Discharge device, image forming device

Abstract

In a configuration where a detection member protrudes from the main body cover when a discharge platform is attached to the main body cover, the post-processing device or conveying member can be attached to the main body cover without removing the detection member from the main body of the device. [Solution] The discharge device comprises a discharge platform from which recording media are discharged from the device body, a main body cover to which a post-processing device for post-processing the recording media discharged from the device body or a transport member for transporting recording media to the post-processing device is detachably attached, a detection member for detecting recording media discharged onto the discharge platform at a protruding position in which at least a portion protrudes from the main body cover, and a support member for supporting the detection member so that the detection member moves between the protruding position and a storage position in which it is housed inside the device body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a discharging device and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, in a sheet stacking device including a tray for stacking discharged sheets, the angle of the sheets on the tray can be changed. This change in angle is performed by changing the angle of a movable member provided on the sheet stacking surface of the tray. The movable member may be single or plural, and in the case of plural, a movable member to be operated according to the size of the sheet is selected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On a main body cover that covers the apparatus main body, a discharge table from which a recording medium is discharged from the apparatus main body, a post - processing device that post - processes the recording medium discharged from the apparatus main body, or a transport member that transports the recording medium to the post - processing device are each detachably attached.

[0005] Furthermore, when the discharge table is attached to the main body cover, a detection member that detects the recording medium discharged onto the discharge table is attached to the apparatus main body. However, this detection member protrudes from the main body cover. Therefore, when removing the discharge table from the main body cover and attaching the post - processing device or the transport member to the main body cover, the detection member must be removed from the apparatus main body.

[0006] The problem addressed by this disclosure is to attach a post-processing device or a transport device to the main body cover without removing the detection device from the main body, in a configuration where the detection device protrudes from the main body cover when the discharge platform is attached to the main body cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A discharge device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a discharge platform from which a recording medium is discharged from the main body of the device; a post-processing device for post-processing the recording medium discharged from the main body of the device; a main body cover to which a transport member for transporting the recording medium to the post-processing device is detachably attached; a detection member for detecting the recording medium discharged onto the discharge platform at a protruding position in which at least a portion protrudes from the main body cover; and a support member for supporting the detection member so as to move between the protruding position and a storage position in which it is housed inside the main body of the device.

[0008] A discharge device according to a second aspect of this disclosure is characterized in that, in the discharge device described in the first aspect, when the discharge platform is attached to the main body cover with the detection member moved to the storage position, it is provided with a moving member that acts on the support member to move the detection member to the protruding position.

[0009] A discharge device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a discharge device according to the second aspect, wherein the support member has a rotating shaft portion, and the moving member rotates the support member around the rotating shaft portion by being pressed from the discharge table when the discharge table is attached to the main body cover, thereby moving the detection member from the storage position to the protruding position.

[0010] A discharge device according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure is characterized in that, in the discharge device described in the first aspect, when the discharge platform is removed from the main body cover while the detection member is moved to the protruding position, it is provided with a moving member that acts on the support member to move the detection member to the storage position.

[0011] A discharge device according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure is a discharge device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the support member has a rotating shaft portion, and the moving member rotates the support member around the rotating shaft portion when the restraining force by the discharge table is released when the discharge table is removed from the main body cover, thereby moving the detection member from the protruding position to the storage position.

[0012] The discharge device according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure is the discharge device according to the first aspect, characterized in that the detection member is an optical sensor, and when the detection member is moved to the storage position, the portion that is illuminated by light from the detection member is black.

[0013] The discharge device according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure is characterized in that, in the discharge device according to the sixth aspect, the detection member is moved to the storage position and, with the post-processing device or the transporting member attached to the main body cover, the detection member irradiates light onto the housing of the post-processing device or the transporting member, and the portion of the housing irradiated with light is black.

[0014] An image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure is characterized by comprising an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium and an ejection device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects for ejecting the recording medium on which the image has been formed from the main body of the apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] In the discharge device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, in a configuration in which a detection member protrudes from the main body cover when a discharge platform is attached to the main body cover, a post-processing device and a transport member can be attached to the main body cover without removing the detection member from the device body.

