Image forming device

Abstract

To provide a transfer unit that enables a user to perform double-sided printing and transfer without moving a sheet from an image forming device to a layer transfer device.SOLUTION: An image forming device 100 of a transfer unit 1 includes: a first housing 102; an image forming part 104; a second switchback roller SR2; a first path 191; a second path 192 for re-conveying a sheet S; a first switchback roller SR1; and a third path 193 for guiding the sheet S to the second switchback roller SR2. A layer transfer device 200 of the transfer unit 1 includes: a second housing 202; a first transfer part 250; a second sheet tray 203; and a first supply roller 211A. The second sheet tray 203 receives the sheet S discharged from the second switchback roller SR2. The first supply roller 211A supplies the sheet S on the second sheet tray 203 to the first transfer part 250. The first supply roller 211A is located below the second switchback roller SR2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer unit comprising an image forming device and a layer transfer device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an apparatus that overlays a second sheet having an adhesive layer on a first sheet on which a printing layer has been formed by an image forming apparatus, and then conveys, heats, and pressurizes the first sheet to thermally transfer the adhesive layer onto the printing layer (see Patent Document 1). The sheet on which the adhesive layer has been transferred onto the printing layer is used, for example, to print on T-shirts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-059086 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, after printing the printing layer on the sheet, the user must move the sheet from the image forming device to the layer transfer device, which is time-consuming.In addition, there is a demand for printing on a side other than the sheet to be transferred.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a transfer unit that allows a user to perform double-sided printing and transfer without having to move a sheet from an image forming device to a layer transfer device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the transfer unit of the present invention includes an image forming device and a first layer transfer device. The image forming apparatus includes a first housing, an image forming unit, a first discharge roller, a second discharge roller, a first path, a second path, a first switchback roller, and a third path. The first housing has a first sheet tray on top. The image forming unit has a photosensitive drum and forms a toner image on a sheet. The first discharge roller discharges a sheet to the first sheet tray. The second discharge roller discharges a sheet outside the first housing. The second discharge roller discharges a sheet to a position different from the first discharge roller. The first path is a path along which a sheet discharged from the image forming unit is guided. The second path branches off from the first path and guides the sheet from the first path back to the image forming unit. The first switchback roller is a roller disposed in the first path. The first switchback roller rotates forward to transport a sheet guided to the first path out of the first housing, and rotates reversely to invert the sheet and transport it to the second path. The third path branches off from the first path and guides the sheet from the first path to the second discharge roller. The first layer transfer device overlays a multilayer film consisting of multiple layers on the surface of the sheet on which the toner image is formed, and transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image. The first layer transfer device includes a second housing, a first transfer unit, a second sheet tray, and a first supply roller. The first transfer unit is located within the second housing and nips the multilayer film and the sheet, transferring at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image on the sheet. The second sheet tray is located at the top of the second housing and is a tray that receives sheets discharged from the second discharge roller. The first supply roller supplies sheets on the second sheet tray to the first transfer unit. The first supply roller is located below the second discharge roller.

[0007] The transfer unit is equipped with an image forming device capable of double-sided printing and a layer transfer device, the image forming device is equipped with a first path, a second path that guides the sheet from the first path back to the image forming section, and a first switchback roller that reverses the sheet to turn it over and transport it to the second path, and the layer transfer device is equipped with a second sheet tray that receives the sheet discharged from the first housing, so double-sided printing and transfer can be performed without the user having to move the sheet from the image forming device to the layer transfer device. In addition, in this transfer unit, the supply roller of the layer transfer device is positioned below the second discharge roller of the image forming device, so that the sheet discharged from the second discharge roller moves to the supply roller by gravity, allowing double-sided printing and transfer to be performed without the user having to move the sheet from the image forming device to the layer transfer device.

[0008] The image forming apparatus may further include a control unit. The first layer transfer device may be configured to transfer at least one layer of the multilayer film to a lower surface of the sheet received in the second sheet tray. The control unit may form a first image on a first surface of the sheet, and after forming the image on the first surface, form a second image on a second surface of the sheet opposite to the first surface. The image forming apparatus may be configured to eject the sheet with the second surface of the sheet facing downward onto the second sheet tray.

[0009] The image forming apparatus may further include a control unit. The first layer transfer device may be configured to transfer at least one layer of the multilayer film to an upper surface of the sheet received in the second sheet tray. The control unit may form a first image on the first surface of the sheet, and the image forming apparatus may be configured to discharge the sheet into the second sheet tray with the second surface of the sheet facing upward.

[0010] In addition, when the control unit receives data of a first image to be formed on the first side and data of a second image to be formed on the second side, the control unit may be configured to form a positive image of the first image on the first side of the sheet and a mirror image of the second image on the second side of the sheet.

[0011] The layer transferred to the sheet of multilayer film may also include a viscoelastic layer that enables the second image to adhere to the fabric, and the first image may include at least one of lines, letters, barcodes, and two-dimensional barcodes associated with the second image.

[0012] The image forming apparatus may further include a first flapper movable between a first position where the sheet conveyed from the image forming unit is guided to the first path and a second position where the sheet conveyed from the image forming unit is guided to the third path.

[0013] The image forming apparatus may further include a third housing attachable to the first housing, a third discharge roller provided within the third housing for discharging a sheet from within the third housing to outside the third housing, a fourth path provided within the third housing branching from the first path and guiding a sheet from the first path to the third discharge roller, and a second flapper movable between a third position for guiding a sheet conveyed from the image forming unit to the first path and a fourth position for guiding a sheet conveyed from the image forming unit to the fourth path.The transfer unit may further include a second layer transfer device, and the second layer transfer device may be configured to overlay a multilayer film made of multiple layers on the surface of the sheet on which the toner image is formed, and transfer at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image. The second layer transfer device may include a fourth housing, a second transfer unit disposed within the fourth housing that nips the multilayer film and the sheet and transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image on the sheet, a third sheet tray disposed above the fourth housing that receives the sheet discharged from the first housing, and a second supply roller that supplies the sheet on the third sheet tray to the second transfer unit, the second supply roller being disposed below the third discharge roller.

[0014] Alternatively, the first layer transfer device may be located below the photosensitive drum, and the second layer transfer device may be located above the photosensitive drum.

[0015] The first sheet tray may be configured to be positioned between the second sheet tray and the third sheet tray in the vertical direction.

[0016] The image forming apparatus may further include a control unit that controls the first flapper and the second flapper to alternately discharge the sheet on which the toner image is formed to the first layer transfer device and the second layer transfer device.

[0017] Since the control unit alternately discharges sheets on which toner images are formed to the first layer transfer device and the second layer transfer device, printing and transfer can be performed on many sheets even if the number of sheets per unit time on which images are formed by the image forming device is greater than the number of sheets per unit time on which layers are transferred by the layer transfer device.

[0018] Furthermore, when the control unit receives error information from the first layer transfer device, the control unit may control the first flapper and the second flapper to discharge the sheet only to the second layer transfer device. When the control unit receives error information from the second layer transfer device, the control unit may control the first flapper and the second flapper to discharge the sheet only to the first layer transfer device.

[0019] When the control unit receives error information from the first layer transfer device, it ejects the sheet only to the second layer transfer device, and when it receives error information from the second layer transfer device, it ejects the sheet only to the first layer transfer device, thereby preventing the sheet from being sent to the layer transfer device that received the error information.

[0020] The image forming apparatus may further include a control unit. When forming images on both sides of three or more consecutive sheets, the control unit may form an image on the first side of a second sheet after forming an image on the first side of a first sheet and before forming an image on the second side of the first sheet. When forming images on both sides of three or more consecutive sheets, the control unit may form an image on the first side of a third sheet after forming an image on the first side of a second sheet and before forming an image on the second side of the second sheet.

[0021] When forming images on both sides of three or more sheets consecutively, the control unit forms an image on the first side of the third sheet after forming an image on the first side of the second sheet and before forming an image on the second side of the second sheet, thereby reducing the number of operations of the guide member compared to when forming an image on the first and second sides of the first sheet, then forming an image on the first and second sides of the second sheet, and then forming an image on the first and second sides of the third sheet.

[0022] The image forming apparatus may further include a second switchback roller disposed on the third path, which rotates forward to draw the sheet from the first path into the third path and rotates reversely to turn the sheet upside down and transport it out of the first housing. The image forming apparatus may then discharge the first sheet from the third path while the first switchback roller is rotating reversely to switch back the second sheet.

[0023] The image forming apparatus may further include a second switchback roller disposed on the third path, which rotates forward to draw a sheet from the first path into the third path and rotates reversely to invert the sheet and transport the sheet out of the first housing. When performing image formation on both sides of two or more sheets consecutively, the control unit may be configured to rotate the first switchback roller to transport another sheet while the second switchback roller is rotating reversely to switch back the sheet.

[0024] The second layer transfer device may be configured to discharge the sheet in the opposite direction to the first layer transfer device.

