JP5386913B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is a copying machine against the paper after image formation with a sheet processing equipment for performing a predetermined processing, a printer, a facsimile, and image forming equipment such as a digital multifunction peripheral having in combination these features Related.

  In an image forming system having an image forming apparatus as a core in recent years, there is an increasing demand for post-processing such as punching, binding, and sorting on copy paper or printout paper. Post-processing apparatuses that perform such processing include a type in which paper is discharged from the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body, and a cylinder space inside the installation area of the apparatus main body, and the paper is discharged into the cylinder internal space. There are types. The former type in which the paper is discharged from the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body is connected to the outer side surface of the image forming apparatus, and the installation space of the entire apparatus constituting the system of the image forming system is large. It was getting bigger.

  On the other hand, in the latter type in which the paper is discharged into the in-body space, the image forming system including the post-processing device has an installation area similar to that of the image forming apparatus alone. Therefore, a significant space saving is achieved with respect to the type of image forming system connected to the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body.

  For example, the invention described in Patent Document 1 or 2 is known as a sheet discharger to such a cylinder space. Among these, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that includes a slide rail that supports the entire sheet post-processing apparatus so that the entire sheet post-processing apparatus can be pulled out, so that the entire sheet post-processing apparatus can be pulled out obliquely forward. In this image forming apparatus, the entire sheet post-processing apparatus can be pulled out diagonally forward so that maintenance of the stapler unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus can be easily performed.

Patent Document 2 discloses a scanner unit for scanning a document, and a transfer sheet that is provided in the apparatus main body and below the scanner unit and discharged onto a paper discharge tray on the front surface of the apparatus main body. In an image forming apparatus having an in-apparatus discharge section that can be removed from the opening section, a transfer sheet stacking position that detects the position of the uppermost transfer sheet discharged and stacked on the in-apparatus discharge section The detection unit, a movable paper discharge tray that is movable so that the tray surface on which the transfer paper is placed are displaced in the stacking direction of the transfer paper, and the movable paper discharge tray are moved so that the tray surface is displaced in the stacking direction. A movable discharge tray moving means, and the movable discharge tray moving means is driven according to the transfer paper stacking position detected by the transfer paper stacking position detecting means to move the movable discharge tray to the surface of the uppermost transfer paper. Position and underside of the scanner Image forming apparatus is disclosed which is characterized in that a movable paper discharge tray movement control means for moving in a suitable position on the loading of the transfer sheet while forming a space for taking out the transfer sheet during.
JP 2005-308911 A Japanese Patent No. 3898358

  As described above, in the invention described in the cited document 1, the entire sheet post-processing apparatus can be pulled out diagonally forward so that maintenance of the stapler unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus can be easily performed. In the present invention, a movable paper discharge tray is provided in the cylinder that moves to a position suitable for stacking transfer sheets while forming a space for taking out the transfer sheets.

  However, in the invention described in the cited document 1, the entire post-processing apparatus is slid, and is not attached or detached in units of each processing unit of the post-processing apparatus. It has not become. Also, what is disclosed in the invention described in the cited document 2 is a movable tray whose stacking height is variable in the in-body sheet discharge unit, and does not have a post-processing function for performing post-processing on paper.

  Furthermore, user-specific specifications are diversified. For example, in the case of user-specified specifications that require a staple function but no punch function, in general, unnecessary punch portions are removed and a dummy is used instead. The unit was incorporated, and the external configuration of the entire unit was used without changing. This state is shown in FIG. FIG. 44 shows an example in which the processing unit F is mounted after the dummy unit DMY is incorporated in the in-body discharge unit, and the reversing unit R is mounted in the front stage of the post-processing unit F. In addition, since the code | symbol attached | subjected in the figure is the same as embodiment mentioned later, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  However, when a dummy unit is incorporated, the dummy unit is a useless part having no function, and the cost of the dummy unit and the space for the dummy unit are wasted.

  Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to promote space saving without waste of parts and space.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an image reading unit that reads an image of a document, and an image forming unit that is disposed across a space provided below the image reading unit and forms an image on a recording member. A punching unit for discharging a recording member from the image forming unit to the space between the image reading unit and the image forming unit, and for punching the recording member in the space. A reversing unit that transports the recording member from the previous stage to the rear stage, or reverses the recording member to return to the previous stage, and a post-processing unit that performs a predetermined post-processing on the recording member carried from the reversing unit in this order. an image forming apparatus to be mounted along a conveying direction of the recording member from the discharging section, when the punching unit is not attached, the reversing unit and processing after the packed arrangement space of the punching unit Unit is characterized in an image forming apparatus is mountable in this order.

