JP3446333B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet feeding tray arranged in a sheet feeding section and an image forming apparatus in which a space on a side of the sheet feeding section is formed as an accommodating section of a process apparatus. A paper feed tray of a size smaller than the maximum size is arranged on one side of the main body of the forming apparatus, and a process device or the like is arranged in the space formed on the side of the paper feed tray of a size smaller than the maximum size. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of effectively utilizing a space portion inside a machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine and a laser beam printer, a paper feed path from a manual feed tray is connected to a paper feed path from a paper feed tray, and the paper feed tray is arranged. The recording paper can be created using special paper that cannot be stored in. For example, in the example disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-231324, a plurality of paper feed trays are arranged in the paper feed unit of the apparatus main body in a vertically stacked state, and are arranged vertically on one side of the apparatus main body. The sheet can be sent out toward the image recording unit via the sheet conveying path. In the conventional example, the image forming apparatus 1A as an electrophotographic copying machine is configured as an apparatus having a mechanism as shown in the schematic view of FIG. Similarly, a means for forming a toner image is arranged on the photosensitive drum 2. Further, when the image forming apparatus 1A is configured as an optical reading type copying machine, a platen glass is arranged on the upper part of the apparatus main body, and means for transmitting the light for scanning the image of the original toward the photoconductor drum is provided. Can be configured.

In the image forming apparatus as described above,
The paper feed unit 10 is arranged at the bottom of the apparatus main body, and the paper feed unit 10 is
Are provided with a plurality of paper feed trays 11, 11a ... And an intermediate tray 11b is provided. Then, the sheet sent out from the sheet feeding tray of the sheet feeding section is conveyed toward the image recording section through the sheet conveying path 17, and the sheet is transferred using the registration roller device 18 arranged immediately in front of the photosensitive drum 2. And the image is transferred from the photoconductor drum 2 by the discharge of the transfer corotron 3a. After that, the paper is fixed through the fixing device 7, and the recording paper is discharged to the discharge tray 2
Discharge toward 1. Further, in the case of making a double-sided copy or a multiplex copy for a sheet made as a single-sided copy sheet, the single-sided copy sheet discharged through the fixing device 7 is returned to the intermediate tray 11 b via the return path 23. The single-sided copy sheet is sent again from the intermediate tray 11b toward the image recording section in correspondence with the double-sided or multiplex mode.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 1A, the manual feed tray 28a is arranged on the side of the main body, and special papers or the like which cannot be accommodated in the paper feed tray are set in the manual feed tray 28a. The sheet feeding device 29a is used to feed the sheet toward the sheet conveying path 17. By making the sheets from the manual feed tray merge at the upstream portion of the registration roller device 18, it is easy to create recording sheets for special sheets such as OHP sheets fed from the manual feed tray. I'm trying to get it done. In addition, the above-described transporting means for double-sided copying is generally used in devices such as laser beam printers, and is a transporting means used in many image forming apparatuses.

[0005]

In the electrophotographic copying machine as described above, a digital type apparatus is often applied, and like the laser beam printer, the image information of the original is stored in the memory. In some cases, it may be possible to make a double-sided copy arbitrarily. And
When constructing a digital electrophotographic copying machine, the information obtained by scanning the image of the original can be output at any timing and written on the photosensitive drum. It is no longer necessary to store single-sided copy sheets in the intermediate tray and then feed the single-sided copy sheets from the intermediate tray in correspondence with the back side copy later. Therefore, it is considered that a return path is incorporated in the main body of the apparatus to immediately supply the one-sided copy sheet toward the copy on the back side without storing the one-sided copy sheet in the intermediate tray.

Further, in the digital type image forming apparatus,
Unlike an optical electrophotographic copier, etc., without integrating the means for scanning the image of the original set on the platen,
It is possible to make a copy by using the image information created by a personal computer or the like. Therefore, in the digital image forming apparatus, the image forming member such as the photosensitive drum can be arranged at an arbitrary position of the apparatus main body.
However, among conventional devices such as laser beam printers,
In the case of a relatively large-sized one, a mechanism similar to that of an electrophotographic copying machine is configured, and it is rare that a device originally designed as a digital image forming device is configured.

