JP2010026365A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact image forming apparatus which easily supplies paper without requiring space equal to or large than the installation area when supplying the paper, and prevents the discharged paper from being blown by air. <P>SOLUTION: In a printer, a fed paper stacking part 30 on which paper to be fed to an image forming part 16 is stacked is arranged at the upper part of an apparatus body, the image forming part is arranged below the fed paper stacking part, and the paper with an image formed by the image forming part is discharged to the outside of the apparatus by a pair of paper discharge rollers 9 and 10. In the printer, a discharged paper stacking part 11 which stacks the discharged paper is provided between the fed paper stacking part and the image forming part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses have been downsized, and the number of installation apparatuses that can be installed on a desktop is also increasing. On the other hand, in many image forming apparatuses, a paper feed tray for storing paper is a pull-out type and is disposed below the apparatus. When a device that uses such a drawer-type paper feed tray is installed on the desktop, when paper is replenished, the paper on the desk is avoided and the paper tray is pulled out before paper is replenished. There is a problem that it is difficult and requires more space than the installation area.

  In Patent Documents 1 and 2, as a small-sized printer that can be installed on a desktop, a paper discharge stacking unit that is inclined and exposed to the outside is provided, and a paper feed tray is tilted on the back side that is inside the device of the paper discharge stacking unit. In addition, there is described an image forming unit provided on the back side of the paper feed tray. In this printer, the paper discharge stacking unit is configured to be rotatable with respect to the housing so as to expose the paper feed tray, and when the paper is replenished, the paper discharge stacking unit can be rotated to expose the paper feed tray. The problem of requiring more space than the installation area on the desk when replenishing paper can be solved.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No.5-2933 No. 6-8138

  However, in the above printer, the paper discharge stacking unit is exposed to the outside, so the discharged paper may be blown off and dropped by the outside air during the air conditioning or ventilation of the office, Work efficiency is reduced due to the work of collecting the fallen items. Further, if the discharged paper is dropped in this way, the formed image may be seen by an unspecified person, which is not preferable in terms of security.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and the object of the present invention is to easily supply paper without requiring a space larger than the installation area when paper is supplied, and to make the discharged paper fly. It is an object of the present invention to provide a small image forming apparatus that is difficult to be performed.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is directed to an image forming unit for forming an image, a paper feed stacking unit for stacking paper to be fed to the image forming unit, and an image in the image forming unit. In an image forming apparatus including a paper discharge unit that discharges formed paper to the outside of the apparatus, the paper feed stacking unit is disposed at an upper portion of the apparatus main body, and the image forming unit is disposed below the paper feed stacking unit. A paper discharge stacking section that is disposed and can be accommodated in a state in which sheets discharged by the paper discharge means are stacked is provided between the paper supply stacking section and the image forming section. .
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, a paper feed unit that feeds paper from the paper feed stacking unit to the image forming unit is disposed at one side end of the image forming unit. The paper discharge unit is disposed below the paper feed stacking unit at the other end of the image forming unit, and the paper fed from the paper stacking unit by the paper feed unit is transported substantially vertically downward. A first conveyance path, a second conveyance path that changes the conveyance direction from the first conveyance path by approximately 90 degrees in a substantially horizontal direction, and a conveyance direction that is substantially 90 degrees from the second conveyance path. Change the third conveying path to convey substantially vertically upward, change the conveying direction by approximately 90 degrees from the third conveying path, and discharge the sheet toward the discharge stacking section in a substantially horizontal direction by the discharge unit. It has a sheet conveyance path composed of a discharge path, and is arranged so that the image forming unit is surrounded by the sheet conveyance path.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, a protective cover is provided for protecting the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, at least one end of the protective cover is movable according to the paper surface height of the paper loaded on the paper feed stacking unit. The scale is provided on the side wall of the paper feed stacking portion in the range in which the height changes.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, at least one end of the protective cover is supported on the paper surface of the loaded paper.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, the protective cover is supported on a paper surface of a sheet through a member capable of reducing a frictional resistance.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, the pickup roller that feeds the paper stacked on the paper feed stacking unit as the paper feeding means, and the fed paper is fed. A paper feed roller for paper, the pickup roller is rotatably supported with the paper feed roller shaft as a fulcrum, and one end of the protective cover is in contact with the pickup roller To do.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to seventh aspects, the pickup roller that feeds the paper stacked on the paper feed stacking unit as the paper feeding means, and the fed paper are fed. The protective cover is connected to the paper feed stacking unit via a spring.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to eighth aspects, the pickup roller that feeds the paper stacked on the paper feed stacking unit as the paper feeding means, and the fed paper are fed. The protective cover is rotatably supported by a support member of the pickup roller.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to ninth aspects, the protective cover has transparency capable of identifying the presence or absence of an internal sheet.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to tenth aspects, the protective cover is provided with a notch capable of confirming from above whether or not there is a minimum size paper that can be stacked. It is what.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, a notch is provided on a side surface of the paper feed stacking unit in the paper transport direction.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, an inclination is formed such that an angle formed with the conveyance direction is 45 ° or less on the downstream side of the notch in the sheet conveyance direction. Is.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the back surface of the paper feed stacking unit is a smooth surface.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the back surface of the paper feed stacking section includes a guide rib for guiding the paper.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to fifteenth aspects, the sheet feeding stacking unit and the sheet feeding unit are integrally configured as a sheet feeding unit, and the sheet feeding unit Is supported rotatably with respect to the apparatus main body.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, a cover that can be opened and closed is provided on the discharge stacking portion.
According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, a detachable paper storage cassette is provided in the paper discharge stacking portion.
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects is an electrophotographic printer.

