JP2011039423A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can be operated only from the front side, does not deteriorate its operability even when being installed in a high place, and is excellent in space saving property when not in use. <P>SOLUTION: A second paper-ejecting part 7 exists below a first paper-supplying part 10, making ejected paper 71 easily taken out even in a high place of installation and storing a paper ejection tray 12 and a paper setting base 103 of a first paper-supplying part 10 when not in use. The image forming apparatus becoming high is prevented while installing a first paper-ejecting part 5 above the first paper-supplying part 10 and securing a curvature R30 in a second paper feed path 6b. The paper ejection port 8 in the second paper-ejecting part 7 is arranged in a position which is further back from an apparatus outline by "l" and the ejected paper 71 can be easily taken out by making an occupied area of the ejected paper 71 smaller as well as making "l" shorter than the minimum length of the conveyed paper. The image forming apparatus excelling in space saving property is provided by this configuration. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus excellent in space saving.

  In recent years, from the viewpoint of environmental protection and resource consumption control, efforts have been made to distribute data rather than to print in large quantities and consume paper, and to print only when necessary. Also, the importance of information security is being questioned, and printing important information on a collective terminal is not preferable because it gives other people the opportunity to view, exploit, and the like.

  As a method for avoiding these problems, it is very useful not only for the above-mentioned viewpoint but also for business efficiency to install an image forming apparatus for personal use. Compared to the device, space saving and low cost are required. In particular, space saving is important because it can be an element that physically determines whether installation is possible.

  Regarding this space saving, Patent Document 1 discloses that a paper conveyance path that passes through the image forming unit substantially horizontally in the image forming apparatus main body, a paper feed path that merges from the upper surface to the paper conveyance path, and a branch from the paper conveyance path. An image forming apparatus is described in which a paper discharge path curved upward is provided to reduce the installation space of the main body.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an operation in which front-side paper feeding and front-side paper feeding are possible, including face-down paper discharge and face-up paper discharge, and the user can take out discharged paper while staying in front of the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus with improved performance is disclosed.

  However, according to the configuration of Patent Document 1, although the installation area can be reduced, the occupied space in the upper part of the image forming apparatus is large, and even when not in use, a paper feed base and a discharge paper stacking base are necessary, so that it does not become small. You can't put anything on the top. When considering installation on a rack or shelf, there is a problem that the operability is poor, such as being difficult to remove the paper when placed in a high place because the paper is discharged onto the upper surface of the image forming apparatus. In the configuration of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to reverse the sheet in order to discharge it to the front surface, and it is necessary to provide a large number of rollers to carry the paper to the front surface, which increases the cost. It was.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and can be operated only from the front side, and is not inferior in operability even when installed in a high place or the like, and saves space when not in use. An object is to provide a particularly excellent and inexpensive image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first sheet feeding unit having an opening on a first side surface of the apparatus body and a first sheet having an opening on a second side surface. A paper discharge unit, a first paper conveyance path leading from the first paper supply unit to the first paper discharge unit, an image forming unit arranged in a vertical direction of the first paper conveyance path, and an image in the first paper conveyance path An image forming apparatus including an image fixing unit disposed downstream of the forming unit and upstream of the first paper discharge unit, and downstream of the image fixing unit of the first paper transport path and upstream of the first paper discharge unit. A second paper conveyance path branched from the position, and a second paper discharge unit having an opening positioned below in the vertical direction of the first paper supply unit on the first side surface having the first paper supply unit, The first paper transport path is substantially straight, and the position of the first paper discharge unit is positioned above the first paper supply unit in the vertical direction. Wherein the feed passage is communicated to the second discharge unit.

  With this configuration, it is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus that has excellent operability for handling discharged paper and has a space-saving property, and is free from restrictions on the installation location and the like, and can further improve work efficiency.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the first paper conveyance path leading from the first paper feed unit to the first paper discharge unit is 10 degrees to 20 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane direction. It is characterized by a substantially straight line inclined at a degree.

