JP2010181639A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve maintenance of confidentiality by making classification by printing jobs easy without using exclusive inserting paper or an optional unit and by making a user search for his/her printed matter without seeing the content of another person's printing job. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with: a paper supplying section; a first transporting path for transporting the paper that is supplied from the paper supplying section to a paper ejecting tray; an image forming section; a fixing section; and an intermediate paper supplying section having a second transporting path for connecting the downstream side of the fixing unit with the first transporting path that is more on the upstream side than the fixing unit. In this case, the image forming section forms a pattern image on the first piece of paper as inserting paper when starting or terminating a printing job, the paper supplying section supplies a second piece of paper as the inserting paper, an intermediate paper supplying section makes the first piece of paper as inserting paper join the first transporting path from the second transporting path to be stacked and shifted from the transported second piece of paper as inserting paper and the fixing section fixes the stacked two pieces of paper as inserting paper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In general, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multifunction machine, or a printer is shared by a plurality of people such as a department or a room. When a plurality of people perform printing at the same time, each user extracts his or her own print job (printed material) from a printed sheet bundle stacked on one discharge tray. In order to eliminate such troublesome sorting, an optional device for sorting print jobs having a plurality of bins (trays) may be connected to the image forming apparatus. However, due to the purchase cost and the increase in installation space, there is a demand from consumers who want to sort out printed materials of each person without introducing optional devices.

  Therefore, conventionally, an image forming apparatus accommodates dedicated slip sheets (for example, paper slightly larger than printing paper, colored paper, etc.) as a partition between a print job and a print job (separation between printed matter and printed matter). There are some that insert special slip sheets. There are also inventions described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 in order to sort each print job without using an optional device or dedicated paper.

Specifically, in Patent Document 1, the first and second transport rollers that rotate independently of each other and transport the recording medium, the rotation transmission unit that selectively transmits the rotation to the two rollers, and the recording are finished. Thereafter, there is described a recording apparatus including a discharge direction determining unit that rotates the first and second transport rollers at a rotation speed corresponding to the direction in which the recording medium is discharged (Patent Document 1: Claim 1, Paragraph [ 0024], FIG. Patent Document 2 discloses a paper having a paper discharge mechanism including a direct feed unit that discharges a paper straight in the discharge direction and a skew feed unit that discharges the paper in an oblique orientation with respect to the discharge direction. A post-processing device is described (see Patent Document 2: Claim 1, paragraphs [0004] and [0011], FIG. 7 and the like). These inventions try to sort print jobs using the difference in paper discharge posture (angle, direction).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-060032 JP-A-11-217153

  First, in the case of using a dedicated slip sheet, there is a problem that if there is no dedicated slip sheet, the print job cannot be sorted and cannot be handled at all. In addition, since the dedicated slip sheet is transported and damaged in the machine, the user needs to prepare a new dedicated slip sheet frequently, which is inconvenient for the user.

  Moreover, when changing the discharge angle to a discharge tray like patent document 1 and patent document 2, it seems that a print job can be sorted at first glance. However, since the paper discharge directions are disjoint, for example, when only one print job is continued, it is difficult to search for the printed matter. In addition, when searching for and taking out printed matter, the paper whose ejection angle is shifted may be returned (aligned), and eventually the contents of the stacked print jobs must be confirmed one by one. I can't retrieve my print job. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not sufficient for sorting print jobs. Also, as in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, if the rotation speed of the conveying roller is different enough to have a large difference in the discharge angle, the paper is twisted or wrinkled, which may cause jamming. However, there may be a problem in terms of conveyance.

  Furthermore, even when inserting a special slip sheet, changing the discharge angle to the discharge tray, or knowing the boundary between the print job and the print job, the user can remove the printed product of another person to take out his / her printed product. You need to find your own print job while looking at it. Then, there is a problem that confidentiality cannot be achieved.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to easily sort each print job without using a dedicated slip sheet or an optional device. It is another object of the present invention to improve confidentiality by allowing a user to find his / her printed matter without looking at the contents of another person's print job.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a paper feed unit that supplies paper, a first transport path for transporting the paper supplied from the paper feed unit to a discharge tray, and a toner An image forming unit that forms an image and transfers the toner image transferred to the sheet; a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet; the first conveyance path downstream of the fixing unit in the sheet conveyance direction; and the fixing unit. A second conveyance path that connects the first conveyance path upstream of the sheet conveyance direction, and the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit merges with the first conveyance path without reversing the front and back of the sheet An intermediate sheet feeding unit, and at the time of starting or ending a print job, the image forming unit forms and transfers a pattern image on the first slip sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit, The paper feeding unit supplies a second slip sheet, and the intermediate paper feeding unit The first slip sheet is conveyed so as to be shifted and overlapped with the second slip sheet transported in the first transport path while transporting the first slip sheet that has passed through the landing portion. The sheet is joined from the second conveyance path to the first conveyance path, and the fixing unit fixes the two overlapped sheets, and the two sheets of the slip sheet are formed by the toner of the pattern image. Are bonded together to form one slip sheet.

