JP5009194B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a digital copying machine, and a facsimile machine that perform printing using standard paper.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses have come to be used in general households, and there is a demand for compact image forming apparatuses. In addition, there is a demand for an image forming apparatus that is provided with a means for suppressing paper jams and ease of paper feeding. In order to solve the problem, paper feeding cassettes and paper feeding trays have attracted attention.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that suppresses generation of wrinkles after fixing and prevents paper jams by providing a moisture-proof material on a wall and / or fence surrounding the paper of a paper feed tray or paper feed cassette. Has been. Further, in Patent Document 2, a paper feed cassette technique that can be applied to various papers in an image forming apparatus in which an upper cover of a paper feed cassette is used as a discharge tray and a paper transport path is arranged to discharge recording paper. Is disclosed.
JP-A-8-119478 JP 2000-247456 A

  However, the above-described conventional image forming apparatus has a problem in that it is an image forming apparatus in which redundant spaces are provided in the height direction because a predetermined space is provided in advance on each of the recording paper and the discharged paper. It was.

  Specifically, for example, an apparatus that can set up to 500 recording sheets is considered, and 500 sheets of recording sheets are set and printing is started. Initially, there are 500 sheets of recording paper, 0 sheets of discharged paper, and the sum of the heights of the recording paper and discharged paper is 500 sheets. When printing starts, the number of recording sheets continues to decrease to 499, 498, and 497, and accordingly, the number of discharged sheets continues to increase to 1, 2, and 3. When printing is completed, the number of discharged sheets is 500, the number of recording sheets is zero, and the sum of heights is also 500.

  Next, consider a case where the recording paper is fed when the recording paper is reduced to some extent. If 200 sheets of recording paper remain and 300 sheets of discharged paper remain, usually the user first removes 300 sheets of discharged paper before setting the recording paper. Thereafter, the recording paper is set up to the limit (300 sheets added in this case). Even in this case, the sum of the heights of the recording paper and the discharged paper remaining in the apparatus is the height of 500 sheets. That is, when considering the use situation of a general image forming apparatus, the sum of the heights of the recording paper set in the apparatus and the discharged paper remaining in the apparatus is below a certain level.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and by integrating the recording paper storage unit and the discharge unit, by providing only the total space of the recording paper and the discharge paper, the height of the apparatus can be reduced. An object is to provide a suppressed image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a recording paper storage unit that stores recording paper and a recording paper discharge paper storage unit in which a discharge unit that stores discharged discharge paper is integrated. A pickup roller for picking up the recording paper stored in the recording paper storage section is provided at a position where the discharge paper on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage section does not reach, and the printed discharge paper is stored in the recording paper in which the recording paper is stored. stored on an upper surface of the part, the recording paper stored in the paper storage unit is characterized Rukoto fed from the lowermost surface.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a recording paper discharge paper sorting member for sorting the recording paper and the discharge paper in the recording paper discharge paper storage unit, and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member causes friction on a contact surface with the recording paper. It includes a reduction members, characterized in Rukoto.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a recording paper storage unit that stores recording paper and a recording paper discharge paper storage unit in which a discharge unit that stores discharged discharge paper is integrated. The recording paper discharge paper storage unit is provided with a recording paper discharge paper sorting member for sorting the recording paper and the discharge paper, and the recording paper stored in the recording paper storage unit is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member includes a pickup roller, and the recording paper discharged sheet partitioning member into contact with the trailing edge of the recording paper, the recording paper stored in the paper storage section, characterized in that it is fed from the uppermost top surface.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a spring that supports a recording paper discharge paper sorting member, and a sensor that detects that the interval between the upper surface of the recording paper and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is less than a certain value. If the provided sequentially height when the number of discharged sheets is increased is characterized Rukoto a low.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the sensor that detects that the interval between the upper surface of the recording paper and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is equal to or less than a certain level, and an up-and-down unit that moves the recording paper discharge paper sorting member up and down. A certain interval is provided between the upper surface of the recording paper and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member .

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a recording paper remaining amount display unit that displays a memory on a wall surface inside the recording paper discharge sheet storage unit, and includes a remaining recording amount display unit and a position of an upper surface of the recording paper discharge sheet sorting member. by comparing, characterized in that you use the paper discharge paper partitioning member as the recording sheet remaining amount detecting member indicating the remaining amount of the recording paper.

