JP6589550B2 - Image forming apparatus, paper jam processing apparatus in image forming apparatus, and paper jam processing method in continuous paper - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a paper jam processing apparatus in the image forming apparatus, and a paper jam processing method in continuous paper.

  In general, an image forming apparatus (printer, copier, facsimile, etc.) using an electrophotographic process technology generates an electrostatic latent image by irradiating (exposing) a charged photoconductor with a laser beam based on image data. Form. Then, by supplying toner from the developing device to the photosensitive member (image carrier) on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, the electrostatic latent image is visualized to form a toner image. Further, after the toner image is directly or indirectly transferred to the paper, it is fixed by heating and pressurizing to form an image on the paper.

  Generally, in the image forming apparatus described above, when a paper jam occurs in the machine, the paper jam is resolved by manually feeding the paper and pulling the paper out of the machine. In addition, an image forming apparatus in which a conveyance unit that can perform double-sided printing by inverting paper is mounted as a single paper conveyance unit (so-called ADU (Auto-Duplex Unit)), when a paper jam occurs in the paper conveyance unit In addition, the user can pull out the paper transport unit from the image forming apparatus and remove the paper remaining in the paper passing path. By pulling out the paper transport unit from the image forming apparatus, various members (for example, guide members) provided in the paper passing path can be opened, so that the paper is carefully removed from an appropriate location so that unfixed toner does not scatter. Can do.

  However, an image forming apparatus having a paper feeding unit that feeds continuous paper, an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the continuous paper, and a storage unit that stores the continuous paper performs image formation on the continuous paper. Sometimes paper jams are difficult to handle. The continuous paper is usually in a state where it is passed through the entire length of the paper passing path (a state where the continuous paper protrudes from the paper transport unit to the paper feed side or paper discharge side). The continuous paper is in a state straddling the paper feeding unit and the image forming unit, and the image forming unit and the storage unit. For this reason, if an attempt is made to pull out the paper transport unit during the jam processing, there is a possibility that the paper breaks and breaks up, and a piece of paper remains in the machine. In this case, it is necessary to collect the residual paper piece, and the residual paper piece of thick paper can be a factor for damaging components in the machine. As described above, when a paper jam occurs during an image forming operation on continuous paper, there is a problem that a heavy burden is imposed on the user in order to resume the image forming operation.

  In general, when performing jam processing and maintenance work of an image forming unit, an operator cuts a sheet and then pulls out a sheet conveyance unit to remove the sheet on the sheet passing path. In the return operation after the jam processing or the like, the paper transport unit is returned, and the paper on the paper feed unit side is introduced into the paper transport unit and passed through the transport unit. Usually, it is driven manually and sent, but sometimes it is passed manually.

  Patent Document 1 provides a width guide member that regulates skew when manually introducing the leading end of a roll paper set into the transport unit, and feeds the leading end of the paper by manually feeding the feed roller. What stops at a position (printing part) is disclosed.

JP 2008-179933 A

  However, in the return operation after the work such as jam processing, the position of the rear end of the paper on the storage unit side and the front end of the paper sent from the paper supply unit side are manually aligned and then pasted with tape. . If the tape is applied with a gap between the edges of the paper, the adhesive surface of the tape comes into contact with the transport guide, and the transport resistance increases and stops, or the paper breaks. This series of operations is time-consuming, and care must be taken so that jamming does not occur at the time of restart, and a certain level of proficiency is required.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a paper jam processing device, and a paper jam processing method that can be easily restored by a beginner even after a jam processing or maintenance operation.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
A paper feed unit for feeding continuous paper;
An image forming unit that forms a toner image on the continuous paper fed from the paper feeding unit;
A fixing unit for fixing the toner image on the continuous paper formed by the image forming unit;
A storage unit for storing the continuous paper on which a toner image is fixed by the fixing unit;
A transport gantry configured to transport the continuous paper to the image forming unit and the fixing unit, and to be pulled out to the front side of the apparatus main body;
An upstream cutting unit that cuts the continuous paper on the downstream side of the paper feed unit from the upstream side of the transport frame in the transport direction of the continuous paper;
A downstream cutting unit that cuts the continuous paper on the upstream side of the storage unit from the downstream side of the transport frame in the transport direction of the continuous paper;
The first end of the continuous paper cut by the upstream cutting unit on the paper feed unit side at a joining position located downstream of the transport frame and upstream of the storage unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper A joining portion that joins the portion and a second end portion on the storage portion side of the continuous paper cut by the downstream cutting portion;
An end position detector that detects the positions of the first end and the second end in the conveying direction of the continuous paper;
When the continuous paper is cut by the upstream side and the downstream side cutting unit, the first end and the second end that have reached the joining position are joined based on the detection result of the end position detecting unit. A control unit for controlling,
Is provided.

A paper jam processing apparatus in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
An image forming unit that forms a toner image on continuous paper fed from a paper feeding unit;
A fixing unit for fixing the toner image on the continuous paper formed by the image forming unit;
A storage unit for storing the continuous paper on which a toner image is fixed by the fixing unit;
A transport gantry configured to transport the continuous paper to the image forming unit and the fixing unit, and to be pulled out to the front side of the apparatus main body;
In a paper jam processing apparatus in an image forming apparatus having:
An upstream cutting unit that cuts the continuous paper on the downstream side of the paper feed unit from the upstream side of the transport frame in the transport direction of the continuous paper;
A downstream cutting unit that cuts the continuous paper on the upstream side of the storage unit from the downstream side of the transport frame in the transport direction of the continuous paper;
The first end of the continuous paper cut by the upstream cutting unit on the paper feed unit side at a joining position located downstream of the transport frame and upstream of the storage unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper A joining portion that joins the portion and a second end portion on the storage portion side of the continuous paper cut by the downstream cutting portion;
An end position detector that detects the positions of the first end and the second end in the conveying direction of the continuous paper;
When the continuous paper is cut by the upstream side and the downstream side cutting unit, the first end and the second end that have reached the joining position are joined based on the detection result of the end position detecting unit. A control unit for controlling,
Is provided.

In addition, the paper jam processing method for continuous paper according to the present invention includes:
In a paper jam processing method for continuous paper conveyed from a paper supply unit to a storage unit via a conveyance frame unit,
Cutting the continuous paper at a first cutting position on the downstream side of the paper feed unit from the upstream side of the transport gantry in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper;
Cutting the continuous paper at a second cutting position on the upstream side of the storage unit from the downstream side of the transport frame in the transport direction of the continuous paper;
A first end of the continuous paper cut at the first cutting position on the paper feed unit side at a joining position located downstream of the transport frame and upstream of the storage unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper. And a second end portion of the continuous paper cut at the second cutting position on the storage portion side,
Detecting the positions of the first end and the second end in the conveying direction of the continuous paper;
When the continuous paper is cut at the first and second cutting positions, the first end that has reached the joining position based on a detection result of detecting the positions of the first and second ends. And joining the second end.

