Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The long sheets that have been discharged can be placed on the surface without increasing the occupied area. [Solution] When a long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W of the cylinder, a discharge tray 134 is provided in the internal space W on which the rear end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction can be placed. In addition, a bin tray 135 is positioned above the discharge tray 134 in the internal space W on which the front end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction can be placed when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W of the cylinder. Furthermore, when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W of the cylinder, a guide member 136 is provided to curve and guide the front end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction toward the bin tray 135 as it passes the position of the discharge tray 134 in the internal space W of the cylinder.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a composite machine or a printing machine thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, an apparatus capable of transporting a long sheet longer than a normal-sized sheet as a sheet has been widely known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, generally, many image forming apparatuses for office use can set a normal sheet with a maximum size of about 320 mm × 450 mm in a paper feed tray built in the image forming apparatus. And, an image forming apparatus capable of printing a long sheet having a length in the transport direction longer than a normal sheet sets the long sheet in a manual paper feed tray that can be opened to the side of the apparatus, feeds the long sheet from the manual paper feed tray, forms a desired image on its surface, and then discharges the long sheet after image formation onto a discharge tray.

[0003] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for placing (holding) a long sheet so as to straddle two discharge trays divided vertically on the side of an image forming apparatus for the purpose of saving space and ensuring strength of a discharge tray on which the long sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus main body is placed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 can place a long sheet so as to straddle two discharge trays divided vertically, compared with the case of placing the long sheet on one discharge tray formed to extend in the discharge direction, the occupied area (length in the discharge direction) of the image forming apparatus can be reduced. However, even then, the occupied area (length in the discharge direction) of the image forming apparatus has not been sufficiently reduced. <​This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an image forming apparatus that can place discharged long sheets on it without increasing the occupied area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to this invention is an image forming apparatus having a cylinder space on which an image-formed sheet can be discharged and the discharged sheet can be removed, comprising: a first tray on which the rear end in the discharge direction of the long sheet can be placed in the cylinder space when the long sheet is discharged into the cylinder space; a second tray positioned above or below the first tray in the cylinder space on which the leading end in the discharge direction of the long sheet can be placed when the long sheet is discharged into the cylinder space; and a guide member that, when the long sheet is discharged into the cylinder space, curves and guides the leading end in the discharge direction of the long sheet, which has passed the position of the first tray in the cylinder space, toward the second tray. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can place discharged long sheets on it without increasing the occupied area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the image forming apparatus with a long sheet set in the manual feed tray and the long sheet discharged into the discharge tray. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view showing the internal space of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the process of a long sheet being discharged into the internal space of the torso. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the process of the guide member being stored in the discharge tray. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the discharge tray with the guide members stored inside. [Figure 7] This figure shows the discharge tray with the guide member stored inside, as an example of modification 1. [Figure 8] This is a modified example, a magnified view showing the internal space of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] This is a magnified view showing the internal space of the image forming apparatus, as a third modification. [Figure 10] This figure shows the operation of a long sheet being discharged into the internal space of an image forming apparatus, which is a modified example (modification 4). [Figure 11] This diagram shows the sheet transport path in an image forming apparatus as a modified example (modification 5). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out this invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment has an internal space W (a space provided between the document reading unit 102 and the image forming unit 115). The internal space W is a space from which sheets P (sheets P after image formation (printing)) discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 can be discharged, and is also a space from which the discharged sheets P can be removed. In other words, the internal space W functions as a space (discharge unit) where sheets P discharged from inside the image forming apparatus 100 are stacked. Furthermore, the internal space W can be said to be a space that is not visible when viewing the image forming apparatus 100 from above (a space that does not affect the occupied area (projected area)). The image forming apparatus 100 mainly consists of an image forming unit 115, a main feed tray 112, a fixing unit 120, a document transport unit 110, a document reading unit 102, and the like. An operation display panel 149 (operation display unit) is installed on the exterior of the image forming apparatus 100 for displaying various information about the image forming apparatus 100 and for inputting various commands. In this section, the internal space W of the cylinder contains an discharge tray 134 and a bin tray 135, as well as a guide member 136 (see Figures 2 and 3, etc.), which will be explained in detail later.