  In the present invention, by disposing the paper feed stacking unit on the upper part of the apparatus main body, when the paper is replenished, the paper feed stacking unit can be easily accessed and replenishment can be performed without requiring a space larger than the installation area. Further, by arranging a paper discharge stacking unit for stacking paper discharged by the paper discharge unit between the paper supply stacking unit and the image forming unit, it is difficult for wind to directly hit the discharged paper. It becomes difficult to be skipped. Further, it is possible to reduce the size by stacking the paper feed stacking unit and the paper discharge stacking unit vertically.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a small-sized image forming apparatus that can be easily replenished without requiring more space than the installation area at the time of paper replenishment, and that the discharged paper is difficult to be ejected. There is.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a printer which is an image forming apparatus will be described. First, the configuration and operation of the printer according to this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the entire printer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is an electrophotographic tandem full-color printer. In this printer, a paper feed stacking unit 30 for stacking sheets is disposed at the top of the apparatus main body, and a paper stacking unit 30 that feeds stacked sheets to an image forming unit 16 to be described later is provided at the left end of the paper feed stacking unit 30. Paper means 1 is provided. The paper feeding unit 1 includes a pickup roller 2 that feeds paper from the paper bundle P stacked on the paper feed stacking unit 30, a paper feed roller 3 that separates and feeds the fed paper one by one, and a separation pad 14. Have. Further, a protective cover 20 is provided on the sheet bundle P of the sheet stacking unit 30.

  An image forming unit 16 is provided in the apparatus below the sheet stacking unit 30. The image forming unit 16 has an endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer belt 13 whose surface can be moved upward, and four image forming units 18Y, 18C of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black along the surface movement direction. , 18M, 18K (hereinafter abbreviated as 18Y, C, M, K) are arranged side by side to have a tandem image forming unit. An exposure device 8 is provided below the tandem image forming unit. Each of the image forming units 18Y, 18C, 18M, and 18K includes drum-shaped photoconductors 12Y, 12C, 12M, 12K that carry toner images of colors of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black. Further, at the primary transfer position where the toner image is transferred from the photoconductors 12Y, 12C, 12M, and 12K to the intermediate transfer belt 13, the photoconductors 12Y, C, M, and K are opposed to each other with the intermediate transfer belt 13 interposed therebetween. Thus, a primary transfer roller (not shown) is provided as a component of the primary transfer means. A secondary transfer roller 5 is provided on the left side of the intermediate transfer belt 13 so as to face the belt driving roller 4. The secondary transfer roller 5 transfers the image on the intermediate transfer body 13 onto the paper fed from the paper feed stacking unit 30. Below the secondary transfer roller 5, fixing devices 6 and 7 for fixing the image on the paper are provided.

