JP5673003B2 - Medium conveying apparatus, image forming apparatus, and method of installing medium conveying apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medium conveying apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a method for installing a medium conveying apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes three independent structures, an image output module, a sheet supply module, and a sheet discharge module. The sheet supply module is disposed on one of the left and right sides of the image output module, and the sheet discharge is performed on the other side. The module is used in an integrated state. Further, casters with a height adjusting function are provided on the bottom surface of the sheet supply module and the bottom surface of the sheet discharge module.

  The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a first unit having a first positioning member, a second positioning member, and a third positioning member on the right side, and a first positioned member and a second positioned member on the left side. And a second unit provided with a third positioned member, the second unit is moved closer to the first unit, the first positioned member is positioned on the first positioning member, and the second positioning member The second to-be-positioned member is positioned on the third positioning member, and the third to-be-positioned member is positioned on the third positioning member.

JP 2001-42590 JP-A-2005-47166

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a medium transport device, an image forming apparatus, and a method of installing a medium transport device that can reduce the number of adjustment steps for suppressing a shift in the connecting positions of a plurality of housings.

A medium transport apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of transport means for transporting a medium, a first housing that houses an upstream end of the transport means, and a second housing that houses a downstream end. A plurality of apparatus main bodies configured by connecting means with connecting means and a plurality of the plurality of casings are provided to support the casing in contact with the floor and adjust the length. The plurality of adjustment legs and the first casing are provided upstream of the plurality of adjustment legs in the medium conveyance direction, and support the first casing with the plurality of adjustment legs in contact with the floor surface A first reference leg having a fixed length; and a plurality of adjustment legs provided on the downstream side of the plurality of adjustment legs in the medium transport direction in the second casing and contacting the floor surface. And a second reference leg that supports the second housing and has a fixed length.

A medium transport apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the plurality of adjusting legs and the connecting unit, and is upstream of the first housing in the transport direction or the second housing in the transport direction. A delivery device that is one of the plurality of housings connected to the downstream side of the housing by the connecting means and that delivers the medium to or from the connected first or second housing. Furthermore, it is provided.

  In the medium transporting apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, the total number of the first reference legs and the second reference legs is three.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the lengths of the plurality of adjustment legs before the length adjustment are aligned with the lengths of the first reference leg and the second reference leg.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention forms an image on the medium conveying apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects and a medium conveyed inside the apparatus main body. And an image forming unit.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for installing a medium transporting apparatus, comprising: an upstream end of a transporting means for transporting a medium; and a plurality of adjusting legs that can be adjusted in length. The first housing provided with the first reference leg whose length cannot be adjusted or adjusted on the upstream side in the medium transport direction and the downstream end of the transport means are accommodated, and the length can be adjusted. A plurality of adjustment legs, and a plurality of second housings provided with second reference legs whose lengths are not adjustable or adjusted downstream of the adjustment legs in the transport direction. A step of preparing an apparatus main body constituted by a housing; a step of arranging the plurality of housings in the transport direction; a step of connecting the plurality of housings; and the first reference leg and the second reference leg. Adjust the length of the adjustment legs so that the adjustment legs touch the floor and the adjustment legs touch the floor. And a step of, a.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the method for installing the medium conveying device, wherein the height of the adjusting leg is adjusted in the delivery device in which the installation height with respect to the floor surface is adjustable and the medium is delivered to and from the conveying means. placing at least one of the downstream side in the transport direction of the upstream side and the length of the adjustable foot is adjusted a second casing in has been the transport direction of the first housing, said first housing Adjusting the height of the delivery device so that media is delivered between at least one of the body and the second housing and the delivery device, and the delivery device after height adjustment Connecting to at least one of the first housing and the second housing.

  The invention according to claim 1 can reduce the number of adjustment steps for suppressing the displacement of the connecting positions of the plurality of casings, as compared with the configuration in which all the legs of the plurality of casings are adjustable length adjustable legs. .

  The invention of claim 2 can reduce the man-hours for adjusting the height of the delivery device, as compared with the configuration in which all the legs of the plurality of housings are adjustable legs capable of adjusting the length.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the number of the first reference legs and the second reference legs is set to 4 or more. Connection position shift can be suppressed.

  The invention of claim 4 can reduce the number of adjustment steps for suppressing the displacement of the connecting positions of the plurality of housings, as compared with a configuration in which the lengths of the first reference leg and the second reference leg are not aligned with the lengths of the adjustment legs. it can.

  The invention according to claim 5 can reduce the number of adjustment steps for suppressing the displacement of the connecting positions of the plurality of casings, as compared with the configuration in which all the legs of the plurality of casings are adjustable length adjustable legs. .

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, compared to a method of adjusting the lengths of all the legs of the plurality of casings, it is possible to reduce the number of adjustment steps for suppressing the displacement of the connection positions of the plurality of casings.

  The invention of claim 7 can reduce the man-hours for adjusting the height of the delivery device as compared with the method of adjusting the lengths of all the legs of the plurality of housings.

FIG. 3 is an overall view showing an arrangement state of each unit and a recording paper conveyance path of the paper processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the attachment position of the reference | standard caster and adjustment caster which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a top view which shows the attachment position of the reference | standard caster and adjustment caster which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a top view which shows the other Example of the attachment position of the reference | standard caster and adjustment caster which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A), (B) It is a block diagram of the reference | standard caster and adjustment caster which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views illustrating connecting members of respective parts of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A), (B), (C) is a schematic diagram showing a process of installing a sheet processing system on the floor surface FL2 using the reference caster and the adjustment caster according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A), (B), (C) is a schematic diagram showing a process of installing a sheet processing system on the floor surface FL3 using the reference caster and the adjustment caster according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an overall view showing an arrangement state of each unit and a recording paper conveyance path in a paper processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. (A) It is a top view which shows the attachment position of the reference | standard caster and adjustment caster which concern on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a top view which shows the other Example of the attachment position of the reference | standard caster which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and an adjustment caster. (A), (B), (C) It is a schematic diagram which shows the process of installing a paper processing system on floor surface FL2 using the reference | standard caster and adjustment caster which concern on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A), (B), (C) It is a schematic diagram which shows the process of installing a paper processing system on the floor surface FL3 using the reference | standard caster and adjustment caster which concern on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A), (B) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the image forming apparatus of the comparative example is installed on the floor surface FL2 or the floor surface FL3.

(First embodiment)
An example of a medium conveying apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a method of installing the medium conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a sheet processing system 10 as an example of a medium conveying device of the first embodiment. The sheet processing system 10 includes a sheet storage unit 30 that stores a recording sheet P as an example of a medium, an image forming apparatus 20 that forms an image on the recording sheet P supplied from the sheet storage unit 30, and the image forming apparatus 20. A paper stacking unit 60 that stacks the recording paper P on which images are formed, a post-processing unit 70 that performs post-processing to be described later on the recording paper P that is not stacked on the paper stacking unit 60, and a recording paper provided in the image forming apparatus 20 And a conveyance path 90 as an example of a conveyance unit that conveys P.

  The paper storage unit 30 and the paper stacking unit 60 are an example of a delivery device that delivers the recording paper P to and from the image forming apparatus 20 (an apparatus main body 22 described later). In the following description, in the front view of the paper processing system 10, the horizontal direction shown in the drawing (the conveyance direction of the recording paper P) is described as the horizontal direction, and the vertical direction perpendicular to the arrow X direction is the arrow Z direction. It describes. Furthermore, a depth direction orthogonal to the arrow X direction and the arrow Z direction is referred to as an arrow Y direction. Here, the paper storage unit 30, the image forming apparatus 20, the paper stacking unit 60, and the post-processing unit 70 are installed in this order in the direction of the arrow X (from the left side to the right side in the drawing).

  The paper storage unit 30 includes a housing 32 and storage boxes 34 and 36 that are provided inside the housing 32 in two upper and lower stages and store the recording paper P. The storage boxes 34 and 36 can be pulled out to the near side in the arrow Y direction by rail-like support members (not shown). Further, the recording paper P sent out from the storage boxes 34 and 36 by a plurality of rolls (not shown) is discharged toward the image forming apparatus 20 on the right side wall of the housing 32 in front view of the paper storage unit 30. A discharge port 38 is formed. Further, on the bottom surface of the housing 32, as an example, the housing 32 is supported by contacting the horizontal floor surface FL1, and the length (corresponding to the height from the floor surface FL1 to the bottom surface of the housing 32) can be changed. A plurality of adjustment casters 112 are attached.