  According to the present invention, the discharge paper printed on the same surface as the recording paper set in the recording paper storage unit is placed, and in the conventional apparatus, the height direction space required for the recording paper and the height required for the discharge paper are set. Space required in advance for each direction space, and a device that was redundantly redundant in the height direction was placed on the discharge paper, and the space required for the total height of the recording paper and discharge paper By ensuring only the apparatus and suppressing the height, the apparatus can be made compact and an image forming apparatus that can be used easily can be provided. Further, it is possible to directly use the discharged paper for a transfer 4-rotation color printer or the like by feeding it again.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a writing unit 32, an image forming unit 12 that forms an image, a transfer fixing unit 100, and a recording paper supply unit that supplies recording paper to the image forming unit 12. A recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 integrated with a recording paper discharge unit for stacking the recording paper after passing through the image forming unit 12;

  A photoconductor 30 is disposed inside the image forming unit 12, and the photoconductor 30 is driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. 1, and the surface is charged to a predetermined potential by a charging device 31. Further, the writing unit 32 emits a laser beam L that is light-modulated according to image information read by a reading device (not shown), and the surface of the charged photoreceptor 30 is exposed with the laser beam L, thereby An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 30. The electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by passing through the developing device 33, and transferred onto a transfer belt 101 as an image carrier in the transfer fixing unit 100. The surface of the photoreceptor 30 after the toner image is transferred is cleaned by the cleaning unit 35.

  The transfer belt 101 is stretched by a fixing roller 102 and tension rollers 106, 107, and 108, and is driven to rotate in a direction indicated by an arrow in the drawing by a drive motor (not shown). A full-color image is formed by sequentially transferring and superimposing on the surface. The formed full-color image is heated and melted by the plate-like heating unit 104 as the transfer belt 101 is driven, and further receives pressure from a pressure roller 105 disposed opposite to the fixing roller 102 with the transfer belt 101 interposed therebetween. As a result, the toner image is transferred and fixed on the surface of the recording paper P supplied from the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. The recording medium P that has passed through the pressure unit composed of a pair of fixing roller 102 and pressure roller 105 is conveyed by a pair of conveying rollers 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and discharged by a pair of discharge rollers 37. As shown, it is discharged to the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 and stacked.

  The recording paper P stored in the lower part of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 is conveyed by the pickup roller 38 and is fed only by one sheet due to the difference in frictional force between the separation roller 39 and the separation pad 40.

  In the conventional technology, a certain space is usually secured for storing the recording paper and the discharged paper, and both spaces are not necessarily filled and a useless space is required. However, in this embodiment, it is possible to make the image forming apparatus compact by integrating the recording paper storage unit and the discharge paper storage unit and deleting unnecessary space that is not used. In addition, the discharged paper can be used for a direct transfer four-rotation color printer or the like by immediately feeding the discharged paper again.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 2 shows an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the recording paper on the recording paper storage unit is fed from the bottom surface. FIG. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which the recording paper on the recording paper storage unit is fed from the bottom surface will be described in detail with reference to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  As shown in the drawing, in the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19, the discharge paper is stored so that the bottom surface of the discharge paper overlaps the top surface of the recording paper, and is stored in a form protruding slightly toward the discharge roller 37. Yes. The pickup roller 38 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is provided near the front end of the recording paper and on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. The separation roller 39 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is provided at the upper part of the recording paper feeding unit. The separate pad 40 has a very thin, substantially rectangular shape, and is provided at the bottom of the recording paper feeding section with the surface having the largest area as the bottom surface. The separation roller 39 and the separation pad 40 are provided opposite to the upper and lower portions of the sheet feeding unit, and a small amount of recording paper can pass between the separation roller 39 and the separation pad 40. Have a space. A discharge roller 37 is provided opposite to each of the upper and lower portions of the discharge portion.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, after the paper feeding is started by the pickup roller 38, the separation operation is performed by the difference in frictional force between the separation roller 39 and the separation pad 40. The printed recording paper is discharged by the discharge roller 37 and stored in the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19.

  When a plurality of recording sheets are set in the recording sheet storage unit, if the recording sheets are fed from the upper surface, the sheets are discharged and immediately fed. In the present embodiment, by feeding the recording paper from the lower surface, it is possible to prevent the discharged paper (discharged paper) from being fed until the recording paper feed is completed.