  According to the present invention, the operator only needs to connect the first and second end portions aligned at the joining position to each other, and even a beginner can easily perform jam processing and post-maintenance processing.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a main part of a control system of the image forming apparatus main body according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the paper cutting part and paper conveyance unit in this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the paper cutting part and paper conveyance unit in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows a paper cutting part roughly. It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of a junction part and an edge part position detection part. It is a top view of a lower guide part. It is a figure which shows schematically the structure of a tape sticking apparatus. It is a figure which shows schematically the structure of a tape sticking apparatus. It is a figure which shows schematically the structure of a tape sticking apparatus. It is sectional drawing of the edge part of the paper connected with the tape. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a paper jam processing process. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a sheet cutting unit according to a first modification. It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of the junction part which concerns on the modification 1, and an edge part position detection part. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a sheet cutting unit according to a first modification. It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of the junction part which concerns on the modification 1, and an edge part position detection part. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a sheet cutting unit according to a first modification. It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of the junction part which concerns on the modification 1, and an edge part position detection part. 10 is a plan view schematically showing configurations of a joint portion and an end position detection unit according to Modification 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of the junction part which concerns on the modification 2, and an edge part position detection part. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating correction of misalignment and inclination in a sheet on a sheet feeding unit side. It is a figure which shows schematically the structure of the junction part which concerns on the modification 3, and an edge part position detection part. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a sheet cutting unit according to Modification 3. It is a figure which shows schematically the paper cutting part which concerns on the modification 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a paper cutting unit according to Modification 4. It is a top view which shows the 1st end part by the side of a paper feeding part conveyed in the joining position, and the 2nd end part by the side of a storage part.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a main part of a control system of the image forming apparatus main body 2 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus that uses the continuous paper P or the paper S as a recording medium and forms an image on the continuous paper P or the paper S.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a sheet feeding device 1, an image forming apparatus main body 2, and a sheet discharging device 3 from the upstream side along the conveyance direction of the continuous paper P (hereinafter also referred to as the sheet conveyance direction). Are connected and configured. The paper feeding device 1 (corresponding to the “paper feeding unit” in the present invention) and the paper discharging device 3 (corresponding to the “storage unit” in the present invention) are used when images are formed on the continuous paper P.

  The paper feeding device 1 is a device that feeds the continuous paper P to the image forming apparatus main body 2. In the casing of the paper feeding device 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a roll-shaped continuous paper P is wound around a support shaft and held rotatably. The paper feeding device 1 passes the continuous paper P wound around the support shaft through a plurality of transport roller pairs R10 to R13 (for example, a feed roller, a paper feed roller, etc.) at a constant speed outside the machine (images). Transport to forming apparatus body 2). The sheet feeding operation of the sheet feeding apparatus 1 is controlled by the control unit 101 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  The paper discharge device 3 is a device that winds the continuous paper P conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 2. In the housing of the paper discharge device 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the continuous paper P is wound around a support shaft and held in a roll shape. For this purpose, the paper discharge device 3 passes the continuous paper P conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 2 through a plurality of conveyance roller pairs R31 and R32 (for example, a feed roller and a paper discharge roller) at a constant speed. To wind it around the support shaft. The winding operation of the paper discharge device 3 is controlled by the control unit 101 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  The image forming apparatus main body 2 is an intermediate transfer type color image forming apparatus using electrophotographic process technology. That is, the image forming apparatus main body 2 transfers Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 413 to the intermediate transfer belt 421 (primary). The toner images of four colors are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 421, and then the continuous paper P fed from the paper feeding device 1 or the paper S sent from the paper feed tray units 51a to 51c. An image is formed by transferring (secondary transfer).

  In the image forming apparatus main body 2, photosensitive drums 413 corresponding to four colors of YMCK are arranged in series in the running direction of the intermediate transfer belt 421, and each color toner image is sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421 in one step. The tandem system is adopted.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus main body 2 includes an image reading unit 10, an operation display unit 20, an image processing unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a conveyance base unit 50, a fixing unit 60, a storage unit 72, A jam detecting unit 75, a joining unit 80, an end position detecting unit 90, and a control unit 101 are provided.

  The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, and the like. The CPU 102 reads out a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 103 and develops it in the RAM 104, and centrally controls the operation of each block of the image forming apparatus main body 2 in cooperation with the developed program. At this time, various data stored in the storage unit 72 is referred to. The storage unit 72 includes, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive.

  The control unit 101 transmits and receives various data to and from an external device (for example, a personal computer) connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication unit 71. Do. For example, the control unit 101 receives image data transmitted from an external device, and forms an image on the continuous paper P or the paper S based on the image data (input image data). The communication unit 71 is composed of a communication control card such as a LAN card, for example.

  The image reading unit 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), a document image scanning device 12 (scanner), and the like.

  The automatic document feeder 11 transports the document D placed on the document tray by a transport mechanism and sends it out to the document image scanning device 12. The automatic document feeder 11 can continuously read images (including both sides) of a large number of documents D placed on the document tray all at once.

  The document image scanning device 12 optically scans a document conveyed on the contact glass from the automatic document feeder 11 or a document placed on the contact glass, and reflects light from the document to a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). ) An image is formed on the light receiving surface of the sensor 12a, and an original image is read. The image reading unit 10 generates input image data based on the reading result by the document image scanning device 12. The input image data is subjected to predetermined image processing in the image processing unit 30.

  The operation display unit 20 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. The display unit 21 displays various operation screens, image states, operation states of functions, and the like according to a display control signal input from the control unit 101. The operation unit 22 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, receives various input operations by the user, and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 101. The operation unit 22 receives execution of a jam process described later, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the reception to the control unit 101.

  The image processing unit 30 includes a circuit that performs digital image processing on input image data according to initial settings or user settings. For example, the image processing unit 30 performs gradation correction based on the gradation correction data (gradation correction table) under the control of the control unit 101. Further, the image processing unit 30 performs various correction processes such as color correction and shading correction, a compression process, and the like on the input image data in addition to the gradation correction. The image forming unit 40 is controlled based on the image data subjected to these processes.

  The image forming unit 40 is based on the input image data, and image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K, and an intermediate transfer unit 42 for forming an image using colored toners of Y component, M component, C component, and K component. Etc.

  The Y component, M component, C component, and K component image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K have the same configuration. For convenience of illustration and explanation, common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and Y, M, C, or K are added to the reference numerals when distinguished from each other. In FIG. 1, only the components of the Y-component image forming unit 41Y are denoted by reference numerals, and the constituent elements of the other image forming units 41M, 41C, and 41K are omitted.

  The image forming unit 41 includes an exposure device 411, a developing device 412, a photosensitive drum 413, a charging device 414, a drum cleaning device 415, and the like.

  The photosensitive drum 413 has an undercoat layer (UCL) and a charge generation layer (CGL) on the peripheral surface of an aluminum conductive cylinder (aluminum tube) having a drum diameter of 80 mm, for example. It is a negatively charged organic photoconductor (OPC) in which a generation layer (CTL) and a charge transport layer (CTL) are sequentially stacked. The charge generation layer is made of an organic semiconductor in which a charge generation material (for example, phthalocyanine pigment) is dispersed in a resin binder (for example, polycarbonate), and generates a pair of positive charges and negative charges by exposure by the exposure device 411. The charge transport layer consists of a material in which a hole transport material (electron donating nitrogen-containing compound) is dispersed in a resin binder (for example, polycarbonate resin), and transports positive charges generated in the charge generation layer to the surface of the charge transport layer. To do.

  The control unit 101 rotates the photosensitive drum 413 at a constant peripheral speed by controlling a driving current supplied to a driving motor (not shown) that rotates the photosensitive drum 413.

  The charging device 414 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive drum 413 to a negative polarity. The exposure device 411 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 413 with laser light corresponding to the image of each color component. A positive charge is generated in the charge generation layer of the photosensitive drum 413 and is transported to the surface of the charge transport layer, whereby the surface charge (negative charge) of the photosensitive drum 413 is neutralized. An electrostatic latent image of each color component is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 due to a potential difference from the surroundings.

  The developing device 412 is a two-component developing type developing device, and attaches toner of each color component to the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 to visualize the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image.

  The drum cleaning device 415 includes a drum cleaning blade that is slidably contacted with the surface of the photosensitive drum 413, and removes transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 after primary transfer.

  The intermediate transfer unit 42 includes an intermediate transfer belt 421, a primary transfer roller 422, a plurality of support rollers 423, a secondary transfer roller 424, a belt cleaning device 426, and the like.

  The intermediate transfer belt 421 is an endless belt, and is stretched around a plurality of support rollers 423 in a loop shape. At least one of the plurality of support rollers 423 is configured by a driving roller, and the other is configured by a driven roller. For example, it is preferable that the roller 423A disposed downstream of the K component primary transfer roller 422 in the belt traveling direction is a drive roller. This makes it easy to keep the belt running speed constant in the primary transfer portion. As the driving roller 423A rotates, the intermediate transfer belt 421 travels in the direction of arrow A at a constant speed.

  The intermediate transfer belt 421 is a belt having conductivity and elasticity, and has a high resistance layer having a volume resistivity of 8 to 11 [log Ω · cm] on the surface. The intermediate transfer belt 421 is rotationally driven by a control signal from the control unit 101. Note that the material, thickness, and hardness of the intermediate transfer belt 421 are not limited as long as they have conductivity and elasticity.

  The primary transfer roller 422 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 421 so as to face the photosensitive drum 413 of each color component. The primary transfer roller 422 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 413 with the intermediate transfer belt 421 interposed therebetween, thereby forming a primary transfer nip for transferring a toner image from the photosensitive drum 413 to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

  The secondary transfer roller 424 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 421 so as to face the backup roller 423B disposed on the downstream side in the belt traveling direction of the drive roller 423A. The secondary transfer roller 424 is pressed against the backup roller 423B across the intermediate transfer belt 421, thereby forming a secondary transfer nip for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 421 to the continuous paper P or the paper S. The

  When the intermediate transfer belt 421 passes through the primary transfer nip, the toner images on the photoconductive drum 413 are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 421 in sequence. Specifically, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 422, and an electric charge having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied to the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 421 (the side in contact with the primary transfer roller 422). It is electrostatically transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

  Thereafter, when the continuous paper P or paper S passes through the secondary transfer nip, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred to the continuous paper P or paper S. Specifically, a secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 424, and a charge having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied to the back side of the continuous paper P or the paper S (the side in contact with the secondary transfer roller 424). Thus, the toner image is electrostatically transferred onto the continuous paper P or the paper S. The continuous paper P or paper S to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed toward the fixing unit 60.

  The belt cleaning device 426 removes transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 421 after the secondary transfer. Instead of the secondary transfer roller 424, a configuration (so-called belt-type secondary transfer unit) in which a secondary transfer belt is looped around a plurality of support rollers including the secondary transfer roller is adopted. Also good.

  The fixing unit 60 includes an upper fixing unit 60A having a fixing surface side member disposed on the fixing surface (surface on which the toner image is formed) of the continuous paper P or paper S, and the back surface (fixing) of the continuous paper P or paper S. A lower fixing portion 60B having a back side support member disposed on the side opposite to the surface). When the back surface side support member is pressed against the fixing surface side member, a fixing nip for nipping and transporting the continuous paper P or the paper S is formed.

  The fixing unit 60 fixes the toner image on the continuous paper P or the paper S by heating and pressurizing the continuous paper P or the paper S, to which the toner image is secondarily transferred and conveyed, at the fixing nip. The fixing unit 60 is disposed as a unit in the fixing device. The fixing device may be provided with an air separation unit that separates the continuous paper P or the paper S from the fixing surface side member or the back surface side support member by blowing air.

  The upper fixing unit 60A includes an endless fixing belt 61, a heating roller 62, and a fixing roller 63 which are fixing surface side members (belt heating method). The fixing belt 61 is stretched between the heating roller 62 and the fixing roller 63 with a predetermined belt tension (for example, 40 [N]).

  The fixing belt 61 contacts the continuous paper P or paper S on which the toner image is formed, and heat-fixes the toner image on the continuous paper P or paper S at a fixing temperature (for example, 160 to 200 [° C.]). Here, the fixing temperature is a temperature at which the amount of heat necessary for melting the toner on the continuous paper P or the paper S can be supplied, and varies depending on the paper type of the continuous paper P or the paper S on which an image is formed.

  The heating roller 62 includes a heating source (halogen heater) and heats the fixing belt 61. The temperature of the heating source is controlled by the control unit 101. The heating roller 62 is heated by the heating source, and as a result, the fixing belt 61 is heated.

  Driving control of the fixing roller 63 (for example, rotation on / off, peripheral speed, etc.) is performed by the control unit 101. The control unit 101 rotates the fixing roller 63 in the clockwise direction. As the fixing roller 63 rotates, the fixing belt 61 and the heating roller 62 are driven to rotate clockwise.

  The lower fixing unit 60B includes a pressure roller 64 that is a back side support member (roller pressure method). Drive control of the pressure roller 64 (for example, rotation on / off, peripheral speed, etc.) is performed by the control unit 101. The control unit 101 rotates the pressure roller 64 in the counterclockwise direction. The pressure roller 64 is pressed against the fixing roller 63 via the fixing belt 61 with a predetermined fixing load (for example, 1000 [N]). In this way, a fixing nip for nipping and transporting the paper S is formed between the fixing belt 61 and the pressure roller 64.

  The transport gantry unit 50 includes a paper discharge roller unit 52, a transport path unit 53, and the like. In the three paper feed tray units 51a to 51c constituting the paper feed unit 51, paper S (standard paper, special paper) identified based on basis weight, size, etc. is stored for each preset type. .

  The conveyance path unit 53 includes a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 53a to 53f including a registration roller pair 53e. The conveyance path unit 53 is incorporated in one unit and is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body 2 as a paper conveyance unit ADU. The paper transport unit ADU is unitized including a circulation refeed path, a reverse transport path, and a refeed transport path, and together with the paper transport roller pairs 53a to 53f, the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 2 is provided. It can be pulled out integrally. The paper transport unit ADU further includes a fixing unit 60 and an intermediate transfer unit 42. Paper cutting units C are disposed at both ends of the paper transport unit ADU in the paper transport direction.

  The sheets S stored in the sheet feed tray units 51 a to 51 c are sent one by one from the top and are conveyed to the image forming unit 40 by the conveyance path unit 53. At this time, the registration roller portion provided with the registration roller pair 53e corrects the inclination of the fed paper S and adjusts the conveyance timing. In the image forming unit 40, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred onto one side of the sheet S at a time, and a fixing process is performed in the fixing unit 60. The continuous paper P fed from the paper feeding device 1 to the image forming apparatus main body 2 is transported to the image forming unit 40 by the transport path unit 53. Then, in the image forming unit 40, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred to one side of the continuous paper P all at once, and a fixing process is performed in the fixing unit 60. The continuous paper P or the paper S on which an image has been formed is discharged out of the apparatus (paper discharge device 3) by a paper discharge roller unit 52 having a pair of transport rollers (a pair of paper discharge rollers) 52a.

  Further, the image forming apparatus main body 2 includes a jam detection unit 75 that detects a paper jam that has occurred on the paper passing path. The jam detection unit 75 detects the passage of each part of the continuous paper P by an optical sensor disposed in each part of the conveyance path unit 53, and when the passage time between the parts exceeds a predetermined time, the paper jam (paper Detect the occurrence of clogging. Then, the jam detection unit 75 outputs a jam code corresponding to the detected paper jam to the control unit 101. The jam code is a jam identification number for uniquely specifying a paper jam occurrence state (for example, occurrence position, occurrence factor, occurrence date and time). By referring to the jam code output from the jam detection unit 75, the control unit 101 can grasp the specific occurrence status of the paper jam. It is possible to include detailed information other than the occurrence status in the jam code. Further, the jam detection unit 75 is not limited to an optical sensor, and may be configured by another mechanism such as a mechanical switch.

(Paper cutting section C)
3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of the paper cutting unit C and the paper transport unit ADU in the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in the image forming apparatus main body 2, paper cutting portions C are provided at both ends of the paper transport unit ADU in the paper transport direction.

  Specifically, in the image forming apparatus main body 2, near the end of the paper transport unit ADU on the paper feed device 1 side (upstream in the paper transport direction of the paper transport unit ADU, downstream in the paper transport direction of the paper feed device 1). Is provided with an upstream cutting portion C1 for cutting the continuous paper P in the width direction.

  Similarly, the continuous paper P is cut in the width direction near the end of the paper transport unit ADU on the paper discharge device 3 side (downstream in the paper transport direction of the fixing unit 60 and upstream in the paper transport direction of the paper discharge device 3). A downstream cutting section C3 is provided. The upstream cutting section C1 and the downstream cutting section C3 have basically the same configuration.

  The paper cutting unit C cuts the continuous paper P in the paper width direction. For example, a knife cutter, a rotary cutter, a push cutter, or the like can be applied to the paper cutting unit C. FIG. 4A shows a paper cutting section C composed of upper teeth and lower teeth. For the paper cutting unit C, the upstream cutting unit C1 and the downstream cutting unit C3 can apply a cutter that is generally used for cutting paper. The paper cutting unit C may cut the continuous paper P in the paper width direction in conjunction with the drawing operation of the paper transport unit ADU.

  The paper cutting unit C is preferably displaceable between a retracted position (first position) that does not contact the continuous paper P and a cutting position (second position) that can contact the continuous paper P. That is, the paper cutting unit C stands by at the retracted position during normal times when image formation is performed on the continuous paper P, and moves to the cutting position during cutting. For example, when the occurrence of paper jam is detected by the jam detector 75, the paper cutting unit C automatically moves from the retracted position to the cutting position, opens the front door of the apparatus body, and pulls out the paper transport unit ADU. When the paper transport unit ADU is returned to its original position after the jam processing and the front door is closed, it is configured to automatically return to the retracted position. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the paper cutting unit C from coming into contact with the continuous paper P and damaging the continuous paper P during image formation. Note that the paper cutting unit C may automatically cut the continuous paper P when a paper jam is displayed on the display unit 21.

  A position switching lever may be provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body with the front door opened, and the position of the sheet cutting unit C may be switched between the retracted position and the cutting position by operating the position switching lever. In addition, a button for instructing switching of the position of the paper cutting unit C may be displayed on the display unit 21 when a jam occurs, and the position of the paper cutting unit C may be switched by the user's button operation.

(Joint position PJ)
Between the storage section (paper discharge device) 3 and the downstream cutting section C3, a first end P1 (see FIG. 4B) on the paper feeding section side cut by the upstream cutting section C1 and a downstream cutting section. A joining position PJ (see FIG. 4B) for connecting the second end P2 (see FIG. 4B) on the storage section side cut by C3 is provided.

(Junction 80, end position detector 90)
The end position detection unit 90 detects whether the first end P1 on the paper feed unit side and the second end P2 on the storage unit side have reached the joining position PJ. However, since the paper on the storage unit side is once heated by the fixing unit 60, the curl increases depending on the type of the paper. If the second end portion P2 on the storage portion side is curled and floating, accurate position detection of the second end portion P2 cannot be performed.

FIG. 4B is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the joint 80 and the end position detector 90.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4B, the joint 80 has a paper guide 82. The paper guide 82 has an upper guide portion 82A and a lower guide portion 82B for guiding the paper on the storage portion side from above and below. Thereby, the float of the 2nd end part P2 is suppressed, and the exact position detection of the 2nd end part P2 by the edge part position detection part 90 can be performed.

FIG. 4C is a plan view of the lower guide portion.
As shown in FIG. 4C, the lower guide portion 82B is provided with three slits 91 that are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the paper width direction and have the paper transport direction R1 as the longitudinal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, an end position detection unit 90 is provided at the joining position PJ. The end position detection unit 90 is located at the center in the paper width direction, and detects the first and second ends P1 and P2 through the slit 91. The end position detection unit 90 is, for example, a reflective optical sensor. In addition, the lower guide part 82B may be shape | molded with the resin material which has translucency. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide the slit 91 in the lower guide part 82B.

  The end position detector 90 detects that there is no gap between the first and second ends P1 and P2 and that the gap is extremely small, so that the first and second ends P1 and P2 are detected. It is detected that it has been transported to the joining position PJ.

  Based on the detection result of the end position detection unit 90, the control unit 101 controls the transport gantry unit 50 so that the first and second end portions P1 and P2 are transported to the joining position PJ. Moreover, the control part 101 controls the junction part 80 so that 1st and 2nd edge part P1, P2 may be bonded together based on the detection result of the edge part position detection part 90. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4B, the joint 80 is disposed at the joint position. The joint 80 has a tape sticking device 81.

  5A to 5C are diagrams schematically showing a configuration of the tape applying device 81. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the tape sticking device 81 includes a delivery roller 83, a tension roller 84, a pressing member 85, a slide member 86, and a guide member 87. The guide member 87 integrally guides the feed roller 83, the tension roller 84, the pressing member 85, and the slide member 86 in the paper width direction R2. The control unit 101 controls the slide drive unit (not shown) so as to move the pressing member 85 between the bonding start position and the end position via the slide member 86.

  The feed roller 83 is wound with a tape TP, and can feed the wound tape TP to the pressing member 85 via the tension roller 84. The tension roller 84 applies tension to the tape TP between the delivery roller 83 and the pressing member 85. The pressing member 85 includes a crimping position (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) for crimping the tape TP to the paper surface (here, the first and second ends P1 and P2) and a non-crimping position retracted from the paper surface (FIG. 5C). (See). The control unit 101 controls the pressing member driving unit (not shown) so as to move the pressing member 85 between the crimping position and the non-crimping position.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the pressing member 85 presses the tape TP against the paper surface and moves in the paper width direction R2 integrally with the slide member 86, the tape TP is sent from the sending roller 83 to the pressing member 85. The fed-out tape TP is affixed to the paper along the paper width direction R2 (see FIG. 5B). The tape TP affixed to the paper and the tape TP on the pressing member 85 side are separated, the separated tape TP is held by the pressing member 85, the pressing member 85 is retracted from the paper surface, and moved in the paper width direction R2. Return to the bonding start position (see FIG. 5C). FIG. 5D shows the first and second end portions P1 and P2 bonded together with the tape TP. FIG. 5D shows the first and second end portions P1 and P2 overlapping within the width of the tape TP, but may be abutted.

Next, processing steps from when a paper jam occurs until the first and second end portions P1 and P2 are bonded together will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a paper jam processing process.
During the previous image formation before the paper jam occurs, the paper cutting unit C is in the retracted position. Further, the pressing member 85 of the joint 80 is in the non-crimping position and in the bonding start position.

  The control unit 101 determines whether a paper jam has been detected by the jam detection unit 75 during image formation (step S100).

  If the control unit 101 determines that the occurrence of a paper jam has been detected (step S100: YES), the control unit 101 proceeds to step S120. If the control unit 101 does not determine that the occurrence of paper jam has been detected (step S100: NO), the control unit 101 returns to step S100 to determine whether the occurrence of paper jam has been detected after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In step S120, the control unit 101 causes the display unit 21 to display the occurrence of paper jam. Further, the control unit 101 controls the paper cutting unit C so as to cut the continuous paper P.

  In step S140, the operator pulls out the paper transport unit ADU from the image forming apparatus main body 2, and collects the remaining paper pieces from the paper transport unit ADU. Next, the operator returns the paper transport unit ADU.

  In step S <b> 160, the operator instructs paper setting through the operation unit 22. The control unit 101 receives a sheet setting instruction and refers to the detection result of the end position detection unit 90 to connect both or one of the first and second ends P1 and P2 (both in this case). The transport gantry 50 is controlled so as to transport to the PJ. At this time, the control unit 101 controls the transport gantry unit 50 so that the paper is transported at a normal printing speed to the entrance of the joint 80 and the transport speed of the paper is reduced when the paper reaches the entrance of the joint 80.

  In step S180, the end position detector 90 sequentially detects whether or not the first and second ends P1 and P2 have reached the joint position PJ. The control unit 101 determines whether or not the first and second end portions P1 and P2 have reached the joint position PJ based on detection results that are sequentially detected. When the control unit 101 determines that the first and second end portions P1 and P2 have reached the joining position PJ (step S180: YES), the process proceeds to step S200. When the control unit 101 does not determine that the first and second end portions P1 and P2 have reached the joining position PJ (step S180: NO), the control unit 101 performs the first and second end portions after a predetermined time has elapsed. The process returns to step S180 for determining whether P1 and P2 have reached the joining position PJ.

  In step S <b> 200, the control unit 101 controls the transport gantry unit 50 so as to stop the paper transport.

  In step S220, the control unit 101 controls the pressing member driving unit to move the pressing member 85 to the crimping position. Further, the control unit 101 controls the slide drive unit so as to move the pressing member 85 from the bonding start position to the end position. As a result, the sheet moves integrally with the slide member 86 in the sheet width direction R2. As a result, the tape TP is fed from the feed roller 83 to the pressing member 85, and the fed tape TP moves along the paper width direction R2. The first and second end portions P1 and P2 are bonded together with the tape TP. Next, the tape TP is cut at a position between the first and second end portions P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 and the pressing member 85.

