JP2005320151A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely and forcedly deliver a recording paper even when connecting a post-processing device having small paper common use width. <P>SOLUTION: In this image forming device 10, a side register position S is set based on paper allowance width W of a finisher by inputting or setting this paper allowance width when connecting the finisher 18. When forming image on a recording paper 12, side register adjustment of the recording paper is performed by matching with this side register position. When performing purge processing after abnormal stop, side register adjustment of the recording paper is performed by matching with not a side register position Srb for a recording paper having the maximum size, but the side register position S to prevent jamming of recording paper between the finisher and it and operate the device again simply in a short time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that is connected to a post-processing apparatus that performs various post-processing on a recording sheet on which an image is formed.

  An image forming apparatus that forms an image on recording paper exposes a photosensitive drum based on image data and transfers a toner image formed by toner development onto the recording paper through an intermediate transfer member, Some use an electrophotographic process in which a toner image is fixed on a recording sheet by being sandwiched by a fixing roll and heated and pressed.

  In such an image forming apparatus, a high-quality color image is formed using toners of each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), and images are formed on both sides of the recording paper. Double-sided printing is possible. Further, in the image forming apparatus, in order to form a high-quality color image, a toner image is formed by using the central portion of the photoconductor, avoiding both ends of the photoconductor drum.

  On the other hand, in the field of DTP, a post-processing device (finisher) having post-processing functions such as cutting and booklet creation is connected to the image forming device, and the process from image formation on recording paper to various post-processing is continuously performed. There are things to do.

  After forming images on both sides of the recording paper, when cutting the recording paper to a predetermined size or performing bookbinding, it is necessary to align the image positions on both the front and back sides of the recording paper. Prior to image formation (image transfer) on recording paper, side registration adjustment is performed.

  In other words, if the side registration is not correct when forming an image such as an image on recording paper, the position of the image will not be constant between pages when bookbinding, and especially when double-sided printing is performed, the front and back images will be misaligned. Will stand out. Also, when performing cutting to cut the margin of the recording paper printed on both sides, if the front and back image positions do not match, the amount of margin differs on the front and back surfaces, or the recording paper was cut based on one side Sometimes the image on the other side is missing.

  In order to prevent such a problem, the image forming apparatus performs control so that the registration position of the recording paper is always constant. At this time, when forming an image on a large size recording paper having a width close to the length along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, it is used up to both ends in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum according to the width of the recording paper. The registration position is adjusted so that image formation is performed. The registration position of the recording paper is adjusted.

  Also, when performing duplex printing, an abutting portion is provided in the double-sided path unit that conveys the recording paper on which the first image is formed, facing the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording paper. A proposal has been made to perform positioning in the width direction by abutting the end portion of the recording paper to be formed on the abutting portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  By the way, some finishers connected to the image forming apparatus limit the size of the recording paper that can be processed by the subsequent processing function. In other words, the image forming apparatus can form an image even on a relatively large recording sheet, but some finishers have a limited number of acceptable recording sheets.

  For this reason, when a finisher having a limited size of recording paper that can be accepted is connected to the image forming apparatus, the registration position must be adjusted by the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, some image forming apparatuses perform a purge operation that conveys and discharges recording paper remaining in the apparatus when it stops abnormally. When the apparatus stops abnormally, the recording paper conveyance posture is often unstable. For this reason, when performing the purge operation in the image forming apparatus, the registration position of the recording paper is changed to a large size recording paper. In contrast, by adjusting and feeding to the set registration position, paper jam (Jam) does not occur even when the recording paper is in an inclined state (skewed state).

In addition, an image forming system has been proposed in which a discharge position for discharging the recording paper causing the paper jam is set in advance, and the recording paper is discharged to this discharge position when recovery is performed for the paper jam ( For example, see Patent Document 2.)
JP 2002-326768 A JP 2002-128376 A

  However, if a finisher that limits the size of the acceptable recording paper is connected and the registration position is adjusted to a large size recording paper that cannot be accepted by the finisher, the purge operation will be performed. In addition, there is a problem that a paper jam occurs between the image forming apparatus and the finisher.

  In order to prevent such a paper jam during the purge operation, it is conceivable to stop the purge function in the image forming apparatus. In this case, the operator manually removes the recording paper remaining in the apparatus. Therefore, it is necessary to remove one by one, and the operability is extremely deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned facts, and when an abnormal stop is caused by enabling a purge operation even when a post-processing device in which the size of acceptable recording paper is limited is connected. An object of the present invention is to propose an image forming apparatus that prevents the operability of the apparatus from deteriorating.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a conveying unit that conveys a recording sheet along a predetermined conveying path, an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording sheet conveyed by the conveying unit, and an image forming unit. Moving means for moving the recording paper in a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and when forming an image on the recording paper by the image forming means, the recording means moves the recording paper in the transport width direction of the recording paper. Adjustment control to move to the side registration position set according to the size along the line and to the side registration position that matches the maximum size recording paper along the conveyance width direction when forcibly discharging the recording paper in the conveyance path An image forming apparatus including: an image forming apparatus, wherein when the post-processing apparatus that performs predetermined post-processing on the recording paper on which the image has been formed is connected, the adjustment control means And sets the side registration position based on volume width, with the time of forming an image on the recording sheet by said image forming means and be moved to the side registration position when forcibly ejected recording paper.

  According to the present invention, image formation is performed by adjusting the position in the conveyance width direction by moving to a side registration position set according to the size of the recording paper.

  As a result, it is possible to form an image on a recording paper of a predetermined size or more, and for a recording paper of a predetermined size or less, for example, a high-quality image can be formed using the central portion along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. Can be formed.

  When the recording paper remaining on the transport path is forcibly discharged after an abnormal stop of the device, the recording paper is skewed by moving the recording paper to the side register position that matches the maximum size recording paper. However, it can be discharged smoothly.

  On the other hand, when the post-processing apparatus is connected, the side registration position is set based on the paper allowable width of the post-processing apparatus, so that it is possible to form an image on the post-processing apparatus having a narrow paper allowable width. In addition, when the post-processing device is connected, when the recording paper is forcibly discharged, the recording paper is moved to the side register position set based on the allowable paper width of the post-processing device. It is possible to prevent the recording paper from being jammed in between, and to smoothly discharge the recording paper.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even if the allowable paper width of the post-processing device is narrower than the maximum size recording paper capable of image formation, a paper jam or the like occurs between the post-processing device and the like. The excellent effect that it can prevent reliably is acquired.

  In addition, even after the post-processing device is connected, the processing after the abnormal stop of the device can be easily performed in a short time, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in operating efficiency when the device stops abnormally. .

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 applied to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 14 that forms an image on the recording paper 12 and a tray unit 16 that supplies (feeds) the recording paper 12 to the image forming unit 14. A finisher 18 can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10 as a post-processing apparatus that performs predetermined post-processing on the recording paper 12 on which an image is formed.

  The tray unit 16 is provided with a tray 20 that stores a large number of recording papers 12 stacked therein. The tray unit 16 takes out the recording papers 12 from the uppermost layer of the tray 20 and supplies them to the image forming unit 14. Make paper. In addition, the tray unit 16 is provided with a manual feed tray 22 so that the recording paper 12 supplied by manual feeding can be supplied to the image forming unit 14.

  The image forming unit 14 is provided with an endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer member (intermediate transfer belt 24) wound around a plurality of rollers. The intermediate transfer belt 24 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow A by a motor (not shown). It has come to be.

  Further, the image forming unit 14 is provided with a developing module 28 including a photosensitive drum 26 facing the intermediate transfer belt 24. The image forming unit 14 is capable of forming a color image, and development modules 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K (generic names) for each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). In this case, the developing module 28 is disposed in order facing the intermediate transfer belt 24.

  In each of the developing modules 28, the photosensitive drum 26 is uniformly charged, and then an electrostatic latent image is formed by performing scanning exposure based on the image data. Thereafter, toner of each color is supplied onto the photosensitive drum 26 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image (toner development), and this toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 24. A color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 24 by superimposing the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 24.

  In the image forming unit 14, a transfer device 30 is provided downstream of the developing module 28 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 24. The transfer device 30 includes a pair of rollers 32. In addition, the image forming unit 14 is formed with a conveyance path 34 for conveying the recording paper 12 fed from the tray unit 16.