[0016] In the discharge device according to the second aspect of this disclosure, the operator can avoid the trouble of moving the detection member from the storage position to the protruding position.

[0017] In the discharge device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the detection member can be moved from the storage position to the protruding position without using power.

[0018] In the discharge device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the labor of the operator to move the detection member from the protruding position to the storage position can be saved.

[0019] In the discharge device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the detection member can be moved from the protruding position to the storage position without using power.

[0020] In the discharge device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, even when light is irradiated from the detection member moved to the storage position, false detection of the detection member can be suppressed.

[0021] In the discharge device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the detection function of the detection member can be ensured without using a dedicated member colored black.

[0022] In the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a post-processing apparatus can be attached to the image forming apparatus without removing the detection member from the apparatus main body.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming unit provided for image formation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view showing a main body cover and a discharge table of a discharge device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a state where a discharge table is attached to a main body cover of a discharge device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a front view showing a state where a discharge table is attached to a main body cover of a discharge device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]This is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view showing the main body cover and transport member of the discharge device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the transport member attached to the main body cover of the discharge device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a front view showing the state in which a transport member is attached to the main body cover of the discharge device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] (A)(B) These are front views showing the detection member of the discharge device according to the embodiment of this disclosure in the stored position and in the protruding position. [Figure 11] (A)(B) These are side views showing the detection member of the discharge device according to the embodiment of this disclosure in the stored position and in the protruding position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] An example of an ejection device and an image forming apparatus according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. In each figure, arrow H is in the vertical direction and indicates the up and down direction of the apparatus. Arrow W is perpendicular to arrow H and is horizontal, indicating the width direction of the apparatus. Arrow D is perpendicular to arrows H and W and is horizontal, indicating the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0025] (Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10) As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 comprises an image reading unit 60, an image forming unit 12, and a transport unit 14 that transports a sheet member P as a recording medium along a transport path 14a. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 comprises a storage member 18 for housing the sheet member P and a control unit 48 for controlling the entire apparatus. The image forming apparatus 10 also comprises an discharge device 70 for discharging the sheet member P on which the toner image has been formed to the outside of the apparatus body 10a.

[0026] In this configuration, the image forming apparatus 10 transports the sheet member P housed in the storage member 18 along the transport path 14a by the transport unit 14. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 forms a toner image based on the image data read by the image reading unit 60. This toner image is then formed on the transported sheet member P. Finally, the sheet member P is discharged to the outside of the apparatus body 10a by the discharge device 70.

[0027] [Image forming unit 12] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming unit 12 includes a plurality of toner image forming units 30, each forming a toner image of a different color, and a transfer unit 32 that transfers the toner images formed by the toner image forming units 30 to a sheet member P. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 34 that fixes the toner images transferred to the sheet member P by the transfer unit 32 to the sheet member P.

[0028] -Toner image forming unit 30- Multiple toner image forming units 30 are provided to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, toner image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for a total of four colors—yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)—are provided. In the following description, if it is not necessary to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the designations Y, M, C, and K will be omitted from the reference numerals.

[0029] Each toner image forming unit 30 is basically configured similarly, except for the toner used. As shown in Figure 2, the toner image forming unit 30 includes an image holder unit 16 having a rotating cylindrical image holder 36 and a charger 42 for charging the image holder 36. Furthermore, the toner image forming unit 30 includes an exposure device 44 that irradiates the charged image holder 36 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developing device 46 that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image with a developer G containing toner. Thus, each toner image forming unit 30 forms images of each color using toner of each color.

[0030] Furthermore, each colored image holder 36 is in contact with a circulating transfer belt 50 (details will be described later), as shown in Figure 1. In the circulating direction of the transfer belt 50 (see arrows in the figure), the toner image forming units 30 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0031] -Transfer section 32- As shown in Figure 1, the transfer unit 32 includes a transfer belt 50. Furthermore, the transfer unit 32 is positioned on opposite sides of each color image holder 36, with the transfer belt 50 in between, and includes primary transfer rolls 52 that transfer the toner images formed on each color image holder 36 to the transfer belt 50.

[0032] Furthermore, the transfer section 32 includes a winding roll 56 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and a drive roll 58 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound and which transmits rotational force to the transfer belt 50. As a result, the transfer belt 50 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0033] Furthermore, the transfer section 32 is positioned on the opposite side of the winding roll 56, with the transfer belt 50 in between, and includes a secondary transfer roll 54 that transfers the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 50 to the sheet member P. A transfer nip NT is formed between the secondary transfer roll 54 and the transfer belt 50, which transfers the toner image to the sheet member P.

[0034] - Fixing device 34 - As shown in Figure 1, the fixing device 34 is positioned downstream of the transfer nip NT in the transport direction of the sheet member P. The fixing device 34 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred to the sheet member P to fix it to the sheet member P.

[0035] In this configuration, the toner image is first transferred to the transfer belt 50 by the primary transfer roll 52 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toner image is then transferred from the transfer belt 50 to the sheet member P, which is transported sandwiched between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roll 54, by the secondary transfer roll 54.

[0036] Furthermore, the sheet material P onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported toward the fuser unit 34. The fuser unit 34 then fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet material P onto the sheet material P.

[0037] [Conveying section 14] As shown in Figure 1, the transport unit 14 includes a delivery roll 20 that sends the sheet material P contained in the storage member 18 to the transport path 14a. The transport unit 14 also includes a prevention roll 22 that prevents double feeding of the sheet material P sent out by the delivery roll 20. Furthermore, the transport unit 14 includes an adjustment roll 24 that adjusts the timing of sending the sheet material P to the transfer nip NT.

[0038] [Discharge device 70] The discharge device 70 includes a discharge roll 72 positioned downstream of the fixing device 34 in the conveying direction of the sheet member P, and a main body cover 26 which constitutes part of the device body 10a and covers the transfer section 32 from above.

[0039] Furthermore, the main body cover 26 is detachably fitted with either a discharge platform 74 (see Figure 4) from which the sheet material P is discharged from above the main body 10a, or a transport member 80 (see Figure 6) for transporting the sheet material P discharged from the main body 10a to the post-processing device 200. Details of the discharge device 70, discharge platform 74 (see Figure 3), and transport member 80 (see Figure 7) will be described later.

[0040] [Image reading unit 60] As shown in Figure 1, the image reading unit 60 is positioned above the discharge device 70 from which the sheet member P is discharged. The image reading unit 60 comprises a document transport unit 62 and a document reading unit 64. The document transport unit 62 and the document reading unit 64 are connected by a hinge portion 64a provided on the document reading unit 64. The document transport unit 62 rotates around the hinge portion 64a, thereby opening the document reading unit 64 upwards.

[0041] Furthermore, the image reading unit 60 includes a paper feed tray 66 on which the original documents S supplied to the document transport unit 62 are loaded, and an output tray 68 on which the original documents S read by the document transport unit 62 are discharged.

[0042] In this configuration, the document reading unit 64 reads the image of the document S being transported by the document transport unit 62, and the image of the document S placed on the platen glass (not shown) on the upper surface of the document reading unit 64.

[0043] (Main part configuration) Next, the discharge device 70, the discharge platform 74, and the conveying member 80 will be described. The discharge device 70 comprises a discharge roll 72 and a main body cover 26 to which a discharge table 74 or a conveying member 80 is detachably attached. Furthermore, the discharge device 70 includes a detection unit 90 for detecting the sheet material P discharged onto the discharge table 74.

[0044] [Main body cover 26 of discharge device 70] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the main body cover 26 is located downstream of the discharge port 73 from which the sheet member P is discharged by the discharge roll 72, and covers the main body 10a of the device from above. The main body cover 26 has an inclined surface 26a that slopes upward on one side in the width direction when viewed from the depth direction. The main body cover 26 also has an upward-facing surface 26b that is arranged in a continuous manner with the inclined surface 26a and faces upward. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a circular hole 28a is formed in the central part of the inclined surface 26a in the depth direction, penetrating the main body cover 26 in the vertical direction. In addition, a rectangular hole 28b is formed on the inclined surface 26a on the back side in the depth direction of the circular hole 28a, penetrating the main body cover 26 in the vertical direction. The space formed between the main body cover 26 and the document reading unit 64 in the vertical direction is the discharge space 70a.

[0045] The detection unit 90 of the discharge device 70 will be described after the discharge platform 74 and the transport member 80 (see Figure 1).

[0046] [Discharge table 74] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the discharge platform 74 is detachably attached to the main body cover 26 from above by mounting parts (not shown). Furthermore, the depth of the upstream portion of the discharge platform 74 in the discharge direction is shorter than the depth of the downstream portion of the discharge platform 74 in the discharge direction.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5 when viewed from the depth direction, the upstream portion of the discharge platform 74 is curved in a convex shape in the discharge direction. On the other hand, the downstream portion of the discharge platform 74 is curved in a concave shape in the discharge direction.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a circular hole 76a is formed in the upstream portion of the discharge platform 74 in the discharge direction, penetrating the discharge platform 74 in the vertical direction. In addition, a projection 76b is formed in the portion of the discharge platform 74 that is located behind the circular hole 76a in the depth direction, projecting toward the main body cover 26.

[0049] In this configuration, with the discharge platform 74 attached to the main body cover 26, the circular hole 76a of the discharge platform 74 and the circular hole 28a of the main body cover 26 are aligned in the through direction (see Figure 10(B)). Furthermore, with the discharge platform 74 attached to the main body cover 26, the projection 76b of the discharge platform 74 is inserted into the rectangular hole 28b of the main body cover 26 (see Figure 11(B)).

[0050] [Conveying component 80] As shown in Figure 6, the conveying member 80 is a member that conveys the sheet member P discharged from the discharge port 73 by the discharge roll 72 to the post-processing device 200 located on one side in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 10. Examples of the post-processing device 200 include a stapling machine, a punching machine, a saddle stitching machine, a Z-folding machine, or a tri-folding machine.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the conveying member 80 is detachably attached to the main body cover 26 from above by a mounting part (not shown). The conveying member 80 is positioned throughout the entire discharge space 70a (see Figure 1).

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, the housing 82 of the conveying member 80 has a receiving port 82a for receiving the sheet member P discharged from the discharge port 73 by the discharge roll 72, and a discharge port 82b for sending the sheet member P to the post-processing device 200.

[0053] Furthermore, the housing 82 has an inclined surface 82c that faces the inclined surface 26a of the main body cover 26 and is formed along the inclined surface 26a. The housing 82 also has a downward surface 82d that faces the upward surface 26b of the main body cover 26 and is formed along the upward surface 26b. Here, at least the inclined surface 82c is black. In this embodiment, black is defined as a color whose chromaticity deviation from the achromatic point (x=0.333, y=0.333, Y=0) is within 100 in terms of color difference ΔE.

[0054] Furthermore, multiple rolls 84a and multiple guide members 84b are arranged inside the housing 82.

[0055] [Detection unit 90 of discharge device 70] As shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), the detection unit 90 includes a detection member 92 for detecting the sheet member P discharged onto the discharge platform 74, and a support member 96 for supporting the detection member 92. Furthermore, it includes a moving member 98 that acts on the support member 96 to move the detection member 92.

[0056] -Detection member 92, support member 96- The detection member 92 shown in Figures 10(A) and (B) is an optical sensor that detects the sheet member P by receiving light that is emitted and reflected off the target object.

[0057] The support member 96 is positioned below the inclined surface 26a of the main body cover 26 and extends in the width direction. Furthermore, the detection member 92 is attached to one side (right side in the figure) of the support member 96 in the width direction so as to face upward.

[0058] On the other side of the support member 96 in the width direction (left side in the figure), there is a rotating shaft portion 96a that is attached to a frame (not shown) and extends in the depth direction. The support member 96 that supports the detection member 92 is configured to rotate around the rotating shaft portion 96a.

[0059] Specifically, the rotation range of the support member 96 is restricted by a stopper (not shown). As the support member 96 rotates around the rotation axis 96a, the detection member 92 moves between a storage position where it is housed inside the device body 10a (see Figure 10(A)) and a protruding position where at least a portion of it protrudes from the circular hole 28a (see Figure 10(B)).

[0060] Furthermore, the detection member 92, which has moved to a protruding position, is covered by the discharge platform 74 and faces the circular hole 76a of the discharge platform 74 in the direction of protrusion, so as to detect the sheet member P discharged onto the discharge platform 74.

[0061] -Moving member 98- As shown in Figures 11(A) and (B), the movable member 98 comprises a cylindrical portion 100 attached to a frame (not shown) and a coil spring 102 wrapped around the cylindrical portion 100.

[0062] The cylindrical portion 100 is positioned towards the rear in the depth direction relative to the support member 96 and extends in the width direction. The cylindrical portion 100 is inserted into the winding portion 102a of the coil spring 102. The cantilever portion 102b, which extends from one side of the winding portion 102a toward the support member 96, is inclined with respect to the depth direction and positioned below the support member 96 in the unloaded state, as shown in Figure 11(A). On the other hand, the cantilever portion 102c, which extends from the other side of the winding portion 102a toward the opposite side of the support member 96, is positioned below the rectangular hole 28b. In this state, the detection member 92 has moved to the storage position, as shown in Figure 11(A).

[0063] (Function of the main components) Next, the operation of the discharge device 70 will be explained. When nothing is attached to the main body cover 26 of the discharge device 70, no external force is acting on the coil spring 102 of the movable member 98, as shown in Figure 11(A). Therefore, the coil spring 102 is positioned in an initial position tilted in the depth direction. Furthermore, the detection member 92 has moved to the storage position, as shown in Figures 10(A) and 11(A).

[0064] In this state, when the discharge platform 74 is attached to the main body cover 26, the projection 76b of the discharge platform 74 is inserted into the rectangular hole 28b, as shown in Figure 11(B). The projection 76b then presses downwards against the cantilever portion 102c of the coil spring 102.

[0065] As the cantilever portion 102b is pressed downward, the coil spring 102 rotates around the cylindrical portion 100, and the cantilever portion 102b of the coil spring 102 is lifted. As a result, the cantilever portion 102b lifts the support member 96 from below, and the support member 96 rotates around the rotation axis portion 96a. Furthermore, as the support member 96 rotates, the detection member 92 moves to the protruding position as shown in Figures 10(B) and 11(B). As a result, the detection member 92 detects the sheet member P discharged onto the discharge table 74.

[0066] On the other hand, when the discharge platform 74 is removed from the main body cover 26 in this state, the pressing force (restraining force) of the projection 76b on the coil spring 102 is released, as shown in Figure 11(A). As a result, the cantilever portion 102b of the coil spring 102 is pressed downward by the weight of the support member 96, and the coil spring 102 rotates around the cylindrical portion 100. The rotation of the coil spring 102 returns it to its initial position. Also, the support member 96 rotates around the rotation axis portion 96a due to its own weight, and the detection member 92 moves to the storage position, as shown in Figures 10(A) and 11(A).

[0067] By moving the detection member 92 to its storage position, the transport member 80 can be attached to the main body cover 26 without removing the detection member 92. Furthermore, the light emitted from the detection member 92, which has moved to its storage position, is directed onto the inclined surface 82c of the housing 82 of the transport member 80 (see Figure 9). Here, "without removing the detection member 92" means without physically separating the detection member 92 from the main body 10a of the device.

[0068] (summary) As described above, in the discharge device 70, the detection member 92 is supported so as to be movable between a protruding position and a retracted position. This allows the transport member 80 to be attached to the main body cover 26 without removing the detection member 92 from the device body 10a, even when the detection member 92 is protruding from the main body cover 26 when the discharge platform 74 is attached to the main body cover 26.