In the embodiment described later, the image reading unit is denoted by C, the image forming unit is denoted by B, the space portion is in the in-body discharge space D, the recording member is on the sheet S1, and the discharge unit is on the longitudinal conveyance path 51. the paper discharge port 53 reversing rollers 6, the image forming apparatus to the code PR, punching unit in the code P, the reversing unit code R, the post-processing unit in the code F, corresponding, respectively Re it.

  According to the present invention, when the perforation unit is not arranged in the arrangement space where the perforation unit can be arranged, the reversing unit is arranged in the arrangement space. There is no waste, and space saving can be promoted.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus PR includes a paper feeding unit A, an image forming unit B, and an image reading unit C. A sheet printed by the image forming unit B is stored below the image reading unit C. There is a space, that is, a cylinder discharge space D, and the cylinder discharge space D is provided with a stacking tray D-1 on which sheets are stacked. The image forming unit B is placed on the paper feeding unit A, and the image reading unit C is placed on the image forming apparatus B, constituting one system.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus PR in FIG. The sheet conveyance path includes a vertical conveyance path 51 that picks up a sheet from the sheet feeding unit A and conveys the sheet to the printing unit side, and a double-side conveyance path 52 that conveys the sheet when printing on the back side of the sheet. Conveying roller pairs 1, 2, and 5 are provided along the double-sided conveying path 52, and conveying roller pairs 7, 8, and 9 are provided along the double-sided conveying path 52. On the downstream side of the conveyance roller pair 2 in the sheet conveyance direction, the printing unit 3 that prints an image on the sheet, the discharge roller pair 4 that discharges the sheet onto the stacking tray D-1 in the in-body discharge space D, and the sheet A pair of reversing rollers 6 that rotate in the forward / reverse direction when reversing the sheet and a sheet conveyance path that reverses when stacking sheets, and a first that switches the conveyance direction when feeding the sheet to the duplex conveyance path 52 side. Or third switching claws t1, t2, and t3 are provided. Reference numeral E denotes a right paper discharge unit, and reference numeral 10 denotes a paper discharge roller provided in the right paper discharge unit E. The printing unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum 3a and a transfer roller 3b, and performs printing or image transfer by a known electrophotographic method. In addition, the printing format of the printing unit 3 may use a dye or pigment ink such as an ink jet method or a gel jet method.

  3 and 4 are operation explanatory diagrams showing operations when an image is printed on one side of a sheet. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. Hereinafter, the single-sided image forming operation will be described.

  The image forming unit B acquires image information from the image reading unit C, and the sheet feeding unit A picks up the sheet S1 from the sheet bundle S as shown in FIG. 3 and conveys the sheet S1 to the image forming unit B. In the image forming unit B, the paper is conveyed by the conveying rollers 1 and 2 and the printing unit 3 performs a printing process based on the image information. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet S1 having an image printed on one side is sent to the sheet discharge path by the switching claw t1, and discharged onto the stacking tray D-1 in the in-body sheet discharge space D by the pair of sheet discharge rollers 4. Is done.

  FIG. 5 to FIG. 9 are operation explanatory diagrams showing operations when printing images on both sides of a sheet. As shown in FIG. 5, an image is printed by the printing unit 3 in the image forming unit B on one surface of the sheet S1 conveyed from the sheet bundle S of the sheet feeding unit A, and then the sheet S1 is the first sheet S1. It is conveyed along the vertical conveyance path 51 as it is by the switching claw t1. The paper transported along the vertical transport path 51 is transported by the transport roller pair 5 and, as shown in FIG. 6, the leading edge of the paper is discharged from the paper discharge outlet 53 by the second switching claw t2 (in-body discharge space). ) The sheet is further conveyed by the pair of reverse rollers 6 in the state of being drawn out to the D side. The sheet S1 continues to be conveyed by the reversing roller pair 6, but when the rear end of the sheet S1 passes through the second switching claw t2 as shown in FIG. 7, the second switching claw t2 is switched, as shown in FIG. The reversing roller pair 6 reversely rotates to switch back the sheet S1, and starts to convey to the right conveying path 52a side. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 52 by the third switching claw t3, and the sheet is continuously conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 7, 8, 9 as it is, and again passes through the conveyance roller pair 2 as shown in FIG. Transport to. As a result, printing is performed on the other side by the printing unit 3, and then the sheet S <b> 1 is sent to the sheet discharge path by the first switching claw t <b> 1, and the stack tray D in the in-body sheet discharge space D from the pair of sheet discharge rollers 4. -1 is discharged to the top.