  The recording paper 12 is transported along the transport path 34 and is superimposed on the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 24 and is sandwiched between rollers 32 of the transfer device 30. As a result, the image forming unit 14 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 24 to the recording paper 12 and sends it out.

  A fixing module 36 is provided on the downstream side of the transfer device 30 in the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12. The fixing module 36 includes, for example, a fixing roller 38 and a belt 40, and the recording paper 12 on which the toner image is transferred is fed, and the recording paper 12 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the fixing roller 38 and the belt 40.

  Thus, in the fixing module 36, the toner image is heated while being pressed together with the recording paper 12, so that the toner image is melted and fixed on the recording paper 12. As a result, an image is formed on the recording paper 12.

  A switching unit 42, a reversing unit 44, and a discharge mechanism unit 46 are provided downstream of the fixing module 36 in the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12. The recording unit 12 that has passed through the fixing module 36 is reversed by the switching unit 42. 44 or the discharge mechanism 46.

  In the image forming unit 14, a double-sided conveyance path 48 for conveying the recording paper 12 from the reversing unit 44 to the tray unit 16 is formed, whereby the image forming apparatus 10 forms images on both sides of the recording paper 12. Double-sided printing is possible.

  When performing double-sided printing, the recording paper 12 having an image formed on one side (first side) is sent from the switching unit 42 to the reversing unit 44, and the reversing unit 44 reverses the transport direction so that the recording paper 12 is placed in the tray. Return to part 16. As a result, the recording paper 12 can be fed to the transfer device 30 so that the other surface (second surface) faces the intermediate transfer belt 24.

  In the image forming unit 14, when the image formation on the recording paper 12 is completed, the recording paper 12 is conveyed from the switching unit 42 to the discharge mechanism unit 46 and sent out. At this time, when the recording paper 12 is curved (curled), the discharge mechanism unit 46 sends out the curled paper while correcting the curl.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, a finisher 18 is connected to the discharge side of the recording paper 12 from the image forming unit 14, so that the recording paper 12 is sent to the finisher 18. The finisher 18 can have any post-processing function such as a booklet creation unit 50 that cuts the recording paper 12 to create a booklet. The finisher 18 can also include a discharge tray 52 for passing through the recording paper 12 without performing post-processing.

  Incidentally, a skew feeding unit 54 is provided in the transport path 34 of the image forming unit 14 on the upstream side of the transfer device 30. The skew unit 54 is provided with a plurality of pairs of skew rollers 56. The skew roller 56 is inclined with a certain accuracy in the axial direction with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12, so that the recording paper 12 is rotated at one end in the conveyance direction by sandwiching and rotating the recording paper 12. To the side.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the recording paper 12 fed from the tray unit 16 passes through the skew feeding unit 54 and is brought close to one end side in the width direction, and one end side in the width direction is applied to a contact plate (not shown). Abutting and positioning in the width direction are performed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the skew feeding unit 54 is provided with a registration roller 60 adjacent to the transfer device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the registration roller 60 is spanned between the side plates 62, with the rotation shaft 60 </ b> A being pivotally supported on each of the pair of side plates 62 so as to be movable in the axial direction. Further, an idle roller 64 is spanned between the side plates 62 and is pivotally supported. The idle roller 64 rotates following the rotation of the registration roller 60.

  Also, a registration motor 66 is attached to one side plate 62, and a drive shaft 66 </ b> A of the registration motor 66 and a rotation shaft 60 </ b> A of the registration roller 60 are connected via a gear train 68. As a result, the registration motor 66 is driven to rotate the registration roller 60 in the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper 12 passing through the skew feeding unit 54 is sent between the registration roller 60 and the idle roller 64 before the transfer device 30. The registration roller 60 sandwiches the recording paper 12 with the idle roller 64 and feeds the recording paper 12 to the transfer device 30 at a predetermined timing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a slide mechanism 70 is coupled to the rotation shaft 60 </ b> A of the registration roller 60 via a coupling 68. The slide mechanism 70 includes a shaft 72 connected to the coupling 68. The shaft 72 is connected to the registration roller 60 via a coupling 68 so that the shaft 72 rotates relative to the registration roller 60. That is, the shaft 68 does not rotate regardless of the rotation of the registration roller 60, and it is possible to move only along the axial direction integrally with the registration roller 60.