  With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the curvature of the conveyance path for turning the sheet to be conveyed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first and second aspects, the second paper discharge unit includes a discharge port having a pair of paper discharge rollers and a discharge paper stacking unit. It is in a position recessed from the outer shape in a concave shape.

  With this configuration, since the area of the discharged paper and the stack area of the discharged paper overlap in the apparatus, the area occupied by the discharged paper can be reduced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the distance from the outer shell to the discharge port is shorter than the minimum length of paper that can be discharged from the second paper discharge unit. .

  With this configuration, one end of the sheet is exposed to the outer shell of the apparatus, so that the user can easily handle it, and both space saving and excellent operability can be obtained.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the first paper feeding unit includes a paper separating unit and a paper setting table, and the paper setting table is provided on the first paper conveyance path. A sheet passing state that is inclined in a range of 10 to 80 degrees, and a storage state that moves and locks in a direction in which the angle with the first sheet transport path is larger than the sheet passing state. The present invention is characterized in that it is in a paper passing state when printing is performed from one paper feeding unit.

  With this configuration, it is possible to improve the take-out property of the discharged paper from the second paper discharge unit in both the paper feeding state and the storage state of the first paper supply unit.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the sheet separating unit includes a sheet feeding member and a sheet separating member, and both the sheet passing state and the stored state, and both states are set. The geometric positional relationship between the sheet feeding member and the sheet separating member does not change even during the transition.

  With this configuration, when the first paper feeding unit shifts from the housed state to the paper passing state, it is possible to make it possible to pass the paper without resetting the paper.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the sheet separating portion includes a sheet feeding member and a sheet separating member, and all positions other than the vicinity where the sheet passing state and the sheet passing state are entered. The sheet feeding member and the sheet separating member are separated from each other.

  According to this configuration, the sheet separating member is not affected by the movement of the sheet feeding member, and the sheet setting table can be set to the sheet feeding state or the storing state with a simple configuration.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first and second aspects, the first side surface having the first paper feed unit, the lower side of the first paper feed unit in the vertical direction, and the second paper discharge. A second sheet feeding unit having an opening is provided at a position above the unit.

  With this configuration, the transport path from the second paper feed unit to the first paper discharge unit is substantially linear, and can be used for special purposes such as passing paper that does not need to be bent, such as thick paper or glossy paper. .

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, when the paper placement table of the first paper feed unit is in a paper passing state, the paper cannot be inserted into the opening of the second paper feed unit. It is characterized by having a simple structure.

  With this configuration, since either one of the first and second sheet feeding units can be used exclusively, it is possible to clearly indicate which sheet feeding unit is to be used, and it is possible to avoid erroneous operation by the user. .

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the second paper feed unit is provided with a movable installation table, and the paper installation table of the first paper supply unit is in a stored state. The movable installation base is configured to protrude to the user operation side.

  With this configuration, it is possible to improve the visibility of the paper setting position when using the second paper feeding unit, and it is possible to improve the setting property by functioning as a guide. Since the projections are interlocked, it is not necessary for the user to take out the movable installation base of the second paper feed unit, so that the operation is excellent and the possibility of erroneous operation can be reduced.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the first paper feed unit can feed roll paper.

  With this configuration, the first paper feeding unit can be configured in a compact manner, and the paper removal can be provided without impairing the take-out property of the discharged paper, and the space can be saved without deteriorating the paper quality such as humidity and dust. be able to.

  The inventions according to claims 12 and 13 are characterized in that in the image forming apparatus according to claims 1 to 11, the image reading unit is provided on the upper surface of the device, and the operation unit and the display unit are further provided on the upper surface of the device. And

