Image forming apparatus

Abstract

When printing images such as posters in sections, this prevents the media from wrapping around the fixing material. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 100 comprises an image forming unit 50 that forms a toner image on a medium, a fixing unit 70 that fixes the toner image to the medium, a transport unit that transports the medium, and a control unit 101. When the image forming unit 50 divides the overall image 6 into multiple media S1 to Sn for printing, the control unit 101 adds margins S1 to Sn to each of the multiple media M1 to Mn, and the transport unit causes the multiple media M1 to Mn to pass through the fixing unit 70 with their respective margins S1 to Sn at the front.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus capable of printing an image such as a poster using an electrophotographic method.

Background Art

[0002] When printing a borderless poster or the like using an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, a technique of dividing an image into a plurality of pages and printing is known. At the time of printing, a margin for bonding is provided at a predetermined position of the page, and a mark indicating a cutting position is printed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, after an image (developer image) is formed on a medium such as printing paper by an image forming unit, the image is thermally fixed to the medium by a fixing unit. In the case of a borderless image, since the image is formed up to the leading end of the medium, when the medium passes through the fixing unit, the developer at the leading end of the medium melts and adheres to the fixing member (for example, a fixing roller), and there is a possibility that the medium wraps around the fixing member. Wrapping of the medium leads to printing defects and paper jams.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to prevent the medium from wrapping around in the fixing unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The image forming apparatus disclosed herein comprises an image forming unit for forming a developer image on a medium, a fixing unit for fixing the developer image on the medium, a transport unit for transporting the medium, and a control unit. When the image forming unit divides an image into multiple media for printing, the control unit provides a margin at one end of each medium, and the transport unit causes the multiple media to pass through the fixing unit with the margin at the front of each medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the image forming apparatus disclosed herein, the media passes through the fixing section with the margin leading, thus preventing the media from becoming entangled in the fixing section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the control system of the image forming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the computer processing in the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure (A) shows the overall image of the poster according to the embodiment, and Figure (B) shows the divided images. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figures (A) to (D) show the first to fourth segmented images of the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figures (A) and (B) show the first and second segmented images of the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figures (A) and (B) show the third and fourth segmented images of the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the first to fourth printed materials, each printed on a medium, with the first to fourth divided images of the embodiment printed on each medium. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the method for combining the first to fourth printed materials according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing a poster combining the first to fourth printed materials of Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the fixing operation in the fixing unit of Embodiment 1.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] <Image Forming System> FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an image forming system 10 of the present embodiment. The image forming system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a computer 200 as an information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 and the computer 200 are communicably connected via a network.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 110, a communication unit 111, a display unit 112, an operation unit 113, and a printer engine 114.

[0011] The control unit 101 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 101 executes a printing operation based on the print data received from the computer 200 according to a control program stored in the storage unit 110.

[0012] The control unit 101 has a margin adding function 102, an image rotation function 103, a cutting line adding function 104, and a medium direction determination function 105. These functions will be described later.

[0013] The storage unit 110 is a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and stores a control program and various information necessary for the printing operation.

[0014] The communication unit 111 is an interface part for communication with the computer 200. The image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from the computer 200 via the communication unit 111.

[0015] The display unit 112 is a part that displays information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus 100, and is composed of, for example, an LED, an LCD (liquid crystal display), etc. The operation unit 113 is a part that receives user operations, and is composed of, for example, a switch.

[0016] The printer engine 114 is a mechanical part that executes a printing operation for forming an image on a medium, and includes an image forming unit 50, a fixing unit 70, and a medium supply unit 80 (FIG. 2) described later.

[0017] The computer 200 (host computer) has a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, a display unit 203, an operation unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

[0018] <0OO00100>The control unit 201 has, for example, a CPU. The communication unit 202 is an interface part for communication with the image forming apparatus 100. The computer 200 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication unit 202.