[0011] The image forming operation (printing operation) in the image forming apparatus 100 will be explained below with reference to Figure 1. In the image forming apparatus 100, first, the original document D is transported (fed) from the document table in the direction of the arrow in the figure by the transport rollers of the document transport unit 110 and passes over the document reading unit 102. At this time, the image information of the original document D passing over it is optically read by the document reading unit 102. The optical image information read by the document reading unit 102 is then converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the writing device 103. The writing device 103 then emits laser light based on the electrical signal image information onto the respective photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K for each color, and the exposure process is performed. Then, charging, exposure, and development processes are carried out on the photoreceptor drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K of each image-forming unit 104Y, 104M, 104C, and 104K, respectively, to form the desired images on the photoreceptor drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K. Subsequently, the images formed on the photoreceptor drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K are transferred as a color image onto the intermediate transfer belt 178. Furthermore, the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 178 is transferred to the sheet P, which is fed and conveyed from the main unit feed tray 112 by the feed roller 197, at a position opposite the secondary transfer roller 189. Subsequently, the sheet P onto which the color image has been transferred is transported to the fixing unit 120. The color image transferred to the surface is then fixed onto the sheet P.

[0012] Subsequently, the sheet P is either discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 by the first discharge roller pair 131 and placed (stacked) on the discharge tray 134, or discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 by the second discharge roller pair 132 and placed (stacked) on the bin tray 135. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has two trays (a discharge tray 134 and a bin tray 135) installed in the internal space W of the cylinder, from which the sheet P can be discharged.

[0013] The discharge tray 134 is located at the bottom (lower wall) of the internal space W of the cylinder, and in this embodiment, it has a mounting surface (tray surface) that slopes upward from the upstream side (-X direction) in the discharge direction to the downstream side (+X direction) in the discharge direction. The discharge tray 134 is a tray that can be placed in the internal space W of the cylinder without bending the normal sheet P (a highly versatile sheet P of A3 size or smaller (or DLT size or smaller)) which is shorter than the long sheet PL described later, across the discharge direction (±X direction) when the normal sheet P is discharged into the internal space W of the cylinder. In contrast, the bin tray 135 is positioned above the discharge tray 134 in the internal space W of the cellar, with a gap between it and the upper wall 102a (ceiling surface) of the internal space W. The bin tray 135 is a tray for placing normal sheets P that are not discharged into the discharge tray 134, and is a separate discharge destination from the discharge tray 134. The bin tray 135 is a secondary tray to the discharge tray 134, which is used as the main tray, and is mainly used to stack sheets P (normal sheets) that are to be sorted from the sheets P (normal sheets) that are discharged into the discharge tray 134. Such a discharge destination can be specified by inputting into the operation display panel 149 by the user. In this way, the sheet P discharged and placed on the discharge tray 134 or the bin tray 135 will be taken out by the user inserting a hand into the body interior space W through the opening of the body interior space W formed in the front (+Y direction) or side (+X direction) of the apparatus.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, four main body feed trays 112 are loaded on the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. And the four main body feed trays 112 are each configured to be able to set normal sheets P of various sizes. For example, A4 horizontal size sheets P (normal sheets) are set on the two-stage main body feed trays 112 of the uppermost main body feed tray 112 and the main body feed tray 112 below it, respectively. An A3 vertical size sheet P (normal sheet) is set on the third main body feed tray 112 from above, and a B5 horizontal size sheet P (normal sheet) is set on the lowermost main body feed tray 112. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, a hand-feed tray 113 that can be opened around a support shaft is installed on the side (-X direction) of the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. The hand-feed tray 113 is mainly used for feeding normal sheets P of sizes not installed on the main body feed tray 112, or long sheets PL whose length in the conveyance direction exceeds the A3 vertical size (for example, sheets with a width direction length × conveyance length of 297 mm × 900 mm or 297 mm × 1200 mm, and the width direction length is set to a length that can be conveyed in the apparatus main body 100). Particularly, when feeding the long sheet PL, as shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the hand-feed tray 113, with the hand-feed auxiliary tray 114 opened (in a state protruding to the side of the apparatus main body 100), the long sheet PL will be held (placed) in a well-balanced manner by the two trays 113 and 114. Note that the hand-feed tray 113 and the hand-feed auxiliary tray 114 will each be rotated around a hinge and stored along the side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100 when not in use.