  With this configuration, even when configured as a multifunction machine or a copier, space saving can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, it has excellent operability for handling discharged paper, has both space-saving properties, has no restrictions on installation location, etc., and can further improve work efficiency. Even if it is installed in a high place or the like, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain an inexpensive image forming apparatus that does not deteriorate the operability.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a process cartridge that forms an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. Schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of another image forming apparatus in the present embodiment Schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a comparative example with the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment The elements on larger scale which show the relationship between the 2nd paper feed part and the paper feeding state of the 1st paper feed part in this embodiment The elements on larger scale which show the relationship between the accommodation state of the 1st sheet feeder in this embodiment, and the 2nd sheet feeder. The elements on larger scale which show the relationship between the accommodation state of another 1st sheet feeder in this embodiment, and the 2nd sheet feeder. The elements on larger scale which show the relationship between another 1st sheet feeding part and 2nd sheet feeding part in this embodiment. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. The perspective view which shows the whole structure of another image forming apparatus in this embodiment. Schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus having another exposure apparatus in the present embodiment

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a process cartridge constituting the image forming apparatus. This example shows an image forming apparatus using a general electrostatic imaging method, and does not limit the effect of the present invention.

  Laser light emitted from the exposure apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 exposes the photosensitive member 201 in the process cartridge 2 to draw a latent image, which is developed by the developing unit 202. On the other hand, the sheet 106 set on the sheet setting table 103 constituting the first sheet feeding unit 10 provided on the first side surface of the image forming apparatus is separated and fed by the sheet feeding member 101 and sent to the tip position correcting unit 104. The image is transferred to the image transfer unit 3. The previously developed image is transferred to the paper 106 by the image transfer unit 3 and sent to the image fixing unit 4.

  In the image fixing unit 4, the image is fixed on the paper 106 and conveyed to the first paper discharge unit 5 or the second paper discharge unit 7. A transport path switching unit 17 is provided downstream of the image fixing unit 4, and the transport path of the paper 106 is linked to the first paper discharge unit 5 side in conjunction with opening and closing of the paper discharge cover 18 constituting the first paper discharge unit 5. Switch to the second paper discharge unit 7 side. Alternatively, it is also effective to use a general branching claw configuration like the transport path switching unit 17a shown in FIG. 3 and perform switching operation by a drive unit and a control unit (not shown) such as a solenoid or a motor (however, the cost increases). ).

  The second paper discharge unit 7 has an opening on the same surface as the first paper supply unit 10, and the paper supply unit and the paper discharge unit are on the same surface (first side surface on the front surface of the image forming apparatus). Good operability. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, when the second paper discharge unit 7 is provided on a general upper surface of the apparatus, it is difficult to remove the paper 106 when the image forming apparatus is installed on a shelf or the like. Problems are likely to occur due to interference with the paper 106 of the first paper supply unit 10.

  In the configuration of the present invention, since the second paper discharge unit 7 is below the first paper supply unit 10, the discharge paper 71 can be easily taken even when the image forming apparatus is installed at a high place. Further, when the image forming apparatus is not used, it is excellent in space saving by storing the paper discharge tray 12 and the paper setting table 103 of the first paper supply unit 10.

  Here, in FIG. 1, the first paper feed unit 10 and the first paper discharge unit 5 are positioned so that the first paper discharge unit 5 is in the vertical direction, and the first paper transport path 6 a that connects them is substantially straight. It has become a shape. The conveyance path (second sheet conveyance path 6b) from the image fixing unit 4 to the second sheet discharge unit 7 is curved, but this needs to be as large as possible to avoid jamming, damage, and deformation of the sheet. . Generally, R30 or more is preferable. Therefore, the height from the image fixing unit 4 to the second paper discharge unit 7 needs to be at least 60 mm in the vertical direction.

  As described above, the first paper discharge unit 5 is positioned above the first paper supply unit 10 to secure a distance (second paper transport path 6b) from the image fixing unit 4 to the second paper discharge unit 7. Therefore, it is possible to avoid increasing the height of the image forming apparatus.

If the angle θ ₁ formed with the horizontal plane of the first sheet transport path 6a that is substantially linear is in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees, the height is about 0.17 to 0.34 times the depth length of the image forming apparatus. Is obtained and effective. When the depth length of the image forming apparatus is “L”, a height of “L × sin θ ₁ ” can be obtained. Therefore, when the depth is 250 mm, a height of about 40 mm can be obtained even at 10 degrees. In general, since an inevitable functional unit is not arranged above the image fixing unit 4, the overall size of the image forming apparatus does not change even when the position of the first paper discharge unit 5 is raised by the above-described layout, and the paper 106 is turned. Can be obtained.