  According to this configuration, since the slip sheet is created from the sheet stored in the sheet feeding unit, it is possible to partition the print job and the print job without using a dedicated slip sheet or an optional device. Therefore, the convenience for the user is improved and the burden on the cost is reduced. In addition, since the discharge angle to the discharge tray is not changed as in the prior art, when a single print job is continuous or when searching for a printed material, the shifted paper is aligned and the boundary between the print job and the print job. The printed matter can be reliably partitioned without being lost. Further, since the two interleaving papers are bonded, there is no problem in terms of conveyance such as jam.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the image forming unit is arranged in a region where the second interleaving paper is overlapped with the first interleaving paper. In addition to forming the pattern image, a toner image indicating information for identifying a print job is formed in an area where the pattern image is not formed.

  According to this configuration, since the identification information is printed on the slip sheet, which print job among the print jobs stacked on the discharge tray is not checked without checking the contents of each print job. The job can be recognized immediately. Therefore, it is not necessary to look at the contents of the printed matter of another person when taking out their own print job, and the confidentiality is improved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, an instruction input unit is provided for inputting that the slip sheet is to be created and printed. According to this configuration, since the instruction input unit can instruct whether or not to create a slip sheet, the user is given an instruction to create a slip sheet only when necessary.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the invention, the image forming unit can form a yellow toner image, and the pattern image is formed with a yellow toner. According to this configuration, since yellow is difficult to be visually recognized, it is difficult for the user to have an unpleasant feeling that the paper is dirty in appearance, and the paper once used for making the slip sheet is reused for the slip sheet generation again. It becomes easy. Further, even when the printed paper including the interleaving paper is bound into a storage file, a binder or the like, and the interleaving paper is used as a partition in the file or the like, the appearance is not impaired.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the fixing unit is in contact with the heating rotator including a heater for heating the paper, and the rotator is pressed against the heating rotator. And a pressurizing rotating body that pressurizes the paper passing through the nip, and when passing the stacked interleaf paper, the temperature of the heating rotating body is raised and / or the heating The rotational speed of the rotary body for press and the rotary body for pressurization was made slower than during printing.

  According to this configuration, the temperature of the heating rotator is raised, and the rotation speed of the heating rotator or the like is slower than during printing, so that the toner is sufficiently melted and the fibers of the second interleaf paper Toner gets in. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the adhesive force between the two interleaf sheets.

  According to the present invention, two sheets can be shifted and overlapped without using a dedicated option device or a dedicated slip sheet, and can be created from a sheet containing one slip sheet. Jobs can be partitioned reliably. Furthermore, since the printed slip is printed with information identifying the print job such as who printed it, the user can print his / her print job without checking the contents of each printed sheet. Can be removed from the bundle.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one image forming unit. FIG. 6 is a schematic front cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the configuration and operation of an intermediate sheet feeding unit. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the outline | summary of the superimposition of two sheets of interleaving paper. It is a model front sectional view for explaining an example of an operation at the time of creating a slip sheet in the multifunction machine. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information for identifying a pattern image and a print job when creating a slip sheet. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control at the time of creating slip sheets in the multifunction peripheral.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. An electrophotographic tandem color multifunction peripheral 1 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) will be described as an example. However, each element such as the configuration and arrangement described in the present embodiment is merely an illustrative example without limiting the scope of the invention.

(Schematic configuration of image forming apparatus)
First, an outline of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of one image forming unit 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a document conveying device 10 and an image reading unit 11 (scanner) from the top, and an operation panel 12 (shown by a broken line in FIG. Equivalent to the input section). In the main body, a paper feed unit 2, a first transport path 3, an image forming unit 4, an intermediate transfer unit 5, a fixing unit 6, an intermediate paper feed unit 7 and the like are provided.

  When copying a document, the document transport device 10 automatically and continuously scans the document loaded on the document placing tray 10a one by one by rotation of a plurality of rollers. To the contact glass 11a). The image reading unit 11 reads a document and generates image data. A feed reading contact glass 11 a and a placement reading contact glass 11 b are provided on the upper surface of the image reading unit 11, and an optical system such as an exposure lamp, a mirror, a lens, and an image sensor (for example, CCD) is provided in the image reading unit 11. A member (not shown) is provided.

  Then, using these optical system members, light is applied to the original conveyed by the original conveying apparatus 10 or the original on the placement reading contact glass 11b, and each pixel of the image sensor that receives the reflected light of the original is received. Image data is generated by A / D converting the output value. The multifunction device 1 can perform printing based on the image data obtained by reading (copy function). The document conveying device 10 is provided with a fulcrum on the back side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 and can be lifted. After the document is placed on the placement reading contact glass 11b, the document conveying device 10 presses the document. The operation panel 12 includes a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit 12a and various keys, and accepts display of the state of the multi-function device 1 (for example, error occurrence and mode) and various inputs from the user.

  The paper feed unit 2 accommodates various sizes of sheets (sheets) such as copy paper and label paper, for example, and is fed by a paper feed roller 21 that is rotated by a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor. 3 to feed the paper. The first transport path 3 is for transporting the paper supplied from the paper feed unit 2 to the discharge tray 31. The first transport path 3 transports the paper in the multifunction machine 1 and supplies the paper supplied from the paper feed unit 2. Is guided to the discharge tray 31 through the intermediate transfer portion 5 and the fixing portion 6. The first conveying path 3 is supplied with a driving force from a conveying motor M1 and the like, and is conveyed with a pair of conveying rollers 32 to 34 (indicated by reference numerals in order from the top in FIG. 1), a guide 35, and the like. A registration roller pair 36 that waits before the intermediate transfer unit 5 and feeds the sheet to be fed in accordance with the timing, and a discharge roller pair 37 that discharges the sheet to the discharge tray 31 are provided.