  The image forming apparatus 20 is an apparatus for forming a color image or a black and white image on the recording paper P. As an example, the toner is formed using a toner (developer) on the conveyance path 90 and the recording paper P conveyed by the conveyance path 90. A first processing unit 40 that forms an image and a second processing unit 50 that fixes the toner image formed by the first processing unit 40 onto the recording paper P are configured. Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 20, a series of processes including supply of the recording paper P, image formation on the recording paper P, and discharge of the recording paper P are completed. Details of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described later.

  The paper stacking unit 60 includes a housing 62 and a stacking box 64 that is provided inside the housing 62 and on which the recording paper P conveyed from the image forming apparatus 20 is stacked. The accumulation box 64 can be pulled out to the front side in the arrow Y direction by a rail-like support member (not shown). Further, an entrance 66 through which the recording paper P enters from the image forming apparatus 20 is formed on the left side wall of the housing 62 in front view, and the recording paper is fed to the post-processing unit 70 on the right side wall of the housing 62. A discharge port 68 through which P is discharged is formed.

  Inside the paper stacking unit 60, a recording paper P conveyance path 90 </ b> A composed of a plurality of rolls (not shown) is branched into two upper and lower parts, and the upper conveyance path 90 </ b> A extends from the entrance 66 to the discharge port 68. The lower conveyance path 90 </ b> A is installed from the entrance 66 toward the accumulation box 64. Further, the bottom surface of the housing 62 supports the housing 62 in contact with the floor surface FL1 and has a plurality of lengths (corresponding to the height from the floor surface FL1 to the bottom surface of the housing 62) that can be changed. The adjustment caster 112 is attached.

  The post-processing unit 70 includes a casing 72, a plurality of rolls (not shown) provided inside the casing 72, a plurality of discharge paths 74A, 74B, and 74C from which the recording sheet P is discharged, and a recording sheet. A bookbinding unit 76 is provided for bookbinding by folding P in half. In addition, an entrance 78 through which the recording paper P enters from the paper stacking unit 60 is formed on the left side wall of the housing 72 when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the housing 72 is in contact with the floor surface FL1 to support the housing 72 and the length (corresponding to the height from the floor surface FL1 to the bottom surface of the housing 72) can be changed. The adjustment caster 112 is attached.

  Next, details of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the image forming apparatus 20, a first processing unit 40 is disposed on the upstream side in the arrow X direction, and a second processing unit 50 is disposed on the downstream side. The first processing unit 40 includes an image forming unit 80 that forms a toner image, and the toner image is formed on the recording paper P. The second processing unit 50 includes a fixing unit 120 (see FIG. 2), and the toner image is fixed onto the recording paper P. Further, in the image forming apparatus 20, there is provided a reverse conveyance path 92 that conveys the recording paper P conveyed on the conveyance path 90 in the arrow-X direction opposite to the arrow X direction and returns it to the conveyance path 90 again. ing. In the reverse conveyance path 92, the front and back of the recording paper P are reversed so that the image forming unit 80 forms an image on both sides of the recording paper P.

  Specifically, the first processing unit 40 includes a first housing 22A and an image forming unit 80 provided in the first housing 22A. An entrance 24 through which the recording paper P enters from the paper storage unit 30 is formed on the left side wall of the first housing 22A in front view. Further, a discharge port 26 through which the recording paper P is discharged to the second processing unit 50 and a recording paper P from the second processing unit 50 below the discharge port 26 enter the right side wall of the first housing 22A. And an entrance 28 is formed. The transport path 90 extends from the entrance 24 to the discharge port 26, and the reverse transport path 92 extends from the entrance 28 toward the entrance 24 and is connected to the transport path 90.

  The second processing unit 50 includes a second housing 22B, and a fixing unit 120 and a cooling unit 130 provided in the second housing 22B. Here, as an example, the apparatus main body 22 is configured by the first housing 22A and the second housing 22B. The first housing 22A accommodates the upstream end of the transport path 90, and the second housing 22B accommodates the downstream end of the transport path 90. Details of the fixing unit 120 and the cooling unit 130 will be described later. Further, in the following description, connecting the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B is described as connection, and connecting the casing 32 and the casing 62 to the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B. The connection of the casing 72 to the casing 62 is described as a connection.

  In the second processing unit 50, an entrance 31 into which the recording paper P enters from the first processing unit 40 and a reverse conveyance path 92 below the entrance 31 are arranged on the left side wall of the second housing 22 </ b> B in front view. A discharge port 33 through which the recording paper P is discharged to the first processing unit 40 is formed. A discharge port 35 through which the recording paper P is discharged to the paper stacking unit 60 is formed on the right side wall of the second housing 22B. The conveyance path 90 extends from the entrance 31 to the discharge port 35, and the reverse conveyance path 92 is branched from the conveyance path 90 on the discharge port 33 side and extends to the discharge port 33.

  On the other hand, a plurality of casters 100 that support the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B are attached to the bottom surfaces of the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B. The caster 100 is in contact with the floor surface FL1 to support the first housing 22A, and the first reference caster 102 as an example of a first reference leg serving as a reference for height adjustment in the first housing 22A, A second reference caster 104 as an example of a second reference leg that serves as a reference for height adjustment in the second casing 22B, while supporting the second casing 22B in contact with the floor surface FL1. Yes.

  Further, the caster 100 is in contact with the floor surface FL1 and supports the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B together with the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104, and the first casing 22A and the second casing 22A are supported from the floor surface FL1. An example of a plurality of adjustment legs in which the length to the bottom surface of the second housing 22B (corresponding to the height from the floor surface FL1 to the bottom surface of the first housing 22A or the bottom surface of the second housing 22B) can be changed. The adjustment caster 110 is provided. Details of the arrangement of the first reference caster 102, the second reference caster 104, and the adjustment caster 110 will be described later. The casing 32, the first casing 22A, the second casing 22B, the casing 62, and the casing 72 are connected by a plurality of connecting members 150 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an image signal processing unit that performs color conversion processing on image data sent from a computer is provided inside the second housing 22B and above the arrow Z direction. A control unit 42 that performs drive control of each unit of the image forming apparatus 20) is provided. A power supply unit 44 is provided below the control unit 42. The power supply unit 44 changes the alternating current taken from the outside into a direct current and supplies power to each part of the paper processing system 10.

  On the other hand, the image forming unit 80 includes a toner cartridge 46, an image forming unit 48, and a transfer device 56. As an example, the toner cartridge 46 is a toner that contains toners of the first special color (V), the second special color (W), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The cartridges 46V, 46W, 46Y, 46M, 46C, and 46K are configured. The toner cartridges 46V, 46W, 46Y, 46M, 46C, and 46K are provided inside the first housing 22A so as to be exchangeable side by side in the arrow X direction on the upper side in the arrow Z direction.

  The first special color V and the second special color W are selected from special colors (including transparent) other than yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. As an example, there is clear toner for image coating. . Further, in the following description, when distinguishing V, W, Y, M, C, and K, an explanation is given by adding an alphabetic character of V, W, Y, M, C, or K after the number. When V, W, Y, M, C, and K are not distinguished, V, W, Y, M, C, and K may be omitted.

  Under the toner cartridge 46, six image forming units 48 corresponding to the toners of the respective colors are provided side by side in the arrow X direction corresponding to the toner cartridges 46. Specifically, the image forming units 48 are arranged in the order of 48V, 48W, 48Y, 48M, 48C, and 48K toward the downstream side in the moving direction (counterclockwise direction in the figure) of the intermediate transfer belt 57 described later. Yes. An exposure unit 52 is provided for each image forming unit 48 below each toner cartridge 46 and above each image forming unit 48.

