JP2005141258A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus by which handling at the time of transportation and moving is made convenient, occurrence of noise or sheet jamming or radio wave noise or the like can be effectively suppressed and workability of maintenance work, parts exchanging work, jammed sheet removing work or the like can be improved too. <P>SOLUTION: A sheet supply module 200 is arranged by being connected with one side among both sides of an image output module 100 and a sheet discharging module 300 is arranged by being connected with another side thereof to be used in an integrated state. Further a plurality of sheet accommodating means 210,220 are disposed at the sheet supply module 200 and a plurality of sheet sending-out ways 230,240 for respectively sending out a recording sheet from respective sheet accommodating means are disposed. The respective sheet sending-out ways are joined to form a sheet conveyance way in the sheet supply module 200. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a complex machine using an electrophotographic method, and in particular, the entire apparatus is composed of a plurality of modules composed of independent structures that are subdivided very effectively. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, color copiers or printers, except for personal models that emphasize miniaturization, have increased the size of the entire device due to an increase in the number of basic components that accompany color image formation and an increase in the number of components that accompany functional diversification. And the weight tends to increase.

  Such a copying machine or printer generally includes an image forming unit that forms a toner image according to image information, transfers the toner image to a recording sheet, and fixes the image forming unit, and a sheet supply unit that stores the recording sheet and sends it to the image forming unit In many cases, the image forming unit and the sheet discharge unit that discharges the recording sheet fixed to the outside of the apparatus are housed in a single housing and integrated. Has a configuration in which a document reading unit for reading an image of a document is housed and integrated in the casing.

  However, in such an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer in which the image forming unit, the sheet supply unit, the discharge unit, and the document reading unit are housed and integrated in one casing as described above, There are the following technical problems.

  First, since the image forming apparatus is composed of one large casing, there is a problem that the packaging becomes large and the weight is bulky and difficult to handle. In addition, if there is a narrow place such as an elevator or room entrance / exit when the equipment is delivered and transported or moved due to a change in the installation location, it may be difficult to pass or be transported or moved in some cases. There is a problem that it is often inconvenient when carrying and transporting.

  In addition, since all components that emit operation noise such as drive system components and sheet conveyance paths are housed in a single housing, each operation noise resonates and is easily amplified or leaked out of the apparatus. There is a problem that a large noise is generated at the time of formation.

  In addition, since all the above-described components are housed in a single housing, the recording sheet conveyance path is often complicated or abruptly bent, such as an S-shape or a U-shape. For this reason, there are problems that paper jams and conveyance noise are likely to occur, and that the jammed paper is difficult to remove. Since the other components are also arranged close to each other, there is a problem in that it is difficult to perform maintenance work or replacement work.

  Further, as the speed of the image forming process increases, a large number of recording sheets are required. However, the capacity of the sheet supply unit already in the housing is increased so that a large amount of recording sheets can be accommodated. In addition, when a large-capacity tray or the like is retrofitted to the apparatus main body to cope with it, it leads to an increase in the installation space of the apparatus, and eventually there is a problem that it is impossible to cope with it appropriately.

  In addition, since the components are arranged close to each other in the housing, electromagnetic waves emitted from electronic devices such as a control circuit board may adversely affect other components, resulting in a decrease in image quality. There is a risk of triggering. In addition, the electromagnetic waves may cause malfunction of other electronic devices around the device.

  Incidentally, in the past, a scanner module having means for reading an original image, a printer module having means for forming and outputting image data as a permanent visible image on a recording medium, and the scanner module and printer module are synchronized. Has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-276334).

  However, in this copying system, when the three basic modules and the table (or the selected multi-stage sheet feeding device) are combined, it is preferable to combine them vertically (described in paragraph 0024 and FIG. 20). Etc.), and there is a problem that an increase in size in the height direction is inevitable. In addition, the print module includes a one-stage paper feeding device and has a function for discharging the recording sheet after fixing to the outside of the device (see FIG. 8). There is a problem in that maintenance and inspection of each component and the like are still difficult to perform due to the fact that many components are arranged close to each other in one housing. In addition, the print module has a problem of noise as described above because the drive system and the sheet conveyance path, which are generation sources of the operation sound, are housed in one housing.

 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of solving the above problems.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention capable of achieving the above object includes an image forming transfer unit that forms a toner image according to image information and transfers it to a recording sheet, and a toner image transferred to the recording sheet by the image forming transfer unit. An image output module comprising an independent structure having at least a fixing unit for fixing, a sheet transfer path for conveying the recording sheet so as to pass through the image forming transfer unit and the fixing unit, and a supply to the image output module A sheet supply module comprising an independent structure having at least a sheet storage means for storing a recording sheet and a sheet delivery path for sending the recording sheet stored in the sheet storage means to the image output module; and the image output module Independent structure provided with at least a sheet discharge path for conveying the recording sheet after passing through the fixing means and discharging it to the outside of the apparatus And the sheet output module is connected and arranged on one of the left and right sides of the image output module, and the sheet discharge module is connected and arranged on the other side. In addition, a plurality of sheet storage means are provided in the sheet supply module, a plurality of sheet delivery paths for sending recording sheets from the respective sheet storage means are provided, and each sheet discharge path is provided in the supply module. Are combined into a single sheet conveyance path.

  According to this image forming apparatus, since the sheet supply module is divided from the image output module and the sheet discharge module is also divided, the image output module is very compact. In particular, since an independent structure called a sheet carry-out module is employed, the degree of freedom in setting the position of the sheet discharge port is increased, and an independent space can be secured, which occurs in a recording sheet after fixing. It is possible to easily dispose a mechanism for eliminating curling or dispose a part of the components that have been disposed on the image output module side until then.

  In addition, since the drive system components and the sheet conveyance path can be dispersed and arranged in the sheet supply module, the image output module, and the sheet discharge module, it is possible to disperse noise generation sources. Further, since the sheet conveyance path can be distributed and arranged in each of the three modules as described above, the complicated and winding conveyance path can be reduced. In addition, since a plurality of sheet conveyance paths are merged into a single sheet conveyance path in the sheet supply module, it is possible to collectively control sheet conveyance on the one sheet conveyance path. Even if a sheet jam occurs in one sheet conveyance path, it is possible to perform the operation of removing the jammed sheet at one place. In addition, since the sheet supply module is an independent structure, a sheet supply unit that can accommodate and supply a large amount of recording sheets even when the image forming apparatus is a high-speed machine can be easily provided. Can be realized.