  A rack gear 74 is attached to the shaft 72. The slide mechanism 70 includes a side shift motor 78 having a pinion gear 76 meshing with the rack gear 74 attached to the drive shaft.

  In the slide mechanism 70, when the side shift motor 78 is driven, the shaft 72 moves along the axial direction. As a result, the registration roller 60 connected to the shaft 72 moves integrally with the shaft 72 in the direction of the arrow B and the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow B along the axial direction.

  The slide mechanism 70 moves the recording paper 12 in the width direction (arrow B) direction by moving the registration roller 60 sandwiching the recording paper 12 with the idle roller 64 along the arrow B direction. Note that the amount of movement of the registration roller 60 at this time, that is, the amount of movement of the recording paper 12, is controlled by the number of pulses when the side shift motor 68 is pulse-driven.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, the recording paper 12 is sent to the skew feeding unit 54, and is brought close to one end side in the width direction (the opposite side to the arrow B direction). At this time, if skew has occurred in the recording paper 12, the skew is corrected. Further, the recording paper 12 is moved to the predetermined position by the registration roller 60 being moved by the slide mechanism 70, and the side registration is adjusted. In this state, the recording paper 12 is fed into the transfer device 30. Further, the recording paper 12 is sent out from the image forming apparatus 10 at this position in the width direction and sent into the finisher 18.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 14 is provided with a registration controller 80 that controls the driving of the registration motor 66 and the side shift motor 78. The image forming unit 14 is provided with an IOT controller 82 that controls the conveyance of the recording paper 12 and the image formation on the recording paper 12.

  The IOT controller 82 includes a CPU 84, and the registration controller 80 includes a CPU 86. The registration controller 80 controls driving of the registration motor 66 and the side shift motor 78 based on a control signal input from the IOT controller 82.

  At this time, the IOT controller 82 controls the position in the width direction of the recording paper 12 fed to the transfer device 30 (hereinafter referred to as a registration position), the timing of feeding the recording paper 12 to the transfer device 30, and the like. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with an operation unit 90 provided with an operation panel 88. The operation panel 88 includes, for example, a display 88A for displaying various types of information and a keyboard 88B for performing various settings and information input, and can display various types of information and input information based on the display. ing. The operation panel 88 is not limited to this, and a touch panel or the like in which a display function and a keyboard function are integrated can be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 90 is connected to the IOT controller 82, and the IOT controller 82 displays various user interfaces (UIs) on the display 88 </ b> A of the operation panel 88 based on this display. Various information input and setting input are possible.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, in the image forming unit 14, image formation is possible over substantially the entire area along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 26, and this is the maximum image forming region Pmax. The image forming unit 14 can form an image on a recording sheet 12 (such as a recording sheet 12D) having a size (width or depth length, hereinafter referred to as “sheet width”) determined by the image forming area Pmax. .

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 14, when an image is formed on the recording paper 12 having a predetermined size or less (recording paper 12A, 12B, 12C, etc.), a predetermined area (image forming) mainly in the center in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 26 is used. By forming a toner image using the region Pmain), a high-quality image can be formed on the recording paper 12.

  From here, the side registration position Sra that matches the image forming area Pmain and the side registration position Srb that matches the image forming area Pmax are set, and an image is formed on the recording paper 12 having a predetermined size or less such as the recording paper 12A, 12B, 12C. Sometimes, the registration of the recording paper 12 is adjusted to the side registration position Sra. Further, when an image is formed on the recording paper 12 having a predetermined size or larger such as the recording paper 12D, the registration adjustment of the recording paper 12 is performed at the side registration position Srb.

  In addition, when the IOT controller 82 abnormally stops during the image forming process on the recording paper 12, when restarted, the IOT controller 82 performs a purge process for transporting and discharging the recording paper 12 remaining in the transport path. To do. At this time, if there is a skewed recording paper 12, a paper jam (Jam) is likely to occur, and therefore, registration adjustment is performed at the side registration position Prb regardless of the size of the recording paper 12.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, in the finisher 18, the maximum size (width direction size) of the recording paper 12 that can be received is determined (hereinafter referred to as “paper allowable width W”). For this reason, when the recording paper 12 having a size exceeding the allowable paper width W is sent out from the image forming unit 14, a paper jam or the like occurs at the paper insertion port of the finisher 18.

