JP2022141206A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

To secure productivity.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a conveyance part for conveying a recording medium; an image forming part for performing image forming on the recording medium coming from the conveyance part; and a reversing part by which the recording medium can be reversed in the image forming apparatus after performing image forming by the image forming part. The image forming apparatus can discharge the recording medium face down to a discharge part side or convey the same face up to a post-processing apparatus side. In the case that the apparatus performs image forming on one side of the recording medium, the apparatus performs image forming starting from the first page when the apparatus is going to discharge the medium to the discharge part side, while the apparatus performs image forming starting from the last page when the apparatus is going to convey the medium to the post-processing apparatus side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system.

2. Description of the Related Art There is a technique of providing a repeater in the middle of conveying a recording medium to an apparatus (a so-called finisher or the like) that performs post-processing after image formation on the recording medium.

Specifically, first, the repeater has two transport routes. Then, in the conveying route, the repeater conveys the recording medium to the joining route after accepting the recording medium to the switchback route. As described above, there is known a technique for performing switchback using a repeater or the like to turn the recording medium upside down (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In the conventional technology, since the recording medium is reversed by the repeater, there is a problem that the system becomes large due to the repeater and the like.

According to the present invention, a recording medium can be reversed in an image forming apparatus, and reversing in a repeater, a post-processing device, or the like is unnecessary, thereby miniaturizing the recording medium. The purpose is to ensure productivity.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys a recording medium,
an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium from the conveying unit;
a reversing unit capable of reversing the recording medium in the image forming apparatus after image formation by the image forming unit;
In an image forming apparatus that can discharge paper face-down to the paper discharge unit side or convey face-up to the post-processing device side,
When forming an image on one side of a recording medium,
When paper is discharged to the paper discharge section side, image formation is performed from the first page,
When conveying to the post-processing device side, image formation is performed from the last page.

According to the present invention, productivity can be ensured.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus; FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a 1st path|route. It is a figure which shows the example of a 2nd path|route and a 3rd path|route. It is a figure which shows the example of a 4th path|route. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of conveying a recording medium to a second path; It is a figure which shows the 1st example of an overall process. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of overall processing; It is a figure which shows a comparative example. It is a figure which shows the functional structural example. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example which controls switching.

A specific example will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments are not limited to the specific examples described below.

[Overall Configuration Example of Image Forming Apparatus]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 1000 as illustrated will be used. For example, the image forming apparatus 1000 configures the image forming system 100 by connecting with the post-processing apparatus 1001 and the like. Note that the post-processing device 1001 may be of a type other than the one illustrated depending on the presence or absence of post-processing.

In addition, two or more post-processing apparatuses 1001 may be configured such that the discharge side of the post-processing apparatus 1001 on the discharge tray 114 side is connected to the loading side of another post-processing apparatus 1001 . Furthermore, the image forming system 100 may have devices other than the image forming apparatus 1000 and post-processing apparatus 1001 .

The image forming apparatus 1000 has a hardware configuration including a paper feeding device 101, a printing device 102 as an image forming unit, and the like.

The printing device 102 is, for example, a device having an ink head or the like for applying ink, and forms an image by applying (printing) ink in the printing device 102 onto a recording medium. Note that the printing apparatus 102 is not limited to the inkjet method, and may be an apparatus that forms an image by another method such as an electrophotographic method.

The paper feeding device 101 accommodates recording media such as paper. Then, based on an instruction from the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 1000 or a print job instructed via a network, the paper feeding apparatus 101 directs the stored recording medium to the printing apparatus 102 and uses a conveying apparatus or the like. It is conveyed and image formation is performed.

At least the transport rollers 103 of the transport device are arranged in pairs on the transport path. The conveying roller 103 is rotated by an actuator such as a motor. Specifically, the conveying rollers 103 rotate while nipping the recording medium to convey the recording medium to the printing apparatus 102 side. Also, a plurality of transport rollers may be installed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the printing apparatus 102 .

It should be noted that the conveying rollers only need to be able to convey the recording medium, and may have a configuration other than the conveying rollers formed by actuators, mechanisms, control devices, and the like that constitute the conveying device. For example, a conveyor belt or the like may be used.

