Paper ejection and storage device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a paper discharge and storage device that prevents the trailing edge of the paper, which is discharged from the discharge port to the storage surface of the storage unit by a discharge roll that can reciprocate in the width direction during paper discharge, from becoming trapped in the gap between the discharge roll and the side wall surface of the storage unit. [Solution] The paper discharge and storage device 6 comprises a main body 60 having a discharge port 61, a storage section 62 having a storage surface 621 in which the paper discharged from the discharge port 61 is stored and a side wall surface 622 extending from one end 621a of the storage surface 621 to the lower end of the discharge port 61, a discharge roll 63 that sandwiches the paper between a plurality of roll bodies arranged on a plurality of shafts and discharges it from the discharge port 61 to the storage section 62, a moving section 67 that mounts the discharge roll 63 and moves back and forth in the width direction E intersecting the paper discharge direction D, and a wall surface 70 provided on the moving section 67 that exists in the space from the upper end of the side wall surface to the shaft of the plurality of shafts that is closer to the upper end and is located downstream of the side wall surface 622 in the discharge direction D.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a sheet medium alignment device including a discharge means, a stacking means, a moving means, an aligning member, and a retracting means. The discharge means is a means for discharging the conveyed sheet medium. The stacking means is a means for stacking the sheet medium discharged by the discharge means. The moving means is a means for moving the stacking means by a specified amount in a shift direction orthogonal to the discharge direction of the sheet medium. The aligning member is a member that contacts and aligns the sheet medium on the stacking means so as to sandwich the end portion of the sheet medium on the sheet medium side parallel to the discharge direction of the sheet medium. The retracting means is a means for rotating the aligning member around a rotation axis during a shift operation for sorting the discharged sheet medium and retracting the aligning member in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the sheet medium.

[0003] Patent Document 2 below describes a paper discharge device including a paper discharge tray, a shifter, and a paper pressing member. The paper discharge tray is configured such that paper subjected to predetermined processing is discharged. The shifter is supported so as to be reciprocally movable in a width direction orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction above the paper discharge tray. The paper pressing member is supported by the shifter so as to be swingable, and is configured to suppress curling at both ends in the width direction of the paper by contacting the paper discharged to the paper discharge tray. Also, Patent Document 2 describes that the paper pressing member includes a sheet support portion and a paper pressing sheet. The sheet support portion is pivotably supported by the shifter via an engaging portion located in the center, and is configured to extend from the engaging portion to both sides in the width direction. The paper retaining sheets are two paper retaining sheets attached to the sheet support portion, and are sheets positioned on both sides of the engaging portion. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes that each of the above-mentioned paper-holding sheets has a notch formed in the center of the width direction at the edge that comes into contact with the paper being discharged into the output tray.

[0004] Patent Document 3 below describes a sheet loading device comprising a sheet loading section, a sheet discharge section, and a lifting restriction member. The sheet loading section is the part on which sheets are loaded onto the loading surface. The sheet discharge section is the part that discharges sheets from the sheet loading section. The lift-up regulating member is provided above the loading surface and is a member that restricts the lift-up of the leading edge of the sheet relative to the loading surface with an opposing surface facing the loading surface. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes that the lift-up restricting member has a larger distance between the loading surface and the opposing surface on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction than the distance between the loading surface and the opposing surface on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-197198 (Claim 1, Figures 2, 4) [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 5156691 (Claim 1, Figure 2-5) [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-113200 (Claim 1, Figure 1) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention provides a paper discharge and storage device and an image forming apparatus using the same, which can prevent the trailing edge of a paper, discharged from the paper discharge port to the storage surface of the storage unit by a discharge roll that can reciprocate in the width direction when the paper is discharged, from becoming trapped in the gap between the discharge roll and the side wall surface of the storage unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention is, A main body having an outlet, A storage section having a storage surface for receiving paper discharged from the discharge port and a side wall surface extending from one end of the storage surface to the lower end of the discharge port, A discharge roll that sandwiches paper between multiple roll bodies arranged on multiple axes and discharges it from the discharge port to the storage section, A moving unit equipped with the aforementioned discharge roll moves back and forth in a width direction intersecting the paper discharge direction, A wall portion provided in the moving part, which exists in the space from the upper end of the side wall surface to the axis of the plurality of axes that is closer to the upper end, and which is located downstream of the side wall surface in the discharge direction, This is a paper output and storage device equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

[0008] The second invention relates to the paper discharge and storage device of the first invention described above, The aforementioned wall portion is a paper discharge and storage device positioned in the gap between adjacent roll bodies of the plurality of roll bodies, within the range through which the paper with the minimum width at the time of discharge passes.

[0009] The third invention relates to the paper discharge and storage device of the second invention described above, The aforementioned wall portion is a paper discharge and storage device in which its lower end is located below the upper end of the side wall portion.

[0010] The fourth invention relates to the paper discharge and storage device of the third invention described above, The aforementioned wall portion is a paper discharge and storage device whose upper end is located inside the discharge roll.

[0011] The fifth invention is a paper discharge and storage device of the first invention, wherein a recess through which the lower part of the wall surface portion can pass is provided at the upper end of the side wall surface.

[0012] The sixth invention is a paper discharge and storage device of the fifth invention, wherein the recess is provided at a position facing the wall surface portion when the moving portion stops at the standby position.

[0013] The seventh invention is a paper discharge and storage device of the sixth invention, wherein the recess is provided such that the side end surface on the downstream side in the first moving direction when the moving portion moves from the standby position to the moving destination position in the width direction is shifted to the side of the moving destination position.

[0014] The eighth invention is an image forming apparatus including the paper discharge and storage device according to any one of the first to seventh inventions.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the paper discharge and storage device of the first invention, it is possible to prevent the rear end of the paper discharged from the discharge port to the storage surface of the storage portion by the discharge roll that can reciprocate in the width direction during paper discharge from entering the gap existing between the discharge roll and the side wall surface of the storage portion.

[0016] According to the paper discharge and storage device of the second invention, it is possible to prevent the rear end of the paper, even if it is the paper with the minimum width, from entering the gap existing between the discharge roll and the side wall surface of the storage portion.

