JP4816735B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile or a copying machine is known in which an image reading device for reading an image written on a document is mounted on an upper portion of an image forming apparatus main body.
As an image forming apparatus of this type, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 3205734 (Patent Document 1), as shown in FIG. 21, a main body 151 of an image forming apparatus and an ADF ( An image forming apparatus 150 including an (auto document feeder) apparatus 152 has been proposed.

  In the image forming apparatus 150, a transfer paper discharge unit 153 is provided on the upper portion of the main body 151, that is, in the intermediate portion in the depth direction between the main body 151 and the ADF device 152.

Japanese Patent No. 3205734

  However, in the image forming apparatus 150 described in Japanese Patent No. 3205734 (Patent Document 1), as shown in FIG. 22, the transfer paper discharge unit 153 receives the transfer paper discharged from the paper discharge roller 154. Immediately exposed to the side. Therefore, at the time of double-sided printing in which images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the user may accidentally take out the transfer paper once sent to the discharge unit 153 at the time of transfer. That is, at the time of double-sided printing, the transfer paper having an image formed on one side is temporarily sent to the transfer paper discharge unit 153 and pulled back again to reverse the front and back of the transfer paper, but the paper is discharged from the paper discharge roller 154. In the configuration in which the transfer paper is immediately exposed to the side, the downstream end in the discharge direction of the transferred transfer paper is exposed, so that the user can use the transfer paper without forming an image on the other side. There is a risk of accidental removal.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium in which a discharge portion is provided between the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus main body without forming an image on the other surface of the recording medium during double-sided printing. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent the image from being taken out.

To achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 forms an image on a recording medium based on an image reading device for reading an image described in a document and image information read by the image reading device. A possible image forming apparatus main body, a discharge unit that is provided between the image forming apparatus main body and the image reading device, and discharges a recording medium on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus main body, and the discharge unit And a discharge tray provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus and provided in the discharge unit. The discharge tray is provided in the discharge unit. towards along said side walls and a paper discharge roller for discharging the front side from the back side of the image forming apparatus main body, most recording medium at the downstream edge of the recording medium discharge direction of the side wall The downstream edge of the unit in the recording medium discharge direction is positioned immediately above or downstream in the recording medium discharge direction with respect to the portion positioned on the upstream side in the output direction. A double-sided printing unit configured to form an image on both sides of the medium, wherein the double-sided printing unit is configured to discharge the recording medium on which the image is formed on one side, the discharge unit provided in the discharge unit by the discharge roller; The double-sided printing unit is configured to reverse the front and back of the recording medium by temporarily sending it out to a paper tray and pulling it back again with the paper discharge roller. When the recording medium is once sent out by the recording medium, the recording medium on the side wall is disposed on the downstream side in the recording medium discharge direction from the downstream end portion in the recording medium discharge direction of the sent recording medium. A downstream end portion in the direction out is characterized in that it is arranged.

According to such a configuration, the discharge unit is provided with side walls that face each other with the discharged recording medium interposed therebetween, so that the image reading apparatus is supported by the side walls. In the middle of double-sided printing, even if a recording medium having an image formed on one surface is once sent to a paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit , the downstream end of the sent recording medium in the recording medium discharge direction Since the downstream end of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction is arranged downstream of the recording medium in the recording medium discharge direction, the user mistakenly inserts the recording medium without forming an image on the other surface. It can prevent taking out. Therefore, reliable double-sided printing can be ensured and operability can be improved.

The invention described in 請 Motomeko 2 is the invention according to claim 1, on the downstream side of the recording medium discharge direction of the at least one of said side walls, formed concave as recessed toward the upstream side in the recording medium ejecting direction When the recording medium of the maximum size that can be printed on both sides by the double-sided printing unit is once sent out by the double-sided printing unit, than the downstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the sent-out recording medium, The upstream end of the concave portion in the recording medium discharge direction is disposed downstream of the recording medium discharge direction.

  According to such a configuration, since the concave portion recessed toward the upstream side in the recording medium discharge direction is formed on the downstream side in the recording medium discharge direction of at least one of the side walls, the concave portion is discharged. The recorded medium can be easily removed. In addition, since the side walls facing each other with the discharged recording medium interposed therebetween are provided, the rigidity of the apparatus can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the paper discharge roller is provided upstream of the center of gravity of the image forming apparatus in the recording medium discharge direction. The upstream end of the concave portion in the recording medium discharge direction is arranged downstream of the center of gravity of the apparatus in the recording medium discharge direction.

According to such a configuration, the paper discharge roller is provided on the upstream side in the recording medium discharge direction from the center of gravity of the image forming apparatus, and the upstream end portion in the recording medium discharge direction of the concave portion of the side wall is the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the image reading apparatus can be sufficiently supported by the side wall at the position where the recording medium is discharged. Therefore, it is possible to ensure sufficient rigidity while providing a discharge portion between the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus main body.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the second or third aspect , the image reading device includes a document table that is disposed above the image forming apparatus main body and from which a document is read. The upstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the concave portion is disposed downstream of the downstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the document table.

  According to such a configuration, the upstream end portion in the recording medium discharge direction of the concave portion of the side wall is disposed downstream in the recording medium discharge direction from the downstream end portion in the recording medium discharge direction of the document table. Sufficient rigidity for supporting the document table can be secured on the side wall. Therefore, even if the document table is strongly pressed by hand, damage to the apparatus can be prevented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any of the second to fourth aspects, the discharge unit is provided so as to be capable of being accommodated and expanded in the recording medium discharge direction, and the discharged recording medium is stopped. A stopper member, and an upstream end of the recess in the recording medium discharge direction is positioned downstream of the stopper member in the accommodated state in the recording medium discharge direction, and the stopper member in the unfolded state, It is characterized by being arranged so as to be located on the upstream side in the recording medium discharge direction.

  According to such a configuration, when the stopper member is in the accommodated state, that is, when the stopper member is not used, the upstream end of the concave portion of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction is downstream of the stopper member in the recording medium discharge direction. On the side, that is, on the front side, the upstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the concave portion of the side wall is arranged in front of the stopper member. Further, when the stopper member is in the expanded state, that is, when the stopper member is used, the upstream end of the concave portion of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction is upstream of the stopper member in the recording medium discharge direction, that is, the front side. The stopper member is disposed in front of the upstream end of the concave portion of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction. Therefore, the recording medium supported by the stopper member can be easily taken out from the side and the operability can be improved when the stopper member is used while securing the rigidity of the apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the image includes the side wall, is attached to a frame of the image forming apparatus main body, and supports the image reading apparatus. A reading device supporting member, and the image reading device supporting member has a protruding portion protruding in a left-right direction of the image forming apparatus main body with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. A gripping part for lifting the image forming apparatus is provided.

According to such a configuration, the image forming apparatus can be lifted and carried while holding the image reading apparatus by the image reading apparatus supporting member while holding the holding section provided on the protruding portion.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the frame of the image forming apparatus main body is made of resin, and the image reading device support member is made of resin.

  According to such a configuration, since the frame of the image forming apparatus main body and the image reading apparatus supporting member are both made of resin, one of the image forming apparatus main body and the image reading apparatus supporting member is made of metal and the other is made of metal. Compared with the case of being made of resin, the thermal expansion and the thermal contraction can be made closer to each other. Therefore, the rigidity of the apparatus can be improved by reducing the distortion of the image forming apparatus main body and the image reading apparatus supporting member at the mounting site where the image reading apparatus supporting member is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.

The invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 6 or 7 , the image reading device support member also serves as an outer wall of the discharge portion.
According to such a configuration, since the image reading device support member also serves as the outer wall of the discharge unit, it is possible to reduce the number of parts while ensuring the rigidity of the device.
The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein an operation panel for operating the image forming apparatus is provided above the discharge portion. The operation panel projects from the image forming apparatus main body to the downstream side in the recording medium discharge direction.

According to such a configuration, since the operation panel protrudes to the downstream side in the recording medium discharge direction from the image forming apparatus main body, the operation panel can be disposed at the foremost side on the front side, which improves operability. Can be planned.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the invention, the image forming apparatus main body includes a recording medium support unit that is provided on the front surface of the image forming apparatus main body so as to be accommodated and unfoldable and supports the recording medium. The downstream end portion of the operation panel in the recording medium discharge direction is positioned downstream of the storage medium support means in the accommodated state in the recording medium discharge direction, and more than the recording medium support means in the unfolded state. , And is arranged so as to be positioned upstream in the recording medium discharge direction.