Further, in the image forming apparatus as shown in the above-mentioned conventional example, a sheet feeding section in which a plurality of sheet feeding trays are arranged in a stack is provided at the bottom of the apparatus main body, and the sheet feeding trays have the same size. Is configured. And, for example, A3
Paper of size smaller than maximum size such as size, and B5
A device capable of accommodating a sheet of a size smaller than the maximum size such as a size in an arbitrary sheet feeding tray and feeding the sheet toward the image recording unit is configured. However, in a general image forming apparatus, since sheets of A3 size and B4 size are relatively infrequently used, they are usually stored in a paper feed tray below the paper feed unit. Since A4 size paper, which is frequently used, is used in a horizontal feed state, there is a problem that space efficiency is not good if a paper feed tray capable of accommodating paper of a size smaller than the maximum size is used. Further, in the conventional paper feed unit, a thick paper path or a special paper type is used because the paper feed path arranged from the paper feed tray toward the image recording unit forms a path for sharply curving the paper. When making a copy by using the paper feed tray, it is not possible to use the paper feed tray, so that there is an inconvenience that the manual feed tray is used more frequently.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the problem of space when combining a paper feed unit and an image recording unit in a conventional image forming apparatus such as that described above, and accommodates paper of a size smaller than the maximum size. By placing the paper feed tray on the top of the paper feed section and providing an extra space on the side of the paper feed section and arranging the image recording device, etc., the internal space of the image forming apparatus can be used effectively. In addition, a straight paper transport path is constructed from the top of the paper feed tray to be placed in the paper feed section toward the discharge tray so that special paper can be transported in good condition. An image forming apparatus is provided.

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of paper feed trays are arranged in a paper feed unit so as to be vertically stacked and the paper fed from each of the paper feed trays is conveyed to an image recording unit.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a large-sized paper feed tray capable of accommodating a maximum size of paper is arranged below, and a paper of a size smaller than the maximum size is accommodated. The paper tray is arranged above the large paper feeding tray, and the small paper feeding tray is arranged above the large paper feeding tray with their non-paper feeding side portions aligned. A space is formed above the paper tray and to the side of the small paper feed tray, and the image forming means of the image recording unit is provided in the space, and in the space,
Conveying the paper fed from each of the paper feed trays to the image recording unit via a conveyance path having a conveyance portion extending from the lower side to the upper side along the side of the paper feed side of the small paper feed tray. Is characterized by. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a paper reversal conveyance path used for making a double-sided copy is provided in the space portion, and the paper reversal conveyance path is arranged from the lower side to the upper side along the side of the paper feed side of the small-sized paper feed tray. It is characterized in that it is connected to a conveying path having an extending conveying portion. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the image recording unit includes a fixing device, and a conveyance path that connects the paper feeding unit of the small-sized paper feeding tray located at the top of the paper feeding unit and the fixing device is substantially linear. It is characterized in that it is configured in a shape.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, a plurality of paper feed trays are arranged in the paper feed section so as to be vertically stacked, and the paper fed from each of the paper feed trays is conveyed to the image recording section. A scanning unit for reading an image to be recorded by a recording unit is provided at the uppermost position, a large-sized paper feeding tray capable of accommodating a maximum size sheet is disposed at the lowest level, and a sheet size smaller than the maximum size is accommodated; A small paper feed tray, which is smaller than the large paper feed tray, is arranged above the large paper feed tray and below the scanning means, and the small paper feed tray is arranged on the non-paper feed side. Aligning and arranging above the large paper feed tray, a space is formed between the large paper feed tray and the scanning means and to the side of the small paper feed tray. An image forming unit of the image recording unit is provided. In both cases, the paper fed from each of the paper feed trays is fed through the feed path having a feed portion extending from the lower side to the upper side along the side of the paper feed side of the small paper feed tray in the space. It is characterized in that it is conveyed to the image recording section. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a sheet inversion conveyance path used for making a double-sided copy is provided in an area above the uppermost small paper feed tray in the space portion,
The sheet reversing conveyance path is connected to the image recording unit.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus, a large paper feed tray capable of accommodating the maximum size paper is arranged below the paper feed unit, and a paper size smaller than the large paper feed tray is provided. By arranging a small paper feed tray for accommodating the above, above the large paper feed tray, and arranging the large paper feed tray and the small paper feed tray by aligning the non-paper feed side portions, A space can be formed on the side of the small paper feed tray. An image forming unit of the image recording unit is provided in the space portion, and a transport path having a transport portion extending from the lower side to the upper side along the sheet feed side of the small sheet feed tray is provided in the space section. A path for conveying the sheet can be configured. In addition, with respect to the extra space inside the device body,
Process device to be combined with the photosensitive drum and its surroundings,
And, a device such as an image recording device can be arranged,
It becomes possible to effectively use the internal space of the device. Further, it becomes possible to arrange the paper reversal conveyance path for making a double-sided copy above the small paper feed tray of the paper feed section, and it is possible to reduce restrictions on the design of the image forming apparatus. it can.

