JP4641474B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet.

  With the progress of the advanced information society in recent years, the colorization of images is progressing rapidly.

  There is also a remarkable progress in colorization in the field of electrophotographic copying machines and printers.

  In addition, the popularity of digital still cameras is remarkable due to the convenience of being able to shoot while monitoring the video, play back and check the video, and transmit the video taken over the network. There is a growing need for hard-copying video shot with a digital still camera with a color printer.

  However, the image quality of electrophotographic printers is generally lacking in gloss in terms of photographic image quality compared to silver salt and ink jet systems.

  For this reason, various apparatuses have been proposed for outputting high-gloss photographic image quality.

  As a color image forming method for obtaining a color image with excellent glossiness, when a color toner is melted and fixed on a transfer body (such as a recording sheet) on which a transparent resin layer made of a thermoplastic resin is formed, a color image is formed. The color toner adhered on the transparent resin layer of the transfer body is heated and melted in the transparent resin layer by the belt-like conveyance body that moves to the member containing the heat source, and then cooled and fixed, and the transfer body is further fixed. It is known that a color image is formed separately from a belt-shaped carrier (see Patent Document 1).

  According to this image forming method, since the color toner image is fixed so as to be embedded in the transparent resin layer, irregular reflection of illumination light is prevented in the color image, and the amount of reflected or transmitted light from the color image is abundant. It is said that excellent gloss can be imparted.

  By the way, when developing color image forming devices in the printing market and the photographic market, there is a strong demand for images with no margins on the edge of the paper (hereinafter referred to as borderless printing), which is very common in graphic art prints and photo services. Has been.

  In order to meet this requirement, there has been proposed an apparatus that includes a cutting means after fixing and cuts four sides after forming an image with a margin at the end of the paper (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-123562 describes that when printing a plurality of pages of image data for each page on one side of a sheet, the sheet is cut after printing. Further, it is described that when the cut portions are overlapped to form a booklet, the cut surface of the paper is aligned with a certain side of the booklet.
JP 2004-151200 A JP 2004-109860 A JP-A-9-123562

  However, in the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, means for providing photographic image quality has been proposed limited to small print sizes such as A6 plate and L plate (89 mm × 127 mm).

  This is due to the fact that most of the needs for the photographic quality print size are the L version. On the other hand, many printers are compatible with A4 size paper (= 297 mm). In the above proposal, the belt fixing width direction dimension is set to about A6 size, so there is a merit that the width of the gloss imparting device itself can be reduced, but the feeling that the printer device does not exhibit the maximum performance. was there.

  The apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 also cuts the four sides of the paper so as to correspond to the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, and is not an apparatus for maximizing the performance of the printer device.

  In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to assign a commonly used L size (89 × 127) size to A4 (210 × 297) paper and output a maximum of 4 sheets at a time.

  According to this apparatus, the productivity nearly four times that of the conventional one can be obtained.

  Further, the cutting means can cut out four L sizes from A4 paper by cutting up to eight sides from the conventional four-sided cutting.

  However, this type of apparatus has a problem that the output paper cut by the cutting means is separated.

  In addition, the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3 is configured to perform cutting after stacking output sheets, and thus it is difficult to perform cutting with good cutting appearance.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is capable of forming a plurality of images on a single sheet, and forming an image by allocating a plurality of images in a sequence of images to a plurality of sheets. A conveyance unit that conveys a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, a direction along a sheet conveyance direction by the conveyance unit, and a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. A cutting device that cuts each sheet, a discharge tray on which sheets after cutting cut by the cutting device are stacked in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of images in which the image order is continuous before the cutting device cuts the plurality of images. When allocating on a plurality of sheets, the image order of the bundle of sheets after cutting stacked in a plurality of rows on the discharge tray is assigned so as to be continuous in the plurality of rows to form an image. Possess a control unit that controls the image forming unit, when the cutting plurality of white paper shredded cut sheet after the device generates a plurality of to one row of a plurality of rows on the discharge tray When a plurality of rows of output sheets stacked on the paper discharge tray are stacked in the vertical direction so that the page order is continuous, the plurality of sheets are arranged on the leading side or the trailing side of the continuous pages. The control unit controls the image forming unit so that the blank sheets of paper are gathered .