    Further, in this image forming apparatus, in addition to the above three basic modules, an electrical related module comprising an independent structure in which at least a power supply component and an electronic device are disposed is connected to the rear side of the sheet discharge module. An environmental protection module comprising an independent structure in which at least air intake collecting means for sucking and collecting unnecessary matter generated in the apparatus is disposed behind the image output module is connected and arranged. Is desirable.

  When such electrical modules and environmental protection modules are added, electromagnetic waves generated from power supply components, electronic devices, etc. in electrical modules affect other components (including adverse effects on surrounding electronic devices). In addition, in the environmental protection module, the drive system parts for the intake operation of the intake air collecting means can be disposed away from the image output module, etc. It can be carried out in a state in which operations such as inspection and collection of parts (filters, etc.) for repairing dust, etc. are consolidated. An electrical module that requires a lot of wiring work when connecting and disconnecting between modules is placed behind the sheet supply module that has relatively little access due to maintenance work or failure, while connecting or separating modules. Since the environmental protection module that requires less work man-hours is placed behind the image output module that is relatively accessed due to maintenance work and failure, the maintenance work of the image output module and access and work in the event of failure are easy and efficient. Can be done well.

  In the (first) image forming apparatus including the three basic modules or the (second) image forming apparatus including the two additional modules in addition to the basic module, the merging in the sheet supply module. It is preferable that the single sheet conveyance path is connected to a sheet supply path for conveying the recording sheet to the image forming transfer unit among the sheet conveyance paths in the image output module.

  When one sheet conveyance path in such a sheet supply module is connected to the sheet supply path in the image output module, it is easy to perform integrated sheet conveyance control between the connected sheet conveyance paths. It becomes easy to perform the control.

  In the image forming apparatus in which the (first) image forming apparatus or one sheet conveying path in the sheet supply module is connected to the sheet supply path in the image output module, double-sided image formation is performed on the image output module. It is preferable that a sheet double-sided conveyance path for conveying the recording sheet at the time is disposed, and a terminal end part of the sheet double-sided conveyance path is disposed so as to be merged with one merged sheet conveyance path in the sheet supply module. .

  When the end portion of the sheet duplex conveyance path in such an image output module is merged with one merged sheet conveyance path in the sheet supply module, the control of the termination portion of the sheet duplex conveyance path is integrated. And the control thereof is easy.

  Further, in the (first) image forming apparatus including the three basic modules or the (second) image forming apparatus including the two additional modules in addition to the basic module, the rear of the sheet discharge module. It is desirable to form a space where no other module is connected to the side. In this case, a maintenance management component that requires maintenance management (maintenance) work is disposed in the vicinity of the sheet discharge module or the sheet discharge module and the environmental protection module facing the space, and for maintenance and inspection work. An open / close door may be provided.

  When configured so as to form such a space space, the space space can be used as a work space for maintenance, parts replacement, and the like. Then, if maintenance management parts are arranged in a predetermined module portion facing the space and an opening / closing door for maintenance inspection work is arranged, the maintenance management parts can be easily and efficiently inspected and replaced. It can be carried out.

  In the first or second image forming apparatus, it is preferable that a height adjusting mechanism is provided in the sheet supply module and the sheet discharge module.

  When such a height adjustment mechanism is provided, it becomes possible to match the height of the sheet supply module and the sheet discharge module with the image output module as a reference, and in particular, the sheet conveyance paths between the modules are accurately matched. Can be connected.

  Further, in the first or second image forming apparatus, a connection portion between a sheet delivery path of the sheet supply module and a sheet conveyance path of the image output module, and a sheet conveyance path of the image output module and the sheet discharge module. It is desirable to provide a sheet guide member that can be opened and closed from the front side of the apparatus at a connection portion with the sheet discharge path.

  When such a sheet guide member that can be opened and closed is provided, even if a sheet jam occurs in the connection portion of the sheet conveyance path between the modules, the sheet conveyance path is opened by accessing from the front side of the apparatus. Therefore, the jammed sheet can be easily removed.

  In the first or second image forming apparatus, an installation space for installing an image reading module made of an independent structure provided with reading means for reading an image of a document is provided above the sheet supply module. At the same time, it is desirable to install a space-filling housing that fills the space of the installation space when the image reading module is not installed.

  When the image forming apparatus is configured as a copying machine by providing such an installation space and a space-filling housing, the image reading module is effectively and efficiently installed on the upper part of the sheet supply module. In addition, when the image forming apparatus is configured as a printer, the vacant installation space after removing the image reading module is filled with a space filling housing to maintain the appearance. And the upper surface of the housing can be used as a work table.

  Furthermore, in the first or second image forming apparatus, the image transfer unit of the image output module includes, for example, a plurality of image forming units and an intermediate transfer member disposed below the image forming unit. And a secondary transfer unit disposed at the lowest part of the intermediate transfer unit.

  The image output module having the image forming and transferring means having such a configuration tends to increase in size in the height direction of the module itself. However, as described above, the entire apparatus is divided into basic modules and additional modules in effective units. With this configuration, the size of the image output module itself in the height direction can be easily suppressed.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention also includes an image forming transfer unit that forms a toner image according to image information and transfers the toner image to a recording sheet, and a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred to the recording sheet by the image forming transfer unit. And an image output module comprising an independent structure having at least a sheet conveyance path for conveying the recording sheet so as to pass through the image transfer means and the fixing means, and a recording sheet supplied to the image output module A sheet supply module comprising an independent structure in which at least a sheet storage unit that performs recording and a sheet delivery path for sending a recording sheet stored in the sheet storage unit to the image output module is disposed; and a fixing unit of the image output module. A sheet comprising an independent structure provided with at least a sheet discharge path for conveying the recording sheet after passing through and discharging it to the outside of the apparatus An output module, and the sheet supply module is connected and arranged on one of the left and right sides of the image output module, and the sheet discharge module is connected and arranged on the other side in an integrated state, and The sheet output path of the image output module is disposed in a state where the sheet output path rises obliquely upward from the upstream to the downstream.

  In particular, when the sheet output path of the image output module is provided as described above, it is possible to provide a discharge tray or the like for storing the recording sheet discharged outside the apparatus at a position where it can be easily taken out. It is possible to give a degree of freedom to the layout of the image forming transfer means, the fixing means, etc. on the side.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the entire apparatus is composed of a plurality of modules made of independent structures that are subdivided very effectively, so that handling during transportation and movement becomes extremely convenient. In addition, it is possible to effectively suppress noise, sheet clogging, radio noise, and the like, and workability such as maintenance work, parts replacement work, and clogging sheet removal work is improved.

