Recording medium conveying device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To miniaturize an apparatus provided with a space for reversing the front and rear of a recording medium in comparison with a case where the space for reversing the front and rear of the recording medium is secured by securing a dedicated space used only for reversing the front and rear of the recording medium, or a case where both a conveyance destination of the recording medium and a space for reversing the front and rear of the recording medium are provided in one of two regions opposed to each other across a plane extending along a feeding direction of the recording medium and passing through the recording medium.SOLUTION: When reversing the front and back sides of the sheet P, the CPU sets the direction of the switching member 86A to a direction in which the sheet P is directed to the merging path 72. Thus, the sheet P fed from the first sheet storage unit 81 is directed to the merging path 72. Thereafter, the CPU reverses the rotation direction of the upstream-side transport rollers 95. As a result, the conveyance direction of the sheet P is reversed. As a result, the sheet P on the merging path 72 is conveyed toward the medium path 71.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording medium transport device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses that in double-sided mode, unlike normal double-sided printing, odd-numbered pages are printed on one side of the paper, which is then inverted, and even-numbered pages are printed on the other side, which is then inverted again and ejected. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a multi-inserter is provided with a sheet feeder that feeds sheets from the left side and a sheet feeder that feeds sheets from the right side, eliminating the need for a reversing operation for inserting sheets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-33146 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-107043 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In devices that handle recording media such as paper, a storage unit for storing the recording media is provided, and a space for turning over the recording media sent out from the storage unit is sometimes provided. Providing this space for turning over tends to result in an increase in the size of the device compared to when this space is not provided. The object of the present invention is to miniaturize an apparatus that has a space for flipping a recording medium over, compared to when a dedicated space is reserved solely for flipping a recording medium over, or when both the destination of the recording medium and the space for flipping the recording medium over are provided in one of two areas that face each other across a plane that extends along the feeding direction of the recording medium and passes through the recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is a recording medium transport device comprising: a media storage unit that stores recording media; a media path along which recording media sent out from the media storage unit pass; a merging path that merges with the media path and through which recording media sent out from a storage unit other than the media storage unit pass when heading towards the media path; and a processor that causes the recording medium sent out from the media storage unit to be transported to the upstream side of the merging path through the merging path, and reverses the transport direction of the recording medium so that the recording medium is transported to the media path. The invention described in claim 2 is a recording medium transport device described in claim 1, in which the processor causes the recording medium from the media storage unit to be transported to the merging path when the recording medium from the other storage unit is not located on the merging path. The invention described in claim 3 is a recording medium transport device described in claim 1, in which when the processor causes the recording medium from the media storage unit to be transported to the merging path, it prevents the recording medium from being sent from the other storage unit to the merging path. The invention described in claim 4 is a recording medium transport device described in claim 1, in which the medium path is arranged to extend toward the downstream side in the feeding direction when the recording medium is fed out from the medium storage section, and heads toward one of two areas facing each other on either side of a plane that extends along the feeding direction and through which the recording medium being fed passes, and the merging path heads toward the media path from the other of the two areas. The invention described in claim 5 is a recording medium transport device described in claim 4, in which the plane extends along a direction intersecting the vertical direction, the medium path heads toward the upper of two areas facing each other across the plane, and the merging path heads toward the medium path from the area below the plane. The invention described in claim 6 is the recording medium transport device described in claim 1, in which, in addition to the medium storage section, another storage section is provided, multiple storage sections for storing recording media are provided, the multiple storage sections are arranged in a vertical line, and the merging path is arranged to the side of the multiple storage sections and is arranged along the vertical line. The invention described in claim 7 is a recording medium conveying device described in claim 6, in which the merging path has, in addition to the vertical portion that extends along the vertical direction, a cross-directional portion that is connected to the vertical portion and arranged in a cross-directional relationship with the vertical portion. The invention described in claim 8 is the recording medium transport device described in claim 1, wherein the feeding direction when the recording medium is fed out of the medium storage unit is the same as the feeding direction when the recording medium is fed out of the other storage unit, the position of the medium storage unit and the position of the other storage unit are different from each other in a direction intersecting the feeding direction, the medium storage unit and the other storage unit each have a downstream end that is an end located downstream in the feeding direction, and when comparing positions in the feeding direction, the downstream end of the other storage unit is located upstream in the feeding direction than the downstream end of the medium storage unit. The invention described in claim 9 is a recording medium transport device described in claim 1, in which the processor causes the recording medium sent from the media storage unit to the media path to be transported to the junction path when predetermined specific conditions are met, and when the specific conditions are not met, causes the recording medium sent from the media storage unit to the media path to be transported downstream through the media path without being transported to the junction path. The invention described in claim 10 is a recording medium transport device comprising: a storage section that stores a recording medium; a first media path along which the recording medium sent out from the storage section passes, the first media path being located on one side of two areas that face each other across a plane that extends along the feeding direction of the recording medium and through which the recording medium being sent out passes; a second media path along which the recording medium sent out from the storage section passes, the second media path being located on the other side of the two areas; and a processor that reverses the transport direction of the recording medium transported to one of the first and second media paths, and causes the recording medium after the transport direction has been reversed to be transported to the other media path. The invention described in claim 11 is a recording medium transport device described in claim 10, in which a common path is provided as a path through which recording media heading to the first media path and the second media path pass, and a recording medium transported to one of the media paths is transported to the other media path without passing through the common path. The invention described in claim 12 is a recording medium conveying device described in claim 11, wherein each of the first media path and the second media path has a straight portion formed in a straight line extending in a direction away from the plane, and the straight portion of the second media path is located on an extension line of the straight portion of the first media path. The invention described in claim 13 is a recording medium transport device described in claim 10, wherein the one media path has a straight portion that extends in a straight line away from the plane, and an intersection portion that is located downstream of the straight portion in the extension direction of the one media path and is arranged in an intersecting relationship with the straight portion. The invention described in claim 14 is an image forming apparatus comprising a recording medium conveying device that conveys a recording medium and an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium conveyed by the recording medium conveying device, wherein the recording medium conveying device has the configuration of the recording medium conveying device described in claim 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to miniaturize a device that has a space for flipping a recording medium over, compared to a case where a dedicated space is secured solely for flipping a recording medium over. According to the invention of claim 2, when recording media from another storage unit are positioned on the merging path, it becomes possible to flip recording media of larger sizes over compared to when recording media from the media storage unit are transported to the merging path. According to the invention of claim 3, when a recording medium from a media storage unit is transported to the merging path, it is possible to invert the front and back of a larger size recording medium compared to when a recording medium is sent to the merging path from another storage unit. According to the invention of claim 4, the recording medium can be turned over by utilizing the area opposite to the area on the side where the medium path through which the recording medium passes is located, out of two areas facing each other across a plane. According to the invention of claim 5, the recording medium can be flipped over by utilizing the lower area, which is opposite to the upper area where the media path through which the recording medium passes, out of two areas facing each other across a plane. According to the invention of claim 6, the recording medium can be turned over by utilizing the spaces on the sides of the plurality of storage sections. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to turn over a larger size of recording medium compared to when the joining path is provided with only a vertical portion that extends in the vertical direction. According to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to turn over larger sized recording media compared to when the downstream end of the other storage section is aligned with the downstream end of the medium storage section. According to the invention of claim 9, when a predetermined specific condition is satisfied, the recording medium can be turned over. According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to make the device having a space for turning the recording medium over smaller than when both the destination of the recording medium and the space for turning the recording medium over are provided in one of two areas that extend along the feeding direction of the recording medium and face each other across a plane that passes through the recording medium. According to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to simplify the transport of recording media compared to when a recording medium is transported to one media path and then transported to the other media path via a common path. According to the invention of claim 12, the transport of the recording medium when transported to one media path and then heading towards the other media path can be made smoother than when the straight portion of the second media path is not located on an extension of the straight portion of the first media path. According to the invention of claim 13, it is possible to flip over larger sized recording media compared to when one of the medium paths has only a linear portion formed in a straight line extending in a direction away from the plane. According to the invention of claim 14, it is possible to make the device having a space for flipping the recording medium over smaller than when a dedicated space is secured solely for flipping the recording medium over, or when both the destination of the recording medium and the space for flipping the recording medium over are provided in one of two areas that extend along the feeding direction of the recording medium and face each other across a plane that passes through the recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a control unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the configuration below the image forming unit. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the reversal of an image-formed sheet using a reversing mechanism. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the reversal of the front and back sides of a sheet of paper on the upstream side of the secondary transfer unit. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the reversal of the front and back sides of a sheet of paper on the upstream side of the secondary transfer unit. [Figure 7] 10 is an enlarged view of a first paper storage unit, a medium path, and a merging path. FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the configuration around the first paper storage unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 is provided with an image forming section 240 that forms an image on a sheet of paper P, which is an example of a recording medium. The image forming apparatus 10 is also provided with a control unit 200 that controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0009] An original conveying device 12 that conveys a plurality of originals 12G one by one is provided on top of an apparatus body 10A of the image forming apparatus 10. The apparatus main body 10A is a housing and has a function of supporting the members that constitute the image forming apparatus 10. The apparatus main body 10A constitutes a part of the image forming apparatus 10. In addition to the document transport device 12, an image reading unit 238 that reads the document 12G is also provided on the upper portion of the device main body 10A. The image reading section 238 reads the original 12G conveyed by the original conveying device 12. The image reading section 238 also reads the original 12G placed on the platen glass 16.