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to rearrange the order of the output sheets while improving productivity by forming a plurality of images on one sheet.

(First embodiment)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 and FIGS. 18 to 20.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a full-color image forming apparatus using four color toners of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The apparatus according to this embodiment includes a reader unit 2 at the top of the printer unit 1, and a gloss processing device 5 that includes a belt fixing device 3 and a cutting device 4 at the side of the printer unit 1.

  The reader unit 2 is for reading an image of a document.

  The printer unit 1 includes a manual sheet feeding unit 15 on which sheets are stacked on the side. The printer unit 1 includes sheet feeding cassettes 14a, 14b, and 14c below.

  The printer unit 1 includes a photosensitive drum 8, a laser laser scanner unit 7, a rotating developer 10, an intermediate transfer belt 12, a secondary transfer unit 13, and the like.

  Further, the printer unit 1 is provided with a fixing device 6. Disposed on the side of the printer unit 1 are a discharge tray 19 for discharging a sheet on which an image is formed, and a discharge roller 18 for discharging the sheet to the discharge tray 19.

  The printer unit 1 includes a vertical path 17 for conveying a sheet on which an image is formed upward, and a reversing path 20 for reversing the sheet conveyed through the vertical path 17. A pair 22 is provided. The printer unit 1 can convey the sheet sheet that has passed through the vertical path 17 and the reverse path 20 to the gloss processing apparatus 5. In this image forming apparatus, by giving a predetermined selection instruction from the operation panel P which is an operation display unit, an output mode (normal print mode) for performing general image output (copying and printing) and glossiness are imparted. Either an output mode (photo print mode) for outputting an image can be selected.

  In this image forming apparatus, a specific image forming process pattern corresponding to each output mode is selected and set.

  That is, when the normal print mode is selected at the time of image formation, a process pattern to be discharged to the discharge tray 19 after being fixed by the fixing unit 6 (not sent to the gloss processing device 5) is selected. Is done.

  On the other hand, when the photo print mode is selected, a process pattern for performing gloss processing by the gloss processing device 5 after fixing by the fixing unit 6 is selected.

  Here, in the case of performing image formation in the photographic print mode, usually, a photograph in which a transparent image receiving layer 82 made of a polyester resin is formed to a thickness of about 5 to 20 μm on at least one side of a sheet substrate (plain paper or the like). Printing paper is used.

  Such a recording sheet for photographic print has a uniform gloss feeling over the entire surface on which the image receiving layer 82 is formed.

  An image forming operation by the printer unit 1 will be described. The image forming operation by the printer unit 1 is performed by the control unit C controlling the printer unit 1.

  An image output from an external device such as a personal computer or an image read by the reader unit 2 is converted into an optical signal for each color (each color station) by the laser scanner unit 7. The laser beam converted into the optical signal is reflected by the polygon mirror and exposed to the drum surface of each photosensitive drum 8 through the lens and the folding mirror.

  Around the photosensitive drum 8, a charger 9, developing devices (10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d) configured in the developing rotary 10, and a photosensitive drum cleaning device 11 are arranged. For the exposure on the photosensitive drum 8, the process of switching the developing device each time by the rotation of the developing rotary is repeated for the necessary colors. In this process, each color is developed, and a toner image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12 each time, and the necessary color and images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 12. Then, the toner image on the sheet intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred to the sheet by the secondary transfer unit 13.

  The sheet is fed out from the cassettes 14a, 14b, 14c or the multi-manual feed 15 and conveyed so as to match the image on the intermediate transfer belt. The sheet is conveyed toward the secondary transfer unit 13 after skew correction and timing adjustment by the registration roller 16.

  Thereafter, the secondary transfer unit 13 secondarily transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 as an intermediate transfer member onto the sheet, and the image superimposed on the sheet is transferred.

  The sheet that has passed through the secondary transfer unit 13 heat-fixes the toner by the fixing device 6, and then passes through the inner discharge roller 16. The sheet that has passed through the inner discharge roller 16 proceeds to the first branching portion 17a.

  Thereafter, the sheet that has reached the first branch portion 17a goes through one of the following process patterns.