[0015] Hereinafter, the characteristic configurations and operations of the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment will be described in detail. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like, in the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment, an inner body space W is formed. The inner body space W is formed between the document reading unit 102 and the image forming unit 115, and is capable of discharging the sheet P after image formation, and is formed such that the discharged sheet P can be taken out.

[0016] Here, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 and the like, the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment is configured to be able to print a long sheet PL as a sheet. The "long sheet PL" is a sheet having a size with a longer conveyance direction length than that of a normal sheet P that is highly versatile and can be set on the main body feed tray 112 with a size of A3 or less (or DLT or less), and many of them have a width direction length of 320 mm or less and a conveyance direction length of 1200 mm or less. For example, the long sheet PL has a width direction length × conveyance length of 297 mm × 900 mm or 297 mm × 1200 mm. As shown in FIG. 2, the long sheet PL is set on the manual feed tray 113 and the manual auxiliary tray 114, conveyed in the direction indicated by the broken line arrow in the image forming apparatus 100, and after a desired image is printed on its surface, it is discharged into the inner body space W by the first discharge roller pair 131. When printing on the long sheet PL in this way, in principle, continuous printing of a plurality of sheets is not performed, and printing is performed sheet by sheet.

[0017] Here, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4(D), in the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment, when the long sheet PL as a sheet is discharged into the inner body space W, a discharge tray 134 that functions as a first tray and a bin tray 135 that functions as a second tray are provided. In the present embodiment, the discharge tray 134 functions as a first tray on which the rear end side (conveyance direction rear end side) of the discharge direction of the long sheet PL in the inner body space W can be placed when the long sheet PL as a sheet is discharged into the inner body space W. In contrast, the bin tray 135 is positioned above the discharge tray 134 (first tray) in the internal space W of the cylinder, and functions as a second tray on which the leading end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction (leading end in the conveying direction) of the long sheet PL can be placed when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W of the cylinder. Then, as shown in Figures 2 and 4(D), the long sheet PL is placed (held) in a balanced manner by the discharge tray 134 and the bin tray 135 within the internal space W of the cylinder, with the central part in the discharge direction (central part in the conveying direction) folded in.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4(B), (C), etc., the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment is provided with a guide member 136 that, when a long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W of the cylinder, guides the leading end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction (leading end in the transport direction) toward the bin tray 135 (second tray) as it passes the position of the discharge tray 134 (first tray) in the internal space W of the cylinder. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the guide member 136 is formed by connecting three divided guide sections (the first divided guide section 136a, the second divided guide section 136b, and the third divided guide section 136c) to form three guide surfaces with different contact angles. In this embodiment, the three divided guide sections 136a to 136c are connected to each other by free-stop hinges, maintaining the angles of each guide surface shown in Figure 3.

[0019] Then, as shown in Figures 4(A) to (D), when the discharge of the long sheet PL into the internal space W by the first discharge roller pair 131 begins, the long sheet PL moves so that its leading edge (the part enclosed by the dashed line) follows the surface of the discharge tray 134, then abuts against the guide surface of the first dividing guide section 136a, moves along that guide surface and abuts against the guide surface of the second dividing guide section 136b, moves along that guide surface and abuts against the guide surface of the third dividing guide section 136c, moves along that guide surface and is guided toward the tray surface of the bin tray 135. Finally, the long sheet PL is balanced evenly on the discharge tray 134 and the bin tray 135 with its central part slightly folded. The long sheet PL is then removed by the user who reaches their hand into the internal space W.

