Post-processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

A post-processing apparatus includes: a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on a recording medium on which a toner image is formed; and a gloss fixing section arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the post-processing section and configured to heat and pressurize the recording medium to impart a gloss feeling to the toner image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device and an image forming system. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an image forming device comprising: an image forming member for forming a colorant image using a colorant on a recording surface of a recording material; a first fixing member for applying pressure to the recording surface of the recording material while heating the recording surface of the recording material on which the colorant image is formed by the image forming member to a temperature at which the colorant becomes molten; a cutting member for cutting the recording material treated by the first fixing member; and a second fixing member for conveying the recording material cut by the cutting member via a belt member having a smooth surface, while applying pressure to the recording surface of the recording material while heating the recording surface of the recording material to a temperature at which the colorant becomes molten, and then cooling the recording material while keeping the recording material in close contact with the fixing belt.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-242229

[0004] There is a post-processing device for imparting gloss to a toner image formed on a recording medium. The post-processing device includes a post-processing unit such as a trimming unit for trimming an edge portion and a gloss fixing unit for imparting gloss to the toner image.

[0005] Conventionally, when viewed from the front of the device, the post-processing unit and the gloss fixing unit are arranged in the width direction of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to suppress the post-processing device from being larger in the width direction compared to a case where the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section are arranged in the width direction.

[0007] The post-processing device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a post-processing section that performs post-processing on a recording medium on which a colorant image is formed; and a gloss fixing section that is arranged in the vertical direction relative to the post-processing section and heats and pressurizes the recording medium to give gloss to the colorant image.

[0008] The post-processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the post-processing device described in the first embodiment, it includes a conveying section that conveys the recording medium between the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section, and is arranged on the inner side or near the front side in the depth direction relative to the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section.

[0009] A post-processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the post-processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that the conveying portion is arranged on the back side in the depth direction.

[0010] The post-processing device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the post-processing device described in any one of the first to third aspects, a loading and unloading unit that can be loaded and unloaded from the main body from the front side in the depth direction is arranged between the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section in the vertical direction.

[0011] A post-processing apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the post-processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a discharge section arranged in a depth direction relative to the gloss fixing section and discharging the recording medium.

[0012] A post-processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the post-processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the discharge section is arranged near the front side in the depth direction relative to the gloss fixing section, and the discharge section is open near the front side in the depth direction.

[0013] An image forming system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a recording medium; and the post-processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0014] The image forming system involved in the 8th embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: an image forming device that forms a colorant image on a recording medium; and a post-processing device described in any one of the 2nd to 4th embodiments, wherein the post-processing device comprises a post-processing unit that receives the recording medium on which the colorant image is formed by the image forming device from the width direction and sends the received recording medium along the depth direction.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] The post-processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention can suppress the post-processing device from being larger in the width direction, compared to a case where the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section are arranged in the width direction.

[0017] The post-processing device according to the second aspect of the present invention can suppress the post-processing device from being larger in the width direction compared to a case where the transport section is arranged on one side or the other side of the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section in the width direction.

[0018] The post-processing device according to the third aspect of the present invention can reduce the transmission sound heard by the user, compared to a case where the transmission unit is arranged on the near side in the depth direction.

[0019] The post-processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention can easily attach and detach the detachable unit compared to a case where the conveying portion is arranged on the near-front side.

[0020] The post-processing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention can suppress the post-processing device from being larger in the width direction, compared to a case where the discharge section is arranged on one side or the other side of the gloss fixing section in the width direction.

[0021] The post-processing device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention allows the user to easily remove the recording medium from the discharge section, compared to a case where the discharge section is arranged further back in the depth direction than the gloss fixing section.

[0022] The image forming system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention can suppress the image forming system from being larger in the width direction, compared to a case where a post-processing device is provided in which a post-processing section and a gloss fixing section are arranged in the width direction.

[0023] Compared to the case where the direction in which the post-processing unit receives the recording medium and the direction in which the post-processing unit sends out the recording medium are the same (without bending), the image forming system involved in the 8th mode of the present invention can easily receive the recording medium by arranging the post-processing unit in the width direction of the image forming device that discharges the recording medium along the width direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a side view showing a post-processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 1 is a top view showing a cutting processing unit of a post-processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a gloss fixing section of a post-processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] according to Figures 1 to 4 An example of a post-processing device and an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each figure, arrow H indicates the vertical direction and the vertical direction of the device, arrow W indicates a direction perpendicular to arrow H and horizontal to the device and the width direction, and arrow D indicates a direction perpendicular to arrows H and W and horizontal to the device and the depth direction.

[0030] (Overall Structure of Image Forming System 110)

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system 110 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a post-processing apparatus 50. The image forming apparatus 10 forms a toner image on a recording medium P using an electrophotographic method, and the post-processing apparatus 50 removes margins from the edges of the recording medium P on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 10, thereby imparting a glossy effect to the toner image. The post-processing apparatus is used to obtain a photocopied image without margins.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 10 and the post-processing apparatus 50 are arranged in order from one side to the other in the width direction. Here, when a user stands in front of the apparatus, the width direction is the left-right direction relative to the user.

[0033] (Image Forming Apparatus 10)

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a media storage section 14 for storing recording media P; a transport section 16 for transporting the recording media P stored in the media storage section 14; and an image forming section 20 for forming an image on the recording media P transported from the media storage section 14 by the transport section 16. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a toner storage section 11 for storing toner. The media storage section 14, transport section 16, image forming section 20, and toner storage section 11 are arranged in this order from the bottom to the top.

[0035] [Media storage unit 14]

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the media storage section 14 includes a plurality of storage members 26 that can be pulled out from the main body 10a of the image forming apparatus 10 toward the front in the depth direction, and a delivery roller 30 that delivers the recording media P loaded in the storage members 26 to the transport path 28. In this embodiment, five storage members 26a through 26e are provided. Storage members 26d and 26e are loaded with photo paper for printing photographs. Storage members 26a through 26c are loaded with standard plain paper, such as A4 or A3 size.

[0037] [Transmission Unit 16]

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the transport unit 16 includes a plurality of transport rollers 32 that transport the recording medium P fed out from the storage member 26 by the feed rollers 30 along the transport path 28 .

[0039] [Image Forming Unit 20]

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming section 20 includes image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K as four forming units for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between Y, M, C, and K, these may be omitted.

[0041] Each color image forming unit 18 includes an image holder 36, a charging member 38 for charging the surface of the image holder 36, and an exposure device 42 for irradiating exposure light onto the image holder 36. Furthermore, each color image forming unit 18 includes a developing device 40 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed by irradiating the charged image holder 36 with exposure light by the exposure device 42, thereby visualizing the image as a toner image.

[0042] The image forming unit 20 includes an endless transfer belt 22 that winds in the direction of arrow A in the figure, and a primary transfer roller 44 that transfers the toner image formed by the image forming unit 18 of each color onto the transfer belt 22. Furthermore, the image forming unit 20 includes a secondary transfer roller 46 that transfers the toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 22 onto a recording medium P, and a fixing device 48 that heats and pressurizes the recording medium P to which the toner image has been transferred, thereby fixing the toner image onto the recording medium P.

[0043] [Toner Container 11]

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the toner container 11 includes a container 12Y for yellow (Y) toner, a container 12M for magenta (M) toner, a container 12C for cyan (C) toner, and a container 12K for black (K) toner. The container 12K, the container 12C, the container 12M, and the container 12Y are arranged in order from one side (left side in the figure) to the other side (right side in the figure) in the width direction. Furthermore, the container 12K, which holds the most used black toner, has a larger capacity than the other containers 12.

[0045] (Function of Image Forming Apparatus)

[0046] In the image forming apparatus 10 , an image is formed as follows.

[0047] First, the charging member 38 of each color, to which a voltage is applied, uniformly charges the surface of the image holder 36 of each color with a negative charge at a predetermined potential. Next, the exposure device 42 of each color irradiates the charged surface of the image holder 36 of each color with exposure light according to image data input from the outside, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image.

[0048] As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface of the image holder 36 of each color. The developing device 40 of each color then develops the electrostatic latent image to visualize it as a toner image. Furthermore, the primary transfer roller 44 of each color transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image holder 36 of each color to the transfer belt 22.

[0049] Therefore, the recording medium P fed from a certain storage member 26 onto the transport path 28 by the feed roller 30 is fed toward the transfer position T where the transfer belt 22 and the secondary transfer roller 46 are in contact. At the transfer position T, the toner image on the surface of the transfer belt 22 is transferred onto the recording medium P by conveying the recording medium P between the transfer belt 22 and the secondary transfer roller 46.

[0050] The toner image transferred to the recording medium P is fixed to the recording medium P by the fixing device 48. The recording medium P, after the toner image is fixed, is then distributed by the distribution unit 24. For example, if the recording medium P is plain paper, it is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a. On the other hand, if the recording medium P is photo paper, it is conveyed from one side to the other in the width direction by the conveying rollers 32 and then delivered to the post-processing device 50.