  Next, the control unit 101 controls the pressing member driving unit to hold the leading end portion of the cut tape TP on the pressing member 85 and move the pressing member 85 to the non-crimping position, and bonds the pressing member 85 together. The slide drive unit is controlled to return to the start position. As a result, the pressing member 85 stands by for the next paper jam processing at the bonding start position.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the end position detection unit that sequentially detects whether or not the first and second ends P1 and P2 on the sheet feeding unit side and the storage unit side have reached the joining position PJ. 90 and the first and second ends on the paper feed unit side and the storage unit side at the joining position by transporting at least one paper on the paper feed unit side and the storage unit side based on the detection results sequentially detected. The control part 101 which controls the conveyance mount part 50 so that the parts P1 and P2 may be united is provided. Accordingly, the sheet is moved while detecting the positions of the first and second end portions P1 and P2, so that the first and second end portions P1 and P2 can be accurately aligned. By attaching the first and second end portions P1 and P2 with a tape TP without any gap, a conveyance failure does not occur.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first and second end portions P1 and P2 are abutted at the joining position, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 5D, the first and second end portions P1 and P2 may overlap each other within a range (tape width) applied with a tape. At this time, the first end P1 on the paper feeding unit side is set to the tape application surface side. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first end P1 on the paper feeding unit side from being caught by the paper passing path and being broken. The tape applicator 81 may be disposed on both sides of the first and second end portions P1 and P2, and the tape TP may be applied to both surfaces of the first and second end portions P1 and P2.

  Moreover, although what joined the 1st and 2nd edge part P1, P2 automatically by controlling the junction part 80 was shown, it does not restrict to this. For example, the tape TP may be attached manually by allowing the operator to access the bonding position without using the bonding portion 80.

  The control unit 101 receives the instruction to set the paper and controls the transport base unit 50 to transport the first and second end portions P1 and P2 to the joining position PJ. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 101 may control the transport gantry unit 50 upon receiving detection information indicating that the paper transport unit ADU has been returned to its original state.

  Next, a configuration different from the alignment of the first and second end portions P1 and P2 in the present embodiment will be described as a first modification. In the description of the first modification, the configuration different from the above embodiment will be mainly described, and the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the alignment of the first and second end portions P1 and P2 sequentially determines whether or not the first and second end portions P1 and P2 have reached the joint position PJ. Detection is performed based on the detection results sequentially detected. In order to detect whether or not the first and second end portions P1 and P2 have reached the joint position PJ, it is necessary to dispose the end position detector 90 at the joint position PJ. However, since the tape applicator 81 is also at the joining position PJ, it is necessary to arrange the end position detector 90 only on one side opposite to the surface of the paper on which the tape applicator 81 is provided. A reflection-type optical sensor is used as the edge position detection unit 90 suitable for this. However, there are some sheets in which the sheet reflectance is various and the sheet edge cannot be detected, and the types of sheets are limited. Therefore, in the first modification, the first and second end portions P1 and P2 are aligned by marking the front end of the paper with paint, sequentially detecting the marking position PM, and based on the sequentially detected marking position PM. Thus, the type of paper is not limited. Further, the marking position PM may not be the leading edge of the paper. In this case, since it is not necessary to arrange the marking detection sensor 90A at the joining position PJ, there is an advantage that the tape sticking device 81 can be arranged on both sides of the sheet.

(Marking part)
FIG. 7A is a diagram schematically showing the paper cutting unit C. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the paper cutting unit C includes a marking unit MK that attaches paint to the paper. The marking part MK is obtained by impregnating felt with highly reflective paint, and is disposed on the side (back surface) opposite to the side on which the cutter CT is provided with the paper as a boundary. The marking unit MK is pressed against the paper simultaneously with the cutting by the cutter CT, adheres paint to the back surface of the paper edge, and is separated from the paper after cutting.

The cutter CT of the paper cutting unit C pushes all of the paper width direction at a time. The cutter may be a rotary cutter or a leather cutter, as long as it is configured so that the paint can adhere to the edge of the paper during cutting.
The marking detection sensor 90 </ b> A is a reflective optical sensor, is disposed at the joint position PJ, and detects the marking position PM through the slit 91.

A paper jam processing method will be briefly described.
When the continuous paper P is cut by the cutter CT, the marking unit MK presses against the paper and attaches the paint to the back surfaces of the first and second end portions P1 and P2. The marking detection sensor 90A illustrated in FIG. 7B sequentially detects the marking position PM. The control unit 101 controls the transport gantry unit 50 so as to transport the first and second end portions P1 and P2 based on the sequentially detected detection results. Based on the detection result indicating that the first and second end portions P1 and P2 have reached the joining position PJ, the control unit 101 controls the transport gantry unit 50 to stop the transport of the paper. Next, the tape TP is stuck by the tape sticking device 81 at the joining position PJ, and the first and second end portions P1 and P2 are stuck and joined.

  In the first modification, the marking detection sensor 90A is provided on the back surface of the paper, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the marking detection sensor 90A may be provided on the surface of the paper on the side where the tape applying device 81 is provided. As shown in FIG. 8A, marking detection sensors 90 </ b> A are arranged on both sides of the tape applying device 81 in the paper conveyance direction. This eliminates the need for providing the paper guide 82 with the slit 91 or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the marking portion MK is on the same side as the cutter CT (the front surface side of the paper), and the first and second end portions P1 and P2 are at the joining position PJ at a position that can be detected by the marking detection sensor 90A. It is arranged at a distance from the cutter CT so as to fit. The marking unit MK adheres highly reflective paint to the surface of the end of the paper when cutting. The marking part MK has a felt with a highly reflective paint impregnated, the periphery excluding the tip is held by a resin or metal casing, and the highly reflective paint adheres to the surface of the paper edge when cut. The cutter CT and the marking part MK are integrally formed. Thereby, the distance accuracy between the cutting position and the marking position PM can be increased.

  Moreover, in the modification 1, although the marking part MK which marks by attaching a coating material to the 1st and 2nd edge part P1, P2 was provided, it is not restricted to this. For example, the marking part MK may perform marking by making a hole in the first and second end parts P1 and P2.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the marking unit MK makes a hole at the end of the paper when cutting. The marking portion MK is on the same side as the cutter CT (the front side of the paper), and the cutter is arranged such that the first and second end portions P1 and P2 are aligned at the joining position PJ at a position where a hole can be detected by a transmission type sensor. It is arranged with a distance. Further, the cutter CT and the marking portion MK are integrally formed. Thereby, the distance accuracy between the cutting position and the marking position PM (hole position) can be increased.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, marking detection sensors 90B, which are transmissive sensors, are arranged on both sides of the tape applying device 81 in the paper transport direction. The marking detection sensor 90B detects whether or not the first and second end portions P1 and P2 have reached the joining position by detecting light that has passed through the slit 91 provided in the paper guide 81.