[0020] Thus, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 folds the long sheet PL vertically and places it across the discharge tray 134 (first tray) and the bin tray 135 (second tray) in the internal space W of the cylinder. Therefore, compared to the case where the long sheet PL is placed on a discharge tray that protrudes outside the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the occupied area (length in the discharge direction) of the image forming apparatus 100 can be significantly reduced. In other words, the internal space W of the image forming apparatus 100 is effectively utilized, making it possible to miniaturize the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the guide member 136 is divided into three divided guide sections 136a to 136c. However, the guide member 136 is not limited to this, and any guide member that can smoothly guide the long sheet PL from the discharge tray 134 (first tray) to the bin tray 135 (second tray) in the internal space W of the cylinder can be used. For example, a guide member divided into two or four or more divided guide sections can be used, or a single, undivided guide member can be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a mountain-shaped discharge tray 134 with its peak on the downstream side in the discharge direction was used, but the shape of the discharge tray 134 is not limited to this.

[0021] Referring to Figure 3, in this embodiment, the guide member 136 is formed such that the contact angles θ1 to θ4, where the leading edge of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction (the part enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 4) makes contact, are less than 60 degrees. Here, "contact angle" refers to the angle that the guide surface on the upstream side in the conveying direction makes with respect to the guide surface on the downstream side in the conveying direction. Specifically, the angle θ1 (contact angle) that the guide surface of the discharge guide surface makes with the guide surface of the first divided guide section 136a is configured to be less than 60 degrees. Also, the angle θ2 (contact angle) that the guide surface of the first divided guide section 136a makes with the guide surface of the second divided guide section 136b is configured to be less than 60 degrees. Furthermore, the angle θ3 (contact angle) that the guide surface of the second divided guide section 136b makes with the guide surface of the third divided guide section 136c is configured to be less than 60 degrees. In addition, the angle θ4 (contact angle) that the guide surface of the third divided guide section 136c makes with the upper wall 102a (the part that functions as a guide surface) of the internal space W is configured to be less than 60 degrees. By setting the contact angle θ between adjacent guide surfaces to less than 60 degrees, the leading edge of the long sheet PL will slide smoothly without getting caught when moving across the adjacent guide surface.

[0022] Referring to Figures 5(A) to 5(C) and Figure 6, in this embodiment, the guide member 136 is configured such that when a general-purpose size standard sheet P is discharged into the internal space W of the cylinder, part or all of it is stored inside the discharge tray 134. More specifically, the three divided guide sections 136a to 136c that make up the guide member 136 are configured to fold linearly around a free-stop hinge, which is a connecting part between adjacent sections. As shown in Figures 5(C) and 6, the guide member 136, when finally folded into a single linear section, is stored in a storage space formed in the discharge tray 134, and is configured so as not to protrude from the guide surface of the discharge tray 134. The sheet P is then normally discharged and placed on the discharge tray 134 with the guide member 136 stored inside (as shown in Figures 1, 5(C), and 6). This configuration prevents the guide member 136 from getting in the way when the user removes a normal sheet P placed on the discharge tray 134 (or bin tray 135) from the device. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, a storage space for the guide member 136 is formed in the center of the discharge tray 134 in the width direction (±Y direction). However, the location of the storage space for the guide member 136 is not limited to this. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when printing a standard sheet P, the guide member 136 is manually stored in the output tray 134, and when printing a long sheet PL, the guide member 136 is manually pulled out from the output tray 134. Alternatively, these storage and pulling operations can be configured to be automatically controlled (control of the storage and pulling mechanism) based on sheet information input to the operation display panel 149.

[0023] <Example 1> As shown in Figure 7, in the image forming apparatus 100 of the modified example 1, the guide member 136 is configured to function as a restricting member (stopper) that restricts the movement of the normal sheet P in the discharge direction (conveying direction) in the discharge tray 134 when the normal sheet P is discharged into the internal space W of the cylinder. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7, in Modification 1, when the normal sheet P is discharged into the internal space W of the cylinder, the guide member 136 is not entirely housed in the discharge tray 134, but rather a portion of it is housed in the discharge tray 134, with the remaining portion (in the example in Figure 7, the tip portion 136c1 of the third divided guide portion 136c) protruding upward from the guide surface of the discharge tray 134. This protruding portion (tip portion 136c1) then functions as a stopper portion that restricts the normal sheet P discharged into the discharge tray 134 from being discharged any further. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the sheet P from flying out of the discharge tray 134 when it is normally discharged into the discharge tray 134. In the example shown in Figure 7, the tip portion 136c1 of the third divided guide portion 136c is configured to function as a stopper portion, but the portion that functions as a stopper portion is not limited to this.