[0069] Furthermore, in the discharge device 70, the discharge platform 74 is attached to the main body cover 26 with the detection member 92 moved to the storage position. In this case, the moving member 98 acts on the support member 96 to move the detection member 92 to the protruding position. This eliminates the need for the operator to move the detection member 92 from the storage position to the protruding position.

[0070] Furthermore, in the discharge device 70, when the discharge platform 74 is attached to the main body cover 26, the projection 76b of the discharge platform 74 presses downwards against the cantilever portion 102c of the coil spring 102. As a result, the coil spring 102 rotates around the cylindrical portion 100, and the cantilever portion 102b of the coil spring 102 is lifted. Then, the cantilever portion 102b lifts the support member 96 from below, the support member 96 rotates around the rotation axis portion 96a, and the detection member 92 moves to the protruding position. In this way, the detection member 92 moves from the stored position to the protruding position without using electricity.

[0071] Furthermore, in the discharge device 70, when the discharge platform 74 is removed from the main body cover 26 with the detection member 92 in the protruding position, the moving member 98 acts on the support member 96 to move the detection member 92 to the storage position. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually move the detection member 92 from the protruding position to the storage position.

[0072] Furthermore, in the discharge device 70, when the discharge platform 74 is removed from the main body cover 26, the pressing force (restraining force) of the projection 76b on the coil spring 102 is released. As a result, the cantilever portion 102b of the coil spring 102 is pressed downward by the weight of the support member 96, causing the coil spring 102 to rotate. Then, as the support member 96 rotates due to its own weight, the detection member 92 moves to the storage position. In this way, the detection member 92 moves from the protruding position to the storage position without using electricity.

[0073] Furthermore, in the discharge device 70, when the detection member 92 is moved to its storage position, the portion that is illuminated by light from the detection member 92 is black. This suppresses false detection by the detection member 92 even when light is being emitted from the detection member 92 in its storage position.

[0074] Furthermore, in the discharge device 70, with the detection member 92 moved to its storage position, light is irradiated from the detection member 92 onto the black inclined surface 82c of the housing 82 of the transport member 80. This ensures the detection function of the detection member 92 without the need to use a specially designed black component.

[0075] Furthermore, by providing an ejection device 70 in the image forming apparatus 10, the post-processing device 200 can be attached to the image forming apparatus 10 without removing the detection member 92 from the apparatus body 10a.

[0076] While this disclosure has described specific embodiments in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in the above embodiments, a discharge platform 74 or a conveying member 80 is attached to the main body cover 26, but a post-processing device for processing the discharged sheet member P may also be attached to the main body cover 26.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the detection member 92 is moved to the storage position, the inclined surface 82c of the housing 82 that is illuminated by light from the detection member 92 is blackened. However, when the light from the detection member 92 illuminates other parts, it is sufficient for those other parts to be blackened.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the detection member 92 was moved by the movement member 98 acting from the discharge platform 74, but the detection member may also be moved by an electrical signal. However, in this case, the effect achieved by moving the detection member 92 by the movement member 98 acting from the discharge platform 74 will not be achieved.

[0079] (((1))) A main body cover to which a discharge platform from which a recording medium is discharged, a post-processing device for post-processing the recording medium discharged from the main body, or a transport member for transporting the recording medium to the post-processing device is detachably attached, A detection member for detecting a recording medium discharged onto the discharge platform at a protruding position in which at least a portion of the main body cover protrudes, A support member that supports the detection member so that the detection member moves between the protruding position and the storage position where it is housed inside the main body of the device, A discharge device equipped with the following features.

[0080] (((2))) When the discharge platform is attached to the main body cover with the detection member moved to the storage position, a moving member is provided that acts on the support member to move the detection member to the protruding position. The discharge device described in (((1))).

[0081] (((3))) The support member has a rotating shaft portion, The moving member is pressed from the discharge platform when the discharge platform is attached to the main body cover, thereby rotating the support member around the rotation axis and moving the detection member from the storage position to the protruding position. The discharge device described in (((2))).