  Further, a pair of paper discharge rollers 9 and 10 as discharge means for discharging the paper on which the image has been fixed to the outside of the apparatus is provided on the side opposite to the paper supply means 1 (right side in FIG. 1). A paper discharge stacking unit 11 that is provided below and capable of stacking and storing sheets discharged by the paper discharge roller pairs 9 and 10 is provided below the paper supply stacking unit 30 and above the image forming unit 16. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, after the sheet fed from the uppermost sheet stacking unit 30 is conveyed to the lower image forming unit 16, the image forming unit 16 transfers and fixes the image on the sheet. The paper transport paths 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, and 15 d for transporting the paper to the paper discharge stacking unit 11 above the image forming unit 16 are formed so as to surround the image forming unit 16. In addition, transport rollers (not shown) for transporting paper are provided at appropriate intervals on the paper transport path.

  The sheet conveyance path is provided on the left side in the machine, and is provided at the first conveyance path 15a for conveying the sheet fed from the sheet stacking unit 30 by the sheet feeding unit 1 substantially vertically downward, and at the lowermost part in the machine. The second conveyance path 15b that changes the conveyance direction from the first conveyance path by approximately 90 degrees and conveys the film in the horizontal direction, and the second conveyance path that is provided on the right side in the machine changes from the second conveyance path by approximately 90 degrees. The third conveyance path 15c that changes and conveys substantially vertically upward, and changes the conveyance direction by approximately 90 degrees from the third conveyance path toward the discharge stacking unit 11 in the substantially horizontal direction by the discharge roller pairs 9 and 10. This is a sheet conveyance path including a discharge path 15d for discharging.

  When image data is sent to such a printer and an image forming start signal is received, the intermediate transfer belt 13 starts to move. At the same time, single-color images of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black are formed on the photosensitive bodies 12Y, C, M, and K by the individual image forming units 18Y, 18C, 18M, and 18K, respectively. Then, as the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 13 moves, the monochrome images are sequentially transferred by a primary transfer roller (not shown) to form a composite color image on the intermediate transfer belt 13.

  In the paper feed stacking unit 30, the pickup roller 2 feeds the paper and separates the paper one by one by the paper feed roller 3 and the separation pad 14, and the first transport path 15 a provided on the left side of the image forming unit 16. Lead to. In the first conveyance path 15a, the sheet is conveyed substantially vertically downward, and is abutted against a registration roller (not shown) and stopped. Then, a registration roller (not shown) is rotated in synchronization with the composite color image on the intermediate transfer belt 13, and a sheet is fed between the intermediate transfer belt 13 and the secondary transfer roller 5. Transfer and record a color image on the paper. The sheet after the image transfer is sent to the fixing devices 6 and 7, and the transferred image is fixed by applying heat and pressure to form an image on the sheet. The sheet on which the image is formed is guided by the second transport path 15b provided below the image forming unit 16 by changing the transport direction by approximately 90 degrees from the first transport path 15a, and transported in the direction substantially in the horizontal direction. Is done. The sheet conveyed to the right side of the image forming unit 16 by the second conveying path 15b changes the direction of conveyance by approximately 90 degrees from the second conveying path 15b, and the third conveyance provided to the right of the image forming unit 16 It is guided to the path 15c and conveyed substantially vertically upward. Then, the image forming unit 16 is transported in the substantially horizontal direction by the discharge path 15d by changing the transport direction by approximately 90 degrees from the third transport path 15c at the upper right of the image forming unit 16, and is directed toward the discharge stacking unit 11 by the discharge roller pairs 9 and 10. It is discharged in a substantially horizontal direction.

  FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of the printer configured as described above. As shown in FIG. 9, by arranging the paper feed stacking unit 30 at the upper part of the apparatus main body, it is easy to access the paper feed stacking unit 30 when paper is replenished and does not require more space than the installation area. . Therefore, paper can be easily supplied. Further, by disposing the paper discharge stacking unit 11 that accommodates the paper discharged outside the apparatus in a stackable state between the paper supply stacking unit 30 and the image forming unit 16, It becomes difficult to hit the air of the air conditioning in the office and the outside air during ventilation. Therefore, the discharged paper is difficult to be skipped, which is preferable in terms of business efficiency and security. Further, the paper feed stacking unit 30 and the paper discharge stacking unit 11 can be reduced in size by being stacked one above the other.

  In addition, since the sheets conveyed through the sheet conveyance paths 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d and discharged to the sheet discharge stacking unit 11 are stacked in order when a plurality of pages are output, work efficiency can be improved. Further, since the paper transport paths 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d are provided so as to surround the image forming unit 16, space can be used effectively, leading to miniaturization of the apparatus main body.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the paper feed stacking unit 30 and the paper feed means 1. As described above, at the left end of the paper feed stacking unit 30, the paper feed unit 1 has the pickup roller 2, the paper feed roller 3, the separation pad 14, and the like. The pickup roller 2 is rotatably supported by a support bracket 42, and the support bracket 42 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft of the paper feed roller 3. The sheet feeding roller 3 receives a driving force from a rotating shaft (not shown), and the pickup roller 2 is transmitted with a drive via a gear 3 a of the sheet feeding roller 3, an idler gear 41 and a gear 2 a of the pickup roller 2. Further, in this embodiment, the separation pad 14 is provided as an opposing member of the paper feed roller 3 to perform frictional separation. However, instead of the separation pad 14, a roller or the like having a sheet blocking force using a torque limiter or the like is used. It may be used.

  Here, the pickup roller 2 needs to be urged against the sheet bundle P with a predetermined pressure. Therefore, a predetermined pressure can be generated by bringing the end of the protective cover 20 into contact with the pickup roller 2 in a slidable state and controlling its weight. Therefore, a separate part for generating pressure is not necessary, and the cost can be reduced. When the pressure of the pickup roller 2 cannot be adjusted by the weight of the protective cover 20, the tension spring 47 may be used in the space outside the paper as shown in FIG. In some cases, it may be a compression spring.

  Further, the left end portion of the protective cover 20 is rotatably supported by a shaft 43 fixed to the support bracket 42 of the pickup roller 2. The right end portion of the protective cover 20 rides on the sheet bundle P via an idle roller 21 that is rotatably supported by the protective cover 20. By providing such a protective cover 20, it is possible to suppress dust from being mixed into the paper feed stacking unit 30, and to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the paper. When supplying paper, the protective cover 20 is opened and closed to supply paper. As described above, since the paper supply can be performed only by opening and closing the protective cover 20, the replenishment operation is easier than the conventional paper tray. Further, the idling roller 21 has an effect of reducing the frictional force between the paper and the protective cover 20 during paper feeding.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the paper feed stacking unit and the paper discharge stacking unit with the protective cover 20 opened. The pickup roller 2 and the support bracket 42 also rotate in conjunction with the protective cover 20 and move in a direction to escape from the sheet bundle, so that it becomes easy to replenish the sheet.

  4 is a cross-sectional view of the paper feed stacking unit and the paper discharge stacking unit when the paper is fully loaded, and FIG. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the protective cover 20 lowers the pickup roller 2 as the number of sheets decreases, and the protective cover 20 also lowers in conjunction therewith. As described above, the protective cover 20 is movable according to the height of the stacked paper bundle P, and the scale 44 is provided on the side wall of the paper stacking unit 30 in the range where the height of the right end of the protective cover 20 changes. . Since the scale 44 allows the change in the height of the protective cover 20 to be visually recognized in accordance with the change in the height of the paper, the remaining amount of the paper can be easily confirmed. In addition, since a sensor for checking the remaining amount of paper is not required, the cost can be reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sheet feeding unit as viewed from the front of the apparatus. The protective cover 20 is preferably made of a translucent material that can determine the presence or absence of an internal sheet. By using a transparent material, the visibility of the paper feed stacking unit 30 is improved, and the presence or absence of paper is easily understood. Further, when the protective cover 20 cannot be made of a transparent material or when it is desired to further improve the visibility, a viewing window 20a in which the protective cover 20 is partially cut away is provided so that the paper feeding stacking unit 30 can be seen. This makes it easier to see if paper is present.