[0024] <Modification 2> As shown in Figure 8, in the modified example 2, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an auxiliary guide member 102a1 on the upper wall 102a of the internal space W of the body, which, together with the guide member 136, curves and guides the leading end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction (leading end in the transport direction) that has passed the position of the discharge tray 134 (first tray) toward the bin tray 135 (second tray). More specifically, as shown in Figure 8, when a long sheet is discharged, the two divided guide sections 136a and 136b of the guide member 136 stand up in a roughly "V" shape on the opening side (+X direction side) of the internal space W of the body. In this state, the auxiliary guide member 102a1 is positioned adjacent to the downstream side of the second divided guide section 136b, and is formed such that the second divided guide section 136b has a contact angle of less than 60 degrees. By providing the auxiliary guide member 102a1 in this manner, the leading edge of the long sheet PL will be guided even more smoothly from the discharge tray 134 towards the bin tray 135.

[0025] <Variation 3> As shown in Figure 9, in the image forming apparatus 100 of the modified example 3, when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W of the body, part or all of the guide member 136 is pulled out from inside the discharge tray 134 toward the upper wall 102a of the internal space W, and its tip is fixed to the fixing part 102a2 formed on the upper wall 102a. More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, when a long sheet is discharged, the two divided guide sections 136a and 136b of the guide member 136 stand up in a roughly "V" shape on the opening side (+X direction side) of the internal space W of the body. In this state, the tip of the second divided guide section 136b engages with the fixing section 102a2 formed on the upper wall 102a to position it. By providing the fixing portion 102a2 on the upper wall 102a in this manner, it becomes easier to determine the orientation of the guide member 136 when discharging the long sheet, thereby reducing the likelihood of poor discharge of the long sheet PL due to incorrect setting of the guide member 136.

[0026] <Modification 4> As shown in Figures 10(A) to (D), the image forming apparatus 100 in modified example 4 is configured such that when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W of the drum, it is discharged from the second discharge tray 132 rather than from the first discharge roller pair 131. More specifically, in Modification 4, the discharge tray 134 functions as a second tray on which the leading end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction (leading end in the conveying direction) of the long sheet PL can be placed when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W of the drum. In contrast, the bin tray 135 functions as a first tray on which the rear end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction (rear end in the conveying direction) can be placed when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W of the cylinder. Specifically, as shown in Figures 10(A) to (D), when the discharge of the long sheet PL into the internal space W by the second discharge roller pair 132 begins, the long sheet PL moves so that its leading edge (the part enclosed by the dashed line) follows the tray surface of the bin tray 135, then abuts against the guide surface of the third division guide section 136c, moves along that guide surface and abuts against the guide surface of the second division guide section 136b, moves along that guide surface and abuts against the guide surface of the first division guide section 136a, moves along that guide surface and is guided toward the tray surface of the discharge tray 134. Finally, the long sheet PL is balanced evenly on the discharge tray 134 and the bin tray 135 with its central part lightly folded. The long sheet PL is then removed by a user who reaches their hand into the internal space W. Even with this configuration, the discharged long sheet PL can be placed on the image forming apparatus 100 without increasing its occupied area.