[0025] By discharging the sheet from the second layer transfer device in the opposite direction to the first layer transfer device, when there are multiple users who use the sheet with the layer transferred, the sheet can be used efficiently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a transfer unit that allows a user to perform double-sided printing and transfer without having to move a sheet from an image forming device to a layer transfer device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a transfer unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a transfer unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the second sheet tray and its surroundings. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a layer transfer apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the cover of the layer transfer device is open. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second sheet tray. [Figure 8] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a film cartridge wound with a foil film, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a film cartridge wound with a viscoelastic layer film. [Figure 9] (a) is a cross-sectional view of a sheet and foil film on which a printed layer is formed, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the sheet and foil film pressed together, and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the base layer of the foil film peeling off from the sheet. [Figure 10] (a) is a cross-sectional view of a transfer printing sheet with a printing layer formed thereon and a viscoelastic layer film, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the viscoelastic layer film pressed against the transfer printing sheet, and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the base layer of the viscoelastic layer film peeling off from the transfer printing sheet. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view (a) shows the state in which a transfer printing sheet with a viscoelastic layer transferred thereto is pressed against fabric, and cross-sectional view (b) shows the state after the transfer printing sheet has been peeled off from the fabric with the printing layer transferred thereto. [Figure 12] (a) is a diagram showing a positive image of the first image formed on the first surface of a transfer printing sheet, (b) is a diagram showing a mirror image of the second image formed on the second surface, (c) is a diagram showing the transfer printing sheet placed on fabric and partially peeled off, and (d) is a diagram showing the fabric with the second image transferred. [Figure 13] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of forming a toner image on a sheet and transferring a viscoelastic layer onto the toner image in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C show the conveyance states of each sheet from the start of conveyance of the first sheet to the start of conveyance of the second sheet when continuous double-sided printing is performed in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing the conveyance states of each sheet from when an image is formed on the first side of the second sheet until when the first sheet is conveyed again to the image forming unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A to 10C show the conveyance states of each sheet from the start of conveyance of the fourth sheet until the first sheet is discharged onto the second sheet tray in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A to 10C are tables (a) to (c) showing the number of sheets, the printing side, the position of the first flapper, the path guided by the first flapper, and the process when performing continuous double-sided printing in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are tables showing the number of sheets, the printing side, the position of the first flapper, the path guided by the first flapper, and the process when continuous double-sided printing is performed in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a transfer unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of forming a toner image on a sheet and transferring a viscoelastic layer onto the toner image in a second embodiment. [Figure 22] 10A to 10C show the conveyance states of each sheet from the start of conveyance of the first sheet to the start of conveyance of the second sheet when continuous double-sided printing is performed in the second embodiment. [Figure 23] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing the conveyance states of each sheet from when an image is formed on the first side of the second sheet until when the first sheet is conveyed again to the image forming unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 24] 10A to 10C show the conveyance states of each sheet from the start of conveyance of the fourth sheet until the first sheet is discharged onto the second sheet tray in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a transfer unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 27] 10A to 10C show the conveyance states of each sheet from the start of conveyance of the first sheet to the start of conveyance of the second sheet when continuous double-sided printing is performed in the third embodiment. [Figure 28] 11A to 11C are diagrams showing the conveyance states of each sheet from when an image is formed on the first side of the second sheet until when the first sheet is conveyed again to the image forming unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 29] 11A to 11C show the conveyance states of each sheet from the start of conveyance of the fourth sheet until the first sheet is discharged onto the second sheet tray in the third embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a transfer unit according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a transfer unit according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following explanation, directions will be described in terms of the directions shown in Fig. 1. The right side of Fig. 1 will be referred to as "front", the left side of Fig. 1 will be referred to as "rear", the back side of the paper in Fig. 1 will be referred to as "right", and the front side of the paper in Fig. 1 will be referred to as "left". In addition, the top and bottom of Fig. 1 will be referred to as "top and bottom".

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transfer unit 1 includes an image forming device 100 and a layer transfer device 200. The image forming device 100 includes a transfer roller 200a.

[0030] 4, image forming apparatus 100 is configured to be able to perform double-sided printing by reversing the front and back of sheet S. Image forming apparatus 100 includes a first housing 102, a supply unit 103, an image forming unit 104, a conveying unit 109, and a first control unit 110.

[0031] The first housing 102 has a first discharge hole 102A, a second discharge hole 102B, a first sheet tray 121, and a discharge guide 122. The first discharge hole 102A is provided in the upper part of the first housing 102. In this embodiment, the first discharge hole 102A faces rearward. The second discharge hole 102B is provided in the front part of the first housing 102. In this embodiment, the second discharge hole 102B faces downward.

[0032] The first sheet tray 121 is provided at the top of the first housing 102. The first sheet tray 121 is formed on the top surface of the first housing 102. The first sheet tray 121 is capable of stacking a plurality of sheets S discharged from the first discharge hole 102A.

[0033] The discharge guide 122 is provided below the second discharge hole 102B. The discharge guide 122 has a guide surface 122A that receives the sheet S discharged from the second switchback roller SR2 and passes it to the second sheet tray 203. The guide surface 122A is inclined so that it is positioned forward as it goes downward. An upper end P1 of sheet stacking surfaces W21 and W51 (described later) of the second sheet tray 203 is located below the guide surface 122A in a direction perpendicular to the guide surface 122A at the lower end of the guide surface 122A of the discharge guide 122.

[0034] 2, the supply unit 103 is provided in the lower part of the first housing 102. The supply unit 103 includes a first supply tray 131, a second supply tray 132, a third supply tray 133, a first supply mechanism 134, a second supply mechanism 135, and a third supply mechanism 136.

[0035] The first supply tray 131, the second supply tray 132, and the third supply tray 133 are each a separate tray that stores sheets S. The first supply tray 131, the second supply tray 132, and the third supply tray 133 are each capable of supplying sheets S to the image forming unit 104. The second supply tray 132 and the third supply tray 133 may store a different type of sheets S than the first supply tray 131, or may store the same type of sheets S.

[0036] The first supply mechanism 134, the second supply mechanism 135, and the third supply mechanism 136 are mechanisms that supply the sheets S in the respective trays to the image forming unit 104.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4, the image forming unit 104 forms a toner image T on a sheet S (see also Fig. 13). The image forming unit 104 includes an exposure device 105, four process units 106, a belt unit 107, and a fixing device 108.

[0038] The exposure device 105 is disposed in the upper part of the first housing 102 and includes a light source, a polygon mirror, and the like (not shown). The exposure device 105 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 by scanning a light beam indicated by a dashed dotted line over the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 at high speed.

[0039] Four process units 106 are arranged side by side between the exposure device 105 and the first supply tray 131. Each process unit 106 includes a photosensitive drum 161, a charger 162, and a developing roller 163. The four process units 106 contain toner of each color: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0040] The belt unit 107 is disposed between the process unit 106 and the first supply tray 131. The belt unit 107 includes a drive roller 171, a driven roller 172, a conveyor belt 173, and four transfer rollers 174.

[0041] The conveyor belt 173 is an endless belt. The conveyor belt 173 is stretched between a drive roller 171 and a driven roller 172. A transfer roller 174 is disposed inside the conveyor belt 173 so as to sandwich the conveyor belt 173 between itself and the corresponding photosensitive drum 161.

[0042] The charger 162 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 161. Thereafter, the exposure device 105 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 161 to light, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image based on the image data on the surface of the photosensitive drum 161. The development roller 163 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 161. As a result, a toner image T is formed on the photosensitive drum 161. Thereafter, when the sheet S is transported between the photosensitive drum 161 and the transfer roller 174 by the transport belt 173, the toner image T on the photosensitive drum 161 is transferred to the sheet S.

[0043] The fixing device 108 is a device that thermally fixes the toner image T to the sheet S. The fixing device 108 is disposed behind the process unit 106 and the belt unit 107. The fixing device 108 includes a heating roller 181 and a pressure member 182. The heating roller 181 has a heater inside. The pressure member 182 sandwiches the sheet S between itself and the heating roller 181.

[0044] The conveying unit 109 conveys the sheet S that has passed between the heating roller 181 and the pressure roller 181 of the image forming unit 104 to the outside of the first housing 102 or back toward the image forming unit 104. The conveying unit 109 includes a first path 191, a second path 192, a third path 193, a first discharge roller 194, a plurality of re-conveyance rollers 196, a first switchback roller SR1, a second switchback roller SR2, and a first flapper FL1.

[0045] The first path 191 is indicated by a solid line in Fig. 4. The first path 191 extends obliquely upward and forward from the fixing device 108, curves in a C shape, and extends rearward to the first discharge hole 102A. In other words, the first path 191 is a path that guides the sheet S discharged from the image forming unit 104 to the first sheet tray 121.

[0046] The second path 192 is indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 4. The second path 192 branches off from the first path 191 and guides the sheet S again to the image forming unit 104. The second path 192 extends downward from the point where it branches off from the first path 191 to pass in front of the first supply tray 131, curves back to extend backward to pass under the first supply tray 131, curves back to extend upward to pass behind the first supply tray 131, and extends upward to the first supply mechanism 134.

[0047] The third path 193 is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 4. The third path 193 branches off from the first path 191 and guides the sheet S to the second switchback roller SR2. The third path 193 has a first portion 193A, a second portion 193B, and a third portion 193C. The first portion 193A is located in front of the first path 191 and extends vertically. The lower end of the first portion 193A extends to the second discharge hole 102B. The second portion 193B curves from the upper end of the first portion 193A and extends rearward. The third portion 193C connects the first portion 193A and the first path 191 and extends obliquely upward and forward from the first path 191.

[0048] The first discharge rollers 194 are provided on the first path 191. The first discharge rollers 194 discharge the sheet S outside the first housing 102. Specifically, the first discharge rollers 194 discharge the sheet S from the first discharge hole 102A. That is, the first discharge rollers 194 are rollers that discharge the sheet S to the first sheet tray 121.

[0049] The first switchback roller SR1 is disposed on the first path 191. The first switchback roller SR1 is located between the fixing device 108 and the first discharge roller 194. The first switchback roller SR1 is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction under the control of the first control unit 110. The first switchback roller SR1 rotates in the first direction to transport the sheet S guided to the first path 191 out of the first housing 102, that is, toward the first sheet tray 121. The first switchback roller SR1 rotates in the second direction to turn the sheet S upside down and convey it to the second path 192.

