Discharge device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To suppress a medium from dropping from an opening / closing part.SOLUTION: A discharge device comprises: a placement part on which a medium is placed and then returned to a main body; a loading part which is arranged below the placement part with a space provided between the placement part and the loading part and loaded with a medium discharged from the main body to the space in a discharge direction; a support part which is provided on the loading part and protrudes upward, and includes an inclined surface having an upward gradient toward a downstream side in the discharge direction, and supports the medium loaded on the loading part at an upper end of the inclined surface; and an opening / closing part which is fitted rotatably to a downstream part of the loading part in the discharge direction, and opened and closed between a closed position where the downstream part of the space in the discharge direction is closed and an open position where the downstream part is open and a part of the medium loaded on the loading part is loaded on the opening / closing part, wherein the loading surface at the opening position of the opening / closing part has an angle with respect to a horizontal is set to an angle at which a movement of the medium to the downstream side in the discharge direction is restricted so that a center of gravity of a longest medium loaded on the loading part and on the loading surface is located upstream in the discharge direction of a downstream end of the opening / closing part in the discharge direction, and an imaginary line drawn to an upper end from an upstream end of the inclined surface in the discharge direction extends along the loading surface of the opening / closing part at the open position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit provided with an image exposure unit and an image carrier, a transfer unit that transfers a toner image on the image carrier formed by the image forming unit to a transfer material, a fixing unit that fixes the toner image to the transfer material, a conveyance path that conveys the transfer material to a paper discharge stacking unit and / or a reversing unit, a paper discharge unit that discharges the transfer material to the paper discharge stacking unit, and a reversing unit that reverses the transfer material conveyed to the reversing unit. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that cooling means for cooling the paper discharge stacking unit is provided, and the reversing unit is provided above the paper discharge stacking unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As a discharging device for discharging a medium, after the medium discharged from the device main body is placed thereon, a placing portion for returning the medium to the device main body, and a stacking portion that has a space between the placing portion and is disposed below the placing portion, and on which the medium discharged from the device main body in a predetermined discharging direction into the space is stacked, are considered.

[0005] The discharge device may further include a support portion that is provided above the loading portion and protrudes upward from the loading portion, has an inclined surface having an upward slope toward the downstream in the discharge direction, and supports the medium loaded on the loading portion at the upper end of the inclined surface, and an opening / closing portion that has one end rotatably attached to the downstream portion of the loading portion in the discharge direction, and opens and closes between a closed position that closes the downstream portion in the space in the discharge direction and an open position that opens the downstream portion and loads a portion of the medium loaded on the loading portion.

[0006] Here, if the angle of the imaginary line drawn from the upstream end to the upper end in the discharge direction on the inclined surface of the support part is small relative to the horizontal, the movement of the medium discharged into the space downstream in the discharge direction is not restricted, and the medium may fall from the opening / closing part.

[0007] The present invention aims to suppress the falling of the media from the opening / closing section compared to the case where the imaginary line lies along a surface whose angle with respect to the horizontal is smaller than the angle with respect to the horizontal of the loading surface in the open position of the opening / closing section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first embodiment includes a loading section on which a medium discharged from the main body of the device is placed and on which the medium is returned to the main body of the device; a loading section positioned below the loading section with a space between it and the loading section, on which the medium discharged from the main body of the device into the space in a predetermined discharge direction is loaded; a support section provided on the loading section, projecting upward from the loading section, having an inclined surface with an upward slope toward the downstream in the discharge direction, and supporting the medium loaded on the loading section at the upper end of the inclined surface; and a support section with one end rotatably attached to the downstream part of the loading section in the discharge direction, in the space in the discharge direction The support comprises a closed position that closes the downstream portion and an open position that opens the downstream portion and loads a portion of the medium loaded on the loading section, wherein the loading surface of the open section in the open position is angled with respect to the horizontal such that the center of gravity of the medium with the maximum length loaded on the loading section and the loading surface is located upstream of the downstream end of the open section in the discharge direction, and a virtual line drawn from the upstream end to the upper end in the discharge direction on the inclined surface of the support portion follows the loading surface of the open section in the open position.

[0009] The second embodiment includes: a loading section on which a medium discharged from the main body of the device is placed and which is returned to the main body of the device; a loading section positioned below the loading section with a space between it and the loading section, on which a medium discharged from the main body of the device into the space in a predetermined discharge direction is loaded; a support section provided on the loading section, projecting upward from the loading section, and having an inclined surface with an upward slope downstream in the discharge direction, which supports the medium loaded in the loading section at the upper end of the inclined surface; and an opening / closing section, one end of which is rotatably attached to the downstream part of the loading section in the discharge direction, which opens and closes to a closed position that closes the downstream part of the space in the discharge direction and an open position that opens the downstream part and loads a portion of the medium loaded in the loading section, wherein the loading surface of the opening / closing section in the open position has an angle of 20 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal, and a virtual line drawn from the upstream end to the upper end of the inclined surface of the support section in the discharge direction follows the loading surface of the opening / closing section in the open position.

[0010] The third embodiment includes: a loading section on which a medium discharged from the main body of the device is placed and which is returned to the main body of the device; a loading section positioned below the loading section with a space between it and the loading section, on which a medium discharged from the main body of the device into the space in a predetermined discharge direction is loaded; a support section provided on the loading section, projecting upward from the loading section, and having an inclined surface having an upward slope downstream in the discharge direction, and supporting the medium loaded in the loading section at the upper end of the inclined surface; an opening / closing section, one end of which is rotatably attached to the downstream part of the loading section in the discharge direction, which opens and closes to a closed position that closes the downstream part of the space in the discharge direction and an open position that opens the downstream part and loads a portion of the medium loaded in the loading section; and an angle changing means for changing the angle of the opening / closing section.