[0010] The image reading section 238 is provided with a first mirror unit 18 that has a light source and moves along the platen glass 16 . Furthermore, the image reading section 238 is provided with a second mirror unit 22. The second mirror unit 22 also moves along the platen glass 16. The second mirror unit 22 reflects the light reflected from the document and reflected by the first mirror unit 18. The light reflected by the second mirror unit 22 passes through a lens 24 and travels toward a light receiving element 26 such as a CCD line sensor.

[0011] The image forming section 240 is provided with a plurality of image forming units 30 that form toner images of different colors. In this embodiment, four image forming units 30 are provided. In this embodiment, image forming units 30Y and 30M are provided as image forming units 30. Furthermore, image forming units 30C and 30K are provided as image forming units 30. Image forming unit 30Y forms a yellow toner image, image forming unit 30M forms a magenta toner image, image forming unit 30C forms a cyan toner image, and image forming unit 30K forms a black toner image.

[0012] Above the multiple image forming units 30, a transfer unit 100 is provided. The transfer unit 100 is provided with an intermediate transfer belt 32. The toner images formed by the image forming units 30 are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 32. The intermediate transfer belt 32 moves in a circular motion in the direction of arrow A.

[0013] A drive roll 48 that drives the intermediate transfer belt 32 is provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 32. A support roll 50 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 32 from the inside is also provided. Furthermore, a tension applying roll 54 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 32 is also provided. Furthermore, an idler roll 56 and an idler roll 58 are provided in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 32 . Furthermore, the transfer unit 100 is provided with a belt cleaning device 52 that cleans the intermediate transfer belt 32 .

[0014] Each image forming unit 30 is provided with a photosensitive drum 34. The photosensitive drum 34, which is an example of an image carrier, holds a toner image to be formed. Furthermore, there is provided a charging member 36 that charges the photosensitive drum 34. Also, there is provided an exposure device 40 that exposes the photosensitive drum 34 to light. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 34 by the exposure device 40. Furthermore, a developing unit 42 is provided. The developing unit 42 deposits toner onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 34. As a result, the toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 34. As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 34.

[0015] A primary transfer member 46 is provided on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer belt 32 from the side where the photosensitive drum 34 is installed. The primary transfer member 46 is provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 32. The primary transfer member 46 is used to transfer the toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 32. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 34 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 32 by the primary transfer member 46. Each image forming unit 30 is also provided with a remover 44. The remover 44 removes toner and other particles adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum 34 from the surface.

[0016] Furthermore, a secondary transfer member 60 is provided on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer belt 32 from the side where the support roll 50 is installed. The secondary transfer member 60 is used to transfer the toner image onto the paper P. In this embodiment, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 32 is transferred onto the paper P by this secondary transfer member 60. Hereinafter, in this specification, the location where the secondary transfer member 60 is provided will be referred to as the secondary transfer portion T2. ​​In this embodiment, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 32 is transferred onto the paper P at the secondary transfer portion T2.

[0017] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment is provided with a conveying device 300 that conveys the paper P. The conveying device 300, which is an example of a recording medium conveying device, is provided with a paper storage section 80 that stores paper P, which is an example of a recording medium. The conveying device 300 conveys the paper P sent out from the paper storage unit 80, which is an example of a medium storage unit, to the secondary transfer unit T2. Furthermore, the conveying device 300 conveys the paper P that has passed through the secondary transfer unit T2 to the paper discharge unit 301. The paper P that has been conveyed to the paper discharge unit 301 is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 10A.

[0018] In this embodiment, a first paper storage section 81 and a second paper storage section 82 are provided as paper storage section 80. Furthermore, a third paper storage section 83 and a fourth paper storage section 84 are provided as paper storage section 80. Furthermore, there is provided a feed roll 88 that feeds out the paper P stored in the paper storage section 80. The feed rolls 88 are provided in a shape corresponding to each of the first paper storage section 81 to the fourth paper storage section 84. Further, transport rolls 90 for transporting the paper P are provided downstream of the feed rolls 88. The transport rolls 90 are also provided in a shape corresponding to each of the first paper storage unit 81 to the fourth paper storage unit 84.

[0019] Furthermore, an upstream transport roll 95 and a downstream transport roll 96 are provided. These transport rolls further transport the paper P that has been transported by the transport roll 90. Here, the transport direction of the sheet P when the sheet P heads toward the secondary transfer portion T2 is assumed. In this transport direction, the downstream transport roll 96 is located downstream of the upstream transport roll 95. The downstream transport rolls 96 are provided on the medium path 71. The downstream transport rolls 96 transport the paper P positioned on the medium path 71 toward the secondary transfer unit T2.

[0020] The upstream transport rolls 95 are provided on the merging path 72. The upstream transport rolls 95 transport the paper P located on the merging path 72 toward the side where the downstream transport rolls 96 are located. Furthermore, the upstream transport roll 95 transports the paper P located on the junction path 72 in the direction opposite to the side where the downstream transport roll 96 is located. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the merging path 72 may be used to turn over the paper sheet P. In this case, the upstream transport roll 95 transports the paper sheet P on the merging path 72 toward the side opposite to the side where the downstream transport roll 96 is located.

[0021] Further, a delivery roll 94 is provided closer to the secondary transfer portion T2 than the downstream transport roll 96. The delivery roll 94 delivers the paper P to the secondary transfer portion T2. Furthermore, in the transport direction of the paper P, a fixing device 64 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer portion T2. In this embodiment, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 32 is transferred onto the paper P at the secondary transfer portion T2. Then, in this embodiment, the paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is directed to the fixing device 64. The fixing device 64 applies pressure and heat to the paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred. In this way, the toner image is fixed to the paper P.

[0022] A paper stacking section 69 is provided downstream of the fixing device 64 in the conveyance direction of the paper P. The paper P on which the toner image has been fixed is stacked on this paper stacking section 69. In this embodiment, the conveying device 300 conveys the paper P stored in the paper storage unit 80 to the paper stacking unit 69. During this conveying process, an image is formed on the paper P. A plurality of transport rolls 73 for transporting the paper P are provided downstream of the fixing device 64. In this embodiment, the transport rolls 73 transport the paper P, on which the toner image has been fixed, to the paper discharge section 301.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a reversing mechanism 63 that reverses the paper P is provided. In this embodiment, when images are formed on both sides of the paper P, the reversing mechanism 63 reverses the paper P from front to back after it has passed through the secondary transfer portion T2. When the reversing mechanism 63 reverses the front and back of the sheet P, the sheet P after passing through the secondary transfer portion T2 is sent to a reversing path 63A. Then, the sheet P passes through the reversing path 63A and is supplied to the secondary transfer portion T2 again. As a result, a toner image is formed on the rear surface of the sheet P as well.

[0024] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 200. The control unit 200 is realized by a computer. The control unit 200 includes an arithmetic processing unit 110. The arithmetic processing unit 110 executes digital arithmetic processing in accordance with a program. The control unit 200 also includes a secondary storage unit 91 that stores information. The secondary storage unit 91 is realized by an existing information storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic tape.

[0025] The arithmetic processing unit 110 includes a CPU 11a as an example of a processor. The arithmetic processing unit 110 is also provided with a RAM 11b that is used as a working memory for the CPU 11a, etc. The arithmetic processing unit 110 is also provided with a ROM 11c that stores programs executed by the CPU 11a, etc. The arithmetic processing unit 110 is also provided with a nonvolatile memory 11d that can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted.

[0026] The nonvolatile memory 11d is configured, for example, with a battery-backed SRAM, a flash memory, etc. The secondary storage unit 91 stores various types of information such as programs executed by the CPU 11a. In this embodiment, the CPU 11a reads programs stored in the ROM 11c or the secondary storage unit 91. As a result, various processes performed in the image forming apparatus 10 are executed.

[0027] The program executed by the CPU 11a can be provided to the image forming apparatus 10 via a recording medium. Examples of storage media include magnetic recording media such as magnetic tapes and magnetic disks. Other examples of storage media include optical recording media such as optical disks. Other examples of storage media include magneto-optical recording media. Other examples of storage media include semiconductor memories. The program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the image forming apparatus 10 using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0028] In this embodiment, each process is executed by a computer. The computer may execute these processes using a processor, a program, or a combination thereof. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a system such as a workstation, or other hardware element capable of executing a program.

[0029] The processor may be composed of one or more pieces of hardware, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, the processor may be composed of hardware such as a programmable logic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated circuit for executing specific processes such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). The processor also has various units or means for executing various processes in the present embodiment. The type of hardware may also be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple pieces of hardware are configured to execute one or more processes of a certain processor, the multiple pieces of hardware may exist in devices physically separated from each other or in the same device. In any of the embodiments, the order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. The hardware may be composed of an electric circuit or the like, which is a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0030] Furthermore, the present embodiment may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. Software, firmware, and microcode may be configured by a program. A program may also be, for example, a group of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform the respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storages). The program may be stored in multiple non-transitory computer-readable media that reside in physically separate devices. A program code or a code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A program code or a code segment may be connected to another code segment or a hardware circuit by sending or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0031] A series of steps in the process of forming an image on paper P will be described. In this embodiment, the process of forming an image on a sheet P is performed under the control of a CPU 11a, which is an example of a processor. When forming an image on paper P, first, light is emitted from exposure device 40 shown in Fig. 1. In each of image forming units 30, light is emitted from exposure device 40. The emitted light is irradiated onto the surface of photosensitive drum 34, which has been charged by charging member 36.

[0032] This exposes the photosensitive drum 34. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 34. Next, the developing unit 42 supplies toner to this electrostatic latent image, thereby developing it and forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 34. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 34 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 32 by the primary transfer member 46. The toner image formed in each of the image forming units 30 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 32 by the primary transfer member 46.

[0033] As a result, a toner image in which toner images of different colors are superimposed on one another is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 32 . In this embodiment, this toner image is then transferred onto the paper P that has been transported to the secondary transfer portion T2. In this embodiment, the paper P is transported to the secondary transfer portion T2 by the transport device 300. At the secondary transfer portion T2, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 32 is transferred onto the transported paper P.

[0034] The paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing device 64. This causes the toner image to be fixed onto the paper P. Thereafter, the paper sheet P is conveyed to the paper sheet discharge section 301 by the conveying device 300. Then, the paper sheet P passes through the paper sheet discharge section 301 and moves to the outside of the apparatus main body 10A. Then, the paper sheet P is stacked on the paper sheet stacking section 69.

[0035] When images are to be formed on both sides of the paper P, the paper P is turned over by a reversing mechanism 63. Then, the toner image newly formed on the intermediate transfer belt 32 is transferred onto the paper P after it has been turned over. After that, the paper P passes through the fixing device 64 again. Then, the paper P passes through the paper discharge section 301 and moves to the paper stacking section 69.

[0036] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the configuration below the image forming unit 240. Below the image forming unit 240 shown in FIG. 1, a first paper storage unit 81 to a fourth paper storage unit 84 are provided. In this embodiment, a medium path 71 is provided, which is a path along which the paper P sent out from the first paper storage unit 81 passes. The paper P sent out from the first paper storage section 81 passes through this medium path 71 . The medium path 71 starts from the first paper storage unit 81. The medium path 71 passes through a junction 74 and extends toward the secondary transfer unit T2 shown in FIG.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a merging path 72 is provided that merges with the medium path 71. The merging path 72 merges with the medium path 71 at a merging portion 74. The junction path 72 is provided in a manner that starts at the fourth paper storage section 84 and heads upward. The merging path 72 flows from below to above, and then merges with the medium path 71 at a merging portion 74. The merging path 72 has a linear portion 72A that extends vertically and is formed linearly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first connection path 76A is provided that connects the merging path 72 and the second paper storage unit 82. Also, a second connection path 76B is provided that connects the merging path 72 and the third paper storage unit 83.

[0038] The paper P from the fourth paper storage unit 84 passes through the junction path 72 and the medium path 71 and heads toward the secondary transfer unit T2 shown in FIG. The paper sheet P from the second paper storage unit 82 passes through the first connection path 76A and enters the junction path 72. Then, the paper sheet P passes through the junction path 72 and the medium path 71 and heads toward the secondary transfer unit T2. The paper P from the third paper storage unit 83 passes through the second connection path 76B and enters the junction path 72. Then, the paper P passes through the junction path 72 and the medium path 71 and heads toward the secondary transfer unit T2.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a switching member 86A that switches the destination of the paper sheet P sent out from the first paper sheet storage section 81 is provided. The switching member 86A is provided rotatably. In this embodiment, the destination of the paper P is set to either the medium path 71 or the junction path 72 by the rotation of the switching member 86A.

[0040] In this embodiment, the paper P can be turned over even upstream of the secondary transfer portion T2 shown in FIG. The following describes the reversal of the paper P on the upstream side of the secondary transfer portion T2. In this embodiment, the paper P is turned over when a predetermined condition is met, such as when an instruction is given by the user. The sheet P is turned over upstream of the secondary transfer portion T2, and the sheet P is then transported to the secondary transfer portion T2 after being turned over.

[0041] The paper storage section 80 may store paper P on one side of which an image has already been formed. Hereinafter, in this specification, paper P on one side of which an image has already been formed will be referred to as "paper P on which an image has already been formed." In this case, there is a risk that the side of the image-formed paper P on which the image has already been formed will face the intermediate transfer belt 32 shown in Fig. 1. When the image-formed paper P reaches the secondary transfer unit T2, there is a risk that the side on which the image has already been formed will face the intermediate transfer belt 32. Assume that the image-formed paper sheet P is stored in the paper storage unit 80 with the image already formed on it facing upward. In this case, when the image-formed paper sheet P reaches the secondary transfer unit T2, the side on which the image has already been formed faces the intermediate transfer belt 32.

[0042] To avoid such a situation, in this embodiment, the paper P is turned over upstream of the secondary transfer portion T2. Then, the paper P is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion T2 after being turned over. In this case, the side of the paper P on which an image has not yet been formed faces the intermediate transfer belt 32. Then, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 32 is transferred onto this surface on which no image has been formed yet.

[0043] Here, it is possible to turn over the image-formed paper P even by using the reversing mechanism 63. However, in this case, the path length of the path through which the image-formed paper P passes becomes longer. In this case, it tends to take more time to turn over the paper P. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the reversal of the image-formed paper P using the reversing mechanism 63. FIG. When the reversing mechanism 63 is used, it becomes necessary to temporarily send the image-formed paper P to the downstream side of the secondary transfer portion T2, as shown in FIG. 4(A).

[0044] In this case, the path length of the path through which the image-formed paper P passes becomes long, and it tends to take time to turn the image-formed paper P over. In contrast, in this embodiment, the image-formed paper P is inverted upstream of the secondary transfer portion T2. ​​In this case, the path length of the path along which the image-formed paper P passes becomes shorter. In this case, the time required to invert the paper P is shortened.

[0045] 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the reversal of the front and back sides of the sheet P on the upstream side of the secondary transfer portion T2. In this embodiment, it is possible to turn over the paper sheets P stored in the first paper storage section 81. This turning over process is performed by the CPU 11a, which is an example of a processor. When reversing the front and back of the paper P stored in the first paper storage unit 81, the CPU 11a first performs the process shown in Fig. 5(A). First, as shown in Fig. 5(A), the CPU 11a causes the paper P to head toward the merging path 72. The CPU 11a causes the paper sheet P sent from the first paper storage unit 81 to the medium path 71 to head toward the merging path 72.

[0046] When reversing the paper P, the CPU 11a orients the switching member 86A in a direction that causes the paper P to head toward the merging path 72. As a result, the paper P sent from the first paper storage unit 81 to the medium path 71 heads toward the merging path 72. 5(B), the CPU 11a controls the sheet P heading toward the junction path 72 to be further transported along the junction path 72. The CPU 11a controls the sheet P heading toward the junction path 72 to be further transported upstream of the junction path 72.

[0047] The CPU 11a rotates the upstream transport roll 95 in the reverse direction so that the paper P is transported to the upstream side of the merging path 72. As a result, the paper P on the merging path 72 is transported to the upstream side of this merging path 72. In this specification, the rotation direction of the upstream transport roll 95 when the paper P is moving toward the junction 74 is referred to as the "forward direction." The rotation direction opposite to the forward direction is referred to as the "reverse direction."

[0048] Next, the CPU 11a temporarily stops the transport of the paper P as shown in FIG. 6(A). The CPU 11a temporarily stops the rotation of the upstream transport roll 95. In this state, the trailing end 78 of the paper P in the transport direction passes through the switching member 86A. Next, the CPU 11a rotates the upstream transport roll 95 in the forward direction as shown by the arrow 6B in Fig. 6(B). The CPU 11a reverses the rotation direction of the upstream transport roll 95, causing the upstream transport roll 95 to rotate in the forward direction.

[0049] This reverses the conveying direction of the paper P. As a result, the paper P on the junction path 72 is conveyed toward the medium path 71. The paper P on the junction path 72 passes through a straight portion 72 A of the junction path 72 and heads toward a junction 74 where the junction path 72 and the medium path 71 meet. Then, the paper P passes through the junction 74 and the medium path 71 and heads toward the secondary transfer unit T2. Through the above process, the paper sheets P stored in the first paper storage section 81 are turned over.

[0050] The junction path 72 is originally a path for passing the paper sheets P sent out from another paper sheet storage unit 80 different from the first paper sheet storage unit 81. Specifically, the merging path 72 is originally a path for passing paper sheets P sent out from other paper storage units 80 such as the fourth paper storage unit 84. When paper P is sent out from the fourth paper storage unit 84, this paper P passes through this junction path 72 and heads toward the medium path 71. In addition, paper P from the second paper storage unit 82 and the third paper storage unit 83 also passes through the junction path 72 and heads toward the medium path 71.

[0051] In this embodiment, a path is provided through which paper P from another paper storage unit 80 other than the paper storage unit 80 in which the paper P to be reversed is stored passes. In this embodiment, this path is used to reverse the front and back of the sheet P from the sheet storage unit 80 in which the sheet P to be reversed is stored.

[0052] In this embodiment, the paper storage section 80 that stores the paper P to be reversed is the first paper storage section 81. In this embodiment, a junction path 72 is used through which the paper P passes from a fourth paper storage unit 84 that is different from the first paper storage unit 81. The paper P is turned over using this junction path 72. In this embodiment, the path for the paper P sent out from the fourth paper storage unit 84 is used to turn the paper P sent out from the first paper storage unit 81 upside down.

[0053] The CPU 11a causes the paper P from the first paper storage unit 81 to be transported to the junction path 72 when a specific predetermined condition is met. An example of a predetermined condition is when an instruction is given by the user. Another example of a predetermined condition is when the image-formed paper P is stored in the first paper storage section 81 and the image formed on the image-formed paper P is facing upward. A sensor (not shown) is used to detect whether or not image-formed paper P is stored in the first paper storage unit 81. A sensor (not shown) is also used to detect whether or not the image formed on the image-formed paper P is facing upward. Alternatively, detection of whether or not image-formed paper P is stored in the first paper storage unit 81 is performed based on information input by the user. Also, detection of whether or not the image formed on image-formed paper P is facing upward is also performed based on information input by the user.

[0054] On the other hand, if a predetermined specific condition is not satisfied, the CPU 11a prevents the paper P from being transported to the junction path 72. The CPU 11a prevents the paper P sent from the first paper storage unit 81 to the medium path 71 from heading toward the junction path 72. In this case, the CPU 11a orients the switching member 86A so that the paper P does not go toward the merging path 72. In this case, the paper sheet P sent from the first paper storage unit 81 to the medium path 71 passes through this medium path 71 and is transported downstream.

[0055] Furthermore, when reversing the paper P, the CPU 11a takes into consideration the state of the merging path 72 shown in FIG. When the sheet P is not positioned on the junction path 72, the CPU 11a causes the sheet P from the first sheet storage unit 81 to be transported to the junction path 72. Specifically, the CPU 11a determines whether the paper P from the second paper storage unit 82 to the fourth paper storage unit 84 is located on the junction path 72. When the paper P is not located on the junction path 72, the CPU 11a causes the paper P from the first paper storage unit 81 to be transported to the junction path 72.

[0056] Furthermore, when the paper sheet P from the first paper sheet storage unit 81 is transported to the junction path 72, the CPU 11a prevents the paper sheet P from being sent out. More specifically, in this case, the CPU 11a prevents the paper sheet P from being sent from the fourth paper sheet storage unit 84 to the junction path 72. Similarly, in this case, the CPU 11a prevents the sheet P from being sent from the second sheet storage unit 82 to the junction path 72. The CPU 11a also prevents the sheet P from being sent from the third sheet storage unit 83 to the junction path 72.

[0057] It is assumed that no sheet P is positioned on the merging path 72. More specifically, it is assumed that no sheet P from the second paper storage unit 82 to the fourth paper storage unit 84 is positioned on the merging path 72. In this case, the maximum feeding amount increases when feeding paper P from first paper storage unit 81 to junction path 72. The maximum feeding amount increases compared to when paper P from second paper storage unit 82 to fourth paper storage unit 84 are located on junction path 72. In this case, a longer sheet P can be turned over.

[0058] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the first paper storage unit 81, the medium path 71, and the merging path 72. As shown in FIG. Here, we assume a virtual plane 96H that passes through the paper sheets P sent out from the first paper storage section 81. More specifically, we assume a virtual plane 96H that passes through the paper sheets P when they are sent out from the first paper storage section 81. In other words, we assume a virtual plane 96H that passes through the topmost paper sheet P of the paper sheets P stored in the first paper storage section 81. The plane 96H extends along the direction in which the paper sheet P is sent out when the paper sheet P is sent out from the first paper storage section 81.

[0059] Furthermore, two regions are assumed to be opposed to each other across plane 96H. Specifically, a first region 961 and a second region 962 are assumed. The first region 961 is a region located above the plane 96H, and the second region 962 is a region located below the plane 96H. The medium path 71 extends leftward in the drawing, starting from the first paper storage unit 81. In other words, the medium path 71 extends downstream in the paper P feed direction, starting from the first paper storage unit 81. The medium path 71 first passes over the plane 96H and heads downstream in the feeding direction. Thereafter, the medium path 71 changes its traveling direction and heads toward the first region 961 side.

[0060] On the other hand, the merging path 72 is mainly located on the second region 962 side of the two regions. The junction path 72 runs from the second region 962 side toward a portion of the medium path 71, indicated by reference symbol 7A, located on the first region 961 side. The merging path 72 is connected to this portion of the media path 71 designated by reference numeral 7A. In this embodiment, the location of the medium path 71 where the merging path 72 is connected is the merging section 74. The merging section 74 is located on the first region 961 side.

[0061] The plane 96H extends along a direction intersecting the vertical direction. More specifically, in this embodiment, the plane 96H extends along the horizontal direction. The medium path 71 starts at the first paper storage unit 81, passes through the plane 96H, and extends downstream in the paper P transport direction. Thereafter, the medium path 71 heads toward the first area 961, which is located on the upper side of the two areas facing each other across the plane 96H. The joining path 72 extends upward from the second region 962 side below the plane 96H and joins the medium path 71.

[0062] 1, there are provided a plurality of paper storage sections 80 for storing paper sheets P. In this embodiment, four paper storage sections 80, namely, a first paper storage section 81 to a fourth paper storage section 84, are provided. A plurality of these paper storage sections 80 are arranged in a line in the vertical direction. The junction path 72 is disposed to the side of the plurality of paper storage units 80. Furthermore, the junction path 72 is provided along the vertical direction.

[0063] When the paper P is turned over, the paper P may be directed to the second paper storage unit 82 through the junction path 72. When the paper P is turned over, the paper P may be directed to the third paper storage unit 83 through the junction path 72. When the paper P is turned over, it is most preferable that the paper P passes through the junction path 72 and heads toward the fourth paper storage section 84.

[0064] The fourth paper storage section 84 is the paper storage section 80 located at the lowest position. In other words, the fourth paper storage section 84 is the paper storage section 80 located at the farthest position from the first paper storage section 81. In this case, if the paper sheet P is directed toward the fourth paper storage section 84, the maximum amount of paper sheet P that can be sent into the merging path 72 increases. In this case, longer paper sheets P can be reversed.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another configuration example. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 8, a junction path 72 leading from the fourth paper storage section 84 to the junction section 74 is also provided. In this configuration example, the merging path 72 further includes a crossing direction portion 722 in addition to a vertical direction portion 721 that is a portion extending in the vertical direction.

[0066] The crossing direction portion 722 is connected to the vertical direction portion 721. The crossing direction portion 722 is disposed in a crossing relationship with the vertical direction portion 721. The intersecting direction portion 722 is disposed so as to intersect with the extending direction of the vertical direction portion 721. In this embodiment, the intersecting direction portion 722 is provided so as to extend in a direction intersecting with the vertical direction. The intersecting direction portion 722 is provided so as to extend in the horizontal direction.

[0067] Here, consider the transport direction of the paper sheet P sent out from the fourth paper storage section 84. In this transport direction, the cross direction portion 722 is located on the upstream side of the vertical direction portion 721. 8, the width direction of the image forming apparatus 10 is assumed to be the same as the left-right direction in FIG. In this width direction, the fourth paper storage section 84 is provided on the opposite side to the side on which the vertical portion 721 is provided.

[0068] In this configuration example shown in FIG. 8, a fourth paper storage section 84 is provided on the opposite side of the third paper storage section 83 from the side on which the vertical section 721 is provided. In this case, the path length of the junction path 72 becomes longer. Compared to a configuration in which the fourth paper storage unit 84 is provided at the location where the third paper storage unit 83 is provided, the path length of the junction path 72 becomes longer. In this case, a longer sheet P can be fed into the junction path 72. In this case, the longer sheet P can be turned over.

[0069] Here, the direction in which the paper P is sent out from the first paper storage section 81 is assumed. The direction in which the paper P is sent out from the first paper storage section 81 is the direction indicated by the arrow 8A in the figure. Also, consider the direction in which paper sheet P is sent out from fourth paper sheet storage section 84. The direction in which paper sheet P is sent out from fourth paper sheet storage section 84 is the direction indicated by arrow 8B in the figure. In this embodiment, the feeding direction when the paper sheet P is fed out from the first paper sheet storage section 81 and the feeding direction when the paper sheet P is fed out from the fourth paper sheet storage section 84 are the same.

[0070] In this embodiment, the feeding direction of the paper P is the leftward direction in the drawing in all the paper storage units 80. The paper sheets P from the first paper storage section 81 and the paper sheets P from the fourth paper storage section 84 are both sent out in a common direction, that is, the leftward direction in the drawing. Similarly, the paper sheets P from the second paper storage section 82 and the paper sheets P from the third paper storage section 83 are sent out in the leftward direction in the drawing.

[0071] Here, a cross direction that intersects with the feeding direction is assumed. In this intersecting direction, the position of the first paper storage section 81 and the position of the fourth paper storage section 84 are different from each other. More specifically, the position of the first paper storage unit 81 and the position of the fourth paper storage unit 84 are different from each other in the direction perpendicular to the feeding direction. In this embodiment, the position of the first paper storage unit 81 and the position of the fourth paper storage unit 84 are different from each other in the vertical direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, the position of the first paper storage section 81 and the position of the second paper storage section 82 are different from each other in the direction perpendicular to the feeding direction. In this embodiment, the position of the first paper storage unit 81 and the position of the third paper storage unit 83 are different from each other in the direction perpendicular to the feeding direction.

[0073] Each of the first to fourth paper storage sections 81 to 84 has a downstream end 80K. The downstream end 80K refers to the end of the paper storage unit 80 that is located most downstream in the paper P feed direction. Here, the positions of the downstream end 80K in the delivery direction will be compared. The downstream end 80K of the fourth paper storage unit 84 and the downstream end 80K of the first paper storage unit 81 are compared in the feeding direction. In this embodiment, the downstream end 80K of the fourth paper storage unit 84 is located more upstream than the downstream end 80K of the first paper storage unit 81.

[0074] In this case, the crossing direction portion 722 is longer than when the position in the feeding direction is the same. Here, it is assumed that the downstream end 80K of the fourth paper storage unit 84 is located to the left of the position shown in the figure. Furthermore, it is assumed that the downstream end 80K of the fourth paper storage unit 84 is located directly below the downstream end 80K of the first paper storage unit 81. In this embodiment, the intersecting direction portion 722 is longer than in the configurations based on these two assumptions. In this case, the path length of the merging path 72 is longer. In this case, a longer sheet of paper P can be reversed.

[0075] 8, a second switching member 86B is further provided corresponding to the second paper storage section 82. As a result, in this configuration example, the paper P stored in the second paper storage section 82 can also be turned over. When the paper P is turned over, the paper P sent out from the second paper storage section 82 is directed toward the fourth paper storage section 84. Thereafter, the conveying direction of the sheet P heading toward the fourth sheet storage section 84 is reversed. Thereafter, the sheet P passes through the junction section 74 and heads toward the secondary transfer section T2 shown in FIG.

[0076] 9 is an enlarged view of the configuration around first paper storage section 81. Note that transport rolls are not shown in FIG. In this embodiment, it can also be said that a first medium path 111 is provided through which the paper P sent out from the first paper storage unit 81 passes. It can also be said that a second medium path 112 is provided through which the paper P sent out from the first paper storage unit 81 passes. The first medium path 111 is located on the side of a first region 961 of two regions facing each other across the plane 96H, and the second medium path 112 is located on the side of a second region 962 of these two regions.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a common path 113 is provided. The common path 113 is provided to extend along the plane 96H. The paper P traveling from the first paper storage unit 81 to the first medium path 111 and the second medium path 112 passes through this common path 113. In this embodiment, a branching section 114 is provided at the downstream end of the common path 113 in the conveying direction of the paper P. At this branching portion 114, the path along which the paper P passes branches into a first medium path 111 and a second medium path 112. The first medium path 111 and the second medium path 112 start from the branching portion 114 and extend in a direction away from the branching portion 114 .

[0078] The first medium path 111 is located on the first region 961 side and downstream of the branching section 114 in the transport direction of the paper P. The second medium path 112 is located on the second region 962 side and downstream of the branching section 114 in the transport direction of the paper P.

[0079] The first medium path 111 has a straight portion 111A. The linear portion 111A is provided so as to extend in a direction away from the plane 96H. Moreover, the linear portion 111A is formed in a straight line and is disposed so as to intersect with the plane 96H. In this embodiment, the linear portion 111A is disposed so as to intersect with the plane 96H at right angles. Furthermore, the first medium path 111 has a connection portion 111B that connects the linear portion 111A and the common path 113. The connecting portion 111B is provided with a curvature. The connecting portion 111B is provided so as to gradually move away from the plane 96H from the branching portion 114 toward the linear portion 111A.

[0080] The second media path 112 also has a straight portion 112A. The linear portion 112A is provided so as to extend in a direction away from the plane 96H. The linear portion 112A is formed in a straight line and is disposed so as to intersect with the plane 96H. In this embodiment, the linear portion 112A is disposed so as to intersect with the plane 96H at right angles. Furthermore, the second medium path 112 has a connection portion 112B that connects the linear portion 112A and the common path 113. The connecting portion 112B is provided with a curvature. The connecting portion 112B is provided so as to gradually move away from the plane 96H from the branching portion 114 toward the linear portion 112A.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a connection path 116 that connects the first medium path 111 and the second medium path 112 is provided. The connection paths 116 are disposed in a cross relationship with respect to the plane 96H. More specifically, the connection paths 116 are disposed in a perpendicular relationship with respect to the plane 96H. Furthermore, the connection path 116 is formed in a straight line.

[0082] When the CPU 11a turns over the paper sheet P sent out from the first paper storage unit 81, first, the CPU 11a causes the paper sheet P to be transported to the second medium path 112, which is one of the medium paths. The CPU 11a controls the orientation of the switching member 86A so that the paper P sent out from the first paper storage unit 81 is directed toward the second medium path 112. In this embodiment, the paper sheet P is guided by the switching member 86A, and as a result, the paper sheet P heads toward the second medium path 112.

[0083] Next, the CPU 11a reverses the transport direction of the paper sheet P transported to the second medium path 112. The CPU 11a reverses the transport direction after the trailing end of the paper sheet P transported to the second medium path 112 passes the switching member 86A. The CPU 11a reverses the rotation direction of the upstream transport roll 95 shown in FIG. As a result, the paper sheet P passes through the connection path 116 and heads toward the other medium path, the first medium path 111. Thereafter, the paper sheet P passes through the first medium path 111 and heads toward the secondary transfer unit T2 shown in FIG.

[0084] After being transported from the first paper storage unit 81 to the second medium path 112, the paper P heads toward the first medium path 111 without passing through the common path 113. The paper P transported to the second medium path 112, which is one of the medium paths, does not go to the common path 113. The paper P transported to the second medium path 112 is transported to the first medium path 111, which is the other medium path, without passing through the common path 113. The paper P transported to the second medium path 112 is transported to the first medium path 111 via the connection path 116 without passing through the common path 113. Then, the paper P passes through the first medium path 111 and heads toward the secondary transfer unit T2.

[0085] As described above, the first medium path 111 has a straight portion 111A. The second medium path 112 also has a straight portion 112A. In this embodiment, the straight portion 112A of the second medium path 112 is located on an extension line of the straight portion 111A of the first medium path 111. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection path 116 formed in a straight line is located on an extension line of the straight portion 111A of the first medium path 111.

[0086] The second medium path 112 also exists in the configuration example shown in FIG. 8, the second medium path 112 has a straight portion 112A. This straight portion 112A is provided so as to extend in a direction away from the plane 96H. The second medium path 112 also has an intersecting portion 112C that is disposed so as to intersect with the straight portion 112A. The intersecting portion 112C is located downstream of the straight portion 112A in the extension direction of the second medium path 112. Here, the “extension direction of the second medium path 112” refers to the extension direction away from the branching portion 114.

[0087] 〔others〕 In the above, a case has been described in which, when the sheet P is turned over, the sheet P is transported toward another sheet storage unit 80 located farther away from the image forming unit 240. Specifically, for example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the case where the paper P is transported toward the fourth paper storage section 84 located farther from the image forming section 240 has been described. The fourth paper storage section 84 is located at a location farther away from the image forming section 240 than the first paper storage section 81 in which the paper P to be reversed is stored.