[0050] The second switchback roller SR2 is provided on the third path 193. The second switchback roller SR2 is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction under the control of the first control unit 110. The second switchback roller SR2 rotates in the first direction to pull the sheet S into the third path 193. The second switchback roller SR2 discharges the sheet S out of the first housing 102 by rotating in the second direction.

[0051] Specifically, the second switchback roller SR2 discharges the sheet S from a position different from the first discharge roller 194, i.e., from the second discharge hole 102B. In this embodiment, the second switchback roller SR2 discharges the sheet S downward. The second switchback roller SR2 is an example of a second discharge roller that discharges the sheet S to a second sheet tray 203, which will be described later.

[0052] A plurality of re-conveying rollers 196 are provided on the second path 192. The re-conveying rollers 196 convey the sheet S in the second path 192 toward the first supply mechanism .

[0053] The first flapper FL1 is a member that guides the sheet S conveyed from the image forming unit 104 to the first path 191 or the third path 193. The first flapper FL1 is movable between a first position indicated by a solid line and a second position indicated by a two-dot chain line under the control of the first control unit 110. When the first flapper FL1 is located at the first position, it guides the sheet S conveyed from the image forming unit 104 to the first path 191. When the first flapper FL1 is located at the second position, it guides the sheet S conveyed from the image forming unit 104 to the third path 193.

[0054] The first control unit 110 is an example of a control unit. The first control unit 110 is a device that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The first control unit 110 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output unit, etc., and performs each process by executing a program prepared in advance. When a print command is input, the first control unit 110 can perform a print process that forms an image on a sheet S. The first control unit 110 can also perform a double-sided printing process that forms images on both sides of the sheet S based on the input print command.

[0055] 2 and 5, the layer transfer device 200 of this embodiment is located below the image forming device 100. More specifically, the layer transfer device 200 is located below the photosensitive drum 161. The layer transfer device 200 is a device that overlays a multilayer film F made up of multiple layers on the surface of the sheet S on which the toner image T has been formed, and transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film F onto the toner image T. For example, the layer transfer device 200 transfers a layer such as a foil or a viscoelastic layer onto the toner image T of the sheet S.

[0056] The layer transfer device 200 includes a second housing 202, a second sheet tray 203, a sheet sensor SS1, a sheet conveying unit 210, a film supply unit 230, a transfer unit 250, a discharge tray 270, and a second control unit 280.

[0057] The second housing 202 includes a base portion 221 and a cover 222 .

[0058] The base portion 221 has an opening 221A (see FIG. 6) at the top. The opening 221A is an opening for attaching and detaching a film cartridge FC to and from the base portion 221, which will be described later.

[0059] Cover 222 is a member for opening and closing opening 221A. Cover 222 is rotatable between a closed position (position in FIG. 5) where it closes opening 221A, and an open position (position in FIG. 6) where it opens opening 221A.

[0060] The second sheet tray 203 is a tray on which the sheets S are stacked. The second sheet tray 203 is disposed at the upper rear portion of the second housing 202. The second sheet tray 203 receives the sheets discharged from the second switchback roller SR2. The sheets S are stacked on the second sheet tray 203 with the surface on which the toner image T is formed facing downward (see FIG. 13).

[0061] 7, the second sheet tray 203 has a first wall W1, a second wall W2, a third wall W3, a fourth wall W4, and a fifth wall W5. The first wall W1, the second wall W2, the third wall W3, the fourth wall W4, and the fifth wall W5 are walls that support the sheets S. The first wall W1, the second wall W2, the third wall W3, and the fourth wall W4 extend in the vertical direction.

[0062] The first wall W1 and the second wall W2 are positioned apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction. The second wall W2 is positioned in front of the first wall. The second wall W2 has a sheet stacking surface W21 for the sheets S. The third wall W3 connects the right ends of the first wall W1 and the second wall W2. The fourth wall W4 connects the left ends of the first wall W1 and the second wall W2.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, the fifth wall W5 extends from the lower end of the second wall W2 at an angle downwards toward the front. The fifth wall W5 has a sheet stacking surface W51 on which sheets S are stacked. The angle θ2 of the sheet stacking surface W51 with respect to the horizontal plane is greater than 45°. The sheets S are supplied between the first wall W1 and the second wall W2 and are supported on the sheet stacking surface W51 and the sheet stacking surface W21.

[0064] The second sheet tray 203 has a sheet entrance 203A, a sheet exit 203B, and an inspection hatch 203C (see also FIG. 3). The sheet entrance 203A is a rectangular opening through which sheets S enter. The sheet entrance 203A is formed by the upper edges of the first wall W1, the second wall W2, the third wall W3, and the fourth wall W4. The sheet exit 203B is a rectangular opening through which sheets S are discharged. The sheet exit 203B is formed by the lower edges of the third wall W3 and the fourth wall W4 and the fifth wall W5. The inspection hatch 203C is a rectangular opening formed above the sheet exit 203B (see also FIG. 1). The inspection hatch 203C allows the stacking status of sheets S to be inspected. Furthermore, if sheets S become jammed in the second sheet tray 203, a user can clear the jam through the inspection hatch 203C.

[0065] The sheet sensor SS1 is provided on the second sheet tray 203. The sheet sensor SS1 is a sensor that detects whether or not a sheet S is stacked on the second sheet tray 203. When a sheet S is stacked on the second sheet tray 203, an ON signal is sent from the sheet sensor SS1 to the second control unit 280.

[0066] 5, the sheet conveying unit 210 includes a sheet supply mechanism 211 and a sheet discharge mechanism 212. The sheet supply mechanism 211 is a mechanism that conveys the sheets S on the second sheet tray 203 one by one toward the transfer unit 250. The sheet supply mechanism 211 includes a first supply roller 211A, a retard roller 211B, and an upstream conveying roller 211C.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, the first supply roller 211A is a roller that supplies the sheet S on the second sheet tray 203 to the transfer unit 250. The first supply roller 211A is disposed below the second switchback roller SR2 of the image forming apparatus 100. The distance L1 from the second switchback roller SR2 to the first supply roller 211A is greater than the dimension of the sheet S in the conveying direction. The first supply roller 211A picks up the sheet S set on the second sheet tray 203. The retard roller 211B separates the sheets S conveyed by the first supply roller 211A into single sheets.

[0068] 5, the upstream conveying rollers 211C are made up of two rollers, and the rollers rotate with the sheet S sandwiched between them, thereby enabling the sheet S to be conveyed. The upstream conveying rollers 211C are disposed immediately before the transfer unit 250 in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0069] The sheet discharge mechanism 212 is a mechanism that discharges the sheet S that has passed through the transfer unit 250 to the outside of the second housing 202. The sheet discharge mechanism 212 includes downstream transport rollers 212A and discharge rollers 212B. The downstream transport rollers 212A and discharge rollers 212B each consist of two rollers, and the sheet S can be conveyed by rotating each roller with the sheet S sandwiched between them.

[0070] The film supply unit 230 is a part that supplies the multilayer film F so as to be superimposed on the sheet S conveyed from the sheet supply mechanism 211. The film supply unit 230 includes a film cartridge FC.

[0071] 6, the film cartridge FC is attachable to and detachable from the base portion 221 by passing through the opening 221A. The film cartridge FC includes a supply reel 231, a take-up reel 235, a first guide shaft 241, a second guide shaft 242, and a third guide shaft 243. A multilayer film F is wound around the supply reel 231 of the film cartridge FC.

[0072] The layer transferring device 200 transfers different materials depending on the type of multilayer film F wound around the film cartridge FC. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the foil film FF is a film that includes a foil and is used to transfer the foil to the toner image T. As shown in FIG. 8(b), the viscoelastic layer film PF includes a viscoelastic layer PF3 and is a film for transferring the viscoelastic layer PF3.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9(a), the foil film FF has a foil base layer FF1, a foil peeling layer FF2, a foil transfer layer FF3, and a foil adhesive layer FF4. The foil peeling layer FF2 is formed on the foil base layer FF1. The foil transfer layer FF3 is formed on the foil peeling layer FF2. The foil adhesive layer FF4 is formed on the foil transfer layer FF3.

[0074] The foil substrate layer FF1 is a tape-shaped transparent substrate made of a polymer material, and supports the foil release layer FF2, the foil transfer layer FF3, and the foil adhesive layer FF4.

[0075] The foil release layer FF2 is a layer for facilitating peeling of the foil transfer layer FF3 from the foil base layer FF1, and is disposed between the foil base layer FF1 and the foil transfer layer FF3. The foil release layer FF2 contains a transparent material, such as a wax-based resin, that is easily peeled from the foil base layer FF1.

[0076] The foil transfer layer FF3 is a layer to be transferred to the toner image T and contains foil. The foil is a thin metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum. The foil transfer layer FF3 may also contain a coloring material such as gold, silver, or red, and a thermoplastic resin. The foil transfer layer FF3 is disposed between the foil peeling layer FF2 and the foil adhesive layer FF4.

[0077] The foil adhesive layer FF4 is a layer for adhering the foil transfer layer FF3 to the toner image T. The foil adhesive layer FF4 contains a material that easily adheres to the toner image T heated by the transfer unit 250, such as a vinyl chloride resin or an acrylic resin.

[0078] As shown in Figure 10(a), the viscoelastic layer film PF has a first base layer PF1, a first release layer PF2, and a viscoelastic layer PF3. The first release layer PF2 is formed on the first base layer PF1. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is formed on the first release layer PF2.

[0079] The first base layer PF1 supports the first release layer PF2 and the viscoelastic layer PF3. In this embodiment, the first base layer PF1 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and has a thickness of 12 to 16 μm.

[0080] The first release layer PF2 is a layer for facilitating peeling of the viscoelastic layer PF3 from the first base layer PF1, and is disposed between the first base layer PF1 and the viscoelastic layer PF3. The first release layer PF2 contains a transparent material, such as a wax-based resin, that is easily peeled from the first base layer PF1. In this embodiment, the thickness of the first release layer PF2 is 10 to 15 μm.

[0081] The viscoelastic layer PF3 is a layer to be transferred to the toner image T and contains a viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic material is a polymeric material having viscoelasticity. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is made of a material that easily adheres to the toner image T heated by the transfer unit 250 and also to a transfer target such as fabric. The viscoelastic layer PF3 contains, for example, a vinyl chloride resin or an acrylic resin, but any material suitable for adhesion to a transfer target may be selected. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is disposed on the surface of the viscoelastic layer film PF. The viscoelastic layer PF3 is thicker than the first release layer PF2. The thickness of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is 16 to 30 μm. Preferably, the thickness of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is 30 to 40 μm.

[0082] It is difficult to print directly onto fabric CL using an image forming device, so as shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), a toner image T is formed on a transfer printing sheet PS, and then the toner image T formed on the transfer printing sheet PS is transferred onto fabric CL as shown in Figures 12(c) and 12(d).

[0083] At this time, to prevent the toner image T transferred to the fabric CL from easily peeling off, a viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred onto the toner image T formed on the transfer printing sheet PS as shown in Figures 10(a), (b), and (c), and then the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 are transferred to the fabric CL as shown in Figures 11(a) and (b). Note that the object to which the transfer is made using the transfer printing sheet PS is not limited to fabric CL, but may be made of leather, ceramics, wood, resin, metal, etc. Furthermore, the object to which the transfer is made is not limited to a flat object, but may also be a three-dimensional object.

[0084] As an example, as shown in FIG. 12(a), a normal image of a first image IM1 is formed on a first surface S1 of a sheet S, and as shown in FIG. 12(b), a mirror image of a second image IM2 is formed on a second surface S2 of the sheet S. The mirror image of the second image IM2 is a mirror image of the image to be transferred to the fabric CL. In this embodiment, if "ABC" is to be transferred to the fabric CL, a mirror image of "ABC" that is flipped left to right is formed on the second surface S2 of the sheet S. The first image IM1 includes lines, characters, barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes, etc., related to the second image IM2. The lines related to the second image IM2 are, for example, alignment lines between the fabric CL and the transfer printing sheet PS. The characters, barcodes, and two-dimensional barcodes related to the second image IM2 include, for example, information such as the product number of the item to be transferred.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 12(c), the user positions the sheet S by referring to the lines formed on the first surface S1 of the sheet S, presses the transfer printing sheet PS against the fabric CL, and heats and presses it with a dedicated press (not shown). As a result, as shown in Fig. 12(d), a second image IM2 consisting of the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred to the fabric CL.

[0086] 10(a), the transfer printing sheet PS has a second base layer PS1 and a second release layer PS2. The second release layer PS2 is formed on the second base layer PS1.

[0087] The second base layer PS1 is a tape-shaped transparent base material made of a polymer material, and supports the second release layer PS2. In this embodiment, the second base layer PS1 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and has a thickness of 12 to 16 μm.

[0088] The second release layer PS2 is a layer on which a toner image T is formed by an image forming device or the like. After the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred onto the toner image T formed on the second release layer PS2, the second release layer PS2 supports the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3, and serves to facilitate peeling of the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 from the second base layer PS1 when transferring the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 to a fabric CL or the like. The second release layer PS2 contains a transparent material, such as a wax-based resin, that is easily peeled from the second base layer PS1. In this embodiment, the thickness of the second release layer PS2 is 10 to 15 μm.

[0089] Here, as shown in FIGS. 10(b) and (c), at a first temperature T1 at which the first base layer PF1 can be peeled from the viscoelastic layer PF3, a first peeling force H1 of the first release layer PF2, which is the force required to peel the first base layer PF1 from the viscoelastic layer PF3, is smaller than a second peeling force H2 of the second release layer PS2, which is the force required to peel the second base layer PS1 from the toner image T (H1 <H2)。

[0090] The first guide shaft 241 is a shaft for changing the traveling direction of the multilayer film F being pulled out from the supply reel 231. The second guide shaft 242 is a shaft for changing the traveling direction of the multilayer film F guided by the first guide shaft 241. The third guide shaft 243 is a shaft for changing the traveling direction of the multilayer film F guided by the second guide shaft 242 and guiding it to the take-up reel 235.

[0091] The first guide shaft 241 guides the multilayer film F pulled out from the supply reel 231 so that it overlaps the sheet S, which is being transported with the toner image T facing downward. The first guide shaft 241 changes the transport direction of the multilayer film F pulled out from the supply reel 231 and guides the multilayer film F approximately parallel to the transport direction of the sheet S.

[0092] The second guide shaft 242 comes into contact with the multilayer film F that has passed through the transfer section 250, and changes the conveying direction of the multilayer film F that has passed through the transfer section 250 to a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet S. The multilayer film F that has passed through the transfer section 250 and is conveyed while overlapping the sheet S is guided in a direction different from the sheet S when passing through the second guide shaft 242, and is peeled off from the sheet S.

[0093] The transfer section 250 is a section for transferring a layer onto the toner image T formed on the sheet S by overlapping the sheet S on the multilayer film F being transported from the supply reel 231 to the take-up reel 235, and then applying heat and pressure while the sheet S and the multilayer film F are sandwiched together. When the foil film FF is attached to the base portion 221, the transfer portion 250 transfers the foil transfer layer FF3 onto the toner image T of the sheet S. When the viscoelastic layer film PF is attached to the base portion 221, the transfer portion 250 transfers the viscoelastic layer PF3 onto the toner image T of the sheet S.

[0094] The transfer unit 250 is disposed within the second housing 202. The transfer unit 250 nips the multilayer film F and the sheet S, and transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film F onto the toner image T on the sheet S. The transfer unit 250 includes a pressure roller 251, a heating roller 260, a frame 261, and an actuator AC.

[0095] The pressure roller 251 is a roller that sandwiches the multilayer film F and the sheet S between it and the heating roller 260. The pressure roller 251 is disposed above the multilayer film F and is capable of contacting the surface of the sheet S opposite to the surface on which the toner image T is formed. Both ends of the pressure roller 251 are rotatably supported by the cover 222. The pressure roller 251 conveys the multilayer film F and the sheet S between it and the heating roller 260 while being in pressure contact with the heating roller 260.

[0096] The heating roller 260 is a roller that heats the multilayer film F and the sheet S. The heating roller 260 is disposed below the multilayer film F and is capable of coming into contact with the multilayer film F.

[0097] The frame 261 supports the heating roller 260 so that it can rotate.

[0098] The pressure roller 251 and the heat roller 260 can be driven in a pressure-contact state to transport the multilayer film F and the sheet S. More specifically, the pressure roller 251 is driven to rotate the heat roller 260 when it is rotated while the heat roller 260 is in the pressure-contact position. This allows the pressure roller 251 and the heat roller 260 to transport the multilayer film F and the sheet S sandwiched between the pressure roller 251 and the heat roller 260.

[0099] In the layer transfer device 200 configured in this manner, sheets S set in the second sheet tray 203 with the surface on which the toner image T is formed facing downward are transported one by one by the sheet supply mechanism 211 toward the transfer unit 250. The sheet S is superimposed on the multilayer film F supplied from the supply reel 231 on the upstream side of the transfer unit 250 in the sheet transport direction, and is transported to the transfer unit 250 with the toner image T on the sheet S and the multilayer film F in contact with each other.

[0100] In the transfer section 250, when the sheet S and the multilayer film F pass through the nip between the pressure roller 251 and the heating roller 260, they are heated and pressed by the heating roller 260 and the pressure roller 251, and a layer (the viscoelastic layer PF3 or the foil transfer layer FF3) is transferred onto the toner image T formed on the sheet S. In the following description, the transfer of a layer onto the sheet S is also simply referred to as "layer transfer."

[0101] After the layer transfer, the sheet S and the multilayer film F are transported in close contact with each other to the second guide shaft 242. When the sheet S and the multilayer film F pass the second guide shaft 242, the transport direction of the multilayer film F changes to a direction different from the transport direction of the sheet S, and the multilayer film F is peeled off from the sheet S.

[0102] The multilayer film F peeled off from the sheet S is taken up by the take-up reel 235. Meanwhile, the sheet S from which the multilayer film F has been peeled off is discharged by the sheet discharge mechanism 212 to the outside of the second housing 202 with the surface onto which the layers have been transferred facing downward.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the discharge tray 270 is disposed at the bottom of the second housing 202. The discharge tray 270 is attached to the outer surface of the second housing 202. The discharge tray 270 is capable of receiving and stacking the sheets S discharged from the second housing 202. The discharge tray 270 has a rear wall 271 and a front wall 272.

[0104] The rear wall 271 extends diagonally downward and forward from the lower front end of the second housing 202. The upper end of the rear wall 271 is located below the discharge roller 212B. The rear wall 271 is a wall that supports the discharged sheets S from behind. The rear wall 271 has a sheet stacking surface 271A that can come into contact with the discharged sheets S. The angle of the sheet stacking surface 271A with respect to the horizontal plane is greater than 45°.

[0105] The front wall 272 extends obliquely forward and upward from the lower end of the rear wall 271. The front wall 272 holds the stacked sheets S so that they do not move forward.

[0106] The second control unit 280 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output circuits, etc., and controls the layer transfer device 200 by performing various arithmetic processing based on programs and data stored in the ROM, etc.

[0107] Next, the control executed by the first control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the second control unit 280 of the layer transfer apparatus 200 will be described.