  The exposure unit 52 receives the image data subjected to the image processing from the control unit 42 described above, modulates a semiconductor laser (not shown) according to the color material gradation data, and emits the exposure light L from these semiconductor lasers. It is comprised so that it may radiate | emit. Specifically, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor 49 by irradiating the surface of a photoreceptor 49 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, with exposure light L corresponding to each color.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 48 includes a photoconductor 49 that is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow A (the clockwise direction in the drawing). For example, a corona discharge (non-contact charging) charger 51 that charges the photoreceptor 49 and exposure light L that is charged by the charger 51 and irradiated from the exposure unit 52 are exposed around the photoreceptor 49. A developing unit 53 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the body 49 with toner of each color, a cleaning blade 54 for cleaning the surface of the photoconductor 49 after transfer, and light on the surface of the photoconductor 49 after transfer. There is provided an erase lamp 55 that performs neutralization by irradiation. The charging device 51, the developing device 53, the cleaning blade 54, and the erase lamp 55 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 49 so as to face the surface of the photoconductor 49. Yes.

  The developing device 53 is disposed on the side of the image forming unit 48 (the right side in the figure in the present embodiment), and includes a developer containing member 53A filled with a developer G containing toner, and a developer containing member 53A. And a developing roll 53B that moves the filled toner to the surface of the photoreceptor 49. The developing roll 53B is rotated by a motor (not shown), and this motor is rotated by being driven and controlled by a control unit 42 (see FIG. 2). The developing roll 53B is composed of a cylindrical developing sleeve (not shown) and a magnetic member provided in the developing sleeve, and the toner moves to the surface of the photoreceptor 49 when the developing sleeve rotates. ing.

  The developing roll 53B is electrically connected to a voltage application unit (not shown). This voltage application unit is electrically connected to the developing roll 53B and the photosensitive member 49, and applies a DC voltage and an AC voltage (developing bias voltage) to the developing roll 53B. Here, the photosensitive member 49 is grounded, and the toner is developed by a potential difference generated between the developing roll 53B to which the developing bias voltage is applied by the voltage applying unit and the latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member 49. Development is performed by moving from the outer peripheral surface of the roll 53B to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 49.

  One end of a dispenser (not shown) is connected to the developer containing member 53A. The dispenser includes a pipe and an auger (not shown), and the other end is connected to the toner cartridge 46 (see FIG. 2). Here, the dispenser supplies toner from the toner cartridge 46 to the developer accommodating member 53A by driving a motor (not shown) by the control unit 42 (see FIG. 2) and rotating the auger.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a transfer device 56 is provided below each image forming unit 48. The transfer device 56 multiplexes an intermediate transfer belt 57 that is in contact with each photoconductor 49 (see FIG. 3) and a toner image that is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 57 and formed on each photoconductor 49 on the intermediate transfer belt 57. Six primary transfer rolls 58 to be transferred, a drive roll 59 driven by a motor (not shown), a tension applying roll 61 for applying tension to the intermediate transfer belt 57, and a toner image transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 57 to the recording paper P The secondary transfer roll 63 includes a support roll 65 disposed opposite to the secondary transfer roll 63 with the intermediate transfer belt 57 interposed therebetween, and a plurality of support rolls 67.

  The intermediate transfer belt 57 is an endless member and is wound around six primary transfer rolls 58, a drive roll 59, a tension applying roll 61, a support roll 65, and a plurality of support rolls 67. The intermediate transfer belt 57 includes six primary transfer portions T1 (see FIG. 3) to which the toner images are transferred from the photoreceptor 49 by the respective primary transfer rolls 58, and the primary transfer toner images by the secondary transfer rolls 63. And a secondary transfer portion T2 to be transferred to the recording paper P. The intermediate transfer belt 57 holds the toner image on the outer peripheral surface, and circulates in the arrow B direction (counterclockwise direction in the drawing) from the primary transfer portion T1 to the secondary transfer portion T2 by the rotation of the drive roll 59. It is supposed to move.

  Each primary transfer roll 58 is disposed opposite to the photoreceptor 49 of each image forming unit 48 with the intermediate transfer belt 57 interposed therebetween. The primary transfer roll 58 is applied with a primary transfer bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner by a power supply unit (not shown). With this configuration, the toner image formed on the photoreceptor 49 is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 57 at the primary transfer portion T1. A cleaning blade 69 whose tip is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 57 is provided on the opposite side of the drive roll 59 with the intermediate transfer belt 57 interposed therebetween. The cleaning blade 69 removes residual toner, paper dust, and the like on the intermediate transfer belt 57 that circulates and moves.

  The secondary transfer roll 63 is applied with a secondary transfer bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner by a power supply unit (not shown). The secondary transfer roll 63 sandwiches the recording paper P between the intermediate transfer belt 57 and transfers the toner image onto the recording paper P in the secondary transfer portion T2. With this configuration, the color toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 57 are secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer roll 63 onto the recording paper P conveyed on the conveyance path 90.

  A position detection unit (not shown) for detecting a mark member made of a reflective material provided on the intermediate transfer belt 57 is provided at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 57. This position detection unit irradiates the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 57 with light, and detects the movement state of the reference position of the intermediate transfer belt 57 based on whether or not the light reflected by the mark member is received. Information is sent to the control unit 42.

  On the other hand, below the transfer device 56 below the first processing unit 40, two storage boxes 81 for storing the recording paper P are provided side by side in the arrow X direction. The storage box 81 can be pulled out from the first processing unit 40 toward the front side in the arrow Y direction. When the storage box 81 is pulled out from the first processing unit 40, the storage box 81 is provided in the storage box 81 and the recording paper P is placed thereon. The bottom plate 82 is lowered according to an instruction from the control unit 42. The user can replenish the recording paper P by lowering the bottom plate 82. Further, when the storage box 81 is attached to the first processing unit 40, the bottom plate 82 is raised by an instruction from the control unit 42.

  Above the one end side of the storage box 81 (here, the right side in the drawing), a feed roll 84 for sending the recording paper P from the storage box 81 to the transport path 90 via the reverse transport path 92 is provided. The uppermost recording paper P placed on 82 and the delivery roll 84 come into contact with each other. Further, a separation roll 85 that prevents double feeding of the recording paper P is provided on the downstream side of the feeding roll 84 in the direction of the arrow X, and the recording paper P is disposed on the downstream side of the separation roll 85. A plurality of transport rolls 86 for transport are provided. An alignment roll 88 for adjusting the movement timing of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 57 and the conveyance timing of the recording paper P is provided on the conveyance path 90 upstream of the secondary transfer portion T2. Yes.

  In addition, a plurality of transport units 94 that transport the recording paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred toward the second processing unit 50 are provided on the downstream side of the secondary transfer unit T2 in the transport path 90. The transport unit 94 includes a plurality of belt members (not shown) wound around a drive roll and a driven roll, and the recording paper P is moved by rotating the drive roll to move the belt member. It is transported toward the downstream side.

  Of the plurality of transport units 94, the downstream side of the transport unit 94 disposed at the discharge port 26 in the first processing unit 40 extends from the first processing unit 40 to the second processing unit 50, and is sent out by the transport unit 94. The recording paper P thus received is received by a transport unit 96 provided in the second processing section 50 and is transported further downstream. Further, a fixing unit 120 for fixing the toner image transferred onto the surface of the recording paper P to the recording paper P with heat and pressure is provided on the downstream side of the conveying unit 96 in the conveying path 90 in the second processing unit 50. ing. The transport units 94 and 96 constitute a part of the transport path 90.

  The fixing unit 120 includes two heating rolls 121 arranged vertically above the conveyance path 90 and including a heater serving as a heat source, a fixing belt 123 wound around the two heating rolls 121, and a lower part of the conveyance path 90. And a pressure roll 125 that pressurizes the recording paper P toward the lower heating roll 121. By the action of heating by the heating roll 121 and pressure by the pressure roll 125, The melted toner image is fixed on the recording paper P.

  On the downstream side of the fixing unit 120 in the conveyance path 90, a conveyance unit 122 that conveys the recording paper P sent out from the fixing unit 120 to the downstream side is provided. Further, on the downstream side of the conveyance unit 122, fixing is performed. A cooling unit 130 for cooling the recording paper P heated by the unit 120 is provided.

  The cooling unit 130 includes an upper conveyance unit 132 provided on the upper side across the conveyance path 90 for the recording paper P, a lower conveyance unit 134 provided on the lower side, and a heat sink that cools the recording paper P being conveyed. And a cooling unit 136.

  The upper transport unit 132 contacts the image forming surface of the recording paper P to absorb the heat of the recording paper P and contacts the endless heat receiving belt 133 that transports the recording paper P and the inner peripheral surface of the heat receiving belt 133. And a plurality of roll members 135 that drive or support the heat receiving belt 133. Here, the heat receiving belt 133 can circulate in the counterclockwise direction shown in the drawing.

  The lower conveyance unit 134 is disposed so that the outer peripheral surface faces the heat receiving belt 133, contacts the lower surface of the recording paper P, presses the recording paper P against the heat receiving belt 133, and conveys the recording paper P. 137 and a plurality of roll members 138 that are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 137 and that drive or support the conveyor belt 137. Here, the transport belt 137 is movable in the clockwise direction shown in the figure.

  On the other hand, a decurling unit 140 that corrects the warp of the recording paper P is provided on the downstream side of the cooling unit 130, and the conveyance path 90 on the downstream side of the decurling unit 140 extends to the discharge port 35. Here, when images are formed on both sides of the recording paper P, the recording paper P is conveyed from the downstream side of the decurling unit 140 to the reverse conveyance path 92.

  A reversing unit 93 is provided in the reversing conveyance path 92 of the second processing unit 50. The reversing unit 93 includes a branch path 93A that branches from the transport path 90 to the reverse transport path 92, and a paper transport path 93B that transports the recording paper P transported along the branch path 93A toward the first processing unit 40. And a reversing path 93C for turning the recording paper P transported along the paper transporting path 93B in the reverse direction to switchback transport and reverse the front and back. With this configuration, the recording paper P that is switched back in the reverse path 93C is transported toward the first processing unit 40, and further enters the transport path 90 and is sent again to the secondary transfer unit T2. Yes.

  Next, the arrangement of casters in the paper processing system 10 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, the image forming apparatus 20 is an installation standard for installing the paper processing system 10. That is, after the first processing unit 40 and the second processing unit 50 are installed and used as the installation standard, the paper storage unit 30 is installed upstream of the first processing unit 40 and downstream of the second processing unit 50. The paper stacking unit 60 and the post-processing unit 70 are installed on the side.

  4 shows the arrangement of the casters 100 provided on the bottom surface of the image forming apparatus 20 when the paper processing system 10 is viewed from the front, and the bottom surfaces of the paper storage unit 30, the paper stacking unit 60, and the post-processing unit 70. The arrangement of the adjusted caster 112 is shown. As described above, the caster 100 includes the first reference caster 102, the second reference caster 104, and the adjustment caster 110. FIG. 5A shows the arrangement of the first reference caster 102, the second reference caster 104, the adjustment caster 110, and the adjustment caster 112 when the sheet processing system 10 is viewed in plan. In FIG. 5A, the outer shape of each caster is displayed not as a hidden line (broken line) but as a solid line.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, on the bottom surface of the housing 32 of the sheet storage unit 30, there are six adjustment casters in total, ie, three in the arrow X direction in two rows on the front side and the back side in the arrow Y direction. 112 is provided. Further, on the bottom surface of the housing 62 of the paper stacking unit 60, adjustment casters 112 are provided in a total of four places, two places in the arrow X direction in two rows on the front side and the back side in the arrow Y direction. Further, on the bottom surface of the casing 72 of the post-processing unit 70, adjustment casters 112 are provided at a total of six locations, ie, three locations in the arrow X direction in two rows on the near side and the far side in the arrow Y direction.

  On the other hand, on the bottom surface of the first casing 22A of the first processing unit 40, casters 100 are provided in a total of six places, two rows in the arrow Y direction and three places in the arrow X direction. Among the casters 100, the adjustment casters 110 are arranged in a total of four places, two places in the arrow X direction, on the near side and the far side in the arrow Y direction in the first housing 22A. Further, the first reference casters 102 are provided at a total of two locations on the front side and the back side in the arrow Y direction on the upstream side (upstream end) of the adjustment caster 110 in the conveyance direction of the recording paper P in the first housing 22A. It has been.

  On the bottom surface of the second housing 22B of the second processing unit 50, casters 100 are provided at a total of six locations, two rows in the arrow Y direction and three locations in the arrow X direction. Among the casters 100, the adjustment casters 110 are arranged in a total of four places, two places in the arrow X direction, on the near side and the far side in the arrow Y direction in the second casing 22B. Further, a second reference caster 104 is provided at one position on the near side in the arrow Y direction on the downstream side (downstream end) of the adjustment paper 110 in the conveyance direction of the recording paper P in the second housing 22B. An adjustment caster 110 is provided at one position on the far side in the arrow Y direction.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, as an example, the total number of the first reference casters 102 and the second reference casters 104 is 2 places + 1 place = 3 places. The position serving as a reference for the height of each casing is a position where the height of the entrance of the casing and the height of the outlet of the adjacent casing are aligned (position where the recording paper P can be delivered). However, in this embodiment, since the height from the bottom surface to the discharge port and the height from the bottom surface to the entrance in adjacent housings are aligned in advance, the height position of the bottom surface of the housing is set to each housing. It may be a reference position for the height of the body.

  The first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 have a height from a protruding length (floor surface FL1 (see FIGS. 1 and 4)) from the bottom surface of the first housing 22A or the bottom surface of the second housing 22B. Equivalent) is set in advance to the same length. Here, when a total of three attachment positions of the upper end of the first reference caster 102 and the upper end of the second reference caster 104 are connected, a reference plane S1 that is a triangular plane is formed. The reference plane S1 serves as a reference for adjusting the height when the adjustment caster 110 is height-adjusted (caster length adjustment). That is, the length of the adjustment caster 110 is adjusted so that the upper end is placed on the reference plane S1.

  Next, the configuration of each caster will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, since the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 have the same configuration in the caster 100, the first reference caster 102 will be described here, and the second reference caster 102 will be described. The description of 104 is omitted.

  The first reference caster 102 includes a wheel 103 having a shaft 103A serving as a rotation axis, a holder 105 that rotatably supports the shaft 103A, and a columnar shaft portion 107 that is fixed to the upper surface of the holder 105 and extends in the arrow Z direction. , And a support portion 109 in which a hole portion 109C into which the shaft portion 107 is press-fitted is formed. The support portion 109 has a disk-like flat portion 109A and a protrusion 109B protruding upward from the upper surface of the flat portion 109A. The hole 109C extends from the lower surface of the flat portion 109A to the middle of the protrusion 109B. Is formed.

  Here, the bottom wall 21 of the first housing 22A is formed with a through hole 21A having the same diameter as the outer diameter of the protrusion 109B. The protrusion 109B is inserted into the through hole 21A, and a screw (not shown) is used. By fastening the flat portion 109A to the bottom wall 21, the first reference caster 102 is fixed to the bottom surface of the first housing 22A. For the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104, the length (projection length) from the bottom surface U to the floor surface FL1 on which the wheel 103 contacts (mounts) is defined as h1, with reference to the bottom surface U of the bottom wall 21. And

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, the adjustment caster 110 includes a wheel 103, a holder 105, a shaft 111 fixed to the upper surface of the holder 105 and having an external thread formed on the outer peripheral surface, and a shaft 111. A support portion 113 having a hole 113C in which an internal thread to be screwed is formed, and a nut 115 that fixes the position of the shaft portion 111 by screwing the shaft portion 111 below the support portion 113. And. The support 113 has a disk-like flat portion 113A and a protrusion 113B protruding upward from the upper surface of the flat portion 113A, and the hole 113C extends from the lower surface of the flat portion 113A to the upper surface of the protrusion 113B. It penetrates to.

  Note that the casings 32, 62, and 72 (see FIG. 1) also have the bottom wall 21. Further, the outer diameter of the protrusion 113B is the same as the outer diameter of the protrusion 109B (see FIG. 6A), and the protrusion 113B is inserted into the through hole 21A of the bottom wall 21, and a screw (not shown) The fixing caster 110 is fixed to the bottom surface of the first casing 22A by fixing the flat portion 113A to the bottom wall 21. In the present embodiment, since the adjustment caster 110 and the adjustment caster 112 (see FIG. 1) have the same configuration, the description of the adjustment caster 112 is omitted. In addition, with respect to the adjustment caster 110, the length (projection length) from the bottom surface U to the floor surface FL1 with which the wheel 103 contacts (mounts) is defined as h2, with reference to the bottom surface U of the bottom wall 21.

  Here, the adjustment caster 110 and the adjustment caster 112 (see FIG. 4A) are shortened by turning the shaft portion 111 in one direction and screwed, and the length h2 is shortened by turning the shaft portion 111 in the opposite direction. The length is adjusted so that the length h2 becomes longer. In the present embodiment, the adjustment caster 110 and the adjustment caster 112 (see FIG. 4A) have the same length h2 before height adjustment, and the first reference caster 102 and The length h1 of the second reference caster 104 is aligned (equal). In order to bring the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 into contact with the floor before the adjustment casters 110 and 112, the length h2 may be slightly shorter than the length h1.

  In the present embodiment, the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 are assumed to have a fixed length h1 from the beginning (length adjustment is not possible). May be used. For example, the first reference caster 102 is used as the adjustment caster 110, and the length h2 of the adjustment caster 110 is set to the length h1 in advance, and is screw-locked or paint-locked so as not to move (do not adjust) when the image forming apparatus 20 is installed. May be. In the following description, it is assumed that the heights of the respective housings are aligned in advance on the front side and the back side in the direction of arrow Y in the installation of the sheet processing system 10 (see FIG. 1).

  Next, a connecting member 150 as an example of a connecting means for connecting the respective housings will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, as an example, the right side wall of the first housing 22A includes an outer plate 23A disposed on the outer side and an inner plate 23B disposed on the inner side of the outer plate 23A. It has a double structure. Similarly, the left side wall of the second housing 22B has a double structure composed of an outer plate 25A disposed outside and an inner plate 25B disposed inside the outer plate 25A. Here, as an example, the connecting member 150 includes a fastened member 152 attached to the outer surface of the outer plate 23A and a screw 154 that is screwed into the fastened member 152. 7B shows the connected state of the connecting member 150 at one location. Actually, however, a plurality of locations (for example, two locations separated in the direction of the arrow Z, respectively) Are also provided at a total of four places).

  The fastened member 152 includes a disk-shaped large-diameter portion 152A, a small-diameter portion 152B protruding from the large-diameter portion 152A in the arrow X direction, and is formed from the end surface of the small-diameter portion 152B to the center of the large-diameter portion 152A. And a screw hole 152 </ b> C that is open to the center. The outer plate 25A has a through hole 27 having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 152A, and the inner plate 25B has a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the fastening portion of the screw 154. A through hole 29 is formed. The thickness of the fastened member 152 (the thickness of the large diameter portion 152A and the small diameter portion 152B) is equal to the length from the left side surface of the outer plate 25A to the left side surface of the inner plate 25B.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7B, when connecting the first housing 22A and the second housing 22B, the large-diameter portion 152A of the fastened member 152 is inserted into the through hole 27 of the second housing 22B. While inserting, the right side surface of the small diameter portion 152B and the left side surface of the inner plate 25B are brought into contact with each other. Then, the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B are coupled by fastening the screw 154 to the screw hole 152C in a state where the outer plate 23A and the outer plate 25A are in contact with each other. In this embodiment, as an example, the connection between the first housing 22A and the paper storage unit 30, the connection between the second housing 22B and the paper stacking unit 60, and the paper stacking unit 60 and the post-processing unit 70 are connected. A connecting member 150 is used for connection.

  Next, an image forming process of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when each unit of the image forming apparatus 20 is activated, the image data converted into the color material gradation data of each color by the control unit 42 is sequentially output to each exposure unit 52. As shown in FIG. 3, each exposure unit 52 emits each exposure light L according to the color material gradation data of each color, performs scanning exposure on each photoconductor 49 charged by the charger 51, and electrostatically A latent image is formed. Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 49 is developed by the developing unit 53 with the first special color (V), the second special color (W), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan ( C) and black (K) as toner images of the respective colors (development).

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoreceptors 49 of the image forming units 48V, 48W, 48Y, 48M, 48C, and 48K are converted into six primary transfer rolls 58V, 58W, and 58Y. , 58M, 58C, and 58K, multiple transfer is sequentially performed on the intermediate transfer belt 57. The color toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 57 are secondarily transferred onto the recording paper P conveyed from the storage box 81 by the secondary transfer roll 63. The recording paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is transported toward the fixing unit 120 of the second processing unit 50 by the transport unit 94.

  Subsequently, in the second processing unit 50, the toner images of the respective colors on the recording paper P are fixed on the recording paper P by being heated and pressed by the fixing unit 120. Then, the recording paper P on which the toner image is fixed passes through the cooling unit 130. In the cooling unit 130, the recording sheet P is conveyed while being sandwiched between the heat receiving belt 133 and the conveying belt 137, and the cooling unit 136 cools the recording sheet P. The cooled recording paper P is sent to the decurling unit 140, and the warp generated on the recording paper P is corrected. Then, the recording paper P whose warpage has been corrected is discharged to the paper stacking unit 60.

  On the other hand, when a toner image is formed on a non-image surface on which the toner image is not formed on the recording paper P (in the case of double-sided printing), the recording paper P after the image is formed on the surface is first switched (not shown). ) To the reverse conveyance path 92. Subsequently, the recording paper P sent out to the reverse conveyance path 92 is reversed after passing through the reverse conveyance path 92 and is sent again to the conveyance path 90. Then, a toner image is formed on the back surface by the above-described procedure, and is discharged to the paper stacking unit 60 after the fixing process and the cooling process.

  Next, an installation method of the sheet conveying apparatuses 300 and 310 as a comparative example will be described.

  FIG. 14A shows a sheet conveying apparatus 300 of the first comparative example. The sheet conveying apparatus 300 includes a casing 302 and a casing 304 that are arranged on the left and right in the front view and serve as the apparatus main body, and a casing 308 that is connected to the right side of the casing 304. A plurality of adjustment casters 306 each having an adjustable length are attached to the bottom surface of the body 304 and the housing 308. Note that conveyance units for conveying the recording paper P are provided in the casings 302, 304, and 308, but are not shown.

  On the floor surface FL2 where the sheet conveying apparatus 300 is installed, a section AB (from point A to point B) where the casing 302 is disposed and a section BC (where the casing 304 is disposed) in the front view of the sheet conveying apparatus 300. Point B to point C) and a section CD (from point C to point D) in which the housing 308 is arranged are set, and the height of point B is higher than point A, point C, and point D Suppose that In addition, the height of the point A, the point C, and the point D is comparable.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (A), when the sheet conveying device 300 is installed on the floor surface FL2, the lengths of the plurality of adjustment casters 306 can be adjusted. It is not possible to decide which caster is the standard. For this reason, even if the length of the adjustment caster 306 is adjusted to suppress the displacement of the coupling position between the casing 302 and the casing 304, the coupling position is set to a preset coupling position (from the preset floor surface FL2). May deviate from the height position.

  Here, the height from the floor surface FL2 of the connection position between the housing 302 and the housing 304 set in advance is H (not shown), and the length of the adjustment caster 306 after the length adjustment is h3. At this time, for example, the adjustment amount of the adjustment caster 306 corresponding to (h3-H) is a useless adjustment.

  That is, in the sheet conveying apparatus 300, when the length of the other adjustment caster 306 is adjusted with reference to the adjustment caster 306 at a position close to the point B that is higher than the points A, C, and D, The adjustment amount of the adjustment caster 306 near the position A and the point C is increased. For this reason, the number of man-hours for adjustment to suppress the displacement of the connection position between the housing 302 and the housing 304 increases. Further, when the case 308 is connected side by side next to the case 304, the length adjustment amount of the adjustment caster 306 provided in the case 308 also increases, and the connection position shift between the case 304 and the case 308 is shifted. The adjustment man-hours to be suppressed will further increase.

  On the other hand, FIG. 14B shows a sheet conveying apparatus 310 of the second comparative example. The sheet conveying apparatus 310 includes a casing 312 and a casing 304 that are arranged on the left and right in the front view and serve as the apparatus main body, and a casing 308 that is connected to the right side of the casing 304. Is provided with a fixed caster 314 having a fixed length. In addition, an adjustment caster 306 is provided on the bottom surfaces of the housing 304 and the housing 308. In addition, in the housings 312, 304, and 308, a transport unit that transports the recording paper P is provided, but the illustration is omitted.