  According to such a configuration, when the recording medium support unit is in the accommodated state, that is, when the recording medium support unit is not used, the downstream end of the operation panel in the recording medium discharge direction is more recording than the recording medium support unit. An operation panel is arranged in front of the recording medium support means on the downstream side in the medium discharge direction, that is, on the front side. Further, when the recording medium support means is in the unfolded state, that is, when the recording medium support means is used, the downstream end of the operation panel in the recording medium discharge direction is upstream of the recording medium support means in the recording medium discharge direction. That is, the recording medium support means is arranged in front of the operation panel on the front side. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of the recording medium support means when using the recording medium support means while ensuring the operability of the operation panel when the recording medium support means is not used.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the discharge portion includes a receiving surface for receiving the discharged recording medium, and the receiving surface is A projecting portion projecting downstream from the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction is provided, and the projecting portion is inclined downward.
According to such a configuration, since the protruding portion is inclined downward, the downstream side end portion of the discharged recording medium received on the receiving surface in the recording medium discharging direction is between the protruding portion. A gap can be formed. Therefore, it is possible to easily take out the recording medium by putting a hand from below the downstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the recording medium.

The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , the downstream end of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction is formed in a curved shape. Yes.
According to such a configuration, since the downstream end of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction is formed in a curved shape, the recording medium can be prevented from being caught by the side wall when the recording medium is taken out. Good removal of the medium can be ensured.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the operation panel support member that has the side wall, is attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and supports the operation panel is provided. The panel support member is formed with an operation panel side continuous portion formed so as to be continuous with a downstream end portion of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction.
According to such a configuration, since the downstream end portion of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction and the operation panel side continuous portion are formed continuously, when the recording medium is taken out, the operation panel side and the side wall It is possible to prevent the recording medium from being caught at the boundary. For this reason, it is possible to ensure good removal of the recording medium.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus main body according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus main body is formed so as to be continuous with a downstream end portion of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction. The main body side continuous part is formed.
According to such a configuration, the downstream end portion of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction and the main body side continuous portion are formed so as to be continuous. Therefore, when the recording medium is taken out, the image forming apparatus main body side and the side wall are removed. It is possible to prevent the recording medium from being caught at the boundary. For this reason, it is possible to ensure good removal of the recording medium.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the downstream side of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction is directed to both outer sides in a direction orthogonal to the recording medium discharge direction. It is characterized by having an inclined surface.
According to such a configuration, the downstream end portion of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction is formed with inclined surfaces that are inclined toward both outer sides. Therefore, when the recording medium is taken out, the recording medium is caught on the side wall. Can be prevented. In addition, such an inclined surface can improve the rigidity.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for reading an image described in a document, and an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording medium based on image information read by the image reading apparatus. A main body, a discharge unit that is provided between the image forming apparatus main body and the image reading device, and that discharges a recording medium on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus main body; and is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. A support member for supporting the image reading device, and the image forming apparatus main body provided on the image forming apparatus main body, the recording medium being directed along a side wall toward a paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit. and a back sheet discharge discharged to the front side from the side roller of the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a duplex printing means for forming an image on both sides of the recording medium, the double-sided printing unit The recording medium on which an image is formed on one surface, delivery once the discharge tray provided in the discharge section in said discharge roller by pulling back again by the sheet discharge roller, turning over of the recording medium When the recording medium of the maximum size that can be printed on both sides by the double-sided printing means is once sent out by the double-sided printing means, the downstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the sent-out recording medium The downstream end portion of the support member in the recording medium discharge direction is disposed downstream of the portion in the recording medium discharge direction.

According to such a configuration, the image reading apparatus is supported by the support member. In the middle of double-sided printing, even if a recording medium having an image formed on one surface is once sent to a paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit , the downstream end of the sent recording medium in the recording medium discharge direction Since the downstream end of the support member in the recording medium discharge direction is arranged downstream of the recording medium discharge direction, the user mistakenly records the recording medium without forming an image on the other surface. Can be prevented from being taken out. Therefore, reliable double-sided printing can be ensured and operability can be improved.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for reading an image described on a document, and an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording medium based on image information read by the image reading apparatus. A front side is provided between the main body and the image forming apparatus main body and the image reading apparatus provided so as to cover the main body, and a recording medium on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus main body is discharged. And a discharge unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and discharging the recording medium from the back side to the front side of the image forming apparatus main body along the side wall toward a paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit. and a paper discharge roller for the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a duplex printing means for forming an image on both sides of the recording medium, the double-sided printing unit, an image is formed on one surface The recording medium, once delivery to the paper ejection tray provided in the discharge section in said discharge roller by pulling back again by the discharge means is configured so as to invert the front and back of the recording medium, wherein the discharge unit Is a recording medium discharge direction so that the user does not take out the sent recording medium once the maximum size recording medium capable of duplex printing by the duplex printing means is once sent out by the duplex printing means. A downstream end portion is configured not to protrude from the paper discharge portion.

According to such a configuration, even when a recording medium having an image formed on one side is once sent to a paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit during double-sided printing, the recording medium discharged from the sent recording medium is discharged. Since the downstream end portion in the direction does not protrude from the paper discharge portion, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally taking out the recording medium without forming an image on the other surface. Therefore, reliable double-sided printing can be ensured and operability can be improved.

According to the invention described in claims 1, 16 and 17 , it is possible to ensure reliable double-sided printing and improve operability.
According to invention of Claim 2 , the improvement of the rigidity of an apparatus can be aimed at.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to ensure sufficient rigidity while providing a discharge portion between the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus main body.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, damage to the apparatus can be prevented even if the document table is strongly pressed by hand.
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the recording medium supported by the stopper member can be easily taken out from the side when the stopper member is used while ensuring the rigidity of the apparatus, and the operability is improved. Can be improved.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to carry the image forming apparatus while holding the image reading apparatus by the image reading apparatus supporting member and holding the holding section provided in the protruding portion.
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the rigidity of the apparatus is reduced by reducing the distortion of the image forming apparatus main body and the image reading apparatus supporting member at the mounting site where the image reading apparatus supporting member is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. Can be improved.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, since the image reading device support member also serves as the outer wall of the discharge portion, the number of parts can be reduced while ensuring the rigidity of the device.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the operation panel can be disposed closest to the front side, and the operability can be improved.
According to the invention described in claim 10 , the operability of the recording medium support means when the recording medium support means is used is improved while the operability of the operation panel is ensured when the recording medium support means is not used. Can do.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily take out the recording medium by placing a hand from below the downstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the recording medium.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from being caught on the side wall when the recording medium is taken out, and it is possible to ensure good taking out of the recording medium.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from being caught at the boundary between the operation panel side and the side wall, and to ensure a good removal of the recording medium.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from being caught at the boundary between the image forming apparatus main body side and the side wall, and to ensure good take-out of the recording medium.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the recording medium is taken out, the recording medium can be prevented from being caught on the side wall, and the rigidity can be improved.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a main part showing an embodiment of a printer body. It is a perspective view of the printer main body shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a state in which a joint cover is attached to the printer main body shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the rear left side. It is the perspective view which looked at the state which attaches a joint cover to the printer main body shown in FIG. 1 from the back right side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a state where a joint cover is attached to the printer main body shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the rear left side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a state in which the operation panel unit is mounted on the joint cover shown in FIG. 5 as viewed from the rear left side. It is the perspective view which looked at the state where the operation panel unit was attached to the joint cover shown in FIG. 5 from the rear left side. It is the perspective view which looked at the state which mounts an original stand in the joint cover shown in FIG. 7 from the back left side. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a state in which a document table is mounted on the joint cover shown in FIG. 7 as viewed from the rear left side. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a state in which a document table is mounted on the joint cover shown in FIG. 7 as viewed from the front right side. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a state where a document pressing cover is attached to the document table shown in FIG. 1 is a perspective view (a document pressing cover open state) showing a multifunction machine as an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view (a document holding cover closed state) showing a multifunction machine as an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a front view showing the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 13 (document holding cover closed state). FIG. 14 is a left side view of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 13 (document holding cover closed state). FIG. 14 is a right side view of the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 13 (document holding cover closed state). FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 13 (document holding cover closed state). It is a principal part right view which shows the operation panel unit of the multifunctional machine shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a main part of the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 13 (document holding cover closed state). FIG. 10 is a perspective view (document holding cover closed state) showing a multifunction machine as another embodiment (an aspect equipped with a manual feed tray) as an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the prior art example of a multifunctional device. FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 21.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
12 and 13 are perspective views showing a multi-function machine F that is an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. In this multifunction machine F, a printer body 1 as an image forming apparatus body is equipped with a flat bed type scanner unit 81 as an image reading unit, and has a print function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a network communication function, and the like. ing.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an essential part showing an embodiment of a printer main body 1. First, the printer main body 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 1, a printer main body 1 is configured as a laser printer, and a paper feed section 4 for feeding a paper 3 as a recording medium into a resin main body frame 2 and a fed paper 3 Are provided with an image forming unit 5 for forming an image, a paper discharge unit 6 for discharging the paper 3 on which the image is formed, and the like. In the following description, the side of the printer main body 1 on which the paper feed roller 8 is provided is referred to as the front side (front side), and the side on which the later-described fixing unit 28 is provided is referred to as the rear side (back side).

In the main body frame 2, the left frame to which the drive mechanism is attached is made of ABS (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer), and the right frame is made of PS (polystyrene). Further, the left frame and the right frame are formed of a resin not containing a reinforcing agent such as glass fiber.
The sheet feeding unit 4 includes a sheet feeding cassette 7, a sheet feeding roller 8 and a sheet feeding pad 9 provided above one end (front side) end of the sheet feeding cassette 7, and a sheet fed from the sheet feeding roller 8. 3 is provided with a paper feed path 10 for inverting 3 and transporting it to the rear side, and a paper dust removing roller 11 and a registration roller 12 facing the paper feed path 10.

The paper feed cassette 7 is formed in a box shape having an open top, and is detachably attached to the main body frame 2 of the printer main body 1 at the bottom of the main body frame 2 from the front side. A paper pressing plate 13 and a spring 14 are provided in the paper feeding cassette 7.
The paper pressing plate 13 can stack the papers 3 in a stacked manner, and is supported so as to be swingable at the end far from the paper feed roller 8, so that the near end moves up and down. It is possible. The spring 14 is provided so as to urge the back surface of the end portion of the paper pressing plate 13 closer to the paper feed roller 8 upward. Therefore, the sheet pressing plate 13 is swung downward against the urging force of the spring 14 with the end far from the sheet feeding roller 8 as a fulcrum as the amount of stacked sheets 3 increases.

The paper feed roller 8 and the paper feed pad 9 are disposed to face each other, and the paper feed pad 9 is pressed toward the paper feed roller 8 by a spring 15 provided on the back side of the paper feed pad 9.
After the uppermost sheet 3 on the sheet pressing plate 13 is pressed from the back side of the sheet pressing plate 13 toward the sheet feeding roller 8 by the spring 14 and is sandwiched between the sheet feeding roller 8 and the sheet feeding pad 9. By rotating the paper feed roller 8, the paper 3 is fed toward the paper feed path 10 while being separated one by one by the paper feed roller 8 and the paper feed pad 9.

The fed paper 3 is disposed above the paper feed roller 8 in the paper feed path 10, and after paper dust is removed by a paper dust removing roller 11 comprising a pair of rollers, Sent.
The registration roller 12 is composed of a pair of rollers, and conveys the sheet 3 to the image forming position (contact position between the photosensitive drum 37 and the transfer roller 39) after registration.

The paper feed unit 4 further includes a multi-purpose paper feed unit 21 that can stack and feed papers 3 of different sizes. That is, the printer main body 1 is provided with a front cover 16 on the front surface (front surface) of the main body frame 2, and the front cover 16 is provided with a multi-purpose paper feeding unit 21.
As shown in FIG. 12, the front cover 16 has a substantially box-like shape that is open at one side (side facing the front of the main body frame 2) that is shallow in a substantially rectangular shape in side view and a substantially rectangular shape in front view. None, the front wall 17, an upper side wall 18, a lower side wall 19, and two side walls 20 are integrally formed as protruding portions of the receiving surface described later.

The front cover 16 is rotatably supported by the main body frame 2 via a hinge (not shown) provided on the lower side wall 19 on the front surface of the main body frame 2, and as shown by an imaginary line in FIG. 18 is provided so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 2 by swinging in the front-rear direction (the discharge direction of the paper 3;
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the front cover 16 protrudes forward in the front-rear direction from a side cover 63 of the joint cover 61 described later in the side view, and the upper surface of the upper side wall 18 is In the direction from the side to the front side, it is formed in a shape that is inclined downward.

Further, the main body side continuous portion 22 that is continuous with the front end concave portion 66 of the side cover 63 of the joint cover 61 (described later) at both ends of the width direction of the upper side wall 18 (the direction orthogonal to the paper discharge direction of the paper 3). The front end recessed portion 66 is formed in a shape that is continuous with no step, and similarly to the front end recessed portion 66, a curved inclined surface is formed that is inclined rearward on both outer sides.
As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-purpose sheet feeding unit 21 includes a multi-purpose tray 23 serving as a recording medium support unit provided on the front wall 17 of the front cover 16 and the body frame 2 in the front cover 16. A multi-purpose-side paper feed roller 24 and a multi-purpose-side paper feed pad 25 that are rotatably supported at the front lower end portion are provided.

As shown in FIG. 12, the multipurpose tray 23 has a substantially rectangular plate shape when viewed from the front. As shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 1, the multipurpose tray 23 is connected to the front cover 16 via a hinge (not shown) provided at the lower end thereof. The front wall 17 is rotatably supported, and its upper end swings in the front-rear direction so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the front wall 17 of the front cover 16.
The multi-purpose-side paper feeding roller 24 and the multi-purpose-side paper-feeding pad 25 are disposed so as to face each other, and a multi-purpose-side paper feeding pad is provided by a spring (not shown) disposed on the back side of the multi-purpose-side paper feeding pad 25. 25 is pressed toward the multi-purpose-side paper feed roller 24. The paper 3 stacked on the multipurpose tray 23 in the unfolded state is sandwiched between the multipurpose paper feed roller 24 and the multipurpose paper feed pad 25 by the rotation of the multipurpose paper feed roller 24, and then 1 The paper is fed toward the paper feed path 10 while being separated for each sheet.

The image forming unit 5 includes a scanner unit 26, a process unit 27, a fixing unit 28, and the like.
The scanner unit 26 is provided in the upper part of the main body frame 2 and includes a laser light emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror 29 that is driven to rotate, lenses 30 and 31, reflecting mirrors 32, 33, and 34. The laser beam based on the image data emitted from the laser light emitting unit passes or reflects in the order of the polygon mirror 29, the lens 30, the reflecting mirrors 32 and 33, the lens 31, and the reflecting mirror 34, as indicated by the chain line, The surface of the photosensitive drum 37 of the unit 27 is irradiated by high-speed scanning.

  The process unit 27 is disposed below the scanner unit 26 and is installed in a drum cartridge 35 that is detachably attached to the main body frame 2, a developing cartridge 36, a photosensitive drum 37, a scorotron charger 38, and a transfer roller 39. Etc. The drum cartridge 35 can be attached to and detached from the main body frame 2 by opening and closing the front cover 16 provided on the front surface of the main body frame 2.

The developing cartridge 36 is detachably attached to the drum cartridge 35, and includes a developing roller 40, a layer thickness regulating blade 41, a supply roller 42, a toner hopper 43, and the like.
The toner hopper 43 is filled with positively charged non-magnetic one-component toner as a developer. Examples of the toner include polymerizable monomers such as styrene monomers such as styrene, and acrylic monomers such as acrylic acid, alkyl (C1 to C4) acrylate, and alkyl (C1 to C4) methacrylate. Polymerized toners obtained by copolymerization by a known polymerization method such as suspension polymerization are used. Such a polymerized toner has a substantially spherical shape, has extremely good fluidity, and can achieve high-quality image formation.

Such a toner is blended with a colorant such as carbon black, wax, and the like, and an additive such as silica is added to improve fluidity. The particle diameter is about 6 to 10 μm.
The toner in the toner hopper 43 is agitated by the rotation of the agitator 45 supported by the rotation shaft 44 provided at the center of the toner hopper 43 in the arrow direction (clockwise direction), and the toner opened at the side of the toner hopper 43. It is discharged from the supply port 46.

A supply roller 42 is rotatably disposed at a side position of the toner supply port 46, and a developing roller 40 is rotatably disposed opposite the supply roller 42. The supply roller 42 and the developing roller 40 are in contact with each other in a state where each of them is compressed to some extent.
The supply roller 42 has a metal roller shaft covered with a roller made of a conductive foam material, and is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise).

  The developing roller 40 is a metal roller shaft covered with a roller made of a conductive rubber material, and is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise). More specifically, the roller of the developing roller 40 is coated with a coating layer of urethane rubber or silicone rubber containing fluorine on the surface of a roller body made of conductive urethane rubber or silicone rubber containing carbon fine particles. Has been. The developing roller 40 is configured to be applied with a developing bias.

  In addition, a layer thickness regulating blade 41 is disposed in the vicinity of the developing roller 40. This layer thickness regulating blade 41 is provided with a pressing portion having a semicircular cross section made of insulating silicone rubber at the tip of a blade body made of a metal leaf spring material. The pressing portion is configured to be pressed against the developing roller 40 by the elastic force of the blade body.

  The toner discharged from the toner supply port 46 is supplied to the developing roller 40 by the rotation of the supplying roller 42. At this time, the toner is positively frictionally charged between the supplying roller 42 and the developing roller 40, and further developed. The toner supplied onto the roller 40 enters between the pressing portion of the layer thickness regulating blade 41 and the developing roller 40 with the rotation of the developing roller 40, and forms a thin layer with a constant thickness on the developing roller 40. Supported.

