JP2004317884A

JP2004317884A - Image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2004317884A
Application number: JP2003113256A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Hiroshi Ishii; 洋石井; Hirosuke Noguchi; 裕輔野口; Kazuosa Kuma; 数修久間; Makoto Kikura; 真木倉; Yutaka Fukuchi; 豊福地; Kazuyoshi Suzuki; 一喜鈴木; Tomohiko Sasaki; 智彦佐々木
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-04-17
Filing date: 2003-04-17
Publication date: 2004-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2023-04-17
Also published as: JP4319449B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can stack a large quantity of ejected recording materials while suppressing the height and the installation area of the apparatus. SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus fixes a toner image formed by an image formation part 8 possessing a plurality of image formation means 8Y, 8C, 8M and 8BK provided with an image carrier 10 on a recording material P by using a fixing means 22, and ejects the recording material after fixation from an ejection part 23 to a stacking part 36 formed on the upper part of an apparatus main body 1 where the image formation part 8 is disposed. A plurality of developer storing members 37, 38, 39 and 40 are juxtaposed in directions C1 and C2 coming closer to or separating from the ejection part 23 in the apparatus main body 1 on a lower side of the stacking part 36, replenish each image formation means with developer and are disposed so that the developer storing member 37 closest to the ejection part 23 is set lower than the developer storing member 40 positioned farthest from the ejection part 23. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
本発明は、カラープリンタ、カラー複写機、カラーファクシミリやそれらの複合機などの画像形成装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来技術】
用紙やフィルム等の記録材にカラー画像を形成する電子写真方式の画像形成装置が知られている。カラー画像形成装置では、一般に４色の現像剤としてのトナーを用いてカラー画像を形成するため、モノクロ専用の画像形成装置に比べて構成部品が多く大型化し易とともに、単位時間当たりに排出できる枚数、すなわちカラープリント時の速度も低くなる。画像形成装置は、パーソナルコンピュータの普及に伴い、パーソナルコンピュータと接続して所謂プリンタとして用いられる場合も増えてパーソナル化が進んでおり、利便性の観点から装置利用者であるユーザーの近くに設置されることが多い。このため、ユーザーの作業性を考慮すると、装置の高さは低く、設置スペースや搬送コストを考えると装置幅が狭いなど小型であるのが望ましい。また、画像形成装置のパーソナル化やメンテナンスコストの削減という観点から、装置の消耗品の交換やメンテナンスをユーザー自身が実施するようになりつつある。
【０００３】
カラー画像形成装置において、プリント速度の高速化を図る場合、１つ感光体の周囲に複数色の現像装置を設け、各現像装置で現像されたトナー像を、感光体を現像装置の数だけ回転させて感光体上でカラー画像を合成して記録材に転写する周知の１ドラム方式よりも、１列に配置された複数の感光体に対して複数の現像装置をそれぞれ近接配置してそれぞれで単色のトナー像を形成し、各トナー像を順次転写して記録材にカラー画像を転写するタンデム方式の画像形成装置の方が有利である。タンデム方式の画像形成装置では、一般にトナー消費量が多くなるので、補給用トナーを現像装置に供給する現像剤供給部を、現像装置と一体化してカートリッジ化するよりも、現像装置と個別に設けた方が作業性の点では好ましい。また、装置の設置スペースを小さくするには、装置本体が小さいだけでなく、装置本体から突出する部材がない方が望まく、装置本体の上部をプリントされた記録材（以下「プリント物」と記す）の積載部とすることが考えられる。
【０００４】
これらタンデム方式で装置本体の上部を積載部とし、現像剤供給部が現像装置と別体に設けられた画像形成装置として特許文献１が挙げられる。また、タンデム方式の装置の設置面積を低減するには、特許文献２に記載の画像形成装置のように、装置本体の上部を積載部とするとともに、１列に並んでいる感光体、現像装置や中間転写ベルトを特許文献１のように水平に配置するのではなく、斜めに配置することで低減することができる。また、積載部でのプリント物のスタック性を考慮すると、特許文献３に記載の画像形成装置のように、積載面を傾斜して形成することが考えられる。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−３６２８０７号公報
【特許文献２】
特開２００２−２１４８６８号公報
【特許文献３】
特開２００３−５０３５１号公報
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
各特許文献では、様々な課題が解決されているが、近年、高速で小型化を図るためにタンデム方式が採用されている画像形成装置に対し、プリント物の大量積載性能が求められている。本願出願人は、従来要求されている課題を解決しつつもプリント物の多量の積載性能を得られるかを検討した。
【０００７】
装置本体の上部を積載部とした画像形成装置の場合、プリント物の排出部は、一般に積載部の一端側で、積載部よりも上方に位置している。このため、積載部の積載枚数は積載部の積載面から排出部までの高さで規制されてしまう。つまり、積載部に積載されたプリント物の高さが排出部よりも高くなると、排出されるプリント物の排出が、積載されているプリント物によって妨げられてしまう。また、積載されたプリント物が排出部の高さとなると、積載されているプリント物の最上位のものが排出されるプリント物との摩擦によって排紙方向に押されてしまいスタック性の面でも限界がある。特に、載置面が傾斜していない場合には身の現象は顕著に表れる。
【０００８】
大量のプリント物を積載するためには、積載面の最下部と排出部との間隔を広くすればよいので、排出部の位置を高くするか、載置面を低くすることが考えられる。これを特許文献１，２，３に記載の画像形成装置で実現しようとすると、各排出部を高くして載置面との間隔を広くすればよいが、排出部を高くすると装置の高さが高くなるとともに、排出部までの記録材の搬送経路が長くなってジャム対策や、最初の一枚目が積載部へ排出されるまでの時間であるファーストプリント時間の遅延という新たな課題も考慮しなければならなくなる。さらに画像形成装置を配送する場合、発泡スチロールやダンボールなどで製品形状に沿うように形成された緩衝材を梱包箱の中に入れて配送するが、排出部を高くすると装置本体から突出してしまい、緩衝材を特別な形状で形成しなければならず、配送や梱包コストを要してしまう。また、排出部の位置を変更せずに、載置面を低くしようとした場合、載置面の下方、すなわち装置本体内部には様々な構成部材が配置されているので容易に載置面を低くすることは難しい。例えば、装置の高さに制限が要求される画像形成装置に対し、特許文献２の構成を採用しようとすると、中間転写体の角度を水平に近づけなければ積載面を下げられないので、装置の全長が長くなってしまう。さらに、現像剤供給部が現像装置と別体の画像形成装置においては、現像剤供給部から現像装置への補給経路の長さに違いがあると、補給経路内を通るトナーに対する流路抵抗が異なり現像装置へ補給されるトナーの供給時期や供給量のバラツキの要因となり兼ねない。
本発明は、装置の高さや設置面積を抑制しつつ排出される記録材の大量積載が可能な画像形成装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、本発明にかかる、像担持体を備えた複数の作像手段を有する作像部で形成されたトナー像を記録材に定着手段で定着し、定着後の記録材を作像部が配設される装置本体の上部に形成された積載部に排出部から排出する画像形成装置では、各作像手段に現像剤を補給する複数の現像剤収納部材を積載部よりも下方の装置本体内で排出部に対して遠近する方向に並列するとともに、これら現像剤収納部材を、排出部に最近接する現像剤収納部材が排出部から最遠方に位置する現像剤収納部材よりも低くなるように配設した。このため、現像剤収納部材は、排出部に最近接する側から排出部から最遠方側に向かって上昇するように傾斜して装置本体に配設されるので、積載部を、最近接する現像剤収納部材の上方に位置する側から最遠方に位置する現像剤収納部材の上方に位置する側へと上昇する傾斜面とすることが可能となり、積載部と排出部との間隔を稼げる。