  On the floor surface FL3 on which the paper transport device 310 is installed, a section AB in which the housing 312 is disposed, a section BC in which the housing 304 is disposed, and a housing 308 are disposed in a front view of the paper transport device 310. Assume that the section CD is set, the heights of the points A and B are the same, the point C is lower than the points A and B, and the point D is lower than the point C.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, when the paper transport device 310 is installed on the floor surface FL3, the housing 312 and the housing 304 are arranged side by side to adjust the length of the adjustment caster 306. The heights of 304 are aligned, and the displacement of the connection position is suppressed.

  Here, in the sheet conveying apparatus 310, since the casters on the casing 312 side are all fixed casters 314, the lengths of the adjustment casters 306 of the casing 304 must all be adjusted. For this reason, in particular, in the adjustment caster 306 on the opposite side (right side in the figure) of the housing 304 to the housing 312 side, the adjustment amount corresponding to (h4-H) when the adjusted length is h4. Will increase and the man-hours for adjustment will increase. Further, when the housing 308 is disposed on the right side of the housing 304 and the housing 304 and the housing 308 are connected, the height of the housing 308 is not adjusted to the height of the housing 312 and the housing 304. Must not. For this reason, if the adjusted length of the adjustment caster 306 of the housing 308 is h5, the adjustment amount corresponding to (h5-H) is increased, and the number of adjustment steps is increased.

(Function)
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

  8A, 8B, and 8C show a process of installing the sheet processing system 10 on the floor surface FL2. On the floor surface FL2, the section AB in which the sheet storage unit 30 is disposed, the section BC in which the first processing unit 40 is disposed, and the second processing unit 50 are disposed in the arrow X direction in front view of the sheet processing system 10. A section CD, a section DE in which the paper stacking unit 60 is disposed, and a section EF in which the post-processing unit 70 is disposed are set. On the floor surface FL2, the heights of the points A, B, D, E, and F are approximately the same, and the height of the point C is the points A, B, D, E, It is higher than point F. 8A, 8 </ b> B, and 8 </ b> C, the conveyance path 90 of the recording paper P, the entrance / exit, and the image forming unit 80 are not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, as the installation process of the sheet processing system 10, first, the first processing unit 40 is arranged in the section BC of the floor surface FL2, and the second processing unit 50 is arranged in the section CD. Here, since the lengths of the first reference caster 102 and the adjustment caster 110 are aligned in advance, the first casing 22A is disposed obliquely along the slope of the section BC. Similarly, since the lengths of the second reference caster 104 and the adjustment caster 110 are aligned in advance, the second casing 22B is disposed obliquely along the slope of the section CD. In this state, the gap N between the first housing 22A and the second housing 22B increases toward the upper side in the arrow Z direction.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8B, the shaft portion 111 (see FIG. 6B) of the adjustment caster 110 is turned so that the length of the plurality of adjustment casters 110 becomes shorter as the point C is closer. Adjust the length. Thereby, the heights of the first housing 22A and the second housing 22B are aligned, and the displacement of the connection position is suppressed. In this state, the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B are coupled by the coupling member 150. The reference plane S1 (see FIG. 5A) formed by the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 is determined by the connection between the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B. In addition, after the connection of the first housing 22A and the second housing 22B, the length of the adjustment caster 110 is adjusted as necessary, and the adjustment caster 110 comes into contact with the floor surface FL2.

  Here, since the length of the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 is the same as the installation reference, the length adjustment at the positions of the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 is unnecessary. is there. Further, since the length of the adjustment caster 110 may be adjusted so as to be aligned with the height of the reference plane S1 formed by the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104, the sheet conveying apparatus 300 of the first comparative example (FIG. 14 (A)), the adjustment of suppressing the connecting position shift between the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B is less than that of the configuration in which all the lengths of the adjustment casters 306 having no length reference are adjusted. Reduces man-hours.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8C, the sheet storage unit 30 is arranged in the section AB, and the sheet stacking unit 60 is arranged in the section DE. Here, in the first casing 22 </ b> A, the length of the first reference caster 102 is a reference, and therefore, the length of the adjustment caster 112 of the sheet storage unit 30 is adjusted according to the length of the first reference caster 102. Thus, the displacement of the connection position between the housing 32 of the paper storage unit 30 and the first housing 22A is suppressed. Furthermore, since the length of the first reference caster 102 and the length of the adjustment caster 112 are aligned in advance, the amount of adjustment of the length of the adjustment caster 112 is smaller than that of the sheet conveying apparatus 300 of the first comparative example, and the housing The number of adjustment man-hours for suppressing the displacement of the connection position between the body 32 and the first housing 22A is reduced. Then, after adjusting the length of the adjustment caster 112, the casing 32 and the first casing 22A are connected by the connecting member 150, and the sheet storage unit 30 and the first processing unit 50 are connected.

  On the other hand, in the second casing 22 </ b> B, the length of the second reference caster 104 is a reference, and therefore, the length of the adjustment caster 112 of the sheet stacking unit 60 is adjusted according to the length of the second reference caster 104. Further, displacement of the connection position between the housing 62 of the paper stacking unit 60 and the second housing 22B is suppressed. Furthermore, since the length of the second reference caster 104 and the length of the adjustment caster 112 are aligned in advance, the amount of adjustment of the length of the adjustment caster 112 is smaller than that of the sheet conveying apparatus 300 of the first comparative example, and the housing The number of adjustment man-hours for suppressing the displacement of the connection position between the body 62 and the second housing 22B is reduced. After adjusting the length of the adjustment caster 112, the second casing 22B and the casing 62 are connected by the connecting member 150, and the second processing unit 50 and the paper stacking unit 60 are connected.

  Note that the connection between the casing 32 and the first casing 22A and the connection between the second casing 22B and the casing 62 are not limited to the connecting member 150. For example, the protrusion formed on one side wall is connected to the other side. The structure which fits into the recessed part formed in the side wall may be sufficient. Further, the position of the connecting member may be provided in the vicinity of the connection port of the paper, instead of the two upper and lower positions shown in the figure.

  Subsequently, after the connection between the casing 32 and the first casing 22A and the connection between the second casing 22B and the casing 62 are completed, the adjustment casters 112 of the casing 32 and the casing 62 are adjusted as necessary. The length is adjusted. Then, after the post-processing unit 70 is arranged in the section EF of the floor surface FL2 and the length of the adjustment caster 112 is adjusted, the casing 72 is connected to the casing 62 by the connecting member 150, and the sheet stacking unit 60 and the rear A processing unit 70 is connected. Here, since the heights of the casing 32, the first casing 22A, the second casing 22B, the casing 62, and the casing 72 are aligned, as shown in FIG. The displacement of the connecting positions of the outlet 26 and the inlet 31, the outlet 33 and the inlet 28, the outlet 35 and the inlet 66, and the outlet 68 and the inlet 78 are suppressed.

  Next, as another installation example of the paper processing system 10, FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show a process of installing the paper processing system 10 on the floor surface FL3. On the floor surface FL3, the section AB in which the sheet storage unit 30 is disposed, the section BC in which the first processing unit 40 is disposed, and the second processing unit 50 are disposed in the arrow X direction when the sheet processing system 10 is viewed from the front. A section CD, a section DE in which the paper stacking unit 60 is disposed, and a section EF in which the post-processing unit 70 is disposed are set. On the floor surface FL3, the heights of point A, point B, and point C are approximately the same, point D is lower than point C, point E is lower than point D, and point F is point E. Is lower than. 9A, 9 </ b> B, and 9 </ b> C, the conveyance path 90 of the recording paper P, the entrance / exit, and the image forming unit 80 are not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, as the installation process of the sheet processing system 10, first, the first processing unit 40 is arranged in the section BC of the floor surface FL3, and the second processing unit 50 is arranged in the section CD. Here, since the lengths of the first reference caster 102 and the adjustment caster 110 are aligned in advance, the first casing 22A is disposed horizontally along the section BC. Similarly, since the lengths of the second reference caster 104 and the adjustment caster 110 are aligned in advance, the second casing 22B is disposed obliquely along the slope of the section CD. In this state, the gap N between the first housing 22A and the second housing 22B increases toward the upper side in the arrow Z direction.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9B, the length of the adjustment caster 110 of the first casing 22A and the second casing so that the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B can be connected. The length of the adjustment caster 110 of 22B is adjusted. The adjustment is made in such a manner that the lengths of the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 are fixed, and even if only the length of the adjustment caster 110 of the second casing 22B is adjusted, the first casing This is because a step is generated between 22A and the second housing 22B.

