Patent ID: 6430388
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming machine having an image forming transport path in which an image is formed on one surface of a sheet being transported, a reversing transport path in which a transport direction of the sheet selectively introduced from a downstream portion of the image forming transport path is reversed, a returning path in which the sheet reversely transported from the reversing transport path is returned below the image forming transport path with the directions of the face and back of the sheet being unchanged, and an inverting transport path in which the sheet returned through the returning path is turned upside down and readmitted into an upstream portion of the image forming transport path, wherein:a finisher including a sheet receiving stand placed below the returning path is provided, at least one send-in means for selectively sending in the sheet, returned through the returning path, onto the sheet receiving stand is disposed in the returning path, a sorting discharge tray is disposed in a direction of extension of the sheet receiving stand, the finisher has a catching means capable of catching an end of the sheet selectively sent in onto the sheet receiving stand by the send-in means and storing the sheet, a sheet moving means is disposed for moving the sheet caught by the catching means toward the sorting discharge tray, the send-in means is disposed in the returning path at one position in one end portion of the sheet receiving stand facing the sorting discharge tray so that a plurality of types of sheets with different lengths in the direction of transport may be selectively returned, and the plurality of types of sheets with different lengths may be selectively sent in from the one position, and the catching means is selectively moved to a plurality of catching positions, relative to the send-in means, corresponding to the plurality of types of sheets with different lengths.