【００１０】
排出部を、最近接する現像剤収納部材よりも上方で、最遠方に位置する現像剤収納部材と略同じ高さに配設することで、装置の高さを抑えつつも、最近接する現像剤収納部材側に位置する積載部の部位と排出部との間隔を稼げる。
【００１１】
積載部を、その最下部が排出部の排紙点より低い位置となるように形成すると、積載部が最近接する現像剤収納部材側から最遠方に位置する現像剤収納部材側に向かって上昇する傾斜面となり、排出部と積載部の最下部との間隔を稼ぐことができる。
【００１２】
装置本体の外装に操作パネルが配置されている場合において、積載部の最上部が、操作パネルが配置された外装の最上部と略同じ高さとすると、装置の高さの範囲内において、排出部と積載部との間隔を稼ぐことができるとともに、装置が平面的になり、このため、装置が小型になるとともに、画像形成装置を配送する際に用いる緩衝材を特別な形状で形成しなくて済み、配送や梱包コストが低くなる。
【００１３】
積載部の最下部を現像剤収納部材のうちの、最下位に位置する現像剤収納部材の最上部より低い位置に設けると、排出部の位置を変更することなく積載面と排出部との間隔をより広げることができるので好ましい。
【００１４】
積載部を、現像剤収納部材を覆う装置本体の外装で構成すると、部品点数を増大することなく積載部が形成されるとともに、装置の外装に排出部側が低くなる傾斜面が形成されるので、装置外観が小さく見える。
【００１５】
積載部が、排出部の下方に位置する端部から排出部から離れる方向に延びるとともに、その積載面よりも上方に突出した複数のリブを有する場合、積載面に積載される記録材の下部と積載面との間に空間が形成される。このため、積載されて記録材をユーザーが手で取る際に、この空間に指を入れられるので取り易くなる。
【００１６】
複数のリブを、載置面における端部側の中心部から略放射状に配置すると、排出部と対向する側に位置する側において、リブの間隔が広くなり、積載されて記録材をユーザーが手で取る際に、積載面と積載された記録材の下部との間に形成される空間内へ指が入れ易くなるのでより記録材が取り易くなる。リブは、基本的には２本以上であれば積載された記録材と積載面との間に空間を形成できるが、積載された枚数が多くなると、その重さで記録材が撓んで空間が狭くなる場合があるので、記録材の両側と中央部を下方から支えること考慮すると３本以上が好ましい。ただし、あまりにリブの本数が多くなると、リブの間隔が狭くなって空間内に指が入れにくくなるので、３〜４本が適当である。
【００１７】
積載部の載置面に、排出部から排出される記録材の排出方向と同一平面内で直交する方向に、上方に向かって突出するに複数の湾曲面を形成すると、積載面に排出された記録材は複数の湾曲部の上に積載されるので、積載された記録材の下部と湾曲部がない積載面との間に空間が形成される。このため、積載されて記録材をユーザーが手で取る際に、この空間に指を入れられるので、取り易くなる。
【００１８】
積載部の載置面を、現像剤収納部材の配設方向と略同一方向に傾斜して形成したり、現像剤収納部材の配設方向と略同一方向に作像部を傾斜して配設し、これら作像部と同一方向に傾斜して形成すると、これら構成部材を水平に配置する構成に比べて、排出部の下方を装置本体内に下げ易くなる。
【００１９】
作像部で形成された画像が転写される中間転写体や各像担持体に光書込みを行う光書込み部を、現像剤収納部材の配設方向と略同一方向に傾斜して配設し、積載部の載置面を、これら中間転写体や光書込み部と同一方向に傾斜して形成すると、これら構成部材を水平に配置する構成に比べて、排出部の下方を装置本体内に下げ易くなる。
【００２０】
【発明の実施の形態】
図面を用いて本発明の実施の形態を説明する。本形態において、画像形成装置は、タンデム方式を採用してフルカラー画像を形成可能なカラープリンタ（以下「プリンタ」と記す）である。画像形成装置としては、図１に示すプリンタに限らず、複写機、ファクシミリ装置などてあってもよい。
【００２１】
図２を用いてプリンタとしての基本構成とその動作について説明し、この後に本形態特有の構成と作用について説明する。このプリンタは、装置本体１の下部に記録材としての用紙Ｐが収納される給紙部２が配設され、その上方に画像形成部３を配置した構成となっている。画像形成部３には、像担持体を備えた複数の作像手段として４個の作像ユニット８Ｙ，８Ｃ，８Ｍ，８ＢＫを備えた作像部８と、複数のローラ４，５，６に巻き掛けられた可撓性を有する無端ベルトにより構成された中間転写体としての中間転写ベルト７と、各像担持体に光書込みを行う光書込み部としての光書き込みユニット１５と、用紙Ｐにトナー像を定着する定着手段２２とが設けられている。給紙部２から定着手段１１までの間には、用紙Ｐを搬送する搬送経路Ｒが形成されている。ローラ６は搬送経路Ｒに臨んで配置されている。
【００２２】
中間転写ベルト７のローラ４とローラ５間は、このベルトの下部側ベルト走行辺に相当している。中間転写ベルト７には、ローラ６と対向する部位に２次転写装置となる２次転写ローラ２０が搬送経路Ｒに臨むように配設され、ローラ４と対向する部位にベルト表面を清掃するベルトクリーニング装置２１が配設されている。
【００２３】
作像部３は、この下側走行辺に対向するように配置されることで、中間転写ベルト７の下方に配設されている。各作像ユニットは、中問転写ベルト７に接する像担持体としての感光体ドラム１０をそれぞれ具備している。各感光体ドラム１０の周りには、帯電装置１１、現像装置１２、クリーニング装置１３がそれぞれ配置されている。各感光体ドラム１０が中間転写ベルト７に接する位置における中間転写ベルト７の内側には、１次転写を行う転写装置としての転写ローラ１４がそれぞれ設けられている。本実施形態において、作像ユニット８Ｙ，８Ｃ，８Ｍ，８ＢＫは、基本的には同一構造で構成されており、図１では代表して作像ユニット８ＢＫの構成にのみ符号を付している。各作像ユニットにおいて異なるのは、各現像装置１２に収納されている現像剤としてのトナーの色が異なる点にある。作像ユニット８Ｙ，８Ｃ，８Ｍ，８ＢＫの各現像装置１２には、それぞれイエロー，シアン，マゼンタ、ブラックのトナーが収納されている。
【００２４】
光書き込みユニット１５は、光変調されたレーザ光Ｌを各感光体ドラムの表面に照射して、感光体表面に色毎の潜像を形成するものであり、本形態では、作像部８の下方に配置されている。
【００２５】
画像形成動作が開始されると、各作像ユニット８の感光体ドラム１０が図示しない駆動装置によって時計方向に回転駆動され、各感光体ドラムの表面が帯電装置１１によって所定の極性に一様に帯電される。帯電された各感光体ドラムの表面には、光書き込みユニット１５からレーザ光Ｌがそれぞれ照射されて、それぞれの表面に静電潜像が形成される。このとき、各感光体ドラムに露光する画像情報は所望のフルカラー画像をイエロー，シアン，マゼンタ及びブラックの色情報に分解した単色の画像情報である。このように形成された静電潜像は、各感光体ドラム１０と各現像装置１２の間を通るとき、各現像装置１２のトナーによってトナー像として可視像化される。
【００２６】
中間転写ベルト７が巻きかけられた複数のローラ４，５，６のうち１つのローラは、図示していない駆動装置によって反時計方向に回転駆動され、これにより中間転写ベルト７が矢印で示す反時計周り方向に走行駆動され、他のローラが従動回転する。このように走行する中間転写ベルト７には、イエローのトナーを有する現像装置１２を具備する作像ユニット８Ｙで形成されたイエロートナー像が転写ローラ１４によって転写される。その転写されたイエロートナー像には、作像ユニット８Ｃ，８Ｍ及び８ＢＫで形成されたシアントナー像、さらにマゼンタトナー像及びブラックトナー像が転写ローラ１４によって順次重ね転写され、かくして中問転写ベルト７はその表面にフルカラーのトナー像を担持する。
【００２７】
トナー像が転写された後の各感光体ドラム表面に付着する残留トナーは、各クリーニング装置１３によって感光体ドラム表面から除去され、次いでその表面が図示していない除電装置によって除電作用を受け、その表面電位が初期化されて次の画像形成に備えられる。
【００２８】
給紙部２から給紙される用紙Ｐは、搬送経路Ｒに送り込まれ、２次転写ローラ２０よりも給紙側に配設されたレジストローラ対２１によって給紙タイミングを計られて、ローラ６と２次転写ローラ２０との対向部に給送される。このとき２次転写ローラ２０には、中問転写ベルト表面のトナー像のトナー帯電極性と逆極性の転写電圧が印加され、これによって中間転写ベルト７の表面のトナー像が用紙Ｐ上に一括して転写される。トナー像を転写された用紙Ｐは、定着手段２２へと搬送され、定着手段２２を通過する際に熱と圧が加えられてトナー像が熔融されて定着される。トナー像が定着されたプリント物Ｐ１は、搬送経路Ｒの終端に位置し、装置本体１の上部側に配設された排出部２３へと搬送され、装置本体１の上部に形成される積載部３６へと排出される。トナー像を用紙Ｐに転写した後の中間転写ベルト７は、このベルトに残留したトナーがクリーニング装置２１より除去される。
【００２９】
このように構成されたプリンタは、４個の作像ユニット８Ｙ，８Ｍ，８Ｃ及び８ＢＫを中間転写ベルト７に対向して設け、中間転写ベルト７に順次各色のトナー像を重ね転写するため、作像手段が１つで４色の現像装置を持ち、中間転写ベルト上にトナー像を重ね転写し、その後用紙に転写する形式のものと比べて作像時間を大幅に短縮することができる。また、装置本体１の上部に積載部３６が構成されているので、装置本体１から積載部３６が周囲に飛び出ることがなく、設置面積や占有面積が小さくなる。
【００３０】