  FIGS. 10 to 12 are operation explanatory views showing operations when the right paper discharge unit E is mounted and the paper is discharged onto the right paper discharge tray E-1. As shown in FIG. 10, the sheet S1 on which the image is printed by the printing unit 3 in the image forming unit B on the sheet S1 conveyed from the sheet bundle S of the sheet feeding unit A is vertically conveyed by the first switching claw t1. It is transported along the path 51, and once transported through the transport roller pair 5 to the reverse path by the second switching claw t2. Although the sheet continues to be conveyed by the reverse roller pair 6, as shown in FIG. 11, when the rear end of the sheet S1 passes the second switching claw t2, the second switching claw t2 is switched, and the reverse roller pair 6 is further moved. Reversely, the sheet S1 is switched back and transported to the right transport path 52a. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the sheets are sequentially stacked on the right discharge tray E-1 with the image surface face down by the discharge roller 10 of the right discharge unit via the third switching claw t3.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration when the additional paper discharge unit D-2 is installed. As shown in FIG. 13, the additional paper discharge unit D-2 is provided with a pair of paper discharge rollers 13 and a stacking tray 14, and the additional paper discharge unit D-2 is a reverse roller for the in-body paper discharge space D of the image forming apparatus PR. It can be added downstream of pair 6. As a result, when the paper S1 is reversed during duplex printing and when discharged to the right paper discharge tray E-1, the reverse roller pair 6 and the paper discharge roller pair 13 perform the same operation, and the paper S1 is placed on the stacking tray 14. Reversal is possible by receiving at. Further, by setting the paper discharge destination as the additional unit D-2, the additional paper discharge unit D-2 is set as a paper discharge destination different from the stacking tray D-1 which is a normal paper discharge destination, and the stacking tray 14 Can be used as a discharge destination.

  FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams showing the state of the device when the post-processing unit F is mounted on the image forming apparatus PR. The stacking tray D-1 in the in-cylinder discharge space D of the image forming apparatus PR shown in FIG. 14 can be removed, and the space of the in-cylinder discharge space D can be ensured to the maximum extent. In this space, a post-processing unit F that performs post-processing on the paper S1 can be mounted. Since the stacking tray D-1 also has a role of a cover that covers the inside of the image forming unit B, after removing the stacking tray D-1, it is covered with a partition plate D-3 as shown in FIG. The inside of the forming part B is protected.

  Since the paper S1 cannot be reversed when the post-processing unit F is mounted alone, the reversing unit R is necessary when the post-processing unit F is mounted, and the perforating unit P is mounted before the reversing unit R according to the user's selection. Is done.

  FIG. 16 shows a state (detachable state) when the punching unit P, the reversing unit R, and the post-processing unit F are sequentially mounted in the in-body discharge space D of the image forming apparatus PR from the upstream side. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the devices are mounted and operable in the above order. The punching unit P has a known configuration in which punching processing is performed at a predetermined position one by one on the edge of the conveyed paper S1. The reversing unit R is a unit necessary for mounting the post-processing unit F in the in-body discharge space D. The reversing unit R receives the paper S1 that comes out of the reversing roller pair 6 of the image forming apparatus PR when the paper S1 is reversed. It has a guiding function so that the reversing operation of the sheet S1 is not hindered even if the space of the in-body discharge space D is closed by the post-processing unit F. Then, the post-processing unit F is mounted downstream of the reversing unit R as shown in FIG.

  The reversing unit R has two transport paths R1, R2, and the fourth switching claw t4 performs switching to the respective transport paths R1, R2. Each of the transport paths R1 and R2 is provided with transport roller pairs 11 and 12 to support transport of the sheet S1. The transport path R1 is connected to the upper transport path F1 of the post-processing unit F, and the transport path R2 is connected to the lower transport path F2. The lower conveyance path F2 is formed by a space between the partition plate D-3 and the bottom surface of the post-processing unit F. The post-processing unit F includes a transport path, a transport roller, an alignment unit, a binding unit, a stacking tray, and the like, and can perform post-processing on the printed paper S1.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the conveyance path P <b> 1 of the punching unit P is connected to the upstream path of the paper discharge roller 6 and is connected to the reverse paths R <b> 1 and R <b> 2 of the reverse unit R. A paper discharge path to the post-processing unit F is formed in a state where the three of the punching unit P, the reversing unit R, and the post-processing unit F are attached.

  FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are diagrams showing the states of the respective parts when the punching unit P is not attached among the three members of the punching unit P, the reversing unit R, and the post-processing unit F. In this case, whether or not the perforation unit P is to be attached is a user option, and here, a case where non-attachment is selected is shown. FIG. 18 shows a state in which the reversing unit R and the post-processing unit F are directly mounted on the image forming apparatus in the in-body discharge space D of the image forming apparatus PR in order from the upstream side. The reversing unit R and the post-processing unit F are mounted from the state of FIG.

  In FIG. 19, it can be seen that since the dummy unit DMY is not mounted in the space (arrangement space) of the punching unit P, the space can be saved by the space of the punching unit P. Naturally, the cost of parts of the dummy unit DMY is also unnecessary, and it is obvious that the cost can be reduced accordingly.

  Hereinafter, the operation when the reversing unit R and the post-processing unit F are mounted (when the punching unit P is removed from the system) will be described.

  20 to 22 are operation explanatory views showing the movement of the sheet S1 when the one-side printed sheet S1 is post-processed. As shown in FIG. 20, the sheet S1 on which the image is printed by the printing unit 3 in the image forming unit B is guided to the reversing path R1 by the first and second switching claws t1 and t2, and the pair of transport rollers 5. It is conveyed by the reversing roller pair 6 and conveyed into the reversing unit R without being reversed. Next, the sheet is conveyed to the post-processing unit F by the fourth switching claw t4 and the conveying roller pair 11 in the reversing unit R as shown in FIG. 21, and after the post-processing as shown in FIG. To be loaded.

  FIG. 23 to FIG. 27 are operation explanatory views showing the movement of the sheet when the double-sided printed sheet is post-processed. As shown in FIG. 23, the sheet S1 on which the image is printed on one side by the printing unit 3 in the image forming unit B is guided to the reversing path by the first and second switching claws t1 and t2, and the conveyance roller pair 5 is used. Are conveyed by the reversing roller pair 6 and conveyed into the reversing unit R as shown in FIG. At this time, the sheet is conveyed into the reversing path R2 different from the conveying path R1 to the post-processing unit F by the fourth switching claw t4 of the reversing unit R. When the trailing edge of the sheet S1 passes the second switching claw t2, the second switching claw t2 is switched, and the reversing roller pair 6 is reversely rotated to switch back the sheet S1 and form an image as shown in FIG. The sheet S1 is conveyed to the right conveyance path 52a and the double-side conveyance path 52 in the part B. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 26, printing is performed on the reverse side of the printing unit 3 by the printing unit 3, and the paper is conveyed again to the reversing unit R as shown in FIG. 27, and the fourth switching claw t4 is switched from the conveyance path R1. The sheet S1 is conveyed into the post-processing unit F.

  FIG. 28 is an operation explanatory diagram showing a state when the right discharge unit E is mounted and discharged onto the right discharge tray E-1. When the right paper discharge unit E is mounted, when the paper is discharged onto the right paper discharge tray E-1, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the printing unit in the image forming unit B is used as in double-sided printing. 3, the sheet S1 on which the image is printed on one side is conveyed into the reversing path 11 in the reversing unit R by the reversing roller pair 6 through the first switching claw t1, the conveying roller pair 5, and the switching claw t2. When the trailing edge of the sheet S1 passes through the second switching claw t2, the second switching claw t2 is switched, and the reversing roller pair 6 is reversed to switch back the sheet S1 as shown in FIG. It conveys to the right conveyance path 52a in the formation part B. Thereafter, the sheets are sequentially stacked on the right paper discharge tray E-1 with the image surface face down by the paper discharge roller 10 of the right paper discharge unit E through the third switching claw t3.

  29 is a diagram showing a state where the post-processing unit F slides and forms an opening with the reversing unit R when the punching unit P is mounted, and FIG. Jam processing is performed in this state. That is, when printing (image formation) is performed in the state of FIG. 17 or 19 and post-processing is performed, if a paper jam occurs in the post-processing unit F or the in-cylinder discharge space D, FIG. 17 or FIG. The post-processing unit F is pulled out from the state, and jamming is performed from the front side of the apparatus. In the operable state of FIG. 17 or FIG. 19, the slide operation is restricted by a lock mechanism described later, and this state is maintained.

  FIGS. 31 and 32 are operation explanatory views showing an example of the locking mechanism in the present embodiment. The locking mechanism includes a moving side hook 21 provided on the post-processing unit F side and a fixed side hook 22 provided on the image forming apparatus PR side. The moving side hook 21 has a main body part rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 21c, a left hook 21a protrudes on the left side of the main body part in the figure, and a right hook 21b protrudes on the right side in the figure. A release lever 21d is provided on the opposite side to the hook protruding side of the shaft 21c. On the other hand, on the image forming apparatus PR side, the fixed side hook 22 is fixed to the image forming apparatus PR, and the slider 23 is elastically biased by the compression spring 24 along the fixed side hook installation surface of the image forming apparatus PR. Has been placed.