[Embodiment 1]
1 to 7 show a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of its appearance, FIG. 2 is a top view of its appearance, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of its appearance. 4 is a left side view of the appearance, FIG. 5 is a right side view of the appearance, FIG. 6 is an internal schematic diagram viewed from the front side, and FIG. 7 is an internal schematic diagram viewed from the back side.

  The color image forming apparatus includes a basic module including three independent structures, that is, an image output module 100, a sheet supply module 200, and a sheet discharge module 300, and two independent structures such as an electrical-related module 400 and an environmental protection module 500. The main part is composed of the additional module. In addition, the image forming apparatus has a sheet supply module 200 connected to the left side of the image output module 100 and a sheet discharge module 300 connected to the right side of the image output module 100. The electrical-related module 400 made of an independent structure is connected to the rear side of the sheet supply module 200 in the module, and the environmental protection module 500 made of an independent structure is connected to the rear side of the image output module 100 for use. It is like that. In the image forming apparatus, a space 10 is formed on the rear side of the sheet discharge module 300 in which no other modules are connected and arranged. In the figure, 20 indicates a floor surface, and 30 indicates a caster attached to the bottom of each module.

  Further, in this color image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 8, an installation space 202 for installing other modules is provided on the upper left side of the sheet supply module 200, and the image forming apparatus is used as a copying machine. The document reading module 600 is installed in the installation space 202, and when used as a printer, a cover 700 as a space-filling housing is installed in the installation space 202.

  Each module described above has the following configuration.

  First, the image output module 100 includes a toner image corresponding to image information in a casing 101 (a structural portion formed in a box shape with a support frame, an exterior panel, etc. The same applies to other casings below). As image forming transfer means for transferring the toner image onto the recording sheet P, four toner images of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) are formed by electrophotography. The image forming units 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K and the four image forming units 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K are disposed below, and the toner images formed by the respective image forming units are transferred and merged with the recording sheet P. A belt-type intermediate transfer unit 120 that conveys to the secondary transfer unit is provided. Further, in the casing 101, a belt nip type heat fixing unit 130 is disposed as a fixing unit for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording sheet P by the image forming transfer unit. Means (secondary transfer portion of the intermediate transfer unit in this example) and a sheet conveyance path 140 for conveying the recording sheet P so as to pass through the fixing means are provided.

  The image forming units 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K are arranged in a parallel state at regular intervals along the horizontal direction inside the housing 101, and all of them have the same configuration. In general, a photosensitive drum 112 as an image carrier that rotates at a predetermined speed in the direction of an arrow, a scorotron 113 as a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 112, and the scorotron 113 ROS (Raster Output Scanner) 114 as image exposure means for exposing the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 112 to an optical image corresponding to image information to form an electrostatic latent image, and the photosensitive formed by the ROS 114 A developing device 115 for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 112 by supplying toner of a predetermined color, and the electrostatic latent image remaining on the photosensitive drum 112 after the transfer process; It is composed of a cleaning device 116 which removes and collects transfer toner.

  The ROS 114 in each of these image forming units 110 emits laser light modulated in accordance with image information (gradation information gradation for each color) from the semiconductor laser, and the laser light includes a rotating polygon mirror and a plurality of laser lights. This is deflected and scanned via the optical system parts, and is scanned and exposed on the photosensitive drum 112. Further, the developing device 115 is a two-component developing device that uses a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier, and each color (removably mounted in a developer box 150 protruding from the top of the housing 101 ( Y, M, C, K) developer storage cartridges 151 are supplied with two-component developers of respective colors via a developer supply device (not shown), and are used in each of the development devices 115. The old used two-component developer (toner and carrier) that has been spent overflows and is transported to a developer collection box (to be described later) and collected (so-called trickle development is employed). Further, the cleaning device 116 is constituted by a cleaning blade, a rotating brush, or the like, and similarly collects the collected developer (toner) removed and collected from the photosensitive drum 112 into the developer collecting box described above. Yes.

  In the intermediate transfer unit 120, an intermediate transfer belt 122 that carries and conveys transferred toner (image) is entirely disposed between a drive roll 123, a tension roll 124, a steering roll 125, a backup roll 126, and an idle roll 127. Is wound around with a constant tension in a form that forms an inverted triangle, and between the drive roll 123 and the tension roll 124, the photosensitive drum 112 (primary transfer section) in each of the image forming units 110. It is arranged so as to be in contact with each other and rotates at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow. At a position where the intermediate transfer belt 122 and the photosensitive drum 112 of each image forming unit face each other, a primary transfer roll 121 is installed as a primary transfer device that rotates so that the belt 122 contacts the drum 112 side. Yes. Further, a secondary transfer roll 128 as a secondary transfer device is disposed at a position opposite to the backup roll 126 of the transfer belt 122.

  The heat fixing unit 130 is provided with a heating roll 131 and a nip belt 132 that is freely rotated by being wound around a plurality of rolls in a state of contacting a part of the heating roll 131 with a predetermined width. The recording sheet P after the secondary transfer is passed between the heating roll 131 and the nip belt 132 (belt nip portion). The fixing unit 130 is entirely covered with a heat insulating cover except for the sheet doorway.

  The sheet conveyance path 140 includes a sheet supply path 141 that conveys the recording sheet P supplied from the sheet supply module 200 to the secondary transfer portion of the intermediate transfer unit 120, and the recording sheet P that has been transferred from the secondary transfer portion. A sheet delivery path 142 that conveys to the thermal fixing unit 130 and a sheet feeding path 143 that sends the recording sheet P after passing through the thermal fixing unit 130 to the sheet discharge module 300 are configured. Among these, the sheet supply path 141 is configured by a plurality of roll guides 144 and a plurality of sheet guide members 145 arranged to be opposed to each other with a space in the vertical direction so as to be interposed between the roll pairs 144 (FIG. 10). The roll pair 144a immediately before the secondary transfer portion of the roll pair 144 is a resist roll for sending the recording sheet P to the secondary transfer portion at a predetermined timing. The sheet delivery path 142 is composed of two continuous sheet suction / conveyance belt devices 145a and 145b for adsorbing and conveying the recording sheet P after the secondary transfer to the surface of the conveyance belt. Further, the sheet feeding path 143 includes a roll pair 146 and a sheet guide member 147 (see FIG. 11).