以上の説明は、用紙Ｐ上にフルカラー画像を形成するときの画像形成動作であるが、作像部８の作像ユニットのいずれか１つを使用して単色画像を形成したり、２色又は３色の画像を形成したりすることもできる。また、本形態のプリンタを用いてモノクロ印刷をする場合には、作像ユニット８ＢＫの感光体ドラム１０上にのみ静電潜像を形成して同ユニットによって現像して用紙Ｐに転写し、定着手段２２で定着すればよい。
【００３１】
次に本形態の特徴的な構成について説明する。
プリント物Ｐ１を装置本体１の上部に形成された積載部３６に排出する排出部２３は、装置本体１の右方側の上部に形成されている。装置本体１の外装、すなわち、排出部２３の上方に位置して排出部２３を覆う外装１Ａには、プリンタの操作パネル６０が装置本体１の正面となる右方側から操作できるように配設されている。すなわち、本形態において、プリンタは排出部２３が配置されている装置本体１の右方が装置操作側となる。
【００３２】
積載部３６よりも下方となる装置本体１の内部には、仕切板５０が設けられている。この仕切板５０は積載部３６と中間転写ベルト７の上側辺との間に配置されていて、装置本体１内に現像剤収納部材の収納空間部５１を形成している。収納空間部５１内には、複数の現像剤収納部材としてのトナー収納容器３７，３８，３９，４０が積載部３６よりも下方で、矢印Ｃ１，Ｃ２で示す排出部２３に対して遠近する方向に並列されている。矢印Ｃ１は、排出部２３から遠ざかる方向であり、排出部２３から排出される用紙Ｐの排出方向（以下「排出方向Ｃ１」と記す）でもある。矢印Ｃ２は、排出部２３に近づく方向である。トナー収納容器３７，３８，３９，４０内には、それぞれイエロー，シアン，マゼンタ，ブラックのトナーが収納されている。トナー収納容器３７，３８，３９，４０は、作像ユニット８Ｙ，８Ｃ，８Ｍ，８ＢＫの各現像装置１２と図示しないトナー補給路を介して連結されていて、各現像装置１２内のトナーが減少すると、補給用トナーが対応する現像装置に供給されるように構成されている。
【００３３】
トナー収納容器３７，３８，３９，４０は、排出部２３に最近接するトナー収納容器３７が排出部２３から最遠方に位置するトナー収納容器４０よりも低くなるように配設されている。本形態では、トナー収納容器４０からトナー収納容器３７に向かうに従い徐々に低くなるように傾斜させて配置されている。排出部２３は、トナー収納容器３７よりも上方であり、トナー収納容器４０と略同じ高さに配設されている。
【００３４】
収納空間部５１内には、トナー収納容器３７，３８，３９，４０を着脱自在に保持するホルダー５２が配設されている。トナー収納容器３７，３８，３９，４０は、このホルダー５２にそれぞれ装着されることで装置本体１内での位置決めが成される。すなわち、トナー収納容器３７，３８，３９，４０は装置本体１に対して着脱可能に設けられている。
【００３５】
積載部３６は、排出部２３の下方から排出方向Ｃ１に向かって装置本体１に形成されていて、収納空間部５１内に収納されている各トナー収納容器を覆うように、装置本体の外装１Ｄで構成されている。積載部３６は、装置本体１に開閉自在に装着されている。本形態においては装置本体１の上方へ開放できるように構成されている。積載部３６の面積は、給紙部２から給紙可能な用紙サイズよりも幾分大きく形成されている。積載部３６は、排出部２３側に位置するその端部３６Ａが、排出部２３から遠い側に位置する端部３６Ｂよりも低くなるように傾斜して形成されている。積載部３６の最下部となる端部３６Ａは、排出部２３の排紙点Ａより低い位置となるように配置され、積載部３６の最上部となる端部３６Ｂが、図３にも示すように、外装１Ａの最上部１Ｃの位置と略同じ高さとされている。排紙点Ａとは、図２に示すように、装置の上下方向に配置して互いに対向して接触する排紙ローラ対２３Ａのニップ部２３１に対する水平線Ｏと積載部３６側に面する外装面１Ｂの交点を指す。積載部３６の端部３６Ａは、トナー収納容器３７の最上部３７Ａより低い位置に配設されている。
【００３６】
このように、トナー収納容器３７，３８，３９，４０を、排出部に最近接するトナー収納容器３７が排出部から最遠方に位置するトナー収納容器４０よりも低くなるように配設すると、トナー収納容器３７，３８，３９，４０を、排出部２３に最近接する側から排出部２３から最遠方側に向かって上昇するように傾斜して装置本体１に配設できる。このため、積載部３６が、トナー収納容器３７の上方に位置し、排出部２３側に位置する端部３６Ａからトナー収納容器４０の上方に位置し、排出部２３から遠い側に位置する端部３６Ｂへと上昇する傾斜面とすることが可能となり、排出部２３の位置を変更することなく、積載部３６と排出部２３との間隔を広げることができ。よって、装置の高さを高くすることなく、積載部３６に積載できる用紙枚数を増大することができる。
【００３７】
排出部３６が、トナー収納容器３７よりも上方でトナー収納容器４０と略同じ高さに配設されているので、装置の高さを抑えつつも、トナー収納容器３７の上方側に位置する積載部３６の部位となる端部３６Ａと排出部２３との間隔を稼げるので、装置の高さを高くすることなく、積載部３６に積載できる用紙枚数を増大することができる。すなわち、積載部３６の最下部となる端部３６Ａが排出部２３の排紙点Ａより低い位置となるように形成したので、排紙点Ａと積載部３６の端部３６Ａとの間隔を稼ぐことができ、排紙点Ａと積載部３６の端部３６Ａとの間隔Ｈを稼げるので、装置の高さを高くすることなく、積載部３６に積載できる用紙枚数を増大することができる。
【００３８】
積載部３６の端部３６Ｂを、外装１Ａの最上部１Ｃと略同じ高さとしているので、装置の高さの範囲内において、排出部２３と積載部３６との間隔を稼ぐことができ、積載部３６に積載できる用紙枚数を増大することができる。
【００３９】
端部３６Ａをトナー収納容器３７の最上部３７Ａより低い位置に設けているので、排出部３６の位置を変更することなく、端部３６Ａ（排紙点Ａ）と排出部２３との間隔をより広げることができ、積載部３６に積載できる用紙枚数を増大することができる。
【００４０】
積載部３６を外装１Ｄで構成すると、部品点数を増大することなく装置本体１に積載部３６を形成できるとともに、装置の外装に、排出部２３側が低くなる傾斜面が形成されるので、装置外観が容積的にも視覚的に小さくなる。
【００４１】
積載部３６には、図３，図４に示すように、端部３６Ａから排出部２３より離れる方向に延びる複数のリブ７１，７２，７３を有している。リブ７１，７２，７３は、載置面３６Ｃにおける端部３６Ａ側の中心部３６Ｄから略放射状で配置されている。リブ７１，７２，７３は、排出方向Ｃ１と同一平面内で直交する矢印Ｄで示す装置の幅方向（以下「幅方向Ｄ」と記す）に間隔７４，７５を空けて配置されている。リブ７１，７２，７３は、積載部３６の端部３６Ａ側から積載部３６の略中央部までの範囲に配設されている。リブ７１，７２，７３は、図１、図５に示すように、積載面３６Ｃよりも上方に突出して形成されている。本形態において、リブ７１，７２，７３は、積載部３６を構成する外装１Ｄと一体成型されているが、外装１Ｄに対して後付けする形態であっても良い。本形態において、これらリブは、排紙方向Ｃ１に対する長さが積載面３６Ｃの略半分程度になるように排出部２３から排出されるプリント物Ｐ１に対応するためのものである。
【００４２】
このように積載面３６Ｃから上方に突出するリブ７１，７２，７３が積載部３６に形成されていると、図５に示すように各リブの上に積載されるプリント物Ｐ１の下部Ｐ２と積載面３６Ｃとの間に空間Ｓ１，Ｓ２が形成される。このため、積載されて用紙Ｐをユーザーが手で取る際に、この空間に指が入れられるので取り易くなる。また、リブ７１，７２，７３を載置面３６Ｃにおける端部３６Ａ側の中心部３６Ｄから略放射状に配置すると、図４に示すように、排出部２３と対向する側に位置する端部３６Ｂにおいて、間隔７４，７５が広くなるので、積載されたプリント物Ｐ１をユーザーが手で取る際に、積載面３６Ｃとリブ上のプリント物の下部Ｐ２との間に形成される空間Ｓ１，Ｓ２内へ指がより入れ易くなるので、積載されたプリント物Ｐ１が取り易くなる。さらに、リブは幅方向Ｄに３本、間隔７４，７５を空けて配置されているので、積載される用紙枚数が多い場合でも、リブ上においてプリント物Ｐ１がその重さによって撓むのを抑制できる。このため、大量のプリント物Ｐ１が積載された場合でも、積載面３６Ｃとリブ上のプリント物Ｐ１の下部Ｐ２との間に形成される空間Ｓ１，Ｓ２を確保でき、大量に積載されたプリント物Ｐ１をユーザーが取る場合でも取り易くなる。
【００４３】
本形態の積載部３６には、更に工夫が成されている。それは、載置部３６の端部３６Ｂ側から中央部にかけて、載置面３６Ｃから上方に向かってその中央部が突出する複数の湾曲面８０，８１が形成されている。この湾曲面８０，８１は、幅方向Ｄに連続形成されていて、中央部よりも低くなる両者の境界部８３が載置面３６Ｃの幅方向Ｄにおける中央に位置するように形成されている。この湾曲面８０，８１は、端部３６Ｂ側では幅方向Ｄに対する幅が広く、排出部２３に向かう従いその幅が狭くなる平面形状が三角形状を成している。これら湾曲面８０，８１の先端部８０Ａ、８１Ａは、載置面３６Ｃの幅方向Ｄにおける中心部に配置されているリブ７２の両端まで延びている。本形態において、これら湾曲面８０，８１は、排紙方向Ｃ１に対する長さが積載面３６Ｃの端部３６Ｂまでになるように排出部２３から排出されるプリント物Ｐ１に対応するためのものである。各リブが横排紙に対応するものに対し、湾曲面８０，８１は、縦排紙に対応するものとなる。
【００４４】
このように積載面３６Ｃから上方に突出する湾曲面８０，８１が積載部３６の端部３６Ｂから中央部にかけて形成されていると、図６に示すように、積載面３６Ｃに排出されたプリント物Ｐ１が湾曲部８０，８１の上に積載される。このため、プリント物Ｐ１の下部Ｐ２と、湾曲部８０，８１が低くなる境界部８３近傍の載置面３６Ｃとの間に空間Ｓ３が形成されるため、ユーザーが端部３６Ｂ側からプリント物Ｐ１を手で取る際に、この空間Ｓ３に指を入れられるので取り易くなる。湾曲面８０，８１は、２つに限定されるものではなく、用紙Ｐのサイズやコシなどを考慮して適宜、その個数を決めるのが好ましい。ただし、あまりに多くの湾曲面とすると、ユーザーの指が入らなくなるので、少なくともユーザーの指が挿入できる空間８３が形成される数が適当である。