[0011] In the fourth embodiment, in any one of the first to third embodiments, the angle of the loading surface of the opening / closing section in the open position is less than the angle at which the medium of the longest length rests on the loading surface at a position where it moves upward away from the upper end.

[0012] In the fifth embodiment, in any one of the first to third embodiments, the loading surface of the opening / closing section in the open position is set to have an angle of 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal.

[0013] In the sixth embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, the loading surface of the opening / closing section in the open position and the dashed line are set to have an angle of 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal.

[0014] In the seventh embodiment, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the support portion is positioned downstream in the discharge direction from the position where the leading edge of the medium discharged from the main body of the device into the space begins to contact the loading portion.

[0015] In the eighth embodiment, in any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the loading surface of the loading section has a first surface having an upward slope toward the downstream in the discharge direction, and a second surface positioned downstream of the first surface in the discharge direction and having an angle closer to horizontal than the inclined surface, and the support section is positioned downstream of the center of the second surface in the discharge direction.

[0016] In the ninth embodiment, in the seventh or eighth embodiment, the support portion is positioned upstream in the discharge direction from the contact position with the opening / closing portion located in the closed position.

[0017] In the tenth embodiment, in any one of the first to ninth embodiments, the height of the support portion relative to the loading surface of the loading portion is such that when the leading edge of the medium discharged from the main body of the device into the space comes into contact with the inclined surface, the leading edge of the medium rides up onto the upper edge of the inclined surface.

[0018] In the eleventh embodiment, in the tenth embodiment, the height of the support portion relative to the loading surface of the loading portion is greater than or equal to the height at which the leading edge of the medium comes into contact with the inclined surface when the medium is discharged to the position of the support portion in a state in which corrugation has occurred.

[0019] In the twelfth embodiment, in any one of the first to ninth embodiments, the height of the support portion relative to the loading surface of the loading portion is 30 mm or less.

[0020] In the 13th embodiment, as in the 12th embodiment, the height of the support portion relative to the loading surface of the loading portion is 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0021] The 14th embodiment includes, in any one of the 1st to 13th embodiments, a drive source for driving the opening and closing of the opening and closing section, and a modification section for changing the angle of the opening and closing section based on predetermined conditions.

[0022] The 15th aspect includes an image forming unit provided in the apparatus main body for forming an image on the medium, and a discharging device according to any one of the 1st to 14th aspects, in which the medium with an image formed on one side by the image forming unit is reversed by being placed on the placing portion, and the medium with images formed on both sides is placed on the stacking portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the configuration of the 1st aspect, the fall of the medium from the opening / closing portion is suppressed as compared with the case where the virtual line is along a surface whose angle with respect to the horizontal is smaller than the angle of the stacking surface with respect to the horizontal at the open position of the opening / closing portion.

[0024] According to the configuration of the 2nd aspect, the fall of the medium from the opening / closing portion is suppressed as compared with the case where the virtual line is along a surface whose angle with respect to the horizontal is smaller than the angle of the stacking surface with respect to the horizontal at the open position of the opening / closing portion.

[0025] According to the configuration of the 3rd aspect, versatility with respect to media types can be provided as compared with the case where the angle of the opening / closing portion is constant.

[0026] According to the configuration of the 4th aspect, the improper loading of the medium is suppressed as compared with the case where the angle of the stacking surface of the opening / closing portion with respect to the horizontal is less than the angle at which the stacking surface rides over the upper end of the inclined surface and away upward from the longest medium loaded on the stacking surface of the opening / closing portion.

[0027] According to the configuration of the 5th aspect, the fall of the medium from the opening / closing portion and the improper loading of the medium are suppressed as compared with the case where the angle of the stacking surface of the opening / closing portion with respect to the horizontal is outside the range of 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

[0028] According to the configuration of the 6th aspect, the fall of the medium from the opening / closing portion and the improper loading of the medium are suppressed as compared with the case where the angles of the stacking surface and the virtual line of the opening / closing portion with respect to the horizontal are outside the range of 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

[0029] According to the configuration of the seventh embodiment, compared to the case where the support part is positioned upstream in the discharge direction from the position where the leading edge of the medium discharged from the main body of the device into space begins to contact the loading part, improper loading of the medium is suppressed.

[0030] According to the configuration of the eighth embodiment, compared to the case where the support portion is positioned upstream of the discharge direction from the center in the discharge direction on the second surface, improper loading of the medium is suppressed.

[0031] According to the configuration of the ninth embodiment, interference of the support portion with the opening / closing portion is suppressed compared to the case where the support portion is positioned in contact with the opening / closing portion in the closed position.

[0032] According to the configuration of the tenth embodiment, the height of the loading section in the support section relative to the loading surface is greater than the height at which the leading edge of the medium being discharged from the main body of the device comes into contact with the inclined surface and rides up onto the upper edge of the inclined surface, thereby suppressing improper loading of the medium.

[0033] According to the configuration of the 11th embodiment, the height of the loading portion in the support portion relative to the loading surface is such that, compared to the case where the height is less than the height at which the leading edge of the medium comes into contact with the inclined surface when the medium is discharged to the position of the support portion while corrugated, the falling of the medium from the opening / closing portion is suppressed.

[0034] According to the configuration of the 12th embodiment, the height of the loading section in the support section relative to the loading surface is greater than in the case where the height exceeds 30 mm, thus suppressing improper loading of the media.