[0019] The display unit 203 is a part that displays information necessary for user instruction input, etc., and is composed of, for example, an LCD, etc. The operation unit 204 is a part that receives user operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0020] The storage unit 205 is a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. In the storage unit 205, for example, an application 206, a printer driver 207, and an operating system are stored.

[0021] The control unit 201 calls and executes the application 206 and the printer driver 207 stored in the storage unit 205. The printer driver 207 has an image division function 208, which will be described later.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is configured as, for example, an electrophotographic printer that forms a color image using the electrophotographic method.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a media supply unit 80, an image forming unit 50, and a fixing unit (fixing device) 70.

[0024] The media supply unit 80 is the part that supplies media to the image forming unit 50. Preferably, the media supply unit 80 has two media supply units 81 and 82.

[0025] The first media supply unit 81 has a media cassette 81a and a paper feed unit 81b. The media cassette 81a contains, for example, A4-sized media placed vertically. The paper feed unit 81b is driven by a paper feed motor (not shown) and feeds the media toward the image forming unit 50. The media in the first media supply unit 81 is transported by horizontal feed. Horizontal feed means that the media is transported in a position where its long side intersects the transport direction, and is also called LEF (Long Edge Feed).

[0026] The second media supply unit 82 has a media cassette 82a and a paper feed unit 82b. The media cassette 82a contains, for example, A4-sized media placed horizontally. The paper feed unit 82b is driven by a paper feed motor (not shown) and feeds the media toward the image forming unit 50. The media in the second media supply unit 82 is transported in a vertical feed manner. Vertical feed means that the media is transported in a position where its short side intersects the transport direction, and is also called SEF (Short Edge Feed).

[0027] The size of the media contained in media cassettes 81a and 82a, and the transport method (horizontal or vertical), can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the number of media supply units is not limited to two; there may be three or more.

[0028] The image forming unit 50 has process units 5K, 5Y, 5M, and 5C. Process units 5K, 5Y, 5M, and 5C form toner images (developer images) of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan.

[0029] Process units 5K, 5Y, 5M, and 5C share a common configuration except for the toner; therefore, unless there is a need to distinguish between them, they will be described as process unit 5.

[0030] The process unit 5 includes a photoreceptor drum 51 as an image carrier, a charging roller 52 as a charging member, a developing roller 54 as a developer carrier, and a supply roller 55 as a supply member. A toner cartridge 56 is also installed in the process unit 5.

[0031] The photoreceptor drum 51 is a drum-shaped component having a photoreceptor layer on the surface of a conductive support, in which a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer are laminated. The photoreceptor drum 51 rotates clockwise in the figure by a drive motor (not shown).

[0032] The charging roller 52 is positioned to contact the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51 and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the photoreceptor drum 51. A charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 52, uniformly charging the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51.

[0033] An exposure head 53, which serves as an exposure device, is positioned opposite the photoreceptor drum 51. The exposure head 53 has an array of light-emitting elements arranged in the axial direction of the photoreceptor drum 51. The light-emitting elements are, for example, LEDs (light-emitting diodes). The exposure head 53 irradiates light onto the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51 to form an electrostatic latent image.

[0034] The developing roller 54 is positioned to contact the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51 and rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation of the photoreceptor drum 51. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 54, causing toner (developer) to adhere to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51.

[0035] The supply roller 55 is positioned to contact the surface of the developing roller 54 and rotates in the same direction as the developing roller 54. The supply roller 55 is subjected to a supply voltage and supplies toner to the developing roller 54.

[0036] Of the process unit 5, the portion including the developing roller 54 and the supply roller 55, that is, the portion that contributes to developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 51, constitutes the developing section.

[0037] The process unit 5 is fitted with a toner cartridge 56, which serves as a developer container for holding toner. The toner cartridge 56 contains toner and supplies toner to the developing unit through a toner supply port (not shown).