【００４５】
本形態では、さらに特有の構成を備えている。それは、中間転写ベルト６、作像部８及び光書き込みユニット１５を、トナー収納部材３７〜４０の傾斜方向と同方向に傾斜させて装置本体１内に配設していると共に、積載部３６（積載面３６Ｃ）も同方向に傾斜させている点にある。このように、トナー収納容器３７〜４０だけでなく、これに倣うように、装置本体１に配設される構成部材も同方向に傾斜させることで、これら中間転写ベルト６、作像部８及び光書き込みユニット１５を水平に配置する構成に比べて、排出部２３の下方を装置本体１内に下げ易くなるので、装置の高さを上昇させることなく、排出部２３と端部３６Ａ側との間隔を広くできるとともに、積載部３６の傾斜角も容易に増やすことができ、スタック性を容易に向上することができる。積載部３６、トナー収納容器３７〜４０、中間転写ベルト６、作像部８及び光書き込みユニット１５を傾斜させているので、これらの構成を水平に配設する場合よりも、図１において、排紙方向に対する長さとなる装置の前後方向への長さを短くでき、設置面積や占有面積が小さくなる。
【００４６】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、装置本体の上部に形成された積載部よりも下方の装置本体内で排出部に対して遠近する方向に並列された現像剤収納部材が、排出部に最近接する側から排出部から最遠方側に向かって上昇するように傾斜して装置本体に配設されるので、積載部を、最近接する現像剤収納部材の上方に位置する側から最遠方に位置する現像剤収納部材の上方に位置する側へと上昇する傾斜面とすることができる。このため、排出部の位置を上昇させることなく、積載部と排出部との間隔を広くすることができ、装置の高さや設置面積を抑制しつつ排出される記録材を大量積載することができる。
【００４７】
本発明によれば、排出部を最近接する現像剤収納部材よりも上方で、最遠方に位置する現像剤収納部材と略同じ高さに配設するので、最近接する現像剤収納部材側に位置する積載部の部位と排出部との間隔を、排出部の位置を上昇させることなく稼ぐ事ができ、装置の高さや設置面積を抑制しつつ排出される記録材を大量積載することができる。
【００４８】
本発明によれば、積載部の最下部を、排出部の排紙点より低い位置となるように形成するので、積載部が最近接する現像剤収納部材側から最遠方に位置する現像剤収納部材側に向かって上昇する傾斜面となる。このため、排出部の位置を上昇させることなく排出部と積載部の最下部との間隔を稼ぐことができ、装置の高さや設置面積を抑制しつつ排出される記録材を大量積載することができる。
【００４９】
本発明によれば、積載部の最上部を、操作パネルが配置された外装の最上部と略同じ高さとしているので、装置の高さの範囲内において、排出部と積載部との間隔を稼ぐことができ、装置の高さや設置面積を抑制しつつ排出される記録材を大量積載することができる。また、装置が平面的になるので、装置が小型になるとともに、画像形成装置を配送する際に用いる緩衝材を特別な形状で形成しなくて済み、配送や梱包コストを抑制することができる。
【００５０】
本発明によれば、積載部の最下部を、最下位に位置する現像剤収納部材の最上部より低い位置に設けているので、排出部の位置を変更することなく積載面と排出部との間隔をより広げることができ、装置の高さや設置面積を抑制しつつ排出される記録材を大量積載することができる。
【００５１】
本発明によれば、現像剤収納部材を覆う装置本体の外装で積載部を構成することで、部品点数を増大することなく積載部を形成できると共に、装置の外装に排出部側が低くなる傾斜面が形成されるので、装置外観を容積的にも視覚的に小さくすることができる。
【００５２】
本発明によれば、積載部に設けた、排出部の下方に位置する端部から排出部から離れる方向に延び、積載面よりも上方に突出した複数のリブにより、積載面に積載される記録材の下部と積載面との間に空間が形成されるので、積載されている記録材をユーザーが手で取る際に、この空間に指を入れられるので取り易くなる。また、複数のリブを、載置面における端部側の中心部から略放射状に配置することで、排出部と対向する側においてリブの間隔が広くなり、積載された記録材をユーザーが手で取る際に、積載面と積載された記録材の下部との間に形成される空間内へ指が入れ易くなるので、より記録材が取り易くなる。
【００５３】
本発明によれば、積載面に排出された記録材は、積載部の載置面の排出部から排出される記録材の排出方向と同一平面内で直交する方向に、上方に向かって突出して形成された複数の湾曲面の上に積載されるので、積載された記録材の下部と湾曲部がない積載面との間に空間が形成される。このため、積載されて記録材をユーザーが手で取る際に、この空間に指を入れられるので取り易くなる。
【００５４】
本発明によれば、積載部の載置面だけでなく、複数の作像手段を有する作像部、作像部で形成された画像が転写される中間転写体、作像手段のそれぞれの像担持体に光書込みを行う光書込み部等も、現像剤収納部材の配設方向と略同一方向に傾斜して配置することで、これら構成部材を水平に配置する構成に比べて、排出部の下方を装置本体内に下げ易くなるとともに、装置の前後方向への長さが短くなる。このため、装置の高さを上昇させることなく、排出部と積載部との間隔を広げられて、装置の高さや設置面積を抑制しつつ排出される記録材を大量積載することができるとともに、積載部の傾斜角も容易に増やせ、スタック性を容易に向上することができる。また、装置の前後方向への長さが短くなるので、設置面積や占有面積を小さくかることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明にかかる画像形成装置の概略構成を示す側面図である。
【図２】排出部の排紙点と積載部の端部との間隔を示す拡大図である。
【図３】本発明にかかる画像形成装置を装置後方側から見た時の外観を示す斜視図である。
【図４】図３に示す画像形成装置の平面図である。
【図５】積載部に設けられた複数のリブの構成とその作用を説明するための拡大図である。
【図６】積載部に設けられた複数の湾曲面とその作用を説明するための拡大図である。
【符号の説明】
１装置本体
１Ａ外装
１Ｂ外装の最上部
１Ｄ現像剤収納部材を覆う装置本体の外装
７中間転写体
８作像部
８Ｙ，８Ｃ，８Ｍ，８ＢＫ複数の作像手段
１０像担持体
１５光書込み部
２２定着手段
２３排出部
３６積載部
３６Ａ積載部の最下部（排出部の下方に位置する端部）
３６Ｂ積載部の最上部
３６Ｃ積載面
３６Ｄ端部側の中心部
３７最近接する現像剤収納部材
３７，３８，３９，４０複数の現像剤収納部材
３７Ａ最下位の現像剤収納部材の最上部
４０最遠方に位置する現像剤収納部材
６０操作パネル
７１，７２，７３複数のリブ
８０，８１複数の湾曲面
Ａ排出部の排紙点
Ｃ１，Ｃ２遠近する方向
Ｃ１排紙方向
Ｄ排出方向と直交する方向
Ｐ記録材[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a color printer, a color copying machine, a color facsimile, and a multifunction peripheral thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming a color image on a recording material such as paper or film is known. In a color image forming apparatus, a color image is generally formed using toner as a developer of four colors. Therefore, compared to an image forming apparatus dedicated to monochrome, the number of components is large, the size is easily increased, and the number of sheets that can be discharged per unit time is increased. That is, the speed during color printing also decreases. With the spread of personal computers, image forming apparatuses are increasingly used as so-called printers connected to personal computers, and personalization is progressing. From the viewpoint of convenience, image forming apparatuses are installed near users who are apparatus users. Often. For this reason, it is desirable that the height of the apparatus is small in consideration of the workability of the user, and that the apparatus is small in size such as the width of the apparatus is narrow in consideration of the installation space and the transportation cost. Further, from the viewpoint of personalization of the image forming apparatus and reduction of maintenance costs, the user himself has been carrying out replacement and maintenance of consumables of the apparatus.
