Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus which can easily take out a cut sheet. An image forming apparatus (1) includes an apparatus main body (2), an image forming unit (exposure device (4), drum cartridge (5)), a cutter (7), a first discharge roller (84), and a second discharge roller (85). The image forming unit is disposed in the apparatus main body (2) and forms an image on a sheet. The cutter (7) can cut the sheet (S). The first discharge roller (84) discharges the sheet (S) that is not cut by the cutter (7) to the outside of the device body (2). The second discharge roller (85) discharges the sheet (S) cut by the cutter (7) to the outside of the device body (2). The second discharge roller (85) is positioned further downstream than the first discharge roller (84) in the discharge direction in which the sheet (S) is discharged by the first discharge roller (84).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a cutter. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus equipped with a cutter (Patent Document 1). This image forming apparatus can cut a sheet into two sheets when it is determined that the sheet needs to be cut. The cut sheet is discharged to the same position as the uncut sheet.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-160228

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in conventional image forming apparatuses, since cut sheets and uncut sheets are discharged to the same position, there is a problem that cut sheets are more difficult to remove than uncut sheets. Summary of the invention

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to facilitate the removal of cut sheets.

[0009] The image forming device for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises a device body, a cutter, a first discharge roller and a second discharge roller. The cutter can cut a sheet. The first discharge roller discharges the sheet not cut by the cutter to the outside of the device body. The second discharge roller discharges the sheet cut by the cutter to the outside of the device body. The second discharge roller is located on the downstream side of the discharge direction in which the sheet is discharged by the first discharge roller compared to the first discharge roller.

[0010] According to such a configuration, the first discharge roller is disposed downstream of the second discharge roller in the discharge direction, so that the cut sheet is discharged downstream of the uncut sheet in the discharge direction. Therefore, the cut sheet can be easily taken out.

[0011] The image forming device for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises a device body, a cutter, a first discharge port, and a second discharge port. The cutter can cut a sheet. The first discharge port discharges the sheet not cut by the cutter to the outside of the device body. The second discharge port discharges the sheet cut by the cutter to the outside of the device body. The second discharge port is located at the downstream side of the discharge direction of the sheet discharged from the first discharge port compared to the first discharge port.

[0012] According to such a configuration, the second discharge port is disposed on the downstream side of the discharge direction relative to the first discharge port, so the cut sheets are discharged to the downstream side of the discharge direction relative to the uncut sheets. Therefore, the cut sheets can be easily taken out.

[0013] In addition, the structure may be as follows, that is, comprising: an image forming unit; a first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the first conveying path allows the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter to pass through; and a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the second conveying path allows the sheet that has been cut by the cutter to pass through, and the cutter is arranged on the second conveying path.

[0014] In addition, the structure may be as follows, that is, comprising: an image forming unit; a first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the first conveying path is used for the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter to pass; and a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the second conveying path is used for the sheet that has been cut by the cutter to pass, and the second conveying path is longer than the first conveying path.

[0015] In addition, the structure may be as follows, that is, comprising: an image forming unit; a first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the first conveying path allows the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter to pass; a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the second conveying path allows the sheet that has been cut by the cutter to pass; a fixing device, which has a heating rotating body and a pressing rotating body that forms a clamping portion with the heating rotating body, and the fixing device fixes the image to the sheet; and a baffle, which can move to a first position and a second position, the first position being a position for guiding the sheet that has passed the fixing device to the first conveying path, and the second position being a position for guiding the sheet that has passed the fixing device to the second conveying path.

[0016] According to this, the sheet can be guided to either the first conveying path or the second conveying path by the flapper.

[0017] In addition, the following structure can also be set, that is, a fixing device is provided, which has a heating rotating body and a pressure rotating body forming a clamping portion between the heating rotating body, the fixing device fixes the image to the sheet, and the first discharge roller is located closer to the fixing device than the second discharge roller.

[0018] Accordingly, when cutting the sheet, the sheet is stopped and cut after the rear end of the sheet comes out of the fixing device. Therefore, the cutter is preferably separated from the fixing device by a specified distance, but by locating the first discharge roller closer to the fixing device than the second discharge roller, the enlargement of the device body can be suppressed.

[0019] In addition, the following structure can also be set, that is, there is a fixing device, which has a heating rotating body and a pressure rotating body forming a clamping portion between the heating rotating body, the fixing device fixes the image on the sheet, and the first discharge port is located closer to the fixing device than the second discharge port.

[0020] Accordingly, when cutting the sheet, the sheet is stopped and cut after the rear end of the sheet comes out of the fixing device. Therefore, the cutter is preferably separated from the fixing device by a specified distance. However, by locating the first discharge outlet closer to the fixing device than the second discharge outlet, the enlargement of the device body can be suppressed.

[0021] In addition, the structure may be configured as follows: a conveying roller is provided, which is located upstream of the cutter in the conveying direction of the sheet and conveys the sheet to the cutter, and the axial dimensions of the second discharge roller and the conveying roller are larger than half the width of the maximum width of the sheet that the image forming device can convey.

[0022] According to this, when the sheet is cut, the second discharge roller and the conveying roller hold the sheet in a wide area in the width direction of the sheet, thereby suppressing positional deviation of the sheet when it is cut.

[0023] Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the dimension in the axial direction of at least one of the second discharge roller and the conveying roller is larger than the width of a sheet having a maximum width that can be conveyed by the image forming apparatus.

[0024] According to this, when the sheet is cut, the second discharge roller or the conveying roller holds the sheet in a wide area in the width direction of the sheet, thereby suppressing positional deviation of the sheet when it is cut.

[0025] In addition, the structure may be as follows, that is, it further comprises: an image forming unit; a first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the first conveying path allows the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter to pass; a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the second conveying path allows the sheet that has been cut by the cutter to pass; a sensor, which is arranged in the sheet conveying path and can detect the presence or absence of the sheet; and a control unit, which obtains the size of the sheet in the conveying direction based on the detection signal from the sensor, and when it is determined that the size of the sheet in the conveying direction is smaller than a specified value, conveys the sheet to the second conveying path, and discharges the sheet to the outside of the device body without cutting the sheet.

[0026] According to this, in the case of discharging a small-sized sheet, the sheet is discharged through the second conveying path, so it is easy to take out the sheet.

[0027] In addition, the structure may be as follows, that is, it further comprises: an image forming unit; a first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the first conveying path allows the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter to pass; a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the second conveying path allows the sheet that has been cut by the cutter to pass; and a control unit, which, when it is determined that the size of the sheet in the conveying direction of the sheet included in the received printing job is smaller than a specified value, conveys the sheet to the second conveying path and discharges the sheet to the outside of the device body without cutting the sheet.

[0028] According to this, when a small-sized sheet is discharged, the sheet can be easily taken out.

[0029] In addition, the structure may be as follows, that is, comprising: an image forming unit; a first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the first conveying path allows the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter to pass; a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, which guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body, and the second conveying path allows the sheet that has been cut by the cutter to pass; a first discharge tray, which can load the sheet discharged through the first conveying path; and a second discharge tray, which can load the sheet discharged through the second conveying path.

[0030] According to this, the sheets discharged from the first conveying path and the sheets discharged from the second conveying path can be stored in different trays.

[0031] Furthermore, the image forming unit may include: a photosensitive drum; a developing roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum; and a transfer roller that transfers the toner supplied to the photosensitive drum to the sheet.

[0032] An image forming device for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises an image forming unit, a discharge tray, a cutter, a first conveying path, a first discharge roller, a second conveying path and a second discharge roller. The image forming unit forms an image on a sheet. The discharge tray discharges the sheet with the image formed thereon. The cutter can cut the sheet. The first conveying path guides the sheet with the image formed thereon, and the first conveying path allows the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter to pass through. The first discharge roller is arranged on the first conveying path to discharge the sheet that has not been cut. The second conveying path is arranged with a cutter to guide the sheet with the image formed thereon by the image forming unit, and the second conveying path allows the sheet that has been cut by the cutter to pass through. The second discharge roller is arranged on the second conveying path to discharge the cut sheet to the discharge tray. The upstream end in the discharge direction of the sheet discharged from the second discharge roller is on the downstream side in the discharge direction compared to the upstream end in the discharge direction of the sheet discharged from the first discharge roller.

[0033] According to such a configuration, the cut sheets are discharged to the downstream side of the discharge direction compared to the uncut sheets. Therefore, it is easy to take out the cut sheets.

[0034] In addition, it can also be configured to further include a discharge tray that loads sheets discharged from the first discharge roller and the second discharge roller, the discharge tray having a loading surface for loading the discharged sheets, and a length of the shortest distance along the direction of the loading surface from a first end on the upstream side in the discharge direction of the loading surface to a reference point of the loading surface located below the second discharge roller in the vertical direction is shorter than the sheet length of the sheet discharged from the second discharge roller.

[0035] Accordingly, the second discharge roller is located downstream in the discharge direction compared to the first discharge roller. Therefore, by using the second discharge roller to discharge the cut sheets, the cut sheets discharged to the discharge tray can be easily taken out. In addition, in the loading surface, the length of the shortest distance from the first end on the upstream side to the reference point is shorter than the sheet length of the cut sheets. Therefore, the possibility of the cut sheets discharged from the second discharge roller entering between the sheets already loaded on the discharge tray can be reduced. Thus, even if the cut sheets are discharged to the discharge tray, the order of the discharged sheets can be prevented from being changed. Therefore, the discharge performance of the image forming device can be improved.

[0036] Furthermore, the device may further include a standing wall that protrudes upward from the first end of the placement surface.

[0037] According to this, the end of the sheet on the side of the standing wall after being discharged can be brought into contact with the standing wall. Thus, the end of the sheet on the side of the standing wall can be aligned after being discharged.

[0038] Furthermore, an inclined surface may be provided between the first end and the second end so that the first end is located below a second end opposite to the first end.

[0039] According to this, the inclined surface can be used to move the discharged sheet along the loading surface toward the first end side. Therefore, the sheet moving toward the first end side abuts against the vertical wall arranged at the first end. Thus, the end of the vertical wall side of the sheet loaded on the discharge tray can be aligned.

[0040] Furthermore, a horizontal surface may be provided which is formed on the second end side relative to the inclined surface, and the horizontal surface may be located below the second discharge roller.

[0041] Accordingly, the horizontal plane formed on the second end side of the loading surface is located below the second discharge roller compared to the inclined surface. Therefore, a space can be formed between the second discharge roller and the loading surface of the discharge tray. Thus, when a sheet is stuck in the second discharge roller, the stuck sheet can be easily removed.

[0042] In addition, it is also possible to have: a first conveying path, which is configured with a first discharge roller and guides the sheet with an image formed thereon to the first discharge roller; and a second conveying path, which is configured with a second discharge roller and a cutter and guides the sheet with an image formed thereon to the second discharge roller.

[0043] According to this, the sheet on which the image has been formed can be cut by the cutter and then discharged to the discharge tray by the second discharge roller.

[0044] In addition, it is also possible to further include: a first stacking rod, which is arranged to be rotatable relative to the device body, extends toward the loading surface, and can abut against the sheets discharged by the first discharge roller to the discharge tray; and a second stacking rod, which is arranged to be rotatable relative to the device body, extends toward the loading surface, and can abut against the sheets discharged by the second discharge roller to the discharge tray, and the second discharge roller is arranged above the upper limit position, and the upper limit position is the upper limit position in the rotation range of the first stacking rod.

[0045] Accordingly, the second discharge roller is arranged above the upper limit position of the first stacking rod. Therefore, even if the first stacking rod is rotated to the upper limit position of the rotation range relative to the device body, the first stacking rod will not interfere with the second discharge roller. As a result, when the sheet is discharged, the first stacking rod can perform normal movements without being restricted in movement.

[0046] Alternatively, the first stack bar may be disposed at a position corresponding to a third end on one side of the placement surface in a width direction that is a direction perpendicular to the ejection direction, and the third stack bar may be disposed at a position corresponding to a fourth end on the other side.

[0047] Thus, the first stacking bar and the third stacking bar can suppress both ends of the uncut sheet after discharge in the width direction of the sheet orthogonal to the discharge direction, thereby preventing the sheet placed on the discharge tray from curling in the width direction.

[0048] Alternatively, the second stack bar may be disposed at a position corresponding to the center of the placement surface in the width direction of the placement surface, which is a direction perpendicular to the ejection direction.

[0049] According to this, the cut sheet discharged by the second discharge roller can be easily abutted against the second stacking bar. Therefore, the paper space between the front half and the rear half of the discharged cut sheet becomes shorter, but the front half of the sheet can be discharged toward the discharge tray earlier by the second stacking bar. As a result, the front half of the sheet is pressed by the rear half of the sheet, so that the possibility of the order of the discharged sheets being changed can be reduced.

[0050] Alternatively, a destaticizing brush may be provided that is disposed downstream of the second discharge roller in the discharge direction and that abuts against the sheet discharged by the second discharge roller to destaticize the sheet.

[0051] This can remove static electricity from the cut sheet discharged from the second discharge roller, thereby preventing a plurality of sheets discharged to the discharge tray from being attracted to each other due to static electricity.

[0052] In addition, the discharge tray may have a stopper that protrudes upward from a second end side of the loading surface opposite to the first end and has a contact surface that can abut against the discharged sheet, and the length in the discharge direction from the second discharge roller to the abutment surface is longer than the maximum sheet length of the cut sheet discharged by the second discharge roller.

[0053] According to this, by the sheets discharged by the first discharge roller and the second discharge roller abutting against the stopper, the concern that the sheets move to the outside of the discharge tray can be reduced. Thus, the discharged sheets can be loaded on the discharge tray. In addition, the possibility that the sheets discharged by the second discharge roller enter between the stacked sheets can be reduced. Thus, the order of the discharged sheets can be prevented from being changed.

[0054] In addition, the image forming unit has: a photosensitive drum; a developing roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum; a transfer roller that transfers the toner supplied to the photosensitive drum to a sheet; and a fixing device that has a pressurizing rotating body and a heating rotating body and fixes the toner transferred to the sheet on the sheet.