  Further, the multifunction device 1 forms a toner image based on image data of an image to be formed, and serves as an image forming unit for transferring the image onto a sheet to be transported. 5 etc. Specifically, as a portion for forming a toner image, the multifunction device 1 forms, from the left side of FIG. 1, an image forming unit 4k that forms a black image, an image forming unit 4y that forms a yellow image, and a cyan image. In addition to the image forming unit 4c for forming the image and the image forming unit 4m for forming a magenta image, one exposure device 40 is provided.

  Here, the image forming units 4k to 4m will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Each of the image forming units 4k to 4m is basically the same configuration and can be described in the same manner, except that the color of the toner image to be formed is different. Therefore, only one image forming unit 4 is shown in FIG. 2, and in the following description, k (black), y (yellow), which is a code for identifying the color of each image forming unit 4, unless otherwise specified. The symbols c (cyan) and m (magenta) are omitted.

  First, each photosensitive drum 41 carries a toner image on its peripheral surface, and has, for example, a photosensitive layer such as amorphous silicon on the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum drum, and has a predetermined process speed by a driving device (not shown). Is driven to rotate counterclockwise on the paper.

  Each charging device 42 includes a charging roller 42a, and each charging roller 42a is in contact with each photosensitive drum 41 and rotates together. The charging device 42 applies a voltage to the charging roller 42a, and as a result, the photosensitive drum 41 is charged with a constant potential. The charging device 42 may be one using a corona discharge type or a brush. An exposure device 40 below each image forming unit 4 (see FIG. 1) converts an input color-separated image signal into an optical signal by a laser output unit (not shown), and the converted optical signal. Can be output for four colors, and the photosensitive drum 41 after scanning is subjected to scanning exposure to form an electrostatic latent image.

  Each developing device 43 has a developing roller 43a and stores a developer (not shown) containing toner (the developing device 43 of the image forming unit 4k is black, the developing device 43 of the image forming unit 4y is yellow, and image forming). The developing device 43 of the unit 4c stores cyan, and the developing device 43 of the image forming unit 4m stores magenta developer). Each developing roller 43a faces the photosensitive drum 41 and is provided with a predetermined gap (for example, 1 mm or less). The developing roller 43a carries toner and supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 41 during image formation.

  Explaining the development process, the charged photosensitive drum 41 is exposed by the laser beam of the exposure device 40 according to the image data, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing device 43 is provided with a high-voltage power supply (not shown). When a developing bias, which is a voltage obtained by superimposing a direct current and an alternating current, is applied to the developing roller 43a, the charged toner flies and an electrostatic latent image is formed. Developed as a toner image.

  Each cleaning device 44 cleans the photosensitive drum 41 and includes, for example, a cylindrical cleaning member 45 having elasticity, and the cleaning member 45 rubs each photosensitive drum 41 to transfer residual toner on the drum surface. Remove and recover. Further, a resin-made flat blade to be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 41 may be additionally provided.

  Returning to FIG. The intermediate transfer unit 5 receives the primary transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 41, performs secondary transfer onto the paper, and is attached to one of the photosensitive drums 41. Each primary transfer roller 51 (51k) is provided. ˜51 m in total 4), an intermediate transfer belt 52, a driving roller 53, driven rollers 54 and 55, a secondary transfer roller 56, a belt cleaning device 57, and the like. Each primary transfer roller 51 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 52 so as to sandwich each of the photosensitive drums 41 and the endless intermediate transfer belt 52, and applies a transfer bias applying a voltage for transfer in which alternating current and direct current are superimposed. The toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 52 by being connected to a portion (not shown).

  The intermediate transfer belt 52 is stretched around the primary transfer roller 51, the driving roller 53, and the driven rollers 54 and 55, and rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 by the rotational driving of the driving roller 53 connected to a driving mechanism such as a motor. To do. The driving roller 53 sandwiches the secondary transfer roller 56 and the intermediate transfer belt 52. The transfer of the toner image onto the paper will be described. In the transfer of the toner image (black, yellow, cyan, and magenta) formed by each image forming unit 4, a transfer bias is applied to each primary transfer roller 51, and the timing. The images are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 52 while being superimposed without deviation. The superimposed toner images are transferred onto a sheet by a secondary transfer roller 56 to which a predetermined voltage is applied. The residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 52 after the secondary transfer is removed by the belt cleaning device 57 and collected.

  The fixing unit 6 heats and pressurizes the toner image secondarily transferred onto the paper to fix it. The fixing unit 6 is mainly composed of a heating roller 61 (corresponding to a heating rotator) having a built-in heater H and a pressure roller 62 (corresponding to a pressing rotator) pressed against the fixing roller 6 to form a nip. Is done. Then, the paper on which the toner image is transferred passes through the nip and is heated and pressurized, and as a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper. The fixed sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 31 and the image forming process is completed.

  Furthermore, in addition to the first conveyance path 3, the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a first conveyance path 3 on the downstream side of the fixing unit 6 in the sheet conveyance direction and a first conveyance path on the upstream side of the fixing unit 6 in the sheet conveyance direction. A second transport path 8 that connects the path 3 is provided. The multifunction machine 1 includes a second conveyance path 8, conveyance roller pairs 71 to 73 provided in the second conveyance path 8, switching valves 74 and 75, and the like. Is provided with an intermediate sheet feeding section 7 that can be merged with the first transport path 3 without being reversed.

  Further, the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment is provided with transport sensors S1 to S4 for detecting arrival and passage of paper. The conveyance sensors S1 to S4 are configured by, for example, optical sensors, and output voltages are different when the presence of paper is not detected. For example, each conveyance sensor includes the registration roller pair 36 near the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction (conveyance sensor S1), the discharge roller pair 37 vicinity (conveyance sensor S2), the fixing unit 6 vicinity (conveyance sensor S3), the second conveyance path. 8 (transport sensor S4) and the like.

(Configuration and operation of intermediate sheet feeder 7)
Next, an example of the configuration and operation of the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic front sectional view for explaining an example of the configuration and operation of the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The intermediate sheet feeding unit 7 is used when carrying out the present invention in which the slip sheet is generated from the two sheets supplied from the sheet feeding unit 2, but the intermediate sheet feeding in the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment. The unit 7 is also used during double-sided printing. In other words, the intermediate paper feeding unit 7 of the multifunction machine 1 according to the present embodiment is an application of a double-sided printing mechanism. Therefore, in FIG. 3, the operation of the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7 and the like at the time of duplex printing will be described.

  First, the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7 includes a second conveyance path 8 that connects the downstream side of the fixing unit 6 in the sheet conveyance direction to the upstream side of the registration roller pair 36 in the sheet conveyance direction. The paper transport direction in the second transport path 8 is from the top to the bottom. The second conveyance path 8 is provided with conveyance roller pairs 71 to 73, and the conveyance roller pairs 71 to 73 transfer the paper guided to the second conveyance path 8 from the downstream side of the fixing unit 6 with the registration roller pair 36. Transport to the upstream side. Further, between the fixing unit 6 and the discharge roller pair 37, there are two switching valves 74 and 75 for determining the sheet conveyance direction (in FIG. 3, the upper one is the “switching valve 74”, and the lower one is the lower one. ("Switching valve 75" will be labeled.)

  The operation of the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7 and the like during duplex printing will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example of a switchback operation for reversing the front and back of a single-side printed paper during double-sided printing. First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the single-sided printed paper is conveyed in the direction of being discharged to the discharge tray 31 by the discharge roller pair 37 (the conveyance direction is indicated by a broken-line arrow in FIG. 3A). (Illustrated). At this time, the switching valve 74 and the switching valve 75 are positioned to guide the sheet to the discharge roller pair 37.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, before the discharge roller pair 37 completely discharges the single-side printed paper, the rotation direction of the discharge roller pair 37 is reversed and a switchback operation is performed (in FIG. 3). The rotation direction of the discharge roller pair 37 in each situation is indicated by an arrow). At this time, the switching valve 74 and the switching valve 75 are positioned to guide the sheet to the second transport path 8.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the one-side printed paper is transported to the second transport path 8, transported to the upstream side of the registration roller pair 36, and joins the first transport path 3. . Further, the one-side printed paper is fed out from the registration roller pair 36, passes through the nip between the secondary transfer roller 56 and the intermediate transfer belt 52, the toner image is transferred, and the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 6. As a result, printing is performed on both sides. As described above, the front and back of the sheet are switched by the previous switchback operation, the unprinted surface of the sheet comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 52, and the toner image is transferred. Then, the paper on which the toner images are printed on both sides is discharged to the discharge tray 31.

(Hardware configuration of MFP 1)
Next, based on FIG. 4, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment has a control unit 9 on an internal control board. The control unit 9 is a part that controls each unit of the multifunction machine 1 and is provided in the apparatus main body. And the control part 9 has CPU91, The memory | storage part 92 which consists of ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. is included, and it can provide the time-measurement part which measures various time on control.

  First, the CPU 91 is a central processing unit, expands a program or data stored in a ROM or the like on a RAM or the like, and controls or performs each part of the multifunction device 1 based on the expanded control program or data. The ROM of the storage unit 92 includes a program related to the multifunction device 1 such as a startup program at power-on, data related to the system of the multifunction device 1, data related to control of the multifunction device 1, and setting data of the multifunction device 1 by the user. Stores various data. Then, various programs and data such as a control program, control data, and image data are developed in the RAM of the storage unit 92. The HDD of the storage unit 92 is a large-capacity storage device that stores image data, for example.

  For example, the control unit 9 includes the drive control unit 94, the first conveyance path 3, each image forming unit 4, the intermediate transfer unit 5, the fixing unit 6, the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7, each of the conveyance sensors S1 to S4, and the document conveyance device. 10, an image reading unit 11, a paper feeding unit 2, an operation panel 12, an I / F unit 95 (corresponding to an interface unit and an instruction input unit), and the like, are controlled so that the multifunction device 1 operates appropriately.

  The control unit 9 instructs the drive control unit 94 to rotate various rotating bodies when creating a slip sheet or printing. The drive control unit 94 is connected to, for example, the discharge motor M0, the conveyance motor M1, the main motor M2, the intermediate transfer motor M3, the fixing motor M4, the intermediate paper feed motor M5, the switching valve 74, the switching valve 75, and the like. On the basis of this instruction, ON / OFF of driving of each motor or the like arranged in the multifunction device 1 and rotation speed control are performed (in FIG. 4, a two-dot chain line indicates supply of driving force).