  In such a locking mechanism, when the post-processing unit F is closed from the open state of FIG. 29 or 30 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 31), the left hook 21a of the moving hook 21 on the post-processing unit F side is Pushed by the slider 23 urged to the left side by the compression spring 24 from the fixed side hook 22 on the forming apparatus PR side, the moving side hook 21 rotates around the rotating shaft 21c (FIG. 31), and the right hook 21b is fixed. Engage with the side hook 21 to maintain this state and restrict the sliding motion (FIG. 32). The release lever 21d is for releasing the locked state shown in FIG.

  When the post-processing unit F is pulled out to form an opening, the user or operator puts his / her hand into the in-cylinder paper discharge space D. Therefore, it is necessary to disable the operation of the post-processing unit F from the viewpoint of safety. There is. Therefore, the power supply of the post-processing unit F is cut off when the lock is released. FIGS. 33 and 34 are diagrams showing the mechanism and operation for turning off the power. FIG. 33 shows an unlocked state and FIG. 34 shows a locked state. In these drawings, (a) is a plan view and (b) is a front view.

  33 and 34, the front cover 25 of the post-processing unit F is provided with a handle 26 for sliding operation, and the handle 26 is shown on the left side of the front cover 25 by a tension spring 27 (the post-processing unit is pulled out). Direction). The handle 26 is further provided with a convex portion 26 a that abuts on the moving-side hook 21 and a projection 26 b that presses the interlock switch 28. When the post-processing unit F is in the locked state, as shown in FIG. 34, the protrusion 26ba pushes the interlock switch 28, and the post-processing unit F is energized. When the handle is pulled to the left from this state, the convex portion 26a pushes the release lever portion 21d of the moving side hook 21 to release the lock, and at the same time, the handle 26 is pulled to the left by the tension spring 27, as shown in FIG. 26b is separated from the interlock switch 28 by a predetermined amount, and the interlock switch 28 is released. That is, with this configuration, the power supply to the post-processing unit F is cut off when the lock is released.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply path to the post-processing unit F. Power is supplied from the image forming apparatus PR to the post-processing unit F via the interface cable 29, and further supplied from the post-processing unit F to the reversing unit R and the punching unit P. When the drawer connectors 30a and 30b are used for electrical connection from the post-processing unit F to the reversing unit R and the punching unit P, for example, as shown in FIG. The power supply to the unit R and the punching unit P is cut off.

  37 to 39 are views showing an example of the punching unit cover 31. FIG. The perforating unit P includes a perforated waste hopper 32, and maintenance for discarding perforated waste is necessary as needed. Therefore, in order to access the perforated waste hopper 32, it is essential that the cover 31 can be opened. As shown in FIG. 39, the punching unit cover 31 is slidable in the paper transport direction, like the post-processing unit F, and can cover not only the punching unit P but also the reversing unit R. . FIG. 37 shows a state in which the punching unit cover 31 is fully opened, and FIG. 38 shows a state in which it is fully closed. Moreover, FIG. 39 shows the state opened to the middle.

  A protrusion 31a having a tapered portion 31b as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 is provided on the back side of the punching unit cover 31, and the punching waste hopper 32 is close to a predetermined position but is not fit in the predetermined position ( 40), the protruding portion 31a pushes the front portion of the perforated waste hopper 32 by the sliding operation in the closing direction of the perforated unit cover 31 (FIG. 41), and the tapered portion 31b places the perforated waste hopper 32 in a predetermined position according to the protruding amount. Can push in.

  FIG. 42 is a perspective view showing a positioning state of the punching unit P and the reversing unit R. FIG. When the punching unit P is mounted, the punching unit P is positioned and mounted on the image forming apparatus PR by the first positioning part 40 of the punching unit P and the positioning parts H1, H2, and H3 on the image forming apparatus PR side. In addition, when the reversing unit R is mounted, the reversing unit R is positioned and mounted on the punching unit P by the second positioning portion 41 in the reversing unit R and the punching unit P. As a result, it is possible to mount the reversing unit R and the punching unit P that deliver paper between them with high accuracy.