Further, a sheet feeding device arranged in the uppermost sheet feeding tray of the sheet feeding unit, an image recording unit including a registration roller device and a photosensitive drum, and a conveyance path connecting the fixing device are formed in a substantially straight line. Can be configured to. Therefore, it is possible to store thick paper or special papers in the uppermost paper feed tray and make a large number of copies in succession. Even if the manual feed tray is not used, any paper It is possible to easily create a copy using. Further, the image forming apparatus configured as described above can be configured as an electrophotographic copying machine by arranging a digital scanning device on the upper part of the apparatus main body, in addition to the configuration as a laser beam printer. And
It can be configured as a base device of any image forming apparatus.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the illustrated example. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
The figure shows a case of configuring as a digital type electrophotographic copying machine, in which a digital type scanning device 30 is arranged on the upper part of the apparatus main body, and information obtained by scanning an image of an original is used as an electric signal to form an image forming apparatus main body. Constitutes a means of transmitting to. Further, inside the main body of the apparatus, a sheet feeding section 10 is arranged at a position biased to one side thereof, and the sheet feeding section 1 is provided.
0 are arranged on the upper part of 0, small paper feed trays 13, 13a for accommodating papers of a size smaller than the maximum size, and on the lower part, paper feed trays 14, 14a for accommodating papers of a size smaller than the maximum size. Are arranged. Paper feed devices 15, 15a ... Are arranged in the paper feed trays arranged in the paper feed unit, respectively, and paper feed paths 16, 16a ...
The sheet is sent out toward the sheet conveying path 17 via. In the case of the illustrated example, the paper transport path is
It is configured as a curved path from the side portion of the size tray 14 or 14a having a size smaller than the maximum size to the side portion of the size tray 13, 13a having a size smaller than the maximum size. The transport roller devices are arranged at intervals so as to perform the transport action of the paper.

A space 12 is formed on the side of the size tray smaller than the maximum size to be placed in the paper feed unit and above one side of the size tray of the maximum size or less. Then, the process devices such as the photosensitive drum 2, the transfer roller 3, the developing device 4, and the cleaning device 5 are arranged. Further, the image recording device 8 and the image information processing device 9 and the like are arranged at the lower position of the photoconductor drum, but in addition, a board or the like of the control device can be arranged. It can be arranged with a margin in the relatively large space 12. Further, among the paper feed trays arranged in the paper feed unit 10, the registration roller device 18, the photoconductor drum 2, and the fixing device are arranged with respect to the paper feed device 15 arranged in the size tray 13 having a size smaller than the maximum size at the top. The transport path 19 connecting the devices 7 is formed in a substantially straight line shape. Then, when the registration roller device 18 aligns with the paper fed from the uppermost paper feed tray 13, the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 2, and the toner image is conveyed through the fixing device 7, the paper is fed. Since it can be passed through the transport path 19 and discharged to the discharge tray 21 via the discharge roller 20 without giving an extra bending action to the maximum size of thick paper or special sheets. It is accommodated in the size tray 13 of less than the size so that the paper can be fed.