When a print job is input, the image forming apparatus 1000 conveys a recording medium to the printing apparatus 102 and forms an image on the recording medium. The printing device 102 forms an image indicated by the input data on a recording medium. The input data is data transmitted from an information processing apparatus or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 1000 via a network or the like. Note that the input data may be image data read by the document reading unit in the image forming apparatus 1000 .

After the printing apparatus 102 forms an image on the recording medium, the image forming apparatus 1000 discharges the recording medium to the discharge tray 104 of the image forming apparatus 1000 or conveys the recording medium to the post-processing apparatus 1001 side. .

A recording medium printed by the printing device 102 is conveyed along a conveying guide and discharged onto a discharge tray 104 above the printing device 102 while being reversed. Note that the position, shape, and arrangement of the discharge tray 104 are not limited to those shown in the figure. The ejection tray 104 may be located at another position such as an ejection tray that protrudes to the right side of the right side surface of the image forming apparatus 1000 .

The post-processing apparatus 1001 performs post-processing on the recording medium on which the image has been formed, that is, after the image forming apparatus 1000 has formed the image on the recording medium. The post-processing device 1001 has at least one of a punching device 111, a stapling device 112, a saddle stitching device 113, and the like. Note that the post-processing device 1001 may have devices other than those described above.

The punching device 111 is a device that forms through holes at predetermined positions on the recording medium conveyed from the image forming apparatus 1000 . The punching device 111 can form punch holes in the passing recording medium or not form punch holes in the passing recording medium.

The stapling device 112 is located downstream of the punching device 111, holds the conveyed recording medium in an internal tray, and staples the trailing edge of the recording medium. The recording medium conveyed by switchback is stapled, and the stapled recording medium is discharged to the discharge tray 114 of the post-processing apparatus 1001 . The stapling device 112 can move to a predetermined position in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction, and can rotate at a predetermined angle to change the stapling position on the recording medium.

The saddle stitching device 113 is located on the downstream side of the punching device 111, temporarily holds the leading edge of the recording medium conveyed by switchback in a tray, then raises the tray, and pushes the vicinity of the center of the recording medium to the paper folding plate ( This is a device that folds the recording medium by pressing it with a saddle-stitching plate), and staples near the center of the folded recording medium (near the tip of the folded recording medium) to bind the book. Then, the saddle-stitched recording medium is discharged to the discharge tray 115 of the post-processing apparatus 1001 .

Also, the recording medium that has passed through the punching device 111 is discharged to a discharge tray near the upper surface of the post-processing device 1001 if not stapled by the stapling device 112 or saddle-stitched by the saddle-stitching device 113, or , to the discharge tray 114 without going through the stapling device 112 .

As the post-processing, sorting processing by the discharge tray 114, binding processing by the stapling device 112, and saddle-stitching processing by the saddle-stitching device 113 can be performed. The user switches the type of post-processing by setting the mode in advance.

In the sort processing mode, post-processing such as sorting of paper (recording media) is performed. In the sort processing mode, a plurality of sheets to be sorted are moved in the transport direction by a discharge tray near the upper surface of the post-processing device 1001, a pair of axially movable transport rollers near the discharge tray 114, a movable side presser, or the like. In a direction perpendicular to the sheet (hereinafter referred to as "perpendicular direction"), each sheet is moved and conveyed so as to be displaced by a predetermined amount. Then, the paper is conveyed to a discharge tray or the like.

In the case of the binding processing mode, the binding processing device performs post-processing such as stapling the sheets. First, paper is accumulated in an internal tray. The paper is then transported from the internal tray to an end fence near the stapling device 112 by a tapping roller, auxiliary rollers, and the like. Then, since a plurality of sheets are abutted against the end fence, the edges of the sheets are aligned.

Also, in the inner tray, side fences (also called jogger fences, etc.) sandwich a plurality of sheets. In this way, the side fences align a plurality of sheets in the orthogonal direction.

Note that the binding processing device may have a plurality of upper and lower devices. After a plurality of sheets are bound by one of these binding devices, the sheets are conveyed from the discharge port to the discharge tray by switching with a switching claw or the like in the discharge path. be done.

It is also possible to have a plurality of devices in the orthogonal direction, so that the stapling can be performed at different positions on the sheets without moving the stapling device 112 in the orthogonal direction.

In the case of the saddle stitching mode, first, the central portions of a plurality of sheets are stitched. After the binding process is performed, the plurality of sheets are folded at the central portion. For example, the folding process is performed using a sheet folding plate or the like.

