, facilitating workability and maintenance inspection during jam processing. . Further, when the optional device for switching back the sheet recording material is packed and conveyed, the support tray can be folded to have a shape that facilitates packing and the packing size can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of an image forming system in a state where the relay conveyance device is separated from an apparatus main body.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the relay conveyance device with a support tray opened.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the relay conveyance device with the support tray closed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a relay conveyance device including the different support trays.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a relay conveyance device in which a roller is attached to a tip portion of the support tray.

[Explanation of symbols]

H-main unit H1-Image forming unit G-switchback path 9-support tray 20,50-Optional device 55-transport path

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yoshinobu Tateishi             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company (72) Inventor Yasunori Mizuguchi             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company (72) Inventor Toshiya Mikita             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company F-term (reference) 2H028 BA06 BA09 BA12 BA14                 2H071 AA22 AA35 AA37 AA60 BA03                       BA13 BA14 BA32 DA12 DA21                       DA24 EA04 EA18                 2H072 AB07 BA03 BA12 CA01 CA02                       CB01 CB03 CB09 FA01                 3F053 BA03 BA12 BA14 LA02 LB03

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A sheet recording in which an image is formed on one of the surfaces by an image forming unit of the main body apparatus by combining a main body apparatus for forming an image and a plurality of optional devices that can be retrofitted to the main body apparatus. In an image forming system capable of forming an image on both front and back surfaces of the sheet recording material by switching the material back to the image forming unit of the main body apparatus, the main body apparatus performing the image formation, and the main body An image forming system, characterized in that a switchback path for inserting the sheet recording material and performing a switchback is set in a space formed at a boundary with any one of the optional devices combined with the device. 2. The optional device includes at least a mechanism for supplying a sheet recording material to an image forming unit of the main body device and a conveyance path, and the main body device is mounted on the optional device. The image forming system according to claim 1. 3. An optional device according to claim 2, and an optional device for switching back the sheet recording material, wherein the optional device supports the sheet recording material when switching back the sheet recording material. And a supporting tray for supporting the switched sheet recording material in a state where the supporting tray is inserted into a space formed by the main body device and the option device. The image forming system according to claim 1. 4. A transport path for transporting the sheet recording material from the optional device for switching back the sheet recording material to the optional device according to claim 2, is formed below the support tray. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the support tray is formed of a transparent material so that the transport path opened by pulling out the tray from the space can be visually observed. 5. A transport path for transporting the sheet recording material from the optional device for switching back the sheet recording material to the optional device according to claim 2, is formed below the support tray. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein at least one opening is formed in the support tray so that the transport path opened by pulling out the tray from the space can be visually observed. . 6. The support tray is structured such that one end thereof is rotatably supported by an option main body device for switching back a sheet recording material, and the other end is smoothly movable on the option device. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein