Fax machine with a paper/document common output path

摘要

A fax machine. The fax machine includes a paper distribution unit having a document input passage with a document outlet and a paper input passage with a paper outlet, a scanner unit having a sheet-transfer gap defined between a sheet-transfer cylinder and an impression cylinder, and a switching unit operated to switch the position of the document outlet and paper outlet of the paper distribution unit. When the fax machine is at the document scanning mode, the paper distribution unit is switched by the switching unit to a first position where the document outlet is aimed at the sheet-transfer gap between the sheet-transfer cylinder and the impression cylinder. When the fax machine is at the printing mode, the paper distribution unit is switched by the switching unit to a second position where the paper outlet is aimed at the sheet-transfer gap between the sheet-transfer cylinder and the impression cylinder.