Image forming device

Abstract

To avoid a situation where a user carelessly touches a loading unit compared with a case where a side face of a loading unit on which a recording medium is loaded is always opened.SOLUTION: A sheet loading tray 7 is provided on an upper part of an apparatus body 1a of an image forming apparatus. A recording medium on which an image is formed by an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus is loaded on the sheet loading tray 7. A user takes out the recording medium loaded on the sheet loading tray 7 through an opening 8 opened in front of the sheet loading tray 7. An elevating cover 15 that automatically opens and closes at predetermined timings is mounted in the opening 8 of the sheet loading tray 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques relating to image forming apparatuses have already been proposed, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes an exterior structure of an image forming device in which the rear surface of the paper discharge stack section and part of the upper surface on the rear side are sealed off from the outside, and the front surface of the paper discharge stack section, part of the upper surface on the front side, and the side surfaces are open to the outside, and the exterior cover covers the parts of the front surface and the upper surface on the front side that are open to the outside, leaving the side surfaces open to the outside, and the exterior cover is configured to have cutout portions in the front side and the upper surface near the side surfaces. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6136503 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the side of the loading section on which recording media are loaded is always open, for example, a user may inadvertently touch the loading section even when the image forming device is not performing image formation processing and no recording media are loaded on the loading section. An object of the present invention is to prevent a user from accidentally touching the stacking section, as compared to when the side of the stacking section on which recording media are stacked is always open. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 comprises a stacking section on which recording media on which images are formed are stacked; an opening / closing means for automatically opening and closing an opening located on at least one side of the loading section at a predetermined timing; Equipped with 、 The predetermined timing is when the second detection means detects that the loading operation of the recording media on the loading section has been completed and that the user has approached the device body to remove the recording media loaded on the loading section. It is an image forming apparatus.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the opening / closing means opens and closes the opening by moving up and down via a link mechanism driven by a drive source.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is an image forming apparatus described in claim 2, in which the drive source is attached to the device main body and the opening / closing means is attached to an openable / closable cover of the device main body, and the drive force of the drive source is transmitted to the opening / closing means of the cover via a pair of drive force transmission means that can be attached and detached.

[0010] Claim 4 The invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first detection means for detecting that the loading operation of the recording medium has been completed.

[0012] Claim 5 The invention described in The second detection means detects the distance between the device body and the user. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

[0015] Claim 6 The invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus in which the main body of the image forming apparatus is provided with an openable / closable cover, and when the cover is open, the opening does not open or close.

[0016] Claim 7 In the invention described in the above, the openable cover is a front cover to which an opening and closing means for the opening is attached. Claim 6 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

[0017] Claim 8 In the invention described in the above, the loading section is provided inside the body of the device main body. Claims 1 to 7 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other.

[0018] Claim 9 In the invention described in the item (1), the opening of the loading section is located at the front side of the device body, which is the side that is used when the user operates the device body. Claims 1 to 8 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 1, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the discharge section, compared to when the side of the loading section on which the recording media are loaded is always open. Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 1, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the recording media loaded on the loading section until the operation of loading the recording media on the loading section is completed. Furthermore, according to the invention as set forth in claim 1, when a user wants to remove recording media from the stacking section, the stacking section can be reliably opened.

[0020] According to the invention described in claim 2, the configuration can be simplified and made quieter compared to when no link mechanism is used.

[0021] According to the invention as set forth in claim 3, maintenance of the device body is easier than when the opening / closing means is attached to the device body.

[0023] Claim 4 According to the invention described in the above, it is possible to more reliably detect that the operation of loading the recording media onto the loading section has been completed, compared to when the first detection means is not provided.

[0025] Claim 5 According to the invention described in the above, it is possible to more reliably detect when a user approaches the device body than when the second detection means is not provided.

[0028] Claim 6 According to the invention described in the above, the user can avoid coming into contact with the opening / closing means, compared to when the opening is opened while the cover is open.