[0038] In addition to the components described above, the process unit 5 may also be equipped with a layer-regulating blade for regulating the thickness of the toner layer on the surface of the developing roller 54, and a cleaning member for removing residual toner from the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51.

[0039] The image forming unit 50 also has a transfer unit located below the process units 5K, 5Y, 5M, and 5C. The transfer unit has four transfer rollers 57 positioned opposite each photoreceptor drum 51 of the process units 5K, 5Y, 5M, and 5C.

[0040] The transfer unit also includes a transfer belt 58 as a transfer material that passes between the photoreceptor drums 51 and transfer rollers 57 of each process unit 5K, 5Y, 5M, and 5C, and a drive roller 59 and a tension roller 60 on which the transfer belt 58 is stretched.

[0041] The transfer belt 58 is an endless belt that holds and moves the medium by adsorption. The drive roller 59 rotates counterclockwise in the figure by a belt drive motor (not shown) to move the transfer belt 58. The tension roller 60 applies tension to the transfer belt 58. The transfer roller 57 is subjected to a transfer voltage and transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor drum 51 to the medium on the transfer belt 58.

[0042] The fixing unit 70 is located downstream of the image forming unit 50 in the media transport direction. The fixing unit 70 has a fixing roller 71 that incorporates a heat source 73 and a pressure roller 72 that forms a fixing nip between itself and the fixing roller 71. The fixing roller 71 is rotated by a fixing motor (not shown). The fixing roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 apply heat and pressure to the toner image as the media passes through the fixing nip, fixing it to the media.

[0043] Furthermore, the fixing section 70 is also provided with separation claws 74 for separating the medium that has passed through the fixing nip from the surface of the fixing roller 71. The separation claws 74 are provided downstream of the fixing nip and facing the surface of the fixing roller 71.

[0044] Although not shown in Figure 2, a paper discharge mechanism, such as a paper discharge roller for discharging the media, may be provided downstream of the fixing unit 70.

[0045] Among the components of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Figure 2, the medium supply units 81 and 82, the drive roller 59 of the transfer unit, and the fixing roller 71 of the fixing unit 70 constitute a transport unit for transporting the medium.

[0046] The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2. For example, the order of the process units 5K, 5Y, 5M, and 5C may be changed, and other color combinations may be used instead of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan. Furthermore, a single process unit may be used to form a monochrome image.

[0047] <Basic operation of the image forming apparatus 100> Next, the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2. When power is turned on to the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 101 warms up the fuser unit 70 and waits for the computer 200 to receive a print job.

[0048] When the control unit 101 receives a print job from the computer 200 via the communication unit 111, it starts the printing operation. First, it sends the media from the media supply unit 81 or media supply unit 82 to the transport path and transports it to the image forming unit 50.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 101 rotates each of the photoreceptor drums 51 of process units 5K, 5Y, 5M, and 5C, and also rotates the drive roller 59 to move the transfer belt 58. As the transfer belt 58 moves, the medium passes through the process units 5K, 5Y, 5M, and 5C in that order.

[0050] In each process unit 5, the developing roller 54 and the supply roller 55 rotate due to rotational transmission from the photoreceptor drum 51. The charging roller 52 rotates in accordance with the photoreceptor drum 51.

[0051] The control unit 101 also applies a charging voltage, a developing voltage, and a supply voltage to the charging roller 52, developing roller 54, and supply roller 55 of each process unit 5, respectively. The charging roller 52 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51. The control unit 101 also causes the exposure head 53 to emit light according to the print data, forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 51.

[0052] Toner is supplied to the developing roller 54 by the supply roller 55. The toner on the developing roller 54 moves to and adheres to the latent image portion on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 51. As a result, the latent image on the photoreceptor drum 51 is developed, and a toner image is formed as a developer image.

[0053] The control unit 101 also applies a transfer voltage to the transfer roller 57, thereby transferring the toner image on the photoreceptor drum 51 to the surface of the medium on the transfer belt 58.