[0003]
To increase the printing speed in a color image forming apparatus, a plurality of color developing devices are provided around one photoconductor, and the toner image developed by each developing device is rotated by the number of photoconductors by the number of developing devices. Then, a plurality of developing devices are arranged closer to a plurality of photoconductors arranged in one row, respectively, than in a well-known one-drum system in which a color image is synthesized on a photoconductor and transferred to a recording material. A tandem-type image forming apparatus that forms a single-color toner image, sequentially transfers each toner image, and transfers a color image to a recording material is more advantageous. In a tandem type image forming apparatus, the amount of toner consumption generally increases. Therefore, a developer supply unit for supplying replenishing toner to the developing device is provided separately from the developing device rather than being integrated with the developing device into a cartridge. Is preferable in terms of workability. Further, in order to reduce the installation space of the apparatus, it is desirable not only to make the apparatus main body small but also to have no members protruding from the apparatus main body. To be described).
[0004]
Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus in which the upper portion of the apparatus main body is used as a loading section and a developer supply section is provided separately from the developing apparatus in these tandem systems. Further, in order to reduce the installation area of the tandem type apparatus, as in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the upper part of the apparatus main body is used as a loading section, and the photoconductors and the developing apparatuses are arranged in a line. It can be reduced by arranging the intermediate transfer belt obliquely, instead of arranging it horizontally as in Patent Document 1. Also, in consideration of the stackability of the printed matter in the stacking unit, it is conceivable that the stacking surface is formed to be inclined as in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 3.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-362807
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-214868 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-2003-50351
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Although various problems are solved in each of the patent documents, in recent years, a large-capacity of printed matter is required for an image forming apparatus employing a tandem system in order to reduce the size at high speed. The applicant of the present application has examined whether it is possible to obtain a large load performance of printed matter while solving problems conventionally required.
[0007]
In the case of an image forming apparatus in which the upper portion of the apparatus main body is a stacking section, the printed matter discharge section is generally located at one end of the stacking section and above the stacking section. For this reason, the number of sheets to be stacked on the stacking section is regulated by the height from the stacking surface of the stacking section to the discharge section. That is, when the height of the printed matter stacked on the stacking unit is higher than the discharge unit, the discharged printed matter is hindered by the stacked printed matter. In addition, when the stacked printed materials reach the height of the discharge section, the uppermost one of the stacked printed materials is pushed in the sheet discharging direction due to friction with the discharged printed material, and there is a limit in terms of stackability. There is. In particular, when the mounting surface is not inclined, the phenomenon of the body appears remarkably.
[0008]
In order to stack a large amount of printed matter, the distance between the lowermost portion of the stacking surface and the discharge unit may be increased. Therefore, it is conceivable to increase the position of the discharge unit or lower the mounting surface. In order to realize this with the image forming apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3, it is sufficient to increase the height of each discharge unit to increase the distance between the image forming apparatus and the mounting surface. And the longer the transport path of the recording material to the output unit, the countermeasures against jamming and the new problem of delaying the first print time, which is the time until the first sheet is discharged to the stacking unit, are also taken into account. Have to do it. Furthermore, when delivering the image forming apparatus, a cushioning material formed along the product shape with styrofoam or cardboard is placed in a packing box and delivered. The material must be formed in a special shape, which requires delivery and packaging costs. In addition, when the mounting surface is to be lowered without changing the position of the discharge unit, the mounting surface can be easily lowered because various components are arranged below the mounting surface, that is, inside the apparatus main body. It is difficult to lower. For example, if an attempt is made to adopt the configuration of Patent Literature 2 for an image forming apparatus in which the height of the apparatus is required to be limited, the loading surface cannot be lowered unless the angle of the intermediate transfer body is made close to horizontal. The overall length becomes longer. Further, in an image forming apparatus in which the developer supply unit is separate from the developing device, if there is a difference in the length of the supply path from the developer supply unit to the developing device, the flow path resistance to the toner passing through the supply path is reduced. Differently, this may be a factor of the supply timing and the supply amount of the toner to be supplied to the developing device.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of stacking a large amount of discharged recording materials while suppressing the height and installation area of the apparatus.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a toner image formed by an image forming unit having a plurality of image forming units having an image carrier is fixed to a recording material by a fixing unit, and the fixed recording material is used. 2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus that discharges from a discharge unit to a stacking unit formed at an upper portion of an apparatus main body in which an image forming unit is disposed, a plurality of developer accommodating members that replenish developer to each image forming unit are arranged more than the stacking unit. In the lower apparatus main body, the developer accommodating members are arranged in parallel with each other in the direction toward and away from the discharge unit, and the developer accommodating members closest to the discharge unit are arranged closer to the developer accommodating member located farthest from the discharge unit. It was arranged to be lower. For this reason, the developer accommodating member is disposed in the apparatus main body so as to rise from the side closest to the discharge section toward the farthest side from the discharge section. This makes it possible to provide an inclined surface that rises from the side located above the member to the side located above the developer storage member furthest away, thereby increasing the space between the stacking unit and the discharge unit.
[0010]
By arranging the discharge section above the developer storage member closest to it and at substantially the same height as the developer storage member located farthest away, it is possible to reduce the height of the apparatus and to store the developer storage material closest to it. The clearance between the portion of the loading section located on the member side and the discharge section can be increased.
[0011]
When the stacking portion is formed so that the lowermost portion is located at a position lower than the discharge point of the discharge portion, the stacking portion rises from the developer storage member side closest to the developer storage member side located farthest. It becomes an inclined surface, and it is possible to increase the distance between the discharge section and the lowermost portion of the loading section.
[0012]
In the case where the operation panel is arranged on the exterior of the apparatus main body, if the uppermost part of the loading unit is substantially the same height as the uppermost part of the exterior on which the operation panel is arranged, the discharging unit is provided within the range of the height of the apparatus. The space between the image forming apparatus and the stacking unit can be increased, and the apparatus becomes planar. Therefore, the apparatus is reduced in size, and the cushioning material used when delivering the image forming apparatus is not formed in a special shape. And shipping and packaging costs are reduced.
[0013]
When the lowermost portion of the stacking portion is provided at a position lower than the uppermost portion of the developer storing member located at the lowest position in the developer storing member, the distance between the stacking surface and the discharging portion can be changed without changing the position of the discharging portion. Is preferable because it can be further expanded.
[0014]
When the loading section is configured by the exterior of the apparatus main body that covers the developer accommodating member, the loading section is formed without increasing the number of components, and an inclined surface is formed on the exterior of the apparatus so that the discharge unit side is lowered. The device looks small.
[0015]
When the loading portion extends in a direction away from the discharge portion from an end located below the discharge portion and has a plurality of ribs protruding above the loading surface, the lower portion of the recording material loaded on the loading surface and A space is formed with the loading surface. For this reason, when the user takes the loaded recording material by hand, the user can put his / her finger in this space, so that it becomes easy to take it.
[0016]
When a plurality of ribs are arranged substantially radially from the center of the mounting surface on the end side, the interval between the ribs is increased on the side located on the side facing the discharge unit, and the recording material is stacked and the user can manually handle the recording material. When taking the recording material, the finger can easily enter a space formed between the stacking surface and the lower portion of the stacked recording material, so that the recording material can be more easily taken. Basically, if the number of ribs is two or more, a space can be formed between the loaded recording material and the loading surface, but if the number of loaded ribs increases, the weight of the recording material deflects and the space becomes large. Since it may become narrower, three or more are preferable in consideration of supporting both sides and the center of the recording material from below. However, if the number of ribs is too large, the spacing between the ribs is so narrow that it is difficult for a finger to enter the space. Therefore, three to four ribs are appropriate.