  The second paper discharge unit 7 includes a discharge port 8 and a paper stacking unit 9, and the discharge port 8 is in a position recessed in a concave shape from the outline of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, an opening is formed on the first side surface of the first paper feed unit 10 in the downward direction of the first paper feed unit 10. As a result, the length “l” of the discharged paper 71 is included in the projected area of the image forming apparatus, and the occupied area is smaller than when the discharge port 8 exists in the outline. Further, by setting the length “l” to be shorter than the minimum length of the sheet conveyed to the second sheet discharge unit 7, the leading end of the discharged sheet 71 always protrudes from the outline of the image forming apparatus. The paper can be taken out.

  Next, the configuration of the first paper feed unit and the second paper feed unit in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, FIG. 5 will be described. The first paper feeding unit 10 is composed of a paper separating unit constituted by a paper feeding member 101 and a paper separating member 102 and a paper setting table 103. Downstream of the sheet separating unit is a leading end position correcting unit 104 for the sheet 106, and the sheet 106 stacked on the sheet setting table 103 is sent to the leading end position correcting unit 104 via the sheet separating unit, and the feeding direction correction and feeding are performed. Timing correction is performed. The correction control is performed by calculation processing and control command transmission by a control unit (not shown) according to the detection output of the paper detection unit 105.

The angle θ ₂ formed by the sheet setting table 103 and the first sheet conveyance path 6a is set between 10 degrees and 80 degrees. If the angle is less than 10 degrees, deviation due to the weight of the installed paper occurs. Note that the same angle is preferably set as large as possible within a range in which the sheet separation unit functions properly. This is because the take-out property of the discharged paper 71 is improved. Further, the state of the first paper feeding unit 10 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows the storage state of the first paper feed unit 10. The constituent members are the same as in FIG. The angle θ ₃ between the sheet setting table 103 and the first sheet conveyance path 6 a is locked at a position of θ ₃ > θ ₂ . By doing so, the sheet setting table 103 does not protrude from the image forming apparatus and occupy the space. In addition, the function is enhanced by adopting a configuration in which the sheet setting table 103 is also stored by a storage mechanism (not shown). Although not described in detail here, by providing a detection unit that detects either the paper passing or storing state of the paper setting table 103, the control unit recognizes the state, and if necessary, the user can Responses such as prompting operations are possible.

  5 and 6, the sheet feeding unit 101 and the sheet separating member 102 described above are used during the state transition of the first sheet feeding unit 10 to either the sheet passing state or the housed state. ) Also shows an example in which the geometric positional relationship does not change. Here, the sheet feeding member 101 is rotatable in the same direction in conjunction with the rotation of the sheet setting table 103. In this way, when switching between the two states described above, the paper 106 may remain installed on the paper installation table 103, and immediately after changing to the paper passing state, printing is possible.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the sheet separating member 102a that is separated from the sheet feeding member 101 in the sheet separating unit. A link mechanism (not shown) is configured so as to be forcibly displaced to the separation position shown in FIG. 7 except for the paper passing state and the vicinity in that state. In this way, by separating only the sheet separating member 102a with a simple configuration, there is no need for a configuration in which the sheet feeding member 101 is rotatable in the same direction in conjunction with the rotation of the sheet setting table 103. Miniaturization and cost reduction can be realized.

  Further, in the storage state of the paper setting table 103, the paper feed member 101 and the paper separation member 102a are not always kept in contact with each other, and the paper feed member 101 or the paper separation member 102a is prevented from being deformed by being separated. it can.

  Next, the second paper feeding unit will be described. In the overall view shown in FIG. 1, an opening between the first paper supply unit 10 and the second paper discharge unit 7 on the first side is the second paper supply unit 11. As shown in the partially enlarged views of FIGS. 5 and 6, here, a configuration example in which the sheet separating unit is not used is shown. The opening of the second sheet feeding unit 11 is a conveyance path that joins the first sheet conveyance path 6a upstream of the sheet detection unit 105. The sheet detection unit 105 detects an operation of setting a sheet by the user, and is slightly The sheet is held by rotating the leading end position correction unit 104.