  In this embodiment, the pickup roller 38 and the separation roller 39 have a substantially cylindrical shape, and the separation pad 40 has a very thin, substantially rectangular shape. However, the pickup roller 38 and the separation roller 39 have a shape capable of feeding one sheet of recording paper. Any shape can be applied.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 3 shows a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which a pickup roller 38 is provided in a position other than the discharge paper storage unit in the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a paper discharge paper storage unit 19. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which the pickup roller 38 is provided at a position other than the discharge paper storage unit in the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 will be described in detail with reference to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. explain.

  In FIG. 3, the difference from the configuration of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in FIG. 2 described above is that the pickup roller 38 does not contact the portion where the discharge paper in the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 is stored. It is located near the front edge of the paper. That is, the area of the overlapping surface of the discharged paper and the recording paper is smaller than the area of FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, the pickup roller 38 that picks up the recording paper is provided at a position where the discharged paper does not reach, thereby preventing the discharged paper from being fed again.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 4 shows an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is stored so that there is no overlapping surface between the recording paper and the discharge paper. FIG. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 stored so that there is no overlapping surface between the recording paper and the discharge paper will be described in detail with reference to a cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  4 is different from the configuration of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in FIG. 3 described above in that the recording paper and the discharge paper are stored without overlapping. The upper surface of the recording paper and the lower surface of the discharged paper are not in contact with each other and are stored in the same surface in a row.

  According to the present embodiment, the recording paper and the discharged paper are stored on the same surface (the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19) without overlapping, so that it is possible to prevent the discharged paper from being fed again. Become. Further, it is possible to easily feed the recording paper and take out the discharged paper.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 5 shows an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the recording paper discharge paper storage member 19 is provided on the upper surface of the recording paper. It is sectional drawing shown. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is provided on the upper surface of the recording paper will be described in detail with reference to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  5 is different from the configuration of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in FIG. 1 described above in that a recording paper discharge paper sorting member is provided on the upper surface of the recording paper. The recording paper discharge paper sorting member has a substantially rectangular shape, and is provided in contact with the upper surface of the recording paper and the lower surface of the discharge paper. That is, the discharged paper is discharged onto the upper surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member.

  According to this embodiment, it is possible to clearly separate the recording paper and the discharged paper by separating the recording paper and the discharged paper by the recording paper discharge paper sorting member, and it is easy to feed the recording paper and take out the discharged paper. Can be done.

  In this embodiment, the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is substantially rectangular, but any shape and size can be applied as long as the recording paper and the discharge paper can be clearly separated.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 6 shows a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which a recording paper discharge paper sorting member is provided on the top surface of the recording paper, and the recording paper is fed from the bottom surface of the recording paper. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 to be fed. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is provided on the upper surface of the recording paper and the recording paper is fed from the lowermost surface of the recording paper is shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. The details will be described.

  6 differs from the configuration of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in FIG. 5 described above in that a pickup roller 38 is provided at a position near the front end of the recording paper and on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. It is in place. After the paper feeding is started by the pickup roller 38, the separation operation is performed by the difference in frictional force between the separation roller 39 and the separation pad 40. The printed recording paper is discharged by the discharge roller 37 and stored on the upper surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19.

  According to the present embodiment, by feeding the recording paper from the lowermost surface, the range in which the recording paper advances after feeding is narrowed, so that it is easy to design. Moreover, since the total pressure of the recording paper, the sorting member, and the discharged paper is applied to the fed recording paper, even if the number of discharged paper is zero and the recording paper is in the state of the sorting member, The last recording sheet can be picked up by gravity.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 7 shows an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the pickup roller 38 is provided on the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. It is sectional drawing. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which the pickup roller 38 is provided on the recording paper discharge paper sorting member will be described in detail with reference to a cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the difference from the configuration of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in FIG. 5 described above is that the pickup roller 38 is provided near the front end of the recording paper and on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. It is where That is, it has a structure like an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) part. After the paper feeding is started by the pickup roller 38, the separation operation is performed by the difference in frictional force between the separation roller 39 and the separation pad 40. The printed recording paper is discharged by the discharge roller 37 and stored on the upper surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. Since the pickup roller 38 is in contact with the upper surface of the recording paper, the recording paper is fed from the uppermost surface.