[0055] Alternatively, the reference point of the placement surface may be an end point on the downstream side in the discharge direction of a region projected onto the placement surface when the placement surface is projected toward the second discharge roller from above in the vertical direction.

[0056] The image forming device disclosed in the present invention is capable of discharging sheets of different lengths in a conveying direction, wherein the conveying direction is a direction in which the sheets are conveyed, and the image forming device comprises: a device body; a discharge tray, which is arranged on the device body and has a loading surface for loading the discharged sheets; a plurality of conveying rollers, which convey the sheets along the conveying direction; an image forming unit, which forms an image on the sheets; a first discharge roller, which discharges the sheets on which the images are formed by the image forming unit to the discharge tray; and a second discharge roller, which discharges the sheets on which the images are formed by the image forming unit and on which the sheets are A sheet having a shorter sheet length than the sheet discharged by the first discharge roller is discharged to the discharge tray, and the second discharge roller is arranged at a position downstream and above the first discharge roller in the discharge direction, the discharge direction being the direction in which the sheet is discharged, and the length of the shortest distance along the loading surface from the first end of the first discharge roller side in the discharge direction in the loading surface to the reference point of the loading surface is shorter than the length in the conveying direction from the second discharge roller to the conveying roller located closest to the second discharge roller in the conveying direction, and the reference point of the loading surface is a position corresponding to the lower side of the second discharge roller in the vertical direction.

[0057] Accordingly, the second discharge roller is located downstream in the discharge direction compared to the first discharge roller. Therefore, by using the second discharge roller to discharge a sheet with a short length, it is possible to easily take out a sheet with a short length discharged to the discharge tray. In addition, in the loading surface, the length of the shortest distance from the first end of the first discharge roller side to the reference point is shorter than the length in the conveying direction from the second discharge roller to the conveying roller located closest to the second discharge roller in the conveying direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a sheet with a short length discharged from the second discharge roller enters between sheets already stacked on the discharge tray. Thus, even if a sheet with a short length is discharged to the discharge tray, it is possible to prevent the order of the discharged sheets from being changed. Therefore, it is possible to achieve an improvement in the discharge performance of the image forming device.

[0058] Effects of the Invention

[0059] According to the present invention, the cut sheet can be easily taken out. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0061] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the cutter.

[0062] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of .

[0063] Figure 4 It is a figure which shows the conveyance distance from a clamping part to a cutter.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a diagram comparing the axial dimensions of the sheet, the folding roller, and the second discharge roller.

[0065] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing electrical connections between a control unit and each motor, damper, and each sensor.

[0066] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit after receiving a job.

[0067] Figure 8 This is a timing chart for explaining the timing of sheet feeding, sheet conveyance, and cutting controlled by the control unit.

[0068] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus after a cut sheet is ejected.

[0069] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus in a form including a second discharge tray.

[0070] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus in a form including a scanner unit.

[0071] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a sheet cut into two by a cutter (a) and a diagram showing a sheet discharged and a sheet guided to a re-conveying path (b).

[0072] Fig.13 The figures illustrate the movement of the sheet during the rear end avoidance process, including a figure showing a state in which the rear end of the sheet is located in the clamping portion (a), a figure showing a state in which the predetermined cutting portion of the sheet is located on the downstream side compared to the cutter (b), and a figure showing a state in which the rear end of the sheet enters the re-conveying path (c).

[0073] Fig.14 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit in the modification example.

[0074] Fig.15 This is a timing chart for explaining the timing of sheet feeding, sheet conveyance, and cutting in a modified example.

[0075] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0076] Fig.17 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2.

[0077] Fig.18 This is a diagram for explaining cutting of a sheet by a cutter.

[0078] Fig.19 It is a diagram for explaining the arrangement relationship between each component in the vicinity of the first discharge outlet and the second discharge outlet and the placement surface of the discharge tray.

[0079] Fig. 20 It is a perspective view explaining the schematic structure of a cutter.

[0080] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] [Implementation method 1]

[0082] Next, Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0083] In the following description, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 51 is referred to as the “axial direction”. In addition, the discharge direction ( Figure 1 The direction of the arrow on the right is called the “discharge direction”.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming device 1 is a laser printer.

[0085] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 2, a supply unit 3, an exposure device 4, a drum cartridge 5, a fixing device 6, a cutter 7, a sheet conveying unit 8, an operation panel PA as an example of an input unit, a sensor SE, and a control unit CU. The exposure device 4 and the drum cartridge 5 are examples of an image forming unit, and form an image on a sheet S.

[0086] The apparatus body 2 includes a front cover 21, a discharge tray 22, a first discharge port 23, and a second discharge port 24. The front cover 21 is located on the downstream side of the discharge direction in the apparatus body 2. The discharge tray 22 is formed on the upper surface of the apparatus body 2. The discharge tray 22 is a tray for placing discharged sheets. The front cover 21 can be opened to expose the inside of the apparatus or closed to seal the inside of the apparatus in order to remove sheets stuck inside the apparatus or replace the drum cartridge 5. Therefore, the front cover is provided in a manner that it becomes the front surface of the apparatus so that the user can operate it easily.

[0087] The first discharge port 23 is a discharge port for discharging the sheet S to the outside of the apparatus body 2. The first discharge port 23 is located below the second discharge port 24. In other words, the first discharge port 23 is located closer to the fixing device 6 described later than the second discharge port 24. In the present embodiment, the first discharge port 23 discharges the sheet S that has not been cut by the cutter 7 to the outside of the apparatus body 2. The sheet S discharged from the first discharge port 23 is placed on the discharge tray 22.

[0088] The second discharge port 24 is a discharge port different from the first discharge port 23 for discharging the sheet S to the outside of the apparatus body 2. The second discharge port 24 is located above and downstream in the discharge direction compared to the first discharge port 23. In the present embodiment, the second discharge port 24 mainly discharges the sheet S cut by the cutter 7 to the outside of the apparatus body 2. The sheet S discharged from the second discharge port 24 is placed on the discharge tray 22.

[0089] The supply unit 3 is located in the apparatus main body 2 . The supply unit 3 includes a supply tray 31 , a sheet pressing plate 32 , a pickup roller 33 , a separation roller 34 , and a registration roller 35 .

[0090] The supply tray 31 is a tray on which sheets S are placed. The sheet pressing plate 32 pushes the sheets S in the supply tray 31 upward. The pickup roller 33 picks up the sheets S in the supply tray 31. The separation roller 34 separates the sheets S picked up by the pickup roller 33 one by one. The registration roller 35 conveys the sheets S between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 53.

[0091] The exposure device 4 is located at the upper part of the device body 2. The exposure device 4 includes a laser light emitting unit, a polygon mirror, a lens, a reflector, etc. (not shown). In the exposure device 4, the laser light (see the dot-dash line) based on the image data emitted from the laser light emitting unit is scanned at high speed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51, thereby exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0092] The drum cartridge 5 is attachable and detachable to the apparatus main body 2. When the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the apparatus main body 2, the drum cartridge 5 is located below the exposure device 4. The drum cartridge 5 is attached and detached in a state where the front cover 21 is opened.

[0093] The drum cartridge 5 includes a photosensitive drum 51 , a charger 52 , a transfer roller 53 , a pinch roller 54 , a developing roller 55 , a supply roller 56 , and a toner storage portion 57 .

[0094] The photosensitive drum 51 is rotatable around a drum shaft 51X extending in a first direction. The charger 52 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The transfer roller 53 is located at a position opposite to the photosensitive drum 51. The transfer roller 53 transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 51 to the sheet S. The charger 52 is a scorotron charger. The pinch roller 54 is located at a position opposite to the registration roller 35. The pinch roller 54 rotates driven by the rotation of the registration roller 35, thereby conveying the sheet S together with the registration roller 35.

[0095] The developing roller 55 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 51 in a state of being in contact with the photosensitive drum 51. The supply roller 56 supplies toner in the toner storage portion 57 to the developing roller 55.

[0096] In the drum cartridge 5, the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is uniformly charged by the charger 52. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is exposed by high-speed scanning of the laser from the exposure device 4, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image based on the image data on the photosensitive drum 51. The toner carried on the developing roller 55 is supplied from the developing roller 55 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 51. Thus, the electrostatic latent image is visualized, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 51. Then, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to the sheet S by conveying the sheet S between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 53.

[0097] The fixing device 6 is located at the rear of the drum cartridge 5. The fixing device 6 includes a heating unit 61 as an example of a heating rotating body and a pressure roller 62 as an example of a pressure rotating body. The heating unit 61 includes a halogen heater, a fixing belt, a clamping plate, etc., which are shown with omitted symbols. The clamping belt is clamped between the clamping plate of the heating unit 61 and the pressure roller 62. The clamping portion NP is formed between the pressure roller 62 and the heating unit 61. In the fixing device 6, the toner image transferred to the sheet S is thermally fixed to the sheet S while the sheet S passes between the heating unit 61 and the pressure roller 62.

[0098] The cutter 7 can cut the sheet S, and is located in the upper part of the apparatus main body 2. In the present embodiment, the cutter 7 is arranged in a second conveyance path 82 described later.

[0099] like Figure 4As shown, the cutter 7 can cut the letter-sized sheet S at least at the center of the sheet in the conveying direction. The conveying distance D1 of the sheet S conveyed from the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7 is greater than half of the dimension LS of the letter-sized sheet S in the conveying direction (D1>LS / 2). In addition, the letter-sized sheet S is 215.9 mm×279.4 mm, so half of the dimension LS of the letter-sized sheet in the conveying direction is 139.7 mm.

[0100] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the cutter 7 includes a cutter frame 71, a slide rail 72, a fixed blade 73, a sheet passing portion 74, a moving blade 75, a slide holder 76, a driving pulley 77, a driven pulley 78, a pulley belt 79, and a cutting motor M1.

[0101] The cutter frame 71 extends in the axial direction. The slide rail 72 is a track formed in the cutter frame 71 and extending in the axial direction. The fixed blade 73 is a flat blade fixed to the cutter frame 71 and extending in the axial direction. The sheet passage portion 74 is a space formed in the cutter frame 71 for the sheet S to pass through. In the present embodiment, the sheet passage portion 74 is formed between the slide rail 72 and the fixed blade 73. The movable blade 75 is a disc-shaped blade, and is rotatably fixed to the slide holder 76.

[0102] The slide holder 76 is engaged with the slide rail 72 and is mounted on the cutter frame 71 so as to be able to slide along the slide rail 72. Figure 2 The slide holder 76 moves from the initial position shown by the solid line to the cutting completion position shown by the dotted line. Figure 2 When the slide holder 76 moves along the slide rail 72 to the cutting completion position, one sheet S is clamped by the fixed blade 73 and the movable blade 75 and cut into two sheets. The slide holder 76 returns from the cutting completion position to the initial position before starting to cut the next sheet S.

[0103] The driving pulley 77 is arranged on the other side of the axial direction of the cutter frame 71. The driving pulley 77 is rotatable in the forward and reverse directions by the driving force of the cutting motor M1. The driven pulley 78 is arranged on one side of the axial direction of the cutter frame 71. The pulley belt 79 is hung around the driving pulley 77 and the driven pulley 78. In addition, the sliding retainer 76 is fixed to the pulley belt 79. Thus, the sliding retainer 76 slides and moves in the axial direction corresponding to the rotation of the pulley belt 79. In detail, when the cutting motor M1 is rotated forward, the sliding retainer 76 slides and moves from one side of the axial direction to the other side, and when the cutting motor M1 is reversed, the sliding retainer 76 slides and moves from the other side of the axial direction to one side.

[0104] In the cutter 7 , when the sheet S is cut, the cutting motor M1 is rotated forward to move the slide holder 76 located at the initial position toward the cutting completion position.

[0105] Then, the movable blade 75 moves together with the slide holder 76 , so that the sheet S located in the sheet passing portion 74 is sandwiched and cut by the fixed blade 73 and the movable blade 75 .

[0106] When the slide holder 76 is located at the cutting completion position, the cutting motor M1 stops. After the cut sheet S is discharged, the cutting motor M1 is reversed, and the slide holder 76 returns from the cutting completion position to the initial position.

[0107] Return to Figure 1 The sheet conveying section 8 has a function of conveying the sheet S with an image formed thereon to the outside of the apparatus main body 2 or conveying it again to the image forming section. The sheet conveying section 8 includes a first conveying path 81, a second conveying path 82, a re-conveying path 83, a first discharge roller 84, a second discharge roller 85, a return roller 86 as an example of a conveying roller, and a baffle 87.

[0108] The first conveying path 81 is a path for guiding the sheet S with an image formed thereon to the outside of the apparatus body 2. Specifically, the first conveying path 81 is a path from the flapper 87 to the first discharge port 23. In the present embodiment, the first conveying path 81 allows the sheet S not cut by the cutter 7 to pass therethrough.

[0109] The second conveying path 82 is a path different from the first conveying path 81. The second conveying path 82 is a path for guiding the sheet formed with an image by the image forming unit to the outside of the device body. Specifically, the second conveying path 82 is a path from the baffle 87 to the second discharge port 24. In the present embodiment, the second conveying path 82 is mainly a path for the sheet cut by the cutter 7 to pass. The second conveying path 82 is longer than the first conveying path 81.

[0110] As in Figure 1 As indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 8 , the re-conveying path 83 is a path for guiding the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 6 toward the image forming unit again. Specifically, it is a path from the flapper 87 to the drum cartridge 5 through the bottom of the fixing device 6 .

[0111] The first discharge roller 84 is arranged in the first conveying path 81, and is a roller that discharges the sheet S to the outside of the device body 2. In the present embodiment, the first discharge roller 84 is a roller pair arranged in the up-down direction, and has a driving roller 84A and a driven roller 84B. The first discharge roller 84 can rotate around an axis parallel to the axial direction. The first discharge roller 84 discharges the sheet S that has not been cut by the cutter 7 to the outside of the device body 2. The first discharge roller 84 is located closer to the fixing device 6 than the second discharge roller 85. The first discharge roller 84 can be driven by the conveying motor M2 (refer to Figure 6 ) is driven to rotate.