[0051] Here, when the toner image formed on the transfer belt 22 is transferred to the recording medium P, margins are provided at the four edges of the recording medium P to prevent toner from adhering to the secondary transfer roller 46 .

[0052] (Post-processing device 50)

[0053] Next, the post-processing device 50 will be described.

[0054] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the post-processing device 50 includes a trimming unit 60 for trimming and removing the margins provided at the four edges of the recording medium P; a gloss fixing unit 80 for imparting gloss to the toner image formed on the recording medium P; and a conveying unit 90 for conveying the recording medium P. Furthermore, the post-processing device 50 includes a collection box 100 for collecting the margins removed by the trimming unit 60; and a discharge unit 98 for discharging the recording medium P. These components are housed within the device main body 50a.

[0055] Furthermore, the cutting unit 60, the collection box 100, the gloss fixing unit 80, and the discharge unit 98 are arranged in order from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the conveying unit 90 is positioned in the depth direction relative to the cutting unit 60, the collection box 100, and the gloss fixing unit 80. Furthermore, the discharge unit 98 is positioned near the front side relative to the gloss fixing unit 80 in the depth direction. Here, the depth direction refers to the depth direction relative to the user when the user is standing in front of the device.

[0056] [Cutout Processing Unit 60]

[0057] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the cropping processing section 60 is arranged to receive, from one side in the width direction, the recording medium P on which the toner image is formed by the image forming apparatus 10. The cropping processing section 60 is an example of a post-processing section.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the cutting processing section 60 includes: a conveying roller 62 that receives the recording medium P conveyed along the width direction without changing the conveying direction of the recording medium P (hereinafter referred to as the "media conveying direction") from the image forming device 10; a pair of first cutters 64 that cut the blank portion of the recording medium P conveyed by the conveying roller 62 while rotating; and a conveying roller 66, the shaft of which has the first cutter 64 installed, and applies a conveying force in the width direction to the recording medium P whose blank portion is to be cut.

[0059] Furthermore, the cutting processing unit 60 includes a cutting position adjustment mechanism 68 that configures the first cutter 64 and the conveying roller 66 as a single unit capable of moving in the axial direction, thereby adjusting the cutting position.

[0060] Furthermore, a transport roller 70 is disposed downstream of the cutting position adjustment mechanism 68 in the media transport direction. The transport roller 70 transports the recording medium P in the width direction after the margin portion has been cut by the first cutter 64, and determines the position of the recording medium P in the width direction. The transport roller 70 contacts the recording medium P when the recording medium P is transported in the width direction, and separates from the recording medium P when the recording medium P is transported toward the back in the depth direction.

[0061] The cutting unit 60 further includes a conveying roller 72 for conveying the recording medium P toward the rear in the depth direction; a pair of second cutters 74 that rotate to cut the margin portion of the recording medium P conveyed toward the rear in the depth direction by the conveying roller 72; and a conveying roller 76 having the second cutters 74 mounted on its shaft to apply a conveying force in the depth direction to the recording medium P from which the margin portion is to be cut. The conveying roller 72 is separated from the recording medium P when conveying the recording medium P in the width direction, but is in contact with the recording medium P when conveying the recording medium P toward the rear in the depth direction.

[0062] Furthermore, regarding adjustment of the cutting position, the cutting edge of the fixed image is detected by a cutting position detection sensor 78, which is located upstream of the transport roller 62 in the media transport direction. The cutting position detection sensor 78 is located on the IN side (near the front side of the device) and the OUT side (back side of the device) so that it can distinguish between the image and non-image portions before the recording medium P enters the cutting mechanism.

[0063] In this structure, the recording medium P supplied from the image forming device 10 is conveyed along the width direction by the conveying roller 62. Specifically, if a sensor not shown detects that the front end of the recording medium P reaches, for example, near the conveying roller 62, the conveying roller 70 is brought into contact with the recording medium P, and the conveying roller 72 is brought into a separation state separated from the recording medium P. Then, the conveying roller 62, the conveying roller 66, the conveying roller 70 and the first cutter 64 rotate to convey the recording medium P along the width direction. Then, the blank portion of the recording medium P passing through the first cutter 64 is cut while being conveyed by the first cutter 64. The cut blank portion slides on an inclined surface not shown and is recovered into the recovery box 100 (refer to Figure 2 )middle.