[0017]
When a plurality of curved surfaces are formed on the mounting surface of the stacking portion so as to project upward in a direction orthogonal to the discharge direction of the recording material discharged from the discharge portion in the same plane, the recording material is discharged to the stacking surface. Since the recording material is loaded on the plurality of curved portions, a space is formed between a lower portion of the loaded recording material and a loading surface having no curved portion. For this reason, when a user takes a stack of recording materials by hand, the user can put his / her finger in this space, which makes it easier to take them.
[0018]
The loading surface of the loading section is formed to be inclined in substantially the same direction as the direction in which the developer accommodating member is arranged, or the image forming section is arranged to be inclined in substantially the same direction as the direction in which the developer accommodating member is arranged. However, if these components are formed to be inclined in the same direction as the image forming unit, it is easier to lower the lower part of the discharge unit into the apparatus main body than in a configuration in which these components are arranged horizontally.
[0019]
An optical writing unit for performing optical writing on an intermediate transfer body or each image carrier on which an image formed by the image forming unit is transferred is disposed to be inclined in substantially the same direction as the mounting direction of the developer accommodating member, When the loading surface of the loading section is formed to be inclined in the same direction as the intermediate transfer body and the optical writing section, it is easier to lower the lower portion of the discharge section into the apparatus main body than in a configuration in which these components are arranged horizontally. Become.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is a color printer (hereinafter, referred to as “printer”) that can form a full-color image by employing a tandem method. The image forming apparatus is not limited to the printer shown in FIG. 1, but may be a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or the like.
[0021]
The basic configuration and operation of the printer will be described with reference to FIG. 2, and then the configuration and operation unique to this embodiment will be described. This printer has a configuration in which a paper feed unit 2 for storing paper P as a recording material is disposed at a lower portion of an apparatus main body 1 and an image forming unit 3 is disposed above the paper feed unit 2. The image forming unit 3 includes an image forming unit 8 including four image forming units 8Y, 8C, 8M, and 8BK as a plurality of image forming units including an image carrier, and a plurality of rollers 4, 5, and 6. An intermediate transfer belt 7 as an intermediate transfer body constituted by a flexible endless belt wound around, an optical writing unit 15 as an optical writing unit for performing optical writing on each image carrier, and toner on the paper P A fixing unit 22 for fixing an image is provided. A transport path R for transporting the paper P is formed between the paper feed unit 2 and the fixing unit 11. The roller 6 is arranged facing the transport path R.
[0022]
A space between the roller 4 and the roller 5 of the intermediate transfer belt 7 corresponds to a lower belt running side of the belt. On the intermediate transfer belt 7, a secondary transfer roller 20 serving as a secondary transfer device is disposed at a portion facing the roller 6 so as to face the transport path R, and a belt for cleaning the belt surface is provided at a portion facing the roller 4. A cleaning device 21 is provided.
[0023]
The image forming unit 3 is disposed below the intermediate transfer belt 7 by being arranged to face the lower traveling side. Each image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum 10 as an image carrier that is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7. A charging device 11, a developing device 12, and a cleaning device 13 are arranged around each photosensitive drum 10. Transfer rollers 14 as transfer devices for performing primary transfer are provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 7 at positions where the respective photosensitive drums 10 are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7. In the present embodiment, the image forming units 8Y, 8C, 8M, and 8BK are basically configured with the same structure, and in FIG. 1, only the configuration of the image forming unit 8BK is represented by reference numerals. The difference between the image forming units is that the color of the toner as the developer stored in each developing device 12 is different. The developing devices 12 of the image forming units 8Y, 8C, 8M, and 8BK store yellow, cyan, magenta, and black toners, respectively.
[0024]
The optical writing unit 15 irradiates the surface of each photoconductor drum with the light-modulated laser beam L to form a latent image for each color on the photoconductor surface. It is located below.
[0025]
When the image forming operation is started, the photosensitive drum 10 of each image forming unit 8 is rotated clockwise by a driving device (not shown), and the surface of each photosensitive drum is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity by the charging device 11. Be charged. Laser light L is irradiated from the optical writing unit 15 to the charged surface of each photosensitive drum, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on each surface. At this time, the image information to be exposed on each photosensitive drum is monochromatic image information obtained by decomposing a desired full-color image into yellow, cyan, magenta, and black color information. The electrostatic latent image thus formed is visualized as a toner image by the toner of each developing device 12 when passing between each photosensitive drum 10 and each developing device 12.
[0026]
One of the plurality of rollers 4, 5, and 6 around which the intermediate transfer belt 7 is wound is driven to rotate counterclockwise by a driving device (not shown). The traveling roller is driven clockwise, and the other rollers are driven to rotate. The yellow toner image formed by the image forming unit 8Y including the developing device 12 having yellow toner is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 traveling in this manner by the transfer roller 14. On the transferred yellow toner image, the cyan toner image formed by the image forming units 8C, 8M and 8BK, and further the magenta toner image and the black toner image are sequentially superimposed and transferred by the transfer roller 14, and thus the intermediate transfer belt 7 Carries a full-color toner image on its surface.
[0027]
Residual toner adhering to the surface of each photoconductor drum after the transfer of the toner image is removed from the surface of the photoconductor drum by each cleaning device 13, and then the surface is subjected to a charge removal operation by a charge removal device (not shown). The surface potential is initialized to prepare for the next image formation.
[0028]
The sheet P fed from the sheet feeding unit 2 is sent to the transport path R, and the sheet feeding timing is measured by a pair of registration rollers 21 disposed on the sheet feeding side of the secondary transfer roller 20. And a secondary transfer roller 20. At this time, a transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the toner charging polarity of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt surface is applied to the secondary transfer roller 20, whereby the toner images on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7 are collectively formed on the paper P. Is transcribed. The sheet P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 22, where heat and pressure are applied when passing through the fixing unit 22, and the toner image is melted and fixed. The printed matter P1 on which the toner image has been fixed is located at the end of the transport path R, is transported to the discharge unit 23 provided on the upper side of the apparatus main body 1, and is a stacking unit formed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 1. It is discharged to 36. After the transfer of the toner image onto the sheet P, the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 7 is removed by the cleaning device 21.
[0029]
The printer thus configured is provided with four image forming units 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8BK so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 7, and successively superimposes the toner images of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 7. The image forming time can be significantly reduced as compared with a type in which a single image unit has a developing device for four colors, a toner image is superimposed and transferred on an intermediate transfer belt, and then transferred to paper. Further, since the loading section 36 is formed on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 1, the loading section 36 does not jump out of the apparatus main body 1 to the periphery, and the installation area and the occupied area are reduced.
[0030]
The above description is the image forming operation when forming a full-color image on the sheet P. However, a single-color image is formed using any one of the image forming units of the image forming unit 8, or a two-color image is formed. It is also possible to form an image of three colors. When monochrome printing is performed using the printer of the present embodiment, an electrostatic latent image is formed only on the photosensitive drum 10 of the image forming unit 8BK, developed by the same unit, transferred to the paper P, and fixed. What is necessary is just to fix by means 22.
[0031]
Next, a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described.
The discharge unit 23 that discharges the printed matter P1 to the stacking unit 36 formed at the top of the apparatus main body 1 is formed at the upper right side of the apparatus main body 1. The exterior of the apparatus main body 1, that is, the exterior 1 A located above the discharge unit 23 and covering the discharge unit 23, is provided so that the operation panel 60 of the printer can be operated from the right side, which is the front of the apparatus main body 1. Have been. That is, in the present embodiment, the right side of the apparatus main body 1 in which the discharge unit 23 is disposed is the apparatus operation side.
[0032]
A partition plate 50 is provided inside the apparatus main body 1 below the loading section 36. The partition plate 50 is disposed between the stacking section 36 and the upper side of the intermediate transfer belt 7, and forms a storage space 51 of the developer storage member in the apparatus main body 1. In the storage space 51, a plurality of toner storage containers 37, 38, 39, and 40 as developer storage members are located below the stacking unit 36 and are farther from the discharge unit 23 indicated by arrows C 1 and C 2. Are paralleled. The arrow C1 is a direction away from the discharge unit 23, and is also a discharge direction of the paper P discharged from the discharge unit 23 (hereinafter, referred to as a “discharge direction C1”). The arrow C2 is a direction approaching the discharge unit 23. The toner storage containers 37, 38, 39, and 40 store yellow, cyan, magenta, and black toners, respectively. The toner storage containers 37, 38, 39, and 40 are connected to the respective developing devices 12 of the image forming units 8Y, 8C, 8M, and 8BK via toner supply paths (not shown), and the amount of toner in each of the developing devices 12 decreases. Then, the supply toner is supplied to the corresponding developing device.
[0033]
The toner storage containers 37, 38, 39, and 40 are arranged such that the toner storage container 37 closest to the discharge unit 23 is lower than the toner storage container 40 located farthest from the discharge unit 23. In the present embodiment, the toner storage container 40 is inclined so as to gradually decrease from the toner storage container 40 toward the toner storage container 37. The discharge section 23 is located above the toner storage container 37 and is disposed at substantially the same height as the toner storage container 40.