[0029] Claim 7According to the invention described above, it is possible to reliably avoid contact with the opening and closing means when opening and closing the front cover, which is the cover that the user operates most frequently, compared to when the openable and closable cover is something other than the front cover.

[0030] Claim 8 According to the invention described in the above, it is possible to easily prevent a user from coming into contact with recording media loaded on the loading section, compared to when the loading section is provided outside the device body.

[0031] Claim 9 According to the invention described above, operability can be improved compared to when the opening of the loading section is located on a side other than the front side of the device body where the user operates it. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention with its front cover open; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a paper discharge tray of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the paper discharge tray of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] 1 is a configuration diagram showing a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a front view of the image forming apparatus in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing a state in which the front cover is open. [Figure 7] 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part seen from the front, illustrating the operation of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part seen from the front, illustrating the operation of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 3 is a rear view of the main components of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus; FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] [Embodiment 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, arrow X indicates the horizontal direction (width direction) of image forming apparatus 1, arrow Y indicates the depth direction of image forming apparatus 1, and arrow Z indicates the vertical direction (up-down direction) of image forming apparatus 1.

[0035] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is configured as, for example, a color printer. As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 1a formed in the shape of a vertically elongated, approximately rectangular parallelepiped box whose size in the vertical direction Z is larger than its sizes in the width direction X and depth direction Y. The image forming apparatus 1 has an image reading device 2 disposed on top of the apparatus main body 1a, which reads an image of a document. The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a recording sheet (not shown), which is an example of a recording medium, based on the image of the document read by the image reading device 2 and image information transmitted via a communication line (not shown). In FIG. 1 , reference numeral 107 denotes a user interface, such as a liquid crystal display touch panel, which is an example of an operation unit through which a user operates the image forming apparatus 1.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured such that, inside the apparatus main body 1a, there are arranged an image forming section 3 consisting of a plurality of image forming devices that form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) using an electrophotographic method or the like, an intermediate transfer device that holds the toner images formed by the plurality of image forming devices and transports them to a secondary transfer position, and a paper supply section 4 that supplies recording paper 5 to the image forming section 3.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper stacking tray 7, an example of a stacking section for stacking recording paper on which images have been formed, located at the top of the apparatus main body 1a. The paper stacking tray 7 is tilted so that the downstream side in the recording paper discharge direction is positioned vertically upward. Due to the tilt of the paper stacking tray 7, recording paper loaded on the paper stacking tray 7 moves under its own weight toward the base end (left end in the figure) in the discharge direction and aligns. The paper stacking tray 7 is configured as an internal stacking section, with openings 8 and 9 on the front side (the side operated by the user) along the depth direction Y and one side (right side) along the width direction X, respectively, between the image reading device 2 and the apparatus main body 1a. By configuring the paper stacking tray 7 as an internal stacking section, the paper stacking tray 7 can be prevented from protruding from the side of the apparatus main body 1a. In FIG. 3 , reference numeral 11 denotes an outlet through which recording paper on which images have been formed is discharged.

[0038] The recording paper loaded in the paper stacking tray 7 is removed by the user inserting his or her hand through an opening 8 provided on the front side of the device main body 1a, as shown in Fig. 3. Note that the paper stacking tray 7 is not limited to a single-stage tray provided integrally with the upper part of the device main body 1a as shown in Fig. 3, but may also be a two-stage tray provided with a lower paper stacking tray 7 and an upper paper stacking tray 12 formed in the middle as a flat plate that is inclined so that the downstream side in the discharge direction of the recording paper is positioned vertically upward, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided on its front side with a front cover 13, which is an example of an openable / closable cover that closes the front of the apparatus main body 1a in an openable / closable manner. As shown in Fig. 2, the front cover 13 is openably attached to the apparatus main body 1a via a hinge portion 14 provided at the left end along the width direction Y within the apparatus main body 1a. The front cover 13 is formed in a flat plate shape that is the same shape as the front of the apparatus main body 1a. Furthermore, both end portions of the front cover 13 along the width direction Y are formed in a curved shape that is bent toward the rear side.