  In the present embodiment, among the positioning portions H1, H2, and H3 on the image forming apparatus PR side, H1 is a positioning hole, H2 is a positioning groove, and H3 is a screw hole. The positioning portions H1 and H2 are formed on the side plate on the back side of the in-body discharge space D of the image forming apparatus PR, and the positioning portion H3 is provided on the side plate on the right side when viewed from the front. Positioning of the reversing unit R and the perforation unit P is performed by a combination of the protrusion 42a and the hole 42b. After the hole 42a of the reversing unit R is inserted into the protrusion 42b of the perforation unit P to define the position, The positioning unit 41 is screwed from the reversing unit R side, and the punching unit P and the reversing unit R are fixed integrally.

  After integrating the punching unit P and the reversing unit R in this way, they are inserted into the in-body discharge space D from the left opening, pressed against the right side (in the direction of arrow T1), and slid toward the back (arrow) T2 direction). As a result, the projections constituting the first positioning portion 40 of the punching unit P fit into the positioning hole H1 and the positioning groove H2 on the image forming apparatus PR side, and the partition plate D-3 and the back of the in-body discharge space D Positioned between the side plate on the side and the side surface on the right side, in this state, the drilling unit P is screwed into the screw hole H3. Thereby, the punching unit P and the reversing unit R are positioned and fixed in an integrated state. After that, as shown in FIG. 29, the post-processing unit F is inserted into the reversing unit R side and brought into close contact to constitute a system.

  When using the above-mentioned dummy, the dummy unit DMY is fixed by the same work instead of the punching unit P, and the system of the same form is configured.

  Further, the reversing operation of the sheet S1 can be performed using only the reversing unit R. That is, when the paper S1 is large, the paper S1 hangs down from the paper discharge port 53 as shown in FIG. 11 described above, and slipping occurs when the reversing operation is performed by the reversing roller 6. It may not be performed with high accuracy. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 43, the reverse unit R is attached to the side plate on the paper discharge side of the in-body paper discharge space D, and is reversed using the reverse unit R. In this case, since the reversing unit R is provided with the conveying roller pairs 11 and 12, the reversing roller pair 6 is not excessively loaded regardless of which conveying path R1 or R2 is used. The operation can be performed with high accuracy.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

1) In the image forming apparatus PR in which the punching unit P, the reversing unit R, and the post-processing unit F are detachable in order from the upstream side in the in-body discharge space D, the upstream side when the punching unit P is not mounted. Since the reversing unit R and the post-processing unit F are arranged in this order in the in-cylinder paper discharge space D and directly connected to the image forming apparatus PR, no dummy unit is required in the case where the punching unit P is not mounted. It becomes. Thereby, the space for mounting the perforating unit P can be reduced, and the cost and space saving for the dummy unit can be achieved. Moreover, since the protrusion part of the post-processing unit F reduces by the amount packed, it does not become obstructive when installed, and the usability can be improved.

2) When the perforation unit P is not installed in the in-cylinder discharge space D, when the reversing unit R and the post-processing unit F are arranged in this order from the upstream side, the post-processing unit slides in the transport direction of the sheet S1. Therefore, when the post-processing unit is slid in the direction away from the reversing unit, an opening can be formed between the two. Thereby, it is possible to easily perform jam processing of the post-processing unit and the reversing unit by putting a hand through the opening.

3) When the punching unit P is mounted in the in-body discharge space D, the punching unit P includes the first positioning unit 40 that connects the punching unit P to the in-body discharge space D of the image forming apparatus PR, and the punching unit. Since the second positioning portion 41 that connects P and the reversing unit R is provided, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of positioning portions in the image forming apparatus PR. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the frame rigidity of the image forming apparatus PR from being lowered and to reduce the cost. In addition, since the adjacent units are directly positioned and connected, the accuracy of the transfer portion of the transport path can be easily guaranteed.

4) The moving side hook 21 and the fixed side hook 22 are provided as a locking mechanism for restricting the sliding operation of the post-processing unit F, and the sliding operation can be locked by the locking operation of both to prevent an inadvertent sliding opening. .

5) Since the power supply to the post-processing unit F is cut off when the lock mechanism for restricting the slide operation is unlocked, that is, the power supply is cut off by opening the interlock switch 28 to the post-processing unit at the same time as the slide opening. There is no danger of malfunction during J jam handling and maintenance.

6) Since power is supplied to the reversing unit R and the punching unit P from the post-processing unit F, when the post-processing unit F slides and an opening is formed between the reversing unit R, the drawer is opened simultaneously with the sliding opening. Since the connectors 30a and 30b are disconnected and the power supply to the reversing unit R and the punching unit P is cut off, there is no risk of malfunction during jam processing and maintenance of the punching unit R and the reversing unit P.