[0034]
In the storage space 51, a holder 52 that detachably holds the toner storage containers 37, 38, 39, and 40 is provided. The toner containers 37, 38, 39, 40 are positioned in the apparatus main body 1 by being mounted on the holders 52, respectively. That is, the toner storage containers 37, 38, 39, and 40 are provided detachably from the apparatus main body 1.
[0035]
The stacking section 36 is formed in the apparatus main body 1 from the lower side of the discharge section 23 in the discharge direction C 1, and the exterior 1 D of the apparatus main body covers each toner storage container stored in the storage space 51. It is composed of The loading section 36 is attached to the apparatus main body 1 so as to be freely opened and closed. In the present embodiment, it is configured such that it can be opened above the apparatus main body 1. The area of the stacking section 36 is formed to be slightly larger than the sheet size that can be fed from the sheet feeding section 2. The stacking section 36 is formed so as to be inclined such that an end 36A located on the discharge section 23 side is lower than an end 36B located on a side far from the discharge section 23. The lower end 36A of the stacking section 36 is disposed at a position lower than the discharge point A of the discharge section 23, and the upper end 36B of the stacking section 36 is arranged as shown in FIG. The height is substantially the same as the position of the uppermost part 1C of the exterior 1A. The discharge point A is, as shown in FIG. 2, a horizontal line O with respect to the nip portion 231 of the discharge roller pair 23A which is disposed in the up-down direction of the apparatus and comes into contact with each other, and an exterior surface facing the stacking portion 36 side. Indicates the intersection of 1B. The end 36A of the stacking portion 36 is disposed at a position lower than the uppermost portion 37A of the toner container 37.
[0036]
As described above, when the toner storage containers 37, 38, 39, and 40 are disposed such that the toner storage container 37 closest to the discharge unit is lower than the toner storage container 40 located farthest from the discharge unit, the toner storage container 37 The containers 37, 38, 39, and 40 can be disposed in the apparatus main body 1 at an angle so as to rise from the side closest to the discharge unit 23 toward the farthest side from the discharge unit 23. For this reason, the loading portion 36 is located above the toner storage container 37, is located above the toner storage container 40 from the end portion 36 A located on the discharge portion 23 side, and is located on the far side from the discharge portion 23. It is possible to form an inclined surface that rises to 36B, and it is possible to increase the interval between the stacking unit 36 and the discharge unit 23 without changing the position of the discharge unit 23. Therefore, the number of sheets that can be stacked on the stacking unit 36 can be increased without increasing the height of the apparatus.
[0037]
Since the discharge unit 36 is disposed above the toner storage container 37 and at substantially the same height as the toner storage container 40, the stacking unit positioned above the toner storage container 37 can be reduced while the height of the apparatus is suppressed. Since the space between the end portion 36A serving as the portion of the portion 36 and the discharge portion 23 can be increased, the number of sheets that can be stacked on the stacking portion 36 can be increased without increasing the height of the apparatus. That is, since the lower end 36A of the stacking section 36 is formed at a position lower than the discharge point A of the discharge section 23, the interval between the discharge point A and the end 36A of the stacking section 36 is increased. Since the distance H between the discharge point A and the end portion 36A of the stacking section 36 can be increased, the number of sheets that can be stacked on the stacking section 36 can be increased without increasing the height of the apparatus.
[0038]
Since the end portion 36B of the stacking portion 36 has substantially the same height as the uppermost portion 1C of the exterior 1A, an interval between the discharge portion 23 and the stacking portion 36 can be increased within the range of the height of the apparatus. The number of sheets that can be stacked on the unit 36 can be increased.
[0039]
Since the end portion 36A is provided at a position lower than the uppermost portion 37A of the toner container 37, the distance between the end portion 36A (discharge point A) and the discharge portion 23 can be increased without changing the position of the discharge portion 36. The sheet can be spread, and the number of sheets that can be stacked on the stacking section 36 can be increased.
[0040]
When the loading section 36 is formed of the exterior 1D, the loading section 36 can be formed on the apparatus main body 1 without increasing the number of components, and an inclined surface with the discharge section 23 side lowered is formed on the exterior of the apparatus. Is visually reduced in terms of volume.
[0041]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the loading section 36 has a plurality of ribs 71, 72, 73 extending from the end 36 A in a direction away from the discharge section 23. The ribs 71, 72, and 73 are arranged substantially radially from a center portion 36D of the mounting surface 36C on the end portion 36A side. The ribs 71, 72, 73 are arranged at intervals 74, 75 in the width direction of the apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "width direction D") indicated by an arrow D orthogonal to the same plane as the discharge direction C1. The ribs 71, 72, and 73 are arranged in a range from the end portion 36 A of the loading portion 36 to a substantially central portion of the loading portion 36. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the ribs 71, 72, and 73 are formed so as to protrude above the loading surface 36C. In the present embodiment, the ribs 71, 72, and 73 are integrally formed with the exterior 1D constituting the stacking portion 36, but may be retrofitted to the exterior 1D. In the present embodiment, these ribs are for accommodating the printed matter P1 discharged from the discharge unit 23 such that the length in the paper discharge direction C1 is about half of the stacking surface 36C.
[0042]
When the ribs 71, 72, and 73 projecting upward from the loading surface 36C are formed in the loading portion 36, the lower portion P2 of the printed matter P1 loaded on each rib and the loading portion are loaded as shown in FIG. Spaces S1 and S2 are formed between surface 36C. For this reason, when the user takes the stacked sheets P by hand, the finger can be put into this space, so that the sheets P can be easily taken. When the ribs 71, 72, and 73 are arranged substantially radially from the center portion 36D of the mounting surface 36C on the side of the end portion 36A, as shown in FIG. 4, at the end portion 36B located on the side facing the discharge portion 23, as shown in FIG. , 74, 75 are widened, so that when the user picks up the stacked printed matter P1 by hand, the spaces S1 and S2 formed between the loading surface 36C and the lower part P2 of the printed matter on the ribs. Since the finger can be easily inserted, the stacked printed matter P1 can be easily taken. Furthermore, since the three ribs are arranged in the width direction D at intervals of 74 and 75, even when the number of stacked sheets is large, the printed matter P1 on the ribs is prevented from bending due to the weight thereof. it can. For this reason, even when a large amount of printed matter P1 is stacked, the spaces S1 and S2 formed between the loading surface 36C and the lower part P2 of the printed matter P1 on the ribs can be secured, and a large amount of printed matter P1 is stacked. Even when the user takes P1, it becomes easy to take P1.
[0043]
The loading section 36 of the present embodiment is further devised. It has a plurality of curved surfaces 80 and 81 whose central portions protrude upward from the mounting surface 36C from the end portion 36B side to the central portion of the mounting portion 36. The curved surfaces 80 and 81 are formed continuously in the width direction D, and are formed such that a boundary portion 83 between them, which is lower than the center portion, is located at the center of the mounting surface 36C in the width direction D. The curved surfaces 80 and 81 have a wide width in the width direction D on the end portion 36B side, and have a triangular planar shape in which the width decreases toward the discharge portion 23. The distal ends 80A, 81A of the curved surfaces 80, 81 extend to both ends of the rib 72 arranged at the center in the width direction D of the mounting surface 36C. In the present embodiment, the curved surfaces 80 and 81 correspond to the printed matter P1 discharged from the discharge unit 23 such that the length in the paper discharge direction C1 reaches the end 36B of the stacking surface 36C. . The curved surfaces 80 and 81 correspond to vertical discharge, whereas each rib corresponds to horizontal discharge.
[0044]
When the curved surfaces 80 and 81 projecting upward from the loading surface 36C are formed from the end portion 36B to the center portion of the loading portion 36, the printed matter discharged to the loading surface 36C as shown in FIG. P1 is loaded on the curved portions 80 and 81. Therefore, a space S3 is formed between the lower portion P2 of the printed matter P1 and the mounting surface 36C near the boundary 83 where the curved portions 80 and 81 are lowered, so that the user can print the printed matter P1 from the end 36B side. Can be easily taken because a finger can be put in this space S3. The number of the curved surfaces 80 and 81 is not limited to two, and it is preferable to appropriately determine the number thereof in consideration of the size and the stiffness of the paper P. However, if the number of the curved surfaces is too large, the user's finger cannot enter, so the number of spaces 83 at which the user's finger can be inserted is appropriate.