  From here, the IOT controller 82 stores the allowable sheet width W as information (Profile) of the finisher 18, and sets the side registration position of the recording sheet 12 based on the allowable sheet width W, and the set adjustment that has been set. Like to do.

  At this time, a plurality of stages of permissible paper width W is stored in advance in the IOT controller 82, and when the finisher 18 is connected or replaced, the permissible paper width W to be applied is selected and set. Alternatively, when the finisher 18 is connected or replaced, the allowable sheet width W may be input from the operation panel 88 using a preset user interface.

  The IOT controller 82 sets the side registration position S of the recording paper 12 based on the allowable sheet width W and the image forming area Pmain, and performs registration adjustment (side registration adjustment) of the recording paper 12 in accordance with the side registration position S. ing.

  At this time, for example, when the allowable sheet width W of the finisher 18 is slightly larger than the width of the image forming area Pmain of the image forming unit 14 and smaller than the image forming area Pmax, the side registration position Sra is used as the side registration position S. In the following description, the side register position Sra is referred to as a side register position S.

  On the other hand, when performing the purge process when the finisher 18 is connected, the IOT controller 82 adjusts the side registration of the recording paper 12 to be discharged to the side registration position S instead of the side registration position Srb.

  This reliably prevents the recording paper 12 delivered from the image forming unit 14 from being jammed at the paper insertion opening to the finisher 18 when the purge process is performed.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above, for example, when a print job output from a client PC such as a personal computer or a workstation (not shown) connected to the network is received, print processing based on the print job is executed. To do.

  At this time, in the image forming apparatus 10, the recording paper 12 taken out from the tray 20 is conveyed at a predetermined pitch and fed to the transfer device 30. In the image forming apparatus 10, the photosensitive drum 26 is exposed based on the image data, and then the toner image formed by toner development is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 24, and the recording paper 12 is superimposed on the toner image. As shown in FIG.

  As a result, the toner image is transferred to the recording paper 12 that has passed through the transfer device 30, and the recording paper 12 passes through the fixing module 36, whereby the toner image is fixed to the recording paper 12.

  On the other hand, a finisher 18 having a post-processing function such as a booklet creation function can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10. In the image forming apparatus 10, since the finisher 18 is connected, image forming is performed. The completed recording paper 12 is fed into the finisher 18. When the post-processing function is set on the print job, the finisher 18 performs predetermined post-processing on the recording paper 12 fed from the image forming apparatus 10.

  Incidentally, in the image forming apparatus 10, the side registration position, which is the position of the end of the recording paper 12 in the conveyance width direction, is adjusted and fed to the transfer device 30. In the side registration adjustment, after the recording paper 12 is brought to a certain position on one end side in the width direction by the skew roller 56 provided in the skew feeding unit 54, the recording paper 12 is sandwiched by the registration roller 60 and the idle roller 64. This is done by moving the registration roller 60 along the axial direction (arrow B direction) by the slide mechanism 70.

  At this time, in the image forming apparatus 10, if the recording paper 12 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, image forming is performed using the central portion of the photosensitive drum 26 by aligning the end of the recording paper 12 in the width direction with the side registration position Sra. Thus, it is possible to form a high quality image.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, when an image is formed on the recording paper 12 exceeding a predetermined size, the end in the width direction of the recording paper 12 is aligned with the side registration position Srb.

  On the other hand, a finisher 18 can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10 on the downstream side of the image forming unit 14. In the image forming apparatus 10, when the finisher 18 is connected, the allowable sheet width W of the finisher 18 is set.

  As a result, the IOT controller 82 that controls the image forming unit 14 sets the side registration position S based on the allowable sheet width W, and adjusts the registration so that the end of the recording paper 12 in the width direction matches the side registration position S. In addition to high-quality image formation on the recording paper 12, paper jams are prevented when the recording paper 12 is fed to the finisher 18, and the finisher 18 enables appropriate post-processing.

  Further, the IOT controller 82 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 (image forming unit 14) stops the conveyance of the recording paper 12 when the apparatus abnormality is detected, and the image forming apparatus 10 is removed by eliminating the apparatus abnormality. restart.

  At this time, the IOT controller 82 performs a purge process for forcibly discharging the recording paper 12 remaining on the transport path 34.