  According to this embodiment, since the recording paper is fed from the uppermost surface, the total pressure of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member and the discharge paper is applied to the recording paper. Even in this state, the last recording paper can be picked up by the gravity of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. In addition, since the pressure range is narrower than that of the sixth embodiment described above, the pickup roller can be easily designed. Further, it is possible to serve as a separator by sticking a sheet having a strong frictional force to a portion located at the rear end of the recording paper farthest from the pickup portion on the lower surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 8 shows a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which a recording paper discharge paper sorting member is provided, and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member has friction with the recording paper. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of the recording paper discharge paper storage part 19 devised so that it may decrease. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 provided with a recording paper discharge paper sorting member and further designed to reduce friction with the recording paper in the recording paper discharge paper sorting member will be described with reference to FIG. It demonstrates in detail using sectional drawing shown.

  8 differs from the configuration of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in FIG. 7 described above in order to reduce friction between the recording paper discharge paper sorting member and the recording paper so that the recording paper is smoothly conveyed. This is where the roller was provided. If there is friction, the force required for the pickup roller 38 to pull the paper increases. In FIG. 8, the roller is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member and at a position near the rear end of the recording paper.

  According to the present embodiment, by providing a member that reduces friction such as a roller on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member and on the contact surface with the recording paper, it becomes possible to smoothly carry the paper feed. .

  In this embodiment, the roller has been described as an example of a member for reducing friction. However, various methods such as a device for reducing friction, for example, using a material having a low friction coefficient, such as a rib, are applied. Is possible. In this embodiment, the pickup roller 38 is provided near the front end of the recording paper and on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. However, the pickup roller 38 is close to the front end of the recording paper. The present invention can also be applied to the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 provided at the position and on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19.

(Embodiment 9)
FIG. 9 shows an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is supported by a recording paper other than the recording paper. FIG. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is supported other than the recording paper will be described in detail with reference to a cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  9 differs from the configuration of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in FIG. 6 described above in that the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is held by a spring fixed to the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. It is in place. Since the spring expands and contracts at f = kx, that is, x = f / k, the spring is contracted and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is lowered as the discharge paper increases.

  According to this embodiment, the member that separates the recording paper and the printed discharged paper is supported by a spring, not on the recording paper, and has a structure in which the height decreases sequentially as the number of discharged paper increases. For this reason, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the weight of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member and the discharge paper to be given to the recording paper, and to make the force required for paper supply constant.

  In this embodiment, the spring fixed to the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 has been described as an example of supporting the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. However, as the number of discharged paper increases, the recording paper discharge paper sorting member increases. Various mechanisms can be applied as long as the mechanism is lowered. For example, the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is supported by a spring or the like from the lateral surface of the recording paper storage unit 19, or the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is attached by a spring or the like from the top of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. It is possible to apply even if it is.

  In this embodiment, the example in which paper is fed from the bottom surface of the recording paper has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where paper is fed from the top of the recording paper. In this case, the structure is similar to that of the ADF unit, and the total weight of the sorting member and the discharge paper applied to the recording paper and the recording paper pickup unit is constant.

(Embodiment 10)
FIG. 10 shows the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is supported by the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 other than the recording paper. It is sectional drawing which shows an example. FIG. 11 is a sectional view in which only the recording paper, discharged paper, and recording paper discharged paper sorting member shown in FIG. 10 are extracted. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which a sensor is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member will be described in detail with reference to cross-sectional views shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the sensor is located at the bottom of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member at a position where the line perpendicular to the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 from the center of the discharge paper intersects the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. Is provided. The sensor detects that the distance between the upper surface of the recording paper and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is equal to or less than a certain value or has come into contact. The fact that the upper surface of the recording paper and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member are in contact means that the discharged paper has not been taken and is left as it is. When it is detected that the contact is below a certain level or contact, the user is prompted to stop the printing operation or sound an alarm to take out the discharged paper.

  According to this embodiment, when the number of discharged sheets increases by providing a sensor that detects that the distance between the upper surface of the recording sheet and the recording sheet discharge sheet sorting member is less than or equal to a certain value, Since the user is prompted to take out the discharged paper by sounding an alarm, the operability can be improved. Further, the case where the number of discharged sheets is increased includes the case where the number of recording sheets is reduced, so that it is possible to notify the user that the number of recording sheets has decreased.

  In addition, when it is detected that the sorting member has fallen more than expected for some reason and the distance between the recording paper and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is below a certain level or has come into contact, the printing operation is stopped or an alarm is sounded. It is possible to avoid or notify dangerous actions.

  In the present embodiment, a sensor is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member, at a position where the line perpendicular to the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 from the center of the discharge paper intersects the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. Although the provided example has been described, the position of the sensor may be a position where the distance between the upper surface of the recording paper and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is equal to or less than a certain value or can be detected.