[0040] The front cover 13 is integrally formed with a relatively large, front-facing, rectangular main cover portion 13a that is located below the paper stacking tray 7 of the device body 1a in the vertical direction Z and that covers almost the entire surface of the device body 1a, and a relatively small, front-facing, substantially rectangular sub-cover portion 13b that is located on one side (the left side in the figure) of the paper stacking tray 7 of the device body 1a. The front cover 13 has a cutout portion 13c that is the same shape as the front shape of the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7 above the main cover portion 13a in the vertical direction Z. As shown in FIG. 1, the front cover 13 is integrally formed with the same shape as the front surface of the device body 1a, giving the front surface of the device body 1a an excellent, streamlined design.

[0041] 2, opening the front cover 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 exposes the image forming unit 3, paper supply unit 4, toner cartridge (not shown), and other components inside. With the front cover 13 open, the image forming apparatus 1 can be used to replace the toner cartridge or replenish the paper supply unit 4 with recording paper.

[0042] Incidentally, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment 1 is provided with a lift-up cover 15 as an example of an opening / closing means that automatically opens and closes an opening 8 located on the front side as at least one side of the paper stacking tray 7 at a predetermined timing.

[0043] 5, the image forming apparatus 1 has a lift-up cover 15 built into the upper end of the main cover portion 13a of the front cover 13 or attached to the back surface of the front cover 13. The lift-up cover 15 is formed in a flat plate shape that is substantially the same shape as the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7 of the image forming apparatus 1. The right end of the lift-up cover 15 in the width direction X is formed in a curved shape that is curved toward the back surface, similar to the front cover 13. Both ends of the lift-up cover 15 in the width direction X are supported by guide means such as guide rails and guide grooves (not shown) so that the cover can move up and down.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6 , the lift-up cover 15 is driven to move up and down by a drive motor 16 (an example of a drive source) disposed in the main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1. The drive motor 16 is fixedly disposed on one side (left side in the drawing) of the image forming unit 3 in the main body 1a along the width direction X. The drive motor 16 may, for example, incorporate a reduction mechanism. The drive motor 16 reduces the rotational speed of a motor (not shown) incorporated in the drive motor 16 at a predetermined reduction ratio to rotate the drive shaft 17. The drive motor 16 is disposed in the main body 1a rather than the front cover 13, and the drive force of the drive motor 16 is transmitted to the lift-up cover 15 via a link 18 (an example of a link mechanism). The link 18 is attached to the front cover 13. Attaching the link 18 to the front cover 13 improves access to the main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 when the front cover 13 is opened. The drive force of the drive motor 16 is transmitted to the link 18 via a drive force transmission means (not shown), such as a coupling.

[0045] Since the lift-up cover 15 is raised and lowered at the back side of the front cover 13, rather than the front side, it is conceivable that, for example, if the display is located at the back side of the device main body 1a, the user operating the display may come into contact with the device main body 1a. However, even in such a situation, due to the configuration of the lift-up cover 15 as described above, the user will not come into contact with the lift-up cover 15 itself, and it is easier to raise and lower than a lift-up cover 15 that is located at the front side of the front cover 13 and can be raised and lowered.

[0046] One end 18a of a link 18 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 17 of the drive motor 16. The link 18 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft 17 of the drive motor 16. The other end 18b of the link 18 is connected to a slide groove 19 arranged horizontally at the lower end of the lift-up cover 15. A rod 20 that is movable along the slide groove 19 is rotatably held at the other end 18b of the link 18.

[0047] The lifting means for moving the lift-up cover 15 up and down by the drive motor 16 is not limited to the link 18, but may be a combination of a rack gear and a pinion gear provided on one side along the width direction of the lift-up cover 15. However, when the link 18 is used as a means for transmitting the driving force of the drive motor 16 to the lift-up cover 15, the configuration can be simplified compared to when a rack gear and a pinion gear are used.