The photosensitive drum 37 is supported by the drum cartridge 35 so as to be rotatable in the arrow direction (clockwise) in a state facing the developing roller 40 at a side position of the developing roller 40. The photosensitive drum 37 is formed of a positively chargeable photosensitive layer having a drum body grounded and a surface made of polycarbonate or the like.
The scorotron charger 38 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 37 so as not to contact the photosensitive drum 37 with a predetermined interval therebetween. The scorotron charger 38 is a positively charged scorotron charger that generates corona discharge from a charging wire such as tungsten, and is configured to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 37 to a positive polarity. ing.

The transfer roller 39 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 37 so as to face the photosensitive drum 37 and is supported by the drum cartridge 35 so as to be rotatable in an arrow direction (counterclockwise direction). The transfer roller 39 is configured such that a metal roller shaft is covered with a roller made of a conductive rubber material, and a transfer bias is applied during transfer.
The surface of the photosensitive drum 37 is first uniformly charged to a positive polarity by the scorotron charger 38 as the photosensitive drum 37 rotates, and then exposed by a laser beam from the scanner unit 26. Then, when the electrostatic latent image is formed and then faces the developing roller 40, the toner carried on the developing roller 40 and positively charged by the developing bias applied to the developing roller 40 is applied to the photosensitive drum 37. Of the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 37 when facing the surface, that is, the surface of the photosensitive drum 37 that is uniformly positively charged, the potential is lowered due to exposure by the laser beam. A toner image is formed by being supplied to and selectively carried on the exposed portion, thereby achieving reversal development.

Thereafter, the toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 37 is transferred to the sheet 3 by the transfer bias applied to the transfer roller 39 while the sheet 3 passes between the photosensitive drum 37 and the transfer roller 39. The
The fixing unit 28 is disposed on the side of the process unit 27 and on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet 3. The fixing roller 28 is a heating roller 47, a pressing roller 48 that presses the heating roller 47, and the heating roller 47 and the pressing roller. A pair of conveying rollers 49 provided on the downstream side of 48 are provided.

The heating roller 47 has a metal cylindrical shape, and includes a heater made of a halogen lamp, and is configured to be heated by the heater.
Further, the pressing roller 48 is rotated by being driven by the heating roller 47 in a state where the heating roller 47 is pressed.
In the fixing unit 28, the toner transferred on the paper 3 in the process unit 27 is thermally fixed while the paper 3 passes between the heating roller 47 and the pressing roller 48, and then the paper 3 is conveyed. A roller 49 conveys the paper to a paper discharge path 50 of the paper discharge unit 6.

The paper discharge unit 6 includes a paper discharge path 50, a paper discharge roller 51 as a discharge means, and a paper discharge tray 52 as a receiving surface. The paper discharge path 50 is configured as a path extending in the vertical direction from the transport roller 51 to the paper discharge roller 51 disposed above the transport roller 51.
The paper discharge tray 52 has a substantially rectangular plate shape in plan view, and the rear end portion is disposed in the middle in the vertical direction between the transport roller 51 and the paper discharge roller 51 and is inclined upward from the rear end portion toward the front side. The inclined plate portion 53 and the flat plate portion 54 formed in a substantially horizontal direction from the front end portion of the inclined plate portion 53 and having the front end portion opposed to the free end portion of the upper side wall 18 of the front cover 16 are continuously provided. It is integrally formed.

Further, the discharge tray 52 is provided with a stopper member 55 for stopping the discharged paper 3 on the flat plate portion 54.
That is, the flat plate portion 54 is formed with a substantially rectangular concave portion in plan view at a substantially central portion in the width direction, and a stopper member 55 is embedded in the concave portion. The stopper member 55 has a substantially rectangular plate shape in plan view, and is rotatably supported by the flat plate portion 54 via a hinge 56 provided at the front end portion thereof. 1, the stopper member 55 opens and closes with respect to the flat plate portion 54 by swinging the rear end portion in the front-rear direction with the hinge 56 provided at the front end portion as a fulcrum. In the unfolded state (the state indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 1), the sheet 3 to be discharged is arranged by being arranged so that the inclination angle toward the front upper side is larger than the inclined plate portion 53. Is prevented from falling from the front end of the paper feed tray 52.

The paper 3 sent to the paper discharge path 50 by the transport roller 49 is sent to the paper discharge roller 51, and the paper discharge roller 51 causes the paper discharge tray 52 to move from the rear side (rear side) to the front side (front side). The paper is discharged toward the side.
In addition, the printer main body 1 is provided with a reverse conveying unit 57 as a double-sided printing unit in order to form images on both sides of the paper 3. The reverse conveyance unit 57 includes a paper discharge roller 51, a reverse conveyance path 58, a flapper 59, and a plurality of reverse conveyance rollers 60.

The paper discharge roller 51 is composed of a pair of rollers and is configured to be able to switch between forward rotation and reverse rotation. As described above, the paper discharge roller 51 rotates in the forward direction when the paper 3 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 52, but rotates in the reverse direction when the paper 3 is reversed.
The reverse conveyance path 58 is configured as a path along the vertical direction so that the sheet 3 can be conveyed from the paper discharge roller 51 to a plurality of reverse conveyance rollers 60 disposed below the image forming unit 5. The upstream end is disposed near the paper discharge roller 51, and the downstream end is disposed near the reverse conveying roller 60.

The flapper 59 is provided so as to be able to swing so as to face a branch portion between the paper discharge path 50 and the reverse conveyance path 58, and the paper is reversed by the paper discharge roller 50 by excitation or non-excitation of a solenoid (not shown). 3 can be switched from the direction toward the paper discharge path 50 to the direction toward the reverse conveyance path 58.
A plurality of reverse conveyance rollers 60 are provided in a substantially horizontal direction above the paper feed cassette 7, and the most upstream reverse conveyance roller 60 is disposed near the rear end of the reverse conveyance path 58, and The most downstream reverse conveying roller 60 is provided so as to be disposed below the registration roller 12.

  When images are formed on both sides of the paper 3, the reverse conveying unit 57 is operated as follows. That is, when the sheet 3 having an image formed on one side is sent from the sheet discharge path 50 to the sheet discharge roller 51 by the transport roller 49, the sheet discharge roller 51 rotates forward with the sheet 3 interposed therebetween. Then, the paper 3 is once transported toward the outside (the paper discharge tray 52 side), most of the paper 3 is sent onto the paper discharge tray 52, and the rear end of the paper 3 is sandwiched between the paper discharge rollers 51. Sometimes, the forward rotation stops.

  Next, the paper discharge roller 51 rotates in the reverse direction, and the flapper 59 switches the transport direction so that the paper 3 is transported to the reverse transport path 58, and the paper 3 is moved to the reverse transport path 58 in the reverse direction. Transport it. When the conveyance of the paper 3 is completed, the flapper 59 is switched to the original state, that is, the state where the paper 3 sent from the conveyance roller 49 is sent to the paper discharge roller 51.

  Next, the sheet 3 conveyed in the reverse direction to the reverse conveyance path 58 is conveyed to the reverse conveyance roller 60, reversed from the reverse conveyance roller 60 in the upward direction, sent to the paper feed path 10, and the registration roller 12. Sent to. The paper 3 conveyed to the registration roller 12 is turned upside down and sent again to the image forming position after registration, whereby an image is formed on both sides of the paper 3.

In the reversing conveyance unit 57 of the printer main body 1, the maximum size of the paper 3 that can be printed on both sides is set to A4 size.
Further, in the printer main body 1, a main board 95 as a circuit board for controlling each part of the multifunction machine F is located on the left side in the left-right direction of the main body frame 2 and on the rear side in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. It is provided on the side.

In the multifunction machine F, an operation panel unit 71 (see FIG. 12) and a scanner unit 81 (see FIG. 12) are assembled to the printer main body 1.
Next, a method for assembling such a multifunction machine F will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, in this method, a joint cover 61 as a support member (an image reading apparatus support member and an operation panel support member) is provided on the main body frame 2 of the printer main body 1 shown in FIG. 2 as shown in FIGS. Installing.

  The joint cover 61 is molded from a PS (polystyrene) resin that does not contain a reinforcing agent such as glass fiber, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, covers the upper part of the main body frame 2 and is mounted with a scanner unit 81. A unit mounting portion 62, a side cover 63 as a side wall covering both sides of the body frame 2 in the width direction (left and right direction, the same applies hereinafter), a rear cover 64 covering the rear side of the body frame 2, and an upper front side of the body frame 2 A cover and an operation panel unit mounting portion 65 on which the operation panel unit 71 is mounted are integrally formed.

As shown in FIG. 14, the scanner unit mounting portion 62 has a side wall 62 a, an upper wall 62 b, and a rear wall 62 c that are continuously formed at positions facing the paper discharge tray 52. The portion has a square shape when viewed from the front where the lower side and the front side are open, and the inner space is a paper discharge space for discharging the paper 3 in the paper discharge unit 99 described later.
The side walls 62a are formed continuously with the front concave portions 66 of the side covers 63 described below.