(Embodiment 11)
FIG. 12 shows the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the recording paper, discharge paper, and recording paper discharge of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 provided with sensors and rack gears. It is sectional drawing which extracted only the paper division member. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 provided with a sensor and a rack gear will be described in detail with reference to a cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  12 differs from the configuration of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in FIG. 9 described above in that the height of the top surface of the recording paper is measured on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member, and the recording paper top surface and the recording paper discharge A sensor is provided to detect that the distance of the paper sorting member has become a certain distance or less, and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is provided with a rack gear connected to a motor. When the motor rotates, the rack gear also rotates, and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member can be moved up and down. The rack gear is rotated based on the distance between the upper surface of the recording paper measured by the sensor and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member, and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is kept at the minimum necessary height. Further, when the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is lifted for paper feeding, it automatically lifts up to the top surface.

  According to the present embodiment, since the recording paper discharge paper sorting member can be moved up and down based on the distance between the recording paper upper surface measured by the sensor and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member, the structure becomes complicated. The recording paper discharge paper sorting member can be sufficiently lowered to a lower position without affecting the recording paper feeding, and the overall height of the image forming apparatus can always be lowered optimally.

  In this embodiment, the example in which the rack gear is rotated based on the distance between the recording paper upper surface measured by the sensor and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member to keep the recording paper discharge paper sorting member at the minimum necessary height has been described. However, it is possible to determine by the sensor how far the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is lowered. It is also possible to reduce the weight applied to the recording paper to a certain level or less.

  In addition, a sensor is provided on the upper surface of the recording paper discharge paper member. When the sensor detects that there is paper discharge, the height of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is sequentially reduced by controlling the motor and rack gear for each print. It is also possible to do.

Embodiment 12
FIG. 13 is a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is provided with a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 provided with a recording paper discharge paper sorting member that can immediately identify when the recording paper runs out. It is a figure which shows the example of. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 provided with a recording paper discharge paper sorting member that can immediately identify when the recording paper runs out will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The recording paper discharge paper sorting member provided in the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 shown in FIG. 13A is entirely or partially made of a member having a transparency that is higher than the recording paper below it. Is configured. On the other hand, the recording paper discharge paper sorting member shown in FIG. 13B has a structure in which notches and holes are partially opened and the recording paper can be seen.

  Although the recording paper stored in the lower portion of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member could not be visually observed by the recording paper discharge paper sorting member, according to the present embodiment, the recording paper can be seen from above the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. Therefore, it is possible to immediately identify when the recording paper runs out.

(Embodiment 13)
FIG. 14 is a recording paper discharge sheet storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and includes a recording paper discharge sheet storage unit 19 that uses a recording paper discharge sheet sorting member as a recording sheet remaining amount detection member. It is a figure which shows an example. In the present embodiment, an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 that uses a recording paper discharge paper sorting member as a recording paper remaining amount detection member will be described in detail with reference to the diagram shown in FIG.

  Since the position of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member changes depending on the remaining amount of recording paper, the remaining amount of recording paper can be indicated based on the position of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. In FIG. 14, the memory is printed or stamped on the inner wall surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 (recording paper remaining amount display unit). By comparing the remaining recording amount display section with the position of the upper surface of the recording sheet discharge sheet sorting member, the remaining amount of recording sheet can be known.

  According to the present embodiment, by comparing the recording remaining amount display portion and the position of the upper surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member, the recording paper discharge paper sorting member can be used as a recording paper remaining amount detection member. It is possible to easily and immediately know the remaining amount of recording paper.

(Embodiment 14)
FIG. 15 shows a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, which uses the recording paper discharge paper sorting member as a tray when manually feeding paper. It is a figure which shows the example of. In the present embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 that uses the recording paper discharge paper sorting member as a tray when manually feeding paper will be described in detail with reference to the drawing shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is located with respect to the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 with the front end of the recording paper in contact with the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. It is set up diagonally. When manual paper feeding is performed, this recording paper discharge paper sorting member is used as a tray. In FIG. 15, the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is provided obliquely with respect to the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19, but may be provided perpendicular to the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. Good.

  According to the present embodiment, the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is used as a tray when manually feeding the recording paper discharge paper sorting member by standing upright or obliquely with respect to the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. Therefore, paper feeding can be easily performed.

