JP6167496B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, and more particularly to a paper discharge tray in a vertically installed image forming apparatus.

In general, an image forming apparatus such as a printer is used in a posture (horizontal posture) in which a sheet placement surface of a paper feed tray is in a substantially horizontal state.
However, for example, when used in a general household, there are many cases where there is not much room for installation space.
Thus, in recent years, a so-called vertical image forming apparatus that can be used in a vertical posture has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 15 is an external perspective view of such a vertical printer 501.
The printer 501 conveys the recording sheet S in a horizontal direction while maintaining the main surface thereof in a posture orthogonal to the installation surface of the apparatus main body, and then forms an image, as shown in FIG. The paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray 501b provided in front of the printer.
Such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the width of the apparatus main body 501a. As shown in the figure, for example, the apparatus main body 501a is installed in a narrow space sandwiched between the personal computer 504, the book 503, and the like. be able to.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-313257 JP-A-1-313256 JP 2006-91275 A

However, the paper discharge tray 501b protrudes greatly from the apparatus main body 501a to the front, which is very disturbing depending on the installation location.
For this reason, it is conceivable to place the printer 501 in a place where the paper discharge tray 501b does not get in the way, for example, near the wall, but this reduces the degree of freedom of installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vertical type image forming apparatus that can be installed in any space even in a relatively limited width.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention maintains the posture in which the main surface of the recording sheet fed from the paper feed tray is orthogonal to the installation surface of the apparatus main body. A vertical type image forming apparatus comprising a conveyance path for conveying in a direction parallel to the installation surface, and a discharge tray for discharging a recording sheet on which image formation has been completed from the conveyance path. The paper tray, the transport path, and the paper discharge tray are arranged in this order so that there is an overlapping region that overlaps each other when viewed in a direction parallel to each other and perpendicular to the main surface of the paper feed tray. An image forming unit including a photoreceptor on which a toner image is formed, a transfer unit facing the photoreceptor and transferring the toner image on the photoreceptor to a recording sheet, and the image forming unit The toner image is fixed on the recording sheet. And a guide unit that guides the recording sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit to the paper discharge tray, and when the photoreceptor is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the installation surface, Disposed between the paper feed tray and the transport path, and the transfer unit is disposed between the transport path and the paper discharge tray when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the installation surface, and The photoconductor, the fixing unit, and the transfer unit are arranged so as to be within the range of the overlapping region in the direction along the conveyance path when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the paper feed tray. It is characterized by that.
The image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention conveys a recording sheet in a direction parallel to the installation surface while maintaining a posture in which the main surface is orthogonal to the installation surface of the apparatus body. A vertically-positioned image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, a paper discharge tray provided in parallel with the side surface along one side surface of the apparatus body, and from the apparatus body after image formation is completed Guiding means for guiding the output recording sheet to the paper discharge tray, and the paper discharge tray has an opening on the main surface of the paper discharge tray for taking out the discharged recording sheet from different directions. It is characterized by having two or more different directions in parallel .

Further, it is desirable that the recording sheet guided to the paper discharge tray is provided with an aligning means for conveying and aligning the recording sheet to a reference position in the paper discharge tray while pressing the recording sheet toward the stacking reference surface of the paper discharge tray.
Further, the guide means, the record sheet is switched back, it is desirable to have a switch-back means for guiding the sheet discharge tray.

Alternatively, it is desirable that another paper discharge tray is provided in parallel with the paper discharge tray, and includes a discharge path switching means for switching the recording sheet discharge destination to one of the paper discharge trays.
Further, another aligning unit is provided corresponding to the other sheet discharge tray. In the sheet discharge tray provided on each side surface of the apparatus main body, the pressing direction of the recording sheet by each aligning unit is changed. It is desirable that the direction is away from the apparatus main body .

Further, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives an image forming condition, and the discharge path switching unit selects a discharge tray on which a recording sheet is to be discharged based on the received image forming condition, and switches a discharge destination.
Alternatively, the discharge path switching unit may switch the discharge destination of the recording sheet to another discharge tray when the upper limit number of sheets in the discharge tray from which the recording sheet is discharged first is reached in the print job being executed. desirable.

Alternatively, it is preferable that a paper type acquisition unit that acquires the paper type of the recording sheet is provided, and the discharge path switching unit switches a discharge destination of the recording sheet according to the acquired paper type.
Here, the paper type preferably includes at least one of the thickness and size of the recording sheet.
The guide means includes switchback means for switching back a recording sheet and guiding it to the paper discharge tray, and the discharge path switching means is configured so that the size of the recording sheet corresponds to the paper type according to the paper type. When the recording sheet is a size that can be accommodated, the recording sheet is discharged to the paper discharge tray, and when the size of the recording sheet is a size that cannot be stored in the paper discharge tray, the recording sheet is discharged to the another paper discharge tray. Is desirable.
Alternatively, the guide means includes switchback means for switching back the recording sheet and guiding it to the paper discharge tray, and the discharge path switching means performs recording when the recording sheet is not thick paper according to the paper type. When the sheet is discharged to the paper discharge tray and the recording sheet is thick paper, it is desirable to discharge the recording sheet to the another paper discharge tray.
The paper discharge tray preferably has openings for taking out the recording sheets in two or more different directions.

The paper discharge tray is preferably made of a transparent or translucent material.
The paper discharge tray is preferably slidably held in a predetermined direction by the apparatus main body.
Further, it is desirable that the guide means guides the recording sheet to the paper discharge tray by changing the advancing direction of the recording sheet on which image formation has been completed or by switching back the recording sheet.
In addition, a door that can be opened and closed is provided at a position where the recording sheet on which image formation has been completed is conveyed, and the door, when closed, changes the advancing direction of the recording sheet to guide the recording sheet, In the opened state, it is desirable to discharge the recording sheet to the outside of the apparatus main body without changing the traveling direction of the recording sheet.

According to the above configuration, since the paper discharge tray is provided along the outer surface of the apparatus main body, the width of the paper discharge tray does not increase so much with respect to the apparatus main body. Since it does not overhang, it does not disturb the operator.
Thereby, even in a space with a relatively limited width, the apparatus can be installed without choosing a place.