  Specifically, the adjustment is performed such that the closer to the point C, the shorter the length of the adjustment caster 110 of the first housing 22A and the length of the adjustment caster 110 of the second housing 22B. Accordingly, the first housing 22A and the second housing 22B are arranged to be inclined with respect to the direction of the arrow X, but the heights are aligned and the displacement of the connection position is suppressed. In this state, the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B are coupled by the coupling member 150. The reference plane S1 (see FIG. 5A) formed by the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 is determined by the connection between the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B. Note that the length of the adjustment caster 110 is adjusted as necessary after the connection between the first housing 22A and the second housing 22B.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9C, the sheet storage unit 30 is arranged in the section AB and the sheet stacking unit 60 is arranged in the section DE. Here, in the first housing 22A, since the length of the first reference caster 102 is fixed, the adjustment caster 112 of the sheet storage unit 30 so as to eliminate the displacement of the connection position between the housing 32 and the first housing 22A. Adjust the length. Thereby, the connection position shift of the housing | casing 32 and the 1st housing | casing 22A is suppressed. Furthermore, since the length of the first reference caster 102 and the length of the adjustment caster 112 are aligned in advance, the amount of adjustment of the length of the adjustment caster 112 is smaller than that of the sheet conveying apparatus 300 of the first comparative example, and the housing The number of adjustment man-hours for suppressing the displacement of the connection position between the body 32 and the first housing 22A is reduced. Then, after adjusting the length of the adjustment caster 112, the casing 32 and the first casing 22A are connected by the connecting member 150, and the sheet storage unit 30 and the first processing unit 40 are connected.

  On the other hand, in the second casing 22B, since the length of the second reference caster 104 is a reference, the adjustment caster 112 of the sheet stacking unit 60 is configured so as to eliminate the displacement of the connection position between the second casing 22B and the casing 62. Adjust the length. Thereby, the shift of the connecting position between the second housing 22B and the housing 62 is suppressed. Furthermore, since the length of the second reference caster 104 and the length of the adjustment caster 112 are aligned in advance, the adjustment amount of the length of the adjustment caster 112 is smaller than that of the sheet conveying apparatus 300 of the first comparative example, and the first (2) The number of man-hours for adjustment to suppress the displacement of the connection position between the housing 22B and the housing 62 is reduced. After adjusting the length of the adjustment caster 112, the second casing 22B and the casing 62 are connected by the connecting member 150, and the second processing unit 50 and the paper stacking unit 60 are connected.

  Here, since the connected casing 32, first casing 22 </ b> A, second casing 22 </ b> B, and casing 62 are inclined with respect to the arrow X direction, the sheet conveying apparatus 310 of the second comparative example. As shown in FIG. 14B, the lengths of the adjustment caster 110 and the adjustment caster 112 are compared with a configuration in which the lengths of the adjustment casters 306 of the casing 304 are all adjusted to horizontally arrange the casings. Adjustment man-hours are reduced.

  Subsequently, after the connection between the casing 32 and the first casing 22A and the connection between the second casing 22B and the casing 62 are finished, the adjustment casters 112 of the casing 32 and the casing 62 are adjusted as necessary. The length is adjusted. Then, after the post-processing unit 70 is arranged in the section EF of the floor surface FL2 and the length of the adjustment caster 112 is adjusted, the casing 72 is connected to the casing 62 by the connecting member 150. Here, since the heights of the casing 32, the first casing 22A, the second casing 22B, the casing 62, and the casing 72 are aligned, as shown in FIG. The displacement of the connecting positions of the outlet 26 and the inlet 31, the outlet 33 and the inlet 28, the outlet 35 and the inlet 66, and the outlet 68 and the inlet 78 are suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an example of a method for installing the medium conveying apparatus, the image forming apparatus, and the medium conveying apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that members that are basically the same as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 10 shows an overall configuration of a sheet processing system 200 as an example of a medium transport apparatus according to the second embodiment. The paper processing system 200 has a configuration in which the paper storage unit 30 and the first processing unit 40 of the paper processing system 10 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment are replaced with a paper storage unit 230 and a first processing unit 220. ing. The sheet storage unit 230, the first processing unit 220, and the second processing unit 50 constitute the image forming apparatus 210. In the second embodiment, only the paper stacking unit 60 is an example of a delivery device.

  The sheet storage unit 230 includes a housing 32 and storage boxes 34 and 36 provided inside the housing 32. Further, a first reference caster 102 is attached to the left end portion of the bottom surface of the housing 32, and an adjustment caster 110 is attached to the right end portion.

  In the first processing unit 220, in the first processing unit 40 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment, the storage box 81 in the first housing 22A is removed without changing the image forming unit 80, and the first reference caster 102 is removed. The adjustment caster 110 is attached at the position where the is attached. Here, the apparatus main body 22 is comprised by the housing | casing 32, 1st housing | casing 22A, and 2nd housing | casing 22B.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (A), a total of two first reference casters 102 are provided on the bottom surface of the housing 32 on the front side and the back side in the arrow Y direction at the left end. Further, on the right side of the first reference caster 102 in the direction of the arrow X, the adjustment casters 112 are provided in a total of four places, two in the direction of the arrow X in two rows on the front side and the back side in the direction of the arrow Y.

  On the other hand, on the bottom surface of the first housing 22A, the adjustment casters 110 are provided at equal intervals in a total of six places: two rows in the arrow Y direction and three places in the arrow X direction. Here, when a total of three attachment positions of the upper end of the first reference caster 102 and the upper end of the second reference caster 104 are connected, a reference plane S3 that is a triangular plane is formed. The reference plane S3 serves as a reference for adjusting the height when the adjustment caster 110 is height-adjusted (caster length adjustment). That is, the length of the adjustment caster 110 is adjusted so that the upper end is placed on the reference plane S1.

(Function)
Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, as the installation process of the paper processing system 200, first, the paper storage section 230 is provided in the section AB of the floor surface FL2, the first processing section 220 is provided in the section BC, and the second processing section 50 is provided in the section CD. Place. Here, since the lengths of the adjustment casters 110 of the first casing 22A are aligned in advance, the first casing 22A is disposed obliquely along the slope of the section BC. Similarly, since the lengths of the second reference caster 104 and the adjustment caster 110 are aligned in advance, the second casing 22B is disposed obliquely along the slope of the section CD. In this state, a gap N1 is generated between the casing 32 and the first casing 22A, and a gap N2 is generated between the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B. In the sheet storage unit 230, the lengths of the first reference caster 102 and the adjustment caster 110 are aligned in advance.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12B, the adjustment amount of the length of the adjustment casters 110 of the first housing 22A and the second housing 22B is reduced toward the point B and closer to the point C. Adjust so that the length of the place is shorter. As a result, the heights of the housing 32, the first housing 22A, and the second housing 22B are aligned, and the connecting position shift is suppressed. In this state, the casing 32 and the first casing 22A, and the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B are connected by the connecting member 150. The reference plane S3 (see FIG. 11A) formed by the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 is determined by the connection of the case 32, the first case 22A, and the second case 22B. . In addition, after connection with the housing | casing 32, 1st housing | casing 22A, and 2nd housing | casing 22B, the length of the adjustment caster 110 is adjusted as needed.

  Here, since the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 become the installation reference without changing the length, adjustment at the positions of the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 is unnecessary. Further, since the length of the adjustment caster 110 may be adjusted so as to be aligned with the height of the reference plane S3 (see FIG. 11A) formed by the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104, the first comparison Compared to a configuration in which all of the adjustment casters 306 having no reference are adjusted, such as the example paper conveyance device 300 (see FIG. 14A), the casing 32, the first casing 22A, and the second casing. The number of man-hours for adjustment to suppress the connecting position shift of 22B is reduced.

  Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 12C, the paper stacking unit 60 is disposed in the section DE. Here, since the length of the second reference caster 104 is a reference, the length of the adjustment caster 112 of the paper stacking unit 60 is adjusted according to the length of the second reference caster 104, so The connection position shift between the housing 62 and the second housing 22B is suppressed. Furthermore, since the length of the first reference caster 102 and the length of the adjustment caster 112 are aligned in advance, the amount of adjustment of the length of the adjustment caster 112 is smaller than that of the sheet conveying apparatus 300 of the first comparative example, and the housing The number of adjustment man-hours for suppressing the displacement of the connection position between the body 62 and the second housing 22B is reduced.