In addition to the above construction, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention, the sheet reversing / conveying device 22 is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body.
When making a double-sided copy or a multiplex copy, the sheet reversal conveyance path provided in the sheet reversal conveyance device 22 can be used. The sheet reversing and conveying device 22
Then, it is connected to the return path 23 via a branching section 19a provided in the discharge section of the transporting path 19, but at the branching section 19a, it is branched in a U-turn form or switched back according to the processing mode of the sheet. It can be returned to its original shape. Then, the inversion path 25 is connected to the return path 23, and the conveyance path 1
By providing the merging passage 27 that is connected toward 9, the sheet discharged from the fixing device as the single-sided copy sheet is reversed through the sheet reversing / conveying device 22 to perform the sheet feeding corresponding to the back side copy. To get it.

Further, the carrying roller device arranged in the paper reversing / conveying device 22 is constituted as a roller device which can be driven in the forward and reverse directions, and according to a detection signal from a sensor or the like arranged in a paper conveying path of the paper reversing / conveying device. It is the same as that of the conventional reversing device that the sheet can be processed. Although the discharge tray 21 is arranged at the end of the transport path 19, a post-processing device such as a sorter can be connected instead of the discharge tray, as in the case of a general image forming apparatus. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, by arranging the paper feed tray corresponding to the size smaller than the maximum size to be arranged in the paper feed section in one side of the upper part of the apparatus main body, It is possible to form a spare space on the other side of the paper feeding unit. Further, in the present invention, even when a large number of paper feed trays are arranged in a stack in the paper feed unit, it is not necessary to arrange the process device above the paper feed unit.
It is not necessary to limit the number of paper feed trays in order to limit the height of the entire apparatus.

In addition to configuring the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the present invention can also configure an image forming apparatus 1a as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed tray and the paper feed system of the paper feed unit arranged in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1a are configured as in the case of FIG. A vertical manual feed tray 28 and a sheet feeding device 29 are provided for the sheet reversing and conveying device 22 arranged in
It constitutes a means for feeding the sheet toward the conveyance path 19 of the image recording section via the joint flow path 27. The sheet reversing and conveying device 22
The manual feed tray 28 arranged corresponding to the above is configured as a tray that can be configured as a means for setting a plurality of sheets and feeding the sheets while separating them by the sheet feeding device 29.
When the manual paper feed mode is selected, it is also possible to continuously feed special size sheets and the like.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the conveyance path 1
A method is used in which the photoconductor drum 2 is positioned below 9 and a toner image is transferred onto the lower surface of the conveyed paper. Therefore, it is not possible to use a device that conveys the lower surface of the paper while supporting the lower surface of the paper with a belt or the like, similarly to the general conveying means for the paper carrying the unfixed toner image. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to arrange the conveying device 6 that sucks and conveys the upper surface of the sheet by using the belt device so as to configure the conveying device that does not affect the image surface of the sheet. As the conveying device 6, for example, an electrostatic adsorption belt can be used, and a conventionally known electrostatic adsorption belt device configured in an endless shape is disposed on the upstream and downstream portions of the sheet in the sheet conveying direction. It can be driven through a member to exert a conveying action on a sheet.

Further, as the conveying device 6, a vacuum suction type belt device can be used, and a suction hole is provided in the belt, and a suction fan is connected to the vacuum suction member to form a sheet. It is possible to carry out the paper transport operation in a state where the upper surface of the sheet is sucked. further,
When the conveying device 6 is configured as a vacuum suction type device, if a means for limiting the suction hole of the belt according to the sheet size is provided, the sheet can be efficiently conveyed. As the vacuum suction type sheet conveying belt device, any conventionally known device having a mechanism can be used. Then, as shown in FIG.
The means for sucking and conveying the back surface of the paper between the photoconductor drum 2 and the fixing device 7 can be provided in the image forming apparatus of FIG.