[Configuration example of reversing part]
Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1000 performs "single-sided printing" in which an image is formed on only one side, and after image formation is performed by the image forming unit, the recording medium is reversed in the image forming apparatus 1000, and then the print medium is printed. A case of conditions for conveying a recording medium to a processing device will be described as an example. Also, the following example is an example in which paper is used as the recording medium. Further, the image forming apparatus is intended for four continuous sheets of paper. Hereinafter, the four recording media are referred to as "first sheet 301", "second sheet 302", "third sheet 303", and "fourth sheet 304" in order of image formation.

For example, the image forming apparatus 1000 makes the recording medium reversible by the following processing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the first route. Among the surfaces of the paper, the surface on which the printing device 102 forms an image is referred to as a "first surface" (so-called "front surface"). On the other hand, a surface different from the first surface is referred to as a "second surface" (so-called "rear surface").

Therefore, under the condition of single-sided printing, the printing apparatus 102 forms an image on the first side and does not form an image on the second side. On the other hand, in the case of conditions for double-sided printing, the printing device 102 forms images on the first surface and then the second surface in this order.

In FIG. 2, the first side of the first sheet 301 directly below the printing device 102 faces upward.

When image formation is started, the first sheet 301 is conveyed from the paper feeder 101 to a position where the printing device 102 forms an image. Hereinafter, among the paths along which the recording medium provided in the image forming apparatus is conveyed, the image forming unit uses the conveying rollers 103 upstream of the printing apparatus 102 to form an image on the recording medium, and the rollers 103 are directed toward the downstream of the printing apparatus 102 . A path formed by the transport guide is called a "first path 201".

After image formation is performed, the image forming apparatus 1000 conveys the first paper 301 as follows.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing examples of the second route and the third route. In contrast to the first path 201 shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1000 has a "second path 202" and a "third path 203" as described below.

A second path 202 is a path formed by a transport guide that transports the first paper 301 from the first path 201 of the printing apparatus 102 . That is, the second path 202 is located downstream of the first path 201 and has a curved conveying guide that conveys the recording medium upward from the horizontal state to the vertical state with the first side of the printed recording medium facing inward. is the route.

A second path 202 is a path formed by a transport guide that transports the first sheet 301 to the discharge tray 104 .

Also, as illustrated, the second path 202 conveys the recording medium toward the post-processing device 1001 (see FIG. 1), and conveys the first paper 301 to a discharge port formed on the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1000. This is the route formed by the transport guide.

In other words, the sheet conveyed from the first path 201 to the second path 202 is discharged to the discharge tray 104 or conveyed to the post-processing device side.

It should be noted that the second route 202 is not limited to the route shown in the figure, and the number of destinations for transport from the second route 202 may be three or more. In other words, the first route 201 may further include a route serving as the second route 202 .

A second path 202 is a path formed by a transport guide that transports the first paper 301 from the first path 201 where the printing apparatus 102 is located. That is, the second path 202 is located downstream of the first path 201 and has a curved transport guide for vertically transporting the recording medium from a horizontal position with the first side of the printed recording medium facing inward. is.

A second path 202 is a path formed by a transport guide that transports the first sheet 301 to the discharge tray 104 .

A third path 203 is a path whose one end is formed by a transport guide for transporting the first paper 301 from the first path 201 of the printing apparatus 102 .

That is, the third path 203 is located downstream of the first path 201 and inside the second path 202, and conveys the recording medium upward from the horizontal state to the vertical state with the first side of the printed recording medium facing inward. It is a route having a curved conveying guide that Further, the third path 203 may have an opening that allows the first sheet 301 to be temporarily transported onto the ejection tray 104 when the first sheet 301 is long.

As shown in FIG. 3, the third path 203 only needs to be able to temporarily store the recording medium on which the image is formed on the first surface. It may be other than

The first paper 301 is conveyed from the first path 201 to the second path 202 or the third path 203 . Image formation is performed on the basis of conditions such as whether the recording medium on which the image is formed on the first side is conveyed from the first path 201 to the second path 202 or from the first path 201 to the third path 203 . The device 1000 is switched by a switching claw.

That is, after the first route 201, the route branches to determine which of the second route 202 and the third route 203 is the destination. It has a switch mechanism or the like for switching where the recording medium is conveyed in the branching by the switching claw. By controlling such a switch mechanism, it is possible to switch which path to use among the plurality of paths.