  In addition, since the paper discharge stacking unit 11 is located below the paper supply stacking unit 30, a space for inserting a hand is required for taking out the discharged paper bundle P '. For this reason, a part of the paper feed stacking unit 30 may be cut out to secure a large space. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a notch 46 a is provided on the front surface of the paper feeding unit 46. Further, the notch edge 46b which is the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction may be provided with an inclination of 45 degrees or less with respect to the conveyance direction. This is because when the paper is discharged to the paper discharge stacking section 11, if the angle between the notch edge 46b and the conveyance direction is large, the leading edge of the paper collides with the notch edge 46b, and the paper remains damaged. Or, there is a possibility that the paper is jammed in the paper discharge stacking unit 11. Therefore, by providing such an inclination, the leading edge of the sheet is prevented from colliding with the notched edge 46b, and the sheet can be discharged smoothly. In the present embodiment, the inclination angle A is 30 degrees.

  Further, in the case of discharging the paper to the paper discharge stacking unit 11 disposed immediately below the paper feed stacking unit 30, the paper may be discharged while the front end of the paper is in contact with the back surface 30a of the paper feed stacking unit 30. . In this case, if the paper is caught on the back surface 30 a of the paper feed stacking unit 30, there is a possibility of paper jam. For this reason, by making the back surface 30a of the paper feed stacking unit 30 a smooth surface, it is difficult for the paper to be discharged to be caught, and the paper can be smoothly discharged without being jammed in the paper discharge stacking unit 11.

  Further, when the paper is discharged to the paper discharge stacking unit 11, the paper may be discharged while being in contact with the back side 30 a of the paper feed stacking unit 30. In this case, if the contact area with the paper becomes too large, the resistance becomes too large and there is a risk of paper jamming. For this reason, by providing a plurality of guide ribs on the back surface 30 a of the paper feed stacking unit 30, it is possible to reduce the conveyance resistance and smoothly discharge the paper without clogging the paper discharge stacking unit 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, in the present embodiment, the paper feed stacking unit 30 and the paper feed unit 1 are configured as an integral paper feed unit 46, and rotate with respect to the apparatus main body. The fulcrum 45 is supported so as to be rotatable. In such a configuration, by rotating the paper feed unit 46 upward, the paper discharge stacking unit 11 is exposed and the paper can be easily taken out.

  Further, an openable / closable cover may be provided on the paper discharge stacking unit 11. As a result, the paper stacked on the paper output stacking unit 11 is further less likely to be blown by the wind and is difficult for others to see, which is preferable in terms of security when printing important documents.