1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a printer that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which looked at the above-mentioned printer from the upper part. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the conveyance path switching mechanism of the said printer. It is a block diagram which shows the control part of the said printer, and its control object. It is a flowchart which shows the execution procedure of the sheet discharge process performed in the said control part. (A) to (d) are operation diagrams of the printer in the sheet discharge process. FIGS. 9A and 9B are operation diagrams of the printer in the sheet discharge process. It is a figure which shows the installation state of the said printer. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a printer that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. It is a notch perspective view of the said principal part. It is a block diagram which shows the control part of the printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and its control object. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an execution procedure of sheet discharge processing executed by a control unit according to the second embodiment. It is the schematic sectional view which looked at the printer concerning a modification from the upper part. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an execution procedure of sheet discharge processing executed in a control unit according to a modified example. It is a perspective view of the conventional printer.

An embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described by taking a printer that forms an image by an electrophotographic method as an example.
(1) First Embodiment Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1-1) Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view for explaining the configuration of an electrophotographic monochrome printer that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is.
The printer 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped main body 2, and a main paper discharge tray 51 and a sub paper discharge tray 52 are arranged on both side surfaces of the main body 2.

Among these, inside the main paper discharge tray 51, as shown in the figure, there is provided a drawer member 53 that is slidably held along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the main body 2.
In the figure, in order to make it easy to see the internal configuration of the main body 2, the drawing member 53 is drawn in the X ′ direction.
Here, the main paper discharge tray 51 and the sub paper discharge tray 52 are collectively referred to as a sheet discharge unit 50.

In the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, since it is assumed that the outer surface on the X ′ direction side faces the user side, the outer surface on the X ′ direction side becomes the front of the apparatus.
The user can easily take out the recording sheet S discharged here by picking one of the tabs 53 a and 53 b provided on the drawer member 53 and pulling out the drawer member 53 from the main body 2.

Details of the main paper discharge tray 51 and the sub paper discharge tray 52 will be described later.
Further, on the upper surface of the main body 2 of the printer 1, an operation panel 6 that is a user interface including a numeric keypad and a touch panel and receives an instruction from the operator is provided.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the printer 1 as viewed from the direction of the arrow A in FIG.
The printer 1 includes an image forming unit 10, a sheet feeding unit 20, a fixing unit 30, a sheet discharging unit 50, an operation panel 6, a control unit 7, and the like.
The paper feed unit 20 includes a paper feed tray 21, a feed roller 22, a timing roller pair 24, a transport roller pair 25, and the like.

The paper feed tray 21 accommodates the recording sheet S, and is held by the rails 2 a and 2 b of the main body 2 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction.
The paper feed tray 21 includes a paper feed tray main body 21a, a sheet stacking plate 21b, a spring 21c, a sheet urging member 21d, and the like.
The paper feed tray main body 21a has a box shape capable of accommodating the recording sheet S whose longitudinal direction is horizontal.

The sheet stacking plate 21b is rotatably held at one end of both edges in the longitudinal direction by the sheet feed tray main body 21a via the hinge 21e and is urged toward the feeding roller 22 by the spring 21c. Yes.
Further, the sheet urging member 21d is a strip-shaped leaf spring, and as shown in the figure, one of both end portions in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the paper feed tray 21, and the other is the paper feed tray. The recording sheets S stacked in 21 are urged toward the sheet stacking plate 21b.

Thereby, the recording sheet S in the paper feed tray 21 can maintain a posture orthogonal to the horizontal plane.
The feeding roller 22 feeds the recording sheet S of the paper feed tray 21 to the transport path 23 and also makes a loop by abutting the leading end of the recording sheet S against the nip of the stopped timing roller pair 24.

The timing roller pair 24 is rotationally driven at a timing instructed by the control unit 7 after the loop is formed, and further sends the recording sheet S downstream in the transport direction (hereinafter simply referred to as “downstream side”).
As shown in the figure, the image forming unit 10 has a static eliminating drum 12, a charger 13, an exposure unit 14, a developing unit 15, a transfer charger 16 and a cleaner 17 around a cylindrical photosensitive drum 11. , Arranged in this order.

In the image forming unit 10 having the above-described configuration, the photosensitive drum 11 rotated in the direction of arrow B by a driving device (not shown) is neutralized by receiving light from the static eliminator 12, and then the charger 13. As a result, the outer peripheral surface is uniformly charged and subjected to exposure scanning by the light-modulated laser beam from the exposure unit 14.
The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by exposure is visualized as a toner image by the developing device 15.

On the other hand, the recording sheet S supplied from the paper feeding unit 20 is conveyed to a position where the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer charger 16 face each other, and receives an action of an electric field generated by the transfer charger 16, so The toner image is transferred onto the recording sheet S.
Residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 without being completely transferred to the recording sheet S is cleaned by a cleaner 17.

The toner image transferred to the recording sheet S is heated and pressurized by the fixing unit 30 and fixed to the recording sheet S.
The recording sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged as it is to the sub discharge tray 52 via the feeding roller group 26 and the main body discharge roller 27, or in the middle, the second roller driving unit By reversely rotating the main body discharge roller 27 rotated by 121 (see FIG. 4), the recording sheet S is switched back in the sub discharge tray 52 and discharged to the main discharge tray 51. The

In this switchback operation, when the recording sheet S is reversed, it is necessary to switch the sheet conveyance path, and the conveyance path switching mechanism 40 for executing the switching is between the fixing unit 30 and the main body discharge roller 27. Is provided on the transport path.
Details of the transport path switching mechanism 40 and the recording sheet S discharge operation will be described later.
Further, the printer 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a paper discharge alignment unit 80 that aligns and aligns the leading ends of the discharged recording sheets S.

As shown in FIG. 2, the paper discharge alignment unit 80 is a belt-like plate body having elasticity, and a support body 81 whose base end portion is supported by the main body 2 and a side opposite to the base end portion. A paddle 83 held at the end of the paddle, and a paddle driving unit 84 that rotationally drives the paddle 83.
The paddle 83 has five rubber plates 82 arranged radially, and the recording sheet S discharged into the main paper discharge tray 51 by the elastic force of the rubber plate 82 faces the stacking reference surface 51a. It is pressed.

Here, the length of the conveyance path of the recording sheet S from the nip of the main body discharge roller 27 to the position where it can be conveyed in contact with the rubber plate 82 of the paddle 83 is longer than the length of the minimum size recording sheet S. It is set to be shorter.
The paddle drive unit 84 is a drive source such as a DC motor, and in a non-energized state, the rotor is in a rotatable state. The paddle 83 is rotationally driven so that the recorded sheet S is further fed in the transport direction (sheet front end side).

As a result, the recording sheet S comes into contact with the stopper portion 53c (see FIG. 1) of the drawer member 53, that is, the reference position for alignment, and the recording sheet S is aligned and aligned.
As shown in FIG. 2, when viewed from above, the sub paper discharge tray 52 has a space for storing the recording sheet S bent along the outer surface of the main body portion 2. The length is longer than the main paper discharge tray 51.

Further, in the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the length in the transport direction of the recordable sheet S that can be accommodated is set so that the recording sheet S is switched back and discharged to the main discharge tray 51. The length of the recording sheet S that can be accommodated in the tray 21 is shorter.
On the other hand, the sub discharge tray 52 is not provided with any member for regulating the position of the leading end of the recording sheet S, as shown in FIG. Anything can be accommodated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the sub discharge tray 52 has a rounded smooth inner peripheral surface and a door 52b that can be opened and closed so as to guide the recording sheet S smoothly. ing.
The door 52b is closed and guides the recording sheet S conveyed along the inner peripheral surface of the door 52b to 90 ° in the traveling direction and to the storage space 52c ahead. To do.

  In such a configuration, the printer 1 according to the first embodiment is configured so that the entire outline when viewed from above does not protrude greatly from the main body 2, so that the printer 1 is placed. In addition, the possibility that a part of the apparatus protrudes from the mounting surface such as a desk and interferes with the operator is reduced, and the user does not need to select the installation location, so that the degree of freedom of installation is improved.

In addition, the width W1 of the printer 1 is simply obtained by adding the widths W3 and W4 of the main discharge tray 51 and the sub discharge tray 52 to the width W2 of the main body 2, as shown in FIG. Since the width is not so large with respect to the width of the main body 2, the printer 1 can be installed even in a relatively limited space.
If necessary, the user opens the door 52b as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. It can also be discharged to the outside, which is convenient especially when the recording sheet S is thick paper.

(1-1-2) Configuration of Transport Path Switching Mechanism FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the configuration of the transport path switching mechanism 40 as viewed from the direction of arrow C in FIG. The configuration of the member 143 and the like is also shown.
The feeding roller group 26 includes a driving roller 26a, a driven roller 26b, and a driven roller 26c having rotation axes parallel to each other.

Here, the driven roller 26b and the driven roller 26c are in pressure contact with the driving roller 26a that is rotationally driven by the first roller driving unit 120 (see FIG. 4), whereby the driving roller 26a is rotationally driven. Along with this, it rotates following.
In the figure, the driven roller 26c is hidden behind the drive roller 26a and hardly visible, but has the same configuration as the driven roller 26b.

The driven rollers 26b and 26c and the driving roller 26a are each formed by arranging four rollers having the same diameter (hereinafter referred to as “short rollers 126”) at predetermined intervals in the rotation axis direction.
Here, one of the four short rollers 126 of the driven roller 26b is not shown for easy understanding of the configuration.

The conveyance path switching mechanism 40 automatically switches the conveyance path of the recording sheet S between a path from the fixing unit 30 toward the main body discharge roller 27 and a path from the main body discharge roller 27 toward the main discharge tray 51. It consists of a switching claw 141, a spring 142, and the like.
The switching claw 141 is a comb-like member that guides the recording sheet S in a predetermined direction, and is arranged in parallel with five claw portions 141a whose tips are pointed in a wedge shape when viewed from the Z ′ direction. In this state, the connecting portion 141b connects the rear end portions to each other and the boss portion 141c provided near the rear end in the longitudinal direction of each claw portion 141a along the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

Each boss portion 141c has the rotational axis of the drive roller 26a loosely inserted between the adjacent short rollers 126 in the drive roller 26a and at any position on both outer sides of the series of short rollers 126. Thus, the switching claw 141 is rotatable.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, on one of the boss portions 141c on both outer sides in the rotation axis direction of the switching claw 141, a latching portion 141d for hooking the spring 142 and an outer surface from the peripheral surface of the boss portion 141c. And an arm portion 141e protruding toward the top.

The spring 142 is a tension spring and is fastened to a frame (not shown) in the main body 2 of the printer 1 and a hooking portion 141 d of the switching claw 141.
Accordingly, the spring 142 biases the switching claw 141 so that the tip of the claw portion 141a rotates in a direction approaching the guide plate 143a.
The turning operation of the switching claw 141 is stopped when the tip of the claw portion 141a comes into contact with the guide plate 143a located farther from the main paper discharge tray 51 of the pair of guide members 143 facing each other. This stop position is referred to as a home position.

The urging force of the spring 142 is set as follows.
That is, when the recording sheet S passes between the driving roller 26a and the driven roller 26b and travels toward the main body discharge roller 27 (see FIG. 2), the front end side of the switching claw 141 (the front end side of the claw portion 141a) is placed on the guide plate. A force that pushes and opens toward the side 143b is generated.
The urging force of the spring 142 is set to such an extent that the switching claw 141 can be rotated without difficulty by bending the force when the force to push and open is applied.

Further, a sheet detection sensor 60 is provided in the vicinity of the tip of the arm portion 141e at the home position.
The sheet detection sensor 60 is a transmissive photoelectric sensor. When the switching claw 141 changes its position from the home position to another position, the arm portion 141e is displaced from the position where the optical path of the optical sensor is blocked. A signal indicating that the recording sheet S is passing between the driving roller 26a and the driven roller 26b is output.

(1-1-2) Configuration of Control Unit and Control Target The control unit 7 performs overall image forming processing by controlling the printer 1 as a whole.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between the configuration of the control unit 7 in the printer 1 and the main components that are the control targets.
The control unit 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, a nonvolatile memory 74, a timer 75, and a communication interface (I / F) as main components. Part 76 is provided.

The communication I / F unit 76 is an interface for connecting to a LAN such as a LAN card or a LAN board.
The RAM 73 is a volatile memory and serves as a work area when the CPU 71 executes a program.
The ROM 72 stores a control program for performing control related to execution of printing, a sheet conveyance speed when the drive roller 26a and the main body discharge roller 27 are rotationally driven, and the like.

The non-volatile memory 74 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark), and serves as a data storage area for the CPU 71.
The CPU 71 executes warm-up and image forming operations by executing a control program stored in the ROM 72.
Further, the CPU 71 selects a paper discharge tray that can store the recording sheet S after passing through the fixing unit 30 according to its length as a subroutine of a main routine for executing this image forming operation, and selects the selected discharge tray. A process for discharging paper to the paper tray (hereinafter referred to as “sheet discharge process”) is executed.

Hereinafter, the control content of the sheet discharge processing in the control unit 7 will be described.
(1-2) Details of Sheet Discharge Processing Hereinafter, sheet discharge processing executed by the control unit 7 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5 and the operation diagrams of FIG. 6 and FIG. To do.
This sheet discharge process is executed as a subroutine in a main routine (not shown) for controlling the entire image forming operation, for example, triggered by the start of driving of the timing roller pair 24.

First, the CPU 71 starts energization of the first roller driving unit 120 and the second roller driving unit 121, and rotationally drives the driving roller 26a and the main body discharge roller 27 in the feeding roller group 26 (step S101).
Note that the first roller driving unit 120 and the second roller driving unit 121 are set to have the same rotational speed, and the conveyance speed of the recording sheet S is kept constant.

  Then, the leading edge of the recording sheet S passes through the nip portion of the fixing unit 30 (see FIG. 6A), and further passes through the nip portion of the driven roller 26b and the driving roller 26a, so that the switching claw 141 rotates. (See FIG. 6B), when the sheet detection sensor 60 detects the leading edge of the recording sheet S (step S102: YES), the CPU 71 starts measuring time by the timer 75 (step S103).

When the sheet detection sensor 60 no longer detects the recording sheet S, the CPU 71 considers that the trailing edge of the recording sheet S has been detected (step S104: YES), ends the time measurement (step S105), and the main body discharge roller. 27 is stopped (step S106).
Then, the CPU 71 calculates the length in the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S by multiplying the time measured by the sheet conveyance speed of the driving roller 26a and the main body discharge roller 27 stored in the ROM 72 (step S107). ).

  Subsequently, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the recording sheet S has a size that can fit into the main paper discharge tray 51 (step S108). If the recording sheet S has a size that can fit (step S108: YES), the second roller drive is performed. The recording sheet S is switched back and the paddle 83 is rotated (see FIG. 6D) by rotating the part 121 in reverse, that is, by rotating the main body discharge roller 27 in reverse, and recording is performed on the main discharge tray 51. Simultaneously with the introduction of the sheet S (step S109), the timing is started again (step S110).

During the switchback operation, the switching claw 141 is returned to the home position by the urging force of the spring 142, whereby the recording sheet S is guided to the main paper discharge tray 51.
When the time measured in step S110 reaches a predetermined time (step S111: YES), the time measurement is finished (step S112) and the rotation of the paddle 83 is stopped (step S113).

The predetermined time is calculated in consideration of the calculated length of the recording sheet S, and the leading end of the recording sheet S being switched back on the conveyance direction side is in the stopper portion 53c (see FIG. 1) of the main paper discharge tray 51. It is set to a time sufficient for contact.
Thus, the recording sheet S that has come into contact with the stopper portion 53c is aligned and aligned at the leading edge.
Subsequently, the CPU 71 determines whether or not there is a next recording sheet S to be discharged (step S114). If there is no next recording sheet S (step S114: NO), the first roller driving unit. By stopping 120 and the second roller drive unit 121, the feeding roller group 26 and the main body discharge roller 27 are stopped (step S115), the sheet discharge process is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine.

If there is a next recording sheet S to be discharged (step S114: YES), the processes after step S102 are repeated.
If the CPU 71 determines in step S108 that the recording sheet S has a size that cannot fit into the main paper discharge tray 51 (step S108: NO), the CPU 71 further controls the second roller driving unit 121. As shown in FIG. 7A, the recording sheet S is discharged to the sub-tray 52 after being rotated forward for a predetermined time (step S116).

Here, the fixed time is a time required for the trailing edge of the recording sheet S to pass through the main body discharge roller 27.
In addition, when the sub discharge tray 52 receives a plurality of recording sheets S, the leading edge of the recording sheet S to be received next comes into contact with the rear end of the received recording sheet S, which is likely to cause a jam. Each time one recording sheet S is discharged to the sub discharge tray 52, a warning display is displayed on the operation panel 6 so that the user can take out the recording sheet S from the sub discharge tray 52 (Step S1). S117) Waits until a button on the operation panel 6 for confirming that the user has taken out the recording sheet S from the sub paper discharge tray 52 is pressed via the operation panel 6 (step S118: NO).

Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the user opens the door 52b, takes out the recording sheet S, closes the door 52b, and then presses the button (step S118: YES), The warning display is canceled (step S119), and the processes after step S114 are repeated.
As described above, in the sheet discharge processing according to the present embodiment, basically, the recording sheet S is discharged to the main discharge tray 51, and the size of the recording sheet S is too large to fit into the main discharge tray 51. If this occurs, the paper is exceptionally discharged to the sub paper discharge tray 52 and waits until the user takes it out.

The recording sheet S discharged to the main paper discharge tray 51 is taken out from three directions because the upper side (Z direction) and the front and rear direction (X axis direction) of the main paper discharge tray 51 are opened (see FIG. 1). It is possible.
Further, since the drawer member 53 of the main paper discharge tray 51 is configured to be slidable in the X-axis direction, the recording sheet S can be more easily taken out by sliding the drawer member 53 to the user side.

When the drawer member 53 is pulled out from the main body 2 of the printer 1, the paddle 83 that is in contact with the recording sheet S is rotatable when not being driven. Is not disturbed.
The rubber plate 82 provided around the paddle 83 urges the recording sheet S toward the stacking reference surface 51a (see FIG. 2) of the main paper discharge tray 51 by an elastic force. In this embodiment, the elastic force is set to a value that does not hinder the pulling-out operation of the main paper discharge tray 51.

Further, the surface of the main body 2 that is in sliding contact with the bottom surface of the main paper discharge tray 51 is shown in FIG. 2 so that the position of the main paper discharge tray 51 does not slide with the rotation of the paddle 83 when the recording sheet S is discharged. As shown, a pair of protrusions 51f having a height of about several millimeters are provided at both ends in the sliding direction.
When the user slides the main paper discharge tray 51, if the user holds the tab 53a or 53b (see FIG. 1) and pulls it while lifting it slightly, the main paper discharge tray 51 can slide over the protrusion 51f.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state where the printer 1 according to the present embodiment is installed in a narrow space between, for example, a personal computer 19a and a speaker 19b placed on a desk.
The printer 1 according to the first embodiment is not so wide in width as the conventional vertical printer in which the paper discharge tray is provided so as to protrude to the front side of the apparatus. Since the paper tray hardly protrudes to the front side of the main body of the apparatus (see FIG. 1), there is no possibility that the user may accidentally hit the paper discharge tray, and it is less necessary to install it at a position avoiding the user's flow line. , The degree of freedom of installation is improved.

(2) Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
(2-1) Configuration of Printer FIG. 9 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the printer 100 according to the second embodiment.
The configuration of the printer 100 is basically the same as that of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment. However, a discharge path switching mechanism 310 is provided instead of the transport path switching mechanism 40, and a sheet discharge section is provided. The configuration of the sheet storage unit 250 corresponding to 50 is different, the sheet detection sensor 60 and the feeding roller group 26 are not provided, and in addition, the contents of the sheet discharge process are not the same. This is different from the printer 1 according to the first embodiment.

In the following, common constituent parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.
The printer 100 is provided with a first paper discharge tray 270 on one of both side surfaces of the main body, and a second paper discharge tray 280 on the other side. A sub-transport path section 260 is provided that includes branch paths 261a and 261b and the like that respectively go to the first discharge tray 270 side and the second discharge tray 280 side.

As shown in the figure, a discharge path switching mechanism 310 that swings the switching claw 311 and switches the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S is provided at the branch point of the sub-transport path section 260.
The paper discharge path switching mechanism 310 will be described later.
As shown in the figure, the first paper discharge tray 270 and the second paper discharge tray 280 have a bilaterally symmetric structure when viewed from the front of the printer 1, that is, the outer surface on the X ′ direction side. Now, the configuration of the first paper discharge tray 270 will be mainly described, and only the difference between the second paper discharge tray 280 and the first paper discharge tray 270 will be described.

The first paper discharge tray 270 is provided with an opening 270a for introducing the recording sheet S on the front side (X ′ direction side) of the apparatus, and on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction of the opening 270a. A first tray paper discharge roller pair 271 is provided.
Further, the first paper discharge tray 270 is also open on the upper side and back side (X direction side) of the apparatus, from which the recording sheet S can be taken out.

Although not shown in the drawing, the first paper discharge tray 270 has a stopper portion 53c similar to the main paper discharge tray 51 at the lower end on the back side.
The first tray paper discharge roller pair 271 has the same configuration as the main body paper discharge roller 27 and is driven by a first tray paper discharge roller drive unit 272 (see FIG. 11).
The second tray discharge roller pair 281 of the second discharge tray 280 is driven by a second tray discharge roller driving unit 282 (see FIG. 11).

The first paper discharge tray 270 is provided with a paper discharge alignment unit 290.
Similar to the paper discharge alignment unit 80 according to the first embodiment, the paper discharge alignment unit 290 includes a paddle 291 and a first paddle drive unit 292 (see FIG. 11) such as a DC motor that rotationally drives the paddle 291. Have.
A paper discharge alignment unit 300 having the same configuration is also provided in the second paper discharge tray 280, and the paddle 301 provided in the paper discharge alignment unit 300 is a second paddle driving unit 302 (see FIG. 11). ).

  Here, in the printer 100, when the image forming operation is executed in the order from the first page to the last page, the recording sheet S discharged to the first discharge tray 270 may be printed with its print side up. When the recording sheet S is repositioned, the smaller the page number, the higher the stack (hereinafter referred to as “ascending order”), while the recording sheets S discharged to the second discharge tray 280 are stacked. When the printing surface is placed on the upper side and placed on another placement surface, the larger the page number, the higher the number (hereinafter referred to as “descending order”).

That is, in the printer 100 according to the second embodiment, the recording sheet S can be switched in ascending order or descending order by selecting the discharge destination of the recording sheet S.
In the printer 100, the recording sheets S discharged to the first discharge tray 270 and the second discharge tray 280 are both pressed against the surface away from the main body 2 to maintain the posture. ing.

As a result, the heat of the recording sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 30 and has reached a high temperature is difficult to conduct to the main body 2, so that the heat hardly accumulates in the main body 2 and no cooling fan is used. However, since natural heat radiation can be used to maintain a predetermined in-machine temperature, this contributes to cost reduction.
(2-1-1) Configuration of Paper Discharge Route Switching Mechanism FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the paper discharge route switching mechanism 310.

The paper discharge path switching mechanism 310 includes a switching claw 311 and a switching claw driving unit 330 that swings the switching claw 311 via a connecting rod 320.
As shown in the figure, the switching claw 311 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 311a and claw portions 311b arranged at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion 311a.
Both end portions of the shaft portion 311a are rotatably held by the sub transport path portion 260.

The switching claw drive unit 330 is, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid, and slides a built-in shaft 330 a based on an instruction from the control unit 7.
The switching claw 311 has an arm portion 311c protruding from the peripheral surface of one end portion of the shaft portion 311a.
The end portions of the shaft 330 a of the arm portion 311 c and the switching claw drive portion 330 are connected by a connecting rod 320.

Thus, when the shaft 330a of the switching claw driving unit 330 slides, the driving force is transmitted to the shaft portion 311a of the switching claw 311 via the connecting rod 320, and the switching claw 311 rotates.
(2-1-2) Control Unit and Control Target FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit in the printer 100 and main components that are the control target.

This control unit is different from the control unit 7 of the first embodiment in the content of a control program for performing sheet discharge processing stored in the ROM 72, and this difference will be described below.
Note that the control unit of the printer 100 is the same as the control unit 7 of the printer 1 in the first embodiment in terms of hardware.

(2-2) Content of Sheet Discharge Processing Hereinafter, sheet discharge processing executed in the control unit 7 according to the second embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
When the CPU 71 receives a print job, the CPU 71 acquires information indicating the selected paper discharge tray included in the job (step S201).

Thus, the information indicating the paper discharge tray can be acquired from the print job because the user can set the paper discharge tray with a printer driver of a terminal such as a personal computer.
Then, when the driving of the timing roller pair 24 is started (step S202: YES), the CPU 71 immediately starts measuring time (step S203), and at the switching claw 311 to discharge the paper to the selected paper discharge tray. The direction is set (step S204).

That is, if it is necessary to change the direction of the switching claw 311, the switching claw driving unit 330 is driven to change the posture of the switching claw 311.
When the setting of the direction of the switching claw 311 is completed, the CPU 71 immediately drives the main body discharge roller 27 (step S205), and discharge rollers and paddles of the discharge tray from which the recording sheet S is to be discharged. (Step S206), and when the counted time reaches a predetermined time (step S206: YES), the main body discharge roller 27, the discharge roller of the discharge tray on which the recording sheet S is discharged, and the paddle The driving is stopped (step S208).

Here, the predetermined time is determined by considering the distance from the timing roller pair 24 to the selected discharge tray stopper 53c and the conveyance speed of the recording sheet S so that the leading end of the recording sheet S is selected. It is set to a time sufficient to contact the paper tray stopper 53c (see FIG. 1).
If there is no next recording sheet S to be discharged (step S209: NO), the CPU 71 ends the sheet discharge process and returns to the main routine.

If there is a next recording sheet S to be discharged (step S209: YES), the processes after step S202 are repeatedly executed.
As described above, the printer 100 according to the second embodiment is provided with the first paper discharge tray 270 on one of both side surfaces of the main body 2 and the second paper discharge tray 280 on the other side. Compared to a conventional vertical printer that has a tray that protrudes from the front of the device, the width is not so large, and the output tray hardly protrudes from the device body. Is less likely to accidentally hit the paper discharge tray, reducing the need for installation away from the user's flow line, and improving the degree of freedom of installation.

In addition, in the printer 100 according to the second embodiment, the pressing directions of the recording sheets S on the first paper discharge tray 270 and the second paper discharge tray 280 are opposite to each other, and the discharged recording is performed. The sheet stacking order is opposite to each other.
That is, the recording sheets S discharged to the first discharge tray 270 and the second discharge tray 280 are stacked in ascending order and descending order, respectively.

  Thus, the stacking order of the recording sheets S can be changed by simply switching the discharge destination of the recording sheets S. In order to switch the stacking order, all the image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 73 and the image forming order is switched. Since it is not necessary, data processing can be started and printed without waiting for the completion of capturing all the image data, so that the first page print start time is shortened and the capacity of the intermediate buffer can be reduced.

In the printer 100 according to the second embodiment, the recording sheets S discharged to the first discharge tray 270 and the second discharge tray 280 are both pressed against the surface away from the main body 2. Since the posture is maintained, the heat of the recording sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 30 and has reached a high temperature is difficult to conduct to the main body 2.
For this reason, it is difficult for heat to be trapped in the main body 2, and natural heat radiation can be maintained at a predetermined in-machine temperature without using a cooling fan, which contributes to cost reduction.

In this embodiment, the terminal is used as an accepting unit to accept the selection of the discharge tray from the user. However, the output form in ascending order / descending order is accepted, and the paper is ejected to the corresponding discharge tray based on the instruction. You may do it.
<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modifications may be implemented.

(1) In the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the recording sheet S is urged away from the main body 2 by the paddle 83 in the main paper discharge tray 51. With such a configuration, image formation is performed. When the operation is performed in the order from the first page to the last page, the stacking order of the discharged recording sheets S is a so-called descending order, but the configuration is not limited to this.
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the paddle 170 may be arranged so that the recording sheet S is biased toward the main body 2 side.

With such a configuration, when the image forming operation is executed in the order from the first page to the last page, the recording sheets S are stacked in a so-called ascending order, and thus the same as the printer 100 according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, it contributes to saving of image processing time and memory.
It should be noted that the leading edge of the recording sheet S that is switched back and introduced into the main paper discharge tray 151 hits the rear end of the recording sheet S that has already been discharged to prevent jamming and the like. A mountain-shaped leaf spring 160 that restricts the introduction direction to a predetermined direction is provided.

The leaf spring 160 has an appropriate rigidity that can be deformed flat when it hits the side surface of the main paper discharge tray 151 when the main paper discharge tray 151 slides. It has become.
(2) Although the control unit 7 of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment detects the length of the recording sheet S using the sheet detection sensor 60 in the sheet discharge process, the present invention is not limited to this. .

For example, a sensor for detecting the sheet size may be provided in the paper feed tray 21 and the length of the recording sheet S may be acquired based on the detection result.
Alternatively, the ROM 72 stores in advance a table for specifying the length of the recording sheet S based on the sheet type such as “A4” and the sheet passing direction such as “vertical sheet”, and the user can use the operation panel 6 or the personal computer. When a print job is transmitted via a terminal such as the above, in the image forming conditions included in the print job, for example, a sheet type such as “A4-longitudinal sheet” and a sheet passing direction are specified, and the CPU 71 , The length of the recording sheet S corresponding to the input condition may be acquired.

Of course, the user may directly input the length of the recording sheet S in the conveyance direction via the operation panel 6.
(3) Further, the control unit 7 of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment confirms that the recording sheet S has been taken out from the sub paper discharge tray 52 in step S118 of the sheet discharge process (see FIG. 5). The detection is performed by the user pressing the button on the operation panel 6, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, a photoelectric sensor or the like that detects the presence or absence of the discharged recording sheet S is provided in the sub paper discharge tray 52, so that it can be detected that the recording sheet S has been taken out from the sub paper discharge tray 52. Good.
(4) Further, the control unit 7 of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment sets the discharge destination of the recording sheet S to the main discharge tray 51 and the sub discharge tray 52 according to the length of the recording sheet S. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the discharge destination may be determined according to the thickness of the recording sheet S.

For example, when the image forming condition included in the print job includes information regarding the thickness of the recording sheet and the information indicates thick paper, the paper discharge destination is determined to be the sub paper discharge tray 52.
This is because when the recording sheet S is discharged to the main discharge tray 51, the conveyance distance is longer than when the recording sheet S is discharged to the sub discharge tray 52, and the frequency at which the recording sheet S passes through the non-linear conveyance path. Therefore, jamming is likely to occur in the middle of conveyance, and the possibility of jamming is further increased in the case of a highly rigid recording sheet S with high rigidity. Because it is safe.

Alternatively, when the recording sheet S is thick paper, a message instructing the user to open the door 52b is displayed on the operation panel 6, and the recording is performed when the user confirms that the door 52b has been opened. The sheet S may be discharged.
In this way, it is conceivable to determine the discharge destination of the recording sheet S not only according to the size of the recording sheet S but also according to the thickness. In short, the recording sheet depends on the paper type such as the sheet size and thickness. What is necessary is just to determine the discharge destination of S.

In the above-described embodiment, information regarding the paper type is included in the print job. However, the user may directly input the information via the operation panel 6.
As described above, the paper type may be acquired not only through the communication I / F unit 76 that receives the print job but also through an acquisition unit including the operation panel 6 and the like.
(5) Since the switching claw 141 of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment also serves as a sheet detection sensor, the posture change is caused by the biasing force of the spring 142 and the conveyance force of the recording sheet S. Not limited to.

For example, a separate photoelectric sheet sensor is provided to detect the presence or absence of the recording sheet S, and the switching claw 141 is actively rotated like the switching claw driving unit 330 in the printer 100 according to the second embodiment. A configuration may be adopted.
(6) Also, the printer 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with both the main paper discharge tray 51 and the sub paper discharge tray 52. However, depending on the case, only the sub paper discharge tray 52 is included. The provided structure may be sufficient.

In such a configuration in which only the sub paper discharge tray 52 is provided, the sub paper discharge tray 52 itself also serves as a paper discharge tray and guide means for guiding it.
That is, the storage space 52c on the back side of the sub paper discharge tray 52 can be regarded as a substantial paper discharge tray, and the recording sheet S is changed in the traveling direction along the inner peripheral surface, and beyond The door portion 52b that guides to the storage space 52c can be regarded as a guide means.

On the other hand, in a configuration in which both the main discharge tray 51 and the sub discharge tray 52 are provided, the main discharge tray 51 is regarded as the original discharge tray, and the sub discharge tray 52 is recorded on the main discharge tray 51. It can be regarded as a conveyance path for introducing the sheet S.
That is, the sub paper discharge tray 52 and the conveyance path switching mechanism 40 serve as a guide unit that guides the recording sheet S to the main paper discharge tray 51.

(7) Further, although the paper discharge alignment unit 80 according to the first embodiment has the paddle 83 in which the five rubber plates 82 are provided in a radial manner, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, instead of the paddle 83, a roller or an endless belt whose rotating shaft is biased toward the stacking reference surface of the recording sheets S may be used.
Further, although the rubber plate 82 is used as the elastic plate of the paddle 83, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a material having appropriate elasticity and slidability, for example, a material such as a resin film may be used.

(8) In the second embodiment, the first paper discharge tray 270 and the second paper discharge tray 280 are configured to stack the recording sheets S in ascending order and descending order, respectively. For example, the recording sheets S may be stacked on both the discharge trays in ascending order or descending order.
In such a case, for the purpose of changing the stacking order of the recording sheets S on the discharge tray, it is not possible to select the discharge destination of the recording sheets S, but there are two users who share the printer, When the printer 100 is placed between the seats, when a print job is transmitted to the printer, the user selects a paper discharge tray closer to the user as a paper discharge destination in the image forming conditions included in the print job. By instructing, it becomes easy to access the recording sheet S printed by the user, and user friendliness is improved. For this reason, the paper discharge tray may be selected.

Alternatively, the control unit 7 accommodates a paper discharge tray that first discharges a recording sheet in a print job that is executed after obtaining the number of prints in one print job via the communication I / F unit 76. When the upper limit is reached, the recording sheet conveyance destination may be switched to another paper discharge tray.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of such sheet discharge processing, which is executed in place of step S204 (two-dot chain line portion in the figure) in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the CPU 71 executes the process of step S203 (see FIG. 12) for starting the passage of time and completes the thermal fixing, the CPU 71 considers that the recording sheet S has been printed and counts up the number of prints (step S301). It is determined whether or not the count value has reached the upper limit of the number of sheets stored in the paper discharge tray selected as the paper discharge destination, that is, whether or not the selected paper discharge tray is full. If not (step S302: NO), the direction of the switching claw 311 is set so that the paper is discharged to the selected paper discharge tray as it is (step S303).

The upper limit value associated with each of the first discharge tray 270 and the second discharge tray 280 is stored in the ROM 72, and the CPU 71 refers to these values as necessary.
If the selected paper discharge tray is full (step S302: YES), it is determined whether another paper discharge tray is full. If it is not full ( In step S304: NO, the sheet discharge destination is changed to a different discharge tray from the selected discharge tray, and the direction of the switching claw 311 is set to discharge the sheet to the other discharge tray (step S304: NO). Step S305).

On the other hand, if another discharge tray is also full (step S304: YES), a warning that the discharge tray is full is displayed on the operation panel 6 or a terminal such as a personal computer used by the user. At the same time, the printing operation is stopped (step S306), and the image forming processing including the sheet discharge processing is stopped.
When performing such control, a message for confirming to the user that the recording sheet S does not remain in the first discharge tray 270 and the second discharge tray 280 before executing the print job is displayed. It is desirable to start the print job after confirming that the recording sheet S does not remain in the paper discharge tray by displaying on the operation panel 6 or the terminal used by the user and responding to the response from the user. .

Alternatively, a photoelectric sensor or the like that detects the presence or absence of the recording sheet S is provided in the first paper discharge tray 270 and the second paper discharge tray 280, and it is detected that the recording sheet S does not remain in both paper discharge trays. It is desirable to start a print job from
(9) In the second embodiment, the first paper discharge tray 270 is provided on one of both side surfaces of the main body of the printer 100, and the second paper discharge tray 280 is provided on the other side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one of the first paper discharge tray 270 and the second paper discharge tray 280 may be provided.

In this case, it is not necessary to provide a branch path in the sub-transport path section 260, it is sufficient to simply provide a U-shaped transport path, and the discharge path switching mechanism 310 is not necessary.
In such a configuration, a door similar to the door portion 52b of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment is provided on the paper discharge tray, and the recording sent out by the main body paper discharge roller 27 with the door portion 52b opened. The sheet may be configured to be discharged out of the apparatus without being bent.