  Next, a configuration different from the alignment of the first and second end portions P1 and P2 in the present embodiment will be described as a second modification. In the description of the second modification, configurations different from those of the above-described embodiment and the first modification will be mainly described, and the same configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  After the continuous paper P is cut, when the first and second end portions P1 and P2 are transported to the joining position PJ by the transport base 50, the paper may meander. The paper on the paper feeding unit side is easy to meander. Due to the meandering of the paper, a deviation or inclination in the width direction of the paper occurs. If there is a deviation or inclination, the paper edges cannot be aligned closely, so that there is a gap between the papers on one side in the paper width direction, wrinkles, and unevenness of the winding roll end face. Therefore, the misalignment and inclination of the paper are corrected based on the marking position PM detected sequentially.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the marking detection sensors 90A are arranged at three locations in the center and both ends in the paper width direction. The marking detection sensor 90A is a reflection type optical sensor, and is disposed at a position where the marking on the storage unit side and the sheet feeding unit side of the tape applying device 81 can be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, on the paper feed unit side of the joining unit 80, a side guide 88 that regulates deviation and inclination in the paper width direction within a range that can be detected by a sensor and a drive unit (not shown) of the transport roller R81. ) (Corresponding to “paper position correction unit” of the present invention). In addition, a conveyance roller R81 for conveying and holding the paper is provided at the entrance portion of the joint portion 80 on the paper feeding unit side. As shown in FIG. 10B, the transport roller R81 can be slid to both sides in the width direction by the drive unit, and can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise around the center.

  Based on the detection result of the central marking position PM shown in FIG. 10C, the control unit 101 controls the transport roller R81 so that the transport direction position of the front end of the sheet is matched with a predetermined position. Next, based on the detection result of the central marking position PM, the slide amount of the transport roller R81 is controlled so as to correct the positional deviation in the width direction. Thereafter, the control unit 101 controls the rotation amount of the transport roller R81 based on the detection results of the marking positions PK at both ends and the center so that the transport direction difference between both ends and the center is eliminated. Although it is best to correct the misalignment and inclination on both the storage unit side and the paper feed unit side, the paper on the paper feed unit side is easy to meander. Good.

  Next, a configuration different from the alignment of the first and second end portions P1 and P2 in the present embodiment will be described as a third modification. In the description of Modification 3, the configuration different from the above embodiment and Modifications 1 and 2 will be mainly described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  When the sheet is heated by the fixing unit 60, the sheet shrinks. Particularly, the sheet is made of a resin material such as polypropylene (Polypropylene: PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). If cutting and marking are performed immediately after heating, the sheet shrinks while the sheet is still hot, and the distance between the first and second ends P1, P2 and the marking position PM changes. Further, the fixing roller may have a temperature distribution that is not uniform in the width direction, and generally has a temperature distribution, and the shrinkage is not uniform in the width direction, so that the end of the sheet does not become a straight line. These states are conspicuous at the second end portion P <b> 2 on the storage unit side close to the fixing unit 60. Therefore, by cutting and marking after the time when the sheet is cooled and the shrinkage is saturated, these situations can be eliminated and the first and second end portions P1 and P2 can be combined with high accuracy.

  The control unit 101 controls the sheet cutting unit C so as to prohibit cutting and marking within a predetermined time after the occurrence of the sheet jam is detected by the jam detection unit 75.

  Further, the control unit 101 controls the paper cutting unit C to cut the paper when it is detected that the paper jam has occurred and is not within the predetermined time.

  The predetermined time is a time for which the shrinkage of the paper is saturated after heating, for example. Note that it is preferable to cut the sheet after it reaches room temperature. For example, PP tack paper (polypropylene base material + release paper), basis weight 163 [g / m2], and the predetermined time is about 1 minute.

  From the viewpoint of shortening the paper jam processing time, as shown in FIG. 11A, a downstream cutting unit C3 is used as a means for enabling cutting and marking without waiting until a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of paper jam. A cooling unit for cooling the second end P2 is provided. The cooling unit includes a duct D that blows air on the cutter CT and a fan F that blows air to the second end P2. The control unit 101 controls the downstream side cutting unit C3 to perform cutting and marking after the sheet is cooled by the cooling unit. Thereby, the waiting time until cutting and marking can be shortened compared with the case where the 2nd edge part P2 is cooled naturally.

  Also, what was balanced by the shrinkage force and the paper tension before cutting is shrunk because the paper tension disappears when it is cut. This also changes the distance between the first and second end portions P1, P2 and the marking position PM. Thereby, the control part 101 cannot perform alignment control of the 1st and 2nd edge part P1, P2 based on marking position PM.

  Therefore, the control unit 101 instructs the upstream cutting unit C1 to perform cutting, instructs the marking unit MK on the paper feeding unit side to perform marking, and then instructs the downstream cutting unit C3 to perform cutting. The marking part MK is instructed to perform marking. Accordingly, the sheet can be contracted by cutting on the sheet feeding unit side to eliminate the sheet tension, and then cut on the storage unit side, and can be marked with high accuracy by simultaneously marking. Since the upstream cutting section C1 is not heated by the fixing section 60, the amount of contraction is small, and even if marking is performed simultaneously with cutting in a state where the paper tension is applied, the marking can be performed with high accuracy.

  For example, the control unit 101 instructs the downstream cutting unit C3 to perform the first cutting, and then instructs the downstream cutting unit C3 to perform the second cutting. A marking instruction is given to the marking unit MK. In this example, even if the paper is fixed on the paper transport unit ADU by a jam and the paper tension is not released even if it is cut on the paper feeding unit side, the paper tension is released by the first cutting, Since the second cutting is performed after the contraction, the distance between the marking position PM and the position of the second end P2 is not changed.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, when the downstream-side cutting unit C3 has two cutters, the first cut is performed with the cutter on the upstream side in the paper transport direction, and the second cut is performed with the cutter on the downstream side in the paper transport direction. . Mark during the second cut. On the other hand, when the downstream cutting unit C3 has one cutter, the downstream cutting unit C3 first cuts once, and the storage unit side paper is returned to the upstream side in the paper conveyance direction by a small amount, and the second cutting is performed. To do. Mark during the second cut.

(Modification 4)
Next, Modification 4 will be described. In the description of the modification example 4, the configuration different from the above embodiment and the modification examples 1 to 3 is mainly described, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  The sheet on the storage unit side is heated by the fixing unit 60, and the sheet contracts to shorten the width, but the sheet feeding unit side is not heated. For this reason, the sheet width is longer on the sheet feeding unit side than on the storage unit side, and the corner of the sheet on the sheet feeding unit side protrudes. If the sheet is conveyed in this state, a corner of the sheet may be caught in the sheet passing path and a conveyance failure may occur.