[0035] According to the configuration of the 13th embodiment, compared to the case where the height of the loading section in the support section relative to the loading surface is outside the range of 15 mm to 30 mm, the dropping of media from the opening / closing section and improper loading of media are suppressed.

[0036] According to the configuration of the 14th embodiment, compared to the case where the angle of the opening and closing part is constant, the dropping of the media from the opening and closing part and the improper loading of the media are suppressed.

[0037] According to the configuration of the 15th embodiment, compared to the case where the imaginary line follows a surface whose angle with respect to the horizontal is smaller than the angle with respect to the horizontal of the loading surface in the open position of the opening / closing part, the risk of the medium with images formed on both sides falling from the opening / closing part is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the discharge device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which recording media are loaded in the discharge device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the discharge device according to this embodiment in a closed state. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a state where corrugation has occurred in a recording medium. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (Image forming apparatus 10) The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will now be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0040] In the diagram, the arrow UP indicates the upper part of the device (specifically, vertically upward), and the arrow DO indicates the lower part of the device (specifically, vertically downward). The arrow LH indicates the left side of the device, and the arrow RH indicates the right side. The arrow FR indicates the front of the device, and the arrow RR indicates the rear of the device. These directions are defined for explanatory purposes only, and the device configuration is not limited to these directions. Note that the term "device" may be omitted in each direction of the device. For example, "upper part of the device" may simply be referred to as "upper."

[0041] Furthermore, in the following explanations, "up and down direction" may be used to mean "both upward and downward" or "either upward or downward." "Left and right direction" may be used to mean "both right and left" or "either right or left." Note that "left and right direction" can also be called lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. "Front and back direction" may be used to mean "both forward and backward" or "either forward or backward." Note that "front and back direction" can also be called lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. In addition, the up and down direction, left and right direction, and front and back direction are directions that intersect each other (specifically, orthogonal directions).

[0042] Furthermore, the symbol with a "×" inside a "○" in the diagram represents an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. Also, the symbol with a "·" inside a "○" in the diagram represents an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page.

[0043] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1 is an image forming apparatus. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 comprises an image forming apparatus body 11, a storage section 12, a transport section 13, an image forming section 14, and a discharge device 90. The parts of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below.

[0044] (Image forming apparatus main body 11) The image forming apparatus body 11 shown in Figure 1 is an example of the apparatus body, and is the part in which each component of the image forming apparatus 10 is provided. Specifically, the image forming apparatus body 11 has a housing 11A that accommodates each component of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0045] In this embodiment, the storage unit 12, the transport unit 13, and the image forming unit 14 are arranged inside the main body of the image forming apparatus 11 (specifically, the housing 11A). The discharge device 90 is also arranged above the main body of the image forming apparatus 11 (specifically, the housing 11A).

[0046] (Storage section 12) The storage section 12 is the part of the image forming apparatus 10 that houses the recording medium P. The recording medium P housed in this storage section 12 is supplied to the image forming section 14. The recording medium P housed in the storage section 12 is an example of a medium, and is the object on which an image is formed by the image forming section 14. Examples of recording medium P include paper and film. Examples of film include resin film and metal film. However, the recording medium P is not limited to those mentioned above, and various recording media can be used.

[0047] (Conveying section 13) The transport unit 13 is a component in the image forming apparatus 10 that transports the recording medium P. Specifically, the transport unit 13 has the function of transporting the recording medium P stored in the storage unit 12 to the image forming unit 14, the function of transporting the recording medium P on which an image has been formed in the image forming unit 14 to the loading unit 40 of the discharge device 90 (described later), and the function of inverting the recording medium P on which an image has been formed on one side in the image forming unit 14 and transporting it back to the image forming unit 14.

[0048] The transport unit 13 has transport members 13A, 15A, 17A, 18A, 18B, 18C, and 19A, which are composed of multiple transport rolls or the like. In the transport unit 13, the transport members 13A and 15A transport the recording medium P housed in the storage unit 12 to the image forming unit 14.

[0049] Furthermore, in the transport unit 13, transport members 17A, 18B, 18C, 19A, and 15A invert the recording medium P, on which an image has been formed on one side in the image forming unit 14, and transport it back to the image forming unit 14. At this time, the transport unit 13 uses transport members 18B and 18C, which are rotating in reverse (specifically, clockwise in Figure 1), to discharge the recording medium P from the image forming apparatus body 11 to the loading section 30 of the discharge device 90 (described later) and place it on the loading section 30. Then, the transport members 18B and 18C, which are rotating in the forward direction, return the recording medium P to the image forming apparatus body 11. Finally, transport members 19A and 15A transport the recording medium P that has been returned to the image forming apparatus body 11 to the image forming unit 14. As a result, the recording medium P is transported to the image forming unit 14 with its front and back sides reversed.

[0050] Furthermore, in the transport unit 13, transport members 17A, 18A, and 18B transport the recording medium P, on which an image has been formed in the image forming unit 14, to the loading unit 40 of the discharge device 90, which will be described later. At this time, the transport unit 13 uses transport members 18B and 18A, which rotate in the forward direction (specifically, in the counterclockwise direction in Figure 1), to discharge the recording medium P from inside the main body of the image forming apparatus 11 to the loading unit 40 of the discharge device 90, which will be described later.

[0051] (Image forming unit 14) The image forming unit 14 shown in Figure 1 has the function of forming an image on the recording medium P. Specifically, the image forming unit 14 forms a toner image (an example of an image) on the recording medium P, which is transported by the transport unit 13 (specifically, transport members 13A, 15A, etc.), using an electrophotographic method. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the image forming unit 14 has toner image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K (hereinafter referred to as 20Y to 20K), a transfer body 24, and a fixing unit 26.