[0017] According to the paper discharge and storage device of the third invention, compared with the case where the lower end of the wall surface portion exists at the same position as the upper end of the side wall surface of the storage portion or at a position higher than the upper end thereof, it becomes easier to prevent the rear end of the paper from entering the gap existing between the discharge roll and the side wall surface.

[0018] According to the paper discharge and storage device of the fourth invention described above, compared with the case where the upper end of the wall surface portion protrudes outside the discharge roll, there is no risk that the upper end of the wall surface portion obstructs the paper discharge path by the discharge roll.

[0019] According to the paper discharge and storage device of the fifth invention described above, even if an incorrect assembly occurs in which the upper end of the side wall surface stops while riding on a part of the wall surface portion when assembling the side wall surface, the incorrect assembly state is automatically eliminated when the moving part moves.

[0020] According to the paper discharge and storage device of the sixth invention described above, compared with the case where the recess is not provided at a position facing the wall surface portion when the moving part is not in the standby position, the assembly of the side wall surface of the storage portion can be easily and normally performed.

[0021] According to the paper discharge and storage device of the seventh invention described above, compared with the case where the side end surface on the downstream side in the first moving direction of the recess is not formed so as to be displaced to the side of the moving destination position, even if an incorrect assembly of the side wall surface is made, it becomes easier to解除 the incorrect assembly state when the moving part moves.

[0022] According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth invention described above, in the paper discharge and storage device, the rear end of the paper discharged from the discharge port to the storage surface of the storage portion by the discharge roll that can reciprocate in the width direction when discharging the paper is prevented from entering the gap existing between the discharge roll and the side wall surface of the storage portion, and it is possible to avoid the occurrence of poor storage of the paper in the storage portion due to such entry.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus provided with a paper discharge and storage device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view of a paper discharge and storage device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a partial cross-sectional schematic view along line III-III of the paper discharge and storage device in FIG. 2. [Figure 4]Figure 3 is a schematic top view showing a part of the paper output and storage device. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the paper output and storage device along the VV line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a schematic enlarged view of a part of the paper output and storage device. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a schematic top view showing a part of the paper output and storage device. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the wall and recess sections, which are part of the paper output and storage device. [Figure 9] (A) is a schematic diagram showing a part of the paper discharge and storage device in Figure 3, and (B) is a schematic top view of a part of (A). [Figure 10] This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the operation status of the paper output and storage device. [Figure 11] This is a schematic top view showing the operation status of the paper ejection and storage device. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing a part of a modified paper output and storage device. [Figure 13] This is a schematic perspective view of the paper output and storage device of the comparative example. [Figure 14] This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the operation and other conditions of the paper ejection and storage device of the comparative example. [Figure 15] (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of incorrect assembly of the side wall surface of the housing section, and (B) is a schematic top view of an example of (A). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The following describes embodiments for carrying out the present invention.

[0025] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows an image forming apparatus 10 equipped with a paper discharge and storage device 6 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 shows a paper discharge and storage device 6 according to Embodiment 1.

[0026] In this specification and the drawings, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, redundant descriptions of these identical components are omitted in this specification. In Figure 1, etc., the arrow +X indicates the right direction when viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 10, and the arrow -X indicates the left direction. Also, the arrow +Y indicates the upward direction of the image forming apparatus 10, and the arrow -Y indicates the downward direction. Furthermore, the symbol +Z indicates the depth direction when viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 10, and the symbol -Z indicates the forward direction. In addition, the symbol with a "×" inside a "○" in Figure 1, etc., indicates the direction from the front to the back of the drawing. The symbol with a "·" inside a "○" indicates the direction from the back to the front of the drawing.

[0027] (Image forming apparatus) The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus that forms a predetermined image on a sheet of paper 9. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 has an image forming apparatus 20, a paper supply device 40, and the like arranged inside the housing 11. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 has a paper discharge and storage device 6 located both inside and outside the housing 11.

[0028] Of these, the housing 11 is a box-shaped structure having a predetermined external shape and internal space. The enclosure 11 is composed of, for example, a frame, plates, exterior materials, etc.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 20 in Embodiment 1 is configured as an apparatus that employs an image forming method such as electrophotography. The image forming apparatus 20 comprises four imaging units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D, an intermediate transfer unit 30, and a fixing unit 50.

[0030] The image-forming units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D are units that create unapplied toner images using developers of predetermined colors (A, B, C, D). Examples of predetermined colors (A, B, C, D) include yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0031] Each of the image-forming units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D has a photosensitive drum 22 that is driven to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow A. Furthermore, a charging device 23, an exposure device 24, a developing device 25, a drum cleaning device 26, and the like are similarly arranged around each photosensitive drum 22.

[0032] The charging device 23 is a device that charges the image-forming surface on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 22 to a predetermined surface potential. The exposure device 24 is a device that irradiates light onto the charged image-forming surface of the photosensitive drum 22 to form an electrostatic latent image. The light to be irradiated is generated in accordance with image information input from outside the image forming apparatus 10. The developing device 25 is a device that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 22 with a developer (toner) of a predetermined color to form a toner image. In Figure 1, the symbols for the charging device 23, exposure device 24, and drum cleaning device 26 are shown only for the image-making unit 21D. Furthermore, the developing device 25 is labeled 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D to correspond to the different colors of developer used (A, B, C, D).

[0033] The intermediate transfer unit 30 is a unit that relays the toner images created by the image-forming units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D of the image-forming apparatus 20 and transfers them to the paper 9. The intermediate transfer unit 30 includes an intermediate transfer belt 31, a primary transfer device 33, a secondary transfer device 34, a belt cleaning device 36, and the like.

[0034] The intermediate transfer belt 31 is an endless belt capable of holding and transporting the toner image on its outer surface, primarily by electrostatic force. The intermediate transfer belt 31 rotates as it passes through each of the photosensitive drums 22 of the imaging units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D. The intermediate transfer belt 31 is also wrapped around a predetermined number of support rolls 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d and rotates in the direction indicated by arrow B. Support roll 32a is configured as a drive roll, and support roll 32b is configured as a secondary transfer back roll.