  When the joint cover 61 is mounted on the main body frame 2, the side covers 63 are arranged to face each other with the paper discharge tray 52 interposed therebetween, and the lower ends thereof are formed to have a width that can cover both sides of the main body frame 2 in the width direction. Yes. Further, the side cover 63 is curved so as to protrude outward from both sides in the width direction of the main body frame 2 as it goes from the lower end portion to the upper end portion (particularly in the vicinity of the upper end portion), and the upper end thereof. The protrusion 63a is formed in a substantially mushroom shape (refer to FIG. 14) in a front view wider than the lower end so that the scanner unit 81 can be received.

In addition, on the lower surface of the protruding portion 63a of each side cover 63, a grip portion 80 for lifting the multi-function device F is provided in a groove shape along the front-rear direction (see FIGS. 15 and 16).
By forming the side cover 63 in such a shape, the multi-function device F can be easily lifted and carried by holding the holding portion 80 of the protruding portion 63a protruding in the left-right direction in the joint cover 61.

Further, the front side (downstream side in the paper discharge direction, the same applies hereinafter) end of each side cover 63 is bent inward in the width direction, and the rear side ( A front end recess 66 is formed as a recess that is recessed in an arc shape toward the upstream side in the paper discharge direction (the same applies hereinafter) (see FIGS. 15 and 16).
In addition, each front end recess 66 has a deepest portion (that is, an upstream end in the sheet discharge direction of the front end recess 66) at the center in the vertical direction that is recessed most rearward in each front end recess 66. A4 size paper 3 which is in front of the front end portion 82a of the original platen 82 (see FIGS. 15 and 16) and has an image formed on one side by the paper discharge roller 51 during duplex printing. Is once sent onto the paper discharge tray 52, it is arranged so as to be disposed in front of the rear end portion (that is, the front end portion in the front-rear direction of the printer main body 1) M of the sent paper 3. (See FIG. 19).

In addition, each front end recess 66 has the deepest portion 66a of each front end recess 66 in front of the front end of the stopper member 55 in the accommodated state (the end on the support side where the hinge 56 is provided), and is open. It is formed so as to be arranged on the rear side of the rear end portion of the stopper member 55 (the free end portion on the side opposite to the side where the hinge 56 is provided) (see FIG. 19).
In addition, each front end recess 66 of each side cover 63 is formed as a curved inclined surface 66b in which the widthwise outer side portion of the front surface is inclined toward both outer rear sides (see FIG. 14).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a resin mounting portion 68 as a mounting portion for inserting a tap tight screw 67 is provided in the middle in the front-rear direction at the lower end portion of each side cover 63. The bulge is formed in a substantially rectangular shape.
The rear cover 64 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape when viewed from the back. Like the side cover 63, the rear cover 64 is a resin as a mounting portion for inserting a tap-tight screw 67 at both ends in the width direction at the lower end portion. A made mounting portion 68 is formed to bulge downward in a substantially rectangular shape.

  The operation panel unit mounting portion 65 is formed on the front side of the scanner unit mounting portion 62 so as to protrude forward from the front end recess 66 of each side cover 63 (see FIGS. 15 and 16). The operation panel side continuous portion 69 that is continuous with the front end concave portion 66 of each side cover 63 in the operation panel unit mounting portion 65 is formed in a shape that is smoothly continuous with the front end concave portion 66 without any step (FIGS. 15 and 16). reference).

  Further, the upper side of the operation panel unit mounting portion 65 is formed in substantially the same shape as the operation panel unit 71 in plan view to receive the operation panel unit 71, and is a screw for screwing the operation panel unit 71 A plurality (four) of the pedestal portions 70 are provided at predetermined positions in the width direction at positions where the rear end portions of the operation panel unit 71 face each other.

The joint cover 61 also has a screw base 70 for screwing the document table 82 of the scanner unit 81 at a predetermined interval in the width direction in the vicinity of the rear cover 64 in the scanner unit mounting portion 62. A plurality (two) are provided.
As shown in FIG. 3, the joint cover 61 is provided with a main board 95 of the printer main body 1, a scanning motor 84a and a transport motor 90a, which will be described later, on the left side in the left-right direction and the rear side in the front-back direction. A relay board 95a is provided as a circuit board for relaying a harness 96 for electrical connection.

3 and 4, the joint cover 61 is put on the upper portion of the main body frame 2, and then a tap tight screw 67 is inserted into each attachment portion 68 of each side cover 63 and rear cover 64. Then, each screw 67 is screwed to the resin main body frame 2 to be attached to the main body frame 2 as shown in FIG.
More specifically, the screw 67 screwed through the mounting portion 68 is screwed while deforming the portion of the resin main body frame 2 as the mounted portion facing the mounting portion 68, and the main body The frame 2 is fixed.

  In this way, the resin mounting portion 68 is fixed to the resin main body frame 2 via the screw 67, that is, if both the mounting portions of the printer main body 1 and the joint cover 61 are made of resin, Thermal expansion and contraction can be made closer compared to the case where the mounting site is made of resin and metal. Therefore, the distortion of the printer main body 1 and the joint cover 61 at the mounting site can be reduced, and the rigidity of the apparatus can be improved.

Next, in this assembling method, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an operation panel unit 71 as an operation panel is mounted on the operation panel unit mounting portion 65 of the joint cover 61.
The operation panel unit 71 is formed in a substantially elongated rectangular plate shape in plan view as a separate body from the scanner unit 81, and is adjacent to a document table 82 (described later) substantially flush with the joint cover 61. A flat upper end panel surface 72 and an inclined operation panel surface 73 that is bent obliquely downward from the front end of the upper end panel surface 72 opposite to the side adjacent to the document table 82 are integrated. Is formed. The operation panel surface 73 is provided with various operation key groups 74 for the user to operate the printer body 1 and the scanner unit 81.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, when the book 77 is opened and placed on the document table 82 of the scanner unit 81, which will be described later, the operation panel unit 71 has a part of the book 77 as operation keys. In order to prevent the group 74 from being pressed by mistake, an upper restriction protrusion 75, a lower restriction protrusion 75b, and a cover plate 76 are provided as an erroneous depression restriction part.
The upper restricting protrusion 75 is an operation that continues from the upper end panel surface 72 at the bent portion of the boundary between the upper end panel surface 72 and the operation panel surface 73 by forming the operation panel surface 73 into a gentle protrusion in the front-rear direction. It is formed by curving so that the upper end part over the left-right direction full width of the panel surface 73 protrudes upwards. As a result, when the book 77 is opened and placed on the document table 82, even if a part of the book 77 may be placed above the operation key group 74 on the operation panel surface 73, the upper restricting protrusion 75 is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a part of the book 77 from being bent following the bent portion at the boundary between the upper end panel surface 72 and the operation panel surface 73, and to prevent the operation key group 74 from being pressed by the book 77. it can.

  The lower restricting protrusion 75b is such that the lower end of the operation panel 73 over the entire width in the left-right direction protrudes upward from the operation panel surface 73 in front of the position where the operation key group 74 is disposed on the operation panel surface 73. It is formed by curving. As a result, when the book 77 is opened and placed on the document table 82, the book 77 comes into contact with the upper restricting protrusion 75 and the lower restricting protrusion 75b, so that a part of the book 77 becomes the operation key group 74. It is possible to further prevent pressing of.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 18, the cover plate 76 covers the display unit provided at the center in the width direction of the operation panel unit 71, and the front and rear directions of the operation panel surface 73 are spaced from the operation panel surface 73 by a predetermined distance. It is provided so as to cover it apart. The cover plate 76 is formed of a transparent resin plate, and is formed to rise slightly from the operation panel surface 73 in a state of covering the operation panel surface 73. As a result, when the book 77 is opened and placed on the document table 82, even if a part of the book 77 may be placed above the operation key group 74 of the operation panel surface 73, a part of the book 77 is placed. Is placed on the cover plate 76, it is possible to prevent the operation key group 74 from being pressed by the book 77.

Accordingly, since the upper restriction protrusion 75, the lower restriction protrusion 75b, and the cover plate 76 can prevent a document such as a book 77 read by the scanner unit 81 from erroneously pressing the operation key group 74. Can be prevented from malfunctioning.
In the operation panel unit 71, as shown in FIG. 6, the rear end portion is formed at a height that allows contact with the screw base portion 70 of the joint cover 61. In the width direction of the rear end portion, A plurality (four) of mounting holes 78 are formed at predetermined intervals. With the operation panel unit 71 placed on the operation panel unit mounting portion 65, screws 79 are inserted into the mounting holes 78, and the screws 79 are screwed to the screw base portions 70 provided on the joint cover 61. By doing so, the operation panel unit 71 is attached to the joint cover 61 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the operation panel unit 71 mounted in this manner is arranged so as to protrude forward from the printer main body 1, and the front end portion of the operation panel unit 71 is in front when not in use. As shown by the phantom line, it is located in front of the free end portion (the end portion on the opposite side of the end portion supported by the hinge not shown) of the multipurpose tray 23 in the accommodated state in the cover 16. When in use, the multi-purpose tray 23 that is in an open state from the front cover 16 is disposed behind the free end portion.