[0052] In the image forming unit 14, each toner image forming unit 20Y to 20K performs the processes of charging, exposure, development, and transfer to form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) on the transfer body 24. Furthermore, the image forming unit 14 transfers the toner images of each color formed on the transfer body 24 to the recording medium P, and the toner images are fixed to the recording medium P by the fixing unit 26. In this way, the image forming unit 14 uses an intermediate transfer method in which the image is transferred to the recording medium P via the transfer body 24.

[0053] (Discharge device 90) The ejection device 90 shown in Figure 1 is a device that ejects the recording medium P from the image forming apparatus body 11. This ejection device 90 constitutes the upper part of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, the ejection device 90 is located on the upper side of the image forming apparatus body 11 (housing 11A).

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the discharge device 90 includes a mounting section 30, a stacking section 40, a support section 50, an opening / closing section 60, a drive source 69, and a modification section 70 (see Figure 2). In the discharge device 90, recording media P on which images have been formed by the image forming section 14 are stacked on the stacking section 40. When images are formed on both sides of the recording media P, the recording media P on which a toner image has been formed on one side by the image forming section 14 is placed on the mounting section 30 and inverted, and the recording media P on which a toner image has been formed on the other side by the image forming section 14 is stacked on the stacking section 40. The individual parts of the discharge device 90 will be described below.

[0055] (Mounting section 30) The mounting section 30 shown in Figure 1 is a component on which the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 is placed, and on which the recording medium P is returned to the image forming apparatus body 11. As shown in Figure 1, the mounting section 30 constitutes the upper part of the discharge device 90. The mounting section 30 is located above the image forming apparatus body 11 (housing 11A) and at a distance from the image forming apparatus body 11 (housing 11A).

[0056] The mounting section 30 extends in the left-right and front-back directions and is formed of a plate material with the thickness direction in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 2. The upper surface of the mounting section 30 extends in the left-right and front-back directions and functions as a mounting surface 35 on which the recording medium P is placed. A rear wall 32 is positioned on the rear side of the mounting section 30.

[0057] (Loading section 40) As shown in Figure 1, the loading section 40 is positioned below the mounting section 30, with a space 44 between it and the mounting section 30. The recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 in a predetermined discharge direction (hereinafter referred to as the media discharge direction) is loaded onto this loading section 40. In this embodiment, the media discharge direction is to the right. Therefore, the downstream side of the media discharge direction is the right side, and the upstream side of the media discharge direction is the left side.

[0058] The loading section 40 is located on the upper side of the image forming apparatus body 11 (housing 11A). In other words, the loading section 40 is located between the mounting section 30 and the image forming apparatus body 11 (housing 11A).

[0059] The loading section 40 extends in the left-right and front-back directions and is formed of a plate material with the thickness direction in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 2. The upper surface of the loading section 40 extends in the left-right and front-back directions and functions as a loading surface 45 on which the recording medium P is loaded. This loading surface 45 has an inclined surface 45A and a horizontal surface 45B.

[0060] The inclined surface 45A is an example of the first surface and has an upward slope downstream in the media discharge direction. That is, the inclined surface 45A is inclined diagonally upward to the right.

[0061] The horizontal surface 45B is an example of a second surface and is located downstream of the inclined surface 45A in the media discharge direction. The horizontal surface 45B has an angle that is closer to horizontal than that of the inclined surface 45A. In this embodiment, the horizontal surface 45B is composed of a horizontal surface extending in the horizontal direction.

[0062] If protrusions such as ribs are formed on the loading surface 45, the loading surface may be considered as a virtual surface connecting the upper ends of the protrusions.

[0063] In the loading section 40, a rear wall 42 is positioned on the rear side relative to the space 44. Furthermore, an upstream wall 43 is positioned on the upstream side (specifically, the left side) in the media discharge direction relative to the space 44. Thus, the space 44 is closed on the rear side and the upstream side (specifically, the left side) in the media discharge direction, and open on the front side and the downstream side (specifically, the right side) in the media discharge direction. The space 44 is opened and closed by an opening / closing section 60 on the downstream side (specifically, the right side) in the media discharge direction, as described later. Therefore, in this embodiment, the recording medium P loaded in the loading section 40 can be removed from the downstream side (specifically, the right side) in the media discharge direction when the opening / closing section 60 is open. The recording medium P loaded in the loading section 40 can also be removed from the front side.

[0064] (Support part 50) As shown in Figure 2, the support portion 50 is provided on the loading portion 40, protruding upward from the loading portion 40. This support portion 50 has an inclined surface 52 that slopes upward toward the downstream direction of media discharge, and as shown in Figure 3, it supports the recording medium P loaded on the loading portion 40 at the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52. The inclined surface 52 functions as a guide surface that guides the recording medium P toward the downstream direction of media discharge. In a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the media discharge direction (specifically, the front-to-back direction), the inclined surface 52 has a curved surface that is concave toward the downstream side of the media discharge direction, and the recording medium P makes line contact with it.

[0065] Specifically, the support portion 50 is formed in a roughly triangular shape in the cross-sectional view. More specifically, the support portion 50 is formed in a roughly right-angled triangle with the inclined surface 52 as the hypotenuse and the downstream surface 53 facing the downstream side in the media discharge direction as the shorter side.

[0066] (Opening / closing section 60) As shown in Figure 2, the opening / closing section 60 is rotatably attached at one end to the downstream portion of the loading section 40 in the media discharge direction. By rotating around a rotation axis along the front-rear direction, the opening / closing section 60 opens to a closed position (shown in Figure 4) that closes the downstream portion 44A in the media discharge direction of the space 44, and to an open position (shown in Figure 2) that opens the downstream portion 44A, allowing a portion of the recording medium P loaded in the loading section 40 to be loaded.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, the opening / closing section 60 is in the open position, and the recording medium P loaded on the loading section 40 is loaded onto it. The inner surface (left side) of the opening / closing section 60 becomes the loading surface 62 on which the recording medium P is loaded. A portion of the recording medium P loaded on the loading section 40 (specifically, the portion on the downstream side in the media discharge direction) is loaded onto the loading surface 62.

[0068] (Drive source 69 and modification unit 70) The drive source 69 and the modification unit 70 are examples of angle changing means. The drive source 69 drives the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit 60. In this embodiment, the drive source 69 is composed of a stepping motor whose drive is controlled by pulse control, for example. The driving force of the drive source 69 is transmitted to the shaft portion 65 of the opening / closing unit 60 by a transmission mechanism 71 having mechanical elements such as gears. The drive source 69 opens and closes the opening / closing unit 60 by reversing forward and reverse direction by pulse control by the modification unit 70. Note that the drive source 69 is not limited to a stepping motor, and various other drive sources such as other motors (for example, DC motors and servo motors) can be used.

[0069] The modification unit 70 is a component that changes the angle of the opening / closing unit 60 (specifically, the angle in the open position) based on predetermined conditions. Specifically, the modification unit 70 is composed of a control device that controls the drive of the drive source 69. The control device includes, for example, a processor and storage for various programs such as control programs and various data. In the control device, the processor functions as the modification unit 70 by executing the control program.

[0070] The predetermined conditions for changing the angle of the opening / closing section 60 include the type of recording medium P (specifically, whether or not it is coated paper), the thickness of the recording medium P, the size of the recording medium P (specifically, the width of the recording medium P (i.e., the dimension in the front-to-back direction)), and the environment of the image forming apparatus 10 (specifically, temperature and humidity, etc.).

[0071] The modification section 70, for example, sets the angle of the opening / closing section 60 to a relatively high angle (an angle close to vertical) when the recording medium P is made of cardboard, and sets the angle of the opening / closing section 60 to a relatively low angle (an angle close to horizontal) when the recording medium P is made of thin paper.

[0072] (Angles between the loading surface 62 of the opening / closing section 60 and the inclined surface 52 of the support section 50) In the open position of the opening / closing section 60, the loading surface 62 has an angle θ1 with respect to the horizontal (see Figure 2) that restricts the downstream movement of the recording medium P in the media discharge direction so that the center of gravity of the longest recording medium P loaded on the loading section 40 and the loading surface 62 is located upstream of the downstream end in the media discharge direction of the opening / closing section 60.

[0073] The longest recording medium P is the recording medium P that has the longest dimension along the transport direction among the recording medium P that can be image-formed (transported) in the image forming apparatus 10. In this embodiment, for example, a plain paper of A3 size (420 mm) is used as the longest recording medium P. Plain paper is defined as paper without a coating layer and with a basis weight of 50 g / m². 2 More than 100g / m 2 The following is the form.

[0074] In this embodiment, the angle θ1 is set, for example, within a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees, and the closer the angle θ1 is to 90 degrees from 0 degrees, the more the downstream movement of the recording medium P in the medium discharge direction is restricted.

[0075] Furthermore, in the open position of the opening / closing section 60, the angle θ1 of the loading surface 62 is less than the angle at which the longest recording medium P (specifically, for example, A3 plain paper) rides onto the loading surface 62 at a position where it moves upward away from the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 of the support section 50. Note that the closer the angle θ1 is to 90 degrees from 0 degrees, the higher the recording medium P is lifted when it rides onto the loading surface 62, making it easier for it to move upward away from the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 of the support section 50.

[0076] In this embodiment, more specifically, the angle θ1 is set to, for example, 20 degrees or more. Furthermore, the angle θ1 is set to 40 degrees or less. That is, in this embodiment, the angle θ1 is set to, for example, 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

[0077] A virtual line 59 (see Figure 2) drawn from the upstream end to the upper end in the media discharge direction on the inclined surface 52 of the support section 50 follows the loading surface 62 in the open position of the opening / closing section 60. "The virtual line 59 follows the loading surface 62" means that the angle θ2 of the virtual line 59 with respect to the horizontal is the same as the angle θ1 on the loading surface 62, as well as having an angle difference within a range of ±5 degrees.

[0078] Specifically, the angle θ2 of the virtual line 59 with respect to the horizontal is set to, for example, 20 degrees or more. Furthermore, the angle θ2 is set to 40 degrees or less. In other words, in this embodiment, the angle θ2 is set to, for example, 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

[0079] (Position of support part 50) The support section 50 is positioned downstream in the media discharge direction from the starting position 40S (see Figure 2) where the leading edge of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 begins to contact the loading section 40.

[0080] Specifically, when a sheet of plain paper of the largest size (specifically, A3 size) as the recording medium P is discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44, the support portion 50 is positioned downstream in the media discharge direction from the starting position 40S at which the leading edge of the plain paper begins to contact the stacking portion 40. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the support portion 50 is positioned downstream in the media discharge direction from the starting position 40S at which the leading edges of plain paper of all sizes capable of image formation (transport) begin to contact the stacking portion 40.

[0081] In other words, in this embodiment, the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 is configured such that its leading edge first contacts the loading surface 45 of the loading section 40 on the upstream side in the media discharge direction relative to the support section 50, rather than the support section 50.