[0088] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sheet P to be reversed may be conveyed toward the sheet storage unit 80 located closer to the image forming unit 240. Specifically, for example, the paper P sent out from the third paper storage section 83 shown in FIG. The fourth paper storage section 84 is a paper storage section 80 that is located closer to the image forming section 240 than the third paper storage section 83.

[0089] Although not described above, the configuration example shown in FIG. 8 includes a third switching member 86C. When the paper sheets P stored in the third paper storage section 83 are to be transported toward the fourth paper storage section 84, the paper sheets P are guided by this third switching member 86C. The third switching member 86C is used to transport the paper P sent out from the third paper storage section 83 toward the fourth paper storage section . In this case, when the paper sheet P reaches just before the fourth paper storage section 84, the transport direction of the paper sheet P is reversed. Furthermore, when the paper sheet P reaches just before the fourth paper storage section 84, the orientation of the third switching member 86C is switched. As a result, the paper P after being reversed passes through the junction 74 and heads toward the secondary transfer portion T2, in the same manner as above.

[0090] Furthermore, when the paper P is turned over, the destination of the paper P may be a path through which the paper P from another device passes. In this embodiment, the destination to which the paper P to be reversed is sent is the path through which the paper P passes from the paper storage unit 80 provided in the device itself. In addition, depending on the device configuration, a path along which paper P passes from a paper storage unit provided in another device (not shown) may be provided in the image forming device 10 of this embodiment. When reversing the paper P, the paper P to be reversed may be sent along this path along which paper P sent from the paper storage unit 80 of another device passes.

[0091] In the above description, the case where one image forming apparatus 10 is provided with two reversing mechanisms has been described. One of the two reversing mechanisms is a reversing mechanism 63 that reverses the sheet P after it has passed through the secondary transfer portion T2. The other of the two reversing mechanisms is the above-described mechanism that reverses the sheet P upstream of the secondary transfer portion T2.

[0092] Hereinafter, this mechanism that reverses the sheet P upstream of the secondary transfer portion T2 will be referred to as an "upstream side reversing mechanism." Here, it is not essential to provide two reversing mechanisms, the reversing mechanism 63 and the upstream-side reversing mechanism, in one image forming apparatus 10. The reversing mechanism 63 may be omitted. Alternatively, one image forming apparatus 10 may be configured to have two reversing mechanisms, namely, the reversing mechanism 63 and the upstream reversing mechanism.

[0093] FIG. 10 shows a comparative example. In the comparative example shown in Fig. 10, the path indicated by the reference symbol 10A is a path for reversing. This path is a path dedicated to reversing. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 tends to become larger than in the configuration of the present embodiment described above. As described above, in this embodiment, the path through which sheets of paper P other than the sheet of paper P to be inverted pass is used to invert the front and back of the sheet of paper P. Providing a path dedicated to inversion would likely lead to an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus 10 compared to this configuration of this embodiment.

[0094] In the comparative example shown in FIG. 10, two placement targets are concentrated on the first region 961 side, which is one of two regions facing each other across the plane 96H. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 10, both the image forming unit 240 to which the sheet P is transported and a space for turning the sheet P over are provided on the first area 961 side. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 10, the image forming unit 240 and the space for reversing are provided in a concentrated manner on the first region 961 side.

[0095] In this case, the volume of the device tends to be large on the side of one region, that is, the first region 961. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 10 as a whole tends to become large. In contrast, in this embodiment, an area on the opposite side to the installation side of the image forming unit 240, which is the destination of the paper P, is utilized. In this embodiment, this opposite area is utilized to turn over the paper P. In this case, it becomes easier to prevent the image forming apparatus 10 from becoming large.

[0096] (Addendum) (((1))) a medium storage unit that stores a recording medium; a medium path through which the recording medium fed from the medium storage unit passes; a merging path that merges with the medium path, through which a recording medium sent from a storage unit other than the medium storage unit passes when heading toward the medium path; a processor that causes the recording medium sent from the medium storage unit to the medium path to be transported through the junction path to an upstream side of the junction path, and reverses the transport direction of the recording medium so that the recording medium is transported to the medium path; A recording medium transport device comprising: (((2))) the processor controls the recording medium from the medium storage unit to be transported to the merging path when the recording medium from the other storage unit is not located on the merging path; The recording medium transport device according to (((1))). (((3))) When the processor causes the recording medium from the medium storage unit to be transported to the junction path, the processor prevents the recording medium from being sent from the other storage unit to the junction path. The recording medium transport device according to (((1))) or (((2))). (((4))) The medium path is provided so as to extend toward a downstream side in a feeding direction when the recording medium is fed out from the medium accommodating unit, and toward one of two areas facing each other across a plane extending along the feeding direction and passing through the recording medium being fed out, the merging path is directed from the other of the two areas toward the medium path; A recording medium transport device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))). (((5))) The plane is along a direction intersecting the vertical direction, the medium path is directed toward an upper region of two regions facing each other across the plane, the merging path is directed toward the medium path from a region below the plane; The recording medium transport device according to (((4))). (((6))) In addition to the medium storage unit, the other storage unit is provided, and a plurality of storage units for storing recording media are provided; The plurality of storage sections are arranged in a vertical direction, The joining path is disposed to the side of the plurality of storage sections and is provided along the vertical direction. A recording medium transport device according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))). (((7))) The recording medium transport device described in (((6))) has, in addition to the vertical portion that extends along the vertical direction, a cross-directional portion that is connected to the vertical portion and arranged in a cross-directional relationship with the vertical portion. (((8))) The feeding direction when the recording medium is fed out from the medium storage section is the same as the feeding direction when the recording medium is fed out from the other storage section, the position of the medium storage unit and the position of the other storage unit are different from each other in a direction intersecting the feeding direction, each of the medium storage unit and the other storage unit has a downstream end that is an end located downstream in the feeding direction; When comparing positions in the feeding direction, the downstream end of the other storage unit is located upstream of the downstream end of the medium storage unit in the feeding direction. A recording medium transport device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))). (((9))) The processor: When a predetermined specific condition is satisfied, the recording medium sent from the medium storage unit to the medium path is transported to the junction path, and when the specific condition is not satisfied, the recording medium sent from the medium storage unit to the medium path is not transported to the junction path but is transported downstream through the medium path. A recording medium transport device according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))). (((10))) a storage unit for storing a recording medium; a first media path through which the recording medium fed out from the storage unit passes, the first media path being located on one side of two areas facing each other across a plane extending along the feeding direction of the recording medium and through which the fed recording medium passes; a second media path through which the recording medium sent out from the storage unit passes, the second media path being located on the other side of the two areas; a processor that reverses a transport direction of a recording medium transported to one of the first media path and the second media path, so that the recording medium after the transport direction is reversed is transported to the other media path; A recording medium transport device comprising: (((11))) a common path is provided through which recording media travel to the first medium path and the second medium path; the recording medium transported to one of the media paths is transported to the other media path without passing through the common path; The recording medium transport device according to (((10))). (((12))) each of the first medium path and the second medium path has a linear portion that extends in a direction away from the plane and is formed linearly; The linear portion of the second media path is located on an extension of the linear portion of the first media path. The recording medium transport device according to (((11))). (((13))) A recording medium transport device as described in any of (((10))) to (((12))), wherein the one of the medium paths has a straight portion formed in a straight line extending in a direction away from the plane, and an intersecting portion located downstream of the straight portion in the extension direction of the one of the medium paths and arranged in an intersecting relationship with the straight portion. (((14))) A recording medium conveying device that conveys a recording medium, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium conveyed by the recording medium conveying device, wherein the recording medium conveying device has a configuration that the recording medium conveying device described in any one of (((1))) to (((13))) has. Image forming device.