  Specifically, the discharge motor M0 is a motor that rotates the discharge roller pair 37 of the first transport path 3, and is rotatable forward and backward for switchback during duplex printing (see FIG. 3). The conveyance motor M1 rotates various rotating bodies such as the conveyance roller pairs 32 to 34 provided in the first conveyance path 3. The main motor M2 rotates various rotating bodies of the image forming unit 4 such as the photosensitive drum 41 and the developing roller 43a. The intermediate transfer motor M3 rotates the drive roller 53 to rotate the intermediate transfer belt 52. The fixing motor M4 rotates a rotating body in the fixing unit 6 such as the heating roller 61. Further, the intermediate sheet feeding motor M5 rotates a rotating body such as the conveyance roller pairs 71 to 73 of the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7.

  In the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of motors are provided for each part. For example, the number of motors installed by gear connection or electromagnetic clutch, such as sharing the main motor M2 and the intermediate transfer motor M3. Can be reduced.

  The switching valve 74 and the switching valve 75 can be driven by, for example, a solenoid or a motor. The drive control unit 94 adjusts to the situation such as single-sided printing or double-sided printing based on an instruction from the control unit 9. Thus, the operation and position of the switching valve 74 and the switching valve 75 are controlled.

  In this way, by connecting the components in the multifunction device 1 in a communicable manner, the multifunction device 1 can perform printing based on the image data read by the image reading unit 11 (copy function). The I / F unit 95 is a part as an interface for connecting the multi-function device 1 to other devices, and includes a plurality of connectors and sockets.

  By this I / F unit 95, the multifunction device 1 and the plurality of user terminals 100 can be communicably connected via a network. Therefore, the multi-function device 1 can perform printing based on the image data and instructions transmitted from the user terminal 100 (printer function). Also, the image data obtained by the image reading unit 11 can be stored in the storage unit 92 or transmitted to the user terminal 100 (scanner function). Further, the I / F unit 95 can perform FAX communication with the external FAX apparatus 200 using a public communication line or the like (FAX function). For convenience, FIG. 4 shows only one user terminal 100 and one FAX apparatus 200.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, a plurality of user terminals 100 are connected to the multifunction device 1. In other words, the multifunction device 1 can be shared by a plurality of users as a printer. As described above, when shared by a plurality of users, a print job may be continuously transmitted from each user terminal 100 to the multifunction device 1. Further, there may be a case where another user performs copying in a state where a plurality of print jobs are transmitted from each user terminal 100. In this way, when a plurality of print jobs are concentrated, the print jobs that have already been printed are stacked on the discharge tray 31 one after another.

  Then, if no countermeasures are taken, it is impossible to know which part of the printed matter stacked on the discharge tray 31 is which print job. In other words, since there is no mark that separates the print jobs from each other, it is difficult to separate the printed materials. Therefore, each user takes out his or her print job (printed material) while confirming the contents of the printed material of another person. However, it is not preferable in view of confidentiality to see the contents of other people's printed matter.

  In consideration of these points, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to create a slip sheet from a sheet stored in the sheet feeding unit 2 instead of a dedicated slip sheet and partition the print job from the print job. There is a feature in what can be done. Therefore, based on FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, the operation of each unit at the time of slip sheet creation in the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment and details of slip sheet creation will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining the outline of superposition of two interleaf sheets according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic front sectional view for explaining an example of the operation at the time of creating the slip sheet in the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information for identifying the pattern image PG and the print job when creating the slip sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, with reference to FIG. 5, an outline of slip sheet creation in the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 5A, in the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, two sheets are shifted and overlapped, and as shown in FIG. A slip is created.

  The sheets shown in FIG. 5A are all sheets supplied from the sheet feeding unit 2, and so-called plain paper and OA paper are applicable. In FIG. 5A, the lower slip sheet P1 is the first sheet that is first supplied from the sheet feeding unit 2 when the slip sheet is created. Then, for example, a lattice pattern image PG as shown in FIG. 5 is transferred to the slip sheet P 1 and fixed by the fixing unit 6. Further, the interleaf paper P <b> 1 is conveyed by the intermediate paper feeding unit 7.

  Thereafter, the interleaving paper P1 is merged with the interleaving paper P2 which is the second paper newly supplied from the paper feeding unit 2 in the first transport path 3 at the same timing and is overlapped. At this time, the interleaving paper P1 and the interleaving paper P2 are not overlapped so as to be completely coincident with each other, but are intentionally overlapped in a direction parallel to the paper transport direction. As a result, the size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet feeding unit 2 and the generated slip sheet can be made different, which serves as a mark that separates the print job from the print job. A portion of the interleaving paper P1 that does not overlap with the interleaving paper P2 is an area where a toner image indicating information for identifying a print job (hereinafter referred to as “user information”) is formed. (Hereinafter referred to as “user information area F”).

  Then, when the surface of the interleaving paper P1 on which the pattern image PG is formed is overlapped with the interleaving paper P2, and passing through the fixing unit 6, the toner of the pattern image PG is melted again, and the toner is merged. It is also fixed on the paper P2. That is, the toner functions as an adhesive between the slip sheet P1 and the slip sheet P2. Thereafter, the two bonded sheets are discharged as one slip sheet. As described above, the interleaving paper P1 and the interleaving paper P2 are overlapped while being shifted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the pattern image PG is included in the interleaving paper P1. It may be formed only in the area overlapping with the interleaf paper P2.