  In order to eliminate such a situation, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the first end on the sheet feeding unit side after being separated from the main cutter MC for separating the sheet by the sheet conveying unit ADU at the upstream cutting unit C1. A corner cutter CC for cutting the corner of the part P1 is provided.

  As a paper jam processing step, first, the paper is cut by the main cutter MC before the paper transport unit ADU is pulled out. The paper transport unit ADU is pulled out, and after the remaining paper pieces are collected, the paper transport unit ADU is returned. Thereafter, the front end of the paper on the paper feed unit side is stopped at the corner cutter CC and cut by the corner cutter CC. Thereafter, the first end P1 on the paper feeding unit side is transported to the joining position, and is bonded to the second end P2 on the storage unit side. By cutting the corner of the first end portion P1 on the paper feed unit side and making the paper width on the paper feed unit side the same as the paper width on the storage side or slightly shorter than the paper width on the storage side, It does not get caught in the route and no conveyance failure occurs.

  In the above embodiment, the first and second end portions P1 and P2 are transported to the joining position PJ. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the first end P1 on the paper feeding unit side may be conveyed to the joining position PJ. When the position where the continuous paper P is cut by the downstream cutting portion C3 coincides with the joining position PJ, it is not necessary to transport the second end portion P2 on the storage portion side, and the first portion on the paper feeding portion side. Only one end P1 will be transported.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the tape TP is stuck on the 1st and 2nd edge part P1, P2 united by the joining position PJ with the tape sticking apparatus 81, you may stick the tape TP manually. Since the first and second end portions P1 and P2 are joined at the joining position PJ, even a beginner can easily apply the tape TP.

  In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of a specific example for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist or the main features thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper feeder 2 Image forming apparatus main body 3 Paper discharge apparatus 10 Image reading part 20 Operation display part 30 Image processing part 40 Image forming part 50 Conveyance base part 60 Fixing part 80 Joining part 90 Edge position detection part 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Control unit C Paper cutting unit C1 Upstream side cutting unit C3 Downstream side cutting unit ADU Paper transport unit

Claims (11)

A paper feed unit for feeding continuous paper;
An image forming unit that forms a toner image on the continuous paper fed from the paper feeding unit;
A fixing unit for fixing the toner image on the continuous paper formed by the image forming unit;
A storage unit for storing the continuous paper on which a toner image is fixed by the fixing unit;
A transport gantry configured to transport the continuous paper to the image forming unit and the fixing unit, and to be pulled out to the front side of the apparatus main body;
An upstream cutting unit that cuts the continuous paper on the downstream side of the paper feed unit from the upstream side of the transport frame in the transport direction of the continuous paper;
A downstream cutting unit that cuts the continuous paper on the upstream side of the storage unit from the downstream side of the transport frame in the transport direction of the continuous paper;
A first end of the continuous paper cut by the upstream cutting unit on the paper feeding unit side at a joining position located downstream of the transport frame and upstream of the storage unit in the continuous paper transport direction. A joining portion that joins the portion and a second end portion on the storage portion side of the continuous paper cut by the downstream cutting portion;
An end position detector that detects the positions of the first end and the second end in the conveying direction of the continuous paper;
When the continuous paper is cut by the upstream side and the downstream side cutting unit, the first end and the second end that have reached the joining position are joined based on the detection result of the end position detecting unit. A control unit for controlling,
An image forming apparatus. The upstream cut portion has a marking portion for marking the first end;
The downstream side cutting part has a marking part for marking on the second end part,
The end position detection unit detects a position marked by the marking unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to match the first end and the second end at the joining position based on the detected detection result.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the marking unit performs marking simultaneously with the cutting of the continuous paper. A paper position correction unit that adjusts the width-direction deviation and inclination of the paper;
The edge position detection unit detects positions marked at least at both ends in the paper width direction,
4. The image formation according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the sheet position correction unit to match the first end and the second end based on the detected marked position. 5. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the upstream side and downstream side cutting units so as to prohibit the cutting and the marking within a predetermined time from occurrence of a paper jam. The downstream-side cutting part has a cooling part for cooling the cut second end part,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the cooling unit to cool the second end before performing the cutting and the marking.   The control unit controls the upstream side and the downstream side cutting unit so as to perform marking while cutting the continuous paper at the downstream side cutting unit after cutting the continuous paper at the upstream side cutting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the downstream cutting unit to perform cutting twice at different positions and perform marking at the time of the second cutting.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upstream cutting unit is configured to further cut corners at both ends of the first end portion in the paper width direction. An image forming unit that forms a toner image on continuous paper fed from a paper feeding unit;
A fixing unit for fixing the toner image on the continuous paper formed by the image forming unit;
A storage unit for storing the continuous paper on which a toner image is fixed by the fixing unit;
A transport gantry configured to transport the continuous paper to the image forming unit and the fixing unit, and to be pulled out to the front side of the apparatus main body;
In a paper jam processing apparatus in an image forming apparatus having:
An upstream cutting unit that cuts the continuous paper on the downstream side of the paper feed unit from the upstream side of the transport frame in the transport direction of the continuous paper;
A downstream cutting unit that cuts the continuous paper on the upstream side of the storage unit from the downstream side of the transport frame in the transport direction of the continuous paper;
The first end of the continuous paper cut by the upstream cutting unit on the paper feed unit side at a joining position located downstream of the transport frame and upstream of the storage unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper A joining portion that joins the portion and a second end portion on the storage portion side of the continuous paper cut by the downstream cutting portion;
An end position detector that detects the positions of the first end and the second end in the conveying direction of the continuous paper;
When the continuous paper is cut by the upstream side and the downstream side cutting unit, the first end and the second end that have reached the joining position are joined based on the detection result of the end position detecting unit. A control unit for controlling,
A paper jam processing apparatus in an image forming apparatus. In the paper jam processing method for continuous paper conveyed from the paper supply unit to the storage unit via the conveyance frame unit, the method is executed by the image forming apparatus,
Cutting the continuous paper at a first cutting position on the downstream side of the paper feed unit from the upstream side of the transport gantry in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper;
Cutting the continuous paper at a second cutting position on the upstream side of the storage unit from the downstream side of the transport frame in the transport direction of the continuous paper;
The first end of the continuous paper cut at the first cutting position on the paper feeding unit side and the second end of the continuous paper cut at the second cutting position on the storage unit side. detects the position that put in the transport direction of the paper,
When the continuous paper is cut at the first and second cutting positions, based on the detection result of detecting the positions of the first end and the second end, the transport gantry in the transport direction of the continuous paper A method for processing a paper jam in continuous paper , wherein the transport frame is controlled so that the first end and the second end are aligned at a joining position located on the downstream side of the storage unit and the upstream side of the storage unit .

Images