[0020]

Embodiment 2 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, instead of arranging a photoconductor drum below a conveying path passing through an image recording section, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. It is also possible to arrange the photoconductor drum on the upper part of the path 19 to form a sheet conveying device. In the example of the image forming apparatus 1b shown in FIG. 3, the photoconductor drum 2 is arranged above the conveying path, and the image recording device 8 and the like are provided above the paper feed section 10 to provide image information for the photoconductor drum. To write. Further, the sheet reversing / conveying device 22 may be arranged for the space 12 formed on the side of the size tray 13 ... Which is smaller than the maximum size arranged in the paper feeding unit 10 to support double-sided copying or multiplex copying. Is configured as follows.
In the image forming apparatus 1b, the image recording device 8 includes
A means for irradiating two laser beams to perform writing is configured, and two developing devices 4, 4a are provided for the photosensitive drum 2.
By arranging, it is possible to form a two-color image.
As the two-color image forming means arranged in the image recording apparatus, as in the case of the two-color image recording apparatus used in the conventional laser beam printer, writing is performed at two locations on the photosensitive drum. In order to perform the above, a large number of mirrors and the like can be arranged inside the image recording apparatus.

In the image forming apparatus 1b shown in FIG. 3, among the plurality of paper feed trays arranged in the paper feed section 10, the size trays 13 and 13a each having a size smaller than the maximum size are provided on the upper portion.
At the bottom, the size tray 14, 14a of the maximum size or less
.. are respectively arranged, the sheet feeding devices 15 are respectively arranged for the respective sheet feeding trays, and are connected to the sheet conveying path 17 through the sheet feeding paths 16. In the size tray 13 having a size smaller than the maximum size arranged at the uppermost part of the paper feeding unit, the paper feeding path 16 from the paper feeding device and the conveying path 19 of the image recording unit are arranged in a straight line, and Even when thick paper or the like is accommodated, the paper can be guided along the linear transport path. Further, the sheet reversing / conveying device 22 can be arranged in the space 12 formed on the side of the size tray smaller than the maximum size of the sheet feeding section 10, and the return path 23 and the return path 23 are provided as in the above-described embodiment. The inversion path 25 is connected in a state of being directly connected, and the joint flow path 27 is formed from the middle of the two paths.
Are connected to the paper transport path 17. A transport roller device capable of forward and reverse transport is arranged in the reversing path 25,
A junction 27 is arranged at the connection between the return path 23 and the inversion path 25 via a branch gate. Then, the sheet introduced from the return path 23 to the reversal path 25 is reversed so that the confluence path 2
7, a single-sided copy sheet is sent out through the sheet conveying path 17 toward the conveying path 19 corresponding to the image recording section.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the size trays 13 and 13a each having a size smaller than the maximum size are configured as large-capacity paper feed trays to accommodate frequently used paper sheets so that they can be used in the paper conveyance path. It is possible to shorten the conveying distance of the sheet, reduce the load on the conveying roller device arranged in the sheet conveying path, and improve the number of copies to be made per unit time. In addition, the size tray 14 of the maximum size or less ...
In addition to paper of sizes smaller than the maximum size, paper of sizes smaller than the maximum size can be accommodated as needed, so as with conventional electrophotographic copying machines, etc. Paper can be accommodated in a size tray smaller than the maximum size and a size tray smaller than the maximum size, respectively, to meet the demand for copying.