  Next, based on FIG. 6, an example of the operation at the time of creating the slip sheet in the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, when creating the slip sheet, the first slip sheet P1 supplied from the sheet feeding unit 2 passes through the fixing unit 6 after the pattern image PG is transferred, Without being switched back, it is guided to the second transport path 8 as it is. At this time, the switching valve 74 and the switching valve 75 are positioned to introduce the slip sheet P <b> 1 from the fixing unit 6 toward the second transport path 8.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the slip sheet P <b> 1 joins the first transport path 3 on the upstream side of the registration roller pair 36. At this time, the interleaving paper P2 as the second sheet for creating the interleaving paper is also supplied and conveyed from the paper feeding unit 2, and as a result, the interleaving paper P1 and the interleaving paper P2 are supplied. Are superimposed. For example, after the control unit 9 recognizes that the interleaf paper P1 has reached a certain position in the second conveyance path 8 by the conveyance sensor S4, the control unit 9 sets the conveyance roller pairs 71 to 73 of the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7. Is stopped, the paper feeding unit 2 feeds the interleaf paper P2.

  Here, how long after the paper feeding unit 2 starts feeding the paper, the distance from the paper feeding unit 2 to the registration roller pair 36 and the paper feeding roller 21 are determined as to how long it will arrive at the registration roller pair 36. And the peripheral speed (paper transport speed) of the pair of discharge rollers 33 and 34. Therefore, by adjusting how long after the paper feeding unit 2 starts feeding the interleaf paper P2, the pair of conveying rollers 71 to 73 of the intermediate paper feeding unit 7 is rotated to thereby insert the interleaving paper. It is possible to adjust how much the paper P1 and the interleaving paper P2 are overlapped.

  Note that the conveyance roller pair 71 to 73 of the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7 is not stopped by the conveyance distance from the conveyance sensor S4 to the registration roller pair 36 and the conveyance distance from the sheet feeding unit 2 to the registration roller pair 36 without stopping. It is also possible to overlap the paper sheet P1 and the interleaving paper sheet P2 while shifting them.

  Next, based on FIGS. 7A and 7B, a pattern image PG formed on the slip-sheet paper P1 that is supplied first when the slip sheet is created will be described. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the sheet indicated by the solid line is the first slip sheet P1, and the second slip sheet P2 is indicated by the broken line.

  The pattern image PG formed on the interleaving paper P1 may be formed in a lattice shape as shown in FIG. 7A, or a plurality of pattern images PG like a polka dot pattern as shown in FIG. 7B. A toner image may be formed so that a plurality of filled circles are arranged. Although not shown, the pattern image PG may be another pattern such as an arabesque pattern or a stripe pattern. The image data of these pattern images PG is stored in the storage unit 92, for example. Further, an image arbitrarily selected by the user (for example, image data is transmitted from the user terminal 100 to the multifunction device 1), and the user's favorite image may be used as the pattern image PG when creating the slip sheet. . That is, it is only necessary that the slip sheet P1 and the slip sheet P2 can be bonded, and the pattern image PG is not particularly limited.

  However, it is better that the toner placed on the interleaf paper P1 is raised to some extent so that the toner also enters the fibers of the interleaf paper P2 (for example, when touched with a finger, To the extent that you can feel the difference in unevenness with the part that is not on). In other words, in the pattern image PG, it is better to give the toner on the interleaf paper P1 a certain thickness. In an image forming apparatus using toner, the density of toner placed in a halftone area in a halftone (for example, gray in black and white) portion in an image decreases according to the density. It is better to have a part that is so dense that two sheets can be bonded together (it is not impossible to include a halftone part).

  Here, the pattern image PG may be formed using any color toner in the image forming unit 4, but the pattern image PG can be formed, for example, in yellow. If only the yellow toner is used, it is less visible than black or magenta. Accordingly, even if the paper used for creating the slip sheet (for example, the slip sheet P2) is peeled off after use, it is difficult for the user to recognize that the appearance is dirty, and it can be easily reused for creating the slip sheet. Become.

  As described above, the interleaving paper P1 and the interleaving paper P2 are shifted and overlapped and bonded with toner. As shown in FIG. 5A, the deviation in the superposition may be about 1/10 to 1/20 (for example, about 1 cm to 2 cm) with respect to the length of the sheet in the sheet conveyance direction. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the shift in the superposition may be shifted to about ½ of the length of the paper in the paper transport direction (for example, about 10 cm). Further, a difference may be provided in the amount of deviation for each print job (in this case, the user information area F may be easy to see). That is, when the created slip sheet is discharged, the size of the slip sheet is different from that of other sheets, and the created slip sheet may function as a separator between jobs.

  Here, the portion of the interleaving paper P1 that does not overlap with the interleaving paper P2 shown in shaded areas in FIGS. 7A and 7B is the user information area F as an index (heading). Available. In other words, when the created slip sheet and another print job are stacked on the discharge tray 31, the size of the slip sheet and the size of the other sheet are different. Jump out.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment prints user information for identifying which user's print job in the user information area F of the slip sheet P1. To do. Specifically, user information is printed at the same time as the pattern image PG is formed.