[0035] The primary transfer device 33 is a device that transfers each toner image formed on each photosensitive drum 22 to the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31. The secondary transfer device 34 is a device that transfers the toner image, which was primarily transferred to the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31, to one side of the paper 9. In Figure 1, the symbol TP1 indicates the primary transfer position where the primary transfer device 33 faces each photosensitive drum 22 across the intermediate transfer belt 31. The symbol TP2 indicates the secondary transfer position where the secondary transfer device 34 faces the support roll 32b across the intermediate transfer belt 31.

[0036] The paper supply device 40 is a device that receives a predetermined amount of paper 9 and supplies it to the image forming apparatus 20. The paper supply device 40 includes a container 41 for holding the paper 9, a feeder 43 for feeding the paper 9 one sheet at a time from the container 41, and the like. The paper supply device 40 may also consist of multiple sets of containers 41 and feeders 43. The paper 9 is a recording medium that is transported inside the housing 11 and can be used to transfer toner images by the image forming apparatus 20. The paper 9 is mainly a sheet-shaped recording medium cut to a predetermined size.

[0037] The fixing unit 50 is a unit that fixes the toner image formed on the paper 9 by the image forming apparatus 20 to the paper 9. The fixing unit 50 is constructed by arranging a heating rotating body 52, a pressurizing rotating body 53, etc., inside the fixing housing 51. The heating rotating body 52 and the pressurizing rotating body 53 are rotating bodies in the form of a roll or a belt. The heating rotating body 52 and the pressurizing rotating body 53 come into contact under pressure and rotate in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow. In the fixing unit 50, the contact area between the heating rotating body 52 and the pressurizing rotating body 53 becomes a fixing nip FN that passes the paper 9 through for fixing.

[0038] Inside the housing 11, a paper transport path Rt is provided, as illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 1. The paper transport path Rt has a transport path from the paper supply device 40 to the discharge port 61 via the secondary transfer position TP2 and the fixing unit 50. Furthermore, the paper transport path Rt is composed of a predetermined number of pairs of transport rolls 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d, as well as transport guide members (not shown). The pair of transport rolls 45d correspond to the discharge rolls 63 described later.

[0039] The paper discharge and storage device 6 is a device that discharges and stores paper 9 from the discharge port 61 of the housing 11. The paper ejection and storage device 6 according to Embodiment 1 is located at the upper end of the housing 11. Furthermore, the paper ejection and storage device 6 constitutes a part of the housing 11 (the upper end portion). Details of the paper output and storage device 6 will be described later.

[0040] (Image formation process) Image formation by the image forming apparatus 10 is performed as follows. This explanation assumes that toner images are formed using all of the image-forming units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D of the image-forming apparatus 20.

[0041] When the control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10 receives a command to perform an image forming operation, the image forming apparatus 20, paper supply device 40, etc., are started.

[0042] At this time, in the image forming apparatus 20, each photosensitive drum 22 of the image forming units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D begins to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow A. In addition, charging, exposure, development, transfer, and cleaning operations are performed on the rotating photosensitive drums 22.

[0043] At this time, in the image forming apparatus 20, the intermediate transfer belt 31 in the intermediate transfer unit 30 begins to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow B. In the intermediate transfer unit 30, the primary transfer operation, secondary transfer operation, and cleaning operation are performed. Furthermore, at this time, the paper supply device 40 and the paper transport path Rt perform paper feeding operations in accordance with the timing of the secondary transfer operation.

[0044] As a result, in the image forming apparatus 20, after the toner image of the color corresponding to each photosensitive drum 22 is formed, it is first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31 and transported to the secondary transfer position TP2. Meanwhile, in the image forming apparatus 20, a predetermined sheet of paper 9 is fed from the paper supply device 40 and supplied to the secondary transfer position TP2 via the paper transport path Rt. Then, in the image forming apparatus 20, the toner image is secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 31 to the paper 9 at the secondary transfer position TP2.

[0045] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 20 receives a command for image forming, the heating rotating body 52 and the pressurizing rotating body 53 in the fixing unit 50 begin to rotate. In addition, the fixing operation is performed in the fixing unit 50 after it has been maintained at a temperature suitable for fixing.

[0046] As a result, in the image forming apparatus 20, the paper 9 on which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is introduced to and passed through the fuser nip FN of the fuser unit 50. At this time, the toner on the paper 9 is heated and melted under pressure as it passes through the fuser nip FN, and is fixed to the paper 9.

[0047] Finally, in the image forming apparatus 10, the fixed paper 9 is transported from the fixing unit 50 through the paper transport path Rt to the paper discharge port 61. At this time, the fixed paper 9 is discharged from the discharge port 61 by the discharge roll 63 of the paper discharge and storage device 6 and stored in the storage section 62, which will be described later. The paper 9 is discharged by the discharge roll 63 in the discharge direction D toward the storage section 62.

[0048] The above series of operations completes the image formation process, which involves forming an image composed of predetermined colors (A, B, C, D) on one side of a single sheet of paper 9.

[0049] (Paper ejection and storage device) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the paper discharge and storage device 6 includes a main body 60 having a paper discharge port 61, a storage section 62, a discharge roll 63, a moving section 67, and the like.

[0050] In Embodiment 1, the main body 60 is a structure that also constitutes part of the housing 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. The main body 60 may be a dedicated structure independent of the housing 11. The discharge port 61 is an opening through which the paper 9 passes and is discharged to the outside. The discharge port 61 is provided in a predetermined location on the side of the main body 60 where the housing section 62 is located. In Embodiment 1, the discharge port 61 is formed as an opening surrounded by the lower edge 60u of the side portion 60c of the main body 60 and the upper ends 622t, 622k, etc., of the side wall surface 622 of the housing portion 62. The lower edge 60u of the side portion 60c becomes the upper end 61a of the discharge port 61 (see Figure 5, etc.).