(Embodiment 15)
FIG. 16 shows the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which a sensor is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member, and the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 provided with a notch. An example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which a sensor is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member and a notch is provided in the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 will be described with reference to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. This will be described in detail.

  FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 when recording paper is stored. As shown in the drawing, a sensor (recording paper absence sensor) is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. When the recording paper is stored, the sensor is in the ON state because it is in contact with the recording paper. Further, a notch is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 at a position facing the sensor. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 when no recording paper is stored. As shown in the drawing, when the recording paper is not stored, the actuator enters the notch provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 and is turned off.

  According to the present embodiment, the sensor can detect the case where no recording paper is stored, so the image forming apparatus can detect that no recording paper is stored. In addition, when no recording paper is stored, a warning is issued with an error sound, so that the user can be notified that no recording paper is stored, thereby improving user operability.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the actuator enters the notch provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 has been described. It is possible.

(Embodiment 16)
FIG. 17 shows a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which a sensor is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 and the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 provided with a notch. In this embodiment, an example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which a sensor is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 and a notch is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is shown in FIG. This will be described in detail with reference to cross-sectional views.

  17 differs from the configuration of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in FIG. 16 described above in that a sensor is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 and a notch is formed on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. It is in place. The notch is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member at a position facing the sensor. When recording paper is stored, the sensor comes into contact with the recording paper and is turned on. However, when the recording paper runs out, the actuator enters the cutout on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member and is turned off. Further, the actuator is configured not to protrude from the upper surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member.

  According to the present embodiment, the sensor can detect the case where no recording paper is stored, so the image forming apparatus can detect that no recording paper is stored. In addition, when no recording paper is stored, a warning is issued with an error sound, so that the user can be notified that no recording paper is stored, thereby improving user operability. Further, since the actuator does not protrude from the upper surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member, it is possible to accurately know the presence or absence of the recording paper.

(Embodiment 17)
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which a recording paper storage unit and a discharge unit are cassetteized. . In the present embodiment, an example of an image forming apparatus including a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which a recording paper storage unit and a discharge unit are cassetteized will be described in detail with reference to a cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is formed as a cassette, and the recording paper storage unit and the discharge unit are placed in the same cassette.

  According to the present embodiment, handling can be facilitated by allowing the recording paper and the discharged paper to enter the same cassette. For example, in the case of mass printing, 500 recording sheets are put into a cassette, the cassette is set in the image forming apparatus, and printing is started. When the cassette is taken out after the printing is completed, 500 printed recording sheets are contained in the cassette. Since it is in the cassette, it can be shipped as it is, and convenience is improved.

(Embodiment 18)
FIG. 19 shows an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the fed recording paper moves so as to surround the image forming unit and is discharged to the discharge unit. It is sectional drawing. In the present embodiment, an example of an image forming apparatus in which the fed recording paper moves so as to surround the image forming unit and is discharged to the discharge unit will be described in detail with reference to a cross-sectional view shown in FIG. .

  As shown in the drawing, the recording paper that has been transported from the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 by the pickup roller 38 and is fed by one sheet due to the difference in frictional force between the separating roller 39 and the separating pad 40 is transported by the transport rollers 41 to 45. The paper is transported along a transport path including the image forming unit, and is discharged to the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19.

  According to this embodiment, the recording paper moves so as to surround the image forming unit, so that the output is necessarily face-down, and the printed recording paper is output in the order of one page and two pages. Is possible. In addition, since it proceeds on the outer peripheral surface of the image forming apparatus, it is advantageous for feeding thick paper or the like.

  As described above, in each of the embodiments, the image forming apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 20 in which the recording paper is fed and the discharged paper is discharged from the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 from different directions has been described. It is also possible to carry out from the same direction. However, by feeding the recording paper and discharging the discharged paper from different directions, the necessary rollers can be distributed and stored, and the height of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed. Also, considering the overall configuration, it is not necessary to reversely rotate the rollers.

  The program for the CPU to execute the processing shown in each embodiment constitutes a program according to the present invention. As a computer-readable recording medium for recording the program, a semiconductor storage unit, an optical and / or magnetic storage unit, or the like can be used. By using such a program and a recording medium in a system having a configuration different from that of each of the above-described embodiments and causing the CPU to execute the program, substantially the same effect as the present invention can be obtained.

  Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the preferred embodiment, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described image forming apparatus and can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof.