  There are two functions obtained by having the second paper feed unit 11. The first function is that printing can be performed while the above-described paper mounting table 103 is accommodated and the space is saved. Secondly, since the paper transport path is almost straight, it is possible to transport even very thick paper or paper with easily scratched surface by using the first paper discharge unit 5 Is to become.

  An insertion preventing member 112 is provided in the middle of the conveyance path from the opening of the second paper feed unit 11 to the tip position correction unit 104. When the first paper feed unit 10 is in a paper passing state, the second paper feed is performed. It is at a position that closes the conveyance path from the paper section 11 (see FIG. 5), and in a stored state, it is at a position where the paper 106 can be set on the conveyance path from the second paper feeding section 11 (see FIG. 6). . Since the insertion preventing member 112 is configured to move in conjunction with the movement of the sheet setting table 103, individual control becomes unnecessary. By setting the insertion preventing member 112, it is possible to eliminate the problem of paper feeding from both the first paper feeding unit 10 and the second paper feeding unit 11. Therefore, it is possible to provide excellent convenience that the user does not perform an operation by mistake.

  Further, the second paper feed unit 11 is provided with a movable installation base 111. This movable installation base 111 has an effect of improving the user's paper setting property and clearly indicating where the paper should be set. Here, in conjunction with the movement of the paper setting table 103 and the paper discharge tray 12, the movable setting table 111 is used when the paper setting table 103 is in the stowed state and the paper discharge tray 12 is in an image forming state. The structure which protrudes in the person side is assumed. Although the configuration is not shown, the configuration may be moved using a configuration movable by a link or a drive unit such as a motor or a solenoid. Moreover, it is preferable to form the movable installation base 111 with a material having permeability. This is because the discharged paper 71 on the paper discharge tray 12 is easy to see.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the first paper feed unit 10a that is a mechanism corresponding to the roll paper 106a. The first paper supply unit 10a includes a roll paper 106a to be stored, paper feed members 101a and 101b that convey the roll paper 106a, and a paper cutting unit 107 that cuts the roll paper 106a. By supplying paper according to the print command, forming a slack between the paper feed member 101a and the paper feed member 101b, and cutting the sheet to a required length by the paper cutting unit 107, continuous printing is possible. By using the same configuration, the space occupied is somewhat larger due to the presence of protruding parts than in the storage state described above, but the number of paper replenishment and setting operations is significantly reduced, and a paper cover can be provided. The device size does not increase. Although the cost is higher than the configuration of the sheet separation unit and the sheet setting table 103 up to the above, since the above-described insertion prevention mechanism, opening / closing detection mechanism, and the like are unnecessary, the total cost increase can be suppressed. .

  With the above-described configuration, the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size and operability, and can be downsized without the need for a mechanism such as a paper discharge unit on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus (FIG. 9). reference). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, if the reading unit 15, the operation unit 14, the display unit 13 and the like are arranged on the upper surface, and a function as a fax machine or a copier capable of reading the document 16 is added, the height is very high. It is also possible to provide a small multi-function machine with low cost.

  Up to this point, an example of an image forming apparatus capable of monochromatic printing has been described. However, the same effect can be obtained by configuring the image forming unit to be compatible with multicolor printing as shown in FIG.

  The first paper discharge unit 5 does not have a feeding member as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 and discharges paper by the conveying force of the image fixing unit 4 as shown in FIG. 5a) may be provided.

  Further, the exposure apparatus 1 is shown in a general configuration that scans with laser light. However, as shown in FIG. 11, by using a small exposure apparatus 1a such as an LED and a color process cartridge 2a, the example shown here is used. It is also possible to achieve further miniaturization.