[0051] The housing section 62 has at least a housing surface 621 and a side wall surface 622. The housing surface 621 and the side wall surface 622 are made of plate-shaped members.

[0052] The storage surface 621 is the part where the paper 9 discharged from the discharge port 61 is stored. In Embodiment 1, the housing surface 621 is formed of a curved surface portion and a horizontal surface portion. The curved surface portion is a portion consisting of a surface that curves diagonally upward from the lower end of the side wall surface 622 by a predetermined width. The horizontal surface portion is a portion consisting of a surface that extends substantially horizontally from the upper end of the curved surface portion.

[0053] The side wall surface 622 is the portion extending from the housing surface 621 to the lower end 61b of the discharge port 61, from one end 621a of the housing surface 621. The one end 621a of the housing surface 621 is the end closer to the discharge port 61. The other end 621b of the housing surface 621 is the end further away from the discharge port 61.

[0054] In Embodiment 1, the side wall surface 622 is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the upper end, moving away from the housing surface 621. Furthermore, the side wall surface 622 is composed of a central upper end 622t and an end upper end 622k. The central upper end 622t is the upper end of the portion of the side wall surface 622 that is closer to the center in the width direction E. The end upper ends 622k are the upper ends of the portions slightly higher than the central upper end 622t at the left and right ends of the central upper end 622t in the width direction E. The width direction E is a direction that intersects the discharge direction D of the discharge roll 63 almost perpendicularly, as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0055] Furthermore, the housing section 62 in Embodiment 1 has a rear wall surface 623. The rear wall surface 623 is the portion consisting of surfaces that rise almost vertically from the rear ends of the housing surface 621 and the side wall surface 622. The rear wall surface 623 is configured as part of the housing section 62. However, the rear wall surface 623 may also be configured as part 11b of the housing 11.

[0056] The discharge rolls 63 are a pair of rolls that hold the paper 9 and discharge it from the discharge port 61 to the storage section 62. The discharge roll 63 in Embodiment 1 is a roll that combines a drive roll 64 and a driven roll 65, as shown in Figure 2, etc.

[0057] The drive roll 64 is a roll mounted on a shaft 641 with multiple roll bodies 642 fixed to it. The shaft 641 is a drive shaft that rotates by receiving power from a rotary drive device (not shown). The roll body 642 is a disc-shaped rotating body with a predetermined width. Four roll bodies 642 are used, and these four are arranged on the shaft 641 at predetermined intervals.

[0058] The driven roll 65 is a roll in which multiple roll bodies 652, 653, and 654 are rotatably mounted on a shaft 651. The shaft 651 is a rotating shaft that is rotatably mounted on the bearing 674. Two sets of roll bodies 652, 653, and 654 are used, and these six roll bodies are arranged on the shaft 651 at predetermined intervals. Roll body 652 is a cylindrical rotating body with a predetermined width. Roll body 653 is a crown (spindle) shaped rotating body with a raised central portion in the axial direction. Furthermore, roll body 654 is a cylindrical rotating body with a large diameter portion at one end, as shown in Figure 3.

[0059] Furthermore, the driven roll 65 is composed of two shafts, the shaft 651 of which is divided in the width direction E. The two shafts 651 are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the center of the width direction E. Furthermore, the driven roll 65 has two roll bodies 652 and 654 in contact with the roll body 642 of the driven roll 64. One roll body 653 was positioned between two roll bodies 652 and 654 in a state where it could rotate freely.

[0060] The drive roll 64 and driven roll 65 of the discharge roll 63 are mounted on a moving body 671 in the moving section 67, which will be described later. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the drive roll 64 is mounted with its shaft 641 supported by bearings 672 and 673 provided on the movable body 671. The driven roll 65 is mounted with its shaft 651 supported by bearings 672 and 673 located on the movable body 671.

[0061] The moving section 67 is the part that carries the discharge roll 63 and moves back and forth in the width direction E, which intersects with the paper discharge direction D. The moving unit 67 operates when a mode is selected in which paper 9 with different image content and types are stacked and stored on the storage surface 621 of the storage unit 62 with a widthwise shift E. This mode is referred to, for example, as the offset accommodation mode. The selection of the offset accommodation mode can be done manually or automatically.

[0062] The mobile unit 67 consists of a mobile body 671 and a mobile drive device 675.

[0063] The movable body 671 is a structure that moves back and forth within the main body 60 along the longitudinal direction (which is also the width direction E) of the discharge port 61. In Embodiment 1, the movable body 671 is composed of an elongated plate-shaped member having a predetermined thickness and length. The movable body 671 is supported so as to be movable along the width direction E inside the main body 60 (housing 11).

[0064] Furthermore, the movable body 671 is provided with bearings 672, 673, 673, etc. at its upper end to support the discharge roll 63. The bearings 672, 673, and 673 may be provided integrally with the movable body 671, or they may be separate from the movable body 671 and attached to the movable body 671.

[0065] The mobile drive device 675 is a device that drives the mobile body 671 to reciprocate a predetermined distance Ls along the width direction E.

[0066] In Embodiment 1, the mobile drive device 675 is configured as a device employing a rack and pinion system. As a result, the mobile drive device 675 moves the mobile body 671 back and forth in the directions indicated by arrows J1 and J2. The drive mechanism and drive method for reciprocating the movable body 671 of the mobile drive device 675 are not limited to these, and other mechanisms and methods may be used.

[0067] When the offset storage mode described above is not selected, the mobile drive unit 675 keeps the mobile body 671 stopped at a preset standby position Pa (see Figures 3, 4, etc.). When the offset storage mode is selected, the mobile drive device 675 behaves as follows: In other words, when it is time to perform the offset storage, the mobile body 671 is moved from the standby position Pa to a preset destination position Pb and stopped (see Figures 6 and 7, etc.).

[0068] Furthermore, when performing offset storage continuously, the mobile drive device 675 alternately moves the mobile body 671 to the destination position Pb and the standby position Pa. Furthermore, when an odd number of offset storage cycles have been completed, the mobile drive unit 675 returns the mobile body 671 to the standby position Pa and stops it.