7) When the punching unit P is mounted, the punching unit P includes the punching unit cover 31 that can slide in the transport direction of the paper S1 and slides in the same direction as the post-processing unit F. Easy to understand direction and easy to operate. Further, when the post-processing unit F is closed from the opened state, the punching unit cover 31 is pushed and closed by the front cover 25 of the post-processing unit F or the post-processing unit f, so that the operability is excellent.

8) Since the protrusion 31a is provided on the back surface side of the punching unit cover 31, and the taper portion 31b acting in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction is formed on the protrusion 31a, the punching unit cover 31 is detachably provided. When the perforated waste hopper 32 is not inserted to the predetermined attachment position, the taper portion 31b can be brought into contact with the front end portion of the perforated waste hopper 32 and pushed into the predetermined position. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent the incomplete insertion of the perforated waste hopper 32.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to this embodiment, It cannot be overemphasized that all the technical matters contained in the technical idea described in the claim are object.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an operation when an image is printed on one side of a sheet, showing a state where the sheet is in a printing position. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an operation when an image is printed on one side of a sheet, and shows a state when the sheet is discharged into a cylinder discharge space. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an operation when printing an image on both sides of a sheet, and shows a state where the sheet is in a printing position. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an operation when printing an image on both sides of a sheet, and shows a state in which the leading end of the sheet protrudes into the in-body discharge space when reversed. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an operation when printing an image on both sides of a sheet, and shows a state when the sheet protrudes into the in-body discharge space during reversal and starts reversal by a reversing roller. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an operation when printing an image on both sides of a sheet, and shows a state when the sheet is reversed and conveyed to a duplex conveyance path. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an operation when printing an image on both sides of a sheet, showing a state after being reversed, printed on the opposite side, and discharged into the in-body discharge space. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view showing an operation when the right paper discharge unit is mounted and paper is discharged onto the right paper discharge tray, and shows a state where the paper is in a printing position. An operation explanatory diagram showing the operation when the right paper discharge unit is installed and paper is discharged onto the right paper output tray. The state when the paper protrudes into the in-body paper discharge space at the time of reversal and the reversal roller starts reversal. Show. FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an operation when the right paper discharge unit is mounted and paper is discharged onto the right paper discharge tray, and shows a state where paper is discharged onto the right paper discharge tray. It is a figure which shows a structure when an additional paper discharge unit is attached. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state of a device when a post-processing unit is attached to the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the state of the apparatus in the case of attaching a post-processing unit to an image forming apparatus, and shows the state covered with the partition plate after removing a stacking tray. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state when a punching unit, a reversing unit, and a post-processing unit are mounted in this order in the in-body discharge space of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an operable state in which the punching unit, the reversing unit, and the post-processing unit are mounted in the in-cylinder discharge space in the order shown in FIG. 16. This figure shows the state of each part when the punching unit is not installed among the three units of the punching unit, the reversing unit, and the post-processing unit. Indicates the state when It is a figure which shows the state which mount | wears with the inversion unit and the post-processing unit from the state of FIG. 18, and can operate | move. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating the movement of a sheet when a single-sided printed sheet is post-processed and illustrates a state where the sheet is in a printing position. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram showing the movement of a sheet when a single-sided printed sheet is post-processed, and shows a state where the sheet is being conveyed from the reversing unit to the post-processing unit. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating the movement of a sheet when a single-side printed sheet is post-processed, and illustrates a state where the sheet is stacked on a stacking tray of a post-processing unit. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating the movement of a sheet when a double-sided printed sheet is post-processed, and illustrates a state where the sheet reaches a reverse position from a printing position. FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating the movement of a sheet when a sheet printed on both sides is post-processed and illustrates a state when the sheet is reversed by a reversing unit. FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating the movement of a sheet when a sheet printed on both sides is post-processed, and illustrates a state in which the sheet is reversed by a reversing unit and conveyed to a duplex conveyance path. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating the movement of a sheet when a sheet printed on both sides is post-processed, and shows a state where the sheet reaches a printing position via a duplex conveyance path and is printed on the opposite side. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view showing the movement of a sheet when a sheet printed on both sides is post-processed, and shows a state in which the sheet reaches a post-processing unit through a reversing unit after duplex printing. FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating a state when the right paper discharge unit is mounted and paper is discharged onto the right paper discharge tray. It is a figure which shows a state when a post-processing unit slides at the time of perforation unit mounting, and forms an opening between inversion units. It is a figure which shows a state when a post-processing unit slides at the time of perforation unit non-mounting, and forms an opening between inversion units. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows an example of a locking mechanism, and shows the state before a lock | rock. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows an example of a locking mechanism, and shows the state when it locks. The figure which shows the mechanism and operation | movement which turn off a power supply in response to a locking mechanism, and shows a non-locking state. The figure which shows the mechanism and operation | movement which turn off a power supply in response to a locking mechanism, and shows a locked state. It is a figure which shows the example which used the drawer connector for the electrical connection from a post-processing unit to an inversion unit and a perforation unit, and shows the state by which the post-processing unit was open | released. It is a figure which shows the example which used the drawer connector for the electrical connection from an aftertreatment unit to a reversing unit and a perforation unit, and shows the state where the aftertreatment unit was closed. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a punching unit cover, and shows the state which opened the front cover of the post-processing unit, and the cover of the punching unit. It is a figure which shows the state which fully closed the punching unit cover from the state of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which open | released the punching unit cover to the middle from the state of FIG. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a punching unit cover and a punching waste hopper, and shows the state when closing a punching unit cover. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a punching unit cover and a punching waste hopper, and shows the state at the time of pushing in the punching waste hopper when closing a punching unit cover. It is a perspective view which shows the state of positioning of a punching unit and a reversing unit. It is a figure which shows a structure when only an inversion unit is attached. It is a figure which shows a structure when the dummy unit in a prior art example is attached.