[0048] 7 to 9, the lift-up cover 15 starts the drive motor 16 to rotate the drive shaft 17 counterclockwise, causing the drive motor 16 to rotate the link 18. When the upper end of the link 18 is connected to the lift-up cover 15, the other end 18b of the link 18 moves upward to the left in the figure as the link 18 rotates counterclockwise. The lift-up cover 15 then stops in a state where it completely closes the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7. Note that FIG. 9 is a rear view of the front cover 13 as seen from the inside.

[0049] 7 to 9, the lift-up cover 15 starts up the drive motor 16 to rotate the drive shaft 17 in a clockwise direction, thereby causing the drive motor 16 to rotate the link 18. When the link 18 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, the lift-up cover 15, to which the other end 18b of the link 18 is connected, moves downward in accordance with the rotation of the link 18. The lift-up cover 15 is then housed inside the main cover portion 13a of the front cover 13, and stops in a state where the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7 is completely open.

[0050] <Control device> FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control device of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

[0051] A control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 comprehensively controls the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 10, the control unit 100 is provided with a control device 105 including a CPU 101 (Central Processing Unit) as an example of a control means (setting means) and display control means that comprehensively controls the image forming operation, a ROM 102 (Read Only Memory) that stores programs executed by the CPU 101, a RAM 103 (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters executed by the CPU 101, and an I / O interface 104 that connects the CPU 101, the ROM 102, etc. to the outside.

[0052] Furthermore, a user interface 107, which is an example of a display (operation unit) for operating the image forming apparatus 1, is connected to the control device 105 of the control unit 100. The user interface 107 is configured from a liquid crystal display touch panel or the like that functions as an operation unit for operating the image forming apparatus.

[0053] The control device 105 of the control unit 100 executes an image forming operation when a user issues an instruction to start a printing operation via the user interface 107 or the like, and controls the operation of loading the recording paper on which the image has been formed onto the paper loading tray 7. The control device 105 functions as a first detection means for detecting that the loading operation of the recording paper has been completed.

[0054] Furthermore, the control device 105 of the control unit 100 is connected to a drive motor 16 .

[0055] <Operation of image forming device> The image forming apparatus 1 of embodiment 1 configured as described above is able to prevent the user from accidentally touching the paper stacking tray 7, compared to when the side of the paper stacking tray 7 on which recording paper is loaded is always open, in the following way.

[0056] That is, as shown in FIG. 1, when image forming apparatus 1 receives image information and command information requesting a full-color image forming operation (printing) from user interface 107 or a personal computer (not shown), control device 105 starts image forming unit 3, which is composed of multiple image forming devices arranged inside apparatus main body 1a and which form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) by electrophotography or the like, an intermediate transfer device that holds the toner images formed by the multiple image forming devices and transports them to a secondary transfer position, and paper supply unit 4 that feeds recording paper to image forming unit 3.

[0057] In the image forming device 1, full-color or monochrome images are printed on recording paper of the desired size and material based on print information instructed from the user interface 107 or a personal computer (not shown), and the recording paper on which the full-color or monochrome image has been formed is loaded onto a paper loading tray 7 located at the top of the device main body 1a.

[0058] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the drive motor 16 is driven before the image forming operation, and the opening 8 at the front of the paper stacking tray 7 is normally closed by the lift-up cover 15 as shown in FIG. 11 . When the image forming operation starts, the lift-up cover 15 is moved downward. In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , the drive motor 16 is driven based on a command from the control device 105 even during the image forming operation, and the opening 8 at the front of the paper stacking tray 7 is normally closed by the lift-up cover 15 as shown in FIG. 11 . Alternatively, the lift-up cover 15 may be moved downward when it is detected that recording paper has been loaded on the paper stacking tray 7. If the lift-up cover 15 is kept closed even during the image forming operation, the user can avoid accidentally touching the paper stacking tray 7 on which the recording paper is loaded during the image forming operation, i.e., when recording paper is being loaded on the paper stacking tray 7.