[0069] Here, the direction in which the mobile body 671 moves from the standby position Pa to the destination position Pb is defined as the first movement direction J1. The direction in which the mobile body 671 moves from the destination position Pb to the standby position Pa is defined as the second movement direction J2. In Embodiment 1, the first movement direction J1 is set to move from the back to the front (indicated by the arrow -Z). The second movement direction J2 is set to move from the front to the back (indicated by the arrow +Z).

[0070] (Paper ejection and loading operations) When the paper 9 is transported to the discharge roll 63 via the paper transport path Rt, the paper discharge and storage device 6 performs the following discharge and storage operations.

[0071] At this time, in the paper discharge and storage device 6, as shown in Figure 10, the drive roll 64 of the discharge roll 63 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow C. In addition, the driven roll 65 of the discharge roll 63 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive roll 64.

[0072] As a result, the paper 9 is transported while sandwiched between the roll body 642 of the drive roll 64 and the roll bodies 652 and 654 of the driven roll 65 on the discharge roll 63. The paper 9, transported by the discharge roll 63, passes through the discharge port 61 and is discharged toward the storage section 62, after which it falls onto the storage surface 621 and is stored. At this time, the rear end 9e of the paper 9, which is on the upstream side in the discharge direction D, is held in position in contact with the side wall surface 622 of the storage section 62, as illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 4. When multiple sheets of paper 9 are stacked and stored on the storage surface 621 of the storage section 62, they form a stack of paper 90 as illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 10.

[0073] Furthermore, when the offset storage mode is selected in the image forming apparatus 10, the paper ejection and storage device 6 will be configured as follows.

[0074] In the paper ejection and storage device 6 at this time, the ejection and storage operations are performed first in the state shown in Figures 3 and 4, etc. In other words, at this time, the mobile body 671 of the mobile unit 67 operates while stopped at the standby position Pa.

[0075] As a result, the paper 9A that is to be stored first at this time is discharged by the discharge roll 63 which stops at a position corresponding to the standby position Pa of the mobile body 671. After that, the paper 9A is stored on the storage surface 621 of the storage section 62 in the state illustrated in Figure 4. At this time, the paper 9A is stored with its rear end 9e touching the side wall surface 622 of the storage section 62.

[0076] Next, when it is time to perform offset storage, the paper discharge and storage device 6 performs the discharge and storage operations in the state shown in Figures 6 and 7, etc. In other words, at this time, the mobile body 671 of the mobile unit 67 operates with the mobile body 671 moved from the standby position Pa to the destination position Pb.

[0077] As a result, the paper 9B that is to be offset is discharged by the discharge roll 63, which stops at a position corresponding to the destination position Pb of the moving body 671. After that, the paper 9B is stored in the storage surface 621 of the storage section 62 in a state where it is piled on top of the paper 9A that is already stored there, as illustrated in Figure 7.

[0078] In this case, the paper 9B is stored with its rear end 9e touching the side wall surface 622 of the storage section 62, just as in the case of paper 9A. Furthermore, at this time, paper 9B is placed on the storage surface 621 offset by a predetermined distance Ls from the previously placed paper 9A. In other words, paper 9B is placed in an offset state relative to paper 9A.

[0079] (Further configuration of the paper output and storage device) Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 9, the paper ejection and storage device 6 has a wall portion 70 on the movable body 671 of the movable section 67. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 9, the paper ejection and storage device 6 also has a recess 80 at the upper end of the side wall surface 622 of the storage section 62.

[0080] (Wall surface) The wall portion 70 is at least the portion that exists in the space between the upper end of the side wall surface 622 of the housing portion 62 and the shaft 651 of the shafts 641 and 651 of the discharge roll 63 that is closer to the upper end. The upper end of the side wall surface 622 in Embodiment 1 has the above-mentioned central upper end portion 622t and end upper end portion 622k. In this example, the central upper end portion 622t is the relevant portion.

[0081] Moreover, the wall portion 70 is located downstream of the side wall 622 of the storage portion 62 in the paper discharge direction D. In fact, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, the wall portion 70 only needs to have at least the wall 71 facing the storage portion 62 located downstream in the discharge direction D.

[0082] The wall portion 70 is provided at the end of the main body portion 72, as shown in Figures 5 and 8. The main body portion 72 is a part that extends from the upper part of the movable body 671 of the movable portion 67 to the discharge roll 63. Furthermore, the main body portion 72 has a curved surface on the side opposite to the wall portion 70. The curved surface of the main body portion 72 is a surface that curves from the upper part of the movable body 671 towards the roll body 654 of the driven roll 65 of the discharge roll 63. The curved surface of the main body portion 72 constitutes a part of the paper transport path Rt leading to the discharge roll 63 (the lower transport guide member). Furthermore, the lower portion 72b of the main body 72 passes above the central upper end portion 662t, which is the upper end of the side wall surface 622 of the housing portion 62, and protrudes toward the housing portion 62 (see Figure 8).

[0083] In Figure 8, etc., reference numeral 46 indicates one of the transport guide members of the paper transport path Rt. The transport guide member 46 is positioned so as to face the upper part of the movable body 671 and the curved surface of the main body 72 with a gap between them. In addition, the transport guide member 46 has a guide portion 46g formed at its lower end.

[0084] Furthermore, the wall portion 70 is positioned to fit into the gaps between adjacent roll bodies 642, 652, 653, and 654 in the discharge roll 63.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, the wall portion 70 in Embodiment 1 is provided in the gap between adjacent roll bodies of the discharge roll 63, within the range through which the paper 9 with the minimum width W2 at the time of discharge passes. Specifically, the gaps within the range through which the paper 9 with the minimum width W2 passes are the gaps between adjacent rolls 654, 654. Therefore, the wall section 70 is positioned in the gaps between adjacent rolls 654, 654.

[0086] Incidentally, the paper transport path Rt transports the paper 9 with the center of the paper's width W aligned with the center of the transport path in the width direction. In other words, the paper transport path Rt performs what is known as a center register type of transport. In Figure 3, the symbol W1 indicates the maximum width at which the width W of the paper 9 is at its maximum when it is ejected.