[0082] Specifically, the support portion 50 is positioned downstream of the center 40C (see Figure 2) in the medium discharge direction on the horizontal plane 45B of the loading portion 40. That is, it is positioned either at the upstream end of the support portion 50 in the medium discharge direction or downstream of the center 40C in the medium discharge direction. In Figure 2, the range of the horizontal plane 45B of the loading portion 40 is indicated by reference numeral 452.

[0083] Furthermore, the support portion 50 is positioned upstream in the media discharge direction from the contact point with the opening / closing portion 60, which is in the closed position (the position shown in Figure 4). In other words, the support portion 50 is positioned such that there is a gap between the downstream end of the support portion 50 in the media discharge direction and the opening / closing portion 60, which is in the closed position (the position shown in Figure 4).

[0084] (Height of support section 50) The height 50H of the support section 50 relative to the loading surface 45 of the loading section 40 (specifically, the horizontal surface 45B) (hereinafter simply referred to as height 50H) is set to be less than or equal to the height at which the tip of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 comes into contact with the inclined surface 52, causing the tip to ride up onto the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52.

[0085] The height 50H of the support portion 50 is set to be greater than or equal to the height at which the tip of the recording medium P comes into contact with the inclined surface 52 when the recording medium P is ejected to the position of the support portion 50 in a corrugated state.

[0086] Corrugation of the recording medium P refers to a state in which the recording medium P is wavy in the front-to-back direction, as shown in Figure 5. When the recording medium P is corrugated, its leading edge does not droop, and it is discharged in the direction of media discharge while maintaining an orientation aligned with the media discharge direction.

[0087] In this embodiment, the height 50H of the support portion 50 is, for example, 30 mm or less. Specifically, the height 50H of the support portion 50 is, for example, 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0088] (Effect according to this embodiment) In this embodiment, the loading surface 62 in the open position of the opening / closing section 60 has an angle θ1 (see Figure 2) with respect to the horizontal that restricts the downstream movement of the recording medium P in the media discharge direction so that the center of gravity of the longest recording medium P loaded on the loading section 40 and the loading surface 62 is located upstream of the downstream end in the media discharge direction of the opening / closing section 60. Specifically in this embodiment, the angle θ1 is set to, for example, 20 degrees or more.

[0089] Furthermore, the imaginary line 59 (see Figure 2) drawn from the upstream end to the upper end in the media discharge direction on the inclined surface 52 of the support section 50 follows the loading surface 62 when the opening / closing section 60 is in the open position.

[0090] In this case, when the imaginary line 59 lies along a plane whose angle with respect to the horizontal is smaller than angle θ1 (hereinafter referred to as form A), the recording medium P is more likely to go over the support part 50, and the recording medium P already loaded on the support part 50 is more likely to move in the media discharge direction as it is pushed in the media discharge direction by the recording medium P that is discharged next. For this reason, the recording medium P is more likely to fall out of the opening / closing part 60.

[0091] In contrast, in this embodiment, the imaginary line 59 (see Figure 2) drawn from the upstream end to the upper end in the media discharge direction on the inclined surface 52 of the support portion 50 follows the loading surface 62 in the open position of the opening / closing portion 60. Therefore, compared to embodiment A, the falling of the recording medium P from the opening / closing portion 60 is suppressed. Consequently, the falling of the recording medium P from the opening / closing portion 60 is suppressed, for example, when images are formed on both sides in the image forming portion 14.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle θ1 of the loading surface 62 in the open position of the opening / closing section 60 is less than the angle at which the maximum length recording medium P (specifically, for example, A3 plain paper) rides onto the loading surface 62 at a position where it moves upward away from the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 of the support section 50.

[0093] Therefore, compared to the case where the angle θ1 is greater than or equal to the angle at which the maximum length recording medium P rides onto the loading surface 62 at a position where it is separated upward from the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 of the support portion 50, the recording medium P is less likely to be separated from the upper end 52A of the support portion 50, and improper loading of the recording medium P is suppressed.

[0094] In this embodiment, specifically, the angle θ1 is set to, for example, 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less. If the angle θ1 is less than 20 degrees, the recording medium P is likely to move downstream in the media discharge direction on the loading surface 62 of the opening / closing section 60 and is likely to fall from the opening / closing section 60. Also, if the angle θ1 exceeds 40 degrees, the recording medium P is likely to ride up onto the loading surface 62 of the opening / closing section 60 and become separated from the upper end 52A of the support section 50, and the recording medium P may collide with the loading surface 62 and be damaged.

[0095] Therefore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, compared to the case where the angle θ1 is outside the range of 20 degrees to 40 degrees, the recording medium P falling from the opening / closing part 60 and improper loading of the recording medium P are suppressed.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, more specifically, in addition to angle θ1, angle θ2 is set to, for example, 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

[0097] If the angle θ2 is less than 20 degrees, the recording medium P is likely to go over the support part 50, and the recording medium P already loaded on the support part 50 is likely to move in the media discharge direction as it is pushed in the media discharge direction by the recording medium P discharged next. For this reason, the recording medium P is likely to fall from the opening / closing part 60. Also, if the angle θ2 exceeds 40 degrees, the recording medium P is likely to not rest on the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 of the support part 50 and will not be supported, and the recording medium P may collide with the inclined surface 52 and be damaged.

[0098] Therefore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, compared to the case where the angle θ2 is outside the range of 20 degrees to 40 degrees, the recording medium P falling from the opening / closing part 60 and improper loading of the recording medium P are suppressed.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support portion 50 is positioned downstream in the media discharge direction from the starting position 40S (see Figure 2) where the leading edge of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 begins to contact the loading portion 40.