[0059] When the control device 105 detects that a series of image forming operations has ended, it drives the drive motor 16 to move the lift-up cover 15 downward via the link 18, and as shown in Fig. 1, the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7 is fully opened. Furthermore, when the control device 105 determines that the lift-up cover 15 is open, it is configured not to open or close the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7 in conjunction with the lift-up and lowering movement of the lift-up cover 15. This prevents the user's hand from being pinched by the lift-up and lowering cover 15.

[0060] As a result, when the image forming operation of the image forming device 1 is completed, the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7 is opened by the lifting cover, allowing the user to access and remove the recording paper stacked on the paper stacking tray 7.

[0061] In this way, in the image forming device 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment 1, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the paper stacking tray 7, compared to when the side of the paper stacking tray 7 on which the recording paper is loaded is always open.

[0062] [Embodiment 2] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Incidentally, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this second embodiment is configured so that the predetermined timing is when a user approaches the apparatus main body 1a to remove recording paper loaded in the paper loading tray 7.

[0064] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is configured to include a second detection means for detecting that a user has approached the apparatus main body 1a.

[0065] That is, as shown in Fig. 12, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is provided with a human presence sensor 20 as an example of a second detection unit that detects that a user has approached the apparatus main body 1a. The human presence sensor 20 measures the distance to the user (operator) approaching the apparatus main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 using infrared rays or the like. However, the human presence sensor 20 does not need to accurately measure the distance to the user (operator) approaching the apparatus main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, as long as it can detect that a user has approached the apparatus main body 1a. By providing the human presence sensor 20, it is possible to reliably detect when a user has approached the apparatus main body 1a.

[0066] A sensor board equipped with a human presence sensor 20 is disposed inside the sub-cover portion 13b of the front cover 13 on the device main body 1a. An opening or a shielding plate that allows light to pass through is provided on the front surface of the sub-cover portion 13b. The human presence sensor 20 is configured, for example, as a reflective sensor serving as an object sensor. The human presence sensor 20 detects that a user has approached the device main body 1a by emitting light from a light emitter and receiving the light reflected from the human body with a light receiver. Note that the human presence sensor is not limited to one configured with a light emitter and a light receiver, and one that detects the distance to a human body using ultrasound or the like may also be used.

[0067] 13, in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 1, a detection signal from the human presence sensor 20 is input to the control device 105. The control device 105 controls the drive motor 16 based on the detection signal from the human presence sensor 20.

[0068] <Operation of image forming device> The image forming apparatus 1 of embodiment 2 configured as described above is able to prevent the user from accidentally touching the paper stacking tray 7, compared to when the side of the paper stacking tray 7 on which recording paper is loaded is always open, in the following way.

[0069] That is, as shown in FIG. 13, when image forming apparatus 1 according to embodiment 2 receives image information and command information requesting a full-color image forming operation (printing) from user interface 107 or a personal computer (not shown), control device 105 starts image forming unit 3, which is comprised of a plurality of image forming devices arranged inside apparatus main body 1a and which form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) by an electrophotographic method or the like, an intermediate transfer device which holds the toner images formed by the plurality of image forming devices and transports them to a secondary transfer position, and paper supply unit 4 which feeds recording paper to image forming unit 3.

[0070] In the image forming device 1, full-color or monochrome images are printed on recording paper of the desired size and material based on print information instructed from the user interface 107 or a personal computer (not shown), and the recording paper on which the full-color or monochrome image has been formed is loaded onto a paper loading tray 7 located at the top of the device main body 1a.

[0071] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the drive motor 16 is driven before the image forming operation, and the opening 8 at the front of the paper stacking tray 7 is normally closed by the lift-up cover 15 as shown in FIG. 12 . When the image forming operation starts, the lift-up cover 15 is moved downward. In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 , the drive motor 16 is driven based on a command from the control device 105 even during the image forming operation, and the opening 8 at the front of the paper stacking tray 7 is normally closed by the lift-up cover 15 as shown in FIG. 11 . Alternatively, the lift-up cover 15 may be moved downward when the motion sensor 20 detects that a user is approaching the apparatus main body 1 a. Keeping the lift-up cover 15 closed during the image forming operation allows the user to avoid accidentally touching the paper stacking tray 7 on which the recording paper is loaded during the image forming operation, i.e., when recording paper is being loaded on the paper stacking tray 7.