[0064] Then, in the cutting processing section 60, the conveyance of the recording medium P is paused at a predetermined position. Also, in the cutting processing section 60, the conveying roller 70 is in a separated state separated from the recording medium P, and the conveying roller 72 is in a contact state with the recording medium P. Furthermore, the conveying roller 72, the conveying roller 76, and the second cutter 74 rotate, thereby conveying the recording medium P toward the inner side in the depth direction. Then, the blank portion of the recording medium P that has passed through the second cutter 74 is cut while being conveyed by the second cutter 74. The cut blank portion slides on an inclined surface not shown in the figure and is recovered into the recovery box 100 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 )middle.

[0065] [Transmission Unit 90]

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the conveying section 90 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 92 that receive the recording medium P sent out by the cutting processing section 60 and convey it toward the gloss fixing section 80. The axial direction of the plurality of conveying rollers 92 is the width direction, and the plurality of conveying rollers 92 are arranged on the inner side of the recovery box 100 in the depth direction.

[0067] 〔Recycling Box 100〕

[0068] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2As shown, the collection box 100 is disposed between the cutting unit 60 and the gloss fixing unit 80 in the vertical direction and is disposed in the front side of the conveying unit 90 in the depth direction. The collection box 100 is an example of a detachable unit.

[0069] On the other hand, in the post-processing device 50, a maintenance door 51 is provided on the device body 50a of the post-processing device 50, which opens the interior of the post-processing device 50 from the near front side in the depth direction. Furthermore, when the interior of the device body 50a is opened through the maintenance door 51, the collection box 100 can be attached to and removed from the device body 50a from the near front side in the depth direction. The device body 50a is an example of a main body.

[0070] [Gloss fixing section 80]

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the gloss fixing section 80 includes an endless fixing belt 82, a heating roller 84 around which the fixing belt 82 is wound, a peeling roller 88, and a control roller 86 for controlling the movement of the fixing belt. The heating roller 84 rotatably supports the fixing belt 82 and has a halogen lamp 84a disposed in its hollow portion for heating a certain area of ​​the nip portion N.

[0072] Furthermore, the gloss fixing section 80 includes a pressure roller 85 that is in pressure contact with the heat roller 84 with the fixing belt 82 sandwiched therebetween to form a nip N. The heat roller 84 is driven to rotate by a driving source (not shown), so that the fixing belt 82 is wound in the direction of arrow C in the figure.

[0073] Furthermore, a heat sink 94 is provided inside the fixing belt 82 to forcibly cool the recording medium P in close contact with the fixing belt 82. The heat sink 94 is cooled by a cooling fan (not shown). Furthermore, to assist in maintaining close contact between the conveyed recording medium P and the fixing belt 82, force-applying rollers 94a and 94b are provided at positions opposing the heat sink 94, sandwiching the fixing belt 82. These force-applying rollers 96a and 96b are further disposed between the control roller 86 and the heating roller 84 to apply a certain tension to the fixing belt 82.

[0074] In this configuration, the recording medium P conveyed by the conveyor 90 enters the nip N. In the nip N, the heat from the halogen lamp 84a and the pressure from the pressure roller 85 heat the toner constituting the toner image to approximately 120-150°C, melting it and embedding the toner image in the heat-softened image-receiving layer of the recording medium P. After passing through the nip N, the recording medium P is conveyed in close contact with the fixing belt 82. During this conveyance, the recording medium P is forcibly cooled by the heat sink 94, and the smoothness of the fixing belt 82's surface is transferred to the surface of the recording medium P (i.e., the image-receiving layer), imparting a glossy finish to the surface of the recording medium P and the toner image.

[0075] Then, the recording medium P cooled and conveyed by the fixing belt 82 is peeled off from the fixing belt 82 near the peeling roller 88 at the peeling roller 88 portion cooled to a temperature below the melting temperature of the toner (e.g., about 40°C to 80°C) by utilizing the toughness (rigidity) of the recording medium P itself. Then, the recording medium P peeled off from the fixing belt 82 is discharged to the Figure 2 The discharge portion 98 is shown.

[0076] Here, in order to provide glossiness to the toner image formed on the recording medium P, the gloss fixing section 80 has to lower the speed than the processing speed of the image forming apparatus 10 so that the toner is in a molten state.

[0077] [Discharge section 98]

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the depth direction, the discharge section 98 is arranged in the vertical direction relative to the cutting section 60 and the gloss fixing section 80. Figure 2 As shown, the discharge section 98 is arranged at a portion closer to the front side in the depth direction than the gloss fixing section 80 .