[0054] The media on which the toner images of each color have been transferred is transported to the fuser unit 70. In the fuser unit 70, the toner images are heated and pressurized by the fuser roller 71 and the pressure roller 72, and fixed to the surface of the media. The media on which the toner images have been fixed is discharged from the fuser unit 70, and the printing operation is completed.

[0055] <Poster Printing> Next, the process of printing a poster in the image forming system 10 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the poster image is divided into n sheets (where n is an integer of 2 or more) and printed on a medium. Here, n is set to 4.

[0056] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of computer 200. The control unit 201 of computer 200 executes application 206 in response to user operations on the operation unit 204 and creates a poster image (step S101).

[0057] Next, the control unit 201 of the computer 200 instructs the printer driver 207 to print the poster image from the application 206, based on the user's operation on the operation unit 204 (step S102).

[0058] Next, the control unit 201 of the computer 200 divides the poster image created by the application 206 into n parts using the image division function 208 of the printer driver 207 (step S103). As mentioned above, n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and in this case it is 4.

[0059] As an example, the overall image 6, which is the poster image shown in Figure 4(A), is divided into four divided images 1, 2, 3, and 4, shown in Figure 4(B), in a 2x2 grid. Divided images 1, 2, 3, and 4 are also referred to as the first divided image, the second divided image, the third divided image, and the fourth divided image, respectively.

[0060] To clarify the orientation of the overall image 6 and the divided images 1-4, Figures 4(A) and (B) are labeled with the characters G, G1-G4 contained in each image.

[0061] Here, we define the XY coordinates as shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B). The direction of the longer side of the overall rectangular image 6 is defined as the X direction, and the direction of the shorter side is defined as the Y direction. Regarding the X direction, the right side in Figures 4(A) and 4(B) is defined as the +X direction, and the left side as the -X direction. Regarding the Y direction, the upper side in Figures 4(A) and 4(B) is defined as the +Y direction, and the lower side as the -Y direction.

[0062] The overall image 6 shown in Figure 4(A) has a first side 61 that forms the end in the +Y direction, a second side 62 that forms the end in the -Y direction, a third side 63 that forms the end in the -X direction, and a fourth side 64 that forms the end in the +X direction.

[0063] The segmented image 1 shown in Figure 4(B) has a first edge 11 that forms the end in the +Y direction, a second edge 12 that forms the end in the -Y direction, a third edge 13 that forms the end in the -X direction, and a fourth edge 14 that forms the end in the +X direction.

[0064] Similarly, divided image 2 has a first edge 21, a second edge 22, a third edge 23, and a fourth edge 24. Divided image 3 has a first edge 31, a second edge 32, a third edge 33, and a fourth edge 34. Divided image 4 has a first edge 41, a second edge 42, a third edge 43, and a fourth edge 44.

[0065] The first edges 11 and 31 of divided images 1 and 3 are divisions of the first edge 61 of the overall image 6. The second edges 22 and 42 of divided images 2 and 4 are divisions of the second edge 62 of the overall image 6. The third edges 13 and 23 of divided images 1 and 2 are divisions of the third edge 63 of the overall image 6. The fourth edges 34 and 44 of divided images 3 and 4 are divisions of the fourth edge 64 of the overall image 6.

[0066] The second edge 12 of divided image 1 and the first edge 21 of divided image 2 are touching. The second edge 32 of divided image 3 and the first edge 41 of divided image 4 are touching. Edges 12 and 21 are located at positions displaced in the +Y direction relative to edges 32 and 41.

[0067] The fourth edge 14 of segmented image 1 and the third edge 33 of segmented image 3 are touching. The fourth edge 24 of segmented image 2 and the third edge 43 of segmented image 4 are touching. Edges 14 and 31 are located at positions displaced in the +X direction relative to edges 24 and 43.

[0068] Furthermore, if we define L as a line in the Y direction that bisects the overall image 6 in the X direction, then sides 14 and 33 are located at positions displaced in the +X direction relative to line L, and sides 24 and 43 are located at positions displaced in the -X direction relative to line L.