  One is a case where the above-described normal print mode is selected. In this case, the sheet is discharged from the first branch portion 17 a to the discharge roller 18 and discharged to the discharge tray 19.

  When the photo print mode is selected, the sheet passes through the first branching portion 17a, and then passes through the path toward the reverse path 20 through the vertical path 17. The straight path 17 then travels straight through the branching section 21 and proceeds in the direction of the reversing roller 22. When the trailing end of the sheet has passed the branching section 21, the reversing roller 22 is reversed. The reverse roller 22 is caused to enter the gloss processing device 5 in a state where the rear end of the sheet before the reverse rotation is the front end side in the sheet conveying direction after the reverse rotation.

  The first branch portion 17a and the second branch portion 21 are provided with a transport direction switching gate (not shown), and the transport direction is switched by switching at a predetermined timing.

  Here, the reason for reversing the sheet when performing image formation in the photo print mode is to make the image surface face the belt surface of the belt fixing device 3 as described later. .

  Next, the configuration of the gloss processing device 5 will be described.

  The gloss processing device 5 is provided with a belt fixing device 8 and a cutting device 4.

  The belt fixing device 3 is a device for imparting gloss, and is disposed downstream of the fixing unit 6 in the paper transport direction.

  The belt fixing device 3 shown in detail in FIG. 2 includes a heating roll 31, a peeling roll 32, a steering roll 33, and a fixing belt 34 wound around each of the rolls 31 to 33. The belt fixing device 3 further includes a pressure roll 35 that presses the fixing belt 34 against the heating roll 31 to form a nip, and a cooler 36 that cools a portion of the fixing belt 34 downstream of the nip.

  A heating source 37 such as a halogen lamp is disposed inside the heating roll 31 and the pressure roll 35.

  The fixing belt 34 is formed by coating a thermosetting polyimide endless film (75 μm or more) with a surface layer (30 μm or more) such as silicone rubber having a smooth surface.

  The cooler 36 is disposed between the heating roll 51 and the peeling roll 52 and in the inner peripheral surface area of the fixing belt 54, and contacts the inner peripheral surface to absorb the heat of the belt 54. Air cooling or water cooling may be used.

  The cutting device 4 cuts the sheet that has been given gloss by the belt fixing device 3. FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the cutting device. FIG. 3 is a top view of the cutting apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the cutting device 4 includes wheel cutters 41 to 44 that cut in directions parallel to the paper transport direction, and a guillotine cutter 45 that cuts in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction. A cutting entrance roller 46 and a cutting exit roller 47 are provided. The cutting entrance roller 46 and the cutting exit roller 47 constitute the conveying section of the present invention.

  The wheel type cutters 41 to 44 are disc-shaped cutting teeth, and are constituted by a pair of teeth of upper wheel teeth 41a to 44a and lower wheel teeth 41b to 44b, and are arranged in a state of facing the vertical position with respect to the conveying surface. Has been.

  The upper wheel teeth 41a to 44a and the lower wheel teeth 41b to 44b are configured to be rotatable by a drive source (not shown). It is a mechanism that makes it possible.

  The upper wheel teeth 41a to 44a are attached to a moving means (not shown) that can move in the vertical direction, and are retracted upward when not cut.

  The guillotine cutter 45 is a plate-shaped cutting tooth, is constituted by a pair of teeth, a movable tooth 45a and a fixed tooth 45b, and is disposed in a state of facing the vertical position with respect to the transport surface.

  Here, the movable tooth 45a is attached to a moving means that is movable in the vertical direction (not shown), and has a mechanism in which the movable tooth 45a can be cut in close proximity to the fixed tooth 45b by displacement (particularly downward movement) of the moving means. .

  The cutting by the guillotine cutter 45 stops the conveyance of the sheet by the cutting entrance roller 46 or the cutting exit roller 47 when a predetermined time has elapsed after the leading edge of the sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor 48. This is performed by moving the movable tooth downward in the stop state.

  Next, the operation of the gloss processing device 5 when the above-described photo print mode is selected will be described.

  When the sheet is fed into the belt fixing device 5, the sheet is heated and pressurized by passing through the nip between the fixing belt 34 and the pressure roll 35, and remains in close contact with the fixing belt 34 after passing through the nip. It is conveyed as it is.