[0112] The second discharge roller 85 is arranged on the second conveying path 82, and is a roller that discharges the sheet S to the outside of the device body 2. In the present embodiment, the second discharge roller 85 is a roller pair arranged in the up-down direction, and has a driving roller 85A and a driven roller 85B. The second discharge roller 85 is rotatable about the axial direction. The second discharge roller 85 mainly discharges the sheet S cut by the cutter 7 to the outside of the device body 2. The second discharge roller 85 is located above the first discharge roller 84 and on the downstream side of the discharge direction of the sheet S. The second discharge roller 85 can be rotated by the drive of the conveying motor M2. The conveying speed of the sheet S of the second discharge roller 85 is greater than the conveying speed of the return roller 86.

[0113] The folding roller 86 is arranged on the second conveying path 82, and is a roller for conveying the sheet S. The folding roller 86 is located between the baffle 87 and the cutter 7. In the present embodiment, the folding roller 86 is a roller pair, and has a driving roller 86A and a driven roller 86B. The folding roller 86 can rotate forward and reverse by being driven by the conveying motor M2. When the conveying motor M2 rotates forward, the folding roller 86 conveys the sheet S that has passed the baffle 87 toward the cutter 7. In addition, when the conveying motor M2 rotates reversely, the folding roller 86 conveys the sheet S located on the second conveying path 82 to the re-conveying path 83.

[0114] like Figure 5 As shown, the axial dimension W1 of the driving roller 85A of the second discharge roller 85 is larger than half the width WS of the maximum width of the sheet S that the image forming apparatus 1 can convey (W1>WS / 2). In this embodiment, the maximum width that the image forming apparatus 1 can convey is 215.9 mm.

[0115] Similarly, the axial dimension W2 of the driven roller 85B of the second discharge roller 85 is larger than half the width WS of the maximum width of the sheet that can be transported by the image forming apparatus 1 (W2>WS / 2). In addition, the axial dimension W1 of the driving roller 85A of the second discharge roller 85 is larger than the width WS of the maximum width of the sheet S that can be transported by the image forming apparatus 1 (W1>WS). In addition, the axial dimension W2 of the driven roller 85B of the second discharge roller 85 is smaller than the width WS of the maximum width of the sheet S that can be transported by the image forming apparatus 1 (W2<WS).

[0116] The axial dimension W3 of the driving roller 86A of the folding roller 86 is larger than half the width WS of the maximum width of the sheet S that can be conveyed by the image forming apparatus 1 ( W3 > WS / 2).

[0117] Similarly, the axial dimension W4 of the driven roller 86B of the folding roller 86 is larger than half the width WS of the maximum width of the sheet that can be conveyed by the image forming apparatus 1 (W4>WS / 2). In addition, the axial dimension W3 of the driving roller 86A of the folding roller 86 is larger than the width WS of the maximum width of the sheet S that can be conveyed by the image forming apparatus 1 (W3>WS). In addition, the axial dimension W4 of the driven roller 86B of the folding roller 86 is smaller than the width WS of the maximum width of the sheet S that can be conveyed by the image forming apparatus 1 (W4<WS).

[0118] The flapper 87 is located at the branching portion between the first conveying path 81 and the second conveying path 82. The flapper 87 can be moved to Figure 1 The first position shown by the solid line and Figure 1 The flapper 87 guides the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 6 to the first conveying path 81 when located at the first position. The flapper 87 guides the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 6 to the second conveying path 82 when located at the second position.

[0119] The sensor SE is arranged in the conveying path of the sheet S and is a sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of the sheet S. Specifically, the sensor SE includes a first sensor SE1, a second sensor SE2, and a third sensor SE3. The first sensor SE1 is located between the separation roller 34 and the registration roller 35 in the conveying direction of the sheet. The first sensor SE1 is located just in front of the registration roller 35. The second sensor SE2 is located between the registration roller 35 and the photosensitive drum 51 in the conveying direction of the sheet. The third sensor SE3 is located between the fixing device 6 and the baffle 87 in the conveying direction of the sheet.

[0120] The operation panel PA is located on the outer surface of the apparatus body 2. The operation panel PA allows the user to input commands for image formation, cutting of the sheet S, and the like. In the present embodiment, for example, the operation panel PA allows the user to input a cutting position of the sheet S.

[0121] The control unit CU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random access Memory), a ROM (Read only Memory), and an input / output circuit, and performs various calculations based on programs and data stored in the ROM, etc., thereby controlling the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0122] like Figure 6 As shown, the control unit CU is electrically connected to the first sensor SE1, the second sensor SE2 and the third sensor SE3 and can receive detection signals from each of them. The control unit CU controls the pickup roller 33, the cutting motor M1, the conveying motor M2 and the flapper 87 based on information received from the operation panel PA and the sensors.

[0123] In principle, the control unit CU conveys the sheet S to the first conveying path 81 when the cutter 7 does not cut the sheet S, and conveys the sheet to the second conveying path 82 when the cutter 7 cuts the sheet S.

[0124] When the control unit CU conveys the sheet S toward the cutter 7, the control unit CU starts the rotation of the return roller 86 after the leading end of the sheet S in the conveying direction contacts the return roller 86. Specifically, the control unit CU receives a detection signal indicating that the leading end of the sheet S is detected by the third sensor SE3. After a predetermined time has passed since the detection signal from the third sensor SE3 was received, the control unit CU causes the conveying motor M2 to rotate forward and starts the rotation of the return roller 86. The predetermined time is a time sufficient for the leading end of the sheet S to contact the return roller 86 and correct the inclined travel of the sheet S.

[0125] like Figure 4 As shown, when the control unit CU receives an instruction to cut the sheet S, the sheet S is cut by the cutter 7 when the dimension L1 in the conveying direction from the predetermined cutting position PP of the sheet S to the rear end position of the sheet S is shorter than the conveying distance D1 of the sheet S from the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7. That is, when the dimension L1 in the conveying direction from the predetermined cutting position PP of the sheet S to the rear end position of the sheet S is greater than the conveying distance D1 of the sheet S from the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7, the control unit CU does not cut the sheet S by the cutter 7.

[0126] The control unit CU cuts the sheet S based on the command input to the operation panel PA. Specifically, when the control unit CU receives the command to cut the sheet S, the sheet S is cut by the cutter 7 while the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped. For example, when a command to cut a letter-sized sheet S having a size of 215.9 mm in the conveyance direction into half is received, after being cut, there are two sheets S having a size of 139.7 mm in the conveyance direction.

[0127] The control unit CU can obtain the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction based on the detection signal from the sensor SE. Specifically, the control unit CU only needs to calculate the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction based on the time it takes for the sheet S to pass through the first sensor SE1. In the present embodiment, the control unit CU obtains the size of the sheet S based on the detection signal from the first sensor SE1, but may also obtain the size of the sheet S based on the detection signal of other sensors (second sensor SE2, third sensor SE3, etc.).

[0128] When the control unit CU determines based on the detection signal from the sensor SE that the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction is smaller than a predetermined value, it conveys the sheet S to the second conveying path 82 and discharges the sheet S to the outside of the apparatus body 2 without cutting it.

[0129] In addition, when the control unit CU determines that the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction of the sheet contained in the received printing job (hereinafter referred to as "job") is smaller than a specified value, the sheet S is conveyed to the second conveying path 82 and discharged to the outside of the device body 2 without cutting the sheet S.

[0130] In this way, when the control unit CU determines that the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction is smaller than a specified value based on the detection signal from the sensor SE and the information of the received job, the sheet S is conveyed to the second conveying path 82 even if the sheet S is not cut by the cutter 7.

[0131] When the control unit CU receives an instruction to cut a plurality of sheets S, it starts feeding the next sheet S before the preceding sheet S is cut. The control unit CU starts feeding the sheet S by driving the pickup roller 33. When the control unit CU receives an instruction to cut a plurality of sheets S, it conveys the sheet with a predetermined interval between the rear end of the preceding sheet S and the front end of the next sheet.

[0132] Next, refer to Figure 7 , an example of the processing performed by the control unit CU that receives the job is described.

[0133] When the control unit CU determines that a job has been received ( S1 , Yes), it determines whether to cut the sheet S based on the command input through the operation panel PA and the information of the job ( S2 ).

[0134] In step S2, when the control unit CU determines that the sheet S is to be cut (S2, yes), it determines whether the dimension L1 from the planned cutting point PP of the sheet S to the rear end position is longer than the dimension from the clamping part NP to the cutter 7 (L1>D1?) (S3).

[0135] If the sheet S is not determined to be cut in step S2 (S2, No), or if the dimension L1 from the predetermined cutting position PP to the rear end position of the sheet S is determined to be longer than the dimension from the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7 (L1>D1) (S3, Yes) in step S3, the control unit CU determines whether the dimension of the sheet S is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (half the letter size 139.7 mm) (S4). The control unit CU determines the dimension of the sheet S by a method of determining based on the information of the received job and a method of acquiring the dimension of the sheet S based on the detection result of the sensor SE.

[0136] In step S4, when the control unit CU determines that the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction is greater than the specified value (137.9 mm) (S4, Yes), the baffle 87 is located at the first position, the sheet S is guided to the first conveying path 81, and the conveying motor M2 is rotated forward (S5). As a result, the first discharge roller 84 is driven to discharge the sheet from the first discharge port 23.

[0137] After step S5, the control unit CU determines whether the received job has been completed (S7). If the received job has been completed (S7, Yes), the processing ends; if the received job has not been completed (S7, No), the process returns to step S2.

[0138] In step S4, when the control unit CU does not determine that the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction is greater than the specified value (137.9 mm) (S4, No), it places the baffle 87 in the second position, guides the sheet S to the second conveying path 82, and rotates the conveying motor M2 forward (S6).

[0139] After step S6, the control unit CU determines whether the received job has been completed (S7). If the received job has been completed (S7, Yes), the processing ends; if the received job has not been completed (S7, No), the process returns to step S2.

[0140] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S3 that the dimension L1 from the predetermined cutting point PP of the sheet S to the rear end position is not longer than the dimension from the clamping part NP to the cutter 7 (L1≤D1) (S3, No), the control unit CU places the baffle 87 in the second position and guides the sheet S to the second conveying path 82 (S8).

[0141] After step S8, the control unit CU determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the detection signal from the third sensor SE3 was received (S9).

[0142] In step S9, if the control unit CU does not determine that the predetermined time has passed since the detection signal of the third sensor SE3 was received (S9, No), it waits until the predetermined time has passed since the detection signal of the third sensor SE3 was received. When the predetermined time has passed since the detection signal of the third sensor SE3 was received, the leading end of the sheet S contacts the return roller 86 and the inclined travel is corrected.

[0143] When the control unit CU determines that a predetermined time has passed since the detection signal from the third sensor SE3 was received (S9, Yes), it drives the conveying motor M2 to rotate forward, thereby rotating the folding roller 86 forward and conveying the sheet S to the cutter 7 (S10).

[0144] After step S10 , when the planned cutting position PP of the sheet S is located at the cutter 7 after a predetermined time has passed since the conveying motor M2 started to rotate forward, the conveying motor M2 is temporarily stopped and the cutting motor M1 is rotated forward ( S11 ).

[0145] After step S11, the control unit CU determines whether there is a job for the next sheet S (S12). If it is determined that there is a job for the next sheet S (S12, Yes), the supply of the next sheet S is started (S13), and the process moves to S14. If it is not determined that there is a job for the next sheet S (S12, Yes), the next sheet S is not supplied, and the process moves to S14.

[0146] After step S12 or step S13 , the control unit CU stops the cutting motor M1 and rotates the conveying motor M2 forward after a predetermined time has passed since the start of cutting ( S14 ). As a result, the slide holder 76 of the cutter 7 stops at the cutting completion position, and the sheet S is discharged by the second discharge roller 85 .

[0147] After step S14, the control unit CU stops the conveying motor M2 and reverses the cutting motor M1 (S15). As a result, the slide holder 76 of the cutter 7 returns to the initial position.

[0148] After step S15, the control unit CU determines whether the received job has been completed (S7). If the received job has been completed (S7, Yes), the processing ends; if the received job has not been completed (S7, No), the process returns to step S2.

[0149] Next, refer to Figure 8 The following describes the actions of picking up a sheet S when receiving a job of cutting a plurality of sheets S, conveying the sheet S by the conveying motor M2 (the return roller 86 and the second discharge roller 85), and cutting the sheet S by the cutting motor M1.

[0150] The control unit CU drives the pickup roller 33 to start feeding the first sheet S (time t1 ). The fed first sheet S is image-formed and is conveyed toward the cutter 7 .

[0151] After a predetermined time has passed since the control unit CU received the detection signal from the third sensor SE3 , the control unit CU rotates the conveyance motor M2 forward to convey the sheet S to the cutter 7 (time t2 ).

[0152] After a predetermined time has passed since the conveying motor M2 was rotated forward, the control unit CU temporarily stops the conveying motor M2 and rotates the cutting motor M1 forward (time t3 ). Thus, the sheet S is cut while it is stopped.

[0153] After the cutting motor M1 is rotated forward and before the cutting of the sheet S is completed, the control unit CU drives the pickup roller 33 to start feeding the second sheet S (time t4). Thus, the second sheet S starts to be conveyed while the first sheet S is being cut.

[0154] After a predetermined time has passed since the start of cutting, the control unit CU stops the cutting motor M1 and rotates the conveying motor M2 forward (time t5 ). As a result, the cut portions of the first sheet S are discharged.

[0155] After a predetermined time has passed from time t5, the control unit CU stops the conveying motor M2 and reverses the cutting motor M1 (time t6). As a result, the slide holder 76 of the cutter 7 starts to move from the cutting completion position toward the initial position.