[0069] Divided images 1 and 4 have a rectangular shape. In contrast, divided image 2 has a rectangular shape with an image protrusion 25 that extends from the +Y end of the fourth side 24 to a straight line L. Divided image 3 has a rectangular shape with an image protrusion 35 that extends from the -Y end of the third side 33 to a straight line L. The image protrusions 25 and 35 are located in the central region of the entirety of divided images 1 to 4.

[0070] In this embodiment (where the overall image 6 is divided into divided images 1 to 4), the central region is defined as the central region (the region in the second row and second column) among the nine regions (3 rows and 3 columns) created by dividing the overall image 6, which is the image before division, into three equal parts in both the long and short directions. In other words, when creating a poster by combining printed materials as described later, the central region is defined as the position where the corners of the four pages (mediums) on which divided images 1 to 4 are pasted together.

[0071] After dividing the overall image 6 into divided images 1 to 4 in this manner, the control unit 201 of the computer 200 instructs the image forming apparatus 100 to print the divided images (step S104 in Figure 3). This completes the processing in the computer 200.

[0072] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. When the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print instruction from the computer 200, it starts processing the flowchart in Figure 5. First, the control unit 101 determines whether the received print instruction is for poster printing or not (step S201), and if it is for poster printing, it proceeds to step S202.

[0073] In step S202, the control unit 101 rotates each of the divided images 1 to 4 using the image rotation function 103.

[0074] Figures 6(A) to 6(D) illustrate the rotation process for divided images 1 to 4. In Figures 6(A) to 6(D), the pages containing divided images 1, 2, 3, and 4 are designated as pages P1, P2, P3, and P4. Pages P1 to P4 correspond to the areas of media M1 to M4, which will be discussed later.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6(A), the segmented image 1 is rotated so that the second edge 12 becomes the +Y direction end and the first edge 11 becomes the -Y direction end. In other words, the image data of segmented image 1 is rotated 180 degrees from Figure 4(B).

[0076] As shown in Figure 6(B), the segmented image 2 is rotated so that the fourth edge 24 becomes the end in the +Y direction and the third edge 23 becomes the end in the -Y direction. In other words, the segmented image 2 is rotated 270 degrees clockwise from Figure 4(B).

[0077] As shown in Figure 6(C), the segmented image 3 is rotated so that the third edge 33 becomes the end in the +Y direction and the fourth edge 34 becomes the end in the -Y direction. In other words, the segmented image 3 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from Figure 4(B).

[0078] As shown in Figure 6(D), the divided image 4 is configured such that the first edge 41 is the end in the +Y direction and the second edge 42 is the end in the -Y direction. In other words, the divided image 4 is not rotated from Figure 4(B).

[0079] Next, the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 adds leading margins S1, S2, S3, and S4 to the leading edges (+Y direction edges) of pages P1, P2, P3, and P4 containing the divided images 1, 2, 3, and 4 using the margin addition function 102 (step S203).

[0080] Figures 7(A), (B) and 8(A), (B) are enlarged views corresponding to Figures 6(A) to (D), respectively. As shown in the enlarged view in Figure 7(A), a leading margin S1 with a width D1 in the Y direction is added to the leading edge (+Y direction edge) of page P1 containing the divided image 1.

[0081] As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 7(B), a front margin S2 with a width D2 (=D1) in the Y direction is added between the front edge (+Y direction edge) of page P2 containing the divided image 2 and the line L. In addition, an inner margin T2 with a width E2 in the Y direction is added following the front margin S2 of the divided image 2. The width E2 may be the same as or different from the width D2. The front margin S2 is added to the entire front edge of page P2, whereas the inner margin T2 is not formed in the range of width W2 from the -X direction edge of page P2.