  In this embodiment, a sheet double-sided conveyance path 160 is provided as a sheet conveyance path when performing double-sided image formation. The sheet double-sided conveyance path 160 includes a sheet double-sided delivery path 161 that feeds the fixed recording sheet P toward the double-sided conveyance path, a sheet reversing path 162 that reverses the front and back surfaces of the recording sheet P, and a sheet that has been reversed. The sheet retransmission path 163 retransmits the recording sheet P to the sheet supply path side. In the middle of the sheet feeding path 143, a conveyance path switching claw 164 for switching the path of the sheet conveyance path is provided. By the switching operation of the conveyance path switching claw 164, the recording sheet P after fixing is sent to both sides of the sheet. It is conveyed to the path 161 side. Each of the conveyance paths 161, 162, and 163 constituting the sheet double-sided conveyance path 160 is opposed to the upper and lower sides or the right and left so as to be interposed between the plurality of conveyance roll pairs 165 and the respective conveyance roll pairs 165. And a sheet guide member 166 disposed (see FIGS. 6, 10, and 11).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, two front doors 103 and 104 are attached to the front side of the casing 101 of the image output module 100 so that they can be opened and closed in a state indicated by dotted arrows. By opening the front doors 103 and 104, maintenance work of components such as the image forming unit 110, the intermediate transfer unit 120, and the sheet conveyance path 140 disposed in the housing 101, and work for removing a jammed sheet, etc. Can be easily performed.

  Next, the sheet supply module 200 includes two small-capacity trays 210a, 210b, and 1 as sheet storage units that store various (size, type, etc.) recording sheets P used for image formation in the casing 201. Two large capacity trays 220 are disposed, and a first delivery path 230 for a small capacity tray is used as a sheet delivery path for delivering the recording sheets P stored in the respective trays 210 and 220 to the image output module 100. A second delivery path 240 for a large capacity tray is provided. The upper right side of the casing 201 is set to have a planar height that matches the upper surface of the casing 101 of the image output module 100, and an image forming operation is performed on the rear side of the upper plane 201a of the casing. A user interface 250 having a display screen, operation buttons, and keys for setting conditions and the like is attached. Further, in the sheet supply module 200, a part of the sheet retransmission path 163 in the sheet double-sided conveyance path 160 is disposed in the lower right portion of the casing 201.

  Each of the small capacity tray 210 and the large capacity tray 220 has a structure that can be pulled out to the front side of the casing 201 (see FIG. 2), and replenishment of the recording sheet P from the front side of the casing 201 to each tray. Can be done. The first delivery path 230 feeds the recording sheet P stored in each of the trays 210a and 210b by a feed roll 231 disposed on the left end side of the tray, and the sent recording sheet P passes through the upper side of the casing 201. A plurality of conveyance roll pairs 232 and a sheet guide member 233 are conveyed to the sheet delivery port through a path that allows the sheet to pass. On the other hand, the second delivery path 240 feeds the recording sheet P accommodated in the large capacity tray 220 by a feed roll 241 disposed on the right end side of the tray, and the delivered recording sheet P is sent to the first delivery path 230. In the middle (immediately before the pair of conveying rolls 232a), they are merged and conveyed. Then, the end path 167 of the sheet retransmission path 163 joins the recording sheet P that is reversed and retransmitted at the time of double-sided image formation in the middle of the first delivery path (immediately before the pair of conveyance rolls 232a), and again the image output module 100 It is designed to be sent out toward you.

  With respect to the sheet conveyance path in the sheet supply module 200, as shown in FIG. 10, the terminal portion of the first conveyance path 230 (the downstream portion of the conveyance roll pair 232a, that is, the conveyance roll pairs 232a and 232b and the sheet guide member 233) 230a. However, when the module is connected, it becomes horizontal and protrudes from the side surface of the housing 201, and when the module is not connected, it swings so as to be integrally lifted around the fulcrum (hinge) inside the housing. It is structured to be accommodated. In addition, the end portion 230a of the first conveyance path is configured so that only the upper side sheet guide member 233a is lifted upward with a fulcrum on the rear side of the housing as the center when a sheet is clogged during module connection. The sheet conveyance path 230 can be opened by being swung (FIG. 10b). Further, the sheet guide member 166 at the connection portion of the sheet retransmission path 163 with the image output module 100 is in a state of slightly protruding from the housing 201 (FIG. 10a), and a sheet jam has occurred at the connection portion. At that time, only the upper side sheet guide member 166a is swung so as to be lifted upward about the fulcrum on the rear side of the casing, so that the sheet conveying path 163 can be opened (FIG. 10b). .

  In addition, as described above, the sheet supply module 200 is provided with the installation space 202 having a shape recessed inward and downward at the upper left portion of the casing 201, and the image reading module 600 is formed on the installation space 202. Alternatively, a space filling cover 700 is installed. In FIG. 9 a, reference numeral 660 denotes a double-sided automatic document feeder (DADF) that can automatically and sequentially convey both sides of a document to the platen glass 610 of the image reading module 600 to read a double-sided image of the document.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, one front door 203 is attached to the front right side of the casing 201 of the sheet supply module 200 so as to be opened and closed in a state indicated by a dotted arrow. By opening 203, maintenance work of each of the sheet conveyance paths 230, 240, and 163 disposed in the casing 201 and removal work of the jammed sheet can be easily performed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, one side door 204 is indicated by a dotted arrow on the left side surface portion of the casing 201 so as to face the first conveyance path 230 near the sheet feed side of the small capacity tray 210. It is attached so that it can be opened and closed in such a state. By opening the side door 204, a part of the first conveyance path 230 disposed in the casing 201 can be easily maintained and a jammed sheet can be removed. Can be done.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image reading module 600 illuminates a document (not shown) placed on a platen glass 610 at the top of the housing 601 with a light source 620, and generates a plurality of reflected light images from the document. An image reading means for projecting onto an image reading element 640 consisting of a CCD or the like via a reduction optical system 630 consisting of a mirror and an imaging lens is disposed. Finally, the image reading element 640 reflects the color material of the original. The optical image is read at a predetermined dot density. Reference numeral 650 in the drawing denotes a platen cover. Further, the image information (signal) read by the image reading means is sent to an image processing apparatus (IPS), which will be described later, disposed in an electrical module 500, which will be described later. Furthermore, a space filling cover 700 installed in the installation space 202 in place of the image reading module 600 is configured by a hollow casing having an external size that can fill the space of the installation space 202. The upper surface is formed by a plane having the same height as the upper right plane 201a of the casing 201 of the sheet supply module.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the sheet discharge module 300 is provided with a sheet discharge path 310 for discharging the fixed recording sheet P sent from the image output module 100 to the outside of the apparatus. In addition, a decurling mechanism 320 for eliminating the curl generated on the recording sheet P is disposed in the middle of the sheet discharge path 310, and the developing device 115 on the image output module 100 side described above. A developer recovery box 330 for recovering the used developer from the cleaning device and the recovered developer from the cleaning device 116 is provided. Further, the sheet discharge module 300 is provided with a sheet reversing path 162 in the sheet double-sided conveying path 160 from the bottom to the right side of the casing 301.