Next, in this assembling method, the scanner unit 81 is attached to the joint cover 61 as shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 12, the scanner unit 81 includes a document table 82 and a document pressing cover 83 as a document pressing member that is attached to the document table 82 so as to be opened and closed.
The document table 82 is formed in a substantially rectangular thick plate shape, and a glass plate 85 as a substantially rectangular transparent plate on which the document is placed is provided on the upper surface thereof. A CCD sensor 84 as reading means and a scanning motor 84a (see FIG. 17) as a scanning drive source for scanning the CCD sensor 84 so as to face the glass plate 85 are provided.

The CCD sensor 84 always stands by at the left end of the glass plate 85, and the scanning motor 84a (see FIG. 17) is also in the vicinity of the CCD sensor 84, more specifically, on the left side in the left-right direction of the document table 82. The interior is on the rear side in the front-rear direction. The CCD sensor 84 is scanned in the left-right direction so as to face the glass plate 85 by driving of the scanning motor 84a.
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality (two) of insertion holes 87 for inserting the fixing screw 86 at the rear end portion are formed in the document table 82 at predetermined intervals in the width direction. . Further, the document table 82 has hinge mounting grooves 88a and 88b in the width direction in which a main hinge 91 and a sub-hinge 92 (described later) for mounting the document pressing cover 83 to be freely opened and closed are fitted at the rear end. A plurality (two) are provided at predetermined intervals. A hinge mounting groove 88a into which a later-described main hinge 91 is inserted is provided on the left side in the left-right direction of the document pressing cover 83 and in the vicinity of the left side of the insertion hole 87 on the rear side in the front-rear direction.

  Further, the document table 82 is provided with a conveyance motor 90a of an ADF device 90, which will be described later, in the vicinity of the left side of a hinge mounting groove 88a into which a later-described main hinge 91, which will be described later, is inserted on the left side in the left-right direction. A connection opening 97 as an insertion hole for inserting a harness 96 (see FIG. 11) as a connection line for electrically connecting to the main board 95 passes through the document table 82 in the vertical direction. Is formed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the document table 82 is placed so that its front end portion overlaps the rear end portion of the operation panel unit 71, and each insertion hole 87 serves as the screw base of the joint cover 61 at the rear end portion. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, after mounting so as to face the portion 70, the fixing screw 86 is inserted into each insertion hole 87, and each fixing screw 86 is screwed to each screw base portion 70. And attached to the joint cover 61.

After the document table 82 is attached to the joint cover 61, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, side cover members 93 are attached to both sides of the main body frame 2, and a rear cover member 94 is attached to the rear side of the main body frame 2. To do.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the document pressing cover 83 has a document setting plate 89 as a document setting member on which the document can be set in a stack shape, and an ADF (auto document) as a document conveying means. A feeder device 90 is provided.

  An ADF (Auto Document Feeder) device 90 is provided on the left side in the left-right direction of the document pressing cover 83, and a document setting plate 89 is connected from the right side. The ADF device 90 includes a transport motor 90a (see FIG. 17) as a document transport drive source provided in a motor cover 98 provided on the left side in the left-right direction of the document pressing cover 83 and on the rear side in the front-rear direction. A document detection sensor is provided, and as described below, when the document detection sensor detects a document set on the document setting plate 89 with a scan key being pressed, the CCD sensor 84 is connected to the scanning motor 84a. By driving, it is moved to the ADF document reading position 84a that is the left side position of the glass plate 85, and by driving the transport motor 90a, the document set on the document setting plate 89 is automatically transported to the ADF document reading position 84a. Then, the original is read by the CCD sensor 84.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the document pressing cover 83 has a main hinge 91 and a sub-hinge 92 as hinge members attached to the document table 82 so as to be openable and closable at a rear end thereof at a predetermined interval in the width direction. It is provided apart.
The main hinge 91 and the sub hinge 92 are formed in a substantially rectangular thick plate shape whose lower end portions can be fitted into the hinge mounting groove 88 of the document table 82.

  The center of gravity of the document pressing cover 83 is on the left side in the left-right direction of the document pressing cover 83 due to the weight of the ADF device 90, and the main hinge 91 is on the left side in the left-right direction and passes through the center of gravity of the document pressing cover 83. On the line L. The main hinge 91 includes a torque generation mechanism 91a configured by a spring, a cam and a slider (not shown). When the document pressing cover 83 is opened at a predetermined angle or more with respect to the document table 82, the torque generating mechanism 91a is urged (or held in that state) in a direction to open the document pressing cover 83 with respect to the document table 82. To generate torque.

  By providing such a torque generating mechanism 91a, when the document pressing cover 83 is opened at a predetermined angle or more with respect to the document table 82, the document pressing cover 83 is moved by the torque generated by the torque generating mechanism 91a. Since the urging is performed in the opening direction (or the state is maintained) with respect to 82, even if a heavy ADF device 90 in which the conveyance motor 90 a and the like are built is provided in the document pressing cover 83. Further, it is possible to prevent the document pressing cover 83 from falling down in the closing direction due to its own weight and coming into intense contact with the document table 82.

  Further, by providing the main hinge 91 having such a torque generating mechanism 91a on the line L in the front-rear direction passing through the center of gravity of the document pressing cover 83, the document pressing cover 83 is moved by the main hinge 91. Since the line passing through the center of gravity position can be opened and closed as a pivot point, the other sub-hinge 92 can be made inexpensively without the torque generating mechanism 91a and the like, and the document pressing cover 83 can be reliably opened and closed. Can be secured.

11, by inserting the main hinge 91 and the sub hinge 92 of the document pressing cover 83 into the hinge mounting grooves 88a and 88b of the document table 82, respectively, as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. A document pressing cover 83 is attached to the document table 82 so as to be openable and closable.
As shown in FIG. 11, the transport motor 90a of the ADF apparatus 90 is electrically connected to the main board 95 via the relay board 95a by a harness 96 inserted through the connection opening 97 of the document table 82. . A scanning motor 84a for scanning the CCD sensor 84 built in the document table 82 is also not shown in the figure, but is connected to the main via the relay board 95a by a harness passing through the connection opening 97 from the middle of the connection opening 97 in the vertical direction. It is electrically connected to the substrate 95.

In addition, after the connection with the harness 96 and the harness (not shown) is completed, as shown in FIG. 15, the board cover member 93 a is mounted at the position facing the main board 95 in the main body frame 2.
In the multifunction machine F assembled in this manner, the operation panel unit 71 and the scanner unit 81 are supported above the printer body 1 by the joint cover 61 attached to the printer body 1, and the printer body 1 is discharged. A connecting portion including a joint cover 61 between the printer main body 1 and the scanner unit 81, including the paper tray 52 and the upper side wall 18 of the front cover 16, is a discharge unit 99 as a discharge unit for discharging the paper 3. It is said that.

In such a paper discharge unit 99, an inner space surrounded by the side walls 62a, the upper wall 62b, and the rear wall 62c of the joint cover 61 is a paper discharge space for discharging the paper 3, and the paper discharge of the printer main body 1 is performed. The tray 52 and the upper side wall 18 of the front cover 16 serve as receiving surfaces for receiving the discharged paper 3.
In such a paper discharge unit 99, the side cover 63 and the rear cover 64 of the joint cover 61 are provided so as to also serve as the outer wall of the paper discharge unit 99.

  In the scanner unit 81, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the document pressing cover 83 is opened, a document is placed on the glass plate 85 of the document table 82, then the document pressing cover 83 is closed, and the operation panel. When a scan key is pressed in the operation key group 74 of the unit 71, the CCD sensor 84 is scanned in the left-right direction so as to face the glass plate 85 of the document table 82 by driving of the scanning motor 84a, and thereby described on the document. The image to be read is read by the CCD sensor 84.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, if the document pressing cover 83 is closed, a document is set on the document setting plate 89, and the scan key in the operation key group 74 of the operation panel unit 71 is pressed, A document detection sensor (not shown) detects the setting of the document on the document setting plate 89, and the ADF device 90 automatically transports the document toward the CCD sensor 84 by driving the transport motor 90a. Are sequentially opposed to the CCD sensor 84 that is on standby, so that the image written on the original is read by the CCD sensor 84. The document read by the CCD sensor 84 is discharged onto the upper surface of the document pressing cover 83.

As described above, when the CCD sensor 84 and the ADF device 90 are independently driven by the scanning motor 84a and the ADF device 90a, an accurate operation corresponding to the set position of the document can be ensured.
In particular, since the document pressing cover 83 is provided with the document setting plate 89 and the ADF device 90, when a plurality of documents are set on the document setting plate 89 in a stack, the ADF device 90 drives the transport motor 90a. As a result, the document is automatically and sequentially conveyed toward the CCD sensor 84, so that it is not necessary to place the document on the glass plate 84 of the document table 82 for each sheet, and the document is efficiently read by the CCD sensor 84. be able to.