Also, as shown in the figure, after conveying the first sheet 301 to the third path 203, the image forming apparatus 1000 starts image formation on the second sheet 302, which is the next recording medium.

Specifically, after conveying the first sheet 301 to the third path 203 , the second sheet 302 is conveyed to the first path 201 . Then, the printing apparatus 102 forms an image on the first surface of the second sheet 302 in the same manner as the first sheet 301 .

Note that the positional relationship between the first sheet 301 and the second sheet 302 is not limited to the illustrated positional relationship. The image formation on the second paper 302 is performed if the transportation of the first paper 301 is not hindered, that is, if the trailing edge of the first paper 301 has passed the printing device 102, the first paper 301 is being transported. It may be started in time.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the fourth route. As illustrated, the fourth path 204 is a path formed by a transport guide that switches back and transports the first sheet 301 of the third path 203 . That is, the fourth path 204 is located downstream of the third path 203 when switched back, and conveys the printed recording medium in a horizontal state with the first surface facing upward, and a curved conveying guide directed downward. is a route with A fourth path 204 is a path formed by a transport guide that transports the first paper 301 on the fourth path 204 with the first surface facing downward to the first path 201 again.

As shown, when the recording medium switches back from the third path 203 and passes through the fourth path 204, the first side and the second side are reversed. Specifically, when passing through the fourth path 204, the recording medium rotates, so-called pitch rotation.

It should be noted that the recording medium may be reversed on paths other than the fourth path 204 . However, in the image forming apparatus 1000, it is desirable to realize the reversing section in the fourth path 204 used for double-sided printing. In this way, with a configuration in which the recording medium is reversed by passing through the path, it is possible to eliminate the need for transport guides or transport rollers as other paths. In the fourth path 204, the horizontal conveying guide is longer than the later vertical conveying guide, so that the printing component (ink, etc.) printed on the recording medium by the printing apparatus 102 takes longer to dry. and the range of sliding contact with the transport guide is reduced.

As shown, the recording medium is transported from the first path to the third path, is switched back, is transported from the third path 203 to the fourth path 204, rotates the recording medium, and is transported again to the first path. .

That is, the recording medium conveyed from the fourth path 204 to the first path 201 is in a face-down state in which the first surface faces downward and the second surface faces upward.

In the case of single-sided printing, image formation (printing) is not performed on the upward second side of the recording medium that passes through the printing device 102 thereafter. On the other hand, in the case of double-sided printing in which the sheet is conveyed through the same path, the printing device 102 can form an image on the second surface.

In this way, in the case of the conditions for conveying the recording medium to the post-processing apparatus for single-sided printing, the recording medium is conveyed to the post-processing apparatus 1001 without forming an image on the second surface facing upward. At this time, the recording medium conveyed to the second path 202 is conveyed to the post-processing device side in the same manner as in the case of double-sided printing with the second surface facing upward because the switching claw is positioned in the direction of conveyance to the post-processing device side. be done. In the case of double-sided printing, if the paper is to be discharged to the discharge tray 104 side instead of the post-processing side, it is discharged face-down with the first side facing downward by conveying the paper through the third path 203 and the fourth path 204 again. It can be done, but the productivity is higher if it is conveyed to the post-processing device side.

At the same time as or after conveying the first sheet 301 to the fourth path 204, the image forming apparatus 1000 conveys the second sheet 302 on which the image is formed on the first surface in the same manner as the first sheet 301. It is conveyed to the third route 203 . Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1000 starts image formation on the third sheet 303 in the same manner as the first sheet 301 and the second sheet 302 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of conveying the recording medium to the second path. As shown in FIG. 4, the first sheet 301 on the fourth path 204 is conveyed to the second path 202 as shown in FIG. That is, after this, the first sheet 301 is conveyed to the post-processing device side.

Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1000 transports the first sheet 301 on the fourth path 204 in FIG. 4 via the first path 201 to the second path 202 as shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, the first sheet 301 passes through the third path 203 and the fourth path 204, and therefore, in the second path 202 again, the first sheet faces downward and the second surface faces upward. be.