  Subsequently, the sheet in close contact with the fixing belt 34 is cooled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler 36 and then peeled off from the fixing belt 34 at a portion where the peeling roll 32 is provided.

  As a result, the toner image fixed by the printer unit 1 is fixed again on the sheet in a state where the smooth surface of the fixing belt 34 is transferred and glossiness is imparted.

  In particular, when a photographic print recording paper is used, glossiness comparable to the photographic image quality is imparted compared to when other plain paper is used.

  Next, the operation of the cutting device 4 will be described.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, four images are simultaneously output (4 in 1) to an A4 size (210 mm × 297 mm) sheet, and thereafter, a total of eight positions H1 to H4 and V1 to V4 in FIG. The case where it cuts and finishes to L plate size (89mm x 127mm) 4 sheets is illustrated.

  The sheet discharged from the belt fixing device 3 by the sheet discharge roll pair 37 is sent to the cutting device 4 through the relay path 51.

  Thereafter, the sheet enters the wheel cutters 41 to 44 and the guillotine cutter 45 by the cutting entrance roller 46.

  When a predetermined time elapses after the leading edge of the sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor 48, the sheet conveying operation of the cutting entrance roller 46 is stopped. In the stopped state, the movable tooth movable tooth 45a of the guillotine cutter moves downward and crosses closely with the fixed tooth 45b of the cutter, and then rises and retreats again.

  As a result, the sheet is cut at the position of the cutting line V1 shown in FIG.

  When the cutting at the V1 position by the guillotine cutter 45 is completed, the sheet conveying operation of the cutting entrance roller 46 is resumed.

  Similarly, on the cutting line V2 to V4, the movable tooth movable tooth 45a of the guillotine cutter moves downward and cuts, and then rises and retreats again.

  In the cutting positions H1 to H4 that are parallel to the conveying direction, the sheet is conveyed through the apparatus and is cut by passing through the wheel cutters 41 to 44 corresponding to the cutting positions H1 to H4.

  In this example, due to the arrangement relationship of the wheel cutters 41 to 44, the cutting by the wheel cutters 41 to 44 is still in progress even when the sheet is cut by the guillotine cutter 45.

  The cut sheet after passing the wheel cutters 41 to 44 is discharged onto the discharge tray 52 by the cutting exit roller 47. At this time, on the discharge tray 52, the sheets are stacked in two rows in the order of cutting.

  In addition, like the guillotine cutter 45, the wheel cutters 41 to 44 are preferably raised when not cut, and 41, 44, 42, and 43 are independently retracted up and down like the guillotine cutter 45. It is more desirable to make it possible.

  Of course, although the wheel cutters 41, 44 and 42, 43 are provided on the same axis in FIG. 3, they may not be on the same axis.

  Here, for example, when outputting the same image continuously, such as a business card or a postcard, it is not necessary to consider the order of image allocation.

  However, in the case of outputting an image in which the page order (image order) such as a photo is determined, the stacking order on the tray will be dispersed unless the surface layout is performed correctly.

  Therefore, it is desirable to output the page order of the output sheets stacked in two rows in order in the row. Furthermore, it is desirable that the two sheets of output paper in the two rows are finally arranged in page order.

  Further, there is no problem if the total number of outputs (total number of images) is a multiple of 4, but if this is not the case, some of all the output sheets are output as blank sheets.

  It is very troublesome for the blank paper to enter the middle of the output paper that is finally stacked, and it is desirable that the blank paper is gathered at the end of all the output paper.

  An optimal image allocation for achieving the above object will be described using an example. The image allocation is performed by the control unit C based on the selection of the photo print mode on the operation panel P. The image allocation illustrated in detail below is performed by the control unit C in accordance with the number of images in the print job. Based on the determined image assignment, the control unit C controls each part of the printing unit 1 so as to perform image formation on a plurality of sheets to form a plurality of images on one sheet. First, FIG. 17 shows a flowchart for determining image allocation.

  When the photo print mode is selected by the user's mode selection (S101) (S102), first, an image is captured (S103).

  As described above, the image may be captured by an output image from an external device such as a personal computer or an image read by the reader unit 2.

  Alternatively, it may be an image filed in an external memory or the like.