In the multi-function device F, image data read by the CCD sensor 84 is transmitted to the printer main body 1, and the printer main body 1 forms an image on the paper 3 based on the data, thereby achieving a copy function. Is done.
In this multi-function machine F, the printer body 1 is provided with a joint cover 61, and the operation panel unit 71 and the scanner unit 81 are attached to the joint cover 61. The operation panel unit 71 and the scanner unit 81 can be reliably assembled to the printer main body 1. Therefore, the printer main body 1, the operation panel unit 71, and the scanner unit 81 are configured as separate bodies, and these parts can be replaced individually or the combination can be changed. The grip part 80 of 61 can be gripped and carried.

  Further, in this multi-function machine F, only by inserting the main hinge 91 and the sub hinge 92 into the hinge mounting grooves 88a and 88b of the document table 82, the document pressing cover 83 is placed on the document table 82, and the gravity center position of the document pressing cover 83 is reached. Since it can be mounted so that it can be opened and closed with the line L passing through 83a as a pivot point, a reliable opening / closing operation of the document pressing cover 83 can be ensured by simple assembly.

The line L is a line that passes through the center of gravity 83a and is orthogonal to the central axis of opening and closing of the document pressing cover 83.
Further, in this multifunction machine F, the main board 95 of the printer main body 1, the relay board 95a of the joint cover 61, the scanning motor 84a of the document table 82, and the drive motor 90a of the document pressing cover 83 are all on the same side, that is, this composite machine. Since it is arranged on the left side in the left-right direction and the rear side in the front-rear direction in the machine F, the length and routing of the harness 96 for electrically connecting them can be shortened, and the device configuration can be simplified. On the other hand, reliable connection between the scanning motor 84a and the drive motor 90a, and the relay board 95a and the main board 95 can be ensured.

  In particular, the drive motor 90a of the ADF device 90 has a connection opening of the document table 82 formed on the same side as the relay board 95a and the main board 95, that is, on the left side in the left-right direction and the rear side in the front-rear direction. Since the relay board 95a and the main board 95 are electrically connected via the harness 96 inserted through the portion 97, the length and routing of the harness 96 can be further shortened, and electrical noise is generated. Thus, reliable connection between the drive motor 90a, the relay board 95a, and the main board 95 can be ensured.

  Further, in this multi-function machine F, on the document table 82, the hinge mounting groove 88a into which the main hinge 91 is inserted is provided in the vicinity of the right side of the connection opening 97, that is, the connection opening 97 is the document. Since the main hinge 91 for opening and closing the document pressing cover 83 with respect to the table 82 and the left side in the left and right direction and the rear side in the front and rear direction of the multifunction machine F are arranged on the same side, the harness 96 is opened and closed. It is possible to prevent the document pressing cover 83 from coming into contact with the document pressing cover 83. Therefore, reliable operation of the apparatus can be ensured.

  In such an assembling method, after the joint cover 61 is attached to the printer main body 1, the operation panel unit 71 and the scanner unit 81 are attached to the joint cover 61. Therefore, the printer main body 1, the scanner unit 81, and the operation The panel unit 71 is configured as a separate body, and each of these parts can be replaced individually, or the combination can be changed, and reliable assembly can be achieved.

Further, in this assembling method, when the scanner unit 81 is assembled, the original plate 82 is mounted on the joint cover 61 and then the original pressing cover 83 is mounted on the original plate 83, so that the scanner unit 81 is reliably assembled. can do.
Further, in this multifunction machine F, the front end recesses 66 of the side covers 63 are formed so as to be recessed in an arc shape toward the rear side, so that the front end recesses 66 are supported while the scanner unit 81 is supported by the joint cover 61. From the depressed portion, the discharged paper 3 can be easily taken out from the side. Therefore, operability can be improved while ensuring the rigidity of the apparatus.

  Further, in this multi-function machine F, the center of gravity of the multi-function machine F is in the vicinity of the rear of the scanner unit 26 of the printer body 1 as indicated by a point P in FIG. Is disposed at the rear side in the front-rear direction, and the front end recess 66 of each side cover 63 is disposed at the front side in the front-rear direction. Therefore, it has sufficient rigidity to carry the multi-function device F with the gripping portions 80 of the side covers 63. Therefore, it is possible to ensure sufficient rigidity while providing the paper discharge unit 99 between the scanner unit 81 and the printer main body 1.

In the paper discharge unit 99, since the joint cover 61 also serves as an outer wall, the number of parts can be reduced while ensuring the rigidity of the apparatus.
15 and 16, the deepest portion 66a of the front end recess 66 of each side cover 63 is disposed on the front side of the front end portion 82a of the document table 82 of the scanner unit 81. Therefore, the side cover 63 can secure sufficient rigidity for supporting the document table 82. Therefore, even if the document table 82 is strongly pressed by hand, damage to the apparatus can be prevented.

  Further, in this multi-function machine F, at the time of duplex printing, the paper 3 with the image formed on one surface is once sent to the paper discharge unit 99 by the paper discharge roller 51 of the reverse conveyance unit 57 and then pulled back again, thereby the paper 3 In the middle of such double-sided printing, the A4 size paper 3 having an image formed on one side is temporarily sent out onto the paper discharge tray 52 by the paper discharge roller 51. The deepest portion 66a of the front end recess 66 of each side cover 63 is arranged on the front side of the rear end portion M of the fed paper 3 (see FIG. 19). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally taking out the sheet 3 without forming an image on the other side. Therefore, reliable double-sided printing can be ensured and operability can be improved.

Further, in this multi-function machine F, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the operation panel unit 71 is disposed so as to protrude forward (front side) from the printer body 1, so that the front operated by the user. On the side, the operation panel unit 71 can be disposed on the foremost side. Therefore, operability can be improved.
Further, in this multi-function machine F, as shown in FIG. 19, the front end portion of the operation panel unit 71 is a free end portion (with a hinge (not shown)) of the multipurpose tray 23 that is housed in the front cover 16 when not in use. The front end of the multipurpose tray 23 that is open from the front cover 16 when in use, as shown by the phantom line, is located on the front side of the supported end (the end opposite the supported end). It arrange | positions so that it may be located in the rear side.

  Therefore, when the multipurpose tray 23 is in a closed state, that is, when the multipurpose tray 23 is not used, the front end portion of the operation panel unit 71 is located on the front side, that is, the front side of the free end portion of the multipurpose tray 23. It is arranged in front of the multipurpose tray 23. When the multipurpose tray 23 is in an open state, that is, when the multipurpose tray 23 is used, the front end portion of the operation panel unit 71 is located behind the free end portion of the multipurpose tray 23, that is, on the front side. The multipurpose tray 23 is arranged in front of the operation panel unit 71. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of the multipurpose tray 23 when the multipurpose tray 23 is used while ensuring the operability of the operation panel unit 71 when the multipurpose tray 23 is not used.

  Further, in this multi-function machine F, as shown in FIG. 19, the front end recess 66 of each side cover 63 has the deepest portion 66a of each front end recess 66 at the front end of the stopper member 55 in the accommodated state (the hinge 56 is provided). End of the stopper member 55 in the open state, and the rear end of the stopper member 55 in the open state (the free end on the side opposite to the side where the hinge 56 is provided). Is formed.

  Therefore, when the stopper member 55 is in the closed state, that is, when the stopper member 55 is not used, the deepest portion 66a of each front end recess 66 is more forward than the stopper member 55, i.e., more than the stopper member 55 on the front side. The deepest portion 66a of the front end recessed portion 66 is disposed in front. Further, when the stopper member 55 is in an open state, that is, when the stopper member 55 is used, the deepest portion 66a of each front end recess 66 is deeper than the stopper member 55 on the rear side, that is, the front side. The stopper member 55 is disposed in front of the portion 66a. Therefore, when the stopper member 55 is used, the sheet 3 stacked on the stopper member 55 can be easily taken out from the side while ensuring the rigidity of the apparatus, and the operability can be improved. .

  In the multi-function machine F, the upper surface of the upper side wall 18 of the front cover 16 is formed in a shape that inclines downward in the direction from the rear side to the front side in the paper discharge unit 99. A gap can be formed between the rear end S of the sheet 3 discharged onto the discharge tray 52 and the upper surface of the upper side wall 18. Therefore, it is possible to easily take out the paper 3 by putting a hand from the lower side of the rear end portion S of the paper 3.

  Further, in this multifunction machine F, the front end recesses 66 of the side covers 63 are formed so as to be recessed in a circular arc shape toward the rear side, and the side covers 63 in the operation panel unit mounting portion 65 of the joint cover 61 are formed. An operation panel side continuous portion 69 that is continuous with the front end concave portion 66 is formed in a shape that is continuous with the front end concave portion 66 without a step, and each side cover 63 at both ends in the width direction of the upper side wall 18 of the front cover 16. The main body side continuous portion 22 that is continuous with the front end concave portion 66 is formed in a shape that is continuous with the front end concave portion 66 without any step. Therefore, when the paper 3 is taken out, the paper 3 can be prevented from being caught at the side cover 63 or the boundary between the operation panel unit 71 side and the printer main body 1 side and each side cover 63. For this reason, it is possible to ensure good take-out of the paper 3.