  The sheet discharge path 310 includes a plurality of conveyance rolls 311 and a sheet guide member 312 (see FIG. 11). The recording sheet P sent out by the last-stage transport roll is discharged onto a discharge tray 340 attached so as to protrude to the outside of the housing 301 and is stacked and accommodated. The decurling mechanism 320 is configured to apply a bending stress in a direction opposite to the curling direction to the conveyed recording sheet P by appropriately combining rolls and belts (a type in which the direction in which the bending stress is applied is opposite). For example, the curl direction generated on the recording sheet after fixing is determined based on information obtained by detecting the image density and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) of the image to be formed. It is assumed that the recording sheet is used by being distributed to the decurling conveyance path 321 (322) on the side where the bending stress is applied to eliminate the curl (see FIG. 6). The developer recovery box 330 is connected to a developer recovery transport pipe (not shown) extending from the image output module 100.

  Further, regarding the sheet conveyance path in the sheet discharge module 300, as shown in FIG. 11, the start end portion (structure portion composed of the conveyance roll 311a and the sheet guide member 312a) 310a of the sheet discharge path 310 is inclined to the left when the module is connected. It protrudes from the side surface of the housing 301 toward the bottom, and when the module is not connected, it is slid and accommodated so as to be integrally drawn around the fulcrum (hinge) on the inside of the housing. It has a structure. In addition, when a sheet jam occurs when the module is connected, the starting end portion 310a of the sheet discharge path 310 is swung so that only the lower side sheet guide member 312b hangs downward about the same fulcrum as described above. The discharge path 310 can be opened (FIG. 11b). Further, the upper-side starting end portion (structure portion made up of the upper conveying roll 165 and the upper sheet guide member 166a) 162a in the connection portion between the sheet reversing path 162 and the image output module 100 is in a state of slightly protruding from the housing 301. When the sheet is jammed at the module connecting portion, only the upper side start end portion 162a is swung upward with the fulcrum inside the housing as the center, and the sheet is reversed. The path 162 can be opened (FIG. 11b).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, one front door 303 is attached to the front side of the housing 301 of the sheet discharge module 300 so as to be opened and closed in a state indicated by a dotted arrow. By opening 303, maintenance work of each sheet discharge path 310, decurling mechanism 320 and sheet reversing path 162 disposed in the housing 301 and removal work of the jammed sheet can be easily performed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a single rear panel 304 is attached to the rear side of the housing 301 so as to be opened and closed in a state indicated by a dotted arrow, and the rear panel 304 is opened. Thus, the developer recovery box 330 can be easily taken out.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the electrical module 400 includes a transformer distributor 410 that transforms power from a main power source, which will be described later, into a predetermined voltage and distributes it as a power component in the housing 401. And a plurality of various circuit boards constituting the image processing apparatus 420 (circuits for performing image processing such as shading correction, lightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, frame removal, color / moving editing, etc.) A circuit board unit 430 and a hard disk unit 440 in which a board 421 is inserted into the mother board 422 are provided. The circuit board unit 430 is supported by the slide guide rail 433, and has a structure that can be pulled out to the back side after removing the back panel of the housing 401. In the housing 401, an external input / output device 450 that takes in external image information from an external device via a communication line such as a network is disposed as a part of the image processing apparatus 420. In the external input / output device 450, a communication connection cable 50 is connected to a connection terminal 520a attached so as to be exposed on the side surface of the housing 401 (see the drawing).

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, the environmental protection module 500 sucks and captures unnecessary objects (ozone, dust, hot air, etc.) mainly generated in the image output module 100 in the housing 501. As the intake air collecting means for collecting, the intake air duct 512 and the four intake air intake ducts 510a to 510d in which the filter 513 is incorporated, and the exhaust gas exhausted through the four intake air intake ducts 510a to 510d are shared duct 520. A collecting duct 530 having a built-in filter 532 that collects unnecessary materials remaining in the exhaust gas is collected. In addition, a main power supply 550 that takes in electric power is disposed in the housing 501 in an empty space where the intake air collecting means does not exist.

  The intake air collecting duct 510 includes an intake fan 512 and a filter 513, and a duct body 511a connected to the shared duct 520, and a duct lid body 511b attached to the upper portion of the duct body 511a so as to be opened and closed. And a connecting duct 511c connected to the connecting duct 170 on the image output module 100 side from the duct lid 511b. The connection duct 170 on the image output module 100 side is branched into two ducts 171 and 172, one of which is connected to the scorotron 113 of the image forming unit 110, and the other branch duct 172 is a developing device. 115 (near the development area). The connection duct 511c and the connection duct 170 on the image output module 100 side are coupled via a flexible pipe member 540. In addition, the collecting duct 530 discharges exhaust discharged through the filter 532 from an exhaust port 530a opened on the bottom surface of the apparatus (housing 501). In addition, an exhaust heat duct 535 for exhausting high heat generated in the heat fixing unit 130 is connected to the aggregation duct 530. The exhaust heat duct 535 is connected to an intake duct 175 in which an intake fan 174 connected to the heat fixing unit 130 is incorporated on the image output module 100 side. Connection between the exhaust heat duct 535 and the intake duct 175 is performed by a connection duct 542 that has been heat-insulated and sealed.

  The upper surface of the housing 501 of the environmental protection module 500 is configured as a removable upper lid 502 (FIGS. 7 and 12). By removing the upper cover 502, maintenance work of the intake air collecting duct 510 and replacement work of the filter 513 can be easily performed. Further, a detachable opening / closing panel 533 is provided on the right side surface of the housing 501 as shown in FIGS. By removing the open / close panel 533, maintenance work of the collecting duct 530 and replacement work of the filter 532 can be easily performed.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing configurations of a power supply wiring system (solid line), an image signal wiring system (one-dot chain line), a control signal wiring system (dotted line), and the like between modules.

  First, in any wiring system, each module is connected to each other via a connector (a component indicated by a small rectangle in the figure) 70 by a predetermined connection line. The wiring connection via the connector 70 is performed when connecting the modules.