[0087] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the wall portion 70 is provided such that its lower end 70u is located below the upper end of the side wall surface 622, as shown in Figures 5 and 8. In Embodiment 1, the upper end of the side wall surface 622 becomes the central upper end portion 622t.

[0088] In Figure 8, the symbol H1 indicates the position (height) of the lower end 70u of the wall surface 70. The symbol H2 indicates the position (height) of the upper end (central upper end 622t) of the side wall surface 622. The lower end 70u of the wall surface 70 is also the lower end 71u of the wall surface 71. Furthermore, the central upper end 622t of the side wall surface 622 is also the lower end (lower edge) 61b of the discharge port 61.

[0089] In Embodiment 1, the wall portion 70 is formed as follows so that its lower end 70u is located below the upper end of the side wall portion 622. In other words, the wall portion 70 is formed such that its lower part 70c protrudes downward from the lower surface portion 72b of the main body portion 72. Accordingly, the wall portion 70 has an upwardly convex recess 75 surrounded by a lower portion 70c that protrudes downward, the lower surface portion 72b of the main body portion 72, and the movable body 671. The recess 75 becomes a space through which the wall portion 70 can pass without contacting the central upper end portion 622t of the side wall surface 622 when the offset housing is in operation.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the wall portion 70 in Embodiment 1 is provided such that its upper end 70t is located inside the discharge roll 63. In other words, the wall portion 70 is provided such that its upper end 70t does not protrude outward from the discharge roll 63. The upper end 70t of the wall portion 70 also becomes the horizontal upper surface 72t of the main body portion 72. The upper end 70t of the wall portion 70 is located on the inside of the side surface of the roll body 654 of the driven roll 65, which is positioned on the side of the discharge roll 63 closer to the side wall 622.

[0091] (recess) The recess 80 is a recess provided in the central upper end portion 622t, which is the upper end of the side wall surface 622 of the housing portion 62. Furthermore, the recess 80 is a portion that is recessed downwards so that the lower part 70c of the wall portion 70 can pass through.

[0092] In Embodiment 1, the recess 80 is formed in a shape having a bottom surface 80b and side end surfaces 80d and 80e on both sides, as shown in Figure 9.

[0093] The bottom surface 80b is a surface that is approximately parallel to the central upper end 622t of the side wall surface 622 at a position H3 located a predetermined distance d1 below the central upper end 622t. The predetermined dimension d1 is such that, for example, when the side wall surface 622 moves horizontally, the bottom surface 80b does not come into contact with the lower end 70u of the wall surface 70. On the other hand, it is preferable that the gap between the bottom surface 80b and the lower end 70u of the wall surface 70 is narrow. From this viewpoint, the gap is set to a dimension of, for example, 1 mm or less.

[0094] The side end faces 80d and 80e are surfaces that rise from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface 80b to the central upper end 622t of the side wall surface 622. Of these, side end face 80d is the downstream side end face located on the downstream side of the first movement direction J1. Also, side end face 80e is the upstream side end face located on the upstream side of the first movement direction J1. The upstream side of the first movement direction J1 is the downstream side of the second movement direction J2.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the recess 80 is positioned to face the wall portion 70 when the movable portion 67 is stopped at the standby position Pa. The width L2 (see Figure 9) of the recess 80 along the first movement direction J1 or width direction E is set to be slightly wider than the width L1 of the wall surface 70.

[0096] (Effects of the wall surface) Then, in the paper discharge and storage device 6, the paper 9 discharged from the discharge port 61 is stored in the storage section 62 with the side on which the image is formed facing downwards (see Figures 1 and 10). Storing paper with an image formed on one side in this manner is sometimes referred to as face-down storage. Furthermore, the paper 9 on which the fixed image has been formed generally tends to deform by curving and warping towards the side where the image was formed. This type of warping and deformation is known as image curl.

[0097] Therefore, the paper ejection and storage device 6 has a curved shape, for example, so that the storage surface 621 is convex upwards. As a result, even paper that has curled in the image (9) can be properly accommodated on the storage surface (621).

[0098] On the other hand, among the paper 9 ejected from the output port 61, there are some sheets 9X that are deformed by curving and bending in the opposite direction to the side on which the image is formed (see Figure 10). This type of deformation is known as anti-image curl.

[0099] This anti-image curled paper 9X may move in such a way that its downstream rear end in the discharge direction D enters the gap S (see Figure 14) that exists between the discharge roll 63 and the side wall surface 622.

[0100] However, in the paper ejection and storage device 6, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, even if the rear end 9Xe of the anti-image curled paper 9X moves to enter the gap S, the rear end 9Xe comes into contact with the wall portion 70 present in the gap S, preventing it from entering.

[0101] In contrast, the paper discharge and storage device 6X of the comparative example, which does not have a wall portion (70), as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, is as follows. In other words, in the comparative example paper discharge and storage device 6X, the trailing end 9Xe of the paper 9X may get stuck in the gap S between the discharge roll 63 and the side wall surface 622. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus equipped with the comparative example's paper ejection and storage device 6X, the intrusion of the rear end 9Xe of the paper 9X into the storage section 62 leads to poor storage of the paper 9.

[0102] Therefore, the paper discharge and storage device 6 prevents the rear end 9Xe of the paper 9X, which is discharged from the discharge port 61 to the storage surface 621 of the storage section 62 by the discharge roll 63 which can reciprocate in the width direction E when the paper is discharged, from entering the gap S. Furthermore, in an image forming apparatus 10 equipped with a paper ejection and storage device 6, the rear end 9Xe of the paper 9X is prevented from entering the gap S, thereby preventing poor storage of the paper 9 in the storage section 62 caused by such entry.

[0103] Furthermore, the paper discharge and storage device 6 has its wall portion 70 located in the gap between adjacent roll bodies of the discharge roll 63, within the range through which the paper 9 with the minimum width W2 passes. Therefore, the paper ejection and storage device 6 prevents the rear end 9e of a sheet of paper 9 with a minimum width W2 from entering the gap S.