[0100] In this case, if the support portion 50 is positioned upstream of the starting position 40S (see Figure 2) in the media discharge direction (hereinafter referred to as form B), the leading edge of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 may directly collide with the support portion 50, causing resistance to the transport of the recording medium P or damaging the recording medium P.

[0101] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the support portion 50 is positioned downstream in the media discharge direction from the starting position 40S (see Figure 2) where the leading edge of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 begins to contact the loading portion 40. Therefore, compared to embodiment B, loading defects of the recording medium P are suppressed.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support portion 50 is specifically positioned downstream in the media discharge direction from the center 40C (see Figure 2) in the media discharge direction on the horizontal plane 45B of the loading portion 40.

[0103] In this case, when the support portion 50 is positioned upstream of the central portion 40C (see Figure 2) in the media discharge direction (hereinafter referred to as form C), the leading edge of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 may directly collide with the support portion 50, causing resistance to the transport of the recording medium P or damaging the recording medium P.

[0104] In contrast, in this embodiment, the support portion 50 is positioned downstream in the media discharge direction from the center 40C (see Figure 2) in the media discharge direction on the horizontal plane 45B of the loading portion 40, so that loading defects of the recording medium P are suppressed compared to embodiment C.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support portion 50 is positioned upstream in the media discharge direction from the contact position with the opening / closing portion 60, which is located in the closed position (the position shown in Figure 4).

[0106] Therefore, interference between the support portion 50 and the opening / closing portion 60 is suppressed compared to the case where the support portion 50 is positioned in contact with the opening / closing portion 60 when it is in the closed position (the position shown in Figure 4).

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height 50H of the support portion 50 relative to the loading surface 45 of the loading portion 40 (specifically, the horizontal surface 45B) (hereinafter simply referred to as height 50H) is set to be less than or equal to the height at which the tip of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 comes into contact with the inclined surface 52, causing the tip to ride up onto the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52.

[0108] Therefore, the height 50H of the support portion 50 is greater than the height at which the tip of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 would ride up onto the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 when it comes into contact with the inclined surface 52, making it easier for the recording medium P to be supported on the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52, thereby suppressing improper loading of the recording medium P.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height 50H of the support portion 50 is set to be greater than or equal to the height at which the tip of the recording medium P comes into contact with the inclined surface 52 when the recording medium P is discharged to the position of the support portion 50 in a corrugated state.

[0110] Therefore, when the recording medium P is discharged to the position of the support portion 50 with the height 50H of the support portion 50 in a corrugated state, the height 50H of the support portion 50 is less than the height at which the tip of the recording medium P comes into contact with the inclined surface 52, compared to the case where the corrugation of the recording medium P is resolved and the recording medium P is restricted from moving further downstream in the media discharge direction than necessary. As a result, the recording medium P falling from the opening / closing portion 60 is suppressed.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height 50H of the support portion 50 is specifically set to, for example, 30 mm or less. If the height 50H exceeds 30 mm, the recording medium P is likely to not rest on the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 of the support portion 50 and will not be supported, and the recording medium P may collide with the inclined surface 52 and be damaged.

[0112] Therefore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, improper loading of the recording medium P is suppressed compared to the case where the height 50H exceeds 30 mm.

[0113] More specifically, the support section 50 has a height 50H of, for example, 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less. If the height 50H is less than 15 mm, the recording medium P is more likely to go over the support section 50, and the recording medium P already loaded on the support section 50 is more likely to move in the media discharge direction as it is pushed in the media discharge direction by the recording medium P discharged next. For this reason, the recording medium P is more likely to fall out of the opening / closing section 60.

[0114] Therefore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, compared to the case where the height 50H of the support portion 50 is outside the range of 15 mm to 30 mm, the recording medium P falling from the opening / closing portion 60 and improper loading of the recording medium P are suppressed.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle of the opening / closing section 60 can be changed by the drive source 69 and the modification section 70. Therefore, by changing the angle of the opening / closing section 60 according to the type of recording medium P, versatility can be achieved for various types of recording medium P.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the modification unit 70 changes the angle of the opening / closing unit 60 based on predetermined conditions. Therefore, the angle of the opening / closing unit 60 can be changed depending on the type of recording medium P (specifically, whether or not it is coated paper), the thickness of the recording medium P, the size of the recording medium P (specifically, the width of the recording medium P (i.e., the dimension in the front-to-back direction)), and the environment of the image forming apparatus 10 (specifically, temperature and humidity, etc.). As a result, compared to the case where the angle of the opening / closing unit 60 is constant, the risk of the recording medium P falling from the opening / closing unit 60 and improper loading of the recording medium P are suppressed.

[0117] (Modified version of discharge device 90) In this embodiment, the angle θ1 in the opening / closing section 60 was less than the angle at which the longest recording medium P rides onto the loading surface 62 at a position where it moves upward away from the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 of the support section 50, but it is not limited to this. For example, the angle θ1 may be greater than or equal to the angle at which the longest recording medium P rides onto the loading surface 62 at a position where it moves upward away from the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 of the support section 50.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle θ1 was, for example, set to 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less, but it is not limited to this. For example, the angle θ1 may be outside the range of 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to angle θ1, angle θ2 was set to, for example, 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less, but it is not limited to this. An angle θ2 may be outside the range of 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support portion 50 was positioned downstream in the media discharge direction from the starting position 40S (see Figure 2) where the leading edge of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 begins to contact the loading portion 40, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the support portion 50 may be positioned upstream in the media discharge direction from the starting position 40S (see Figure 2).