[0108] 2, when only image formation is performed on one side of the sheet S and layer transfer is not performed, the first control unit 110 conveys the sheet S to the image forming unit 104 with the first flapper FL1 positioned at the first position. Then, the sheet S on which the image has been formed in the image forming unit 104 is guided by the first flapper FL1, passes through the first path 191, is conveyed to the first switchback roller SR1 and the first discharge roller 194, and is discharged onto the first sheet tray 121.

[0109] When performing layer transfer on one side of a single sheet S, the first control unit 110 transports the sheet S to the image forming unit 104 with the first flapper FL1 positioned at the second position. Then, the sheet S, on which an image has been formed in the image forming unit 104, is guided by the first flapper FL1 and drawn into the third path 193, and then transported by the second switchback roller SR2 and discharged through the second discharge hole 102B onto the second sheet tray 203. The sheets S discharged onto the second sheet tray 203 are stacked on the second sheet tray 203. When the sheets S are stacked on the second sheet tray 203, an ON signal is sent from the sheet sensor SS1 to the second control unit 280. When the ON signal is sent from the sheet sensor SS1, the second control unit 280 drives the first supply roller 211A to perform layer transfer.

[0110] 13, when the first control unit 110 performs only image formation on the first side S1 of the sheet S and performs layer transfer on the second side S2, the first control unit 110 forms a first image IM1 on the first side S1 of the sheet S, and then forms a second image IM2 on the second side S2 opposite to the first side S1 of the sheet S. The sheet S is then discharged onto the second sheet tray 203 with the second side S2 of the sheet S facing downward. That is, the sheet S discharged by the second switchback roller SR2 is stacked on the second sheet tray 203 with the side on which the toner image T (second image IM2) is formed facing downward. The layer transfer device 200 transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film F onto the lower side of the sheet S received by the second sheet tray 203.

[0111] As shown in Figure 17(a), when two sheets S are successively subjected to image formation only on the first surface S1 of the sheets S and layer transfer on the second surface S2, the first control unit 110 transports the sheets S to the image forming unit 104 with the first flapper FL1 positioned at the first position. Then, after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the first sheet S, the first sheet S is guided by the first flapper FL1 and pulled into the first path 191, and then pulled back by the first switchback roller SR1 and guided to the second path 192. Next, the first control unit 110 conveys the second sheet S before forming an image on the second side S2 of the first sheet S. Then, after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the second sheet S, the second sheet S is guided by the first flapper FL1 and drawn into the first path 191, and then drawn back by the first switchback roller SR1 and guided to the second path 192. After guiding the second sheet S to the second path 192, the first control section 110 positions the first flapper FL1 at the second position. Then, the first sheet S is returned to the image forming section 104 from the second path 192, an image is formed on the second surface S2, the sheet is guided by the first flapper FL1, pulled into the third path 193, and then transported to the second switchback roller SR2 and discharged from the second discharge hole 102B to the second sheet tray 203. Next, the second sheet S is returned to the image forming section 104 from the second path 192, and after an image is formed on the second surface S2, it is guided by the first flapper FL1 and pulled into the third path 193, and then transported to the second switchback roller SR2 and discharged from the second discharge hole 102B to the second sheet tray 203.

[0112] 17(b), in the case where three consecutive sheets S are subjected to image formation only on the first surfaces S1 of the sheets S and layer transfer to the second surfaces S2, images are formed on the first surfaces S1 of the three sheets S, as in the case of consecutively transferring two sheets S, and then images are formed on the second surfaces S2 of the three sheets S. In this way, when performing image formation on both surfaces of three or more consecutive sheets S, the first control unit 110 forms an image on the first surface S1 of the first sheet S, and then forms an image on the first surface S1 of the second sheet S before forming an image on the second surface S2 of the first sheet S. In addition, when performing image formation on both surfaces of three or more consecutive sheets S, the first control unit 110 forms an image on the first surface S1 of the second sheet S, and then forms an image on the first surface S1 of the third sheet S before forming an image on the second surface S2 of the second sheet S.

[0113] As shown in Figure 17(c), when the first control unit 110 performs only image formation on the first surface S1 of the sheets S and layer transfer on the second surface S2 of four or more sheets S in succession, the first control unit 110 transports the sheets S to the image forming unit 104 with the first flapper FL1 positioned at the first position.

[0114] Then, as shown in Fig. 14(a), after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the first sheet SH1, as shown in Fig. 14(b), the first sheet SH1 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and drawn into the first path 191. Note that in Figs. 14 to 16, the first sheet SH1 is indicated by a solid line, the second sheet SH2 is indicated by a dashed line, the third sheet SH3 is indicated by a dashed line, and the fourth sheet SH4 is indicated by a dashed double-dashed line.

[0115] Then, as shown in FIG. 14(c), the first control unit 110 pulls back the first sheet SH1 with the first switchback roller SR1 and conveys the second sheet SH2 to the image forming unit 104 at the same time as guiding the first sheet SH1 to the second path 192.

[0116] 15(a), after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the second sheet SH2, the second sheet SH2 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and drawn into the first path 191. At this time, the first sheet SH1 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0117] 15(b), the first control unit 110 conveys the third sheet SH3 from the first supply tray 131 to the image forming unit 104 before the first sheet SH1 reaches the image forming unit 104. At this time, the second sheet SH2 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and drawn into the first path 191.

[0118] 15(c), after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the third sheet SH3, the third sheet SH3 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and drawn into the first path 191. At this time, the first sheet SH1 has reached the image forming unit 104, and the second sheet SH2 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0119] 16(a), the first control unit 110 positions the first flapper FL1 at the second position when the third sheet SH3 moves to the second path 192. Then, after an image is formed on the second side S2 of the first sheet SH1, the first sheet SH1 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and transported to the third path 193. At this time, the second sheet SH2 is positioned on the second path 192. Before the second sheet SH2 reaches the image forming unit 104, the first control unit 110 transports the fourth sheet SH4 from the first supply tray 131 to the image forming unit 104.

[0120] 16(b), the first control unit 110 positions the first flapper FL1 at the first position when the first sheet SH1 moves to the third path 193. Then, after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the fourth sheet SH4, the fourth sheet SH4 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and transported to the first path 191. At this time, the second sheet SH2 has reached the image forming unit 104, and the third sheet SH3 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0121] The first control unit 110 rotates the first switchback roller SR1 to convey the fourth sheet while the second switchback roller SR2 is rotating in the reverse direction to switch back the first sheet SH1. In this way, when performing image formation on both sides of two or more sheets S consecutively, the first control unit 110 rotates the first switchback roller SR1 to convey the other sheets S while the second switchback roller SR2 is rotating in the reverse direction to switch back the sheet S.

[0122] 16(c), the first control unit 110 positions the first flapper FL1 at the second position when the fourth sheet SH4 moves to the second path 192. Then, after an image is formed on the second surface S2 of the second sheet SH2, the second sheet SH2 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and transported to the third path 193. At this time, the first sheet SH1 is discharged from the second discharge hole 102B to the second sheet tray 203. In addition, the third sheet SH3 reaches the image forming unit 104, and the fourth sheet SH4 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0123] Following the first sheet SH1, the second sheet SH2, the third sheet SH3 and the fourth sheet SH4 also have images formed on their second surfaces S2, and are then guided by the first flapper FL1 and transported to the third path 193, and discharged from the second discharge hole 102B to the second sheet tray 203.

[0124] Although detailed explanations are omitted, Figure 18(a) shows the control of the first control unit 110 when five sheets S are printed consecutively, and only image formation is performed on the first surface S1 of the sheets S, and layer transfer is performed on the second surface S2, while Figure 18(b) shows the control of the first control unit 110 when five or more sheets S are printed consecutively on both sides.

[0125] Next, the procedure for transferring the foil will be described. 13, when transferring foil to a sheet S, first, a toner image T is formed on the sheet S by the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet S on which the toner image T has been formed is discharged from the second discharge hole 102B. The sheet S discharged from the second discharge hole 102B is stacked on the second sheet tray 203.

[0126] Next, when a sheet S on which a toner image T has been formed is placed on the second sheet tray 203 of the layer transfer device 200, the sheet sensor SS1 sends an ON signal to the second control unit 280. When the sheet sensor SS1 sends an ON signal, the second control unit 280 drives the first supply roller 211A to perform layer transfer. When the first supply roller 211A is driven, the sheet S is sent to the transfer unit 250, where the sheet S and the foil film FF are thermocompressed together. As shown in FIG. 9(b), when the sheet S and the foil film FF are thermocompressed together, the foil transfer layer FF3 is pressed onto the area where the toner image T is formed, but not onto the area where the toner image T is not formed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the foil transfer layer FF3 is pressed onto only the area where the toner image T is formed, and the foil transfer layer FF3 not pressed onto the toner image T remains on the foil film FF. In this way, the layer transfer device 200 transfers the foil transfer layer FF3 onto the toner image T. At this time, the foil base layer FF1 is automatically peeled off by the layer transferring device 200 and wound onto the take-up reel 235.

[0127] Next, a procedure for transferring the toner image T onto the fabric CL using the transfer printing sheet PS will be described.

[0128] When transferring a toner image T to a fabric CL, the toner image T is formed on a transfer printing sheet PS, which is a material for forming a printing layer, by the image forming apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 12(b).

[0129] Then, when the transfer printing sheet PS is sent to the transfer unit 250 of the layer transfer device 200, as shown in FIG. 10(b), in the transfer unit 250, the transfer printing sheet PS and the viscoelastic layer film PF are thermocompression bonded in a state where they overlap. When the transfer printing sheet PS and the viscoelastic layer film PF are thermocompression bonded in a state where they overlap, the viscoelastic layer PF3 is pressure bonded to the portion where the toner image T is formed. Note that the viscoelastic layer PF3 is not pressure bonded to the portion where the toner image T is not formed.