[0097] According to the recording medium transport device of (((1))), it is possible to make the device smaller by providing a space for flipping the recording medium over, compared to when a dedicated space is secured solely for flipping the recording medium over. According to the recording medium transport device of (((2))), when a recording medium from another storage unit is located on the merging path, it is possible to flip a larger size recording medium over compared to when the recording medium from the media storage unit is transported to the merging path. According to the recording medium transport device of (((3))), when a recording medium is transported from a medium storage unit to a merging path, it is possible to flip a larger size of recording medium over compared to when a recording medium is sent from another storage unit to a merging path. According to the recording medium transport device of (((4))), the recording medium can be flipped over by utilizing the area opposite to the area on the side where the medium path through which the recording medium passes is located, out of two areas facing each other across a plane. According to the recording medium transport device of (((5))), the recording medium can be flipped over by utilizing the lower area, which is opposite to the upper area where the media path through which the recording medium passes, out of two areas facing each other across a plane. According to the recording medium transport device of (((6))), the space on the side of the plurality of storage sections can be utilized to turn the recording medium over. According to the recording medium transport device of (((7))), it is possible to turn over larger sized recording media compared to when the merging path is provided with only a vertical portion that extends along the vertical direction. According to the recording medium transport device of (((8))), it is possible to flip over larger sized recording media compared to when the downstream end of the other storage section is aligned with the downstream end of the medium storage section. According to the recording medium transport device of (((9))), when a specific predetermined condition is met, the recording medium can be turned over. According to the recording medium transport device of (((10))), it is possible to make the device smaller by providing a space for turning the recording medium over, compared to a case in which both the destination of the recording medium and the space for turning the recording medium over are provided in one of two areas that extend along the feeding direction of the recording medium and face each other across a plane that passes through the recording medium. According to the recording medium transport device of (((11))), it is possible to simplify the transport of recording media compared to when a recording medium transported to one media path is transported to the other media path via a common path. According to the recording medium transport device of (((12))), the transport of the recording medium when transported to one media path and then heading toward the other media path can be made smoother than when the linear portion of the second media path is not located on an extension of the linear portion of the first media path. According to the recording medium transport device of (((13))), it is possible to flip over larger sized recording media compared to when one of the medium paths has only a linear portion that extends in a straight line away from the plane. According to the image forming device of (((14))), it is possible to make the device smaller in size, which is provided with a space for flipping the recording medium over, compared to a case where a dedicated space is secured solely for flipping the recording medium over, or a case where both the destination of the recording medium and the space for flipping the recording medium over are provided in one of two areas that extend along the feeding direction of the recording medium and face each other across a plane that passes through the recording medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10...image forming device, 71...medium path, 72...merging path, 80...paper storage section, 80K...downstream end, 96H...flat surface, 111...first medium path, 111A...straight portion, 112...second medium path, 112A...straight portion, 112C...intersecting portion, 113...common path, 240...image forming section, 300...conveying device, 721...vertical portion, 722...intersecting portion, 961...first area, 962...second area, 11a...CPU, P...paper

Claims

1. a medium storage unit that stores a recording medium; a medium path through which the recording medium fed from the medium storage unit passes; a merging path that merges with the medium path, through which a recording medium sent from a storage unit other than the medium storage unit passes when heading toward the medium path; a processor that causes the recording medium sent from the medium storage unit to be transported through the junction path to an upstream side of the junction path, and reverses the transport direction of the recording medium so that the recording medium is transported to the medium path; A recording medium transport device comprising:

2. the processor controls the recording medium from the medium storage unit to be transported to the merging path when the recording medium from the other storage unit is not located on the merging path; The recording medium transport device according to claim 1 .

3. When the processor causes the recording medium from the medium storage unit to be transported to the junction path, the processor prevents the recording medium from being sent from the other storage unit to the junction path. The recording medium transport device according to claim 1 .

4. The medium path is provided so as to extend toward a downstream side in a feeding direction when the recording medium is fed out from the medium accommodating unit, and toward one of two areas facing each other across a plane extending along the feeding direction and passing through the recording medium being fed out, the merging path is directed from the other of the two areas toward the medium path; The recording medium transport device according to claim 1 .

5. The plane is along a direction intersecting the vertical direction, the medium path is directed toward an upper region of two regions facing each other across the plane, the merging path is directed toward the medium path from a region below the plane; The recording medium transport device according to claim 4 .

6. In addition to the medium storage unit, the other storage unit is provided, and a plurality of storage units for storing recording media are provided; The plurality of storage sections are arranged in a vertical direction, The joining path is disposed to the side of the plurality of storage sections and is provided along the vertical direction. The recording medium transport device according to claim 1 .

7. The recording medium transport device of claim 6, wherein the merging path has, in addition to a vertical portion that extends along the vertical direction, a cross-directional portion that is connected to the vertical portion and arranged in a cross-directional relationship with the vertical portion.

8. The feeding direction when the recording medium is fed out from the medium storage section is the same as the feeding direction when the recording medium is fed out from the other storage section, In a direction intersecting the feeding direction, the position of the medium storage unit and the position of the other storage unit are different from each other, each of the medium storage unit and the other storage unit has a downstream end portion that is an end portion located downstream in the feeding direction; When comparing positions in the feeding direction, the downstream end of the other storage unit is located upstream of the downstream end of the medium storage unit in the feeding direction. The recording medium transport device according to claim 1 .

9. The processor: When a predetermined specific condition is satisfied, the recording medium sent from the medium storage unit to the medium path is transported to the junction path, and when the specific condition is not satisfied, the recording medium sent from the medium storage unit to the medium path is not transported to the junction path but is transported downstream through the medium path. The recording medium transport device according to claim 1 .

10. a storage unit for storing a recording medium; a first media path through which the recording medium sent out from the storage unit passes, the first media path being located on one side of two areas facing each other across a plane extending along the direction in which the recording medium is sent out and through which the recording medium being sent out passes; a second media path through which the recording medium sent out from the storage unit passes, the second media path being located on the other of the two areas; a processor that reverses a transport direction of a recording medium transported to one of the first media path and the second media path, so that the recording medium after the transport direction is reversed is transported to the other media path; A recording medium transport device comprising:

11. a common path is provided through which recording media travel toward the first medium path and the second medium path; the recording medium transported to one of the media paths is transported to the other media path without passing through the common path; The recording medium transport device according to claim 10.

12. each of the first medium path and the second medium path has a linear portion that extends in a direction away from the plane and is formed linearly; the linear portion of the second media path is located on an extension of the linear portion of the first media path; The recording medium transport device according to claim 11.

13. The recording medium transport device of claim 10, wherein the one media path has a straight portion formed in a straight line extending in a direction away from the plane, and an intersecting portion located downstream of the straight portion in the extension direction of the one media path and arranged in an intersecting relationship with the straight portion.

14. a recording medium conveying device that conveys a recording medium; and an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium conveyed by the recording medium conveying device, wherein the recording medium conveying device has the configuration of the recording medium conveying device according to claim 1; Image forming device.

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