In the image forming apparatus 1000, before the first paper 301 reaches the branch of the second path 202 and the third path 203, the second path 202 continues the destination to which the first paper 301 is conveyed by the switching claw. switch to the side where

In this way, the image forming apparatus 1000 changes the state in which the image is formed in the second path 202 or the like, that is, the state in which the first surface faces upward, to the state in which the recording medium is reversed, that is, the first sheet of paper 301 . One side can face downwards.

Similarly to the first sheet 301, the image forming apparatus 1000 uses the third path 203 and the fourth path 204, etc., so that the second sheet 302 to the fourth sheet 304, etc. You can flip the face.

Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 1000 conveys the second sheet 302 to the second path 202 in the same manner as the first sheet 301 from the state shown in FIG.

When the image forming apparatus 1000 conveys the third sheet 303 to the fourth path 204 in the same manner as the first sheet 301 and the like from the state shown in FIG. The third sheet 303 can be reversed.

When the image forming apparatus 1000 conveys the fourth sheet 304 to the third path 203 or the like in the same manner as the first sheet 301 or the like from the state shown in FIG. 4 The sheet 304 can be reversed.

As described above, even when a plurality of recording media such as the first sheet 301 to the fourth sheet 304 are handled, the image forming apparatus 1000 has the third path 203, the fourth path 204, and the like. When the unit is provided in the image forming apparatus, each recording medium can be reversed in the image forming apparatus.

Therefore, if the sheet is reversed within the image forming apparatus, the reversing unit of the repeater or the like can be eliminated. Therefore, with the configuration as described above, even when the recording medium is reversed, the size of the image forming system can be reduced by reducing the size of the repeater and the like.

[Overall processing example]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the overall processing. The image forming apparatus performs the following overall processing. A case where a print job is input from a control device or the like and printing is started will be described below as an example.

In the overall process described below, the image forming apparatus determines whether to perform binding processing in step S0601 or whether to perform single-sided printing or double-sided printing in step S0602 based on the conditions input to the print job in advance, and step S0609. This is an example of determining whether or not there are multiple pages. Note that the overall process is not limited to steps S0601, S0602, and S0608 as long as it is possible to determine whether the reversal is necessary or not, and the conditions may be determined in another order or procedure.

In step S0601, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not there are conditions for binding processing.

Next, if the conditions for binding processing are met (YES in step S0601), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S0602. On the other hand, if the binding process is not performed (NO in step S0601), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S0609.

In step S0602, the image forming apparatus determines whether the conditions are single-sided printing or double-sided printing.

Next, if the condition is single-sided printing ("single-sided printing" in step S0602), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S0607. On the other hand, if the condition is double-sided printing ("double-sided printing" in step S0602), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S0603.

In step S0603, the image forming apparatus forms an image on the first side of both sides.

In step S0604, the image forming apparatus uses the third path 203 and the fourth path 204 to reverse the first side and the second side.

In step S0605, the image forming apparatus forms an image on the second side of both sides.

In step S0606, the image forming apparatus conveys the recording medium to the second path. Then, the image forming apparatus conveys the recording medium from the second path to the post-processing device or the like based on the conditions.

In step S0607, the image forming apparatus forms an image on the first side of both sides.

In step S0608, the image forming apparatus reverses the first side and the second side using the third path 203 and the fourth path 204, respectively.

Under the conditions of steps S0607 and S0608, that is, single-sided printing and binding processing, the overall process does not perform image formation on the second side of step S0605 compared to steps S0603 to S0605. is different.

Under the condition of performing the binding process (YES in step S0601), the overall process reverses the recording medium using the third path 203 and the fourth path 204, for example, as in step S0604 or step S0608. process. When the recording medium is turned over in this way, the recording medium is accumulated in the discharge tray 114 or the like of the post-processing device 1001 with the first surface facing downward.

When the binding process is not performed, in step S0609, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the condition is a continuous plural pages.

Next, if the condition is a plurality of pages (YES in step S0609), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S0610. On the other hand, if the condition is not multiple pages or the condition is single multiple pages (NO in step S0609), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S0612.

In step S0610, the image forming apparatus changes the order of the continuous multiple pages on which image formation is to be performed. For example, the image forming apparatus performs data processing in the reverse order (third, second, first) of the order indicated by the input data (first, second, third). Perform sorting, etc.

In step S0611, the image forming apparatus forms an image. That is, the image forming apparatus forms images of a plurality of pages in the reverse order changed in the preceding step S0610.

