JP2007256615A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure a larger space below a moving part by reducing height dimension of the moving part. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with: a printing unit 1A; a first front-back reversing unit 1B ; a both-sides unit 1C; and a printing control means which can freely switch between a single-sided printing operation carrying out single-sided printing to transfer paper K and a dual-sided printing operation carrying out dual-sided printing to the transfer paper K, wherein the first front-back reversal unit 1B is provided with a first reversal mechanism carrying out-reversal transportation from a first transporting path H1 to a second transporting path H2 through a first switch back transporting path HS1. The both-sides unit 1C is provided with a second reversal mechanism carrying out a reversal transportation from a third transporting path H3 to a fourth transporting path H4 through a second switch back transporting path HS2. The fourth transporting path H4 is provided to be communicated with the printing unit 1A through the first switch back transporting path HS1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is provided with a printing unit capable of printing an image on one side of a transfer paper moved along the conveyance path, and the transfer paper printed by the printing unit is reversed and discharged by moving the conveyance path. A first front / back reversing unit for feeding to the paper mouth side is provided, and the transfer paper printed on one side by the printing unit is reversed on the front / back by moving the transport path, and revolves around the printing unit again; A single-sided printing operation for performing single-sided printing on the transfer paper using the printing unit and the first front / back reversing unit, and the printing unit and the double-sided unit. A printing control means capable of switching control between a duplex printing operation for performing duplex printing on the transfer paper using a unit, and the first front / back reversing unit includes a first switch Tsu an image forming apparatus is configured to include a first reversing mechanism for reversing conveyance longitudinal from the first conveying path via the click conveying path to the second conveying path.

Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 6, this type of image forming apparatus includes the printing unit 1A, the first front / back reversing unit 1B, the duplex unit 1C, and printing control means (not shown). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
The first front / back reversing unit 1B includes a first conveyance path H1 provided in a state where a horizontally arranged conveyance path that passes through the printing unit 1A wraps downward, and a transfer sheet at the end of the first conveyance path H1. A horizontal first switchback transport path HS1 that switches back and reverses K and a second transport path H2 that transports the switched back transfer paper to the paper discharge port 1D side.
Further, the duplex unit 1C uses both the first conveyance path H1 and the first switchback conveyance path HS1 in the form of the first front / back reversing unit 1B, and the first switchback conveyance. A fourth transport path H4 is provided for causing the transfer sheet K, which has been reversed in the front and back in the path HS1, to recirculate to the printing unit 1A, and this fourth transport path H4 is the second transport path H4 of the first front / back reversing unit 1B. It is provided as a separate path that goes down from the second conveyance path H2 and reaches the printing unit 1A.

JP 2002-174935 A (FIG. 1)

As shown in FIG. 6, the internal space of this type of image forming apparatus is generally provided with an operating portion on the upper end side and a paper accommodating portion P such as a transfer paper cassette on the lower end side. In order to satisfy the needs for reducing the transfer paper replenishment time and for accommodating various types of transfer paper, it is desired that the paper storage section secure a wider space.
According to the conventional image forming apparatus described above, in order to form the fourth transport path, as shown in FIG. 6, the large-diameter roller R is connected to the first switchback transport path HS1 and the second transport path H2. Is located below the horizontal line connecting the two, the working part total height dimension h1 for securing the fourth transport path H4 is a large proportion of the apparatus height dimension h0. As a result, the effective height h2 of the paper storage portion P is pressed.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can solve the above-mentioned problems, reduce the height dimension of the operating portion, and secure a wider space below.

  According to a first characteristic configuration of the present invention, a printing unit capable of printing an image is provided on one side of a transfer paper moved along a conveyance path, and the transfer paper printed by the printing unit is moved along the conveyance path. A first front / back reversing unit that reverses the front and back and feeds it to the paper discharge port side is provided, and the printing unit printed on one side is reversed by moving the transfer paper on one side and the printing unit is again printed. A single-sided printing operation for performing single-sided printing on the transfer paper using the printing unit and the first front / back reversing unit, and a double-sided unit that is capable of printing on the other side. The first front / back reversing unit is provided with a print control means capable of switching and controlling a double-sided printing operation for performing double-sided printing on the transfer paper using the printing unit and the double-sided unit. In the image forming apparatus configured to include a first reversing mechanism that reversely conveys back and forth from the first conveying path to the second conveying path via the first switchback conveying path, the double-side unit includes the second switchback conveying A second reversing mechanism that reversely conveys from the third conveying path to the fourth conveying path via the path, and the fourth conveying path is in a state that communicates with the printing unit through the first switchback conveying path. It is in place.