  Then, after adjusting the length of the adjustment caster 112, the second housing 22B and the housing 62 are connected by the connecting member 150 to connect the second processing unit 50 and the paper stacking unit 60. Subsequently, as in the first embodiment, the post-processing unit 70 is arranged in the section EF, the length of the adjustment caster 112 of the casing 72 is adjusted, and the casing 72 is connected to the casing 62 by the connecting member 150. Then, the paper stacking unit 60 and the post-processing unit 70 are connected.

  Next, as another installation example of the paper processing system 200, as shown in FIG. 13A, first, the paper storage section 230 is provided in the section AB of the floor surface FL3, the first processing section 220 is provided in the section BC, and the section CD is provided. A second processing unit 50 is arranged. Here, since the lengths of the adjustment casters 110 are aligned in advance, the casing 32 and the first casing 22A are arranged horizontally. Similarly, since the lengths of the second reference caster 104 and the adjustment caster 110 are aligned in advance, the second casing 22B is disposed obliquely along the slope of the section CD. In this state, the gap N between the first housing 22A and the second housing 22B increases toward the upper side in the arrow Z direction.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13B, the length of the adjustment caster 110 is adjusted so that the casing 32, the first casing 22A, and the second casing 22B can be connected. The adjustment is made in such a manner that the lengths of the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 are fixed, and even if only the length of the adjustment caster 110 of the second casing 22B is adjusted, the first casing This is because a step is generated between 22A and the second housing 22B.

  Specifically, the length of the adjustment caster 110 of the first housing 22A and the length of the adjustment caster 110 of the second housing 22B are adjusted to be shorter as the location is closer to the point C. The length of the adjustment caster 110 of the body 32 is adjusted. By adjusting in this way, the housing 32, the first housing 22A, and the second housing 22B are arranged to be inclined with respect to the direction of the arrow X, but the height is aligned and the displacement of the coupling position is suppressed. Is done. In this state, the casing 32 and the first casing 22A, and the first casing 22A and the second casing 22B are connected by the connecting member 150.

  The reference plane S3 (see FIG. 11A) formed by the first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 is determined by the connection of the case 32, the first case 22A, and the second case 22B. . Note that after the casing 32, the first casing 22A, and the second casing 22B are connected, the length of the adjustment caster 110 is adjusted as necessary.

  Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, the paper stacking unit 60 is disposed in the section DE. Here, since the length of the second reference caster 104 is a reference, the length of the adjustment caster 112 of the paper stacking unit 60 is adjusted according to the length of the second reference caster 104, so The connection position shift between the housing 62 and the second housing 22B is suppressed. Further, since the length of the second reference caster 104 and the length of the adjustment caster 112 are aligned in advance, the amount of adjustment of the length of the adjustment caster 112 is smaller than that of the sheet conveying device 310 of the second comparative example, and the housing The number of adjustment man-hours for suppressing the displacement of the connection position between the body 62 and the second housing 22B is reduced.

  Then, after adjusting the length of the adjustment caster 112, the second housing 22B and the housing 62 are connected by the connecting member 150, and the second processing unit 50 and the paper stacking unit 60 are connected. Subsequently, as in the first embodiment, the post-processing unit 70 is arranged in the section EF, the length of the adjustment caster 112 of the casing 72 is adjusted, and the casing 72 is connected to the casing 62 by the connecting member 150. Then, the paper stacking unit 60 and the post-processing unit 70 are connected.

  Here, since the connected casing 32, first casing 22 </ b> A, second casing 22 </ b> B, and casing 62 are inclined with respect to the arrow X direction, the sheet conveying apparatus 310 of the second comparative example. As shown in FIG. 14B, the lengths of the adjustment caster 110 and the adjustment caster 112 are compared with a configuration in which the lengths of the adjustment casters 306 of the casing 304 are all adjusted to horizontally arrange the casings. Adjustment man-hours are reduced.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment.

  When the height of the floor surface does not change in the arrow Y direction, the adjustment caster 110 and the adjustment caster 112 have a plurality of four or more locations in the arrow X direction and three rows in the arrow Y direction when the paper processing system 10 is viewed from the front. It may be provided at the plurality of locations described above. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 11B, the first reference caster 102 is provided at two locations on the front side and the rear side in the arrow Y direction, and the second reference caster 104 is provided on the front side in the arrow Y direction. The first reference caster 102 and the second reference caster 104 form a quadrangular reference plane S2 or reference plane S4, and the adjustment casters 110 according to the reference plane. The length of 112 may be adjusted.

  Further, the connecting member 150 shown in FIG. 7 may be a single side wall instead of a double structure constituted by the outer plate 23A and the inner plate 23B or the outer plate 25A and the inner plate 25B. Further, the adjustment casters 110 and 112 may have no wheels. The reference position for determining the leg length of each caster is not limited to the bottom surface of the casing.

  Further, the length of the adjustment caster 110 is determined by only the first processing unit 40 and the second processing unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 20 or the sheet storage unit 230, the first processing unit 220, and the second processing unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 210. Even if the height is adjusted, the same effects as those of the sheet processing systems 10 and 200 can be obtained.

10. Paper processing system (an example of a media transport device)
20 Image forming apparatus 22A first housing (an example of apparatus main body)
22B Second housing (an example of the device main body)
30 Paper storage unit (an example of a delivery device)
60 Paper stacking unit (an example of a delivery device)
80 Image forming unit 90 Conveying path (an example of conveying means)
102 First reference caster (an example of a first reference leg)
104 Second reference caster (example of second reference leg)
110 Adjustment caster (example of adjustment leg)
200 Paper processing system (an example of a medium transport device)
210 Image forming apparatus

Claims (7)

Conveying means for conveying the medium;
An apparatus main body configured by connecting a plurality of casings including a first casing that accommodates the upstream end of the conveying means and a second casing that accommodates the downstream end by a coupling means;
A plurality of adjusting legs provided in each of the plurality of casings, supporting the casing in contact with a floor surface, and capable of adjusting the length;
The first casing is provided on the upstream side of the plurality of adjusting legs in the medium conveyance direction, contacts the floor surface, supports the first casing with the plurality of adjusting legs, and has a fixed length. A first reference leg,
The second casing is provided on the downstream side of the plurality of adjustment legs in the medium conveyance direction, contacts the floor surface, supports the second casing with the plurality of adjustment legs, and has a fixed length. A second reference leg,
A medium conveying apparatus having The plurality of adjusting legs and the connecting means, and the plurality of adjusting legs connected to the upstream side of the first casing in the transport direction or the downstream side of the second casing in the transport direction by the connecting means. The medium conveying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a delivery device that delivers the medium to and from the connected first or second casing. .   The medium conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the total number of the first reference legs and the second reference legs is three.   4. The medium according to claim 1, wherein lengths of the plurality of adjusting legs before length adjustment are aligned with lengths of the first reference leg and the second reference leg. 5. Conveying device. The medium carrying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An image forming unit that forms an image on a medium that is provided inside the apparatus main body and conveyed;
An image forming apparatus. A plurality of adjustment legs are provided that accommodate the upstream end of the conveyance means for conveying the medium and can be adjusted in length, and the length cannot be adjusted or adjusted upstream of the adjustment legs in the medium conveyance direction. A first housing provided with a finished first reference leg, and a plurality of adjustment legs which accommodates the downstream end of the transport means and can be adjusted in length. Preparing an apparatus main body composed of a plurality of cases including a second case provided with a second reference leg whose length is not adjustable or adjusted on the downstream side in the transport direction;
Arranging the plurality of cases in the transport direction;
Connecting the plurality of housings;
Adjusting the length of the adjustment leg so that the first reference leg and the second reference leg are in contact with the floor surface and the adjustment leg is in contact with the floor surface;
A method of installing a medium conveying apparatus having The delivery device delivering the media and installation for floor level is adjustable the transporting unit is carried out, the upstream side and the in the conveying direction of the first body the length of is adjustable the adjustable foot A step of disposing at least one of the downstream side of the second casing in which the length of the adjusting leg is adjusted in the transport direction;
Adjusting the height of the delivery device so that a medium is delivered between at least one of the first housing and the second housing and the delivery device;
Connecting the delivery device after height adjustment to at least one of the first housing and the second housing;
The installation method of the medium conveying apparatus of Claim 6 which has these.

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