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support portion 50 was positioned downstream of the center 40C (see Figure 2) in the medium discharge direction on the horizontal plane 45B of the loading portion 40, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the support portion 50 may be positioned upstream of the center 40C (see Figure 2) in the medium discharge direction.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support portion 50 was positioned upstream in the media discharge direction from the contact position with the opening / closing portion 60, which is in the closed position (the position shown in Figure 4), but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the support portion 50 may be positioned at the contact position with the opening / closing portion 60, which is in the closed position (the position shown in Figure 4).

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height 50H of the support portion 50 relative to the loading surface 45 of the loading portion 40 (specifically, the horizontal surface 45B) (hereinafter simply referred to as height 50H) was set to be less than or equal to the height at which the tip of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 would ride up onto the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 when. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the height 50H of the support portion 50 may be set to be greater than the height at which the tip of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44 would ride up onto the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 when the tip of the recording medium P would ride up onto the upper end 52A of the inclined surface 52 when the tip of the recording medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus body 11 into the space 44

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height 50H of the support portion 50 was set to be greater than or equal to the height at which the tip of the recording medium P would contact the inclined surface 52 when the recording medium P was discharged to the position of the support portion 50 in a corrugated state, but this is not limited to this. For example, the height 50H of the support portion 50 may be less than the height at which the tip of the recording medium P would contact the inclined surface 52 when the recording medium P was discharged to the position of the support portion 50 in a corrugated state.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height 50H of the support portion 50 was set to, for example, 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less, but it is not limited to this. For example, the height 50H of the support portion 50 may be outside the range of 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the modification unit 70 is configured to change the angle of the opening / closing unit 60 based on predetermined conditions, but it is not limited to this. For example, the angle of the opening / closing unit 60 may be constant.

[0127] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a drive source 69 and a changing unit 70 were used as an example of the angle changing means, but the invention is not limited to this. The angle changing means may be, for example, a mechanism in which the angle of the opening / closing unit 60 can be changed manually, and which has a holding unit that holds the opening / closing unit 60 at the changed angle. An example of such a mechanism is a hinge with a stopper.

[0128] (Modified image forming unit 14) The image forming unit is not limited to the image forming unit 14 described above. For example, the image forming unit may use a direct transfer method in which each toner image forming unit 20Y to 20K forms a toner image directly on the recording medium P without going through the transfer body 24. Alternatively, the image forming unit may be an image forming unit that ejects ink onto the recording medium P to form an image, or any unit that has the function of forming an image on the recording medium P.

[0129] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the modified forms shown above may be combined in any way. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Image forming apparatus main unit 11A enclosure 12 Storage Unit 13 Conveying section 13A Conveying Member 14 Image forming unit 17A Conveying component 18A Conveying Member 18B Conveying Member 18C Conveyor Member 19A Conveying Member 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K Toner Image Forming Unit 24 Transfer material 26 Fixing section 30 Mounting section 32 Back wall 35 Mounting surface 40 degrees or higher 40 Loading section 40C center 40S starting position 42 Back wall 43 Upstream wall 44 Space 44A downstream 45 Loading surface 45A Slope 45B Horizontal surface 50 Support part 52 Slope 52A top end 53 Downstream side 59 Virtual Line 60 Opening / Closing Section 62 Loading surface 65 Shaft 69 Power source 70 Changes 71 Transmission mechanism 90 Ejector P recording medium

Claims

1. A loading section on which the medium discharged from the main body of the device is placed, and on which the medium is returned to the main body of the device, A loading section is positioned below the aforementioned loading section, with a space between it and the loading section, and the medium discharged from the main body of the device into the space in a predetermined discharge direction is loaded onto it. A support portion is provided on the loading portion, protruding upward from the loading portion, having an inclined surface with an upward slope toward the downstream direction of discharge, and supporting the medium loaded on the loading portion at the upper end of the inclined surface, An opening / closing part, one end of which is rotatably attached to the downstream portion in the discharge direction of the loading section, is an opening / closing part that opens to a closed position that closes the downstream portion in the discharge direction of the space, and an open position that opens the downstream portion and allows a portion of the medium loaded in the loading section to be loaded, wherein the opening / closing part, when in the open position, discharges the medium from the main body of the device into the space, Equipped with, The loading surface of the opening / closing section in the open position is set to have an angle of 20 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal. The imaginary line drawn from the upstream end to the upper end in the discharge direction on the inclined surface of the support portion has an angle with respect to the horizontal that is within ±5 degrees of the angle with respect to the horizontal of the loading surface in the open position of the opening / closing portion. Ejection device.

2. Angle changing means for changing the angle of the opening and closing part, The discharge device according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The support portion is The leading edge of the medium discharged from the main body of the device into the space is positioned downstream in the discharge direction from the position where it begins to contact the loading section. The discharge device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The loading surface of the loading section is It has a first surface having an upward slope downstream in the discharge direction, and a second surface positioned downstream of the first surface in the discharge direction and having an angle closer to horizontal than the inclined surface, The aforementioned support portion is It is positioned downstream of the center of the discharge direction on the second surface. The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The support portion is, The opening / closing section located in the closed position is positioned upstream in the discharge direction from the portion corresponding to the loading surface of the opening / closing section located in the open position. The discharge device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The support portion is The height of the loading section relative to the loading surface is It is said to be 30 mm or less. The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The support portion is The height of the loading section relative to the loading surface is The size is considered to be between 15 mm and 30 mm. The discharge device according to claim 6.

8. The main body of the apparatus is provided with an image forming unit that forms an image on the medium, A discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a medium on which an image has been formed on one side by the image forming unit is placed on the loading unit and inverted so that a medium on which an image has been formed on both sides is loaded onto the loading unit, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

Images