Specifically, in step S0610, the image forming apparatus starts image formation from the last page (last page) of the first to last pages (pages) indicated by the input data before performing image formation. Rearrange the order of the data to image the page first at the end. By rearranging in this manner, the image forming apparatus can accumulate the sheets in the discharge tray 114 or the like of the post-processing apparatus 1001 in order from the last page after image formation.

That is, if the final page of the plurality of pages indicated by the input data is image-formed first, the image forming apparatus can accumulate the final page first. In this way, on the recording medium on which the image formation has been performed, among the plurality of pages indicated by the input data, the pages are accumulated in order from the last page, and finally the first page is accumulated.

If the recording media can be accumulated in such order, the user can omit the work of rearranging the pages after all image formation is completed. Therefore, if the order in which the recording media are stored can be changed, it is possible to improve productivity by omitting rearrangement work when there are multiple pages and they are not bound.

In step S0612, the image forming apparatus forms an image. Step S0612 is for a case where one page is targeted instead of a plurality of pages. Therefore, the image forming apparatus does not perform step S0610 and the like, and performs image formation based on input data and the like.

In the case of the condition of one page (that is, when it is not a plurality of pages), the image forming apparatus, after step S0612, causes the print medium to be ejected from the face-up ejection tray of the post-processing device 1001. 114 or the ejection tray 104 or the like of the image forming apparatus 1000 where the sheets are ejected facedown. Under this condition, the recording medium is not reversed, that is, is conveyed while maintaining the relationship between the first side and the second side. Therefore, the image forming apparatus does not perform step S0604, step S0608, or the like under conditions other than a plurality of pages.

In step S0612, if there is one sheet, the process of step S0612 for changing the order is not performed. It may be processed as a page.

In this way, when the binding process is not required for single-sided printing and the printing medium is not reversed, the recording medium does not pass through the third path 203 and the fourth path 204, and the image forming apparatus does not pass through the first path 201. , the recording medium is conveyed to the second path 202 .

When a route that does not pass through the third route 203 and the fourth route 204 is selected, the recording medium can be ejected quickly, and productivity can be improved. Even in the case of a one-page print job, after image formation is performed, the recording medium is conveyed while maintaining the state without inverting the first side and the second side.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another embodiment of overall processing. For example, the image forming apparatus performs the following overall processing according to conditions and the like.

Specifically, the conditions include whether or not to perform stapling processing in the post-processing apparatus 1001 in the case of single-sided printing, whether or not to specify the direction of stapling in the case of performing stapling processing, or to perform aggregate printing. or not.

In step S0701, especially in the case of continuous multiple pages, the image forming apparatus changes the order of pages on which images are formed.

In step S0702, the image forming apparatus forms an image.

In step S0703, the image forming apparatus conveys the recording medium to post-processing apparatus 1001 along the second path.

Under the condition that staples are applied and the direction of the staples is not specified, the legs of the staples may be on the first surface.

In this case, the image forming apparatus does not reverse the recording medium, and conveys the recording medium while maintaining the first side and the second side. Further, the staples are stapled in a direction in which the staples can be stapled while maintaining the first surface and the second surface, thereby improving the productivity.

On the other hand, when the setting is such that the stapling is performed so that the tip of the staple becomes the second surface, that is, when the setting is such that the stapling is performed from the first surface side toward the second surface side, the recording medium is , post-processing is difficult unless it is in an inverted state before post-processing.

Therefore, under the condition that the direction of stapling is not specified, the recording medium is subjected to post-processing for stapling in a direction that does not require reversing. Specifically, the recording medium is stapled so that the tip of the staple becomes the first surface.

By performing the post-processing of stapling in a direction in which reversing can be omitted in this way, productivity can be improved more than when reversing is performed.

Note that if the setting is such that the stapling is performed with the tip of the staple facing the second surface, that is, if the setting is such that the stapling is performed from the first surface side toward the second surface side, image formation is performed. Without changing the order of the pages, the print medium is reversed and conveyed to the post-processing device before post-processing.

In the above-described overall processing, when image formation is not performed on the second surface, that is, under the condition of single-sided printing, the image forming apparatus 1000 sets the conveying speed of the recording medium by the conveying rollers 103 and the like to the first surface. On the other hand, productivity is improved by setting the conveying speed higher than that in the case of image formation.