[0130] Then, when the portion where the toner image T is formed moves to the second guide shaft 242, the transfer printing sheet PS advances along the conveyance path of the sheet S as it is, and the viscoelastic layer film PF is guided by the second guide shaft 242, the traveling direction is changed, and it is guided downward. Then, as shown in FIG. 10(c), since the first peeling force H1 of the first peeling layer PF2, which is the force required to peel the first base material layer PF1 from the viscoelastic layer PF3, is smaller than the second peeling force H2 of the second peeling layer PS2, which is the force required to peel the second base material layer PS1 from the toner image T (H1 < H2), the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 remain on the transfer printing sheet PS, and the viscoelastic layer PF3 corresponding to the portion where the toner image T is not formed remains on the viscoelastic layer film PF. In this way, the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred to the toner image T of the transfer printing sheet PS.

[0131] Next, as shown in FIG. 12(c), with the viscoelastic layer PF3 transferred to the toner image T of the transfer printing sheet PS, the transfer printing sheet PS is overlaid on the fabric CL and heated and pressure welded with a dedicated press machine (not shown). Then, the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 are pressure bonded to the fabric CL (S3).

[0132] When the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 are pressure bonded to the fabric CL, the user peels off the second base material layer PS1 of the transfer printing sheet PS (S4). When the second base material layer PS1 of the transfer printing sheet PS is peeled off, as shown in FIG. 12(d), only the toner image T and the viscoelastic layer PF3 remain on the fabric CL.

[0133] The effects of the present embodiment described above will be described.

[0134] Conventionally, when performing image formation and layer transfer, an image is formed on a sheet S using an image forming apparatus, and then the user moves the image-formed sheet S to a layer transfer device. However, the transfer unit 1 of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a layer transfer device 200, and the layer transfer device 200 includes a second sheet tray 203 that receives the sheet S discharged from the first housing 102 of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, image formation and layer transfer can be performed without the user having to move the sheet S from the image forming apparatus 100 to the layer transfer device 200. Furthermore, in this transfer unit 1, the first supply roller 211A of the layer transfer device 200 is disposed below the second switchback roller SR2 of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the sheet S discharged from the second switchback roller SR2 moves to the first supply roller 211A by gravity. As a result, image formation and layer transfer can be performed without the user having to move the sheet S from the image forming apparatus 100 to the layer transfer device 200.

[0135] The transfer unit 1 also includes an image forming device 100 capable of double-sided printing and a layer transfer device 200. The image forming device 100 includes a first path 191, a second path 192, and a first switchback roller SR1, and the layer transfer device 200 includes a second sheet tray 203 that receives the sheet S discharged from the first housing 102 of the image forming device 100. Therefore, double-sided printing and layer transfer can be performed without the user having to move the sheet S from the image forming device 100 to the layer transfer device 200.

[0136] Furthermore, the distance L1 from the second switchback roller SR2 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the first supply roller 211A of the layer transfer device 200 is greater than the dimension in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. Therefore, the second sheet tray 203 can hold a plurality of sheets S on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, even if the number of sheets per unit time on which images are formed by the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the number of sheets per unit time on which layers are transferred by the layer transfer device 200, the sheets S can be stocked in the second sheet tray 203.

[0137] In addition, the upper end P1 of the sheet stacking surface W21, W51 of the second sheet tray 203 is located below the guide surface 122A in a direction perpendicular to the guide surface 122A at the lower end of the guide surface 122A of the discharge guide 122, so that it is possible to prevent the sheet S from slipping into the stack stacked on the second sheet tray 203.

[0138] Furthermore, since the angle θ1 of the sheet stacking surface 271A on the discharge tray 270 of the layer transfer device 200 with respect to the horizontal plane is greater than 45° (θ1>45°), it is possible to prevent interference between the sheets S stacked on the discharge tray 270 and the next sheet S to be discharged. In particular, when the viscoelastic layer PF3 is transferred onto the sheet stacking surface 271A, the frictional force of the viscoelastic layer PF3 is large, and therefore, if the angle θ1 of the sheet stacking surface 271A is small, the viscoelastic layer PF3 and the sheets S interfere with each other and the sheets S are not stacked properly.

[0139] Furthermore, since the angle θ2 of the sheet stacking surfaces W21, W51 of the second sheet tray 203 relative to the horizontal plane is greater than 45° (θ2>45°), interference between the sheets S stacked on the second sheet tray 203 and the sheets S to be next stacked on the second sheet tray 203 can be prevented.

[0140] Furthermore, since the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a plurality of supply trays, if different types of sheets S are placed on the plurality of supply trays, image formation and layer transfer can be performed on a plurality of types of sheets S.

[0141] Furthermore, when forming images on both sides of three or more sheets S consecutively, the first control unit 110 forms an image on the first side S1 of the third sheet S after forming an image on the first side S1 of the second sheet S and before forming an image on the second side S2 of the second sheet S. This makes it possible to reduce the number of operations of guide members such as the first flapper FL1 compared to when forming images on the first side S1 and second side S2 of the first sheet S, then forming images on the first side S1 and second side S2 of the second sheet S, and then forming images on the first side S1 and second side S2 of the third sheet S.

[0142] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and the parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0143] As shown in Fig. 19, in the transfer unit 1A of the second embodiment, the layer transfer device 200 is disposed above the image forming apparatus 100A. That is, the layer transfer device 200 is located above the photosensitive drum 161. The transfer unit 1A includes the image forming apparatus 100A and the layer transfer device 200. The image forming apparatus 100A differs from the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a transport attachment 300 and has a second flapper FL2. The configuration of the layer transfer device 200 is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0144] The transport attachment 300 includes a base 301 on which the second layer transfer device 200B is placed, a third housing 302, a third discharge roller 303, and a plurality of transport rollers 304.

[0145] The third housing 302 can be attached to the first housing 102. The third housing 302 has a third discharge hole 302A and a fourth path 305. The third discharge hole 302A is a hole formed on the upper part of the third housing 302 for discharging the sheet S. The third discharge hole 302A faces downward.

[0146] The fourth path 305 is provided inside the third housing 302. The fourth path 305 branches off from the first path 191 and guides the sheet S from the first path 191 to the third discharge roller 303. Specifically, after branching off from the first path 191, the first path 191 extends upward by the height of the layer transfer device 200, makes a vertical U-turn while heading rearward, and extends downward to the third discharge hole 302A. Note that a connecting path CR is formed between the first path 191 and the fourth path 305, connecting the first path 191 and the fourth path 305 (see FIG. 20 ).

[0147] The third discharge roller 303 is provided inside the third housing 302 and is a roller that discharges the sheet S from inside the third housing 302 to outside the third housing. The third discharge roller 303 is provided near the third discharge hole 302A and discharges the sheet S downward. The sheet S discharged from the third discharge hole 302A is guided to the second sheet tray 203 of the layer transfer device 200.

[0148] The third discharge roller 303 is disposed above the first supply roller 211A of the layer transfer device 200. Furthermore, the distance L2 from the third discharge roller 303 to the first supply roller 211A is greater than the dimension of the sheet S in the conveying direction.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 20, the second flapper FL2 is provided on the first housing 102. The second flapper FL2 is located between the first switchback roller SR1 and the first discharge roller 194. The second flapper FL2 is movable between a third position indicated by a solid line and a fourth position indicated by a two-dot chain line. When the second flapper FL2 is located at the third position, it guides the sheet S conveyed from the image forming unit 104 to the first path 191.

[0150] The control performed by the first control unit 110 for one sheet S is described below in the case where only image formation is performed on the first surface S1 of the sheet S and layer transfer is performed on the second surface S2.

[0151] The first control unit 110 forms a first image IM1 on a first surface S1 of the sheet S, and after forming the image on the first surface S1, forms a second image IM2 on the second surface S2.

[0152] 21, the first control unit 110 places the second flapper FL2 in the fourth position and transports the sheet S from the first path 191 to the fourth path 305. At this time, the sheet S moves up the fourth path 305 with the second surface S2 of the sheet S facing backward. The sheet S then makes an up-and-down U-turn along the fourth path 305, and is discharged from the third discharge hole 302A with the second surface S2 of the sheet S facing forward.

[0153] The sheet S discharged from the third discharge hole 302A is stacked on the second sheet tray 203 with its second surface S2, i.e., the surface on which the toner image T is formed, facing downward. The layer transfer device 200 transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film F onto the lower surface of the sheet S received on the second sheet tray 203.

[0154] Next, an example of control executed by the first control unit 110 of the transfer unit 1A and the second control unit 280 of the layer transfer device 200 will be described.

[0155] As shown in Figure 22(a), when the first control unit 110 performs only image formation on the first surface S1 of four or more sheets S in succession and performs layer transfer on the second surface S2, the first control unit 110 transports the first sheet SH1 to the image forming unit 104 with the second flapper FL2 positioned at the third position.

[0156] Then, after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the first sheet SH1, as shown in Fig. 22(b), the first sheet SH1 is guided by the second flapper FL2 and drawn into the first path 191. Note that in Figs. 22 to 24, the first sheet SH1 is indicated by a solid line, the second sheet SH2 is indicated by a dashed line, the third sheet SH3 is indicated by a dashed line, and the fourth sheet SH4 is indicated by a dashed double-dashed line.

[0157] Then, as shown in Figure 22(c), the first control unit 110 transports the second sheet SH2 to the image forming unit 104 at the same time that the first sheet SH1 is pulled back by the first switchback roller SR1 and guided to the second path 192.

[0158] 23(a), after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the second sheet SH2, the second sheet SH2 is guided by the second flapper FL2 and drawn into the first path 191. At this time, the first sheet SH1 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0159] 23(b), the first control unit 110 conveys the third sheet SH3 from the first supply tray 131 to the image forming unit 104 before the first sheet SH1 reaches the image forming unit 104. At this time, the second sheet SH2 is guided by the second flapper FL2 and drawn into the first path 191.