[0023]

[Third Embodiment] Although the third embodiment of the present invention has been described in the case where the relatively large-sized image forming apparatus is configured as a laser beam printer or an electrophotographic copying machine, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a desktop configuration. It is also applicable to small type printers. The example shown in FIG. 4 is an image forming apparatus 1.
1 shows a case where c is configured as a small-sized laser beam printer, and a large-capacity size tray 13, 13 smaller than the maximum size with respect to a paper feeding unit provided on one side of the apparatus body.
They are arranged in a state of overlapping a. Then, the paper feed path of the upper paper feed tray 13 is connected to the paper feed path 19 corresponding to the image recording unit, and the paper feed path of the lower paper feed tray 13 a is joined to the paper feed path via the paper paper feed path 17. To A return path 23 of the sheet reversing / conveying device 22 is connected from the end of the conveying path 19, and a reversing path 25 is connected to the returning path 23.
And the merging passage 27 are connected to the merging passage 27 from the reversing passage 25 in a state of reversing the sheet through a branching means (not shown).
Guide to the other side, another image can be transferred corresponding to the back side of the single-sided copy sheet to create a double-sided copy.

In addition to the above configuration, in the image forming apparatus 1c, two developing devices 4, 4 are provided for the photosensitive drum 2.
a is arranged, and the image recording device 8 is provided with means for writing two images. Then, as in the case of the image forming apparatus 1b or the like, the laser light output from the image information output apparatus is reflected through a mirror located inside the image recording apparatus and is applied to the photosensitive drum 2. A two-color image is formed. Further, a process device similar to a general laser beam printer is arranged corresponding to the photoconductor drum, and a toner image is created on the photoconductor drum by a copy creating means using an electrophotographic method. By the discharge of the transfer roller 3, it is possible to transfer to a sheet. In the conveyance path 19 corresponding to the image recording portion of the photoconductor drum, the paper on which the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor drum 2 is conveyed by the conveyance device 6 toward the fixing device 7. Can use a usual conveyor belt device.

In addition to the example shown in FIG. 4, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the paper feeding section 10 provided in the image forming apparatus 1d having a relatively small size is less than two maximum sizes. The size trays 13 and 13a and the one size tray 14 having the maximum size or less are arranged so that the number of sheets that can be fed can be increased. For the size tray smaller than the maximum size of the paper feeding section, the space section 12 is provided on the side of the tray and the sheet reversing / conveying apparatus 22 is arranged to form a conveying path for double-sided copying and multiplex copying. There is. Further, in the image forming apparatus 1d as well, the image recording apparatus 8 is provided with means for irradiating two kinds of laser light, and two-color images can be formed on the photosensitive drum. As the recording device 8 and the developing device 4, it is possible to configure a device that forms an image of one color.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the space portion 1
The image information processing device can be arranged in the space when the sheet reversing / conveying device is arranged for the space 2. In addition, the image information processing device can be arranged in any space inside the device. It may be placed in. In addition to the above configuration,
In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the size tray having a size smaller than the maximum size is arranged so as to be biased to one side of the apparatus main body, and the process is performed with respect to the space formed on the side portion of the size tray having a size smaller than the maximum size. Since the apparatus, the sheet reversing / conveying apparatus, and the like can be arranged, the height of the entire apparatus can be made lower than the number of sheets that can be stored in the sheet feeding unit. Then, by forming the paper feed path from the paper feed tray arranged at the top of the paper feed section and the conveyance path passing through the image recording section in a substantially straight line, the paper fed from the top paper feed tray On the other hand, it is possible to configure a conveyance path that does not give an extra bending action.

[0027]

Since the image forming apparatus of the present invention is configured as described above, a large paper feed tray capable of accommodating the maximum size of paper is arranged below the paper feed section,
A small paper feed tray that accommodates paper of a size smaller than that of the large paper feed tray is arranged above the large paper feed tray, and the non-paper feed side is aligned with the large paper feed tray. By arranging the paper feed tray of 1), a space can be formed on the side of the small paper feed tray. An image forming unit of the image recording unit is provided in the space portion, and a transport path having a transport portion extending from the lower side to the upper side along the sheet feed side of the small sheet feed tray is provided in the space section. A path for conveying the sheet can be configured. Further, a device such as a process device to be combined with the photosensitive drum and its periphery, and a device such as an image recording device can be arranged in the extra space inside the device body, and the internal space of the device is effectively used. It will be possible. Further, it becomes possible to arrange the paper reversal conveyance path for making a double-sided copy above the small paper feed tray of the paper feed section, and it is possible to reduce constraints on the design of the image forming apparatus. it can.