Hereinafter, the conveying speed until image formation by the image forming section is performed (including while image forming is being performed) is referred to as "first conveying speed". That is, the first conveying speed is the conveying speed until image formation on the first surface is completed. Therefore, the first transport speed is a speed corresponding to processing such as image formation.

After the image forming section forms an image on the first surface, the image forming apparatus increases the conveying speed to convey the recording medium. Hereinafter, the conveying speed after the image forming section has formed the image on the first surface is referred to as "second conveying speed".

That is, the second transport speed is a transport speed faster than the first transport speed. Switching between the first conveying speed and the second conveying speed is performed, for example, when image formation on the first surface is completed.

Under the condition of single-sided printing, when the recording medium is reversed before post-processing and conveyed to the post-processing device without changing the order of the pages on which images are to be formed, the image forming section is placed on the first side. On the other hand, after image formation is performed, the image forming apparatus increases the conveying speed. In other words, it is desirable to perform processing such as reversing and conveying at the second conveying speed after the image forming unit has formed an image on the first surface. In this manner, if the recording medium can be conveyed at high speed, the time required to start image formation on the next recording medium can be shortened.

[Comparative example]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a comparative example. A comparative example is an example of constructing an image forming system by connecting an intermediate unit 3 as a repeater between a recording unit 2 as an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus.

In the comparative example, after receiving the medium in the direction of the first arrow A1 in the intermediate unit 3, the medium is switched back in the direction of the second arrow A2. In the comparative example, after receiving the medium in the direction of the third arrow B1 in the intermediate unit 3, the medium is switched back in the direction of the fourth arrow B2.

In this way, if the reversal is performed by a repeater or the like, the reversing route is secured by the repeater.

On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus is configured to be reversed, the repeater or the like does not need a route for reversing.

Further, in the comparative example, while the medium is reversed by the first arrow A1 and the second arrow A2, the medium is reversed by the third arrow B1 and the fourth arrow B2, and the medium is alternately reversed in two paths. transport.

The binding section of the post-processing device performs binding processing after aligning the conveyed media. In the comparative example, the operation of aligning the medium is performed each time the medium is conveyed. Therefore, in order to secure the time to perform the operation of aligning the media, the media are transported while securing the interval from the next media.

Further, after the operation of aligning the media, it takes more time to perform the binding process or the process of ejecting the media, so the media are conveyed with a gap between them.

As described above, in the comparative example, since the repeater is required, the size cannot be reduced, it takes more time to go through the repeater, and the productivity is low.

[Conditions]
The conditions are set in the image forming apparatus in advance, for example. Note that the conditions are not limited to being set in the image forming apparatus in advance, and image data such as input data may include parameters indicating the conditions. , may be partly defined. Alternatively, the conditions may be set by operating an input device of the image forming apparatus, or by inputting data for setting the conditions into the image forming apparatus.

[Example of functional configuration]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of FIG. 1; The image forming system 100 is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 1000 and a post-processing apparatus 1001 .

The image forming apparatus 1000 includes an image forming section 100F1, a reversing section 100F2, and a conveying section 100F3.

The image forming section 100F1 performs an image forming procedure for forming an image on a recording medium having a first side and a second side. The image forming unit 100F1 is realized by the printing device 102 or the like.

The reversing unit 100F2 performs a reversing procedure for reversing the first surface and the second surface of the recording medium in the image forming apparatus 1000 after the image forming unit 100F1 performs image formation. The inversion unit 100F2 is realized by the third path 203, the fourth path 204, and the like.

The transport unit 100F3 performs a transport procedure for transporting the recording medium to the post-processing device 1001. FIG. It is realized by the conveying roller 103 or the like.

The post-processing device 1001 includes a post-processing section 100F4.

The post-processing section 100F4 performs a post-processing procedure for performing post-processing on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying section 100F3. The post-processing unit 100F4 is realized by the punching device 111, the stapling device 112, the saddle stitching device 113, and the like.

In the image forming system 100 , the image forming apparatus 1000 reverses the recording medium and conveys the recording medium to the post-processing apparatus 1001 . In such a configuration, since the image forming apparatus 1000 and the post-processing apparatus 1001 are inverted, it is possible to omit a repeater between them. Therefore, even when the recording medium is reversed, the image forming system 100 can be made compact.