Explanation of symbols

6 Reverse roller pair 21 Moving side hook 22 Fixed side hook 28 Interlock switch 30a, 30b Drawer switch 31 Drilling unit cover 31a Protruding part 31b Taper part 32 Perforated litter hopper 40 First positioning part 41 Second positioning part 51 Vertical conveyance Path 52 double-sided transport path 53 paper discharge port A paper feed section B image forming section C image reading section D in-body paper discharge space F post-processing unit F2 transport path P punching unit PR image forming apparatus R reversing unit R1, R2 transport path S1 Paper

Claims (12)

An image reading unit for reading an image of a document;
An image forming unit that is disposed across a space provided below the image reading unit and forms an image on a recording member;
A discharge unit that discharges a recording member from the image forming unit to the space between the image reading unit and the image forming unit;
Equipped with a,
A punching unit that punches the recording member in the space, a reversing unit that transports the recording member from the previous stage to the rear stage, or reverses the recording member to the previous stage, and a recording member carried in from the reversing unit. A post-processing unit that performs predetermined post-processing is an image forming apparatus that is mounted in this order from the discharge unit along the conveyance direction of the recording member ,
An image forming apparatus in which, when the punching unit is not mounted, the reversing unit and the post-processing unit can be mounted in this order by filling the arrangement space of the punching unit . An image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
First positioning means for positioning between the image forming apparatus main body side constituting the space portion and the punching unit;
Second positioning means for positioning between the punching unit and the reversing unit;
The provided, when placing the punching unit in the arrangement space, the image forming apparatus you positioned by the first and second positioning means. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
An image forming apparatus in which the post-processing unit is installed to be slidable in the conveyance direction of the recording member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
An image forming apparatus including a lock unit that restricts the slide movement of the post-processing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4,
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for holding power supply to the post-processing unit while being locked by the lock means, and interrupting power supply when the lock is released. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
Images forming apparatus having means for supplying power to the reversing unit and the punching unit side from the post-processing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for sliding off the post-processing unit and shutting off power supply to the reversing unit when the post-processing unit is separated from the reversing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
If the drilling unit is positioned in the arrangement space, the image forming apparatus in which the cover for covering the front portion of the slidably the punching unit in the conveying direction of the recording member is provided. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
An image forming apparatus provided with a protrusion on the surface of the cover on which the punching unit is disposed, which abuts against the punching waste hopper of the punching unit when the cover is closed and moves the punching waste hopper backward. . The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
An image forming apparatus comprising a taper portion, wherein the protrusion portion increases a retraction amount of the perforated waste hopper as the cover is slid in a closing direction. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The reversing unit is provided with two reversing paths for reversing the recording material and returning it to the previous stage, one of which is used in combination with a transport path for transporting the recording member to the post-processing unit of the rear stage, and the other one is branch path der reach the space Ru images forming apparatus between the post-processing unit branches from the conveyance path and the lower surface of the space portion. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The discharge unit includes a first discharge unit including a reverse roller pair and a second discharge unit including a discharge roller pair,
An image forming apparatus in which processing by each unit is performed on a recording member discharged from the first discharge unit .

Images