[0104] Furthermore, the paper discharge and storage device 6 is configured such that the wall portion 70 is located below the central upper end portion 622t, which is the upper end of the side wall portion 622 of the storage portion 62, at the lower end 70u of the wall portion 70. Therefore, in the paper discharge and storage device 6, compared to the case where the lower end 70u of the wall portion 70 is at the same position as or above the central upper end 622t of the side wall portion 622, it is easier to prevent the rear end 9e of the paper 9 from entering the gap S.

[0105] Furthermore, the paper discharge and storage device 6 is configured such that the wall portion 70 has its upper end 70t located inside the discharge roll 63. Therefore, in the paper discharge and storage device 6, compared to the case where the central upper end 622t of the side wall surface 622 protrudes to the outside of the discharge roll 63, the upper end 70t of the wall surface 70 does not obstruct the discharge path of the paper 9 by the discharge roll 63.

[0106] Incidentally, the paper discharge and storage device 6 can also be used to store the paper 9 discharged from the discharge port 61 in the storage section 62 with the side on which the image is formed facing upwards. Storing paper with an image formed on one side in this manner is sometimes referred to as face-up storage. When used in this manner, if the paper placed face up has an image curl, the rear end 9e of the paper 9 may move to enter the gap S. However, even if the paper that has been stored face up has an image curl, the paper ejection and storage device 6 can also prevent the rear end 9e of the paper 9 from entering the gap S by the wall portion 70.

[0107] (Effects of the wall surface) Furthermore, when assembling the side wall surface 622 of the storage section 62 to the main body 60 of the paper output and storage device 6, which is equipped with a wall surface 70, incorrect assembly may occur.

[0108] An incorrect assembly of the side wall surface 622 (incorrect assembly) is when the central upper end 622t, which is the upper end of the side wall surface 622, is assembled in a state where it is stuck on a part 70z of the wall surface 70, as illustrated in Figure 15. The incorrect assembly illustrated in Figure 15 is an example where the side end surface 80e on the upstream side of the recess 80 of the side wall surface 622 is assembled in a state where it rides up onto a part 70z of the wall surface 70 and stops.

[0109] Furthermore, incorrect assembly may occur if the movable body 671 of the movable part 67 does not stop precisely at the standby position Pa during the assembly work of the side wall surface 622 of the housing part 62. In addition, misassembly is more likely to occur when the assembly structure is such that the movement path Pw of the central upper end portion 622t of the side wall surface 622 may interfere with the wall surface portion 70 during assembly, as illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 5.

[0110] However, in the paper ejection and storage device 6, even if misassembly occurs, the misassembly is automatically corrected when the movable body 671 of the movable part 67 moves in the first movement direction J1 during a trial run or selection operation of offset storage.

[0111] In other words, when the moving body 671 moves in the first movement direction J1, the lower part 70c of the wall portion 70 passes directly in front of the recess 80 in the side wall surface 622. During this passage, a portion 70z of the wall surface 70 moves through the recess 80 towards the storage section 62, and is located downstream of the side wall surface 622 in the discharge direction D (see Figures 5 and 8).

[0112] In contrast, a paper discharge and storage device that includes a wall portion 70 but does not have a recess 80 in the side wall portion 622 is as follows. In other words, in such a paper ejection and storage device, if an incorrect assembly occurs, the incorrect assembly will not be corrected even if the movable body 671 of the movable part 67 moves in the first movement direction J1. In other words, in this case, there is no opportunity for the wall portion 70 to be located downstream of the side wall portion 622 in the discharge direction D. Furthermore, in such a paper ejection and storage device, the movable body 671 of the movable unit 67 is forcibly moved with the wall surface 70 in contact with the side wall surface 622, which may cause damage to the movable drive device 675 of the movable unit 67.

[0113] Therefore, with the paper discharge and storage device 6, even if the side wall surface 622 of the storage section 62 is incorrectly assembled, the incorrect assembly is automatically corrected when the moving section 67 passes through the recess 80 during its movement.

[0114] Furthermore, the paper ejection and storage device 6 has a recess 80 positioned to face the wall portion 70 when the movable portion 67 is stopped in the standby position Pa. Therefore, with the paper discharge and storage device 6, compared to a case where the recess 80 is not positioned to face the wall portion 70 when the movable portion 67 is not in the standby position Pa, the assembly of the side wall surface 622 of the storage portion 62 can be performed easily and normally without unnecessary collision with the wall portion 70.

[0115] Variant expression. The present invention is not limited to the configuration examples illustrated in each of the above embodiments. The present invention can be modified as necessary, as long as the gist of the invention described as a means of solving the problem is not altered. Therefore, the present invention also includes, for example, the following modifications.

[0116] The recess 80 may be provided such that, as illustrated in Figure 12, the downstream side end face 80d in the first movement direction J1 is shifted to the destination position Pb of the moving part 67 compared to the downstream end 70d of the wall surface 70 at the standby position Pa. The width L3 of the recess 80 illustrated in Figure 12 is wider than the width L2 of the recess 80 in Embodiment 1 by the amount by which the downstream side end face 80d is shifted.

[0117] When this modified recess 80 is adopted, compared to the case where the downstream side end face 80d of the recess 80 is not formed to be shifted toward the destination position Pb, even if the above-mentioned misassembly occurs, it becomes easier to release the misassembly state when the movable part 67 moves.

[0118] Multiple wall sections 70 may be provided on the movable body 671 of the movable section 67. Furthermore, the wall portion 70 may be provided such that its lower end 70u is at approximately the same height as the central upper end 622t of the side wall surface 622 of the housing portion 62. When this modified wall portion 70 is provided, the provision of the recess 80 at the central upper end 622t of the recess 80 may be omitted.

[0119] The paper ejection and storage device 6 may include a storage section 62 that protrudes from one side wall surface of the housing 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. In the case of this modified paper ejection and storage device 6, the side wall surface 622 of the storage section 62 may also serve as the same side wall surface as the housing 11.