[0156] When the slide holder 76 returns to the initial position due to the lapse of the prescribed time from time t6, the control unit CU stops the cutting motor M1 (time t7). At this time, if the prescribed time has passed since the third sensor SE3 received the detection signal of the second sheet S, the conveying motor M2 is rotated forward at the same time. If the prescribed time has not passed, the conveying motor M2 is rotated forward after the prescribed time has passed.

[0157] The control unit CU also performs the operation of conveying and cutting the second and third sheets S at the same timing as the first sheet S.

[0158] Based on the above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment.

[0159] In the image forming apparatus 1, the second discharge roller 85 is located on the downstream side of the discharge direction compared with the first discharge roller 84. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cut sheet S is discharged to the downstream side in the discharge direction compared to the uncut sheet S. As a result, the cut sheet S can be easily taken out.

[0160] In addition, the second discharge port 24 is located downstream of the first discharge port 23 in the discharge direction. Therefore, the cut sheet S is discharged downstream of the uncut sheet S in the discharge direction. As a result, the cut sheet S can be easily taken out.

[0161] In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a flapper 87 that can be moved to a first position for guiding the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 6 to the first conveying path 81 and a second position for guiding the sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 6 to the second conveying path 82. Therefore, the flapper 87 can guide the sheet S to either the first conveying path 81 or the second conveying path 82.

[0162] Here, the cutter 7 is located at a position more than a predetermined distance away from the fixing device 6 in order to cut the sheet S after the rear end of the sheet S has passed through the fixing device 6. Therefore, when the first discharge roller 84 is located at a position farther from the fixing device 6 than the second discharge roller 85 that discharges the cut sheet S, the device body becomes larger. However, in the present embodiment, the first discharge roller 84 is located at a position closer to the fixing device 6 than the second discharge roller 85, so that the size of the device body 2 can be suppressed. Similarly, by locating the first discharge port 23 at a position closer to the fixing device 6 than the second discharge port 24, the device body 2 can be miniaturized.

[0163] In addition, the axial dimensions W1 and W2 of the second discharge roller 85 and the axial dimensions W3 and W4 of the folding roller 86 are larger than half WS / 2 of the width of the maximum width of the sheet S that can be conveyed by the image forming apparatus 1 (W1>WS / 2, W2>WS / 2, W3>WS / 2, W4>WS / 2). Therefore, when the sheet S is cut, the second discharge roller 85 and the folding roller 86 hold the sheet S in a wide area in the width direction of the sheet S, thereby suppressing positional deviation of the sheet S when cut.

[0164] In addition, at least one of the axial dimension W1 of the second discharge roller 85 and the axial dimension W3 of the folding roller 86 is larger than the width WS of the maximum width of the sheet S that can be conveyed by the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, when the sheet S is cut, the second discharge roller 85 or the folding roller 86 holds the sheet S in a wider area in the width direction of the sheet S, thereby suppressing positional deviation of the sheet S when cutting.

[0165] In addition, the control unit CU obtains the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction based on the detection signal from the sensor SE or the information of the job, and when it is determined that the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction is smaller than the specified value (139.7 mm), the sheet S is conveyed to the second conveying path 82, and the sheet S is discharged to the outside of the apparatus body 2 without being cut. Therefore, when a small-sized sheet S is discharged, the sheet S is discharged through the second conveying path 82, so that the small-sized sheet S can be easily taken out.

[0166] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the conveying distance D1 of the sheet S from the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7 is greater than half of the dimension LS (279.4 mm) of the letter-sized sheet S in the conveying direction (D1>LS / 2=139.7 mm). Therefore, the sheet S can be cut while the entire letter-sized sheet S has passed through the clamping portion NP. As a result, even if the sheet S is cut while the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped, it is possible to prevent the sheet S from being excessively heated or pressurized in the clamping portion NP.

[0167] Moreover, when receiving the instruction to cut the sheet S, the control unit CU cuts the sheet S in a state where the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped. Therefore, the sheet S can be cut straightly in the axial direction.

[0168] Furthermore, when the control unit CU receives an instruction to cut the sheet S, the sheet S is cut by the cutter 7 when the dimension L1 in the conveying direction from the predetermined cutting position PP of the sheet S to the rear end position of the sheet S is shorter than the conveying distance D1 of the sheet S from the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7. Thus, when the dimension L1 in the conveying direction from the predetermined cutting position PP of the sheet S to the rear end position of the sheet S is greater than the conveying distance D1 of the sheet S from the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7, the control unit CU does not cut the sheet S by the cutter 7, thereby preventing the sheet S from being excessively heated or pressurized in the clamping portion NP.

[0169] Furthermore, when the control unit CU conveys the sheet S toward the cutter 7, the control unit CU starts the rotation of the folding roller 86 after the leading end of the sheet S in the conveying direction contacts the folding roller 86. Therefore, even when the sheet S is conveyed while being obliquely advanced with respect to the conveying direction, the oblique advancement can be suppressed by bringing the sheet S into contact with the folding roller 86.

[0170] The conveying speed of the second discharge roller 85 is greater than the conveying speed of the folding roller 86. Therefore, when the sheet S contacts both the second discharge roller 85 and the folding roller 86, the sheet S is stretched by the second discharge roller 85 and the folding roller 86, so that it is possible to suppress the slack of the sheet S between the folding roller 86 and the second discharge roller 85. In addition, after the sheet S is cut, the cut sheets S contact each other, and interference between the sheets can be suppressed.

[0171] Furthermore, when receiving a command to cut a plurality of sheets S, the control unit CU starts feeding the next sheet S before the preceding sheet S is cut. Therefore, even when cutting a plurality of sheets, it is possible to suppress a delay in the completion of the job.

[0172] Furthermore, when receiving a command to cut a plurality of sheets S, the control unit CU conveys the sheets S with a predetermined interval between the rear end of the preceding sheet S and the front end of the next sheet S. Therefore, interference between the preceding sheet S and the next sheet S can be suppressed.

[0173] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The specific configuration can be appropriately changed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0174] In the above-described embodiment, the sheets S discharged from the first discharge port 23 and the second discharge port 24 are both placed on one discharge tray 22 , but the present invention is not limited to this structure.

[0175] For example, Fig.10 The image forming apparatus 1A shown in the figure is provided with a discharge tray 22 as an example of a first discharge tray and a second discharge tray 25. The discharge tray 22 can load the sheet S discharged through the first conveying path 81. The second discharge tray 25 can load the sheet S discharged through the second conveying path 82. The second discharge tray 25 is provided outside the second discharge port 24. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1A, the sheet S discharged from the first conveying path 81 and the sheet S discharged from the second conveying path 82 can be stored in different trays. As a result, the cut sheet S can be easily taken out.

[0176] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the sheet S discharged from the first discharge port 23 and the second discharge port 24 is placed on the discharge tray 22, but it is also possible to have a structure without a discharge tray. Although not shown in the figure, for example, the sheet S discharged from the first discharge port 23 and the second discharge port 24 may be directly discharged onto a table, a floor, etc., and the sheet S may be placed on the table or the floor.

[0177] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured without a scanner unit, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Fig.11 The image forming apparatus 1B shown in the figure further includes a scanner unit 9. The scanner unit 9 is a device for reading characters and images on the sheet S and the like. In the image forming apparatus 1B, since the scanner unit 9 is arranged above the discharge tray 22, the gap for taking out the sheet S is narrow. If the cut sheet S and the uncut sheet S are discharged to the same position, it is very difficult to take out the sheet S. However, by positioning the second discharge roller 85 on the downstream side of the discharge direction relative to the first discharge roller 84 and the second discharge port 24 on the downstream side of the discharge direction relative to the first discharge port 23, the cut sheet S is discharged to the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the uncut sheet S, and the cut sheet S is easily taken out.

[0178] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the conveying distance D1 of the sheet S from the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7 is larger than half the dimension LS (139.7 mm) of the letter-sized sheet S in the conveying direction, but it can also be based on sheets S other than letter-sized sheets.

[0179] For example, the following structure may be adopted: based on the A4 size (210 mm×297 mm), the conveying distance D1 of the sheet S from the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7 is larger than half the dimension LS (148.5 mm) of the A4 size sheet S in the conveying direction.

[0180] Thus, the A4-size sheet S can be cut while the entire sheet S passes through the nip NP. As a result, even if the sheet S is cut while the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped, it is possible to prevent the sheet S from being excessively heated or pressurized in the nip NP.

[0181] For example, the following structure may be adopted: based on the legal document size (215.9 mm × 355.6 mm), the conveying distance D1 of the sheet S from the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7 is larger than half the dimension LS (177.8 mm) of the sheet S of the legal document size in the conveying direction.

[0182] Thus, the legal document size sheet S can be cut while the entire sheet S passes through the nip NP. Therefore, even if the sheet S is cut while the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped, it is possible to prevent the sheet S from being excessively heated or pressurized in the nip NP.

[0183] In the above-described embodiment, the cutter 7 cuts one sheet S into two sheets and discharges both sheets immediately after cutting, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0184] For example, Fig.12 As shown in (a) and (b), the control unit CU can also be set to the following structure: a sheet S is cut into two sheets (S1, S2) by using the cutter 7, and the sheet S2 on the upstream side of the conveying direction of the cut sheet S is conveyed to the re-conveying path 83 by reversing the return roller 86.

[0185] Specifically, if Fig.12 As shown in (a) of FIG. 12 , the control unit CU uses the cutter 7 to cut a sheet S into two sheets (S1, S2). As shown in FIG. 12 (b), the downstream sheet S1 of the cut sheet S is discharged from the second discharge port 24 after cutting. The upstream sheet S2 of the cut sheet S is conveyed to the re-conveying path 83. Fig.12 As shown by the double-dashed line in (b), the sheet S2 on the upstream side is held on the re-conveying path 83. When the control unit CU receives a job corresponding to the sheet S2, it conveys the held sheet S2 to the image forming unit to perform image formation. If the sheet S2 is still held on the re-conveying path 83, the control unit CU discharges the sheet S2 without performing image formation if it determines that the received job cannot be performed. As described above, in this Fig.12 In the illustrated embodiment, the sheet S2 on the upstream side among the cut sheets S can be re-conveyed to the re-conveyance path 83 to perform image formation again.

[0186] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the control unit CU has the following structure: the sheet S is not cut when the dimension in the conveying direction from the predetermined cutting position PP of the sheet S to the rear end position EN of the sheet is longer than the conveying distance D1 of the sheet S from the position of the clamping part NP to the cutter 7, but it is not limited to this structure.

[0187] For example, the control unit CU may be configured to cut the sheet S even when the dimension in the conveying direction from the predetermined cutting position PP of the sheet S to the rear end position EN of the sheet S is longer than the conveying distance D1 of the sheet S from the position of the clamping portion NP to the cutter 7 .

[0188] like Fig.13As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , when the distance from the planned cutting position PP of the sheet S to the rear end position EN is longer than the conveying distance D1, the control unit CU performs the rear end avoidance control. Fig.13 In (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 1 , the planned cutting portion PP is indicated by a black triangle.

[0189] In the back-end avoidance control, such as Fig.13 As shown in (b), the sheet S is conveyed until the predetermined cutting position PP of the sheet S is located downstream of the cutter 7 and the rear end EN is located downstream of the path from the fixing device 6 to the baffle 87 and the branch point BP of the re-conveying path. Fig.13 As shown in (c), the folding roller 86 is reversed to place the rear end position EN of the sheet S in the re-conveying path 83, and the sheet S is cut in a state where the rear end position EN of the sheet S enters the re-conveying path.

[0190] Thus, even when the conveying distance D1 is shorter than the dimension from the predetermined cutting position PP of the sheet to the rear end position EN of the sheet, the sheet S can be cut with the rear end position EN of the sheet S having passed through the fixing device 6. Therefore, when the predetermined cutting position PP of the sheet S is cut by the cutter 7, it is possible to prevent the sheet S from being sandwiched between the heating unit 61 and the pressure roller 62. As a result, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 1 from being enlarged.

[0191] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit CU is configured to start feeding the next sheet S before the cutting of the preceding sheet S is completed when receiving a command to cut a plurality of sheets S, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0192] For example, the control unit CU can also be set to the following structure: when receiving an instruction to cut multiple sheets S, the movable blade 75 is moved from the initial position along the width direction of the sheet S to cut the sheet S, and after the cutting of the preceding sheet S is completed, the supply of the next sheet S is started before the movable blade 75 reaches the initial position.

[0193] Specifically, if Fig.14 As shown, after the control unit CU reverses the cutting motor M1 in step S15, if there is a job for the next sheet S (S22, yes), the supply of the next sheet S is started (S23). Then, after step S23, if the slide holder 76 of the cutter 7 returns to the initial position, the control unit CU stops the cutting motor M1.

[0194] Reference Fig.15, the actions of picking up the sheet S when receiving a job of cutting multiple sheets S, conveying the sheet S by the conveying motor M2 (returning roller 86 and second discharge roller 85), and cutting the sheet S by the cutting motor M1 are explained.

[0195] The control unit CU drives the pickup roller 33 to start feeding the first sheet S (time t21 ). The fed first sheet S is image-formed and is conveyed toward the cutter 7 .

[0196] After a predetermined time has passed since the third sensor SE3 received the detection signal, the control unit CU controls the conveyance motor M2 to rotate forward to convey the sheet S to the cutter 7 (time t22 ).

[0197] After a predetermined time has passed since the conveying motor M2 was rotated forward, the control unit CU temporarily stops the conveying motor M2 and rotates the cutting motor M1 forward (time t23 ). Thus, the sheet S is cut while it is stopped.

[0198] After a predetermined time has passed since the start of cutting, the control unit CU stops the cutting motor M1 and rotates the conveying motor M2 forward (time t24 ). As a result, the cut portions of the first sheet S are discharged.

[0199] After a predetermined time has passed from time t24, the control unit CU stops the conveying motor M2 and reverses the cutting motor M1 (time t25). As a result, the movable blade 75 of the cutter 7 starts to move from the cutting completion position toward the initial position.

[0200] After the control unit CU reverses the cutter motor M1 and before the moving blade 75 reaches the home position, it drives the pickup roller 33 to start feeding the second sheet S (time t26 ). Thus, the second sheet S starts to be conveyed while the moving blade 75 is moving.

[0201] When a predetermined time has passed from time t25 and the slide holder 76 has returned to the initial position, the control unit CU stops the cutting motor M1 ( t27 ).

[0202] The control unit CU also performs the operation of conveying and cutting the second and third sheets S at the same timing as the first sheet S.

[0203] Even in the configuration described above, the conveyance of the next sheet S starts before the movable blade 75 reaches the home position. Therefore, even when a plurality of sheets S are cut, a delay in the completion of the job can be suppressed.

[0204] In the above-described embodiment, the cutter 7 is disposed in the second conveying path 82 , but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the cutter 7 may be disposed between the flapper 87 and the fixing device 6 .

[0205] In the above-described embodiment, the operation panel PA is exemplified as the input unit, but a configuration in which a print command or a cut command is input via a computer or a network may be adopted.

[0206] In the above-described embodiment, the first discharge roller 84 , the second discharge roller 85 , and the return roller 86 are each a pair of rollers consisting of two rollers, but the present invention is not limited thereto and each may consist of one roller or three or more rollers.

[0207] In the above embodiment, the maximum width that the image forming apparatus 1 can transport is set to 215.9 mm using the letter size (215.9 mm×279.4 mm) as an example, but the size is not limited to this size and may be based on the A4 size (210 mm×297 mm) or the A3 size (297 mm×420 mm).

[0208] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the image forming device is a laser printer that forms a monochrome image, but it is not limited to this. For example, the image forming device may also be a printer that forms a color image. In addition, the image forming device is not limited to a printer. For example, the image forming device may also be a copier, a multifunction machine, etc.

[0209] [Implementation method 2]

[0210] Below, refer to Figures 16 to 19 Next, the image forming apparatus 101 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Fig.16 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 101 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0211] [Structure of Image Forming Apparatus]

[0212] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 101 is a monochrome laser printer, and includes an apparatus body 102, a conveying unit 103, an image forming unit 104, a baffle 108, a cutter 1010, a pre-alignment sensor 1110, a post-alignment sensor 1111, and a discharge sensor 1112. Fig.16 The up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus 101 are defined as indicated by arrows such as .

[0213] in addition, Fig.16 The up-down direction shown in the figure is the up-down direction when the image forming apparatus 101 is usually placed on a horizontal surface. Fig.16 The front-to-rear direction shown in FIG. 1 is the same direction as the discharge direction DR3 of the sheet S. Fig.19The left-right direction shown is the width direction of the placement surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022. The width direction also corresponds to the axial direction of the rollers.

[0214] The apparatus body 102 includes a front cover 1020, a supply tray 1021, a discharge tray 1022, a first discharge port 1025, and a second discharge port 1026. The front cover 1020 is located on the front surface of the apparatus body 102. The front cover 1020 can be opened and closed.

[0215] The supply tray 1021 is located at the bottom of the apparatus body 102. Sheets S are placed on the supply tray 1021. Sheets S are, for example, plain paper, thick paper, glossy paper, label paper, and envelopes. The number of supply trays 1021 of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to one, and a plurality of supply trays may be provided.

[0216] The supply tray 1021 can be pulled out from the device body 102 by moving forward, and can be installed in the device body 102 by moving it backward after being pulled out. In a state where the supply tray 1021 is removed from the device body 102, the user can replenish the sheets S of the supply tray 1021, replace the sheets S placed on the supply tray 1021, etc. The long sides of the A4-sized sheets placed on the supply tray 1021 are placed along the front-to-back direction. That is, the long sides of the A4-sized sheets are conveyed in a manner along the conveying direction. In addition, the size of the sheets is an example and is not limited to the A4 size.

[0217] The supply tray 1021 has a sheet pressing plate 1021A. The sheet pressing plate 1021A pushes up the sheet S in the supply tray 1021. When the sheet S is pushed up by the sheet pressing plate 1021A, the sheet S can be conveyed from the supply tray 1021 to the image forming unit 104.

[0218] The discharge tray 1022 is provided in the apparatus body 102 and is located outside the apparatus body 102. More specifically, the discharge tray 1022 constitutes a part of the upper surface of the apparatus body. The discharge tray 1022 has a placement surface 1023, a stopper 1027, and a standing wall 1221.

[0219] The loading surface 1023 is a surface on which the sheet S discharged by the first discharge roller 1035 and the second discharge roller 1037 described later is loaded. The loading surface 1023 has an inclined surface 1023A and a horizontal surface 1023B. The inclined surface 1023A is formed between the first end 1231 and the second end 1232 of the loading surface 1023 in such a manner that the first end 1231 of the loading surface 1023 is located below the second end 1232 of the loading surface 1023. The first end 1231 is located on the first discharge roller 1035 side in the discharge direction DR3, and the second end 1232 is located on the opposite side of the first end 1231 in the discharge direction DR3. The inclined surface 1023A is a surface that is inclined upward as it moves from the first end 1231 toward the second end 1232 side, that is, as it moves from the rear to the front in the present embodiment.

[0220] The horizontal surface 1023B is formed on the second end 1232 side compared to the inclined surface 1023A in the discharge direction DR3. The horizontal surface 1023B is a horizontal surface that is continuous from the second end 1232 side of the inclined surface 1023A and reaches the second end 1232. The horizontal surface 1023B is located below the second discharge roller 1037 described later. In addition, the horizontal surface may be formed between the first end 1231 and the inclined surface 1023A. That is, the placement surface 1023 may also be formed with a horizontal surface, an inclined surface 1023A, and a horizontal surface 1023B formed in this order from the first end 1231 toward the discharge direction DR3.

[0221] The stopper 1027 is provided on the second end 1232 side of the placement surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022. The stopper 1027 abuts against the sheet S discharged to the discharge tray 1022 to load the sheet S discharged to the discharge tray 1022 in the discharge tray 1022.

[0222] The stopper 1027 can rotate between a storage position 1027A and a use position 1027B around a rotation axis 1028. The storage position 1027A is a state where the stopper 1027 is stored in a recessed portion of the discharge tray 1022. Therefore, when the stopper 1027 is located at the storage position 1027A, the sheet S moving forward of the apparatus body 102, for example, the sheet S discharged in the discharge direction DR3, does not contact the contact surface 1271 of the stopper 1027. That is, when the stopper 1027 is located at the storage position 1027A, the forward movement of the sheet S is not restricted by the stopper 1027.

[0223] The use position 1027B of the stopper 1027 is a position in which the stopper 1027 is in a state of protruding outward from the recess of the discharge tray 1022. When the stopper 1027 is in the use position 1027B, the stopper 1027 is in a state of protruding upward from the loading surface 1023. Therefore, the contact surface 1271 of the stopper 1027 and the sheet S moving forward of the apparatus body 102, for example, the discharged sheet S moving in the discharge direction DR3, are in a state of being able to contact. Thus, the forward movement of the sheet S is restricted by the stopper 1027, and the sheet S can be stored in the discharge tray 1022.

[0224] The vertical wall 1221 is a wall protruding upward from the first end 1231 of the loading surface 1023. The vertical wall 1221 is located below the first discharge port 1025 formed in the device body 102. The vertical wall 1221 can abut against the rear end of the sheet S moving downward along the inclined surface 1023A. Therefore, the rear end of the discharged sheet S can be aligned.

[0225] The apparatus body 102 has a conveyance path 1200 and a re-conveying path 1201. The conveyance path 1200 is a path for conveying a sheet S from a supply tray 1021 to the outside of the apparatus body 102 via an image forming unit 104 and a fixing device (fixing device) 105 described later. The re-conveying path 1201 will be described later.

[0226] The conveying path 1200 includes a first conveying path 1200A and a second conveying path 1200B. The conveying path 1200 branches from a branch point 1200C into the first conveying path 1200A and the second conveying path 1200B.

[0227] The first conveying path 1200A is a part of the conveying path 1200, and is located downstream of the branch point 1200C. The first conveying path 1200A is a path from the branch point 1200C to the first discharge port 1025 for discharging the sheet S to the outside of the apparatus body 102. The first conveying path 1200A is a path that guides the sheet S with an image formed thereon to the first discharge roller 1035.

[0228] The second conveying path 1200B is a part of the conveying path 1200, and is located downstream of the branch point 1200C. The second conveying path 1200B is located above the first conveying path. The second conveying path 1200B is a path from the branch point 1200C to the second discharge port 1026 for discharging the sheet S to the outside of the apparatus body 102. The second conveying path 1200B is a path that guides the sheet S with an image formed thereon to the second discharge roller 1037.

[0229] A flapper 108 is provided near the branch point 1200C for distributing the sheet S to the first conveying path 1200A or the second conveying path 1200B. The flapper 108 is rotatable between a first position 108A indicated by a solid line and a second position 108B indicated by a two-dot chain line by a driving force of a driving motor (not shown).

[0230] When the flapper 108 is at the first position 108A, the sheet S is conveyed in the first conveying direction DR1 of the first conveying path 1200A and guided to the first discharge port 1025. On the other hand, when the flapper 108 is at the second position 108B, the sheet S is guided to the second discharge port 1026 along the first conveying direction DR1 of the second conveying path 1200B.

[0231] The conveying unit 103 includes a pickup roller 1030, a separation roller 1031, a paper dust removal roller 1032, a registration roller 1033, a roller 1034, a first discharge roller 1035, a conveying roller 1036, a second discharge roller 1037, and re-conveying rollers 1038 and 1039. Fig.17 A main motor 1108 and a discharge motor 1109 described later rotate each part of the conveying unit 103 to convey the sheet S by using a driving force transmitted from the main motor 1108 or the discharge motor 1109 .

[0232] The pickup roller 1030 utilizes the main motor 1108 ( Fig.17 ) is rotated. The pickup roller 1030 picks up the sheet S pushed upward by the sheet pressing plate 1021A in the supply tray 1021. The separation roller 1031 separates the sheets S picked up by the pickup roller 1030 one by one. The sheet S is conveyed from the supply tray 1021 to the conveying path 1200 by the pickup roller 1030 and the separation roller 1031, thereby supplying the sheet S from the supply tray 1021 to the conveying path 1200. The paper dust removal roller 1032 removes paper dust and the like on the surface of the sheet S.

[0233] The registration roller 1033 is arranged on the upstream side of the image forming unit 104 in the conveying path 1200. The registration roller 1033 aligns the direction of the leading end of the sheet S and conveys the sheet S toward the image forming unit 104. The roller 1034 is arranged on the downstream side of the fixing device 105 and conveys the sheet S after passing through the fixing device 105 toward the branch point 1200C.

[0234] The first discharge roller 1035 is arranged in the first conveying path 1200A. The first discharge roller 1035 is arranged upstream of the first end 1231 of the placement surface 1023 in the discharge direction DR3. Fig.17) is rotated by the driving force transmitted from the first ejection motor 1109, thereby ejecting the sheet S from the first ejection port 1025 toward the outside of the apparatus body 102 along the first conveying path 1200A. The sheet S ejected from the first ejection port 1025 by the first ejection roller 1035 is placed on the placement surface 1023 of the ejection tray 1022. The first ejection roller 1035 is composed of a driving roller 1035A driven by the ejection motor 1109 and a driven roller 1035B rotating as the driving roller 1035A rotates.

[0235] The conveying roller 1036 and the second discharge roller 1037 are arranged in the second conveying path 1200B. The conveying roller 1036 and the second discharge roller 1037 are driven by the discharge motor 1109 ( Fig.17 ) is rotated by the driving force transmitted by the discharge motor 1109. The conveying roller 1036 conveys the sheet S toward the second discharge roller 1037. The conveying roller 1036 is a conveying roller located closest to the second discharge roller 1037 in the first conveying direction DR1. The conveying roller 1036 is composed of a driving roller 1036A driven by the discharge motor 1109 and a driven roller 1036B rotating with the rotation of the driving roller 1036A.

[0236] The second discharge roller 1037 discharges the sheet S from the second discharge port 1026 toward the outside of the device body 102 along the second conveying path 1200B. The sheet S discharged from the second discharge port 1026 by the second discharge roller 1037 is placed on the placement surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022. The second discharge roller 1037 is located downstream of the first discharge roller 1035 in the discharge direction DR3, that is, on the front side of the device body. In addition, the second discharge roller 1037 is located above the first discharge roller 1035. The second discharge roller 1037 is composed of a driving roller 1037A driven by the discharge motor 1109 and a driven roller 1037B that rotates with the rotation of the driving roller 1037A.

[0237] The image forming unit 104 includes a drum cartridge 106 , a laser unit 107 , and a fixing device 105 , and forms an image on a sheet S. The drum cartridge 106 includes a photosensitive drum 1061 , a toner storage unit 1062 , a supply roller 1063 , a developing roller 1064 , a pinch roller 1066 , and a transfer roller TR. The drum cartridge 106 is detachable from the apparatus body 102 .

[0238] The pinch roller 1066 of the drum cartridge 106 is located at a position opposing the registration roller 1033. The pinch roller 1066 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the registration roller 1033, and conveys the sheet S together with the registration roller 1033.

[0239] The photosensitive drum 1061 is driven by the main motor 1108 ( Fig.17 ) and rotates around the drum shaft 1061X due to the driving force transmitted.

[0240] The laser unit 107 emits laser light BM based on image data to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 1061 uniformly charged by a charger (not shown). An electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the exposed surface of the photosensitive drum 1061.

[0241] The supply roller 1063 of the drum cartridge 106 supplies the toner in the toner storage section 1062 to the developing roller 1064. The developing roller 1064 supplies the toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1061. Thus, the electrostatic latent image is visualized, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1061.

[0242] The transfer roller TR of the drum cartridge 106 is located opposite to the photosensitive drum 1061. The transfer roller TR transfers the toner supplied to the photosensitive drum 1061 to the sheet S. When the sheet S is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 1061 and the transfer roller TR, the toner image is transferred to the sheet S.

[0243] The fixing device 105 fixes the toner transferred to the sheet S on the sheet S. The fixing device 105 includes a heating roller 1051, a pressure roller 1052, and a heater 1053 ( Fig.17 ) and temperature sensor 1054 ( Fig.17 ). The heater 1053 is, for example, a halogen heater, and heats the heating roller 1051. The heating roller 1051 is an example of a heating rotating body. The temperature sensor 1054 is, for example, a thermistor, and detects the temperature of the heating roller 1051. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1054 may be a thermocouple or a temperature measuring resistor.

[0244] The pressure roller 1052 forms a nip portion NP with the heating roller 1051. The pressure roller 1052 is an example of a pressure rotating body. The pressure roller 1052 is driven by the main motor 1108 ( Fig.17 ) is rotated by the driving force transmitted by the heating roller 1051, thereby the sheet S is conveyed in a manner passing through the nip portion NP. The sheet S passing through the nip portion NP is heated by the heating roller 1051, and the toner image is thermally fixed on the sheet S passing through the nip portion NP. Instead of the pressure roller 1052, a nip forming member having a belt and a pad for pressurizing the belt between the pressure roller and the pressure roller may be provided as a pressure rotating body.

[0245] The cutter 1010 has a blade 1011 capable of cutting the sheet S. The cutter 1010 is an example of a cutting mechanism. The cutter 1010 is arranged on the second conveying path 1200B. The cutter 1010 cuts the sheet S by moving the blade 1011 in a cutting direction orthogonal to the first conveying direction DR1 of the second conveying path 1200B. In the present embodiment, the cutting direction orthogonal to the first conveying direction DR1 is a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and is a direction parallel to the rotation center axis of the second discharge roller 1037. In addition, the cutting direction is not limited to a direction orthogonal to the first conveying direction DR1, as long as it is a direction intersecting the first conveying direction DR1.

[0246] Here, based on Fig. 20 The schematic structure of the cutter 1010 will be described. Fig. 20 1010 is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the cutter 1010. Fig. 20 As shown, the cutter 1010 has a support guide 1010C, a slide rail 1012 , a fixed blade 1010A, a blade 1011 , a cutter bracket 1013 , a cutting motor 1106 , a driving pulley 1014 , a driven pulley 1015 , and a pulley belt 1016 .

[0247] The support guide 1010C extends in the sub-scanning direction which is a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction. In the case of the present embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is the left-right direction, which is the direction of the rotation axis of the first discharge roller 1035 and the second discharge roller 1037. In addition, it is also equivalent to the width direction of the sheet S. The slide rail 1012 is a track formed on the support guide 1010C and extending in the sub-scanning direction. The fixed blade 1010A is a flat blade fixed to the support guide 1010C and extending in the sub-scanning direction. The support guide 1010C forms a space 1010D by the slide rail 1012 and the fixed blade 1010A. The sheet S passes through the space 1010D formed by the slide rail 1012 and the fixed blade 1010A. The blade 1011 is a circular plate-shaped blade fixed to the cutter bracket 1013 in a rotatable manner.

[0248] The cutter bracket 1013 is engaged with the slide rail 1012 and is mounted on the support guide 1010C so as to be slidable along the slide rail 1012. Fig. 20 The cutter bracket 1013 is located at the initial position shown by the solid line before cutting the sheet S. Fig. 20 When the cutter bracket 1013 moves to the cutting completion position along the slide rail 1012 , a sheet S is clamped by the fixed blade 1010A and the blade 1011 and cut into a first sheet S1 and a second sheet S2 .

[0249] The cutter 1010 cuts the sheet S by moving the cutter bracket 1013 in the sub-scanning direction using the rotational force of the cutter motor 1106. Thus, the sheet S is cut by the fixed blade 1010A and the blade 1011, and is completely separated into the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 in the conveying direction.

[0250] The driving pulley 1014 is provided on the other side of the supporting guide 1010C in the secondary scanning direction, that is, on the right side in the left-right direction. The driving pulley 1014 is capable of rotating forward and reversely by receiving the driving force of the cutting motor 1106. The driven pulley 1015 is provided on one side of the supporting guide 1010C in the secondary scanning direction. The pulley belt 1016 is hung around the driving pulley 1014 and the driven pulley 1015. In addition, the cutter bracket 1013 is fixed to the pulley belt 1016.

[0251] Thus, the cutter bracket 1013 slides in the sub-scanning direction in accordance with the rotation of the pulley belt 1016. Specifically, when the cutting motor 1106 is rotated forward, the cutter bracket 1013 slides from one side to the other side in the sub-scanning direction, and when the cutting motor 1106 is rotated reversely, the cutter bracket 1013 slides from the other side to one side in the sub-scanning direction.

[0252] Reference Fig.18 , the cutting of the sheet S by the cutter 1010 is described. Fig.18 1010 is a diagram for explaining the cutting of the sheet S by the cutter 1010. Fig.18 (A) shows the sheet S which has not been cut by the cutter 1010. Fig.18 (B) shows the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 cut by the cutter 1010. The length of the sheet S in the first conveying direction DR1 before cutting is SL. Hereinafter, the length of the sheet S in the first conveying direction DR1 is referred to as "sheet length" (the same applies to the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 after cutting). Fig.18 In the description, a case where the sheet S is divided into two equal parts by the cutter 1010 is taken as an example.

[0253] when Fig.18 The predetermined cutting position PP of the sheet S shown in (A) is conveyed to Fig.16 If the cutter 1010 is at the cutting position C shown in FIG. 1 , the sheet S is cut by the cutter 1010. Fig.18As shown in (B), the first sheet S1 is cut into the sheet on the upstream side of the first conveying direction DR1 and the second sheet S2 is cut into the sheet on the downstream side of the first conveying direction DR1. The first sheet S1 is the front half of the cut sheet, and the second sheet S2 is the rear half of the cut sheet. The sheet length SL1 of the first sheet S1 and the sheet length SL2 of the second sheet S2 are 1 / 2 of the sheet length SL of the sheet S. For example, in the present embodiment, it is set to be able to cut a sheet S of A4 size (210mm×297mm) and a sheet S of letter size (216mm×279mm). Therefore, the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 of A5 size (210mm×148mm) are obtained by cutting the A4 size sheet into two equal parts. In addition, the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 of the letter size sheet S after cutting are (216mm×139mm).

[0254] like Fig.16 As shown, the first stacking bar 1040 is provided to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus body 102 around a rotation axis 1041. The first stacking bar 1040 is located downstream of the first discharge roller 1035 and is provided near the first discharge port 1025. The first stacking bar 1040 extends toward the loading surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022, and the first stacking bar 1040 can abut against the sheet S discharged to the discharge tray 1022 by the first discharge roller 1035. In addition, the first stacking bar 1040 can also abut against the sheet S loaded on the loading surface 1023.

[0255] The first stacking bar 1040 is movable between a lower limit position 1040A shown by a solid line and an upper limit position 1040B shown by a dotted line. That is, the rotation range of the first stacking bar 1040 is the range between the lower limit position 1040A and the upper limit position 1040B. The lower limit position 1040A is the lower limit position in the rotation range of the first stacking bar 1040. The upper limit position 1040B is the upper limit position in the rotation range of the first stacking bar 1040. The second discharge roller 1037 is arranged above the upper limit position 1040B.

[0256] Reference Fig.19 The arrangement relationship between the first stack bar 1040 and the placement surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022 will be described. Fig.19 This is a diagram for explaining the arrangement relationship between each component in the vicinity of the first discharge port 1025 and the second discharge port 1026 and the placement surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022 . Fig.19 This is a diagram of various components arranged near the first discharge port 1025 and the second discharge port 1026 as viewed from the front side toward the rear of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig.19In order to facilitate the understanding of the configuration relationship of each component, the device body 102 and each component not used in the description of the configuration relationship are omitted from the illustration.

[0257] like Fig.19 As shown, in this embodiment, the first stacking bar 40 is arranged at a position corresponding to the third end 1233 side on one side in the left-right direction of the loading surface 1023, and the other stacking bar 1040 (equivalent to the third stacking bar) is arranged at a position corresponding to the fourth end 1234 side on the other side in the left-right direction of the loading surface 1023. That is, they are arranged in a manner that they can abut against both ends in the width direction of the sheet S discharged by the first discharge roller 1035.

[0258] like Fig.16 As shown, the second stacking bar 1045 is provided to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus body 102 around a rotation axis 1046. The second stacking bar 1045 is located downstream of the second discharge roller 1037 and is provided near the second discharge port 1026. The second stacking bar 1045 extends toward the loading surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022, and the second stacking bar 1045 can abut against the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 discharged to the discharge tray 1022 by the second discharge roller.

[0259] like Fig.19 As shown, the second stacking bar 1045 is disposed at a position corresponding to the center of the placement surface 1023. Therefore, it can abut against the center of the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 ejected by the second ejection roller 1037. In addition, a plurality of second stacking bars 1045 may be provided.

[0260] like Fig.16 As shown, the first discharge outlet 1025 and the second discharge outlet 1026 are provided with a destaticizing brush 1042 and a destaticizing brush 1047, respectively. The destaticizing brush 1042 and the destaticizing brush 1047 remove static electricity from the sheet by contacting the sheet S. The destaticizing brush 1042 is provided downstream of the first discharge roller 1035 and contacts the sheet S discharged by the first discharge roller 1035. The destaticizing brush 1047 is provided downstream of the second discharge roller 1037 and contacts the sheet S discharged by the second discharge roller 1037. Fig.19 As shown, the destaticizing brushes 1042 and 1047 are arranged at positions corresponding to the center of the placement surface 1023. That is, the destaticizing brush 1042 abuts against the center of the sheet S discharged by the first discharge roller 1035, and the destaticizing brush 1047 abuts against the center of the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 discharged by the second discharge roller 1037.

[0261] like Fig.16As shown, the pre-registration sensor 1110 is located between the separation roller 1031 and the registration roller 1033 in the first conveying direction DR1 and just in front of the registration roller 1033. The pre-registration sensor 1110 detects whether there is a sheet S at the sensor position and outputs a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of the sheet S. In the following, the output signal of the pre-registration sensor 1110 is turned on when the sheet S is present at the sensor position, and is turned off when the sheet S is not present.

[0262] The post-registration sensor 1111 is located between the registration roller 1033 and the photosensitive drum 1061 in the first conveying direction DR1. The post-registration sensor 1111 detects the presence or absence of the sheet S at the sensor position, and outputs a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of the sheet S. In the following, the output signal of the post-registration sensor 1111 is turned on when the sheet S is present at the sensor position, and is turned off when the sheet S is not present.

[0263] The discharge sensor 1112 is located between the fixing device 105 and the flapper 108 in the first conveying direction DR1. The discharge sensor 1112 detects the presence or absence of the sheet S at the sensor position, and outputs a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of the sheet S. In the following, the output signal of the discharge sensor 1112 is turned on when the sheet S is present at the sensor position, and is turned off when the sheet S is not present.

[0264] The pre-registration sensor 1110 , the post-registration sensor 1111 , and the discharge sensor 1112 can use, for example, a sensor having an actuator that is swung by the sheet S coming into contact with the sensor, a photo sensor, or the like.

[0265] The re-conveying path 1201 is a path for conveying the sheet that has passed through the fixing device 105 toward the image forming unit 104. The sheet S passes through the re-conveying path 1201 in order to form an image on the back side opposite to the front side (front side) of the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the fixing device 105.

[0266] The re-conveying path 1201 is a path from a position 1201A downstream of the discharge sensor 1112 and upstream of the first discharge roller 1035 in the first conveying direction DR1 of the first conveying path 1200A to a position 1201B upstream of the pre-registration sensor 1110 in the first conveying direction DR1 of the conveying path 1200 .

[0267] When the toner image is fixed to the back of the sheet S using the re-conveying path 1201, the flapper 108 is located at the first position 108A to guide the sheet S toward the first discharge roller 1035. When the sheet S passes through the fixing device 105, the first discharge roller 1035 rotates in the reverse direction to convey the sheet S to the re-conveying path 1201. The re-conveying rollers 1038 and 1039 are driven by the main motor 1108 ( Fig.17) conveys the sheet S along the re-conveying path 1201. In the re-conveying path 1201, the sheet S is conveyed in a second conveying direction DR2 opposite to the first conveying direction DR1.

[0268] [Electrical Structure of Image Forming Apparatus]

[0269] Next, refer to Fig.17 The electrical structure of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Fig.17 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig.17 As shown, the image forming device 101 also includes: ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 1105, ROM (Read Only Memory) 1102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 1103, NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 1104, electromagnetic clutch 1107, main motor 1108, operation panel 1120, communication interface (I / F) 1130 and discharge motor 1109.

[0270] The ASIC 1105 is equipped with a CPU 1101. The CPU 1101 performs overall control of each part of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 1101 and the ASIC 1105 are an example of a control unit. Various control programs for controlling the image forming apparatus 101 are stored in the ROM 1102. The CPU 1101 uses the RAM 1103 as a work area to execute the program. The NVRAM 1104 stores settings for various processes of the image forming apparatus 101 and data used for various processes.

[0271] ASIC1105 is electrically connected to the laser unit 107, the charging device (not shown), the transfer roller TR, the heating roller 1051 and the temperature sensor 1054 of the fuser 105, the electromagnetic clutch 1107 of the pickup roller 1030, the main motor 1108, the discharge motor 1109, the front alignment sensor 1110, the rear alignment sensor 1111, the discharge sensor 1112, the temperature and humidity sensor 1113, the operation panel 1120, the ROM1102, the RAM1103, the NVRAM1104, the cutting motor 1106 of the cutter 1010, the baffle 108 and the communication interface (I / F) 1130.

[0272] The CPU 1101 obtains output signals from the pre-registration sensor 1110, the post-registration sensor 1111, and the discharge sensor 1112. The CPU 1101 is connected to a LAN via a communication interface (I / F) 1130, and can communicate with an external information terminal outside the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 1101 can receive a print job from the external information terminal via the communication interface 1130.

[0273] In addition, the CPU 1101 may also obtain a print job via an interface other than the communication interface 1130, such as a USB interface. In addition, the CPU 1101 may also obtain a print command based on the print job stored in the ROM 1102, RAM 1103, or NVRAM 1104 in response to an input via the operation panel 1120 to fix the toner image to the sheet S.

[0274] The CPU 1101 acquires information on the temperature of the heating roller 1051 from the temperature sensor 1054 , controls the heater 1053 , and adjusts the temperature of the heating roller 1051 .

[0275] The CPU 1101 controls the cutting motor 1106. The cutting motor 1106 is a motor that transmits driving force to the cutter bracket 1013 carrying the blade 1011 of the cutter 1010. The cutting motor 1106 is controlled by the CPU 1101, and the driving force of the cutting motor 1106 is transmitted to the cutter bracket 1013, so that the blade 1011 moves in the cutting direction.

[0276] The main motor 1108 transmits driving force to the pickup roller 1030 , the registration roller 1033 , the re-transport rollers 1038 , 1039 , the pressure roller 1052 , the photosensitive drum 1061 , and the developing roller 1064 .

[0277] The main motor 1108 is driven in the forward direction or reverse direction by the control of the CPU 1101. When the main motor 1108 is driven in the forward direction, the pickup roller 1030, the registration roller 1033, the pressure roller 1052, the photosensitive drum 1061, and the developing roller 1064 can be rotated in the forward direction. When the pickup roller 1030, the registration roller 1033, the pressure roller 1052, the photosensitive drum 1061, and the first discharge roller 1035 rotate in the forward direction, the sheet S is moved along the Fig.16 The toner is transported along the transport path 1200. When the developing roller 1064 rotates in the positive direction, the toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1061.

[0278] While the main motor 1108 is being driven in reverse rotation, the pickup roller 1030 , the registration roller 1033 , the pressure roller 1052 , the photosensitive drum 1061 , and the developing roller 1064 are stopped.

[0279] Regardless of whether the main motor 1108 is driven in the forward direction or in the reverse direction, the re-conveying rollers 1038 and 1039 rotate in the forward direction to convey the sheet S along the re-conveying path 1201 .

[0280] The pickup roller 1030 has an electromagnetic clutch 1107. The electromagnetic clutch 1107 is controlled by the CPU 1101. The CPU 1101 turns on the electromagnetic clutch 1107 to set the driving force of the main motor 1108 to be transmitted to the pickup roller 1030. On the other hand, the CPU 1101 turns off the electromagnetic clutch 1107 to set the driving force of the main motor 1108 to be not transmitted to the pickup roller 1030.

[0281] CPU1101 can control the discharge motor 1109. The driving force of the discharge motor 1109 is transmitted to the conveying roller 1036 and the second discharge roller 1037, and the sheet S is conveyed along the second conveying path 1200B. In addition, the driving force of the discharge motor 1109 is transmitted to the first discharge roller 1035, and the sheet S is conveyed along the first conveying path 1200A. In addition, when the discharge motor 1109 is reversed, the first discharge roller 1035, the conveying roller 1036, and the second discharge roller 1037 rotate in the opposite direction.

[0282] The CPU 1101 controls the position of the flapper 108 by controlling a drive motor (not shown). More specifically, the CPU 1101 moves the flapper 108 to the first position 108A in order to convey the sheet S, which has been imaged by the image forming unit 104 and has not been cut by the cutter 1010, to the first conveying path 1200A. In addition, the CPU 1101 moves the flapper 108 to the second position 108B in order to convey the sheet S, which has been imaged by the image forming unit 104 and has been cut by the cutter 1010, to the second conveying path 1200B.

[0283] The operation panel 1120 is arranged on the outer surface of the upper front of the device body 102. The operation panel 1120 is composed of, for example, a touch panel. The user can use the operation panel 1120 to perform operations such as changing the settings of the image forming device 101 and starting image formation on the sheet S. For example, the user can set the paper type and sheet size of the sheet S placed on the supply tray 1021 by operating the operation panel 1120. The paper type of the sheet S is, for example, plain paper, thick paper, glossy paper, label paper, and envelope. The sheet size of the sheet S is, for example, A4 size, A5 size, letter size, square No. 2, long No. 3, etc.

[0284] In addition, the following operations can be performed through the operation panel 1120: operations for specifying printing conditions such as single-sided printing in which a toner image is formed and fixed on only one side of the sheet S or double-sided printing in which a toner image is formed and fixed on both sides of the sheet S, and operations for specifying whether to cut the sheet S by the cutter 1010. Furthermore, operations for supporting a print command, that is, a print command for starting printing corresponding to the paper type, paper size, and printing method specified on the operation panel 1120 can also be performed. In addition, the operation panel 1120 can also be composed of a display device and a plurality of buttons.

[0285] [Regarding the Arrangement Relationship between the Ejection Tray and the Second Ejection Roller]

[0286] Reference Fig.16 , the arrangement relationship between the discharge tray 1022 and the second discharge roller 1037 is described. The second discharge roller 1037 is arranged above the placement surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022. That is, the second discharge roller 1037 and the placement surface 1023 overlap in the discharge direction D3 when the image forming apparatus 101 is viewed from above.

[0287] Here, a reference point 1024 located on the loading surface below the second discharge roller 1037 in the vertical direction is defined as follows. The reference point 1024 is a position corresponding to the vertically below of the second discharge roller 1037 in the normal use state where the image forming apparatus 101 is placed on a horizontal plane. More specifically, in the normal use state where the image forming apparatus 101 is placed on a horizontal plane, when the image forming apparatus 101 is projected from above in the vertical direction onto the loading surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022, the downstream end point in the discharge direction D3 of the area projected onto the loading surface 1023 is the reference point 1024. Fig.16 The dot-dash line in the middle is an imaginary line VL extending in the vertical direction from the downstream end of the outer diameter of the second discharge roller 1037 in the discharge direction D3. The reference point 1024 is the intersection of the imaginary line VL and the placement surface 1023.

[0288] In the present embodiment, the reference point 1024 is determined by the outer diameter of the driven roller 1037B located below the driving roller 1037A of the second discharge roller 1037. When the driving roller 1037A is located below the driven roller 1037B, the reference point 1024 is determined by the outer diameter of the driving roller 1037A. When a plurality of second discharge rollers 1037 are provided, the second discharge roller located most downstream in the discharge direction DR3 is the target.

[0289] The length N1 of the shortest distance in the direction along the loading surface 1023 from the first end 1231 of the loading surface 1023 to the reference point 1024 of the loading surface 1023 is shorter than the sheet length SL1 of the first sheet S1 and the sheet length SL2 of the second sheet S2 discharged from the second discharge roller 1037. That is, the second discharge roller 1037 is configured so that the length N1 is shorter than the sheet length of the cut sheet. In addition, the sheet length of the cut sheet compared with the length N1 is the minimum sheet length of the cut sheet that can be discharged by the image forming apparatus 101. In this embodiment, the sheet obtained by dividing the letter size into two equal parts corresponds to the minimum sheet length, so N1 is shorter than 139 mm.

[0290] In addition, the length N2 in the discharge direction DR3 from the second discharge roller 1037 to the abutment surface 1271 of the stopper 1027 is longer than the sheet length SL1 of the first sheet S1 and the sheet length SL2 of the second sheet S2 discharged by the second discharge roller 1037. More specifically, the length N2 is the length of the shortest distance from the end of the downstream side of the outer diameter of the driven roller 1037B of the second discharge roller 1037 in the discharge direction DR3 to the abutment surface 1271. The second discharge roller 1037 is configured so that the length N2 is longer than the maximum sheet length of the cut sheet.

[0291] <Effects of Embodiment 2>

[0292] According to the image forming apparatus 101 involved in the second embodiment, the second discharge roller 1037 is located downstream of the first discharge roller 1035 in the discharge direction DR3. Therefore, by using the second discharge roller 1037 to discharge the cut first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2, the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 discharged to the discharge tray 1022 can be easily taken out. In addition, in the loading surface 1023, the length N1 of the shortest distance from the first end 1231 on the side of the first discharge roller 1035 to the reference point 1024 is shorter than the sheet lengths SL1 and SL2 of the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2. Therefore, the possibility that the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 discharged from the second discharge roller 1037 enter between the sheets already loaded on the discharge tray 1022 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the cut sheets are discharged to the discharge tray 1022, the order of the discharged sheets can be prevented from being changed. Therefore, the discharge performance of the image forming apparatus 101 can be improved.

[0293] To explain in more detail, after the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 discharged from the second discharge roller 1037 fall onto the loading surface 1023 along the imaginary line VL, there is a possibility that the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 may move along the inclined surface 1023A of the loading surface 1023 until the rear end of the sheet abuts against the vertical wall 1221. Assuming that the length N1 on the loading surface 1023 is longer than the sheet lengths SL1 and SL2 of the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2, the rear end of the first sheet S1 and / or the second sheet S2 may stop at the position of the reference point 1024. For example, in the case where the rear end of the second sheet S2 stops at the position of the reference point 1024 after the first sheet S1 discharged earlier moves to the vertical wall 1221, when the user takes out the sheets, the order of the sheets is reversed, and the second sheet S2 is taken out as the first sheet and the first sheet S1 is taken out as the second sheet. In addition, when multiple sheets S have been discharged to the discharge tray 1022, when the discharged first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 move to the vertical wall 1221, and the rear end of the further discharged sheet S stops at the position of the reference point 1024, the order of the discharged sheets S, the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 will also be reversed.

[0294] In the image forming apparatus 101, the discharge tray 1022 may include a vertical wall 1221 that protrudes upward from the first end 1231 of the placement surface 1023. According to the structure in which the discharge tray 1022 includes the vertical wall 1221, the ends of the sheet S, the first sheet S1, and the second sheet S2 on the vertical wall 1221 side after discharge can be brought into contact with the vertical wall 1221. Thus, after discharge, the ends of the sheet S, the first sheet S1, and the second sheet S2 on the vertical wall 1221 side can be aligned.

[0295] In addition, since the placement surface 1023 has the inclined surface 1023A, the discharged sheet S, the first sheet S1, and the second sheet S2 can be moved to the first end 1231 side along the placement surface 1023 by the inclined surface 1023A. Therefore, the sheet S, the first sheet S1, and the second sheet S2 moved to the first end 1231 side abut against the vertical wall 1221 arranged at the first end 1231. Thus, the end portions of the sheet S, the first sheet S1, and the second sheet S2 placed on the discharge tray 1022 on the vertical wall 1221 side can be aligned.

[0296] In addition, since the horizontal plane 1023B of the placement surface 1023 is located below the second discharge roller 1037, the horizontal plane 1023B formed on the second end 1232 side of the placement surface 1023 is located below the second discharge roller 1037 compared to the inclined surface 1023A. Therefore, a space can be formed between the second discharge roller 1037 and the placement surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022. Thus, when the first sheet S1 or the second sheet S2 is jammed in the second discharge roller 1037, the jammed first sheet S1 or the second sheet S2 can be easily removed.

[0297] According to the configuration including the first conveying path 1200A and the second conveying path 1200B, the sheet S on which an image has been formed can be cut by the cutter 1010 and then discharged to the discharge tray 1022 by the second discharge rollers 1037 .

[0298] According to the structure in which the second discharge roller 1037 is arranged above the upper limit position 1040B of the first stacking bar 1040, even if the first stacking bar 1040 is rotated to the upper limit position 1040B of the rotation range relative to the device body 102, the first stacking bar 1040 does not interfere with the second discharge roller 1037. Therefore, when the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 are discharged, the first stacking bar 1040 can perform normal operations without being restricted in its operation.

[0299] According to the structure in which the first stack lever 1040 is arranged on the third end 1233 side of the loading surface 1023 and the third stack lever 1040 is arranged on the fourth end 1234 side, both ends of the uncut sheet S after discharge can be restrained by the first stack lever 1040 and the third stack lever 1040 in the width direction of the sheet which is a direction orthogonal to the discharge direction DR3. Thus, the sheet S placed on the discharge tray 1022 can be prevented from curling in the width direction.

[0300] According to the structure in which the second stacking bar 1045 is arranged at a position corresponding to the center portion in the width direction of the placement surface 1023, the cut first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 discharged by the second discharge roller 1037 can be easily brought into contact with the second stacking bar 1045. Therefore, although the paper space between the first sheet S1, which is the front half of the sheet, and the second sheet S2, which is the rear half of the cut first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 discharged becomes shorter, the first sheet S1 can be discharged toward the discharge tray 1022 earlier by the second stacking bar 1045. Thus, the first sheet S1 is pressed by the second sheet S2, and the possibility of the order of the discharged sheets being changed can be reduced.

[0301] The configuration in which the static-eliminating brush 1047 is provided can eliminate static electricity on the cut first and second sheets S1, S2 discharged from the second discharge roller 1037. This can prevent the plurality of first and second sheets S1, S2 discharged to the discharge tray 1022 from being attracted to each other due to static electricity.

[0302] According to the structure in which the length N2 from the second discharge roller 1037 to the contact surface 1271 of the stopper 1027 is longer than the maximum sheet length of the first sheet S1 and the second sheet S2 after being discharged, the sheet S, the first sheet S1, and the second sheet S2 discharged by the first discharge roller 1035 and the second discharge roller 1037 contact the stopper 1027, thereby reducing the concern that the sheet S, the first sheet S1, and the second sheet S2 move to the outside of the discharge tray 1022. Thus, the discharged sheet S, the first sheet S1, and the second sheet S2 can be loaded on the discharge tray 1022. In addition, the possibility that the sheet S, the first sheet S1, and the second sheet S2 discharged by the second discharge roller 1037 enter between the loaded sheet S, the first sheet S1, or the second sheet S2 can be reduced. Thus, the order of the discharged sheets can be prevented from being changed.

[0303] [Implementation method 3]

[0304] Below, refer to Fig.21 Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Fig.21 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. In addition, for the sake of convenience, components having the same functions as those described in Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated. The image forming apparatus 101A according to Embodiment 3 is different from the image forming apparatus 101 according to Embodiment 2 in that it does not include a cutter 1010.