[0045]
In this embodiment, a more specific configuration is provided. That is, the intermediate transfer belt 6, the image forming unit 8, and the optical writing unit 15 are disposed in the apparatus main body 1 while being inclined in the same direction as the inclination direction of the toner storage members 37 to 40, and the stacking unit 36 ( The loading surface 36C) is also inclined in the same direction. As described above, not only the toner storage containers 37 to 40 but also the components disposed in the apparatus main body 1 are inclined in the same direction so as to follow the toner storage containers 37 to 40, so that the intermediate transfer belt 6, the image forming unit 8, Compared to a configuration in which the optical writing unit 15 is arranged horizontally, it is easier to lower the lower part of the discharge unit 23 into the apparatus main body 1, so that the discharge unit 23 and the end 36 A side can be connected without increasing the height of the device. The interval can be widened, the inclination angle of the stacking section 36 can be easily increased, and the stacking property can be easily improved. Since the stacking unit 36, the toner storage containers 37 to 40, the intermediate transfer belt 6, the image forming unit 8, and the optical writing unit 15 are inclined, the configuration shown in FIG. The length in the front-rear direction of the device, which is the length in the paper direction, can be reduced, and the installation area and occupied area are reduced.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the developer accommodating members arranged in the direction closer to the discharge portion in the apparatus main body below the stacking portion formed at the upper portion of the apparatus main body are discharged from the side closest to the discharge portion. The loading portion is disposed in the apparatus main body at an inclination so as to ascend toward the farthest side from the portion, so that the loading portion is located farthest from the side located above the closest developer storage member. May be an inclined surface that rises to the side located above. For this reason, it is possible to increase the distance between the stacking unit and the discharge unit without raising the position of the discharge unit, and it is possible to stack a large amount of discharged recording material while suppressing the height and installation area of the apparatus. .
[0047]
According to the present invention, since the discharge portion is disposed above the developer storage member closest to it and at substantially the same height as the developer storage member located farthest away, it is located on the side of the developer storage member closest to it. The space between the portion of the loading section and the discharge section can be earned without raising the position of the discharge section, and a large amount of recording material to be discharged can be loaded while suppressing the height and installation area of the apparatus.
[0048]
According to the present invention, since the lowermost portion of the stacking section is formed at a position lower than the discharge point of the discharge section, the developer storage member located farthest from the developer storage member side with which the stacking section is closest. It becomes an inclined surface rising toward the side. Therefore, it is possible to increase the interval between the discharge unit and the lowermost portion of the stacking unit without raising the position of the discharge unit, and to stack a large amount of recording material discharged while suppressing the height and installation area of the apparatus. it can.
[0049]
According to the present invention, since the uppermost portion of the loading section is substantially the same height as the uppermost portion of the exterior on which the operation panel is arranged, the distance between the discharging section and the loading section is set within the height of the apparatus. As a result, a large amount of discharged recording material can be stacked while suppressing the height and installation area of the apparatus. Further, since the apparatus is flat, the apparatus can be reduced in size, and the buffer material used when delivering the image forming apparatus does not need to be formed in a special shape, so that delivery and packing costs can be suppressed.
[0050]
According to the present invention, since the lowermost portion of the loading section is provided at a position lower than the uppermost portion of the developer accommodating member located at the lowermost position, the stacking surface and the discharging section can be connected without changing the position of the discharging section. The interval can be further increased, and a large amount of discharged recording material can be stacked while suppressing the height and installation area of the apparatus.
[0051]
According to the present invention, by configuring the loading section with the exterior of the apparatus main body that covers the developer accommodating member, the loading section can be formed without increasing the number of parts, and the discharge section side is reduced on the exterior of the apparatus. Is formed, the appearance of the apparatus can be visually reduced in terms of volume.
[0052]
According to the present invention, a plurality of ribs, which are provided on the stacking portion and extend in a direction away from the discharge portion from an end located below the discharge portion and protrude above the stacking surface, record on the stacking surface. Since a space is formed between the lower part of the material and the loading surface, when the user takes the loaded recording material by hand, his or her finger can be put into this space, so that the recording material can be easily taken. In addition, by arranging the plurality of ribs substantially radially from the center portion on the end side of the mounting surface, the interval between the ribs on the side facing the discharge unit is widened, and the user can manually load the loaded recording material. When taking the recording material, the finger can easily enter into the space formed between the stacking surface and the lower part of the stacked recording material, so that the recording material can be more easily taken.
[0053]
According to the present invention, the recording material discharged to the loading surface protrudes upward in a direction orthogonal to the discharge direction of the recording material discharged from the discharge portion of the loading surface of the loading portion in the same plane. Since the paper is stacked on the formed plurality of curved surfaces, a space is formed between the lower part of the stacked recording material and the loading surface having no curved portion. For this reason, when the user takes the loaded recording material by hand, the user can put his / her finger in this space, so that it becomes easy to take it.
[0054]
According to the present invention, not only the mounting surface of the stacking unit, but also an image forming unit having a plurality of image forming units, an intermediate transfer body to which an image formed by the image forming unit is transferred, and respective images of the image forming unit The optical writing section for performing optical writing on the carrier is also disposed at an angle substantially in the same direction as the direction in which the developer accommodating member is disposed, so that the discharge section of the discharging section can be compared with a configuration in which these constituent members are disposed horizontally. The lower part can be easily lowered into the apparatus main body, and the length of the apparatus in the front-rear direction is reduced. Therefore, without increasing the height of the apparatus, the distance between the discharge unit and the loading unit can be increased, and a large amount of recording material can be stacked while suppressing the height and installation area of the apparatus. The inclination angle of the loading section can be easily increased, and the stacking property can be easily improved. Further, since the length of the device in the front-rear direction is shortened, the installation area and the occupied area can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an interval between a discharge point of a discharge unit and an end of a stacking unit.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention when viewed from the rear side of the apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view for explaining the configuration and operation of a plurality of ribs provided on the loading section.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view for explaining a plurality of curved surfaces provided on the loading section and the operation thereof.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Device body
1A exterior
1B Top of exterior
1D Exterior of device main body covering developer storage member
7 Intermediate transfer member
8 Imaging unit
8Y, 8C, 8M, 8BK Multiple image forming means
10 Image carrier
15 Optical writing unit
22 Fixing means
23 Discharge unit
36 loading section
36A Lowermost part of loading section (end located below discharge section)
36B Top of loading section
36C loading surface
36D Central part on the end side
37 The closest developer storage member
37, 38, 39, 40 Plural developer accommodating members
37A Uppermost part of the lowest developer storage member
40 The developer storage member located farthest away
60 Operation panel
71, 72, 73 Multiple ribs
80,81 multiple curved surfaces
A Discharge point of output section
C1, C2 Perspective direction
C1 Paper ejection direction
D Direction perpendicular to discharge direction
P recording material

Claims

A toner image formed in an image forming unit having a plurality of image forming units provided with an image carrier is fixed to a recording material by a fixing unit, and the fixed recording material is transferred to an apparatus main body in which the image forming unit is disposed. In an image forming apparatus that discharges from a discharge unit to a stacking unit formed at an upper part,
A plurality of developer accommodating members are arranged in the apparatus main body below the loading unit in a direction in which the developer accompanies the discharge unit, and a plurality of developer accommodating members are provided for supplying the developer to each image forming unit. An image forming apparatus, wherein a developer accommodating member closest to the discharge unit is disposed lower than a developer accommodating member located farthest from the discharge unit.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit is provided above the developer container closest to the developer and at substantially the same height as the developer container located farthest away.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stacking unit is formed so that a lowermost portion thereof is located at a position lower than a discharge point of the discharge unit.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An operation panel is arranged on the exterior of the device main body,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an uppermost portion of the stacking portion has substantially the same height as an uppermost portion of an exterior on which the operation panel is arranged.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the lowermost portion of the stacking portion is provided at a position lower than the uppermost portion of the lowermost developer accommodating member among the developer accommodating members.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loading section is an exterior of the apparatus main body that covers the developer accommodating member.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loading section extends from an end located below the discharge section in a direction away from the discharge section, and has a plurality of ribs protruding above a loading surface thereof.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs are arranged substantially radially from a center portion on an end side of the placement surface.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of ribs is three.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The mounting surface of the stacking unit is characterized in that a plurality of curved surfaces protruding upward are formed in a direction orthogonal to the same plane as the discharge direction of the recording material discharged from the discharge unit. Image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mounting surface of the stacking portion is formed to be inclined in substantially the same direction as a direction in which the developer accommodating member is provided.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming unit is disposed to be inclined substantially in the same direction as the direction in which the developer accommodating member is disposed,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a mounting surface of the loading unit is formed to be inclined in the same direction as the image forming unit.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An intermediate transfer body, which is disposed to be inclined in substantially the same direction as the direction in which the developer accommodating member is disposed, and onto which an image formed by the image forming unit is transferred,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mounting surface of the stacking unit is formed to be inclined in the same direction as the intermediate transfer body.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An optical writing unit that is arranged to be inclined in substantially the same direction as the arrangement direction of the developer accommodating member and performs optical writing on each of the image carriers,
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mounting surface of said loading unit is formed to be inclined in the same direction as said optical writing unit.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An optical writing unit for performing optical writing on each image carrier, and an intermediate transfer body to which an image formed by the image forming unit is transferred,
The mounting surfaces of the image forming unit, the optical writing unit, the intermediate transfer body, and the stacking unit are provided to be inclined in substantially the same direction as the direction in which the developer accommodating member is arranged. Image forming device.