[0160] 23(c), after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the third sheet SH3, the third sheet SH3 is guided by the second flapper FL2 and drawn into the first path 191. At this time, the first sheet SH1 has reached the image forming unit 104, and the second sheet SH2 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0161] 24(a), the first control unit 110 positions the second flapper FL2 at the fourth position when the third sheet SH3 moves to the second path 192. Then, after an image is formed on the second side S2 of the first sheet SH1, the first sheet SH1 is guided by the second flapper FL2 and transported to the fourth path 305. At this time, the second sheet SH2 is positioned on the second path 192. The first control unit 110 transports the fourth sheet SH4 to the image forming unit 104 before the second sheet SH2 reaches the image forming unit 104.

[0162] 24(b), the first control unit 110 positions the second flapper FL2 at the third position when the first sheet SH1 moves to the fourth path 305. Then, after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the fourth sheet SH4, the fourth sheet SH4 is guided by the second flapper FL2 and transported to the first path 191. At this time, the second sheet SH2 has reached the image forming unit 104, and the third sheet SH3 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0163] 24(c), the first control unit 110 positions the second flapper FL2 at the fourth position when the fourth sheet SH4 moves to the second path 192. Then, after an image is formed on the second surface S2 of the second sheet SH2, the second sheet SH2 is guided by the second flapper FL2 and transported to the fourth path 305. At this time, the first sheet SH1 is discharged from the third discharge hole 302A to the second sheet tray 203. In addition, the third sheet SH3 reaches the image forming unit 104, and the fourth sheet SH4 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0164] Following the first sheet SH1, the second sheet SH2, the third sheet SH3 and the fourth sheet SH4 also have images formed on their second surfaces S2, and are then guided by the second flapper FL2 located at the fourth position, transported to the third path 193 and discharged from the third discharge hole 302A to the second sheet tray 203.

[0165] As described above, the transfer unit 1A of the second embodiment also allows image formation and layer transfer to be performed without the user having to move the sheet S from the image forming apparatus 100A to the layer transfer apparatus 200, as in the first embodiment.

[0166] Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and the parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 25, the transfer unit 1B of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that it includes one image forming device and two layer transfer devices. The transfer unit 1B includes an image forming device 100B, a first layer transfer device 200A, and a second layer transfer device 200B. The first layer transfer device 200A is located below the photosensitive drum 161. The second layer transfer device 200B is located above the photosensitive drum 161. The image forming apparatus 100B is equipped with a transport attachment 300, similar to the transfer unit 1A of the second embodiment, and has a second flapper FL2.

[0168] The first layer transfer device 200A discharges the sheet S on which the layer transfer has been performed to the front. The second layer transfer device 200B discharges the sheet S on which the layer transfer has been performed to the rear. Thus, in the transfer unit 1B, the second layer transfer device 200B discharges the sheet S in the opposite direction to the first layer transfer device 200A.

[0169] The first sheet tray 121 of the image forming apparatus 100B is located between the second sheet tray 203 of the first layer transfer device 200A and the second sheet tray 203 of the second layer transfer device 200B in the vertical direction. The second sheet tray 203 of the second layer transfer device 200B is an example of a third sheet tray.

[0170] The first control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100B controls the first flapper FL1 and the second flapper FL2 to alternately discharge the sheets S on which the toner images T have been formed to the first layer transfer device 200A and the second layer transfer device 200B. In this case, the first control unit 110 may alternately discharge one sheet at a time or two sheets at a time. The first control unit 110 may also determine to which of the first layer transfer device 200A and the second layer transfer device 200B the sheets are discharged depending on the type of image to be transferred and the type of sheet S.

[0171] When the first control unit 110 receives error information from the first layer transfer device 200A, it controls the first flapper FL1 and the second flapper FL2 to discharge the sheet S only to the second layer transfer device 200B. Similarly, when the first control unit 110 receives error information from the second layer transfer device 200B, it controls the first flapper FL1 and the second flapper FL2 to discharge the sheet S only to the first layer transfer device 200A. The error information is information indicating a state in which layer transfer cannot be performed, such as a state in which the multilayer film F is missing or a paper jam has occurred. The error information is sent from the second control unit 280 to the first control unit 110 by communication means such as wired, wireless, or via a network.

[0172] Next, an example of control executed by the first control unit 110 of the transfer unit 1B and the second control unit 280 of the layer transfer device 200 will be described.

[0173] As shown in Figure 27(a), when the first control unit 110 performs only image formation on the first surface S1 of the sheets S and layer transfer on the second surface S2 of four or more sheets S in succession, the first control unit 110 transports the first sheet SH1 to the image forming unit 104 with the first flapper FL1 positioned at the first position and the second flapper FL2 positioned at the third position.

[0174] Then, after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the first sheet SH1, as shown in Fig. 27(b), the first sheet SH1 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and the second flapper FL2 and drawn into the first path 191. Note that in Figs. 27 to 29, the first sheet SH1 is indicated by a solid line, the second sheet SH2 is indicated by a dashed line, the third sheet SH3 is indicated by a dashed line, and the fourth sheet SH4 is indicated by a dashed double-dashed line.

[0175] Then, as shown in Figure 27(c), the first control unit 110 transports the second sheet SH2 to the image forming unit 104 at the same time that the first sheet SH1 is pulled back by the first switchback roller SR1 and guided to the second path 192.

[0176] 28(a), after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the second sheet SH2, the second sheet SH2 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and the second flapper FL2 and drawn into the first path 191. At this time, the first sheet SH1 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0177] 28(b), before the first sheet SH1 reaches the image forming unit 104, the first control unit 110 conveys the third sheet SH3 from the first supply tray 131 to the image forming unit 104. At this time, the second sheet SH2 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and the second flapper FL2 and drawn into the first path 191.

[0178] 28(c), after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the third sheet SH3, the third sheet SH3 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and the second flapper FL2 and drawn into the first path 191. At this time, the first sheet SH1 has reached the image forming unit 104, and the second sheet SH2 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0179] 29(a), the first control unit 110 positions the second flapper FL2 at the fourth position when the third sheet SH3 moves to the second path 192. Then, after an image is formed on the second side S2 of the first sheet SH1, the first sheet SH1 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and transported to the third path 193. At this time, the second sheet SH2 is positioned on the second path 192. Before the second sheet SH2 reaches the image forming unit 104, the first control unit 110 transports the fourth sheet SH4 from the first supply tray 131 to the image forming unit 104.

[0180] 29(b), the first control unit 110 positions the first flapper FL1 at the second position when the first sheet SH1 moves to the third path 193. Then, after an image is formed on the first side S1 of the fourth sheet SH4, the fourth sheet SH4 is guided by the first flapper FL1 and the second flapper FL2 and conveyed to the first path 191. At this time, the second sheet SH2 has reached the image forming unit 104, and the third sheet SH3 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0181] 29(c), the first control unit 110 positions the second flapper FL2 at the fourth position when the fourth sheet SH4 moves to the second path 192. Then, after an image is formed on the second surface S2 of the second sheet SH2, the second sheet SH2 is guided by the second flapper FL2 and transported to the fourth path 305. At this time, the first sheet SH1 is discharged from the second discharge hole 102B to the second sheet tray 203 of the first layer transfer device 200A. In addition, the third sheet SH3 reaches the image forming unit 104, and the fourth sheet SH4 is positioned on the second path 192.

[0182] The second sheet SH2 is conveyed to the fourth path 305, and then discharged from the third discharge hole 302A onto the second sheet tray 203 of the second layer transfer device 200B.

[0183] After this, by similar control, the third sheet SH3 is discharged from the second discharge hole 102B to the second sheet tray 203 of the first layer transfer device 200A, and the third sheet SH4 is transported to the fourth path 305 and then discharged from the third discharge hole 302A to the second sheet tray 203 of the second layer transfer device 200B.

[0184] As described above, with the transfer unit 1B of the third embodiment, as with the first embodiment, image formation and layer transfer can be performed without the user having to move the sheet S from the image forming device 100B to the first layer transfer device 200A and the second layer transfer device 200B.

[0185] In the third embodiment, two layer transfer devices are arranged for one image forming apparatus 100B, so that when the number of sheets per unit time on which images are formed by the image forming apparatus 100B is greater than the number of sheets per unit time on which layers are transferred by the layer transfer devices, image formation and layer transfer of the sheet S can be performed efficiently.

[0186] Furthermore, by discharging the sheet from the second layer transfer device 200B in the opposite direction to the first layer transfer device 200A, when there are multiple users using the layer-transferred sheet S, the sheet S can be used efficiently. For example, when there are multiple workers pressing the transferred paper into T-shirts or the like on a production line using layer transfer, the workers can work more easily if the discharge directions from the two layer transfer devices are different.

[0187] Furthermore, since the first control unit 110 alternately discharges the sheet S on which the toner image T is formed to the first layer transfer device 200A and the second layer transfer device 200B, printing and layer transfer can be performed on many sheets even if the number of sheets per unit time on which images are formed by the image forming device 100B is greater than the number of sheets per unit time on which layers are transferred by the layer transfer device.

[0188] Furthermore, when the first control unit 110 receives error information from the first layer transfer device 200A, it ejects the sheet S only to the second layer transfer device 200B, and when it receives error information from the second layer transfer device 200B, it ejects the sheet S only to the first layer transfer device 200A, thereby preventing the sheet S from being sent to the layer transfer device that received the error information.