According to the first characteristic configuration of the present invention, the duplex unit is configured to include a second reversing mechanism that reversely conveys from the third conveying path to the fourth conveying path via the second switchback conveying path, Since the fourth transport path is provided so as to communicate with the printing unit through the first switchback transport path, the transport path of the double-sided unit is the same as the transport path of the first front / back reversing unit as in the prior art. It is possible to eliminate the fact that they are also used, and the third transport path and the second switchback transport path can be arranged at a position different from the first front / back reversing unit.
Therefore, for example, a transport path such as a third transport path or a second switchback transport path can be freely arranged in a dead space such as a side of the paper storage unit or a lower part of the paper discharge port in the case of the image forming apparatus. Is possible.
Furthermore, the space behind the first switchback conveyance path, which has conventionally been a dead space, is effectively used, and the fourth conveyance path reaches the printing unit through the first switchback conveyance path. As a result, it is possible to minimize the number of horizontally arranged conveyance paths that are spaced apart from each other vertically, and the fourth conveyance path is secured without providing a large-diameter roller as in the prior art. be able to.
As a result, the height dimension of the operating part of the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and the space of the operating part can be saved.
Also, since the lower space can be secured more widely, a paper storage section that occupies a large space is secured, and for example, a large amount of transfer paper can be stored, thereby reducing transfer paper supply labor. In addition, by making it possible to accommodate more types of transfer paper cassettes, it is possible to reduce the time required for replacing the transfer paper cassettes, and it is possible to improve the usability of the image forming apparatus.

  According to a second characteristic configuration of the present invention, the first switchback conveyance path is provided in a horizontal arrangement, and the second switchback conveyance path is provided in a vertical arrangement.

  According to the second characteristic configuration of the present invention, in addition to being able to achieve the above-described operation and effect of the first characteristic configuration of the present invention, the first switchback conveyance path and the second switchback conveyance path include Interference can be easily prevented, and the above-described functions and effects of the first characteristic configuration of the present invention can be more easily realized.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the parts indicated by the same reference numerals as those in the conventional example indicate the same or corresponding parts.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 is configured as, for example, a copier, a facsimile, a printer, or the like.
The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a printing unit 1A capable of printing an image on one side of a transfer sheet K moved along a conveyance path H, and the transfer sheet K printed by the printing unit 1A is conveyed along the conveyance path H. A first front / back reversing unit 1B that reverses the front and back and feeds it to the paper discharge port 1D side is provided, and the transfer paper K printed on one surface by the printing unit 1A is moved along the transport path H. A double-sided unit 1C that reverses the front and back and moves around to the printing unit 1A again so that printing can be performed on the other side is also provided, and the transfer is performed using the printing unit 1A and the first front-back turning unit 1B. Switching between a single-sided printing operation for performing single-sided printing on the paper K and a double-sided printing operation for performing double-sided printing on the transfer paper K using the printing unit 1A and the double-sided unit 1C. Freely print control means (not shown) is formed is provided.
Incidentally, in each transport path H, a transport mechanism such as a plurality of guide members 2 for guiding the transfer paper K along the transport path, a plurality of roller members 3 for transporting the transfer paper K along the transport path, and the like. T is provided. The roller members 3 are controlled according to a predetermined transport pattern by the above-described printing control means.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing unit 1 </ b> A is configured to print on the upper surface of the transfer paper K in the conveyance path H.

The first front / back reversing unit 1B includes a first reversing mechanism that reversely conveys the transfer sheet K from the first conveying path H1 to the second conveying path H2 via the first switchback conveying path HS1. .
Incidentally, the first transport path H1 is a transport path provided in a state extending from the printing unit 1A to the first front / back reversing unit 1B, and the second transport path H2 is discharged from the first front / back reversing unit 1B. It is the conveyance path provided in the state over the paper mouth 1D.
The first front / back reversing unit 1B prints an image on the one surface of the transfer paper K by the printing unit 1A, and then discharges the transfer paper K from the paper discharge port 1D. By reversing the front and back of the transfer paper through the back conveyance path HS1 to the second conveyance path H2, the print surface can be discharged downward, and the overlap of the printed transfer sheets discharged one after another is the same as the arrangement of the originals. It is configured to be used when

The duplex unit 1C includes a second reversing mechanism that reversely conveys from the third conveying path H3 to the fourth conveying path H4 via the second switchback conveying path HS2.
Incidentally, the third transport path H3 is a transport path provided in a state extending from the printing unit 1A to the duplex unit 1C, and the fourth transport path H4 is transported from the duplex unit 1C to the first switchback transport. It is a conveyance path provided in a state of communicating with the printing unit 1A through the path HS1.
The duplex unit 1C has a function of inverting the front and back of the transfer sheet K in the process of being transported through the transport path H in the image forming apparatus 1. The printing unit 1A prints an image on one surface. The transferred transfer paper K is turned over and moved to the printing unit 1A so as to be printed on the other side.