  First, a case where the multifunction device 1 is used as a printer will be described as an example. In order to use the multifunction device 1 as a printer, each user terminal 100 is usually installed with driver software for the multifunction device 1. The multifunction device 1 can acquire the name of the user terminal that transmitted the image data, the address on the network, and the name of the file on which printing has been performed via the driver software. The acquired user terminal name or the like can be described as “user name”, and the acquired file name can be described as “job name”.

  When the multifunction device 1 is used as a copy, “user name” or “job name” may be input from the operation panel 12, and the type number of the multifunction device 1 is written in “user name”. For example, “copy” may be written in the “job name” to clarify the copy.

  Further, regardless of the usage mode, as shown in FIG. 7C, as the user information, the print execution time, the first line of the first print job as an overview of the print job (FIG. 7C). Then, “□□□□ report” is shown as an example), and it may be made clear who the print job is.

(Control when creating slip sheets)
Next, based on FIG. 8, an example of control at the time of slip sheet creation in the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control at the time of creating slip sheets in the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, an example in which a slip sheet is created at the start of a print job will be described. The slip sheet creation may be performed at the end of the print job.

  First, the start in FIG. 8 is when the slip sheet is created. Here, the user can instruct whether or not to create a slip sheet by an input to the operation panel 12 or a print setting operation using driver software installed in the user terminal 100. Accordingly, in the multifunction device 1, the operation panel 12 and the I / F unit 95 function as an instruction input unit for determining whether or not to create a slip sheet. That is, the multifunction device 1 includes an instruction input unit for inputting that a slip sheet is created and printed. Then, this control is executed before printing the first sheet of the print job only when the user instructs the creation of slip sheets.

  Next, the control unit 9 feeds the first interleaving paper P1 from the paper feeding unit 2 (step # 1). Subsequently, the control unit 9 drives the rotary members of the image forming unit and the first conveyance path 3, causes the image forming unit 4 to form the pattern image PG and the toner image of the user information, and causes the intermediate transfer unit 5 to form the pattern. The image PG and the user information toner image are transferred to the interleaf paper P1. In other words, the image forming unit forms a pattern image PG in an area where the first interleaving paper is overlapped with the second interleaving paper, and a print job in an area where the pattern image PG is not formed. A toner image indicating information for identifying is formed (step # 2).

  At this time, the pattern image PG is formed with yellow toner, but the user information may be formed with toner of a color other than yellow to ensure visibility. That is, the image forming unit can form a yellow toner image, and forms the pattern image PG with yellow toner.

  Further, the control unit 9 drives each rotating body of the fixing unit 6 to allow the interleaving paper P1 to pass through the fixing unit 6 and controls the switching valve 74 and the switching valve 75 to directly feed the interleaving paper P1. Lead to the intermediate sheet feeder 7 (step # 3). Thereafter, the control unit 9 rotates the conveying roller pairs 71 to 73 and the like to cause the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7 to convey the slip sheet P1 to the upstream side of the registration roller pair 36 (step # 4), and the sheet feeding unit 2 The second interleaving paper P2 is fed (step # 5).

  Then, the control unit 9 controls the conveyance of the slip sheet P1, joins the slip sheet P1 to the first transport path 3, and enters the registration roller pair 36 (step # 6). After the interleaving paper P1 enters the registration roller pair 36, the controller 9 controls the conveyance of the interleaving paper P2 and causes the interleaving paper P2 to enter the registration roller pair 36 (step # 7). Thereby, the slip sheet P1 and the slip sheet P2 are shifted and overlapped. Note that the controller 9 may temporarily stop the conveyance of the slip sheet P1 or the slip sheet P2 in order to overlap the sheets while shifting.

  In this description, an example is described in which the slip sheet P1 first enters the registration roller pair 36 and then the slip sheet P2 enters the registration roller pair 36. The interleaving paper P1 may be entered into the registration roller pair 36 after the paper P2 has entered the registration roller pair 36 first. Here, since the position of the user information area F differs depending on the order of the registration roller pair 36 of the interleaving paper P1 and the interleaving paper P2, the image forming unit moves to the position of the user information area F in step # 2. Accordingly, a toner image indicating user information may be formed.

  Thereafter, the registration roller pair 36 rotates, and each rotating body of the image forming unit continues to rotate, and without performing toner formation and transfer, the interleaf paper P1 and the interleaf paper are directed toward the fixing unit 6. P2 is sent out in the double feed state (step # 8).

  Here, the control unit 9 turns on the heater H of the fixing unit 6 before the interleaf paper P1 and the interleaf paper P2 enter the nip between the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62, and the heating is performed. The rotational speeds of the roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 are made slower than those during normal printing (step # 9). That is, the fixing unit 6 includes a heating roller 61 including a heater H for heating the paper, and a pressure roller 62 that presses against the heating roller 61 to form a nip and pressurizes the paper passing through the nip. When passing the stacked slip sheets, the temperature of the heating roller 61 is raised and / or the rotation speed of the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 is made slower than during printing. As a result, when the slip sheet P1 and the slip sheet P2 pass through the fixing unit 6, the slip sheet P1 and the slip sheet P2 can pass at a higher temperature and more heat can be applied to the slip sheet P1. Therefore, the toner is easily melted, and the toner easily penetrates into the fibers of the interleaf paper P2, thereby improving the adhesive force of the toner.