  In addition, a paper storage cassette 48 that is detachable from the paper discharge stacking unit 11 may be provided. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the paper feed stacking unit 30 and the paper discharge stacking unit 11 when a paper storage cassette is provided in the paper feed stacking unit, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of only the paper discharge stacking unit 11. . The sheet storage cassette 48 has a box shape, and the discharged sheets can be stacked in the box. The paper storage cassette 48 has a function as a cover that covers the paper discharge stacking unit 11. Further, the paper storage cassette can be detached from the main body, and the printed document can be carried as it is, which is preferable in terms of security.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the paper is fed from the paper feed stacking unit 30 on which the paper to be fed is stacked to the image forming unit 16, and the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 16 is discharged to the discharge roller. In the image forming apparatus that discharges to the outside by the pair 9, 10, the paper feed stacking unit 30 is disposed at the upper part of the apparatus main body, the image forming unit 16 is disposed below the paper feed stacking unit 30, and the paper discharge roller pair 9. , 10 is provided between the paper feed stacking section 30 and the image forming section 16 so that the paper discharged stacking section 11 can be accommodated in a state where the sheets ejected by 10 are stacked. By disposing the paper feed stacking unit 30 at the top of the apparatus main body, it is easy to access the paper feed stacking unit 30 when paper is replenished, and replenishment can be performed without requiring more space than the installation area. Further, by disposing the paper discharge stacking unit 11 between the paper feed stacking unit 30 and the image forming unit 16 without exposing the paper stacking unit 11 above the apparatus, it is difficult for the wind to directly hit the discharged paper and the air is blown off. It becomes difficult. Further, the paper feed stacking unit 30 and the paper discharge stacking unit 11 can be reduced in size by being stacked one above the other.
In addition, a paper feeding unit 1 for feeding paper to the image forming unit 16 is provided at the left end of the paper feeding / stacking unit 30 at the top of the apparatus main body, and is discharged below the paper feeding / stacking unit 30 on the side opposite to the paper feeding unit 1. Paper roller pairs 9 and 10 are provided. Then, a first conveyance path 15a for conveying the sheet fed from the sheet feeding and stacking unit 30 by the sheet feeding unit 30 from the sheet feeding and stacking unit 30 substantially vertically downward, and a first conveyance path provided at the lowermost part in the apparatus. A second transport path 15b that transports in a substantially horizontal direction by changing the transport direction by approximately 90 degrees from the path, and a substantially vertical upward direction by changing the transport direction by approximately 90 degrees from the second transport path provided on the right side in the machine. And a discharge path 15d for discharging toward the discharge stacking portion 11 by the discharge roller pair 9, 10 in a substantially horizontal direction by changing the transfer direction by approximately 90 degrees from the third transfer path. Is provided so as to surround the image forming unit 16. Since the sheets conveyed through the sheet conveyance paths 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d and discharged to the sheet discharge stacking unit 11 are stacked in order when a plurality of pages are output, work efficiency can be improved. Further, since the paper transport paths 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d are provided so as to surround the image forming unit 16, space can be used effectively, leading to miniaturization of the apparatus main body.
Further, by providing the protective cover 20 on the paper feed stacking unit 30, it is possible to suppress the dust from entering the paper feed stacking unit 30 and to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the paper.
The protective cover 20 is movable according to the height of the stacked paper bundle P, and a scale 44 is provided on the side wall of the paper feed stacking unit 30 in the range where the height of the right end of the protective cover 20 changes. Since the scale 44 allows the change in the height of the protective cover 20 to be visually recognized in accordance with the change in the height of the paper, the remaining amount of the paper can be easily confirmed. In addition, since a sensor for checking the remaining amount of paper is not required, the cost can be reduced.
The right end portion of the protective cover 20 rides on the sheet bundle P and is supported on the paper surface. As a result, the protective cover 20 can be made movable according to the height of the stack of sheets P loaded with an easy configuration.
Further, since the right end portion of the protective cover 20 rides on the sheet bundle P via the idling roller 21 that is rotatably supported by the protective cover 20, the friction resistance at the time of paper feeding is reduced so as not to be added at the time of paper feeding. Can do.
The paper feeding means 1 includes a pickup roller 2, a separation pad 14, and a paper feeding roller 3. Here, the pickup roller 2 has a function of feeding out the paper from the paper feed stacking unit 30 and is required to be urged against the paper bundle P with a predetermined pressure. For this reason, the pickup roller 2 is rotatably supported with respect to the paper feed roller 3, and one end of the protective cover 20 is brought into contact with the pickup roller 2 in a slidable state, and its weight is controlled. Generate pressure. Therefore, a separate part for generating pressure is not necessary, and the cost can be reduced. Further, with such a configuration, the protective cover 20 on the sheet feeding unit 1 side can be made movable according to the height of the sheet bundle P. In particular, when one end of the protective cover 20 rides on the sheet bundle P and the other end contacts the protective cover, both sides of the protective cover 20 can be made movable according to the height of the stacked sheet bundle P. It becomes easy to visually recognize the change in the height of the protective cover 20.