  As shown in the figure, the first switchback conveyance path HS1 is provided in a horizontal arrangement, while the second switchback conveyance path HS2 is provided in a vertical arrangement in a space below the discharge port 1D. ing. Further, the width direction alignment of the transfer paper K in the transport path can be easily performed as long as the transfer paper K is not sandwiched between rollers on the laterally arranged first switchback transport path HS1. Although not shown in the drawing, a width direction alignment means for the transfer paper K is provided in the first switchback transport path HS1.

An outline of typical transfer forms of the transfer paper K in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in the following three types. However, there are cases where other transport modes are used, but the description thereof is omitted.
[1] The paper is conveyed from the transfer paper cassette 1E to the printing unit 1A and discharged from the paper discharge port 1D. That is, it is conveyed in the order of (a) to (b) to (c) to (l) to (m) in FIG.
[2] The paper is conveyed from the transfer paper cassette 1E to the printing unit 1A, and the first front and back reversing unit 1B reverses the front and back surfaces of the transfer paper K, and then is sent to the paper discharge port 1D and discharged. That is, in FIG. 3, (a)-(b)-(c)-(n)-(j)-(i)-(o)-(e)-(p)-(m) are conveyed in this order. Is done.
[3] The paper is transported from the transfer paper cassette 1E to the printing unit 1A, and the front and back surfaces of the transfer paper K are reversed by the duplex unit 1C, and then sent to the printing unit 1C again and discharged from the paper discharge port 1D. That is, (a)-(b)-(c)-(d)-(e)-(f)-(g)-(h)-(i)-(j)-(k) in FIG. It is conveyed in the order of ~ (b) ~ (c) ~ (l) ~ (m).

According to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the height dimension h1 of the operating portion 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 can be compared with FIG. 6 showing the conventional one and FIG. 1 showing the present embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to save the space of the operating part 1a.
Further, since the lower space 1b can be secured more widely, a paper storage section that occupies a large space is ensured, and for example, a large amount of transfer paper can be stored, so that it is possible to replenish transfer paper. It is possible to reduce the amount of time required to replace the transfer paper cassette by reducing the amount and accommodating more types of transfer paper cassettes, and it is possible to improve the usability of the image forming apparatus. .

[Another embodiment]
Other embodiments will be described below.

<1> The image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to the apparatus configuration described in the previous embodiment, and may adopt another known apparatus configuration. Therefore, the structure by a different unit may be sufficient.
<2> In the previous embodiment, the second switchback transport path HS2 has been described as being vertically arranged in the space below the discharge port 1D. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As shown in FIG. 5, it may be provided in a lateral arrangement in a dead space below the sheet discharge outlet 1D.

  In addition, as mentioned above, although the code | symbol was written in order to make contrast with drawing convenient, this invention is not limited to the structure of an accompanying drawing by this entry. In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be carried out in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Schematic diagram illustrating each configuration in the image forming apparatus Schematic diagram showing an example of transport mode Schematic diagram showing an example of transport mode Schematic diagram showing an example of transport mode Schematic diagram illustrating each configuration in the image forming apparatus of another embodiment Schematic diagram illustrating each configuration in a conventional image forming apparatus

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A Printing unit 1B 1st front / back inversion unit 1C Duplex unit 1D Paper discharge port H1 1st conveyance path H2 2nd conveyance path H3 3rd conveyance path H4 4th conveyance path HS1 1st switchback conveyance path HS2 2nd switchback conveyance path K transfer paper

Claims (2)

A printing unit capable of printing an image on one side of the transfer paper moved along the transport path is provided, and the transfer paper printed by the printing unit is turned upside down by moving the transport path to the discharge port side. A first front / back reversing unit is provided, and the transfer paper printed on one side by the printing unit is turned over by moving the transfer path and revolves around the printing unit again, and also on the other side A duplex unit is provided to enable printing, and a single-sided printing operation for performing single-sided printing on the transfer paper using the printing unit and the first front / back reversing unit, and the printing unit and the duplex unit are used. And a printing control means capable of switching control between a duplex printing operation for performing duplex printing on the transfer paper is provided, and the first front / back reversing unit is transported by the first switchback An image forming apparatus is configured to include a first reversing mechanism for reversing conveyance longitudinal from the first transport path to the second transport path via a
The duplex unit includes a second reversing mechanism that reversely conveys from the third conveying path to the fourth conveying path via the second switchback conveying path, and the fourth conveying path includes the first switchback. An image forming apparatus provided in a state leading to the printing unit through a conveyance path.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first switchback conveyance path is provided in a horizontal arrangement, and the second switchback conveyance path is provided in a vertical arrangement.

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