Further, the sheet feeding device arranged in the uppermost sheet feeding tray of the sheet feeding unit, the image recording unit including the registration roller device and the photosensitive drum, and the conveyance path connecting the fixing device are formed in a substantially straight line shape. Can be configured to. Therefore, it is possible to store thick paper or special papers in the uppermost paper feed tray and make a large number of copies in succession. Even if the manual feed tray is not used, any paper It is possible to easily create a copy using. Further, the image forming apparatus configured as described above can be configured as an electrophotographic copying machine by arranging a digital scanning device on the upper part of the apparatus main body, in addition to the configuration as a laser beam printer. And
It can be configured as a base device of any image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is configured as a laser beam printer.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a laser beam printer different from that of FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a general image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 image forming apparatus, 2 photoconductor drums, 6
Transport device, 7 fixing device, 8 image recording device,
10 paper feed section, 13 size tray less than maximum size, 14 size tray less than maximum size, 16
Paper feed path, 17 paper feed path, 19 paper feed path,
21 discharge tray, 22 paper reversing conveyance device, 2
3 return paths, 25 inversion paths, 27 combined paths,
28 manual feed tray, 30 scanning device.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B65H 3/44 G03G 15/00 514

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus that arranges a plurality of paper feed trays in a paper feed section so as to be vertically stacked and conveys the paper sent from each paper feed tray to an image recording unit, and accommodates the largest size paper. A large possible paper feed tray is placed below to accommodate paper of a size smaller than the maximum size,
A small paper tray smaller than the large paper tray,
Above the large paper tray, the small paper tray is arranged above the large paper tray with the non-paper feed side portions thereof aligned. A space portion is formed on the side of the small paper feed tray, the image forming means of the image recording portion is provided in the space portion, and the paper feed side of the small paper feed tray is provided in the space portion. An image forming apparatus, which conveys a sheet fed from each of the sheet feeding trays to the image recording unit via a conveying path having a conveying portion extending from a lower side to an upper side along a side portion. 2. A paper reversing / conveying path used for making a double-sided copy is provided in the space, and the paper reversing / conveying path extends from the lower side to the upper side along the side of the paper feeding side of the small paper feeding tray. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is connected to a conveyance path having a portion. 3. The image recording unit includes a fixing device, and a conveying path connecting the fixing device and a paper feeding unit of the small paper feeding tray located at the uppermost part of the paper feeding unit is formed in a substantially linear shape. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured. 4. An image forming apparatus for arranging a plurality of paper feed trays in a paper feed section so as to be vertically stacked, and for feeding the paper sent from each of the paper feed trays to the image recording section, in the image recording section. A scanning means for reading an image is provided at the uppermost position, and a large paper feed tray capable of accommodating a maximum size sheet is arranged at the lowest level, and accommodates a sheet size smaller than the maximum size.
A small paper tray smaller than the large paper tray,
It is arranged above the large paper tray and below the scanning means, and the small paper tray is arranged above the large paper tray with their non-paper feed side portions aligned. A space portion is formed between the large paper feed tray and the scanning means and lateral to the small paper feed tray, and the space is provided with the image forming means of the image recording portion in the space portion. The paper fed from each of the paper feed trays to the image recording portion via a conveyance path having a conveyance portion extending from the lower side to the upper side along the side of the paper feed side of the small-sized paper feed tray. An image forming apparatus characterized by being conveyed. 5. A paper reversal conveyance path used for making a double-sided copy is provided in a region above the uppermost small paper feed tray in the space portion, and the paper reversal conveyance path is used for the image recording section. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus.