JPH10177282A - Image forming device with sheet postprocessor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device equipped with a sheet postprocessing device in which the device itself is made compact in width direction and visibility for a sheet placed on a sheet ejection tray and operability for taking it out are improved. SOLUTION: The device is equipped with an image forming part 2, the sheet postprocessing part 6 with at least a postprocess tray 61 and stapler 63, a sheet ejection roller 66 for ejecting a sheet placed on the postprocess tray 61, and a sheet ejection tray 67 for receiving the sheet ejected by the sheet ejection roller 66. The postprocess tray 61 is disposed above the image forming part 2, and the sheet ejection tray 67 is disposed so that its face on which the sheet is placed is lower than the postprocess tray 61.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, a copying machine, etc., provided with a sheet post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing such as stapling on a sheet such as transfer paper on which an image is formed. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, a copying machine, etc., after forming an image, a sheet such as a transfer paper on which the image is formed is temporarily stacked, and the sheet is stapled. And a sheet post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing such as punching and stamping.

As an image forming apparatus equipped with such a sheet post-processing apparatus, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 1-331361 (hereinafter referred to as Document I) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 59-82263.
(Hereinafter referred to as Document II), Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-2862
No. 81 (hereinafter referred to as Document III) and the like.

For example, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Document I has a structure in which a sheet post-processing device 304 is attached to a side of an image forming apparatus main body 301 as shown in FIG.

In this image forming apparatus, a document feeder 30
3 is read by the optical unit 317, a toner image is formed by the image forming unit 316 by the Carlson process, and the transfer paper (from one of the transfer paper storage units 311, 312, 313, and 314) is transferred by the transfer unit 315. (Hereinafter, referred to as a sheet) to the image forming unit 316. Then, the toner image is fixed on the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by the fixing unit 318, and an image is formed on the sheet. The sheet on which the image has been formed is sent to the staple tray 324 of the sheet post-processing apparatus 304, and the stapler 3
The sheet is subjected to stapling processing at 25 and is ejected to a sheet ejection tray 323 provided outside the sheet post-processing device 304 by the pushing means 320.

In the above image forming apparatus, an image can be formed on both the front and back surfaces of a sheet. When an image is formed on both sides of a sheet as described above, the above-described image forming unit 31 is used.
6, the sheet on which the image is formed on the front side is turned over, the stack is temporarily stacked on the intermediate tray 319, and the sheet is re-fed to the image forming unit 316, and the image is formed on the back side. It is designed to be sent.

As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Document II has a sheet post-processing device 40 on the side of the image forming apparatus main body 401 in the same manner as the image forming apparatus of Document I.
4 is attached.

In this image forming apparatus, a document feeder 40
3 is read by the optical unit 417, a toner image is formed by the image forming unit 416 by the Carlson process, and the transfer paper (sheet) is sent from the transfer paper storage unit 411 to the image forming unit 416 by the conveying unit 415. . Then, the toner image is fixed on the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by the fixing unit 418, and an image is formed on the sheet. The sheet on which the image has been formed is sent to the staple tray 424 of the sheet post-processing device 404, and the sheet is stapled by the stapler 425.
20, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 423.

Particularly, in the image forming apparatus of the above-mentioned Document II, when a sheet bundle subjected to post-processing such as stapling and punching is conveyed to a discharge tray as a bundle, the sheet bundle is prevented from being disturbed. It is indispensable to transfer the sheet to the sheet discharge tray by sliding the sheet from the post-processing tray to the side, or by moving the sheet downward using gravity.

In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Document III, as shown in FIG. 8, an intermediate tray 523 for stacking sheets at the time of duplex copying is provided below the image forming section 515 of the copying machine main body 501. Is arranged. A binding device 535 having a stapler is provided on the sheet discharge side of the intermediate tray 523, and a stapling process is performed on a sheet bundle placed on the intermediate tray 523. That is, the intermediate tray 523 has a function of a post-processing tray in the sheet post-processing apparatus.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned document III, the size can be reduced as compared with the conventional case where a sheet post-processing device is provided outside the copying machine main body 501.

[0012]

However, the above document I
As shown in FIG. 6, the sheet post-processing apparatus 30
4 is arranged on the longitudinal side of the apparatus, that is, beside the apparatus main body, so that a post-processing tray, a paper discharge tray, and the like are arranged beside the apparatus main body. Further, since the manual feed tray 314 is provided beside the apparatus main body opposite to the sheet post-processing apparatus 304, the manual feed tray 3
The width of 14 and the width of the discharge tray 323 add to the width of the entire apparatus. For this reason, in the device of the above-mentioned document I, there is a problem that the width direction of the device becomes large and the whole device becomes large.

Further, when post-processing is performed on the sheet, an intermediate tray for stacking the sheet after image formation is provided;
Staple tray 3 for stapling sheet bundles
Since it was necessary to provide 24 separately,
There is waste in cost.

In the apparatus of Document II, as shown in FIG. 7, a paper discharge tray 423 is provided below a post-processing tray 424.
Is disposed, the post-processing tray 424 is in the way, and the operator must bend down to check and take out the sheets discharged onto the paper discharge tray 423. That is, in the apparatus of the above-mentioned document II, the paper discharge tray 423
In order to visually recognize the sheet placed thereon, it is necessary to look into the apparatus from the lateral direction, and it is difficult to take out the sheet on the discharge tray 423. From the above, there is a problem that the operability of the device is significantly reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus of the above-mentioned Document III has an intermediate tray 523 as a post-processing tray.
Lower than the image forming unit 515, and
1 is provided at a position lower than the intermediate tray 523, the operator bends each time the ejected sheet bundle is taken out from the sheet ejection tray 521, similarly to the apparatus of the document II. It is necessary and operation becomes troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus above an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus so that the apparatus can be moved in the width direction. An image provided with a sheet post-processing device which can improve the visibility of a sheet placed on the paper discharge tray and the operability such as taking out by making the paper discharge tray as high as possible in addition to making the paper discharge tray as compact as possible. An object of the present invention is to provide a forming apparatus.

[0017]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing apparatus, the image forming section forming an image on a sheet, and the image forming section. And a post-processing unit that performs post-processing, such as stapling, on the sheet mounted on the sheet mounting unit. A post-processing device, a discharge unit for discharging the sheet placed on the sheet placement unit, and a discharge tray for receiving the sheet discharged by the discharge unit, wherein the sheet placement unit includes It is characterized in that it is arranged above the processing unit.

According to the above arrangement, since the sheet placement section is disposed above the image processing section, the sheet on the sheet placement section is subjected to post-processing such as stapling processing. The processing device is disposed above the image forming unit. That is, the sheet post-processing apparatus has a structure built in the image forming apparatus. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the apparatus as compared with a conventional apparatus in which the sheet post-processing apparatus is mounted outside the image forming apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus, wherein the sheet discharge tray is arranged at a height higher than the height of the sheet stacking section. It is characterized by being arranged so as to be almost as high as

According to the above configuration, in addition to the function of the first aspect, the sheet discharge tray is arranged at substantially the same height as the arrangement height of the sheet placing portion, so that the post-processed sheets are
It is discharged to a position where the operator can easily take it out and can easily confirm it. That is, the sheet from the image forming apparatus is discharged to a position where the sheet can be recognized and removed in a normal operation state without the operator bending down.

As a result, as in the conventional case, the sheet is placed below the normal operation position of the operator, as in the case where the sheet post-processing apparatus is disposed below the image forming unit or outside the main unit. Position, and the sheet discharged by the sheet post-processing device is not discharged to a position where it is difficult to confirm, so that it is easy to take out and confirm the sheet placed on the discharge tray. Can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the sheet post-processing apparatus, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, further includes the step of: The image forming apparatus further includes a conveying unit configured to convey the sheet to the sheet mounting unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus, wherein the conveying unit conveys the sheet to the sheet mounting unit such that the image forming surface faces down.

According to the above construction, in addition to the function of the first or second aspect, the sheet is conveyed to the sheet mounting portion by the conveying means provided in the image forming apparatus so that the image forming surface faces down. By doing so, for example, sheets on which an image is formed on a plurality of pages of a document can be sequentially placed from one page. Thus, for example, when sheets are placed on the sheet placement unit in the order in which images are formed, such as in a printer or a facsimile, the sheets are stacked in the correct order, and a sheet such as a stapler is placed on the sheet. Post-processing can be performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a sheet post-processing apparatus, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, further comprises a sheet formed by the image forming section. A conveying unit for guiding the sheet to a sheet mounting unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus, a reversing unit for reversing the image formed sheet, and a re-feeding unit for feeding the reversed sheet to the image forming unit again Means are provided.

According to the above construction, in addition to the function of the first or second aspect, the image forming sheet placed on the sheet placing portion is reversed by the reversing means, and the sheet re-feeding means is used. By reversing the reversed sheet to the image forming unit, the sheet mounting unit functions as a processing tray used in the post-processing of the sheet and is used for double-sided copying for forming an image on the front and back of the sheet. And a function as an intermediate tray. Thus, the structure of the apparatus can be simplified, the apparatus can be manufactured at low cost, and the apparatus can be made compact, as compared with the case where the post-processing tray and the intermediate tray are separately provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having the sheet post-processing apparatus, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in addition to the configuration of the fourth aspect, wherein the reversing means causes the sheet to be placed from the image forming section to the sheet mounting section It is characterized in that it is arranged in a transport path for guiding to a part.

According to the above construction, in addition to the function of the fourth aspect, the reversing means is arranged in the conveyance path for guiding the sheet from the image forming section to the sheet placing section, so that the sheet is imaged. The sheet can be conveyed to the sheet placement section with the forming surface up (face-up state). Thus, when forming an image of a plurality of pages, if the images are formed in order from the last page and the sheets are discharged, the sheets can be stacked on the sheet placing section in a correct order.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a sheet post-processing apparatus, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, furthermore, a sheet is formed from an image forming section to a sheet placing section. The guide path includes a first sheet carry-in port for carrying a sheet into the sheet placing section from the upstream side in the sheet carrying direction, and a sheet carrying section from the downstream side in the sheet carrying direction relative to the first sheet carry-in section. And a second sheet carry-in port for carrying the sheet into the apparatus.

According to the above construction, in addition to the functions of the first and second aspects, a large-sized sheet is carried in from the first sheet carry-in port provided on the front side of the conveyance path.
If a sheet smaller in size than the sheet carried in from the first sheet carry-in port is carried in from the second sheet carry-in port, compared with a case where the sheet is carried into the sheet placing portion from one place, The sheet can be easily aligned on the sheet placing portion.

If one of the sheet entrances is provided with a reversing means for reversing the front and back of the sheet, the sheet can be inverted and stacked on the sheet mounting portion. Moreover, since the reversing means is provided at the sheet carry-in port provided to carry the sheet from the conveyance path, the reversing means itself is provided above the image forming unit. This makes it possible to reduce the width of the apparatus in comparison with the case where the reversing unit is provided in the lateral direction of the image forming unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing apparatus is provided, in addition to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. An elevating means for elevating is provided.

According to the above construction, in addition to the functions of the first to sixth aspects, the image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect is capable of discharging the sheet discharged onto the discharge tray. As described above, in addition to the configuration of claim 7, the lifting means may be configured to raise and lower the discharge tray in accordance with the amount of sheets placed on the discharge tray.

Thus, the sheet can be raised and lowered in accordance with the stacking amount of the sheet so that the upper surface of the sheet is always maintained at a constant height, so that the sheet can be stably discharged to the discharge tray. In addition, the discharged sheet can be easily visually recognized.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus having a sheet post-processing apparatus is provided, in addition to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. A sheet supply unit for supplying sheets to the image forming unit; and the discharge tray, wherein the sheet supply unit is disposed below the discharge tray.

According to the above construction, in addition to the functions of the first to eighth aspects, the sheet supply means is placed below the paper discharge tray, so that the sheet supply means and the paper discharge tray can be connected to an image. It will be provided on the same side of the forming device.
Thereby, the width of the entire apparatus can be reduced.
In addition, since the sheet supply means is disposed below the paper discharge tray, the operability of the apparatus such as visual recognition and removal of the sheets stacked on the paper discharge tray can be improved.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the sheet post-processing apparatus.
In addition to any one of the above configurations, the sheet placing portion includes
An alignment discharge member is provided for abutting on the rear end of the placed sheet to align the sheet with the paper discharge tray and discharging the placed sheet to the paper discharge tray. And

According to the above construction, in addition to the functions of the first to ninth aspects, the aligning / discharging member includes an aligning means for aligning the sheet placed on the sheet placing portion, and an aligning means for placing the sheet on the sheet placing portion. The sheet also serves as a discharge unit for discharging the placed sheet to the sheet discharge tray. Thus, the apparatus can be simplified, the apparatus can be made compact, and the cost for manufacturing can be reduced.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing apparatus, wherein a reading section for reading image information of a document and a digital image data of the document read by the reading section are provided. A digital image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data, a sheet mounting unit for temporarily mounting the image-formed sheet, and A sheet post-processing device including a sheet post-processing unit that performs post-processing such as stapling processing on the sheets placed on the sheet mounting unit; a discharge unit configured to discharge the sheet mounted on the sheet mounting unit; A discharge tray for receiving the sheet discharged by the means,
The sheet placement unit is disposed above the image processing unit and below the reading unit.

According to the above configuration, since the sheet placing section is disposed above the image processing section, the sheet on which the post-processing such as the stapling process is performed is performed on the sheet on the sheet placing section. The processing device is disposed above the image forming unit. That is, the sheet post-processing apparatus has a structure built in the image forming apparatus. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the apparatus as compared with a conventional apparatus in which the sheet post-processing apparatus is mounted outside the image forming apparatus.

Moreover, since the image forming section is digitized, the scanning light from the reading section is not directly guided to the photosensitive member, but is temporarily stored in the apparatus and emitted based on the image information. The photoreceptor is exposed by the laser beam. This eliminates the need for an optical system for guiding the scanning light of the document to the photoconductor on the upper side of the digital image forming unit, and makes it possible to arrange the sheet mounting unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus on the digital image forming unit without difficulty. Can be.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the sheet post-processing apparatus.
In addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the paper discharge tray is arranged so as to be substantially the same height as the arrangement height of the sheet placing portion.

According to the above construction, in addition to the function of the eleventh aspect, the sheet discharge tray is arranged at substantially the same height as the arrangement height of the sheet placing portion, so that the post-processed sheets are
It is discharged to a position where the operator can easily take it out and can easily confirm it. That is, the sheet from the image forming apparatus is discharged to a position where the sheet can be recognized and removed in a normal operation state without the operator bending down.

As a result, as in the conventional case where the sheet post-processing apparatus is disposed below the image forming unit or outside the main unit, the sheet is positioned below the normal operation position of the operator. Sheets ejected by the sheet post-processing device are not ejected to locations where it is difficult to check them, making it easier to take out and check sheets placed on the output tray. Can be done.

An image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following features.
In addition to the configuration of 1 or 12, the reading section is characterized in that it is movably provided so that the sheet placement section of the sheet post-processing apparatus is exposed.

According to the above construction, claim 11 or 1
In addition to the operation of the second embodiment, since the reading unit or the sheet placement unit of the sheet post-processing device is movably provided so that the reading unit is moved, the jam in the sheet post-processing device can be performed. Etc. can be easily recognized.
Thereby, maintenance of the sheet post-processing apparatus can be facilitated. In particular, staples can be easily replenished when performing staple processing or the like.

[0046]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the present embodiment, a multi-function copying machine having a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function will be described as an image forming apparatus having a sheet post-processing apparatus.

The multifunction copying machine according to the present embodiment is similar to that shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 2, an exposure reading unit 3, a document feeder 4, a sheet storage unit 5, and a sheet post-processing unit 6.

The image forming section 2 forms an image by the Carlson process, and is disposed substantially at the center of the image forming apparatus main body 1. In the image forming unit 2, a photoconductor 11 is disposed substantially in the vicinity of the center, and a charging device 12, a developing device 15, a transfer device 18, a cleaning device 19, and a charge removing device 20 are disposed around the photoconductor 11. In addition, a registration roller 17 is disposed upstream of the photoconductor 11 in the sheet conveyance direction, and a fixing device 30 is disposed downstream of the photoconductor 11.

The registration roller 17 conveys the sheet at a predetermined timing to a transfer portion Y where the photoreceptor 11 and the transfer device 18 face each other.

The fixing device 30 comprises an upper heat roller 21 having a built-in heat generating lamp 22 and a lower heat roller 23 which is pressed by the upper heat roller 21 and is driven to rotate.
The toner image is fixed on the sheet at a pressure contact portion between the upper heat roller 21 and the lower heat roller 23.

Further, a polygon mirror 13, a mirror 14, and a laser oscillation element 16 are arranged above the photoreceptor 11, and the laser light emitted from the laser oscillation element 16 is used to rotate the polygon mirror 13 at a high speed. And is guided to the exposure point X of the photoconductor 11 via the mirror 14.

Image information (image data) is supplied from a memory device (not shown) to the laser oscillation element 16, and a light beam applied to the photoconductor 11 is controlled based on the image data. For example, the image data supplied to the laser oscillation element 16 includes the original mounting glass 3 of the exposure reading unit 3 when the copying machine is operating by the copying function.
When image data obtained by reading an original placed on the printer 1 is used and operated by the printer function, image data output from a personal computer or the like (not shown) is used. When the image data is operated by the facsimile function, Image data sent from a line or the like is used.

Below the image forming section 2, a sheet storage section 5 is disposed. The sheet storage unit 5 includes sheet cassettes 5a, 5b, and 5c for storing sheets on which images are to be formed by the image forming unit 2. These paper cassettes 5a, 5b, 5c store sheets of different sizes, respectively, and are selectively fed to the image forming unit 2 through the paper feed conveyance path 51.

In the paper feed path 51, paper feed rollers 52a, 52b and 52c for separating and feeding the sheets stored in the paper cassettes 5a, 5b and 5c one by one, and each paper feed roller 52a , 52b, and 52c, transport rollers 53a, 53b, and 53c for transporting the sheet fed to the image forming unit 2 are provided corresponding to the respective paper cassettes 5a, 5b, and 5c.

The image forming section 2 of the image forming apparatus main body 1
On the upstream side of the sheet conveyance, in addition to the sheet storage section 5,
A manual feed tray 5d is provided as a sheet supply unit for supplying a sheet on which an image is to be formed from outside the apparatus. The manual feed tray 5d is provided at a position where the sheet placement surface is substantially horizontal to the transfer site Y of the image forming unit 2. Also, the manual feed tray 5d of the image forming apparatus main body 1
A transport roller 53d for separating the sheets placed on the manual feed tray 5d one by one and transporting the separated sheets to the image forming unit 2 is provided in the vicinity of the sheet carry-in port 54 from the printer.

The image forming section 2 of the image forming apparatus main body 1
A reversing gate 24, a reversing conveyance path 25, and a post-processing conveyance path 27 for conveying a sheet on which an image has been formed in the sheet post-processing unit 6 are provided on the downstream side of the sheet conveyance.

The post-processing transport path 27 includes the image forming section 2
A conveying roller 28 is provided as conveying means for conveying the sheet from the sheet post-processing unit 6 to the sheet post-processing unit 6.

Therefore, the sheet on which the image has been formed in the image forming section 2 is transferred by the reversing gate 24 to the reversing conveyance path 25.
Alternatively, the sheet is conveyed to any one of the post-processing conveyance paths 26. The reversing conveyance path 25 is provided with a pair of reversing rollers 26 that can be rotated forward and backward. The reversing rollers 26, by reversing the rotation, pinch and switch back the sheet conveyed to the reversing conveyance path 25, and perform the post-processing conveyance path 27.
The sheet is then conveyed to the sheet post-processing section 6 by the conveyance rollers 28 of the post-processing conveyance path 27.
Thus, the reversing gate 24, the reversing conveyance path 25, and the reversing roller 26 constitute reversing means.

A sheet post-processing unit 6 is provided above the image forming unit 2. The sheet post-processing unit 6 performs a stapling process on the sheet conveyed from the post-processing conveyance path 27. A post-processing unit that performs post-processing is configured.

The sheet post-processing section 6 includes a post-processing tray 6
1, a rear end plate (alignment and discharge member) 62a, an alignment plate 62b, a stapler 63, a pickup roller (discharge unit) 64, a re-feed roller 65a, and a separation roller 65b.

The post-processing tray 61 is provided in the post-processing transport path 2
7 is a sheet placement unit for temporarily placing the sheet conveyed by the sheet 7. The rear end plate 62a is provided movably on the post-processing tray 61 in the directions of arrows S and S ', and moves the sheet placed on the post-processing tray 61 in the direction of the arrow S', and The sheet placed on 61 is pushed out to the discharge side. The matching plate 62b
Is a member for aligning the sheets placed on the post-processing tray 61 in the width direction. Therefore, the rear end plate 62a and the alignment plate 62b align a plurality of sheet bundles placed on the post-processing tray 61.

The stapler 63 has a post-processing tray 61.
The stapling process is performed on a sheet bundle placed on the post-processing tray 61.

The draw-in roller 64 is provided further on the sheet discharge side than the stapler 63 on the post-processing tray 61, and the sheet pressed by the rear end plate 62a on the post-processing tray 61 in the direction of arrow S '. Refeed roller 65
a and between the separation roller 65b.

The separation roller 65b is connected to the re-feed roller 6
It is provided so as to be able to be separated from and brought into contact with the sheet feeding roller 5a, that is, to be movable from a position where it comes into contact with the re-feed roller 65a to a position where it is separated (position indicated by a broken line in the drawing). That is, when discharging the stapled sheet bundle, the separation roller 65b is moved to the position indicated by the one-dot chain line in the drawing.
When an image is formed on the back surface of the sheet, the sheet comes in contact with the re-feed roller 65a.

On the discharge side of the re-feed roller 65a, a discharge roller 66 composed of a sponge roller is provided at a position substantially parallel to the re-feed roller 65a, and the sheet from the discharge roller 66 is discharged to the outside. An outlet 72 is formed. In the vicinity of the discharge port 72, a discharge tray 67 for receiving the sheet discharged from the discharge port 72 is provided. The details of the paper discharge tray 67 will be described later.

Further, on the discharge side of the re-feed roller 65a,
A re-feeding conveyance path 71 for conveying a sheet from the re-feeding roller 65a to the image forming unit 2 is provided at a position different from the disposition position of the discharge roller 66.

That is, the sheet discharged from the re-feeding roller 65a is replaced by the re-feeding roller 65 of the separation roller 65b.
Whether the sheet is conveyed to the sheet discharge roller 66 or the sheet re-conveyance path 71 is determined according to the state of the contact / separation from the sheet a.

That is, when the operator issues a stapling instruction using an operation unit (not shown), the sheet post-processing unit 6 having the above-described configuration is configured to transfer the sheet conveyed from the post-processing conveyance path 27 to the above-described reverse conveyance path. 25, the immediately preceding image forming surface faces upward and the post-processing tray 6
1 is loaded. After the stacking, the sheets on the post-processing tray 61 are pushed by the trailing end plate 62a in the direction of arrow S ', and are aligned by the alignment plates 62b.

After the sheets are aligned in this way, when the operator instructs stapling from an operation unit (not shown), the stapler 63 performs the stapling process on the sheet bundle.

Here, details of the sheet post-processing section 6 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
For convenience of explanation, the sheet discharge side (paper discharge tray 67 side) of the post-processing tray 61 is referred to as a front end side, and the sheet carry-in side (post-processing conveyance path 27 side) is referred to as a rear end side.

The sheet post-processing section 6 includes a pair of conveying rollers 91 and 9 for conveying a sheet from the post-processing conveyance path 27.
1 and a rear end guide unit 95.

Both ends of the transport rollers 91 are supported by support members 98 provided in a direction orthogonal to the sheet discharging direction of the post-processing tray 61 of the image forming apparatus main body 1.

The rear end guide unit 95 is provided with the above-mentioned rear end plate 62a on the front end side, and is provided so as to be movable on the post-processing tray 61 in the directions of arrows S and S 'by a moving mechanism (not shown). That is, the rear end guide unit 95
It can be moved to a solid line position or a two-dot chain line position shown in FIG.

The rear end guide unit 95 is provided with a pair of post-processing tray discharge rollers 92 for conveying the sheet from the conveying roller 91 to the post-processing tray 61. Both ends of the post-processing tray discharge rollers 92 are supported at both ends of the rear end guide unit 95.

A film guide 94 is provided between the transport roller 91 and the post-processing tray discharge roller 92 to guide the sheet from the post-processing transport path 27 onto the post-processing tray 61.

The film guide 94 passes between the post-processing tray discharge rollers 92, one end of which is fixed to the rear end guide unit 95, and the other end passes between the transport rollers 91, 91 to form the main body of the image forming apparatus. Support member 9 provided in 1
The winding mechanism is configured to be wound up by a winding roller 93 supported by the power supply 8.98. That is, the film guide 94
When the rear end guide unit 95 moves in the direction of the arrow S ′, the winding roller 93 rotates in the drawing direction and is pulled out. When the rear end guide unit 95 moves in the direction of the arrow S, the winding roller 93 winds. It is provided so that it can be wound in the direction of rotation and is always in a stretched state.

In the post-processing tray 61, a rectangular guide groove 61a is formed in the front end side in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction (the direction of arrows P and P '). The matching plates 62b and 62b are indicated by arrows P in FIG.
-It is provided movably in the P 'direction.

Further, the guide groove 61a of the post-processing tray 61
At the front end side, the above-described attraction roller 64 and the stapler 63 are provided, and further, the front end side of the attraction roller 64, that is, the front end of the post-processing tray 61, the front end of the sheet conveyed to the post-processing tray 61 is provided. A leading edge stopper 96 is provided to abut and align the leading edge of the sheet.

The leading end stopper 96 is indicated by a drive unit (not shown) in the direction of the arrow OO ′ around the leading end stopper rotating shaft 97 disposed above the front end of the post-processing tray 61, that is, in the solid line in the drawing. In the retracted operating position and the retracted position indicated by the two-dot chain line.

The stapler 63 is driven by an unillustrated driving device at the front end of the post-processing tray 61 by an arrow P.
It is provided movably in the P 'direction (in the drawing, a standby position indicated by a two-dot chain line and an operation position indicated by a solid line), and can be moved according to the size of the sheet. The stapler 63 normally waits at a standby position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.
The sheet moves in the direction of arrow P ′ according to the size of the sheet carried into the post-processing tray 61.

The post-processing operation of the sheet post-processing section 6 having the above configuration will be described below. First, when a sheet is carried into the post-processing tray 61, the rear end guide unit 95 waits at a position moved in the direction of the arrow S. When the sheet is conveyed onto the post-processing tray 61, the rear end guide unit 95 moves in the direction of the arrow S ', and pushes the rear end of the stacked sheets in the direction of the arrow S' with the rear end plate 62a. The stacked sheets are aligned with the leading end stopper 96 at the operating position. At the same time, the guide grooves 6 of the post-processing tray 61
The side of the sheet on which the alignment plates 62b and 62b are stacked is aligned on 1a.

Next, after the sheets are aligned, when the operator gives a stapling instruction from an operation unit (not shown), the leading end stopper 96 moves to the retracted position, and the stapler 63 moves from the standby position to the operating position. Move,
The stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle placed on the post-processing tray 61.

After the stapling is completed, the sheet bundle stapled by the attraction roller 64 is conveyed in the S 'direction, and is discharged to the discharge tray 67 by the re-feed roller 65a.

As shown in FIG. 1, the paper discharge tray 67 is disposed so as to be substantially the same height as the post-processing tray 61. Moreover, it is provided above the manual feed tray 5 d and on the side of the image forming apparatus main body 1.

On the paper discharge tray 67, a stepping motor M as an elevating means,
And a rack 69 that meshes with the lifting gear 68 is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus main body 1 facing the discharge tray 67 in the vertical direction (the direction of arrows R and R ′). ).

The stepping motor M raises and lowers the discharge tray 67 as necessary. Specifically, the sheet is moved up and down in accordance with the amount of sheets placed on the discharge tray 67. In this case, the amount of sheets is detected by detecting means (not shown) of the height of the sheets placed on the discharge tray 67. The drive of the stepping motor M is controlled based on the detection signal, and the stepping motor M moves the sheet discharge tray 67 up and down.

As described above, if the discharge tray 67 is moved up and down in accordance with the amount of sheets to be placed, the upper surface of the sheets is always held at a constant height. Thus, the height of the sheet finally discharged can always be substantially the same as the arrangement height of the post-processing tray 61, so that the sheet can be stably discharged to the discharge tray. At the same time, the discharged sheet can be easily viewed.

As described above, according to the copying machine having the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming section 2 and the post-processing tray 61 of the sheet post-processing section 6 are arranged vertically. Therefore, the apparatus becomes compact in the width direction of the apparatus, and space can be saved.

Further, since the manual feed tray 5d is disposed below the paper discharge tray 67, there is no obstacle above the paper discharge tray 67, and the operator stands on the image forming apparatus main body 1 side. However, the discharged sheet can be visually recognized. Further, it is easy to take out the discharged sheet.

Since an image is formed on both sides of the sheet, an intermediate tray for stacking the sheet once formed on one side and a post-processing tray for performing post-processing such as stapling are also used. In addition, there is no need to separately provide trays, and waste of the apparatus can be eliminated, and the apparatus can have a simple configuration.

Further, on the upper side of the image forming apparatus main body 1, that is, on the upper portion of the sheet post-processing section 6, as shown in FIG. Further, a document feeder 4 is provided above the exposure reading unit 3.

The exposure reading section 3 includes a document placing glass 31 on which a document is placed, and a CCD sensor 32 which can reciprocate with respect to the document placed on the document placing glass 31. The original image is read by moving the CCD sensor 32 based on the original image. Note that the exposure start signal is output when a print button of an operation unit (not shown) is pressed.

The document feeder 4 separates the document feed tray 41 on which the document bundle can be placed and the documents on the document feed tray 41 one by one, and feeds the document to the document loading glass 31 side. The document feed roller 42 to be fed and the document placing glass 3
1, a document transport belt 43 for setting the document at a predetermined scanning position, a document discharge tray 45 for stacking the exposed documents, and an exposure on the document loading glass 31 on the document discharge tray 45. Document discharge rollers 44 for discharging the completed document are provided.

The above-described exposure reading section 3 and original feeder 4
As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet post-processing unit 6 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is integrally opened so as to be exposed. That is, the exposure reading unit 3 and the document feeder 4 are integrally rotated upward so that the sheet post-processing unit 6 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is exposed using the end opposite to the operation side as a support shaft. It works.

The exposure reading section 3 is turned upward by the urging force of the gas spring 74 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1. A lock release button 75 is provided on the front side of the exposure reading unit 3, that is, on the operation surface side.
Are pushed to the exposure reading unit 3 side, and lock hooks 72, 72 which are rotated backward are provided. Further, the gas spring 7 is mounted on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 1 so that the exposure reading section 3 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 1.
4 and the lock hook 72 of the exposure reading unit 3
Are provided.

That is, the exposure reading unit 3 presses the lock release button 75 on the front, so that the lock hooks 72 of the exposure reading unit 3 and the lock member 73 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 are pressed.
The engagement with 73 is released, and the gas spring 74 rotates upward to expose the sheet post-processing unit 6 of the image forming apparatus main body 1.

According to the above configuration, the image forming apparatus main body 1
In the sheet post-processing unit 6, when a jam occurs,
Just by pressing the lock release button 75 of the exposure reading unit 3, the exposure reading unit 3 rotates upward and the sheet post-processing unit 6 is exposed. Thus, the sheet post-processing unit 6 can be easily taken out of the image forming apparatus main body 1, and as a result, the jam occurring in the sheet post-processing unit 6 can be easily performed.

As described above, if the exposure of the sheet post-processing unit 6 from the image forming apparatus main body 1 can be simplified, not only the sheet post-processing unit 6 itself can be easily taken out, but also the stapler 63 of the stapler 63 can remove the sheet. Maintenance such as mounting and cleaning of other devices inside the sheet post-processing unit 6 is also easy.

In the copying machine having the above configuration, when exposing the sheet post-processing section 6 of the image forming apparatus main body 1, the exposure reading section 3 and the document feeder 4 are integrally rotated upward. The sheet post-processing unit 6 may be exposed by sliding the exposure reading unit 3 on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 1. In this case, if it is configured to slide to the side where the paper discharge tray 67 and the manual feed tray 5d are arranged, it is not necessary to provide a special space for sliding the exposure reading unit 3, so that the installation space of the copier is effective. Can be used for

The image forming mode which can be executed in the image forming apparatus having the post-processing apparatus having the above-described configuration includes a face-up discharge mode, a face-down discharge mode, a duplex copying mode, and the like. Each of these image forming modes will be described below.

First, the face-up discharge mode will be described. This face-up discharge mode is used when the document feeder 4 is rotated upward and a document is placed on the document placing glass 31 to form an image, particularly when the image forming apparatus main body 1 is used as a copying machine. Used for

First, a paper size, a paper type, an image density, a copy magnification, and the like are set on an operation unit (not shown). Then, by pressing the print button on the operation unit, reading of the original image on the original placing glass 31 is started. The original image is read by the CCD sensor 32, and the image data is stored in a memory device (not shown) including a large-capacity flash memory. Then, image processing is performed in accordance with the image density, copy magnification, and the like set by the operation unit, and light from the laser oscillation element 16 is exposed to the exposure point X of the photoconductor 11.
To form an image.

The memory device may be any device such as a RAM, a hard disk, a magnetic storage medium, and a magneto-optical storage medium, as long as it can store image data as electronic signals.

One of the paper cassettes 5a, 5b, 5c or the manual feed tray 5d is selected according to the paper size or paper type set by the operation unit, and sheets are fed to the image forming unit 2 therefrom. The toner image of the original image formed by the image forming section 2 is transferred to the sheet. Then, the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 30, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet.

Next, the sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming section 2 is fed into a reversing conveyance path 25 by a reversing gate 24, nipped by reversing rollers 26, 26 which can be rotated forward and backward, and sent downward. The reversing gate 24 is switched, the reversing rollers 26 rotate in the reverse direction, and are sent to the post-processing tray 61 through the post-processing conveyance path 27 to the sheet post-processing section 6.

Here, if the set number of copies set by the operation unit is plural, the sheets are stacked on the post-processing tray 61 by the set number of copies, and then discharged to the paper discharge tray 67. At this time, the sheets stacked on the post-processing tray 61 have the image forming surface facing upward.

Next, the face down discharge mode will be described. The face-down discharge mode is generally used especially when the image forming apparatus main body 1 is used as a printer or a facsimile, or when the image forming apparatus main body 1 is used as a copying machine that performs copying using the document feeder 4.

First, when used as a printer,
When image data transmitted from an image forming apparatus (not shown) extends over a plurality of pages, the image data is generally transmitted in the order from the first page to the last page. Therefore, when the transmitted image data is received, the image data is sequentially stored in the memory device built in the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the image is formed in the page order.

At this time, the paper cassettes 5a, 5b,
A sheet from the manual feed tray 5c or the manual feed tray 5d is fed into the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the toner image formed by the image forming unit 2 is transferred to the sheet. Then, the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 30, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet.

Next, the sheet on which the image has been formed in the image forming section 2 is sent to the post-processing tray 61 by the reversing gate 24 through the post-processing conveyance path 27 to the sheet post-processing section 6. Then, after the sheets are stacked on the post-processing tray 61 until the last page, the sheets are discharged to the discharge tray 67.

At this time, the sheets discharged onto the discharge tray 67 are stacked with the image forming side down, but since they are stacked in the page order of the sent image data, the sheets are stacked in the correct order. Is placed. That is, the discharge tray 67
On the top, sheets on which images are formed are stacked in order from the first page to the last page.

In particular, when an instruction to form a plurality of copies of an image is given, each copy is stacked on the post-processing tray 61 and discharged, so that the copies are stacked one by one with the image forming surface facing down. You.

The case where the image forming apparatus main body 1 is used as a facsimile is the same as the case where the above-mentioned printer is used.

Next, when copying is performed using the document feeder 4, first, a paper size, a paper type, an image density, a copy magnification, and the like are set in advance by an operation unit (not shown). By pressing the upper print button on the operation unit, the originals are sequentially sent from the original feed tray 41 to the original placing glass 31, the original image is read by the CCD sensor 32, and a memory device comprising a large-capacity flash memory is used. To store the image data. Then, image processing is sequentially performed from page 1 in accordance with the set image density, copy magnification, and the like, and light from the laser oscillation element 16 is exposed to the exposure point X of the photoconductor 11.
To form an image.

At this time, the paper cassettes 5a, 5b,
A sheet from the manual feed tray 5c or the manual feed tray 5d is fed into the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the toner image formed by the image forming unit 2 is transferred to the sheet. Then, the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 30, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet.

Next, the sheet on which the image has been formed in the image forming section 2 is sequentially sent from the first page to the post-processing tray 61 through the post-processing conveyance path 27 by the reversing gate 24 to the sheet post-processing section 6. Then, after the sheets are stacked on the post-processing tray 61 up to the last page, if a stapling execution instruction is given, the stapling is executed and the sheets are discharged to the sheet discharge tray 67.

In particular, when an instruction to form a plurality of copies is given, the copies are stacked on the post-processing tray 61 and discharged one by one, so that the copies are stacked one by one with the image forming surface facing down. You.

Next, the duplex copying mode will be described below. In this mode, an original is placed on the original placing glass 31, and the image forming apparatus main body 1 is used as a copier, used as a printer, used as a facsimile, and used with an original feeder. This is performed regardless of the case of copying.

First, when a print button on an operation unit (not shown) is pressed, images are formed in order from the last odd numbered page to the first odd numbered page.
4, the sheet is sent to the reverse conveyance path 25, is inverted, and is sent to the post-processing tray 61.

Then, the rear end plate 62a and the alignment plate 62b are aligned in cooperation with the sheet sent on the post-processing tray 61, and the feeding roller 64 re-feeds the sheet from the lowermost position. Paper.

Next, image formation is sequentially performed for the last even-numbered page or only the even-numbered page up to two pages, and is sent to the post-processing tray 61 through the post-processing conveyance path 27 by the reversing gate 24. And
After the image formation for one portion is completed and the sheets are stacked on the post-processing tray 61, the stacked sheets are stapled and discharged to the paper discharge tray 67 if a stapling execution instruction is given.

At this time, the sheets discharged onto the discharge tray 67 are stacked with the first page up.

[Second Embodiment] The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For the sake of convenience, members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the copying machine according to the present embodiment includes a sheet post-processing unit 106 instead of the sheet post-processing unit 6 provided in the copying machine shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus main body 1 includes a post-processing conveyance path 127 for guiding a sheet discharged from the fixing device 30 of the forming unit 2 to the sheet post-processing unit 106. In the post-processing conveyance path 127, as in the first embodiment, a reversing gate 24, a reversing conveyance path 25, and reversing rollers 26, 26 constituting reversing means for reversing the front and back of the sheet are provided. Not. The sheet reversal performed by each of the above members is performed by the sheet post-processing unit 106. This sheet reversing mechanism is described in the following sheet post-processing unit 1.
It will be clarified in the description of 06.

The sheet post-processing section 106 includes a post-processing tray 161, a rear end plate (alignment discharge member) 162a,
62b, a stapler 163, a pickup roller 164, a re-feed roller 165a, and a separation roller 165b. These members are the corresponding members of the first embodiment, the post-processing tray 61, the rear end plate 62a, the alignment plate 62b,
Stapler 63, call-in roller 64, re-feed roller 6
5a and the same as the separation roller 65b, the description thereof will be omitted.

The post-processing conveyance path 127 is a conveyance means for guiding a sheet from the image forming section 2 to the post-processing tray 161 which is a sheet mounting section.

The post-processing tray 1 for the post-processing transport path 127
61, a large-size sheet carry-in port 184 serving as a first sheet carry-in port for carrying a sheet into the post-processing tray 161 from the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and a sheet larger than the large-size sheet carry-in port 184. There are provided a small-size sheet carry-in port 185, which is a second sheet carry-in port for carrying the sheet into the post-processing tray 161 from the downstream side in the transport direction, and a reverse carry-in path 186.

A large-size sheet gate 181 and a transport roller 128 are provided on the transport path side of the post-processing transport path 127 for the large-size sheet carry-in port 184.

The large-size sheet gate 181 is used when the sheet on which the image has been formed is a large-size sheet such as A3 size and the sheet is carried face-down onto the post-processing tray 161. The sheet rotates to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line, and guides the sheet to the large-size sheet carry-in port 184.

Also, the large-size sheet gate 181 is
When the above conditions are not satisfied, the position is indicated by a solid line in the figure. Thus, the sheet conveyed from the conveyance roller 128 is conveyed to the conveyance roller 129 at the subsequent stage.

A small-size sheet gate 182 and a transport roller 129 are provided on the transport path side of the post-processing transport path 127 for the small-size sheet carry-in port 185.

The small-size sheet gate 182 has two points in the figure when the sheet on which an image has been formed is a small-size sheet such as A4 or B5 size, and when the sheet is carried face-down into the post-processing tray 161. Rotate to the dashed line position,
The sheet is guided to the small-size sheet entrance 185.

Also, the small-size sheet gate 182 is
When the above conditions are not satisfied, the position is indicated by a solid line in the figure. As a result, the sheet conveyed from the conveyance roller 129 is conveyed to the conveyance roller 130 at the subsequent stage.

The reverse conveyance 186 is performed when neither the large-size sheet gate 181 nor the small-size sheet gate 182 operates, that is, even if the sheet is of any size, This is a conveyance path for guiding a sheet when the sheet is carried into the processing tray 161. Then, the sheet conveyed from the conveyance roller 130 by the paper discharge roller 187 formed at the paper discharge side end of the reverse conveyance path 186 is carried into the post-processing tray 161.

In any case, the post-processing tray 16
After the image-formed sheet has been conveyed onto the stapler 1, the sheets are aligned, and if there is a stapling instruction, the stapler 1
The stapling is performed by 63, and the sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge tray 67.

With the above configuration, a large-size sheet is carried in from the large-size sheet carry-in port 184 provided on the front side of the post-processing conveyance path 127, and the large-size sheet is carried out from the small-size sheet carry-in port 185. Entrance 184
A sheet smaller in size than the sheet carried in from the outside is carried in. This makes it easier to align the sheets on the post-processing tray 161 than in a case where the sheets are carried into the post-processing tray 161 as the sheet placement unit from one place.

Further, in the above configuration, as a mechanism for reversing the sheet, a reverse conveyance 186 and a discharge roller 18 formed at the discharge side end of the reverse conveyance path 186.
The sheet conveyed from the conveyance roller 130 is carried into the post-processing tray 161 by the reversing conveyance path 186 and the paper discharge roller 187. Thus, unlike the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the reversing means beside the image forming unit 2, so that the apparatus can be reduced in the width direction.

Here, in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, as the discharging means, the rear end plate 62a,
4. Although the re-feed roller 65a has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a discharging unit having a configuration as shown in FIG. 5 may be used.

As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge means includes a post-processing tray 202 having a tip inclined downward, a pair of post-processing tray conveying rollers 201a and 201b for conveying sheets to the post-processing tray 202, An upper sheet guide 203 for guiding the sheet conveyed by the processing tray conveying rollers 201a and 201b to the post-processing tray 202
And a stopper 204 for preventing a sheet placed on the post-processing tray 202 from dropping downward, and a discharge tray 2 for receiving a sheet falling from the post-processing tray 202.
05.

Since the leading end of the post-processing tray 202 is inclined downward as described above, the sheet conveyed by the post-processing tray conveying rollers 201a and 201b abuts against the stopper 204 by its own weight. That is, the sheets are aligned by their own weight. At this time, the stopper 204 is located at the alignment position 204a. If the aligned sheets are stapled by a stapler 206 provided below the post-processing tray 202, the stopper 204 is retracted to the retreat position 204b, and the sheet bundle 21
0 falls onto the discharge tray 205 by its own weight.

According to the discharging means having the above-described configuration, the stapled sheet bundle 210 falls to the discharge tray 205 by its own weight only by the movement of the stopper 204. There is no need to provide a member such as a roller, and the device can be simplified.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention, a multi-function copying machine having a copying machine function, a printer function, and a facsimile mechanism has been described. The present invention can be applied to any word processor or other device, particularly an image forming device, such as a facsimile-only device, a copier-only device, or a device in which these devices are appropriately combined.

The present invention has been described with reference to an image forming section provided with a device for forming a latent image with laser light using the Carlson process and transferring an image formed on a photoreceptor drum with dry toner. In addition to this, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to an image forming unit using liquid ink or an image forming unit using photosensitive paper.

Further, in each of the embodiments of the present invention, the staple function has been described as the sheet post-processing function. However, the post-processing function may be replaced with another post-processing function such as an embossing mechanism, a punch function, and a gluing function. is there.

[0145]

As described above, the image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention forms an image on a sheet and forms an image on the image forming section. A sheet post-processing device including a sheet mounting unit for temporarily mounting a sheet, and a post-processing unit for performing post-processing such as stapling processing on the sheet mounted on the sheet mounting unit; A discharge unit that discharges the sheet placed on the sheet placement unit; and a discharge tray that receives the sheet discharged by the discharge unit, wherein the sheet placement unit is disposed above the image processing unit. Configuration.

Therefore, the sheet mounting portion, that is, the sheet post-processing apparatus has a structure built in the image forming apparatus, so that the conventional sheet post-processing apparatus is mounted outside the image forming apparatus. This has the effect that the device can be made more compact than the one described above.

According to the image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing device of the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the paper discharge tray has a height substantially equal to the arrangement height of the sheet placing portion. The configuration is such that they are arranged at the same height.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the configuration of the first aspect, as in the case where the sheet post-processing apparatus is arranged below the image forming unit or outside the main unit, the sheet can be processed by a normal operation of the operator. It is discharged below the operation position,
Since the sheet discharged by the sheet post-processing device is not discharged to a position where it is difficult to confirm, it is possible to improve the ease of taking out and confirming the sheet placed on the discharge tray. It works.

The image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing device according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to the first or second aspect, further includes the step of:
The image forming apparatus includes a conveying unit that conveys the sheet to the sheet mounting unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus, and the conveying unit conveys the sheet to the sheet mounting unit such that the image forming surface faces down.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, the sheet is conveyed to the sheet mounting portion by the conveying means provided in the image forming apparatus so that the image forming surface is down. By doing so, for example, sheets on which an image is formed on a plurality of pages of a document can be sequentially placed from one page. Thus, for example, when sheets are placed on the sheet placement unit in the order in which images are formed, such as in a printer or a facsimile, the sheets are stacked in the correct order, and a sheet such as a stapler is placed on the sheet. This has the effect that post-processing can be performed.

The image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to the first or second aspect, further comprises the step of: A conveying unit that guides the sheet to the sheet placement unit of the post-processing apparatus, further includes a reversing unit that reverses the image-formed sheet, and a re-feeding unit that feeds the reversed sheet to the image forming unit again. Is provided.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first and second aspects, the structure of the apparatus can be simplified as compared with the case where the post-processing tray and the intermediate tray are separately provided.
This has the effect that the device can be manufactured at low cost and the device can be made compact.

The image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, as described above, has a feature that, in addition to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the reversing means causes the sheet to be transferred from the image forming section to the sheet placing section. This is a configuration that is arranged in a conveyance path for guiding.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the constitution of the fourth aspect, the reversing means is disposed in the transport path for guiding the sheet from the image forming section to the sheet placing section, so that the sheet is formed on the image forming surface. Can be conveyed to the sheet placement section in a state of being up (face-up state). Thus, when forming images of a plurality of pages, if the images are formed in order from the last page and the sheets are discharged, the sheet can be stacked on the sheet placing section in a correct order.

The image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention guides a sheet from the image forming section to the sheet placing section in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect. A transport path configured to transport a sheet from the upstream side in the sheet transport direction to the sheet placement unit; and a transport path into the sheet placement unit from a downstream side in the sheet transport direction relative to the first sheet transport port. And a second sheet carry-in port.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first and second aspects, a large-sized sheet is carried in from the first sheet carry-in port provided on the front side of the conveying path, and the second sheet carry-in port is provided. If a sheet smaller in size than a sheet carried in from the first sheet carry-in port is carried in from above, compared with a case where the sheet is carried into the sheet placing section from one place, the sheet is placed on the sheet placing section. Can easily perform sheet alignment.

If one of these sheet entrances is provided with a reversing means for reversing the front and back of the sheet, the sheet can be inverted and stacked on the sheet placing portion. Moreover, since the reversing means is provided at the sheet carry-in port provided to carry the sheet from the conveyance path, the reversing means itself is provided above the image forming unit. This produces an effect that the width direction of the apparatus can be reduced as compared with the case where the reversing means is provided in the lateral direction of the image forming unit.

The image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, as described above, raises and lowers the discharge tray as required in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to sixth aspects. This is a configuration in which elevating means is provided.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first to sixth aspects, the sheet discharged onto the discharge tray is moved up and down by elevating means so that the upper surface of the sheet is always kept at a constant height. Accordingly, the sheet can be stably discharged, and the sheet can be easily visually recognized.

The image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, as described above, has a construction in which, in addition to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the elevating means includes an amount of sheets placed on the discharge tray. The paper discharge tray is moved up and down in accordance with the condition.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the configuration of claim 7, the sheet placement surface on the discharge tray can always be kept at a constant height depending on the amount of discharged sheets. The effect that discharge can be performed is produced.

The image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is, as described above, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to eighth aspects, an external part of the image forming apparatus main body.
A sheet supply unit for supplying a sheet to the image forming unit and the discharge tray are provided, and the sheet supply unit is disposed below the discharge tray.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first to eighth aspects, the width of the entire apparatus can be reduced. In addition, since the sheet supply means is disposed below the paper discharge tray, it is possible to improve operability such as visual recognition and removal of sheets stacked on the paper discharge tray.

The image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention has the following features.
In addition to any one of the above configurations, the sheet placement section abuts against the rear end of the placed sheet, aligns the sheet with the discharge tray side, and places the placed sheet on the discharge tray side. In this configuration, an alignment discharge member is provided for discharging the ink to the printer.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first to ninth aspects, the aligning / discharging member is provided with an aligning means for aligning the sheet placed on the sheet placing portion, and an aligning means for placing the sheet on the sheet placing portion. The sheet also serves as a discharge unit for discharging the discharged sheet to the discharge tray side. As a result, the apparatus can be simplified, and the apparatus can be made compact and the cost for manufacturing can be reduced.

An image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a reading section for reading image information of a document, and a digital image processing apparatus for reading image information of the document read by the reading section. A digital image forming unit that changes to data and forms an image on a sheet based on the image data; a sheet placing unit that temporarily places the sheet on which the image is formed; and a sheet placing unit that places the image on the sheet placing unit. A sheet post-processing apparatus including a sheet post-processing unit that performs post-processing such as stapling processing on the placed sheet, a discharge unit that discharges the sheet placed on the sheet mounting unit, and A discharge tray for receiving the discharged sheets, wherein the sheet placement unit is disposed above the image processing unit and below the reading unit.

Therefore, the sheet placement section, that is, the sheet post-processing apparatus has a structure built in the image forming apparatus. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the apparatus as compared with a conventional apparatus in which the sheet post-processing apparatus is mounted outside the image forming apparatus. In addition, since the image forming unit is digitized, the scanning light from the reading unit is not directly guided to the photoconductor, but is temporarily stored in the apparatus, and is scanned by the laser light emitted based on the image information. The photosensitive member is exposed to light. This eliminates the need for an optical system for guiding the scanning light of the document to the photoconductor on the upper side of the digital image forming unit, and makes it possible to arrange the sheet mounting unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus on the digital image forming unit without difficulty. This has the effect that it can be performed.

According to the image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, as described above, in addition to the configuration of the eleventh aspect, the paper discharge tray has a height substantially equal to the arrangement height of the sheet placing portion. The configuration is such that they are arranged at the same height.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the structure of the eleventh aspect, as in the case where the sheet post-processing apparatus is arranged below the image forming unit or outside the main body apparatus, the sheet is
Since the sheet ejected by the sheet post-processing device is not ejected to a position where it is difficult to confirm that the sheet is ejected to a position lower than the normal operation position of the operator, the sheet is placed on the sheet ejection tray. There is an effect that the ease of taking out and confirming the sheet can be improved.

The image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention has, as described above, a reading unit in addition to the configuration of the eleventh or twelfth aspect, Is movably provided so as to be exposed.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of the configuration of claim 11 or 12, the reading unit is provided so as to be movable so that the sheet placement unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus is exposed, so that the reading unit can be mounted. Just by moving the sheet, the state of a jam or the like in the sheet post-processing apparatus can be easily recognized.
Thereby, maintenance of the sheet post-processing apparatus can be facilitated. In particular, there is an effect that staples can be easily replenished when staple processing or the like is performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine which is an image forming apparatus including a sheet post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a sheet post-processing unit provided in the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a sheet post-processing unit in the copying machine shown in FIG. 1 is exposed.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine which is an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the paper discharge mechanism of the image forming apparatus including the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with another conventional sheet post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including another conventional sheet post-processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus main body 2 Image forming part 3 Exposure reading part (reading part) 4 Document feeder 5 Sheet storage part 5d Manual feed tray (sheet supply means) 6 Sheet post-processing part (sheet post-processing apparatus) 24 Inversion gate (inversion means) ) 25 reversing conveyance path (reversing means) 26 reversing roller (reversing means) 27 post-processing conveyance path (conveying path) 28 conveyance roller (conveying means) 61 post-processing tray (sheet mounting portion) 62a rear end plate (alignment discharge member) 63 stapler (post-processing unit) 64 draw-in roller (discharge unit) 66 discharge roller (discharge unit) 67 discharge tray 101 image forming apparatus main body 105d manual feed tray (sheet supply unit) 106 sheet post-processing unit (sheet post-processing device) ) 127 Post-processing conveyance path (conveyance path) 161 Post-processing tray (sheet placement section) 162a Rear end plate (alignment discharge member) 163 Stapler (post-processing unit) 164 Call-in roller (discharge means) 184 Large-size sheet carry-in port (first sheet carry-in port) 185 Small-size sheet carry-in port (second sheet carry-in port) M Stepping motor

Claims (13)

[Claims] An image forming section for forming an image on a sheet, a sheet placing section for temporarily placing a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming section, and a placing section on the sheet placing section A sheet post-processing device that includes a post-processing unit that performs post-processing such as stapling processing on the set sheet, a discharging unit that discharges the sheet placed on the sheet mounting unit, and a sheet that is discharged by the discharging unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet post-processing device, comprising: a sheet discharge tray for receiving a sheet; and the sheet placement unit disposed above the image processing unit. 2. An image forming apparatus having a sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sheet discharge tray is disposed so as to have substantially the same height as the position of said sheet placing portion. apparatus. 3. A sheet conveying device for guiding a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit to a sheet mounting unit of a sheet post-processing device, wherein the conveying unit has the image forming surface facing down. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is conveyed to the sheet placement unit.
Or an image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus according to 2. 4. A reversing means for guiding a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming section to a sheet placing section of a sheet post-processing apparatus, further comprising: reversing means for reversing the image-formed sheet. 3. An image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet re-feeding unit for feeding the inverted sheet to the image forming unit again. 5. An image forming apparatus having a sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said reversing means is disposed in a conveying path for guiding a sheet from an image forming section to a sheet placing section. apparatus. 6. A sheet feeding path for guiding a sheet from the image forming section to the sheet stacking section, a first sheet carry-in port for feeding a sheet into the sheet stacking section from an upstream side in a sheet conveying direction,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least two sheet carry-in ports, and a second sheet carry-in port for carrying a sheet into the sheet placement section from a downstream side of the first sheet carry-in direction in the sheet carrying direction. Or an image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus according to 2. 7. An image forming apparatus comprising a sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting means for raising and lowering said discharge tray as required. 8. An image forming apparatus having a sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said elevating means raises and lowers said discharge tray in accordance with an amount of sheets placed on said discharge tray. apparatus. 9. A sheet supply means for supplying a sheet to an image forming unit and said discharge tray are provided outside the image forming apparatus main body, and said sheet supply means is disposed below said discharge tray. An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet post-processing device according to claim 1. 10. The sheet placement section abuts against the trailing end of a placed sheet, aligns the sheet with the sheet discharge tray, and places the placed sheet on the sheet discharge tray. An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an alignment discharge member for discharging. 11. A reading section for reading image information of a document, a digital image forming section for converting image information of the read document into digital image data and forming an image on a sheet based on the image data; A sheet post-processing unit comprising: a sheet mounting unit for temporarily mounting an image-formed sheet; and a sheet post-processing unit for performing post-processing such as stapling processing on the sheet mounted on the sheet mounting unit. A processing device; a discharge unit configured to discharge the sheet placed on the sheet placement unit; and a discharge tray that receives the sheet discharged by the discharge unit. An image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing device, which is disposed above the image forming section and below the reading means. 12. An image provided with a sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said sheet discharge tray is disposed so as to have substantially the same height as an arrangement height of said sheet placement portion. Forming equipment. 13. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the reading section is movably provided so that a sheet placement section of the sheet post-processing apparatus is exposed. Image forming device.