[Hardware configuration example for controlling switching, etc.]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for performing control such as switching in FIG. For example, the image forming system 100 has a hardware configuration including a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU 500"), a motor driver 501, a motor 502, a sensor 503, a switch 504, and the like.

The CPU 500 is an example of a control device and an arithmetic device. For example, the CPU 500 performs output control for driving a motor 502 or the like for conveying a printing medium via a motor driver 501 .

The CPU 500 also performs input control for detecting a recording medium or the like by the sensor 503 .

Furthermore, the CPU 500 performs control for switching paths and the like by means of a switching claw interlocked with the switch 504 .

Note that the hardware is not limited to the illustrated configuration, and may be other switching devices, control devices, actuators, sensors, mechanisms, and the like.

[Other embodiments]
The control method described above may be realized by a program or the like. In other words, the control method is a method executed by a computer by cooperatively operating a control device, an arithmetic device, a storage device, an output device, an input device, etc., based on a program. Also, the program may be written in a storage device or storage medium and distributed, or may be distributed through an electric communication line or the like.

Each device described above need not be one device. That is, each device may be a system or the like composed of a plurality of devices.

The image forming apparatus is an inkjet printer that requires ink drying time, but may be an electrophotographic printer that requires a heat-pressure fixing process. Also, the image forming apparatus may be a commercial printing machine, an office printing machine, or a personal printing machine.

The recording medium is paper ("plain paper", "thick paper", and "thin paper"). However, the recording medium may be coated paper, label paper, etc., overhead projector sheet, film, flexible thin plate, or the like. Also, the recording medium may be cut roll paper or the like.

In other words, the material of the recording medium may be any material to which ink droplets or paint such as toner can adhere and to which the ink droplets adhere or adhere and permeate.

In addition, the recording medium includes a recording medium such as paper, film, or cloth; ), an organ model, an inspection cell, or the like.

In this way, the material of the recording medium can be coated with paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, or a combination of these, and the like. Any recess may be formed by excavating the surface.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof, and are included in the technical idea described in the claims. All of the technical matters that are described are covered by the present invention. Although the above embodiment shows a preferred example, a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

100: Image forming system 100F1: Image forming unit 100F2: Reversing unit 100F3: Conveying unit 100F4: Post-processing unit 101: Paper feeding device 102: Printing device 103: Conveying roller 104: Ejection tray 111: Punching device 112: Stapling device 113: Saddle stitching device 201 : First path 202 : Second path 203 : Third path 204 : Fourth path 301 : First sheet 302 : Second sheet 303 : Third sheet 304 : Fourth sheet 1000 : Image forming apparatus 1001 : Post-processing device

JP 2020-100477 A

Claims (10)

a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium;
an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium from the conveying unit;
a reversing unit capable of reversing the recording medium in the image forming apparatus after image formation by the image forming unit;
In an image forming apparatus capable of delivering paper face-down to the paper ejection unit side or transporting it face-up to the post-processing device side,
When forming an image on one side of a recording medium,
When paper is discharged to the paper discharge section side, image formation is performed from the first page,
An image forming apparatus that forms an image from the last page when conveyed to the post-processing device side. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image formation is performed from the last page and conveyed to the post-processing device side in the case of image formation on one side of a plurality of consecutive sheets. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the image is formed from the last page and the sheet is conveyed to the post-processing device, the image forming apparatus does not pass through the reversing section. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image forming unit is installed above a recording medium on which an image is formed. a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium;
an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium from the conveying unit;
After image formation by the image forming unit,
a reversing unit capable of reversing the recording medium in the image forming apparatus;
In an image forming apparatus that can discharge paper face-down to the paper discharge unit side, or can convey paper face-up to the post-processing device side,
When forming an image on one side of a recording medium,
When paper is discharged to the paper discharge section side, image formation is performed from the first page,
An image forming apparatus that forms an image from the first page when conveyed to the post-processing device side, reverses the sheet at the reversing unit, and conveys the sheet to the post-processing device side. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sheet is conveyed to the post-processing device side when an image is formed on one side of a plurality of consecutive sheets. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image forming unit is installed above a recording medium on which an image is formed. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the speed of the conveying unit when the sheet is reversed by the reversing unit is higher than the speed when the image is formed by the image forming unit. The post-processing on the side of the post-processing device is a process of stapling the recording medium,
An image forming system using the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . 10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the stapling process has a plurality of stapling directions with respect to the recording medium.

Images