[0027] <Modification 5> As shown in Figure 11, the image forming apparatus 100 in modified example 5 is equipped with a double-sided transport device 200, and a reversing tray 137 is installed instead of a bin tray 135. More specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the image forming apparatus 100 in modified example 5 is provided with three transport paths K1 to K3, similar to those described using Figures 1 to 10, but unlike those described using Figures 1 to 10, it is also provided with a reversing transport path K4 and a double-sided transport path K5. The first transport path K1 is a transport path through which the sheet P fed from the main feed tray 112 or the manual feed tray 113 passes through the image forming unit 115. During single-sided printing, the sheet P passes through the first transport path K1, then through the second transport path K2, and is discharged into the cylinder space W by the first discharge roller pair 131. In contrast, during double-sided printing, the sheet P passes through the first transport path K1, then the image forming unit 115 prints on the front side, and then it is guided to the reversal transport path K4 via the third transport path K2 and the second discharge roller pair 132. The sheet P is then guided to the reversal tray 137 and its transport direction is reversed (inverted) in the reversal transport path K4 due to the change from forward rotation to reverse rotation of the second discharge roller pair 132. After inversion, the sheet P is guided to the double-sided transport path K5 by the second discharge roller pair 132, then passes through the image forming unit 115 again, and after printing on the back side is completed, it is discharged into the cylinder space W via the second transport path K2 and the first discharge roller pair 131. Thus, the inversion tray 137 is a tray that inverts the normal sheet P before it is guided to the double-sided transport path K5, and temporarily holds the normal sheet P when reversing the transport direction of the normal sheet P, and guides the lower surface of the normal sheet P. In the modified example 5, when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W, the discharge tray 134 functions as a first tray on which the rear end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction can be placed in the internal space W, and the inversion tray 137 functions as a second tray on which the leading end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction can be placed. At this time, the guide member 136 guides the leading end of the long sheet PL from the discharge tray 134 to the inversion tray 137. Furthermore, even with this configuration, the discharged long sheet PL can be placed on it without increasing the area occupied by the image forming apparatus 100. In modification 5, the discharge tray 134 functions as the first tray and the inversion tray 137 functions as the second tray. However, it is also possible to have the discharge tray 134 function as the second tray and the inversion tray 137 function as the first tray. That is, when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W of the drum, the discharge tray 134 can function as the second tray on which the leading end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction can be placed in the internal space W of the drum, and the inversion tray 137 can function as the first tray on which the rear end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction can be placed. In this case, the guide member 136 will guide the leading end of the long sheet PL from the inversion tray 137 to the discharge tray 134.

[0028] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment is an image forming apparatus 100 that can discharge the image-formed sheet P and has an internal space W from which the discharged sheet P can be removed. When a long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W, an discharge tray 134 (first tray) is provided in the internal space W on which the rear end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction can be placed. Furthermore, when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W, a bin tray 135 (second tray) is positioned above the discharge tray 134 in the internal space W on which the front end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction can be placed. In addition, when the long sheet PL is discharged into the internal space W, a guide member 136 is provided that curves and guides the front end of the long sheet PL in the discharge direction toward the bin tray 135 as it passes the position of the discharge tray 134 in the internal space W. This allows for the placement of discharged long sheets (PL) without increasing the required floor space.

[0029] In this embodiment, the present invention was applied to a color image forming apparatus 100, but it can naturally also be applied to a monochrome image forming apparatus. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the present invention was applied to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be applied to other types of image forming apparatuses (for example, inkjet image forming apparatuses, stencil printing machines, etc.). Furthermore, even in such cases, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0030] It is clear that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and that this embodiment can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, in addition to what is suggested here. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the constituent members are not limited to this embodiment, and can be set to a number, position, shape, etc. that is suitable for carrying out the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 100 Image forming apparatus, 102 Manuscript reading unit, 102a Upper wall, 102a1 Auxiliary guide member, 102a2 fixed part, 113 Manual feed tray, 114 Manual feed assist tray, 115 Image forming unit, 134 Output tray (first tray), 135 Bin Tray (Second Tray), 136 Guide member, 136a First section guide, 136b Second division guide section, 136c Third division guide section (regulating member), 136c1 Tip (stopper part), 137 Reversible tray (second tray), 200 double-sided conveying devices, P-seat, PL long sheet, W internal space, K4 Reversal transport path, K5 double-sided transport path.