[0082] (((4))) When the detection member is moved to the protruding position and the discharge platform is removed from the main body cover, a moving member is provided that acts on the support member to move the detection member back to the storage position. A discharge device as described in any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0083] (((5))) The support member has a rotating shaft portion, The moving member rotates the support member around the rotation axis when the discharge platform is removed from the main body cover, thereby moving the detection member from the protruding position to the storage position. The discharge device described in (((4))).

[0084] (((6))) The detection member is an optical sensor, When the detection member is moved to the storage position, the portion illuminated by the detection member is black. A discharge device as described in any one of (((1))) to (((5))).

[0085] (((7))) With the detection member moved to the storage position and the post-processing device or the transport member attached to the main body cover, the detection member irradiates light onto the housing of the post-processing device or the transport member. The portion of the housing that is illuminated by light is black. The discharge device described in (((6))).

[0086] (((8))) An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, An ejection device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))) for ejecting the recording medium on which the image has been formed from the main body of the device, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

[0087] In the discharge device relating to (((1))), in a configuration in which the detection member protrudes from the main body cover when the discharge platform is attached to the main body cover, the post-processing device and the transport member can be attached to the main body cover without removing the detection member from the main body of the device.

[0088] In the discharge device relating to (((2))), the operator can avoid the trouble of moving the detection member from the storage position to the protruding position.

[0089] In the discharge device relating to (((3))), the detection member can be moved from the storage position to the protruding position without using electricity.

[0090] In the discharge device relating to (((4))), the operator can avoid the trouble of moving the detection member from the protruding position to the retracted position.

[0091] In the discharge device relating to (((5))), the detection member can be moved from the protruding position to the retracted position without using electricity.

[0092] In the discharge device relating to (((6))), false detection of the detection member can be suppressed even when light is being emitted from the detection member that has moved to the storage position.

[0093] In the discharge device relating to (((7))), the detection function of the detection member can be ensured without using a specially made black component.

[0094] In the image forming apparatus relating to (((8))), a post-processing device can be attached to the image forming apparatus without removing the detection member from the main body of the apparatus. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 10 Image forming apparatus 10a Main unit of the device 12 Image forming unit 26 Main body cover 70 Ejector 74 Discharge stand 80 Conveying components 82 cabinets 92 Detection member 96 Support member 96a Rotating shaft section 98 Movable member 200 Post-processing equipment

Claims

1. A main body cover to which a discharge platform from which a recording medium is discharged, a post-processing device for post-processing the recording medium discharged from the main body, or a transport member for transporting the recording medium to the post-processing device is detachably attached, A detection member for detecting a recording medium discharged onto the discharge platform at a protruding position in which at least a portion of the main body cover protrudes, A support member that supports the detection member so that the detection member moves between the protruding position and the storage position where it is housed inside the main body of the device, A discharge device equipped with the following features.

2. When the discharge platform is attached to the main body cover with the detection member moved to the storage position, a moving member is provided that acts on the support member to move the detection member to the protruding position. The discharge device according to claim 1.

3. The support member has a rotating shaft portion, The moving member is pressed from the discharge platform when the discharge platform is attached to the main body cover, thereby rotating the support member around the rotation axis and moving the detection member from the storage position to the protruding position. The discharge device according to claim 2.

4. When the detection member is moved to the protruding position and the discharge platform is removed from the main body cover, a moving member is provided that acts on the support member to move the detection member back to the storage position. The discharge device according to claim 1.

5. The support member has a rotating shaft portion, The moving member rotates the support member around the rotation axis when the discharge platform is removed from the main body cover, thereby moving the detection member from the protruding position to the storage position. The discharge device according to claim 4.

6. The detection member is an optical sensor, When the detection member is moved to the storage position, the portion illuminated by the detection member is black. The discharge device according to claim 1.

7. With the detection member moved to the storage position and the post-processing device or the transport member attached to the main body cover, the detection member irradiates light onto the housing of the post-processing device or the transport member. The portion of the housing that is illuminated by light is black. The discharge device according to claim 6.

8. An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, An ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for ejecting a recording medium on which an image has been formed from the main body of the device, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

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