  Each module (excluding the environmental protection module) is provided with a driver unit for controlling the operation of each drive system component. Specifically, the image output unit 100 includes an image forming unit 110 and an intermediate transfer unit. A driver unit 106 whose control target is a drive motor M such as 120 and sheet conveyance path 140 and a light emission source, and a driver unit whose control target is a drive motor M such as sheet delivery paths 230 and 240 in the sheet supply module 200. 206, the sheet discharge module 300 has a driver unit 306 that controls the drive motor M of the sheet discharge path 310, the decurling mechanism 320, and the like, and the document reading module 600 has a drive motor M of a document reading unit, a light emission source, and the like. The driver units 606 that are to be controlled are arranged respectively. That. Incidentally, the driver unit 50 that controls the drive motor M of the intake air collecting means 510 in the environmental protection module 500 is included in the driver unit 106 of the image output module 100. Each of these driver units is connected to a central controller 60 installed in the image output module 100 by wiring (dotted line), and this central controller 60 is also connected to a user interface 250. .

  In this image forming apparatus, since the image processing device 420 is disposed in the electrical module 400, the image information read by the document reading module 600 is transmitted to the electrical module 400 through the connection wiring (dashed line). The image signal that has been subjected to the predetermined processing by the image processing apparatus 420 is transmitted to the image output module 100 through the connection wiring (one-dot chain line), and is taken into the signal processing unit 107 that performs signal processing for driving the four ROSs 114. It is supposed to be. External image information captured from the external input / output device 450 is also transmitted to the image processing apparatus 420 of the electrical module 400.

  Further, when power (for example, 200V) is input from an external outlet to the main power supply 550 disposed in the environmental protection module 500 via the power cord 551, predetermined power is supplied from the main power supply 550 via the transformer distribution device 560. Are distributed to the image output module 100 and the sheet discharge module 300, respectively, and from the main power supply 550 to the electrical module 400. The power distributed to the electrical module 400 is distributed to the sheet supply module 200 and the document reading module 600 via the transformer distribution device 410, respectively. The drive system and the driver unit in each module are operated by the electric power distributed in this way.

  FIG. 14 shows a caster 30a with a height adjustment function as a height adjustment mechanism provided in the sheet supply module 200 and the sheet discharge module 300. This caster 30a with a height adjusting function has a structure in which a bolt-shaped support 33 is attached to a bracket 32 that rotatably supports a wheel 31, and the bolt-shaped support 33 is connected to each of the casings 201 and 301. Rotate a predetermined amount (nut-shaped head 33a) to the caster mounting screw hole to adjust the position in the height direction, and finally tighten the tightening nut 34 to fix the height position of the bolt-shaped column 33 It is supposed to be. The bracket 32 has a structure that can rotate with respect to the bolt-shaped support 33. Such a caster with height adjusting function 30a can be adjusted to match the height of the sheet supply module 200 and the sheet discharge module 300 with the height of the reference image output module 100.

  FIG. 15 shows a connecting and fixing means for the image output module 100, the sheet supply module 200, and the sheet discharge module 300, which are basic modules. In this embodiment, in order to connect the sheet supply module 200 and the sheet discharge module 300 to the image output module 100 in an accurate positional relationship, the connection surface of the sheet supply module 200 and the discharge module 300 to the image forming module 100 is connected. The positioning pins 205 and 305 for connection are provided on the front side and the rear side, and the pin holes into which the positioning pins 205 and 305 are inserted correspondingly on the connection surfaces of the image output module 100 with the two modules. Is provided. And after inserting the positioning pin in a pin hole, in order to fix adjacent modules, it fixes using the bracket 80 for connection fixation. The connecting and fixing bracket is fixed by screwing it into the housing portion of each module with a fixing screw 81 or the like.

  Each module configured as described above is individually manufactured and individually packed and transported so as to have the positional relationship (FIGS. 1 to 3) as described above at the installation location of the image forming apparatus. By being connected and integrated with each other, they are completed and function as a final image forming apparatus.

  Here, since the image forming apparatus constituted by each module is a compact structure obtained by subdividing each module, the unit weight of each module is dispersed and reduced in weight. , Even when there is a narrow place such as an elevator or a room entrance / exit during its transportation or movement, it can pass relatively easily, and as a result, workability during transportation and movement is good. Is something.

  The assembly of the image forming apparatus by the connection arrangement of the modules is performed, for example, in the following procedure.

  First, the image output module 100 is placed at an installation location, and its horizontal state is adjusted to fix the position. Subsequently, the sheet supply module 200 is connected and arranged on the left side of the image output module 100, and the sheet discharge module 300 is connected and arranged on the right side of the image output module 100. At this time, after wiring between the modules is connected via the connector 70, The heights of the sheet supply module 200 and the sheet discharge module 300 are adjusted by the casters 30a with height adjustment function so that the positioning pins 205 and 305 of the modules 200 and 300 are aligned with the pin holes of the image output module 100. To do. After the height adjustment, the sheet supply module 200 and the sheet discharge module 300 are respectively connected to the image output module 100 by inserting the positioning pins 205 and 305 into the corresponding pin holes.

  By inserting the positioning pins 205 and 305 into the corresponding pin holes, the sheet conveying paths between the modules are matched and connected. In other words, the end portion 230a of the first conveyance path on the side of the sheet supply module 200 and the end portion 167 of the sheet retransmission path are respectively accurate with the start end of the sheet supply path 141 and the end of the sheet retransmission path 163 on the image output module 100 side. Are connected so as to face each other. On the other hand, the start end portion 310a of the sheet discharge path on the sheet discharge module 300 side and the sheet reversing path 162 are exactly opposite to the sheet feeding path 143 and the sheet duplex feeding path 161 (sheet retransmission path 163) on the image output module 100 side, respectively. Connected to join. Further, by inserting the positioning pins into the pin holes, the upper surface portion on the right side of the sheet supply module 200 is in a continuous flat state with the same height as the upper surface portion of the image output module 100.

  After the insertion of the positioning pins is completed, adjacent modules are fixed using the connection fixing bracket 80 (FIG. 15). Thereby, the connection arrangement between the three basic modules is completed.

  Next, the electrical module 400 is connected to the rear side of the sheet supply module 200, and the environmental protection module 500 is connected to the rear side of the image output module 100. At this time, the wiring between the modules is connected via the connector 70. In particular, for the environmental protection module 500, the connection ducts 511c of the intake air collection ducts 510a to 510d are fixed at the time of connecting the connection duct 170 on the image output module 100 side and the environmental protection module 500 with a pipe member. After connecting the ducts between the two modules via 540 (FIG. 12), the screws are formed with dimensions that allow the two modules to be connected. When the document reading module 600 is used, the document reading module 600 is installed in the installation space 202 of the sheet supply module 200, and then wiring between predetermined modules is connected through the connector 70.

  By connecting and arranging the modules as described above, the image forming apparatus having the positional relationship as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 (FIG. 9A) is assembled and can be used.