[0189] The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In each of the above-described embodiments, the image forming apparatus includes a re-feed path, but the re-feed path can be omitted. For example, as shown in Fig. 30, the image forming apparatus 100C of the fourth embodiment does not include a re-feed path and therefore cannot perform double-sided printing. However, as in each of the above-described embodiments, image formation and layer transfer can be performed without the user having to move the sheet S from the image forming apparatus 100C to the layer transfer apparatus 200.

[0190] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the second switchback roller SR2 is exemplified as an example of the second discharge roller, but the second discharge roller may be a roller separate from the second switchback roller SR2. 30, the image forming apparatus 100C of the fourth embodiment includes an exit roller ER as an example of a second discharge roller. The exit roller ER is provided on the third path 193 and is located below the second switchback roller SR2. The exit roller ER is located below the photosensitive drum 161. The exit roller ER, together with the second switchback roller SR2, transports the sheet S in the third path 193 to the outside of the first housing 102, i.e., toward the first sheet tray 121.

[0191] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the second switchback roller SR2 is exemplified as an example of the second discharge roller, but the second discharge roller may be a roller separate from the second switchback roller SR2. 30, the image forming apparatus 100C of the fourth embodiment includes an exit roller ER as an example of a second discharge roller. The exit roller ER is provided on the third path 193 and is located below the second switchback roller SR2. The exit roller ER is located below the photosensitive drum 161. The exit roller ER, together with the second switchback roller SR2, transports the sheet S in the third path 193 to the outside of the first housing 102, i.e., toward the first sheet tray 121.

[0192] The fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the first embodiment described above, image forming apparatus 100A includes third path 193, second switchback roller SR2, and first flapper FL1, but these may be omitted (see FIG. 4). For example, as shown in FIG. 31, in image forming apparatus 100G of the fifth embodiment, first switchback roller SR1 rotates in a first direction to draw a sheet into first path 191, and then rotates in a second direction to convey the sheet from first path 191 toward second discharge hole 102B, and discharges sheet S from discharge path 199 to the outside of first housing 102.

[0193] The sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the third embodiment described above, the first layer transfer device 200A is disposed below the image forming device 100B, and the second layer transfer device 200B is disposed above the image forming device 100B. However, two layer transfer devices may be disposed below the image forming device. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, a transfer unit 1D of the sixth embodiment includes an image forming device 100D, a first layer transfer device 200D, and a second layer transfer device 200E. The first layer transfer device 200D and the second layer transfer device 200E are positioned below the photosensitive drum 161. The first layer transfer device 200D and the second layer transfer device 200E are disposed side by side in the horizontal direction. Both the first layer transfer device 200D and the second layer transfer device 200E discharge the sheet S forward.

[0194] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the sheet S is stacked on the second sheet tray 203 with the side on which the toner image T to be transferred faces downward, and the layer transfer device transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film to the lower surface of the sheet S (see Figure 13), but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, a transfer unit 1F of a seventh embodiment shown in Figure 33 includes an image forming apparatus 100F and a layer transfer apparatus 200F. The image forming apparatus 100F forms a toner image T on the upper surface of a sheet S. Thereafter, the sheet S is stacked on a second sheet tray 203 with the surface on which the toner image T, on which layer transfer is to be performed, facing upward. The layer transfer apparatus 200F transfers at least one layer of a multilayer film F onto the upper surface of the sheet S.

[0195] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be practiced by appropriately modifying them as exemplified below.

[0196] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the first discharge hole 102A of the first housing 102 faces backward and the second discharge hole 102B faces downward, but the first discharge hole 102A and the second discharge hole 102B may face in another direction.

[0197] In the above-described embodiment, the second switchback roller SR2 discharges the sheet S downward, but the sheet S may be discharged in another direction, for example, forward.

[0198] The image forming device may be a printer, a multifunction device, a copier, or the like.

[0199] Furthermore, the elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples can be implemented in appropriate combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 1 Transcription unit 100 Image forming device 102 1st cabinet 104 Image forming unit 121 First sheet tray 161 Photosensitive drum 191 Route 1 192 Route 2 193 Route 3 200 layer transfer device 202 Second cabinet 203 Second sheet tray 211A First supply roller 250 Transfer unit F Multilayer film SR1 First switchback roller SR2 Second switchback roller

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, a first housing having a first sheet tray at an upper portion; an image forming unit having a photosensitive drum and forming a toner image on a sheet; a first discharge roller for discharging the sheet onto the first sheet tray; a second discharge roller configured to discharge the sheet to an outside of the first housing, the second discharge roller configured to discharge the sheet to a position different from that of the first discharge roller; a first path along which a sheet discharged from the image forming unit is guided; a second path branching from the first path and guiding the sheet from the first path back to the image forming unit; a first switchback roller disposed on the first path, which rotates forward to transport the sheet guided to the first path outward from the first housing, and rotates reverse to invert the sheet and transport it to the second path; an image forming apparatus including a third path branching from the first path and guiding a sheet from the first path to the second discharge roller; a first layer transfer device that overlays a multilayer film made of a plurality of layers on a surface of a sheet on which a toner image is formed, and transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image, A second housing; a first transfer unit disposed within the second housing, nipping the multilayer film and the sheet and transferring at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image on the sheet; a second sheet tray disposed on an upper portion of the second housing and configured to receive the sheets discharged from the second discharge roller; a first supply roller that supplies the sheet on the second sheet tray to the first transfer unit, the first supply roller being disposed below the second discharge roller; a first layer transfer device comprising: A transfer unit comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit, the first layer transfer device is configured to transfer at least one layer of the multilayer film to a lower surface of the sheet received in the second sheet tray; The control unit forming a first image on a first side of a sheet; After forming the image on the first side, a second image is formed on a second side of the sheet opposite to the first side; 2. The transfer unit according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus discharges the sheet onto the second sheet tray with the second surface of the sheet facing downward.

3. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit, the first layer transfer device is configured to transfer at least one layer of the multilayer film onto an upper surface of the sheet received in the second sheet tray; the control unit forms a first image on a first side of a sheet; 2. The transfer unit according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus discharges the sheet onto the second sheet tray with the first surface of the sheet facing upward.

4. When the control unit receives data of a first image to be formed on the first surface and data of a second image to be formed on the second surface, forming a normal image of the first image on the first surface of the sheet; 3. The transfer unit according to claim 2, wherein a mirror image of the second image is formed on the second surface of the sheet.

5. the layer transferred to the sheet of multilayer film comprises a viscoelastic layer that enables the second image to be adhered to fabric; 5. The transfer unit of claim 4, wherein the first image includes at least one of a line, a character, a barcode, and a two-dimensional barcode associated with the second image.

6. 3. The transfer unit according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises a first flapper movable between a first position where the sheet transported from the image forming unit is guided to the first path and a second position where the sheet transported from the image forming unit is guided to the third path.

7. the image forming apparatus, a third housing attachable to the first housing; a third discharge roller provided in the third housing and configured to discharge a sheet from inside the third housing to outside the third housing; a fourth path provided in the third housing, branching from the first path and guiding the sheet from the first path to the third discharge roller; a second flapper movable between a third position where the sheet conveyed from the image forming unit is guided to the first path and a fourth position where the sheet conveyed from the image forming unit is guided to the fourth path, the transfer unit is a second layer transfer device that overlays a multilayer film made of a plurality of layers on the surface of the sheet on which the toner image is formed, and transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image, A fourth housing; a second transfer unit disposed within the fourth housing, nipping the multilayer film and the sheet and transferring at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image on the sheet; a third sheet tray disposed on an upper portion of the fourth housing and configured to receive sheets discharged from the first housing; a second supply roller that supplies the sheet on the third sheet tray to the second transfer unit, the second supply roller being disposed below the third discharge roller; The transfer unit of claim 6 further comprising a second layer transfer device comprising:

8. the first layer transfer device is located below the photosensitive drum; 8. The transfer unit according to claim 7, wherein the second layer transfer device is located above the photosensitive drum.

9. 9. The transfer unit according to claim 8, wherein the first sheet tray is positioned between the second sheet tray and the third sheet tray in the vertical direction.

10. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit, The transfer unit according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit controls the first flapper and the second flapper to alternately discharge the sheet on which the toner image is formed to the first layer transfer device and the second layer transfer device.

11. The control unit When error information is received from the first layer transfer device, the first flapper and the second flapper are controlled to discharge the sheet only to the second layer transfer device; The transfer unit according to claim 7 , wherein when error information is received from the second layer transfer device, the transfer unit controls the first flapper and the second flapper to discharge the sheet only to the first layer transfer device.

12. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit, When image formation is performed on both sides of three or more sheets consecutively, the control unit After forming an image on the first side of the first sheet, and before forming an image on the second side of the first sheet, forming an image on the first side of the second sheet; 2. The transfer unit according to claim 1, wherein an image is formed on the first side of a third sheet after an image is formed on the first side of a second sheet and before an image is formed on the second side of the second sheet.

13. the image forming apparatus, a second switchback roller disposed on the third path, which rotates forward to draw the sheet from the first path to the third path and rotates backward to invert the sheet and transport the sheet outside the first housing; 13. The transfer unit according to claim 12, wherein the first sheet is discharged from the third path when the first switchback roller is rotated in the reverse direction to switch back the second sheet.

14. the image forming apparatus, a second switchback roller disposed on the third path, which rotates forward to draw the sheet from the first path to the third path and rotates backward to invert the sheet and transport the sheet outside the first housing; When image formation is performed on both sides of two or more sheets consecutively, the control unit 13. The transfer unit according to claim 12, wherein, when the second switchback roller is rotated in the reverse direction to switch back a sheet, the first switchback roller is rotated to transport another sheet.

15. 8. The transfer unit according to claim 7, wherein the second layer transfer device discharges the sheet in a direction opposite to that of the first layer transfer device.

Images