  When the image capture is completed, the size of the output image such as the L version or the 2L version is set (S104).

  Thereafter, the sheet size is selected. The size of the output image is set by the user operating the operation panel. At this time, if there is only one type of photo print recording paper, it is automatically selected. It is determined whether the sheet size suitable for the image size is automatically selected mode or selected by the user (S105). If the mode is selected by the user, if there are a plurality of types, the user arbitrarily selects from the operation unit (S106).

  When the sheet size is selected, the image layout is automatically determined by the control unit C of the apparatus based on the information (S107). The layout of this image will be described in detail later.

  If the layout determined by the apparatus is OK (S108), the command can be selected, or can be canceled if the user does not like it.

  In case of cancellation, the setting screen is displayed again.

  Next, image allocation will be described below with an example.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of outputting 12 L versions.

  The sheet to be used is A4 size. Four L-size images can be pasted on the A4 size. Therefore, three A4 size sheets are used.

  P1, P2, and P3 indicate the sheet order after passing through the fixing unit 6 of the printer unit 1, and the images assigned in P1 to P3 are displayed in the page order (image order) (1) to ( 12).

  4, 20, 3, 4, and 52 schematically depict the sheet reversing path 20, the belt fixing device 3, the cutting device 4, and the discharge tray 52, respectively.

  In this embodiment, since the front and back of the sheet are reversed in the sheet reversing path 20, the output paper on the discharge tray 52 of the cutting device 4 faces the back surface.

  In the upper row of the sheets, when the sheets are assigned in the order of (2), (1), (4), (3), (6), (5), the image is directed downward on the discharge tray 52 (1 ) To (6) are arranged in order.

  Similarly, when the planes are assigned in the order of (8), (7), (10), (9), (12), and (11) in the lower row, the image is directed downward on the discharge tray 52. Thus, (7) to (12) are arranged in order.

  That is, on the first sheet P1 in the printing unit 1, the images (2) and (8) are first formed above and below the sheet, respectively, and the images (1) and (7) are respectively formed above and below the sheet. . In the second sheet P2, images (4) and (10) are first formed on the top and bottom of the sheet, respectively, and images (3) and (9) are subsequently formed on the top and bottom of the sheet, respectively. In the third sheet P3, images (6) and (12) are first formed on the top and bottom of the sheet, respectively, and images (5) and (11) are subsequently formed on the top and bottom of the sheet, respectively.

  After the job is completed, that is, when sheets are stacked on the discharge tray 52, two bundles of sheets stacked in the page order on the discharge tray 52 are formed. That is, the sheets are stacked in two rows on the discharge tray 52, but the image order is continuously stacked in both rows in the two rows. Furthermore, the L plate photographs (1) to (12) are finally arranged in order by simply stacking the two bundles formed on the discharge tray 52.

  Similarly, FIGS. 5 to 7 show examples of outputting 11 to 9 L plates for 3 sheets of A4 size.

  At this time, a W symbol is marked where a blank image is to be formed.

  By performing surface layout as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, not only the final page order is aligned, but also blank pages can be output together at the end of the page.

  FIGS. 18 to 20 show other examples of image allocation when outputting 11 to 9 L plates for 3 sheets of A4 size.

  In the image allocation methods shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, not only the pages are finally stacked on the paper discharge tray 52 in a state in which the pages are arranged, but also blank pages can be output together. In the example shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, blank sheets are output together on the first page side.

  As shown in the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and the examples shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when there are a plurality of blank pages, the images are loaded on the discharge tray 52 by allocating images in consideration of the blank pages. Since the blank sheet is solidified and discharged in the sheet bundle, the user can remove the blank sheet.

  FIG. 8 shows an example in which six 2L versions are output for three A4 size sheets.

  Again, if the faces are assigned in the order of (1), (2), (3) in the upper row and (4), (5), (6) in the lower row, By overlapping two rows on the paper discharge tray 52, the 2L plate photographs (1) to (6) are finally arranged in order.

  Similarly, FIG. 9 shows an example in which five 2L versions are output for three A4 sizes.

  At this time, a W symbol is marked where a blank image is to be formed.

  By performing surface layout as shown in FIG. 9, not only the final page order is aligned, but a blank page portion can be output at the end of the page.