[0082] As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 8(A), a front margin S3 with a width D3 (=D1) in the Y direction is added between the front edge (+Y direction edge) of page P3 containing the divided image 3 and the line L. In addition, an inner margin T3 with a width E3 in the Y direction is added following the front margin S3 of the divided image 3. The width E2 may be the same as or different from the width D3. The front margin S2 is added to the entire front edge of page P3, whereas the inner margin T3 is not formed in the area of ​​width W3 (=W2) from the -X direction edge of page P3.

[0083] As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 7(D), a leading margin S4 with a width D4 (=D1) in the Y direction is added to the leading edge (+Y direction edge) of page P4 containing the divided image 4.

[0084] Next, the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 adds cut line A to the divided image 2 and cut lines B and C to the divided image 3 using the cut line adding function 104 (step S204).

[0085] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7(B), a cut line A is added to the leading edge of page P2 containing the divided image 2, traversing the leading edge margin S2 and the inner margin T2 in the Y direction. The cut line A is added at a distance W2 in the X direction from the -X edge of page P2. The portion of the leading edge margin S2 located in the -X direction from the cut line A becomes the corner margin U.

[0086] The corner margin U is also called the first margin. The portion of the leading margin S2 excluding the corner margin U, along with the inner margin T2, is collectively called the second margin. The length of the first margin in the Y direction is D2, and the length of the second margin in the Y direction is D2 + E2. Therefore, the length of the second margin in the Y direction is longer than the length of the first margin in the Y direction.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(A), a cut line B is added to the leading edge of page P3, which contains the divided image 3, crossing the leading edge margin S3 and the inner margin T3 in the Y direction. The cut line B is added at a distance W3 (=W2) in the X direction from the -X direction end of page P3. The portion of the leading edge margin S3 that is located in the -X direction from the cut line B becomes the corner margin V.

[0088] The corner margin V is also called the first margin. The portion of the leading margin S3 excluding the corner margin V, along with the inner margin T3, is collectively called the second margin. The length of the first margin in the Y direction is D3, and the length of the second margin in the Y direction is D3 + E3. Therefore, the length of the second margin in the Y direction is longer than the length of the first margin in the Y direction.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(B), a cut line C extending in the X direction is added from the boundary (straight line L) between the leading margin S3 and the inner margin T3 of the divided image 3 to the -X direction edge of page P3. As a result, the corner margin V of page P3 is separated from the rest of page P3 by the cut lines B and C.

[0090] Next, the control unit 101 determines the orientation of the media M1 to M4 on which the divided images 1 to 4 are printed during transport using the media orientation determination function 105 (step S205 in Figure 5).

[0091] When printing the segmented images 1 to 4 shown in Figures 6(A) to (D), the medium is transported in the +Y direction in all cases. That is, when printing segmented images 1 and 4 shown in Figures 6(A) and (D), the medium is transported horizontally (LEF). When printing segmented images 2 and 3 shown in Figures 6(B) and (C), the medium is transported vertically (SEF).

[0092] Next, the control unit 101 performs printing of divided images 1 to 4 (step S206). Divided images 1 and 4 are printed on media M1 and M4 supplied from the media supply unit 81 shown in Figure 2, and divided images 2 and 3 are printed on media M2 and M3 supplied from the media supply unit 82 shown in Figure 2. The printing order of divided images 1 to 4 is arbitrary.

[0093] As a result, as shown in Figure 9, an assembly 90 of printed materials 91 to 94 is obtained, in which divided images 1 to 4 are printed on media M1 to M4.

[0094] After the printing in step S206 is completed, the control unit 101 checks whether there is any subsequent print data in the print job (step S207). If there is any subsequent print data, the printing operation continues; if there is no subsequent print data in the print job, the printing operation ends.

[0095] <User-created posters> Next, the user combines the four printed materials 91-94 shown in Figure 9 to create poster 9 (Figure 11). The four printed materials 91-94 are returned to their orientation before the rotation process of the divided images 1-4 (step S202).