[0072] When the control device 105 detects by the human presence sensor 20 that a user has approached the device main body 1a to remove recording paper loaded in the paper loading tray 7, it drives the drive motor 16 to move the lifting cover 15 downward via the link 18, thereby fully opening the opening 8 of the paper loading tray 7.

[0073] In addition, when the control device 105 detects via the human presence sensor 20 that the user has moved away from the device main body 1a, it drives the drive motor 16 to move the lifting cover 15 upward via the link 18, thereby closing the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7.

[0074] As a result, when the image forming operation of the image forming device 1 is completed, the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7 is opened by the lifting cover, allowing the user to access and remove the recording paper stacked on the paper stacking tray 7.

[0075] In addition, when the control device 105 detects through the human presence sensor 20 that a user is approaching the device main body 1a, it drives the drive motor 16 to move the lifting cover 15 upward and prohibits the operation of closing the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7.

[0076] The other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] [Embodiment 3] An image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention is configured so that the predetermined timing is when a command to execute an image forming process on a recording medium is received.

[0078] Moreover, the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is provided with a display, and is configured to open the opening when a user issues an image forming processing command on the display.

[0079] 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a user interface 107 as an example of a display through which a user operates the image forming apparatus 1. By operating the user interface 107, the user performs operations such as reading an image of a document by the image reading device 2 and forming an image on a recording sheet.

[0080] When the user interface 107 is operated and the control device 105 receives a command to execute an image forming process on recording paper, the control device 105 drives the drive motor 16 to lower the lifting cover 15 and open the opening 8 of the paper stacking tray 7.

[0081] Therefore, the user can remove the recording paper stacked on the paper stacking tray 7 at any time.

[0082] The other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] In the above embodiment, a full-color image forming apparatus has been described, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to a full-color image forming apparatus and can be similarly applied to a monochrome image forming apparatus.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that any recording method such as an inkjet method may be used.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lifting cover 15 as an example of an opening / closing means is configured to move up and down along the vertical direction, but this is not limited to this, and the opening / closing means may also move horizontally to open and close the opening of the discharge section.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lift-up cover 15 as an example of an opening / closing means is described as opening and closing only the opening 8 located on the front of the paper stacking tray 7, but this is not limited to this, and the lift-up cover 15 may also open and close both the openings 8 and 9 located on the front and side of the paper stacking tray 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1...Image forming device 1a...Device body 2...Image reading device 3...Image forming unit 4...Paper supply unit 7...Paper stacking tray 8...Opening 13...Front cover 15...Lifting cover 16...Drive motor 18...Link 105...Control device

Claims

1. a stacking section on which recording media on which images have been formed are stacked; an opening / closing means for automatically opening and closing an opening located on at least one side of the loading section at a predetermined timing; Equipped with The predetermined timing is when the second detection means detects that the loading operation of the recording medium onto the loading section has been completed and that the user has approached the device main body to remove the recording medium loaded onto the loading section.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing unit opens and closes the opening by moving up and down via a link mechanism driven by a drive source.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the drive source is attached to the main body of the apparatus, and the opening / closing means is attached to an openable / closable cover of the main body of the apparatus, and the drive force of the drive source is transmitted to the opening / closing means of the cover via a pair of drive force transmission means that can be attached and detached.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first detecting means for detecting that the stacking operation of the recording medium has been completed.

5. An image forming device as described in claim 1, wherein the second detection means detects the distance between the device main body and the user.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body of the image forming apparatus is provided with an openable cover, and when the cover is open, the opening does not open or close.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the openable / closable cover is a front cover equipped with an opening / closing means for the opening.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loading section is provided inside a body of the apparatus main body.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the loading section is located on the front side of the apparatus body, which is the side that is used when a user operates the apparatus.

Images