  The image layout has been described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9. However, the present invention is not limited to the example given here, and the sheet size data, the output image size data, and the output image If the number of data is determined, it is possible to select an optimal surface layout that aligns in order after superposition and that the blank paper comes to the end.

  For example, when the L plate is assigned to an A3 size sheet, the number of images is more allocated in the width direction 3 rows × conveyance direction 3 = 9 sheets than in the width direction 2 rows × conveyance direction 4 = 8 sheets.

  Therefore, if the cutting device is configured to be capable of cutting in three rows, a more efficient output can be expected.

  In order to cut three rows, it can be easily configured by increasing the number of wheel cutters in FIG. 3, but it is more desirable to provide them independently in this case as well.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the conventional photo size such as the L plate or the 2L plate, and the sheet can be cut in the same manner even when the sheet is specified as a small size such as 3 × 3 = 9 divisions and 4 × 4 = 16 divisions. Good.

  In general, the following should be considered.

  Consider the case where the horizontal size of the sheet is X and the vertical size of the sheet is Y.

  Considering the cutting allowance, the front and rear margins, and the left and right margins, the actual printable ranges are X ′ and Y ′, respectively.

When the size of the output image is x for the horizontal size and y for the vertical size, the number of vertical and horizontal printable on one sheet is a × x <= X ′ <(a + 1) x
b × y <= Y ′ <(b + 1) y a and b are integers, and the maximum number of images N1 in this layout is given by the product a × b.

Also, the layout can be swapped vertically and horizontally, so if you think in the same way,
a ′ × x <= Y ′ <(a ′ + 1) x
b ′ × y <= X ′ <(b ′ + 1) y a ′ and b ′ are integers, and the maximum number of images N2 in this layout is given by these products a ′ × b ′.

  N1 and N2 given by these two formulas are compared, and the larger one may be set as the maximum printable number N per sheet.

  Of course, there is an upper limit for a to d due to the restrictions of the apparatus, but in that case, after adding the restrictions to the above equation, the comparison may be made by the above equation. In accordance with the maximum number of images N and the sheet size, the image assignment position in one sheet is set in advance.

  As described above, when the output image size and the sheet size are determined, the maximum number of images N is determined. However, when the number of output images is M, the required number of sheets satisfies the following formula. Is expressed by α.

αN <= M <(α + 1) N (α, N and M are integers)
At this time, W = αN−M
W is given as a blank image and output.

  When N and M are determined, as described with reference to FIG. 4 and the like, the image layout is uniquely determined so that the page order after loading is aligned.

  In other words, numbers are assigned so that the page order is aligned for all positions of the laid out images.

  Therefore, when the number of images to be output is M, images up to M are output as images, and blank numbers are output from a number given by M + 1 to a number given by N × α.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus can form a plurality of continuous images in the order of images on a plurality of sheets and form a plurality of images on a single sheet so that the images are arranged in a plurality of rows on the discharge tray. An image forming unit is included. Further, the image forming apparatus includes a conveying unit that conveys a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and a cutting device that cuts each sheet conveyed by the conveying unit in a direction along a sheet conveying direction by the conveying unit. Have The image forming apparatus further includes a discharge tray on which the cut sheets cut by the cutting apparatus are stacked in a plurality of rows. When the image forming apparatus allocates a plurality of consecutive images on a plurality of sheets before being cut by the cutting apparatus, the image order of a bundle of cut sheets stacked in a plurality of rows on the discharge tray is determined. A control unit that controls the image forming unit so as to form images by assigning them continuously in the plurality of columns. Such a configuration of the image forming apparatus may be employed.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the sheet reversing unit 20 reverses the front and back of the sheet so that the image surface faces the belt surface of the belt fixing device 3. Therefore, since the image surface faces downward on the paper discharge tray 52, it is difficult for the operator to check the state of the output paper.

  In the second embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. 10, an inversion path 54 for inverting again is provided where the relay path is provided in the first embodiment. This is the difference from the first embodiment.

  That is, when the sheet is discharged from the belt fixing device 3, the image surface is faced downward, but in the reverse path 54, the image surface is again directed upward and sent to the cutting device 4. On 52, the output paper is discharged with the image facing upward.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of outputting 12 L plates in the second embodiment.