  (10) In the above embodiment, the materials of the main body 2, the main paper discharge tray 51, the sub paper discharge tray 52, the first paper discharge tray 270, and the second paper discharge tray 280 are not specifically described. The main discharge tray 51, the sub discharge tray 52, the first discharge tray 270 and the second discharge tray 280, and the main body unit 2 are provided so that the inside of the discharge tray can be easily checked. The portion covering the outside of the paper tray may be made of a transparent material.

Accordingly, the user can check the status of the recording sheet S discharged from a slightly separated place without having to bother to look into the discharge tray.
(11) In the above embodiment, an example in which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a printer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to a printer, but can be applied to a facsimile machine or a multifunction machine having these functions. is there.

  (12) In the above embodiment, an image forming apparatus (printer) that forms an image by an electrophotographic method has been described as an example. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic method, for example, an inkjet. The present invention can also be applied to a type image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, a recording sheet is transported in a direction parallel to the mounting surface while maintaining a posture in which the main surface is orthogonal to the mounting surface of the apparatus main body, and a longitudinal direction for forming an image on the recording sheet. The present invention can be widely applied to stationary image formation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,100 Printer 2 Main body part 2a Rail 6 Operation panel 7 Control part 10 Image forming part 20 Paper feed part 22 Feeding roller 23 Conveying path 24 Timing roller pair 25 Conveying roller pair 26 Feeding roller group 26b, 26c Driven roller 26a Drive roller 27 Main body discharge roller 30 Fixing section 40 Transport path switching mechanism 50 Sheet discharge section 51 Main discharge tray 51e Stopper section 51f Protrusion section 52 Sub discharge tray 52b Door section 53 Drawer member 60 Sheet detection sensor 80 Discharge alignment section 83 Paddle 84 Paddle drive part 120 First roller drive part 121 Second roller drive part 126 Short roller 141 Switching claw 141a Claw part 141b Connection part 141c Boss part 141d Engagement part 141e Arm part 143 Guide member 160 Leaf spring

Claims (17)

A conveyance path for conveying the recording sheet sent out from the sheet feeding tray in a direction parallel to the installation surface while maintaining a posture in which the main surface is orthogonal to the installation surface of the apparatus main body, and the recording sheet on which image formation has been completed A vertical-type image forming apparatus including a paper discharge tray for discharging paper from the conveyance path,
The paper feed tray, the transport path, and the paper discharge tray are parallel to each other and have overlapping regions that overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the paper feed tray, Arranged in this order,
An image forming unit including a photoconductor on which a toner image is formed, and a transfer unit that faces the photoconductor and transfers the toner image on the photoconductor to a recording sheet;
A fixing unit for fixing the toner image transferred by the image forming unit to a recording sheet;
Guiding means for guiding the recording sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit to the paper discharge tray;
The photoconductor is disposed between the paper feed tray and the transport path when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the installation surface.
The transfer unit is disposed between the conveyance path and the discharge tray when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the installation surface,
In addition, the photoconductor, the fixing unit, and the transfer unit are disposed so as to be within the range of the overlapping region in the direction along the conveyance path when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the paper feed tray. An image forming apparatus. A vertically installed image forming apparatus that conveys a recording sheet in a direction parallel to the installation surface while maintaining a posture in which the main surface is orthogonal to the installation surface of the apparatus main body, and forms an image on the recording sheet Because
A paper discharge tray provided parallel to the side surface along one side surface of the apparatus body;
Guiding means for guiding the recording sheet output from the apparatus main body after image formation is completed to the paper discharge tray,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the paper discharge tray has openings for taking out the discharged recording sheets from different directions in two or more different directions parallel to the main surface of the paper discharge tray . An alignment unit is provided for conveying and aligning the recording sheet guided to the paper discharge tray to a reference position in the paper discharge tray while pressing the recording sheet toward a reference stacking surface of the paper discharge tray. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. The guiding means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switchback unit that switches back the recording sheet and guides the recording sheet to the paper discharge tray. Another discharge tray is provided in parallel with the discharge tray,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a discharge path switching unit that switches a recording sheet discharge destination to one of the discharge trays. Another aligning means is provided corresponding to the other discharge tray,
6. The paper discharge trays provided on both side surfaces of the apparatus main body, respectively, wherein the pressing direction of the recording sheet by each aligning unit is a direction away from the apparatus main body. Image forming apparatus. Receiving means for receiving image forming conditions;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the discharge path switching unit selects a paper discharge tray on which a recording sheet is to be discharged based on an accepted image forming condition, and switches a discharge destination. The discharge path switching means is
7. The print sheet being executed is switched to another discharge tray when the maximum number of sheets that can be stored in the discharge tray from which the recording sheet is discharged first is reached. The image forming apparatus described. A paper type acquisition means for acquiring the paper type of the recording sheet;
The discharge path switching means is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a recording sheet discharge destination is switched in accordance with the acquired paper type.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the paper type includes at least one of a thickness and a size of the recording sheet. The guide means includes switchback means for switching back the recording sheet and guiding it to the paper discharge tray.
The discharge path switching unit discharges the recording sheet to the discharge tray when the size of the recording sheet is a size that can be accommodated in the discharge tray according to the paper type, and the size of the recording sheet is the discharge sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the recording sheet is discharged to the another paper discharge tray when the size is not accommodated in the paper tray. The guide means includes switchback means for switching back the recording sheet and guiding it to the paper discharge tray.
According to the paper type, the discharge path switching unit discharges the recording sheet to the paper discharge tray when the recording sheet is not thick paper, and when the recording sheet is thick paper, the recording sheet is transferred to the another paper discharge tray. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus discharges the image.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper discharge tray has openings for taking out the recording sheets in two or more different directions.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper discharge tray is made of a transparent or translucent material.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper discharge tray is slidably held in a predetermined direction by the apparatus main body. The guiding means includes
The image according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the recording sheet that has undergone image formation is changed in a traveling direction or the recording sheet is switched back to guide the recording sheet to the paper discharge tray. Forming equipment. At the position where the recording sheet on which image formation is completed is conveyed, it has a door that can be opened and closed,
When the door is closed, it changes the direction of travel of the recording sheet to guide the recording sheet, and when it is open, the recording sheet is moved outside the apparatus body without changing the direction of travel of the recording sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus discharges the image.

Images