  When the finisher 18 is not connected, the IOT controller 82 adjusts the side registration so that the recording paper 12 is aligned with the side registration position Srb when performing the purge process.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, the IOT controller 82 performs side registration adjustment so as to match the side registration position Srb regardless of the size of the recording paper 12 when performing the purge process.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 is abnormally stopped, the recording paper 12 on the conveyance path 34 may be stopped in a skew state. At this time, if the side registration adjustment is performed so that the recording paper 12 is aligned with the side registration position Sra, the recording paper 12 may be out of the recording paper conveyance area of the conveyance path 34 and a paper jam or the like may occur.

  From this point, when performing the purge process, the IOT controller 82 performs the side registration adjustment in accordance with the side registration position Srb, so that even if the recording paper 12 is skewed, it is ensured without causing a paper jam or the like. It can be discharged.

  On the other hand, a finisher 18 is connected to the image forming apparatus 10, and the allowable paper width W of the finisher 18 is a dimension along the conveyance width direction of the maximum size recording paper 12 that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 10. When narrower than (length, depth length), the IOT controller 82 is adapted to match the side register position S also when performing the purge processing.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the purge process is performed in a state where the finisher 18 in which the paper allowable width W deviates from the side registration position Srb is connected, the side registration adjustment of the recording paper 12 is adjusted in accordance with the side registration position Srb. If this is done, the recording paper 12 delivered from the image forming unit 14 will jam with the finisher 18.

  At this time, the IOT controller 82 adjusts the side registration of the recording paper 12 so as to match the side registration position S set based on the allowable paper width W of the finisher 18, so that the recording paper 12 is in contact with the finisher 18. It is possible to prevent clogging.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 can appropriately perform the purge process and discharge the recording paper 12, so that even when the apparatus is abnormally stopped, the recovery operation for restarting is extremely easy. That is, if the purge process cannot be executed, it is necessary to manually take out the recording sheets 12 remaining in the apparatus one by one. This operation is not an easy operation in the image forming apparatus 10 having a high processing capability capable of forming an image on a large amount of recording paper 12 in a short time, because a large amount of recording paper 12 may remain inside the apparatus. By using the function, automatic discharge becomes possible.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus 10 can accurately discharge the recording paper 12 even if the finisher 18 having a narrow paper allowable width W is connected, so that the image forming apparatus 10 can be restarted in a short time. It can be.

  The present embodiment described above shows an example of the present invention, and the present invention is applicable to any image forming apparatus capable of forming a high-quality image on recording paper by performing side registration adjustment. Thus, the present invention can be applied when connecting an aftertreatment device having an arbitrary aftertreatment function.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus applied to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating side registration adjustment of a recording sheet in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side registration adjustment mechanism provided in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating adjustment of a side registration of a recording sheet when a finisher is connected. (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing side registration adjustment when purging is performed, (A) shows a case where a finisher having a narrow sheet allowable width is connected, and (B) is a non-connection of the finisher. Indicates the state.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Recording paper 14 Image forming part 18 Finisher (post-processing apparatus)
26 Photosensitive drum 28 (28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K) Developing module 30 Transfer device 34 Conveying path 54 Skew unit 56 Skew roller 60 Registration roller 66 Registration motor 70 Slide mechanism 78 Side shift motor 80 Registration controller 82 IOT controller 88 Operation panel 90 Operation section S, Sra, Srb Side register position W Paper tolerance

Claims (1)

Transport means for transporting the recording paper along a predetermined transport path;
Image forming means for forming an image on the recording paper conveyed by the conveying means;
A moving means for moving the recording paper for forming an image in a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction;
When the image forming unit forms an image on the recording paper, the moving unit moves the recording paper to a side register position set according to the size of the recording paper in the conveyance width direction, and the conveyance Adjustment control means for moving to the side registration position according to the maximum size recording paper along the conveyance width direction when forcibly discharging the recording paper in the path;
An image forming apparatus comprising:
When a post-processing device that performs predetermined post-processing on the recording paper on which the image is formed is connected,
The adjustment control means sets the side registration position based on the allowable paper width of the post-processing device, and forms the image on the recording paper by the image forming means, and also forcibly discharges the recording paper. An image forming apparatus that moves to a side registration position.

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