[0079] Furthermore, when the interior of the apparatus main body 50 a is opened through the maintenance door 51 , the recording medium P discharged to the discharge portion 98 can be taken out from the apparatus main body 50 a .

[0080] 〔other〕

[0081] Next, the control unit 52 (refer to Figure 1 ) will be described. As described above, in order to impart gloss to the toner image formed on the recording medium P, the gloss fixing section 80 must have a speed lower than the processing speed of the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the control section 52 controls the rotational speed of the conveying roller 92 of the conveying section 90 so that the conveying speed of the recording medium P gradually slows down (decreases) until the recording medium P reaches the gloss fixing section 80.

[0082] (Summarize)

[0083] As described above, in the post-processing device 50, the trimming unit 60 and the gloss fixing unit 80 are arranged in the vertical direction. This can prevent the post-processing device 50 from being too large in the width direction compared to a case where the trimming unit and the gloss fixing unit are arranged in the width direction.

[0084] Furthermore, in the post-processing device 50, the transport section 90 is arranged on the back side in the depth direction relative to the cutting section 60 and the gloss fixing section 80. This prevents the post-processing device 50 from becoming larger in the width direction, compared to a case where the transport section is arranged on one side or the other side in the width direction relative to the cutting section and the gloss fixing section.

[0085] Furthermore, in the post-processing device 50, the conveying section 90 is positioned further back in the depth direction than the cutting section 60 and the gloss fixing section 80. This reduces the amount of conveying noise heard by the user, compared to a case where the conveying section is positioned closer to the cutting section and the gloss fixing section in the depth direction.

[0086] Furthermore, in the post-processing device 50, a collection box 100 is disposed between the cutting processing section 60 and the gloss fixing section 80 in the vertical direction and on the near side in the depth direction of the conveying section 90. The collection box 100 is attachable and detachable to the device main body 50a from the near side in the depth direction. This facilitates attachment and detachment of the collection box 100 compared to a case where the conveying section is disposed on the near side in the depth direction.

[0087] Furthermore, in the post-processing device 50, the discharge section 98 is arranged in the depth direction relative to the gloss fixing section 80. This can prevent the post-processing device from being too large in the width direction, compared to a case where the discharge section is arranged on one side or the other side of the gloss fixing section in the width direction.

[0088] Furthermore, in the post-processing device 50, the discharge section 98 is positioned near the front side in the depth direction relative to the gloss fixing section 80. Furthermore, by opening the interior of the device main body 50a through the maintenance door 51, the recording medium P discharged into the discharge section 98 can be removed from the device main body 50a. This makes it easier for the user to remove the recording medium P from the discharge section 98 than when the discharge section is positioned farther back in the depth direction relative to the gloss fixing section.

[0089] Furthermore, the image forming system 110 includes the post-processing device 50. This prevents the image forming system 110 from being enlarged in the width direction, compared to a case where a post-processing device including a cutting unit and a gloss fixing unit is arranged in the width direction.

[0090] Furthermore, in the image forming system 110, the cutting process section 60 receives the recording medium P on which the toner image is formed in the width direction and delivers the received recording medium P in the depth direction. Therefore, by arranging the post-processing device 50 in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 10 that discharges the recording medium P in the width direction, it is easier to receive the recording medium P than in a case where the direction in which the cutting process section receives the recording medium and the direction in which the cutting process section delivers the recording medium are the same (not bent).

[0091] Furthermore, while a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in various other embodiments within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the post-processing unit 60 is described as the cutting unit. However, the post-processing unit may also be a punching unit that punches holes in the recording medium P.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the collection box 100 detachably mounted on the apparatus body 50a is disposed between the cutting unit 60 and the gloss fixing unit 80 in the vertical direction. However, a storage box for storing instructions or the like may be disposed as a detachable unit.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the transport unit 90 is disposed in the depth direction relative to the cutting unit 60 and the gloss fixing unit 80. However, it may be disposed on one side or the other side in the width direction relative to the cutting unit and the gloss fixing unit. However, in this case, the function achieved by disposing it in the depth direction is not achieved.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the discharge section 98 is arranged in the depth direction relative to the gloss fixing section 80, but it may be arranged in the width direction relative to the gloss fixing section. However, in this case, the effect of the arrangement in the depth direction is not achieved.

[0095] (((1)))A post-processing device comprising:

[0096] a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the recording medium on which the toner image is formed; and

[0097] The gloss fixing section is arranged in the vertical direction relative to the post-processing section, and applies heat and pressure to the recording medium to impart gloss to the toner image.