  Next, a full color image forming operation by such an image forming apparatus (in the case of a copying machine) will be described.

  First, a color document to be copied is set in the document reading module 600 (or the double-sided automatic document feeder 660), and the user interface 250 is operated to set the copy operation conditions. At this time, since the upper left surface of the image output module 100 and the upper right surface of the sheet supply module 200 are smooth surfaces, the image output module 100 can be used as a space for placing a manuscript, a document, or the like and performing necessary work.

  The color material reflected light image of the document read by the document reading module 600 is, for example, image processing in the electrical module 500 as document reflectance data of three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The image processing apparatus 420 performs the predetermined image processing as described above. Next, the image information subjected to the image processing is changed to original color material gradation data of four colors (Y, M, C, B), and is output to the signal processing unit 107 in the image output module 100.

  Subsequently, in each of the four image forming units 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K, each ROS 114 operates in accordance with the four original color material gradation data, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on each photosensitive drum 112. Thereafter, each electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer of a predetermined color by each developer 115, and thus four color toner images are individually formed on each photosensitive drum 112. The four-color toner images are primarily transferred so as to be sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 122 of the intermediate transfer unit 120 that rotates so as to pass through the respective photosensitive drums 112, and then conveyed to the secondary transfer position. The In accordance with the formation of the toner image, a predetermined recording sheet P is supplied from the sheet supply module 100 to the secondary transfer position via the sheet conveyance path 230 (240) and the sheet supply path 141.

  When the recording sheet P is supplied to the secondary transfer position, the multiple toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 122 are secondarily transferred to the recording sheet P, and then the recording sheet P after the secondary transfer is the sheet. The toner image is thermally fixed by being sent to the heat fixing unit 130 via the delivery path 142. The recording sheet P after fixing is discharged out of the apparatus via the sheet feeding path 143 and the sheet discharge path 310 of the sheet discharge module 300. As a result, a full color image is formed on the recording sheet P (the front surface) by copying the (front surface) image of the document.

  When performing double-sided image formation, the recording sheet P on which single-sided image formation has been completed is fed to the sheet double-sided conveyance path 160 side by the switching operation of the conveyance path switching claw 164 after fixing, and the sheet is reversed by the sheet reverse path 162. After the surface is reversed, the sheet is retransmitted to the first conveyance path 230 and the sheet supply path 141 via the sheet retransmission path 163. The toner image corresponding to the back side of the original formed by the image forming unit 110 is transferred from the transfer belt 122 at the secondary transfer position and then fixed in the same manner as described above, whereby the original is formed on the back side of the recording sheet P. A full-color image is formed by copying the back side image.

  Moreover, in this image forming apparatus, the following operation is performed while the image forming operation as described above is being performed.

  That is, the used old two-component developer overflowed by trickle development in the developing device 115 and the collected developer removed and collected from the photosensitive drum 112 after the transfer by the cleaning device 116 are discharged together through the developer conveying pipe. The developer is collected in a developer collection box 330 disposed in the module 300. As a result, the two types of developers that are no longer needed are collected together in one collection box.

  In addition, the air around each scorotron 113 in the image forming unit 110 is sucked by the duct 171 and the toner (toner cloud) floating around the developing device 115 is sucked by the duct 172. Ozone and dust (including toner) contained in the air are collected by a filter 513 that is guided to a suction collection duct 511 in the environmental protection module 500 via 511c. Next, the air that has passed through the filter 513 is guided to the aggregation duct 530 via the common duct 520, and dust remaining in the air is collected by the filter 532, and finally exhausted outside the apparatus through the exhaust port 530a. Is done. As a result, unnecessary substances (ozone, dust, hot air, etc.) generated in the apparatus are collected and exhausted, and the environment inside and outside the apparatus is preserved. On the other hand, at the same time, hot air generated in the heat fixing unit 130 is sucked by the suction duct 175 and guided to the collecting duct 530 through the connection duct 542 and the exhaust heat duct 535, and finally, the exhaust port 530a. Exhaust heat is exhausted to the outside through the device. Thereby, an unnecessary temperature rise in the apparatus can be suppressed, and the environment in the apparatus is also preserved.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus, various operations such as maintenance operations can be performed as follows.

  For example, when the developer collection box 330 in the sheet discharge module 300 is to be inspected or replaced, the rear panel 304 on the back surface of the housing 301 is opened to the space 10 side so that the developer collection box 330 is in the housing 301. The collection box 330 can be directly checked and taken out.

  When the intake air collecting duct 510 in the environmental protection module 500 is inspected or parts are replaced, the upper cover 502 that is the top plate of the housing 501 is removed, so that the four intake air in the housing 501 are removed. The collection duct 510 can be directly confirmed, and the filter 512 in the duct 512 can be replaced by opening the duct lid 511b. Further, when the central duct 530 in the environmental protection module 500 is inspected or parts are replaced, the open / close panel 533 on the side surface of the casing 501 is removed from the space 10 side, in particular, the filter in the duct 530. 532 can be confirmed or exchanged.

  Among these operations, the inspection and replacement operations of the developer recovery box 330 and the filter 532 of the collecting duct can be easily accessed from the space space 10 formed on the back side of the sheet discharge module 300. The space 10 greatly helps to improve the ease of the above work.

  Further, when it is necessary to perform inspection or replacement from the back side of the image output module 100 in which the largest number of components are arranged, the environmental protection module 500 connected to the back side is imaged. By separating from the output module 100, the rear surface of the housing 101 appears and becomes possible. At this time, the environmental protection module 500 may be separated by separating the connection duct and several connection lines. Therefore, unlike the case where the electrical module 400 is connected and arranged on the back side of the image output module 100, it is not necessary to separate a relatively large number of complicated connection lines. It will be easy.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus, the recording sheet conveyance path from the sheet supply module 200 through the image output module 100 and the sheet discharge module 300 is not a complicated or sharply winding path, and a relatively linear portion is present. Since the path is a gentle curve even in a portion that bends a lot, noise and sheet jamming are less likely to occur during sheet conveyance.

  And when a sheet jam occurs, by opening each front door in each module, all the sheet conveyance paths can be easily confirmed, and the jammed sheet can be easily removed. Yes. Also, in the sheet jam, particularly in the sheet conveyance path portion corresponding to a connection portion between each module (actually between the sheet supply module 200 and the image output module 100 and between the image output module 100 and the sheet discharge module 300). When a sheet jam occurs, the removal of the sheet is troublesome. Therefore, the sheet conveyance control is performed so that the recording sheet P does not stop in a state where the recording sheet P straddles between the modules.