[0032] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention can also be, for example, combinations of the following appendices 1 to 9. (Note 1) An image forming apparatus having a space inside the cylinder from which the image-formed sheet can be ejected and the ejected sheet can be removed, When a long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the drum, a first tray is provided in the internal space of the drum on which the rear end of the long sheet in the discharge direction can be placed, A second tray is positioned above or below the first tray in the internal space of the body, and is capable of supporting the leading end of the long sheet in the discharge direction when the long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the body. When the long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the body, a guide member is provided to curve the leading end of the long sheet in the discharge direction toward the second tray as it passes the position of the first tray within the internal space of the body, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the following: (Note 2) When a standard sheet shorter than the long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the drum, a discharge tray is provided in the internal space of the drum on which the standard sheet can be placed in the discharge direction, A bin tray positioned above the discharge tray in the internal space of the drum, which is a separate destination for the discharge of the normal sheets, or a reversal tray that guides the underside of the normal sheets when the conveying direction of the normal sheets is reversed, Equipped with, The first tray is the discharge tray, The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the second tray is the bin tray or the inversion tray. (Note 3) When a standard sheet shorter than the long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the drum, a discharge tray is provided in the internal space of the drum on which the standard sheet can be placed in the discharge direction, A bin tray positioned above the discharge tray in the internal space of the drum, which is a separate destination for the discharge of the normal sheets, or a reversal tray that guides the underside of the normal sheets when the conveying direction of the normal sheets is reversed, Equipped with, The second tray is the discharge tray, The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the first tray is the bin tray or the inversion tray. (Note 4) The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 2 or Appendix 3, characterized in that the guide member can be partially or entirely stored inside the discharge tray when the normal sheet is discharged into the internal space of the body. (Note 5) The image forming apparatus according to any one of the appendices 2 to 4, characterized in that when the long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the body, a part or all of the guide member is pulled out from inside the discharge tray toward the upper wall of the internal space of the body, and its tip is fixed to a fixing part formed on the upper wall. (Note 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Appendix 2 to Appendix 5, characterized in that the guide member functions as a restricting member that restricts the movement of the normal sheet in the discharge direction in the discharge tray when the normal sheet is discharged into the internal space of the body. (Note 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, characterized in that the guide member is formed such that the contact angle at which the leading edge of the long sheet in the discharge direction contacts is less than 60 degrees. (Note 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that an auxiliary guide member is provided on the upper wall of the internal space of the body, which curves and guides the leading end of the long sheet that has passed the position of the first tray toward the second tray, together with the guide member. (Note 9) The image forming apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that the internal space of the cylinder is formed below the document reading unit for reading an image of a document and above the image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0033] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-31093

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having a space inside the cylinder from which the image-formed sheet can be ejected and the ejected sheet can be removed, When a long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the body, a first tray is provided in the internal space of the body on which the rear end of the long sheet in the discharge direction can be placed, A second tray is positioned above or below the first tray in the internal space of the body, and is capable of supporting the leading end of the long sheet in the discharge direction when the long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the body. When the long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the body, a guide member is provided to curve the leading end of the long sheet in the discharge direction toward the second tray as it passes the position of the first tray within the internal space of the body, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the following:

2. When a standard sheet shorter than the long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the drum, a discharge tray is provided in the internal space of the drum on which the standard sheet can be placed in the discharge direction, A bin tray positioned above the discharge tray in the internal space of the drum, which is a separate destination for the discharge of the normal sheets, or a reversal tray that guides the underside of the normal sheets when the conveying direction of the normal sheets is reversed, Equipped with, The first tray is the discharge tray, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second tray is the bin tray or the inversion tray.

3. When a standard sheet shorter than the long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the drum, a discharge tray is provided in the internal space of the drum on which the standard sheet can be placed in the discharge direction, A bin tray positioned above the discharge tray in the internal space of the drum, which is a separate destination for the discharge of the normal sheets, or a reversal tray that guides the underside of the normal sheets when the conveying direction of the normal sheets is reversed, Equipped with, The second tray is the discharge tray, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first tray is the bin tray or the inversion tray.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the guide member can be partially or entirely stored inside the discharge tray when the normal sheet is discharged into the internal space of the body.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that when the long sheet is discharged into the internal space of the body, a part or all of the guide member is pulled out from inside the discharge tray toward the upper wall of the internal space of the body, and its tip is fixed to a fixing part formed on the upper wall.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the guide member functions as a restricting member that restricts the movement of the normal sheet in the discharge direction in the discharge tray when the normal sheet is discharged into the internal space of the cylinder.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide member is formed such that the contact angle at which the leading edge of the long sheet in the discharge direction contacts is less than 60 degrees.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that an auxiliary guide member is provided on the upper wall of the internal space of the body, which curves and guides the leading end of the long sheet that has passed the position of the first tray toward the second tray together with the guide member.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal space of the body is formed below the document reading unit for reading an image of a document and above the image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet.

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