  Then, the control unit 9 causes the interleaving paper P1 and the interleaving paper P2 that have overlapped to enter the nip of the fixing unit 6 and pass (step # 10). As a result, the slip sheet P1 and the slip sheet P2 are bonded to create one slip sheet. That is, at the start or end of a print job, the image forming unit forms and transfers the pattern image PG on the first interleaf paper P1 supplied from the paper feeding unit 2, and the paper feeding unit 2 The first sheet P2 is supplied, and the intermediate sheet feeding unit 7 conveys the first sheet P1 that has passed through the fixing unit 6 and is conveyed through the first conveyance path 3. The first interleaving paper P1 is joined from the second transport path 8 to the first transport path 3 so as to be shifted and overlapped with the interleaving paper P2 of the eye, and the fixing unit 6 has two stacked sheets. The interleaf paper is fixed, and two interleaving papers are bonded with the toner of the pattern image PG to generate one interleaf.

  Further, the control unit 9 controls the positions of the switching valve 74 and the switching valve 75 so as to guide the created slip sheet in the direction of the discharge roller pair 37 (step # 11). Thereafter, the discharge roller pair 37 discharges the slip sheet, and the slip sheet creation control is completed (end). When the slip sheet creation control is completed or just before the slip sheet creation control is completed, the first printing of the print job is started separately.

  In this way, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the slip sheet is created from the paper stored in the paper feed unit 2, so that the print job and the print job are separated without using a dedicated slip sheet or an optional device. Can do. Therefore, the convenience for the user is improved and the burden on the cost is reduced. In addition, since the discharge angle to the discharge tray 31 is not changed as in the prior art, the shifted paper is aligned when only one print job is continued or when searching for a printed matter. The printed matter can be reliably partitioned without losing the boundary. Further, since the two interleaving papers are bonded, there is no problem in terms of conveyance such as jam.

  Further, since the identification information is printed on the slip sheet, it is immediately determined which print job is the print job among the print jobs loaded on the discharge tray 31 without checking the contents of each print job. Can be recognized. Therefore, it is not necessary to look at the contents of the printed matter of another person when taking out their own print job, and the confidentiality is improved. In addition, since it is possible to input whether or not to create a slip sheet with the instruction input unit (operation panel 12 or I / F unit 95), the user is given an instruction to generate a slip sheet only when necessary. In addition, since yellow is difficult to see, the pattern image PG is formed with yellow toner, so that it is difficult to give the user the unpleasant feeling that the paper is dirty in appearance. This makes it easier to reuse the slip sheet. Further, even when the printed paper including the interleaving paper is bound into a storage file, a binder or the like, and the interleaving paper is used as a partition in the file or the like, the appearance is not impaired. In addition, the temperature of the heating rotator (heating roller 61) is raised when creating the slip sheet, and the rotation speed of the heating rotator (pressure roller 62) is made slower than during printing, so the toner is sufficiently melted. Then, the toner enters the fibers of the second interleaf paper. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the adhesive force between the two interleaf sheets.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation and transfer using toner.

1 MFP (image forming device) 12 Operation panel (instruction input unit)
2 Paper feed unit 3 First transport path 31 Discharge tray 4 Image forming unit (image forming unit)
5 Intermediate Transfer Section (Image Forming Section) 6 Fixing Section 61 Heating Roller (Rotating Body for Heating) 62 Pressure Roller (Rotating Body for Pressing)
7 Intermediate paper feed unit 8 Second transport path 9 Control unit 95 I / F unit (instruction input unit)
F User information area P1 Interleaf paper (first sheet)
P2 Interleaving paper (second sheet) PG pattern image

Claims (5)

A paper supply unit for supplying paper;
A first transport path for transporting the paper supplied from the paper feed unit to a discharge tray;
An image forming unit that forms a toner image and transfers the toner image to a conveyed paper;
A fixing unit for fixing the toner image transferred to the paper;
A second conveying path connecting the first conveying path downstream of the fixing unit in the sheet conveying direction and the first conveying path upstream of the fixing unit in the sheet conveying direction, and passes through the fixing unit; An intermediate paper feeding unit that joins the paper to the first transport path without inverting the front and back of the paper,
At the start or end of a print job
The image forming unit forms and transfers a pattern image on the first slip sheet supplied from the paper feeding unit,
The paper supply unit supplies a second slip sheet,
The intermediate sheet feeding unit conveys the first sheet for interleaving paper that has passed through the fixing unit, and is shifted and overlapped with the second sheet for interleaving paper conveyed in the first conveyance path. , Joining the first interleaf sheet from the second transport path to the first transport path,
The fixing unit fixes two stacked slip sheets, and forms two slip sheets by bonding the two slip sheets with the toner of the pattern image. apparatus.   The image forming unit forms the pattern image on the first interleaving paper on the area overlapped with the second interleaving paper, and prints on the area where the pattern image is not formed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a toner image indicating information for identifying a job is formed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction input unit for inputting that the slip sheet is created and printed.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit is capable of forming a yellow toner image and forming the pattern image with yellow toner. 5.   The fixing unit includes a heating rotator including a heater for heating the paper, and a pressurizing rotator that presses against the heating rotator to form a nip and pressurizes the paper passing through the nip. When passing the stacked interleaving paper, the temperature of the heating rotator is raised and / or the rotation speed of the heating rotator and the pressurizing rotator is made slower than during printing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

Images