[0120] The image forming apparatus equipped with the paper ejection and storage device 6 is not particularly limited in terms of its image forming method or the type of image formed. Therefore, the image forming apparatus may be an image forming apparatus that employs an image forming method such as an inkjet method or a printing method, rather than an electrophotographic method. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus is not limited to one that forms multicolored images; it may also form monocolored images.

[0121] (Note) (((1))) A main body having an outlet, A storage section having a storage surface for receiving paper discharged from the discharge port and a side wall surface extending from one end of the storage surface to the lower end of the discharge port, A discharge roll that sandwiches paper between multiple roll bodies arranged on multiple axes and discharges it from the discharge port to the storage section, A moving unit equipped with the aforementioned discharge roll moves back and forth in a width direction intersecting the paper discharge direction, A wall portion provided in the moving part, which exists in the space from the upper end of the side wall surface to the axis of the plurality of axes that is closer to the upper end, and which is located downstream of the side wall surface in the discharge direction, A paper output and storage device equipped with the following features. (((2))) The paper discharge and storage device according to (((1))), wherein the wall portion is arranged in the gap between adjacent roll bodies of the plurality of roll bodies, within the range through which the paper with the minimum width at the time of discharge passes. (((3))) The paper discharge and storage device according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the lower end of the wall portion is located below the upper end of the side wall portion. (((4))) The paper discharge and storage device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), wherein the upper end of the wall portion is located inside the discharge roll. (((5))) A paper discharge and storage device according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), wherein a recess is provided at the upper end of the side wall surface through which the lower part of the wall surface can pass. (((6))) The paper discharge and storage device according to (((5))), wherein the recess is provided in a position facing the wall when the movable part is stopped in the standby position. (((7))) The recess is provided such that the downstream side end face in the first movement direction when the moving part moves from the standby position to the destination position is shifted toward the destination position (((5))) or (((6))) (((8))) An image forming apparatus equipped with a paper ejection and storage device as described in any of (((1))) to (((7))).

[0122] According to the paper discharge and storage device described in (((1))), the rear end of the paper discharged from the discharge port to the storage surface of the storage section by a discharge roll that can reciprocate in the width direction when the paper is discharged can be prevented from getting caught in the gap between the discharge roll and the side wall surface of the storage section. According to the paper discharge and storage device described in (((2))), even with the smallest width of paper, it is possible to prevent the trailing edge of the paper from getting caught in the gap between the discharge roll and the side wall of the storage section. The paper discharge and storage device according to (((3))) makes it easier to prevent the trailing edge of the paper from getting caught in the gap between the discharge roll and the side wall, compared to the case where the lower end of the wall is at the same position as or above the upper end of the side wall of the storage section. In the paper discharge and storage device according to (((4))), there is no risk of the upper end of the wall portion obstructing the paper discharge path by the discharge roll, compared to the case where the upper end of the wall portion protrudes outside the discharge roll. According to the paper ejection and storage device of (((5))), even if an incorrect assembly occurs during the assembly of the side wall, such that the upper end of the side wall remains resting on a part of the wall, this incorrect assembly is automatically corrected when the moving part moves. According to the paper ejection and storage device of (((6))), the assembly of the side wall surface of the storage section can be performed more easily and correctly compared to a case where the recess is not provided in a position facing the wall surface when the movable section is not in the standby position. According to the paper ejection and storage device of (((7))), compared to a case where the side end face on the downstream side in the first movement direction of the recess is not formed to be shifted toward the destination position, it is easier to release the incorrect assembly state when the moving part moves, even if the side wall surface is incorrectly assembled. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((8))), in the paper discharge and storage device, the trailing edge of the paper discharged from the discharge port to the storage surface of the storage section by a discharge roll that can reciprocate in the width direction when the paper is discharged is prevented from getting caught in the gap between the discharge roll and the side wall surface of the storage section, thereby preventing the paper from being improperly stored in the storage section due to such improper entry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 6. Paper ejection and storage device 9 ... Paper 9e...the trailing edge of the paper 10…Image forming apparatus 60...Main unit 61...Exhaust port 61b...Lower end of the outlet 62...Detention Unit 63... Discharge roll 67…Moving part 70...Wall section 70c…lower part 70u…lower end 80…recess 80d... Downstream side end face 621...Accommodation surface 621a... One end of the containment surface 622... Side wall 622t...Upper central end (an example of the upper end of the side wall) 641,651… axis 642, 652, 653, 654… Rolled bodies D…Discharge direction E…Width direction J1…First movement direction Pa…Standby position Pb...Move destination position W1...Minimum width at discharge

Claims

1. A main body having an outlet, A storage section having a storage surface for receiving paper discharged from the discharge port and a side wall surface extending from one end of the storage surface to the lower end of the discharge port, A discharge roll that sandwiches paper between multiple roll bodies arranged on multiple axes and discharges it from the discharge port to the storage section, A moving unit equipped with the aforementioned discharge roll moves back and forth in a width direction intersecting the paper discharge direction, A wall portion provided in the moving part, which exists in the space from the upper end of the side wall surface to the axis of the plurality of axes that is closer to the upper end, and which is located downstream of the side wall surface in the discharge direction, A paper output and storage device equipped with the following features.

2. The paper discharge and storage device according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion is arranged in the gap between adjacent roll bodies of the plurality of roll bodies, within the range through which the paper with the minimum width at the time of discharge passes.

3. The paper discharge and storage device according to claim 2, wherein the lower end of the wall portion is located below the upper end of the side wall portion.

4. The paper discharge and storage device according to claim 3, wherein the upper end of the wall portion is located inside the discharge roll.

5. The paper discharge and storage device according to claim 1, wherein a recess is provided at the upper end of the side wall surface through which the lower part of the wall surface can pass.

6. The paper discharge and storage device according to claim 5, wherein the recess is provided at a position facing the wall surface when the movable part is stopped in the standby position.

7. The paper discharge and storage device according to claim 6, wherein the recess is provided such that the downstream side end face in the first movement direction when the moving part moves from the standby position to the destination position is shifted toward the destination position.

8. An image forming apparatus comprising a paper ejection and storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images