  Three sheets of A4 size are used.

  P1, P2, and P3 indicate the sheet order after passing through the fixing unit 6 of the printer unit 1. Images assigned in P1 to P3 are shown as (1) to (12) in the order of the pages.

  20, 3, 4, and 52 are each schematically depicted a sheet reversing unit, a belt fixing device, a cutting device, and a discharge tray, respectively, but a schematic diagram of the reversing path 52 is also added here.

  In the upper row of P1, when the images are assigned in the order of (6), (5), (4), (3), (2), (1), the image is directed upward on the paper discharge tray 52 (1 ) To (6) are arranged in order.

  Similarly, in the lower row, when the planes are assigned in the order of (12), (11), (10), (9), (8), (7), the image is directed downward on the discharge tray 52. Thus, (7) to (12) are arranged in order.

  Therefore, after the job is completed, by overlapping two rows on the discharge tray 52, the L plate photographs (1) to (12) are finally arranged in order.

  Similarly, FIGS. 12 to 14 show an example in which 11 to 9 L plates are output on 3 sheets of A4 size.

  At this time, a W symbol is marked where a blank image is to be formed.

  By performing the surface layout as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, not only the final page order is aligned, but also blank pages can be output together at the end of the page.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of outputting six 2L versions for three A4 sizes.

  Again, if the faces are assigned in the order of (3), (2), (1) in the upper row and (6), (5), (4) in the lower row, By overlapping two rows on the paper discharge tray 52, the 2L plate photographs (1) to (6) are finally arranged in order.

  Similarly, FIG. 16 shows an example of outputting five 2L versions for three A4 sizes.

  At this time, a W symbol is marked where a blank image is to be formed.

  By performing the surface layout as shown in FIG. 16, not only the final page order is arranged, but also a blank page portion can be output at the end of the page.

  The image layout has been described above with reference to FIGS. 11 to 16. However, as in the first embodiment, sheet size data, output image size data, and output image number data are provided. Is determined, it is possible to select an optimal surface layout that aligns in order after overlapping and that the blank paper comes to the end.

  In any of the above-described embodiments, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of the operator rearranging the page order after output, or searching for and removing blank paper from the output paper.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the invention will be described. The printer unit 1 is supplied to the gloss processing apparatus 305 with the image surface facing upward, and the conveyance path shape of the gloss processing apparatus 305 is different from that of the first embodiment. In FIG. 21 showing the third embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In order to avoid redundant description, differences from the first embodiment will be described in detail below, and detailed description of configurations similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

  The sheet on which the image is fixed by passing through the fixing device 6 of the printer unit 301 is conveyed to the gloss processing device 305 through the vertical path 307 with the image surface facing up. The sheet conveyed to the gloss processing device 305 passes through the receiving path 315. The receiving path 315 is provided with conveying rollers 315a and 315b for conveying the sheet. A belt fixing path 351 is provided on the downstream side of the receiving path. Conveying rollers 351a and 351b and a belt fixing device 3 are provided in the belt fixing path 351. The belt fixing device 3 is inclined with the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment. A cutting device 4 is provided on the downstream side of the belt fixing device 3.

  The sheet cut by the cutting device 4 is discharged to the discharge tray 352. On the discharge tray 352, the images are stacked with the image surface facing up. When the sheet does not pass through the belt fixing device 3 (in the normal print mode), the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 319.

  An example of image allocation in this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of outputting 12 L plates in the third embodiment. Three sheets of A4 size are used.

  P1, P2, and P3 indicate the sheet order after passing through the fixing unit 6 of the printer unit 1. Images assigned in P1 to P3 are shown as (1) to (12) in the order of the pages.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the invention will be described. The printer unit 1 is supplied to the gloss processing device 405 with the image surface facing up, and the conveyance path shape of the gloss processing device 405 is different from that of the first embodiment. In FIG. 23 which shows 4th Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the member same as 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted. In order to avoid redundant description, differences from the first embodiment will be described in detail below, and detailed description of configurations similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

  The sheet on which the image has been fixed by passing through the fixing device 6 of the printer unit 401 is conveyed to the gloss processing device 305 through the vertical path 307 with the image surface facing up. The glossy processing device 403 conveyed image is fixed again by the belt fixing device 5. The belt fixing device 3 is arranged with the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment facing in the opposite direction. A cutting device 4 is provided on the downstream side of the belt fixing device 3. The sheet cut by the cutting device 4 passes through a discharge path 415 and is discharged to a discharge tray 452. The discharge path 415 is provided with transport rollers 415a and 415b and a discharge roller 415c for transporting the sheet. The discharge path 415 has a curved shape and reverses the front and back of the sheet. Therefore, on the discharge tray, the sheet is discharged with the image side as the back side.

  An example of image allocation in this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 23 shows an example of outputting 12 L plates in the fourth embodiment. The case where the sheets used are three A4 sizes will be described.

  P1, P2, and P3 indicate the sheet order after passing through the fixing unit 6 of the printer unit 1. Images assigned in P1 to P3 are shown as (1) to (12) in the order of the pages.

  In any of the above-described embodiments, an example in which four images of L size (89 mm × 127 mm) are allocated to an A4 size (210 mm × 297 mm) sheet has been mainly described. However, a sheet having a size larger than the A4 size (for example, 216 mm × 320 mm) may be supplied to the printer unit 1 in order to allocate four images of a postcard KG size (102 mm × 152 mm).

Sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus which shows the Example of this invention The top view of the cutting device in the 1st and 2nd example of the present invention Sectional drawing of the gloss processing apparatus in 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 1st Example of this invention Sectional drawing of the gloss processing apparatus in 2nd Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 2nd Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 2nd Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 2nd Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 2nd Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 2nd Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 2nd Example of this invention The figure which shows the flowchart of the image arrangement layout determination of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 1st Example of this invention The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in 1st Example of this invention Sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus which shows 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention Sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus which shows 4th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the surface allocation in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer part 3 Belt fixing device 4 Cutting device 5 Gloss processing device 6 Fixing unit 19 Discharge tray 31 Heating roll 34 Fixing belt 36 Cooler 41-44 Wheel type cutter 45 Guillotine type cutter 51 Relay path 52 Discharge tray 54 Reverse path

Claims (3)

An image forming unit that can form a plurality of images on a single sheet and allocates a plurality of images in a sequence of images to a plurality of sheets, and conveys the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit A transport section;
A cutting device for cutting each sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit in a direction along the sheet conveyance direction by the conveyance unit and in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction;
A discharge tray on which sheets after cutting cut by the cutting device are stacked in a plurality of rows;
When assigning the plurality of images in which the image order is continuous onto the plurality of sheets before being cut by the cutting device, the image order of the bundle of sheets after cutting stacked in a plurality of rows on the discharge tray is the plurality of images. and a control unit which controls the image forming unit so as to image formation by assigning so as to be continuous in the column, was closed,
When a plurality of blank sheets are generated on the cut sheet cut by the cutting apparatus, a plurality of blank sheets are arranged in one of the plurality of columns on the discharge tray and stacked on the discharge tray. The plurality of rows of output sheets are stacked in the vertical direction so that the page order is continuous, and the image forming unit is configured so that the plurality of blank sheets are collected on the leading side or the trailing side of the continuous pages. An image forming apparatus controlled by a control unit . The image forming unit is an electrophotographic image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet by transferring and fixing the toner image carried by the image carrier onto the recording sheet being conveyed;
An endless belt with a smooth surface that rotates, and a heating and pressurizing unit that heats and presses the sheet carrying an image on the surface of the endless belt in a state where the image carrying surface faces the belt surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a gloss imparting device having a surface is disposed upstream of the cutting device. The image forming unit is capable of forming four images of the plurality of continuous images on a single sheet, and forming the plurality of continuous images by forming four images on the plurality of sheets. Forming,
The cutting device cuts the sheet for every four images assigned to one sheet,
The four images are divided into two images by cutting the cutting device along the sheet conveyance direction,
One of the two images separated by cutting along the sheet conveying direction is stacked in the first row of the discharge tray, and the other of the two images is the second row of the discharge tray. Loaded on the
3. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the image order of the cut sheets stacked in the first row is continuous, and the image order of the cut sheets stacked in the second row is continuous. apparatus.

Images