  Furthermore, in this multi-function machine F, as shown in FIG. 12, the widthwise outer portion of the front surface of the front end recess 66 of each side cover 63 is formed as a curved inclined surface 66b that is inclined downward toward the rear of both sides. Therefore, when the paper 3 is taken out, it is possible to prevent the paper 3 from being caught in the side cover 63. In addition, such an inclined surface can improve the rigidity.

  In the above description, the multipurpose sheet feeding unit 21 that can stack and feed sheets 3 of different sizes is provided on the front surface of the front cover 16 of the printer main body 1. For example, as shown in FIG. In addition, instead of the multi-purpose paper feeding unit 21, a manual feeding unit 101 for manually feeding the paper 3 may be provided. That is, in FIG. 20, a manual feed tray 102 as a recording medium supporting means that can be opened and closed is provided on the front surface of the front cover 16 as a manual feed portion 101 so as to be rotatable.

Further, although the multi-purpose paper feeding unit 21 and the manual feeding unit 101 are provided to be openable and closable, they may be provided to be slidable.
In the above description, the document pressing member 83 and the ADF device 90 are provided on the document pressing cover 83. However, depending on the purpose and application, the document pressing cover 83 without the document setting member 89 and the ADF device 90 may be provided. May be equipped.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer main body 2 Main body frame 3 Paper 8 Paper discharge roller 18 Upper side wall 22 Main body side continuous part 23 Multipurpose tray 52 Paper discharge tray 55 Stopper member 57 Reverse conveyance part 61 Joint cover 63 Side cover 63a Protrusion part 63b Inclined surface 66 Front end recessed part 66a Deepest portion 68 Mounting portion 69 Operation panel side continuous portion 71 Operation panel unit 80 Grip portion 81 Scanner unit 82 Document table 82a Document table 82a Front end portion of document table 99 Paper discharge unit F Multifunction device

Claims (17)

An image reading device for reading an image described in an original;
An image forming apparatus main body capable of forming an image on a recording medium based on image information read by the image reading apparatus;
A discharge unit provided between the image forming apparatus main body and the image reading apparatus and configured to discharge a recording medium on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus main body;
Side walls provided in the discharge unit and facing each other across the discharged recording medium;
A unit supported by the side wall;
A discharge roller provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and discharging a recording medium from a back side to a front side of the image forming apparatus main body along the side wall toward a paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit; Prepared,
The downstream side of the unit in the recording medium discharge direction directly above or downstream in the recording medium discharge direction with respect to the portion located on the most downstream side in the recording medium discharge direction at the downstream edge of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction The edge is located,
The image forming apparatus main body includes a double-sided printing unit for forming images on both sides of a recording medium,
The double-sided printing unit temporarily feeds a recording medium having an image formed on one side thereof to the paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit by the paper discharge roller , and pulls it back again by the paper discharge roller. It is configured to reverse the front and back of the
When a recording medium of the maximum size that can be printed on both sides by the double-sided printing unit is once sent out by the double-sided printing unit, the recording medium is discharged from the downstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the sent-out recording medium. An image forming apparatus, wherein a downstream end portion of the side wall in the recording medium discharge direction is disposed downstream in the direction. A recess formed to be recessed toward the upstream side in the recording medium discharging direction on the downstream side in the recording medium discharging direction of at least one of the side walls;
When a recording medium of the maximum size that can be printed on both sides by the double-sided printing unit is once sent out by the double-sided printing unit, the recording medium is discharged from the downstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the sent-out recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an upstream end portion of the concave portion in the recording medium discharge direction is disposed on the downstream side in the direction. The paper discharge roller is provided upstream of the center of gravity of the image forming apparatus in the recording medium discharge direction,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein an upstream end of the concave portion in the recording medium discharge direction is disposed downstream of the center of gravity of the image forming apparatus in the recording medium discharge direction. The image reading device is disposed above the image forming apparatus main body and includes a document table on which a document is read.
The upstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the concave portion is disposed downstream of the downstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the document table. The image forming apparatus according to 2 or 3 . A stopper member is provided that can be accommodated and developed in the recording medium discharge direction of the discharge unit, and stops the discharged recording medium,
An upstream end portion of the concave portion in the recording medium discharge direction is located downstream of the stopper member in the accommodated state in the recording medium discharge direction, and in the recording medium discharge direction than the stopper member in the unfolded state. characterized in that it is arranged to be positioned on the upstream side, an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4. An image reading apparatus supporting member that has the side wall, is attached to a frame of the image forming apparatus main body, and supports the image reading apparatus;
The image reading device support member has a protruding portion that protrudes in the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus main body with respect to the image forming apparatus main body.
Wherein the projecting portion, the characterized in that the grip portion for lifting the image forming apparatus is provided, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The frame of the image forming apparatus main body is made of resin,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the image reading device support member is made of resin. The image reading apparatus support member, characterized in that it also serves as an outer wall of the discharge portion, the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7. An operation panel for operating the image forming apparatus is provided above the discharge unit.
The operation panel, than the image forming apparatus main body, and wherein the projecting downstream in the recording medium ejecting direction, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The image forming apparatus main body includes a recording medium support means provided on the front surface of the image forming apparatus main body so as to be accommodated and developed, and for supporting the recording medium,
The downstream end of the operation panel in the recording medium discharge direction is located downstream of the storage medium support means in the accommodated state in the recording medium discharge direction, and more than the recording medium support means in the unfolded state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the image forming apparatus is disposed so as to be positioned upstream in a recording medium discharge direction. The discharge unit includes a receiving surface for receiving the discharged recording medium;
The receiving surface includes a protruding portion that protrudes downstream in the recording medium discharge direction from the side wall,
The projecting portion, and being inclined downward, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Downstream end in the recording medium ejecting direction of the side wall, characterized in that it is formed in a curved shape, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. An operation panel support member that has the side wall, is attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and supports the operation panel;
Wherein the operation panel supporting member, wherein the operation panel side continuous portion formed so as to be continuous with the downstream end in the recording medium ejecting direction of the side wall is formed, according to claim 12 Image forming apparatus. The main body of the image forming apparatus, wherein the main body side contiguous portion formed so as to be continuous with the downstream end in the recording medium ejecting direction of the side wall is formed, according to claim 12 or 13 Image forming apparatus. The downstream side in the recording medium ejecting direction of the side wall, characterized in that it comprises an inclined surface inclined toward the both outer sides of the direction orthogonal to the recording medium discharge direction, according to any one of claims 1 to 14 Image forming apparatus. An image reading device for reading an image described in an original;
An image forming apparatus main body capable of forming an image on a recording medium based on image information read by the image reading apparatus;
A discharge unit provided between the image forming apparatus main body and the image reading apparatus and configured to discharge a recording medium on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus main body;
A support member mounted on the image forming apparatus main body and supporting the image reading device;
A discharge roller provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and discharging a recording medium from a back side to a front side of the image forming apparatus main body along the side wall toward a paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit; Prepared,
The image forming apparatus main body includes a double-sided printing unit for forming images on both sides of a recording medium,
The double-sided printing unit temporarily feeds a recording medium having an image formed on one side thereof to the paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit by the paper discharge roller , and pulls it back again by the paper discharge roller. It is configured to reverse the front and back of the
When a recording medium of the maximum size that can be printed on both sides by the double-sided printing unit is once sent out by the double-sided printing unit, the recording medium is discharged from the downstream end in the recording medium discharge direction of the sent-out recording medium. An image forming apparatus, wherein a downstream end portion of the support member in the recording medium discharge direction is disposed on the downstream side in the direction. An image reading device for reading an image described in an original;
An image forming apparatus main body capable of forming an image on a recording medium based on image information read by the image reading apparatus;
A discharge for discharging a recording medium on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus main body is provided so that a front side is opened between the image forming apparatus main body and the image reading apparatus provided to cover the image forming apparatus main body. And
A discharge roller provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and discharging a recording medium from a back side to a front side of the image forming apparatus main body along the side wall toward a paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit; Prepared,
The image forming apparatus main body includes a double-sided printing unit for forming images on both sides of a recording medium,
The double-sided printing unit temporarily feeds a recording medium having an image formed on one side thereof to the paper discharge tray provided in the discharge unit by the paper discharge roller , and pulls it back again by the paper discharge roller. It is configured to reverse the front and back of the
The paper discharge unit records the maximum size recording medium that can be printed on both sides by the double-side printing means so that the user does not take out the sent recording medium once the double-side printing means is sent out. An image forming apparatus, wherein a downstream end in a medium discharge direction is configured not to protrude from the paper discharge unit.

Images