  The general electrophotographic method has been described, but it is considered that the same effect can be obtained by the ink jet method when the image forming unit is the ink jet method and the drying device is arranged in the image fixing unit.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has excellent operability for handling discharged paper, has both space saving, no restrictions on the installation location, etc., and can further improve work efficiency, and can be operated only from the front. It is possible to obtain an inexpensive image forming apparatus that is not inferior in operability even when installed in a high place or the like, is excellent in space saving of the image forming apparatus, and is useful when configuring the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1a Exposure apparatus 2,2a Process cartridge 3 Image transfer part 3a Image intermediate transfer part 4 Image fixing part 5 First paper discharge part 5a Paper discharge roller pair 6a First paper conveyance path 6b Second paper conveyance path 7 Second discharge Paper unit 8 Discharge port 9 Paper stacking unit 10, 10a First paper feed unit 11 Second paper feed unit 12 Paper discharge tray 13 Display unit 14 Operation unit 15 Reading unit 16 Original document 17, 17a Carriage path switching unit 18 Paper discharge cover 71 Ejected paper 101, 101a, 101b Paper feeding members 102, 102a Paper separating member 103 Paper placement table 104 Tip position correction unit 105 Paper detection unit 106 Paper 106a Roll paper 107 Paper cutting unit 111 Movable installation table 112 Insertion prevention member 201 Photoconductor 202 Development Unit 203 conveying member 204 charging roller 205 cleaning unit 206 toner 207 stirring member

JP-A-5-301398 JP 2005-145667 A

Claims (13)

A first paper feed unit having an opening on a first side surface of the apparatus main body, a first paper discharge unit having an opening on a second side surface, and a first sheet communicating from the first paper feed unit to the first paper discharge unit A transport path, an image forming unit disposed in a vertical direction of the first paper transport path, and an image disposed downstream of the image forming unit and upstream of the first paper discharge unit in the first paper transport path. In an image forming apparatus provided with a fixing unit,
On the first side surface having the second sheet conveying path branched from the position downstream of the image fixing section and upstream of the first sheet discharging section of the first sheet conveying path, and the first sheet feeding section. A second paper discharge section having an opening located below the first paper feed section in the vertical direction, and the first paper transport path is substantially straight, and the first paper feed section is more first than the first paper feed section. An image forming apparatus, wherein a position of a paper discharge unit is positioned upward in a vertical direction, and the second paper conveyance path communicates with the second paper discharge unit.   The image according to claim 1, wherein the first sheet conveyance path leading from the first sheet feeding unit to the first sheet discharging unit is substantially linear with an inclination of 10 degrees to 20 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane direction. Forming equipment.   The second discharge section includes a discharge opening having a pair of discharge rollers and a discharge paper stacking section, and the discharge opening is located at a position recessed in a concave shape from the outer shell of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus described.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a distance from the outer shell of the apparatus to the discharge port is shorter than a minimum length of paper that can be discharged from the second paper discharge unit.   The first sheet feeding unit includes a sheet separating unit and a sheet setting table, and the sheet setting table is in a sheet passing state inclined at a range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees with respect to the first sheet conveyance path; A storage state that moves and locks in a direction in which the angle with the first sheet conveyance path is larger than the sheet passing state, and is in the sheet passing state when printing from the first sheet feeding unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The sheet separating unit includes a sheet feeding member and a sheet separating member, and the geometric position between the sheet feeding member and the sheet separating member is in both the sheet passing state and the stored state, and even during the transition to both states. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the relationship does not change.   The sheet separating unit includes a sheet feeding member and a sheet separating member, and the sheet feeding member and the sheet separating member are separated from each other at a position other than a sheet passing state and a vicinity where the sheet is passed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.   On the first side surface having the first paper feed unit, a second paper feed unit having an opening at a position below the first paper feed unit and above the second paper discharge unit in the vertical direction is provided. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the sheet setting table of the first sheet feeding unit is in a sheet passing state, the sheet cannot be inserted into the opening of the second sheet feeding unit.   The second paper feed unit is provided with a movable installation table. When the paper installation table of the first paper supply unit is in the stored state, the movable installation table protrudes toward the user operation side. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first paper feeding unit is capable of conveying roll paper.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image reading unit on an upper surface of the apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit and a display unit on an upper surface of the apparatus.

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