1 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which recording paper on the recording paper storage unit is fed from the bottom surface. An example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the pickup roller 38 is provided at a position other than the discharge paper storage unit in the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. It is sectional drawing which showed. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is stored so that there is no overlapping surface between the recording paper and the discharge paper. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a recording paper discharge paper storage member is provided on the top surface of the recording paper. A recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a recording paper discharge paper storage member is provided on the upper surface of the recording paper, and the recording paper discharge paper storage for feeding the recording paper from the lowermost surface of the recording paper FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a part 19. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a pickup roller 38 is provided on a recording paper discharge paper sorting member. In the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a recording paper discharge paper sorting member is provided, and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member has been devised to reduce friction with the recording paper. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is supported by other than the recording paper. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a member for sorting the recording paper discharge paper is supported other than the recording paper. . It is sectional drawing which extracted only the discharge paper, the recording paper, and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member shown in FIG. The recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 provided with a sensor and a rack gear. It is extracted sectional drawing. An example of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 provided with a recording paper discharge paper sorting member that can immediately identify when the recording paper runs out. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, which uses a recording paper discharge paper sorting member as a recording paper remaining amount detection member. It is. An example of a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is used as a tray when manually feeding paper, is shown. FIG. In the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, a sensor is provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member, and the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 is notched. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of the recording paper discharge paper storage part 19 provided. The recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a sensor on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 and a notch on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of the recording paper discharge paper storage part 19 provided. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a recording paper discharge paper storage unit 19 in which a recording paper storage unit and a discharge unit are cassetteized. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a fed recording sheet moves so as to surround an image forming unit and is discharged to a discharge unit. . FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in which recording paper is fed and discharged from a recording paper storage unit 19 from different directions. .

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Image formation means 19 Recording paper discharge | emission paper storage part 30 Photoconductor 31 Charging device 32 Writing unit 33 Developing device 35 Cleaning part 37 Discharge roller 38 Pickup roller 39 Separate roller 40 Separate pad 41 Conveyance roller pair 42 Conveyance roller pair 43 Conveyance roller pair 44 Conveying roller pair 45 Conveying roller pair 100 Fixing means 101 Transfer belt 102 Fixing roller 104 Heating means 105 Pressure roller 106 Tension roller 107 Tension roller 108 Tension roller

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus comprising a recording paper storage unit for storing recording paper and a recording paper discharge paper storage unit in which a paper discharge unit for storing discharged paper is integrated .
A pickup roller that picks up the recording paper stored in the recording paper storage unit is provided at a position where the discharged paper does not reach the bottom of the recording paper discharge paper storage unit,
The printed discharged paper is stored on the upper surface of the recording paper storage unit in which recording paper is stored ,
The recording paper stored in the paper storage section, the image forming apparatus according to claim Rukoto fed from the lowermost surface. The recording paper discharge paper storage section includes a recording paper discharge paper sorting member that separates the recording paper and the discharge paper, and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member includes a member that reduces friction on a contact surface with the recording paper. the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Rukoto provided. An image forming apparatus comprising a recording paper storage unit for storing recording paper and a recording paper discharge paper storage unit in which a paper discharge unit for storing discharged paper is integrated.
A recording paper discharge paper sorting member for sorting the recording paper and the discharge paper in the recording paper discharge paper storage unit;
A pickup roller provided on the bottom surface of the recording paper discharge paper sorting member and picking up the recording paper stored in the recording paper storage section;
The recording paper discharge paper sorting member contacts the trailing edge of the recording paper;
The recording paper stored in the paper storage section, the image forming apparatus, characterized in that it is fed from the uppermost top surface. A spring that supports the recording paper discharge paper sorting member;
A sensor for detecting that the interval between the recording paper upper surface and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is equal to or less than a predetermined value on the recording paper discharge paper sorting member;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein sequentially height when the number of the discharge paper increases is characterized Rukoto a low. The sensor for detecting that an interval between the recording paper upper surface and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member is equal to or less than a predetermined value;
Elevating means for raising and lowering the recording paper discharge paper sorting member,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein a constant interval is provided between the recording paper upper surface and the recording paper discharge paper sorting member . A recording paper remaining amount display unit displaying a memory on a wall surface inside the recording paper discharge sheet storage unit, and comparing the remaining recording amount display unit with the position of the upper surface of the recording paper discharge sheet sorting member; the image forming apparatus according to any one of the recording paper discharge paper partitioning member from claim 2, characterized in that you use as a recording sheet remaining amount detecting member indicating the remaining amount of the recording paper 6.

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