[0098] (((2))) The post-processing device according to (((1))) comprises a conveying unit,

[0099] The transport section transports the recording medium between the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section, and is arranged at a rear side or a front side relative to the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section in a depth direction.

[0100] (((3)))The post-processing device according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein

[0101] The conveying portion is arranged on the inner side in the depth direction.

[0102] (((4))) The post-processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), wherein

[0103] A detachable unit is disposed between the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section in the vertical direction and is detachable from the main body from the front side in the depth direction.

[0104] (((5))) The post-processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), comprising a discharge portion,

[0105] The discharge section is arranged in a depth direction relative to the gloss fixing section and discharges the recording medium.

[0106] (((6)))The post-processing device according to (((5))), wherein

[0107] The discharge section is arranged on the front side of the gloss fixing section in the depth direction.

[0108] The discharge portion is open toward the front side in the depth direction.

[0109] (((7)))An image forming system comprising:

[0110] an image forming device that forms a toner image on a recording medium; and

[0111] The post-processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))).

[0112] (((8)))An image forming system comprising:

[0113] an image forming device that forms a toner image on a recording medium; and

[0114] A post-processing device as described in any one of (((2))) to (((4))), wherein the post-processing device includes a post-processing section that receives a recording medium on which a colorant image is formed by the image forming device in a width direction and sends out the received recording medium in a depth direction.

[0115] The post-processing device according to (((1))) can suppress the post-processing device from being larger in the width direction compared to a case where the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section are arranged in the width direction.

[0116] The post-processing device according to (((2))) can suppress the post-processing device from being larger in the width direction compared to a case where the conveying portion is arranged on one side or the other side of the post-processing portion and the gloss fixing portion in the width direction.

[0117] The post-processing device according to (((3))) can reduce the transmission sound heard by the user, compared to the case where the transmission unit is arranged on the near side in the depth direction.

[0118] The post-processing device according to (((4))) can easily attach and detach the detachable unit compared to a case where the conveying portion is arranged on the near-front side.

[0119] The post-processing device according to (((5))) can suppress the post-processing device from being larger in the width direction compared to a case where the discharge section is arranged on one side or the other side of the gloss fixing section in the width direction.

[0120] The post-processing device according to (((6))) allows the user to easily remove the recording medium from the discharge section, compared to a case where the discharge section is arranged on the back side of the gloss fixing section in the depth direction.

[0121] The image forming system according to (((7))) can suppress the image forming system from being larger in the width direction than a post-processing device including a post-processing section and a gloss fixing section arranged in the width direction.

[0122] Compared to a case where the direction in which the post-processing unit receives the recording medium and the direction in which the post-processing unit sends out the recording medium are the same (without bending), the image forming system involved in (((8))) can easily receive the recording medium by arranging the post-processing unit in the width direction of the image forming device that discharges the recording medium along the width direction.

[0123] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. It is obvious that various modifications and variations are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily explain the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technical personnel in this field can understand the present invention through various modifications optimized for specific uses of the assumed various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

[0124] Explanation of symbols

[0125] 10-image forming device, 50-post-processing device, 50a-device main body (an example of a main body), 60-cutting processing unit (an example of a post-processing unit), 80-gloss fixing unit, 90-transmission unit, 98-discharge unit, 100-recovery box (an example of a loading and unloading unit), 110-image forming system.

Claims

1. A post-processing device comprising: a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the recording medium on which the toner image is formed; and The gloss fixing section is arranged in the vertical direction relative to the post-processing section, and applies heat and pressure to the recording medium to impart gloss to the toner image.

2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, comprising a conveying unit, The transport section transports the recording medium between the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section, and is arranged at a rear side or a front side relative to the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section in a depth direction.

3. The post-processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The conveying portion is arranged on the inner side in the depth direction.

4. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A detachable unit is disposed between the post-processing section and the gloss fixing section in the vertical direction and is detachable from the main body from the front side in the depth direction.

5. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a discharge unit. The discharge section is arranged in a depth direction relative to the gloss fixing section and discharges the recording medium.

6. The post-processing device according to claim 5, wherein: The discharge section is arranged on the front side of the gloss fixing section in the depth direction. The discharge portion is open toward the front side in the depth direction.

7. An image forming system comprising: an image forming device that forms a toner image on a recording medium; and The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An image forming system comprising: an image forming device that forms a toner image on a recording medium; and The post-processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a post-processing section that receives a recording medium on which a toner image is formed by the image forming device in a width direction and delivers the received recording medium in a depth direction.

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