Further, by connecting the protective cover 20 and the paper feed stacking unit 30 using the tension spring 47, the pressure applied to the pickup roller can be easily adjusted, and the degree of design freedom increases.
Further, by supporting the protective cover 20 on the support member of the pickup roller 2 so as to be rotatable, the pickup roller 2 also rotates in conjunction with the protective cover 20 and moves in a direction to escape from the paper bundle P, so that paper is replenished. It becomes easy.
Further, the protective cover 20 is made of a semi-transparent material that can determine the presence or absence of the paper inside, so that the visibility of the paper feed stacking unit 30 is improved and the presence or absence of the paper is easily understood.
In addition, by providing a viewing window 20a in which the protective cover 20 is partially cut away so that the sheet feeding stacking unit 30 can be seen, it becomes easier to understand the presence or absence of paper.
Further, since the paper discharge stacking unit 11 is located below the paper supply stacking unit 30, a space for putting a hand is required for taking out paper. For this reason, a space may be secured by providing a notch 46 a in a part of the paper feed stacking unit 30.
Further, the edge 46b of the notch 46a, which corresponds to the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction, may be provided with an inclination of 45 degrees or less with respect to the conveyance direction. This is because when the paper is discharged to the paper discharge stacking section 11, if the angle between the notch edge 46b and the conveyance direction is large, the leading edge of the paper collides with the notch edge 46b, and the paper remains damaged. Or, there is a possibility that the paper discharge stacking unit 11 is jammed. Therefore, by providing such an inclination, the leading edge of the sheet is prevented from colliding with the notched edge 46b, and the sheet can be discharged smoothly.
Also, in the case of discharging paper to the paper discharge stacking unit 11 disposed immediately below the paper feed stacking unit 30, the paper is discharged while the front end of the paper is in contact with the back surface 30a of the paper feed stacking unit 30, and the paper is fed. There is a risk that the paper will be jammed by being caught on the back surface 30a of the paper stacking unit 30. For this reason, by making the back surface 30a of the paper feed stacking unit 30 a smooth surface, it is difficult for the paper to be discharged to be caught, and the paper can be smoothly discharged without being jammed in the paper discharge stacking unit 11.
Further, when the paper is discharged to the paper discharge stacking unit 11, the paper is discharged while being in contact with the back side 30a of the paper feed stacking unit 30, and if the contact area with the paper becomes too large, the resistance becomes too large. There is a risk of paper jams. For this reason, by providing a plurality of guide ribs on the back surface 30 a of the paper feed stacking unit 30, it is possible to reduce the conveyance resistance and smoothly discharge the paper without clogging the paper discharge stacking unit 11.
Further, the paper feed stacking unit 30 and the paper feed means 1 are configured as an integral paper feed unit 46, and are supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation fulcrum 45 with respect to the apparatus main body. In such a configuration, by rotating the paper feed unit 46 upward, the paper discharge stacking unit 11 is exposed and the paper bundle P ′ can be easily taken out.
Further, by providing an openable / closable cover on the paper discharge stacking unit 11, the paper stacked on the paper discharge stacking unit 11 is more difficult to be blown by the wind and is difficult for others to see. Sometimes security is preferred.
Further, by providing a detachable paper storage cassette 48 in the paper discharge stacking section 11, it is possible to stack the discharged paper in the paper storage cassette 48. Further, since it is detachable, the printed document can be carried along with the paper storage cassette 48, which is preferable in terms of security.
In addition, by adopting the above-described image forming apparatus in an electrophotographic printer, it is possible to obtain a printer that can be easily replenished, is small in size, and can be installed on a desktop.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an entire printer according to an embodiment. The perspective view which shows the internal structure of a paper feed stacking part and a paper feed means. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a paper feed stacking unit and a paper discharge stacking unit with a protective cover opened. Sectional drawing of the paper feed stacking unit and the paper discharge stacking unit when the paper is full. Sectional drawing of the paper feed stacking unit and the paper discharge stacking unit for one sheet. The perspective view which looked at the paper feeding unit from the front of the apparatus. The perspective view of the paper discharge | emission stacking part which provided the paper supply stacking part and the paper storage cassette. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a paper discharge stacking unit when a paper storage cassette is provided. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper feed means 2 Pickup roller 3 Paper feed roller 4 Drive roller 5 Secondary transfer roller 6, 7 Fixing device 8 Exposure device 9, 10 Paper discharge roller pair 11 Paper discharge stacking unit 12 Photoconductor 13 Intermediate transfer belt 14 Separation pad 15 Transport path 15a First transport path 15b Second transport path 15c Third transport path 15d Discharge path 16 Image forming unit 18 Image forming means 20 Protective cover 20a Viewing window 21 Rolling roller 30 Paper feed stacking unit 42 Support blanket 45 Axis 46 Paper feed unit 46a Notch 46b Edge 47 Spring 48 Paper storage cassette P Paper bundle (paper feed stacking section)
P 'paper bundle (paper output stacking section)