  If a sheet jam occurs in the sheet conveyance path corresponding to the connection between the modules, the front door near the connection between the modules is opened and each sheet conveyance path can be easily checked and accessed from the front side of the apparatus. It has a structure.

  Specifically, when the front door 203 on the sheet supply module 200 side and the front door 103 on the image output module 100 side are opened between the sheet supply module 200 and the image output module 100 (FIG. 2), FIG. As described above, the first conveyance path 230 and the sheet supply path 141 or the sheet re-transmission path 163 and the terminal end portion 167 can be confirmed or accessed from the front side of the apparatus, and the upper sheet guide member of the first conveyance path 230 can be accessed. The jammed sheet can be easily removed by lifting the sheet guide member 166a of the end portion 167 of 233a or the sheet re-transmission path to open each sheet conveyance path. On the other hand, when the front door 104 on the image output module 100 side and the front door 303 on the sheet discharge module 300 side are opened between the image output module 100 and the sheet discharge module 300 (FIG. 2), as shown in FIG. The sheet feeding path 143 and the sheet discharging path 310 or the sheet double-sided feeding path 161 and the sheet reversing path 162 can be confirmed and accessed from the front side of the apparatus, and the lower sheet guide member 312b of the sheet discharging path 310 or the sheet reversing The jammed sheet can be easily removed by lifting the upper component 162a of the path and opening each sheet conveying path.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, sheet conveyance paths, drive parts such as a drive motor and an intake fan are distributed and distributed to each module. It is possible to suppress the generation or resonance of carrier sound and operation sound in the body, and to reduce noise leakage outside the apparatus. In addition, by arranging electronic devices and the like that are likely to generate electromagnetic waves in the electrical module 400, the electromagnetic waves can be efficiently contained in the module, and the influence of radio noise on the image output module and the like. Can be suppressed. Further, the image output module 100 has a plurality of image forming units 110, an intermediate transfer unit 120, and a secondary transfer unit arranged in this order in the vertical direction. The height in the height direction can be sufficiently suppressed.

  In addition, even if a major failure or the like of each module occurs and it is difficult or impossible to repair, only the target module can be replaced. In this case, an extra cost burden on the user side is required. It is possible to reduce.

[Other embodiments]
In the first embodiment, the type that forms a color image is exemplified as the image output module, but the type that forms a monochrome image may be used. Further, if necessary, a post-processing module for performing post-processing such as sheet classification discharge (sorter function), staple, punching, and bookbinding may be connected to the right side of the sheet discharge module 300.

1 is an external front view showing an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an external top view showing the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an external rear view showing the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an external left side view showing the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an external right side view showing the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view from the front side showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus (basic module) of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view from the back side showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus (additional module) in FIG. 1. The external appearance front view of the sheet supply module which shows the form of installation space. FIG. 3A is an external front view of the sheet supply module showing a state in which the document reading module is installed in the installation space, and FIG. (A) The principal part schematic diagram at the time of both module separation which shows the structure of each sheet conveyance in the connection part vicinity of a sheet supply module and an image output module, (b) The principal part schematic diagram at the time of the both module connection. (A) The principal part schematic diagram at the time of both module separation which shows the structure of each sheet conveyance in the connection part vicinity of an image output module and a sheet discharge module, (b) The principal part schematic diagram at the time of the both module connection. Explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning state and connection structure of the duct in an image output module and an environmental preservation module. Explanatory drawing which shows structures, such as a power supply wiring system between each module, an image signal wiring system, and a control signal wiring system. The partial cross section figure which shows the structure of the caster with a height adjustment function. Explanatory drawing which shows the connection fixing means between basic modules.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Spatial space, 30a ... Caster with height adjustment function (height adjustment mechanism), 100 ... Image output module, 110 ... Image forming unit (a part of image forming transfer means), 120 ... Intermediate transfer unit (Image transfer) Part of means), 130... Heat fixing unit (fixing means), 200... Sheet supply module, 202... Installation space, 210, 220 ... tray (sheet storage means), 230, 240. Sheet delivery path), 300 ... sheet ejection module, 310 ... sheet ejection path, 400 ... electrical module, 500 ... environmental conservation module, 600 ... original reading module, 700 ... space filling cover, P ... recording sheet.

Claims (4)

An image forming transfer unit that forms a toner image according to image information and transfers the toner image to a recording sheet; a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred to the recording sheet by the image forming transfer unit; an image forming transfer unit; An image output module comprising an independent structure at least provided with a sheet conveyance path for conveying the recording sheet so as to pass through;
Sheet supply comprising an independent structure having at least a sheet storage means for storing a recording sheet to be supplied to the image output module and a sheet delivery path for sending the recording sheet stored in the sheet storage means to the image output module Modules,
A sheet discharge module comprising an independent structure provided with at least a sheet discharge path for conveying the recording sheet after passing through the fixing means of the image output module and discharging the recording sheet to the outside of the apparatus,
In addition, the sheet supply module is connected and arranged on one of the left and right sides of the image output module, and the sheet discharge module is connected and arranged on the other side in an integrated state,
In addition, the sheet supply module is provided with a plurality of sheet storage means, a plurality of sheet delivery paths for sending recording sheets from the sheet storage means are provided, and the sheet discharge paths are provided in the supply module. An image forming apparatus, characterized by being merged into one sheet conveyance path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that one joined sheet conveyance path in the sheet supply module is connected to a sheet supply path for conveying a recording sheet to an image forming transfer unit in the sheet conveyance path in the image output module. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image output module is provided with a sheet double-sided conveyance path for conveying a recording sheet when double-sided image formation is performed, and a terminal end portion of the sheet double-sided conveyance path is combined into one sheet conveyance path in the sheet supply module. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is arranged to be merged. An image forming transfer unit that forms a toner image according to image information and transfers the toner image to a recording sheet; a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred to the recording sheet by the image forming transfer unit; an image forming transfer unit; An image output module comprising an independent structure at least provided with a sheet conveyance path for conveying the recording sheet so as to pass through;
Sheet supply comprising an independent structure having at least a sheet storage means for storing a recording sheet to be supplied to the image output module and a sheet delivery path for sending the recording sheet stored in the sheet storage means to the image output module Modules,
A sheet discharge module comprising an independent structure provided with at least a sheet discharge path for conveying the recording sheet after passing through the fixing means of the image output module and discharging the recording sheet to the outside of the apparatus,
In addition, the sheet supply module is connected and arranged on one of the left and right sides of the image output module, and the sheet discharge module is connected and arranged on the other side in an integrated state,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the sheet output path of the image output module is disposed in a state where the sheet output path rises obliquely upward from the upstream to the downstream.

Images