[0305] The image forming apparatus 101A is an image forming apparatus capable of discharging sheets S having different lengths in a first conveying direction DR1, which is a direction in which the sheets S are conveyed. The image forming apparatus 101A makes different conveying paths for conveying the sheets S according to the sheet length. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 101A conveys the sheets S to the first conveying path 1200A or the second conveying path 1200B according to the sheet length.

[0306] The image forming apparatus 101A includes a plurality of supply trays 1021. Sheets of different lengths can be placed on each supply tray 1021. Fig.21 In the figure, only one supply tray 1021 is shown, and the other supply trays 1021 are omitted.

[0307] In the image forming apparatus 101A, the CPU 1101 moves the flapper 108 to the first position 108A in order to convey the sheet S having a sheet length longer than a prescribed sheet length, on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 104, to the first conveying path 1200A. In addition, the CPU 1101 moves the flapper 108 to the second position 108B in order to convey the sheet S having a sheet length less than a prescribed sheet length, on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 104, to the second conveying path 1200B. Therefore, the sheet S having a sheet length longer than a prescribed sheet length is discharged to the discharge tray 1022 by the first discharge roller 1035, and the sheet S having a sheet length less than a prescribed sheet length is discharged to the discharge tray 1022 by the second discharge roller 1037.

[0308] The length N1 of the shortest distance along the direction of the loading surface 1023 from the first end 1231 of the loading surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022 to the reference point 1024 of the loading surface 1023 is shorter than the length L3 in the first conveying direction DR1 from the second discharge roller 1037 to the conveying roller 1036. Therefore, the second discharge roller 1037 is arranged so that the length N1 is shorter than the sheet length of the smallest sheet S that can be discharged by the second discharge roller 1037. In addition, the length L3 is also the length in the first conveying direction DR1 from the nip point of the driving roller 1036A and the driven roller 1036B of the conveying roller 1036 to the nip point of the driving roller 1037A and the driven roller 1037B of the second discharge roller 1037.

[0309] In addition, the length N2 is longer than the sheet length of the largest sheet S that can be discharged by the second discharge rollers 1037. That is, the length N2 is longer than a predetermined sheet length.

[0310] <Effects of Embodiment 3>

[0311] According to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101A according to the third embodiment, the second discharge roller 1037 is located upstream of the first discharge roller 1035 in the discharge direction DR3. Therefore, by discharging the short sheet S using the second discharge roller 1037, the short sheet S discharged to the discharge tray 1022 can be easily taken out. In addition, the length N1 of the shortest distance from the first end 1231 on the first discharge roller 1035 side to the reference point 1024 on the loading surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022 is shorter than the length L3 in the first conveying direction DR1 from the second discharge roller 1037 to the conveying roller 1036 located closest to the second discharge roller 1037 in the first conveying direction DR1. Therefore, the possibility that the short sheet S discharged from the second discharge roller 1037 enters between the sheets S already loaded on the discharge tray 1022 can be reduced. Thus, even when a sheet S having a short length is discharged to the discharge tray 1022 , it is possible to prevent the order of the discharged sheets S from being reversed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the discharge performance of the image forming apparatus 101A.

[0312] [Other implementation methods]

[0313] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the image forming apparatuses 101 and 101A are monochrome laser printers, but they may be color laser printers. In addition, in the case of a color laser printer, they may be provided with an intermediate transfer belt and a transfer roller for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt to a sheet. In addition, the image forming apparatuses 101 and 101A may be inkjet printers that form images by ejecting ink.

[0314] In the above embodiment, the placement surface 1023 of the discharge tray 1022 has the inclined surface 1023A and the horizontal surface 1023B, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. The placement surface 1023 may be composed of only the inclined surface or only the horizontal surface.

[0315] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the discharge tray 1022 is configured to have the standing wall 1221 , but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The discharge tray 1022 may be configured not to have the standing wall 1221 .

[0316] In the above embodiment, the first discharge roller 1035, the conveying roller 1036, and the second discharge roller 1037 are composed of a driving roller and a driven roller, but the present invention is not limited thereto. At least one of the first discharge roller 1035, the conveying roller 1036, and the second discharge roller 1037 may be composed of only a driving roller.

[0317] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure in which the cutter 1010 as the cutting mechanism cuts the sheet S by moving the blade 1011 in the cutting direction is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a structure in which two blades longer than the width of the sheet S move in the vertical direction like scissors to sandwich and cut the sheet. In addition, a structure in which a blade longer than the width of the sheet S moves in the vertical direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the sheet S, such as a structure in which a gate-type blade is provided, may also be provided.

[0318] The respective elements described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples may be arbitrarily combined and implemented.

[0319] Explanation of symbols

[0320] 1 Image forming device

[0321] 2 Device body

[0322] 3 Supply Department

[0323] 4 Exposure device

[0324] 5 Drum Box

[0325] 6 Fixing device

[0326] 7 Cutter

[0327] 8 Sheet conveying unit

[0328] 22 Ejection tray

[0329] 23 Exit 1

[0330] 24 Second row exit

[0331] 51 Photosensitive drum

[0332] 61 Heating unit

[0333] 62 Pressure roller

[0334] 81 First conveying path

[0335] 82 Second conveying path

[0336] 83 Re-transportation path

[0337] 84 First discharge roller

[0338] 85 Second discharge roller

[0339] 86 Folding roller

[0340] 87 Baffle

[0341] CU Control Unit

[0342] D1 Conveying distance

[0343] NP clamping part

[0344] PA operation panel

[0345] PP Scheduled cutting area

[0346] S sheet.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: Device body; a cutter capable of cutting the sheet material; a first discharge roller configured to discharge the sheet material not cut by the cutter to the outside of the apparatus body; as well as a second discharge roller for discharging the sheet cut by the cutter to the outside of the apparatus body; The second discharge roller is located on a downstream side of the first discharge roller in a discharge direction in which the first discharge roller discharges the sheet.

2. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: Device body; a cutter capable of cutting the sheet material; a first discharge port for discharging the sheet material not cut by the cutter to the outside of the device body; as well as a second discharge port for discharging the sheet cut by the cutter to the outside of the device body; The second discharge port is located on a downstream side of the first discharge port in a discharge direction of the sheet discharged from the first discharge port.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also available: An image forming unit is disposed in the apparatus body and forms an image on a sheet; a first conveying path that guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body and through which the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter passes; as well as a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body, and the second conveying path is used for the sheet cut by the cutter to pass through, The cutter is disposed on the second transport path.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also available: An image forming unit is disposed in the apparatus body and forms an image on a sheet; a first conveying path that guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body and through which the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter passes; as well as a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body, and the second conveying path is used for the sheet cut by the cutter to pass through, The second conveying path is longer than the first conveying path.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also available: An image forming unit is disposed in the apparatus body and forms an image on a sheet; a first conveying path that guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body and through which the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter passes; as well as a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body, and the second conveying path is used for the sheet cut by the cutter to pass; a fixing device including a heating rotating body and a pressing rotating body forming a nip portion with the heating rotating body, the fixing device fixing the image to the sheet; as well as A flapper is movable between a first position for guiding the sheet having passed through the fixing device to the first conveying path and a second position for guiding the sheet having passed through the fixing device to the second conveying path.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A fixing device is provided, the fixing device having a heating rotating body and a pressing rotating body forming a nip portion between the heating rotating body and the pressing rotating body, the fixing device fixes the image on the sheet, The first discharge roller is located closer to the fixing device than the second discharge roller.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: A fixing device is provided, the fixing device having a heating rotating body and a pressing rotating body forming a nip portion between the heating rotating body and the pressing rotating body, the fixing device fixes the image on the sheet, The first discharge outlet is located closer to the fixing device than the second discharge outlet.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A conveying roller is further provided, the conveying roller being located upstream of the cutter in the conveying direction of the sheet and conveying the sheet to the cutter, The second discharge roller and the conveying roller have a dimension in the axial direction that is larger than half of a width of a sheet having a maximum width that can be conveyed by the image forming apparatus.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: A dimension of at least one of the second discharge roller and the conveying roller in the axial direction is larger than a width of a sheet having a maximum width that can be conveyed by the image forming apparatus.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also available: An image forming unit is disposed in the apparatus body and forms an image on a sheet; a first conveying path that guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body and through which the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter passes; as well as a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body, and the second conveying path is used for the sheet cut by the cutter to pass; A sensor, which is arranged in the sheet conveying path and can detect the presence or absence of the sheet; as well as Control Department, The control unit obtains the size of the sheet in the conveying direction based on the detection signal from the sensor, and when it is determined that the size of the sheet in the conveying direction is smaller than a specified value, conveys the sheet to the second conveying path and discharges the sheet outside the device body without cutting the sheet.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also available: An image forming unit is disposed in the apparatus body and forms an image on a sheet; a first conveying path that guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body and through which the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter passes; as well as a second conveying path which is different from the first conveying path and guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body and through which the sheet cut by the cutter passes; and Control Department, When the control unit determines that the size of the sheet in the conveyance direction included in the received print job is smaller than a predetermined value, the control unit conveys the sheet to the second conveyance path and discharges the sheet to the outside of the apparatus body without cutting the sheet.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: have: An image forming unit is disposed in the apparatus body and forms an image on a sheet; a first conveying path that guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body and through which the sheet that has not been cut by the cutter passes; as well as a second conveying path, which is a conveying path different from the first conveying path, guides the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus body, and the second conveying path is used for the sheet cut by the cutter to pass; a first discharge tray capable of loading sheets discharged through the first conveying path; as well as A second discharged tray is configured to load the sheets discharged through the second conveying path.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum, a developing roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum, and a transfer roller that transfers the toner supplied to the photosensitive drum to a sheet.

14. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a discharge tray for discharging sheets with images formed thereon; a cutter capable of cutting the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit; a first conveying path for guiding the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit and for allowing the sheet not cut by the cutter to pass through; a first discharge roller disposed on the first conveying path and discharging an uncut sheet to the discharge tray; a second conveying path provided with a cutter, guiding the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, and through which the sheet cut by the cutter passes; as well as a second discharge roller disposed on the second conveying path and discharging the cut sheet to the discharge tray; An upstream end in the discharge direction of the sheet discharged from the second discharge roller is located on the downstream side in the discharge direction of the sheet discharged from the first discharge roller.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: further comprising a discharge tray on which sheets discharged from the first discharge roller and the second discharge roller are loaded, The discharge tray has a placement surface on which the discharged sheets are placed. The shortest distance along the direction of the loading surface from the first end on the upstream side of the loading surface in the discharge direction to the reference point of the loading surface located below the second discharge roller in the vertical direction is shorter than the sheet length of the sheet discharged from the second discharge roller.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: The device further includes a standing wall that protrudes upward from the first end of the placement surface.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: The placement surface has an inclined surface formed between the first end and the second end such that the first end is located below a second end opposite to the first end.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein: The mounting surface has a horizontal surface formed on the second end side relative to the inclined surface, The horizontal plane is below the second discharge roller.

19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: have: a first conveying path that is provided with the first discharge roller and guides the sheet on which the image is formed to the first discharge roller; and The second conveying path is provided with the second discharge roller and the cutting mechanism, and guides the sheet having the image formed thereon to the second discharge roller.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: Also available: a first stacking bar which is rotatably arranged, extends toward the placement surface, and is capable of coming into contact with the sheet discharged to the discharge tray by the first discharge roller; as well as a second stacking bar which is rotatably arranged to extend toward the placement surface and can abut against the sheet discharged to the discharge tray by the second discharge roller, The second discharge roller is arranged above an upper limit position that is an upper limit position in a rotation range of the first stack lever.

21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein: The first stack bar is located at a third end side which is one side of the placement surface in a width direction which is a direction orthogonal to the ejection direction, and a third stack bar is further provided at a fourth end side which is the other side of the placement surface in the width direction.

22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein: The second stack bar is arranged at a position corresponding to a central portion of the placement surface in a width direction of the placement surface, the width direction of the placement surface being a direction orthogonal to the ejection direction.

23. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: A destaticizing brush is provided, which is disposed downstream of the second discharge roller in the discharge direction and contacts the sheet discharged by the second discharge roller to destaticize the sheet.

24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: The discharge tray has a stopper that protrudes upward from a second end side of the placement surface opposite to the first end and has a contact surface that can contact the discharged sheet. The length in the discharge direction from the second discharge roller to the abutment surface is longer than the maximum sheet length of the cut sheet discharged by the second discharge roller.

25. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: The image forming unit comprises: a photosensitive drum; a developing roller, which supplies toner to the photosensitive drum; and a transfer roller, which transfers the toner supplied to the photosensitive drum to a sheet; and a fixing device having a pressurizing rotating body and a heating rotating body and fixing the toner transferred to the sheet on the sheet.

26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: The reference point of the placement surface is an end point on the downstream side in the discharge direction of a region projected onto the placement surface when the second discharge roller is projected from above toward the placement surface in the vertical direction.

27. An image forming apparatus capable of discharging sheets having different lengths in a conveying direction, wherein the conveying direction is a direction in which the sheets are conveyed, characterized in that: have: Device body; an ejection tray, the ejection tray being provided on the apparatus body and having a placement surface for placing ejected sheets; a plurality of conveying rollers, the plurality of conveying rollers conveying the sheet along the conveying direction; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a first discharge roller configured to discharge the sheet having an image formed thereon by the image forming section to the discharge tray; as well as a second discharge roller that discharges a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit and whose sheet length is shorter than the sheet discharged by the first discharge roller to the discharge tray; The second discharge roller is arranged at a position downstream and above the first discharge roller in a discharge direction in which the sheet is discharged. The length of the shortest distance along the direction of the loading surface from the first end on the upstream side of the loading surface in the discharge direction to the reference point of the loading surface is shorter than the length in the conveying direction from the second discharge roller to the conveying roller that is closest to the second discharge roller in the conveying direction, and the reference point of the loading surface is a position corresponding to the lower side of the second discharge roller in the vertical direction.

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