Claims (19)

An image forming unit that forms an image, a paper feed stacking unit that stacks paper to be fed to the image forming unit, and a paper discharge unit that discharges the paper on which the image is formed in the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus. In an image forming apparatus comprising:
The paper stacking unit is disposed at the top of the apparatus body, the image forming unit is disposed below the paper stacking unit, and the paper ejected by the paper ejecting means can be stored in a stacked state. An image forming apparatus, wherein a stacking unit is provided between the paper feed stacking unit and the image forming unit.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sheet feeding unit that feeds a sheet from the sheet feeding stacking unit to the image forming unit is disposed at one end of the image forming unit, and the sheet discharging unit is disposed in the image forming unit. A first conveying path disposed below the sheet stacking unit at the other end of the sheet unit and configured to convey the sheet fed from the sheet stacking unit by the sheet feeding unit substantially vertically downward; A second transport path that transports approximately 90 degrees from the first transport path in a substantially horizontal direction, and a second transport path that transports approximately 90 degrees from the second transport path and transports substantially vertically upward. A sheet conveyance path comprising a third conveyance path and a discharge path for changing the conveyance direction by approximately 90 degrees from the third conveyance path and discharging the sheet toward the discharge stacking portion in a substantially horizontal direction by the discharge unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: the image forming unit disposed so as to surround the sheet conveyance path.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a protective cover for protecting the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one end of the protective cover is movable according to a paper surface height of the paper stacked on the paper feed stacking unit, and the supply of the protective cover in a range in which the height of the protective cover changes. An image forming apparatus comprising a scale on a side wall of a paper stacking unit.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one end of the protective cover is supported on a paper surface of the stacked paper.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the protective cover is supported on a paper surface of a sheet through a member capable of reducing frictional resistance.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a pickup roller that feeds the paper stacked on the paper feed stacking unit and a paper feed roller that feeds the fed paper as the paper feeding unit. An image forming apparatus, wherein the pickup roller is rotatably supported with the feeding roller shaft as a fulcrum, and one end of the protective cover is in contact with the pickup roller.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a pickup roller that feeds the paper stacked on the paper feed stacking unit and a paper feed roller that feeds the fed paper as the paper feeding unit. An image forming apparatus, wherein the protective cover is connected to the paper feed stacking unit via a spring.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a pickup roller that feeds out the paper stacked on the paper feed stacking unit and a paper feed roller that feeds the fed paper as the paper feeding unit. An image forming apparatus, wherein the protective cover is rotatably supported by a support member of the pickup roller.   10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the protective cover has transparency capable of identifying the presence or absence of an internal sheet.   11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the protective cover is provided with a notch capable of confirming from above whether or not there is a minimum size sheet that can be stacked.   12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notch on a side surface in the sheet conveyance direction of the sheet feeding stacking unit.   13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the notch is provided with a slope on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the notch so that an angle formed with the conveying direction is 45 ° or less.   14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a back surface of the paper feed stacking unit is a smooth surface.     14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a back surface of the paper feed stacking unit includes a guide rib for guiding paper.   16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sheet feeding stacking unit and the sheet feeding unit are integrally configured as a sheet feeding unit, and the sheet feeding unit is rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body. And an image forming apparatus.   17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cover that can be opened and closed is provided on the paper discharge stacking unit.   17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detachable sheet storage cassette provided in the paper discharge stacking unit.   19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic printer.

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