[0096] Therefore, the leading margin S1 is located at the -Y edge of the printed material 91. The leading margin S2 and inner margin T2 are located at the +X edge of the printed material 92. The leading margin S3 and inner margin T3 are located at the -X edge of the printed material 93. The leading margin S4 is located at the +Y edge of the printed material 94.

[0097] The user uses a cutter or similar tool to make a cut along the cut line A of the printed material 92. This creates a cut Q (Figure 10).

[0098] Furthermore, the user makes an incision along the cut line B of the medium M3 on which the divided image 3 is formed. This creates an incision R (Figure 10). In addition, the user makes an incision along the cut line C of the medium M3. This cuts off the corner margin V from the medium M3, creating a notch N (Figure 10).

[0099] Subsequently, the user applies adhesive or the like to the leading margins S1 to S4 of the printed materials 91 to 94, and then assembles the printed materials 91 to 94 as shown in Figure 10, which will be explained below.

[0100] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing how to combine the four printed materials 91-94. As shown in Figure 10, the leading margin S1 of printed material 91 is tucked under the +Y direction end of printed material 92 (see dashed arrow). In other words, the +Y direction end of printed material 92 is placed over the leading margin S1 of printed material 91 (see solid arrow).

[0101] Furthermore, the leading margin S2 and inner margin T2 of the printed material 92 are tucked under the -X-direction end of the printed material 94 (see dashed arrow). In other words, the -X-direction end of the printed material 94 is placed over the leading margin S2 and inner margin T2 of the printed material 92 (see solid arrow). At this time, by inserting the printed material 94 into the cut Q, the -X-direction end of the leading margin S4 of the printed material 94 is tucked under the image protrusion 25 of the printed material 92.

[0102] Furthermore, the leading margin S3 and inner margin T3 of the printed material 93 are tucked under the +X-direction end of the printed material 91 (see dashed arrow). In other words, the +X-direction end of the printed material 91 is placed over the leading margin S3 and inner margin T3 of the printed material 93 (see solid arrow). At this time, by inserting the printed material 91 into the cutout R, the +X-direction end of the leading margin S1 of the printed material 91 is tucked under the image protrusion 35 of the printed material 93.

[0103] Furthermore, the leading margin S4 of the printed material 94 is tucked under the -Y-direction edge of the printed material 93 (see the wavy arrow). In other words, the -Y-direction edge of the printed material 93 is placed over the leading margin S4 of the printed material 94 (see the solid arrow).

[0104] Furthermore, the corner margin U of the printed material 92 is tucked under the image protrusion 35 of the printed material 93 through the notch N of the printed material 93 (see dashed arrow). In other words, the image protrusion 35 of the printed material 93 is placed over the corner margin U of the printed material 92 (see solid arrow). As a result, the image protrusion 25 and the image protrusion 35 are brought together.

[0105] Figure 11 shows the poster 9 obtained by combining the printed materials 91 to 94 in this manner. The adhesive-coated leading margins S1 to S4 (Figure 10) tuck under the printed materials 91 to 94, fixing them together and ensuring that the divided images 1 to 4 are joined without gaps, resulting in a borderless poster 9.

[0106] If printed materials 91-94 are A4 size, an A2 size poster 9 can be created. By combining the divided images 1-4 of printed materials 91-94 without any gaps, the overall image 6 shown in Figure 4(A) is obtained.

[0107] <effect> As described above, in this embodiment, the overall image 6 is divided into divided images 1 to 4 and printed on media M1 to M4, and by combining the resulting printed materials 91 to 94, a large-sized borderless poster 9 can be created.

[0108] In particular, the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment transports the media M1 to M4 so that the leading margins S1 to S4 are at the front when printing the divided images 1 to 4 onto the media M1 to M4. Therefore, all media M1 to M4 reach the fixing unit 70 starting from the leading margins S1 to S4.

[0109] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the fixing operation in the fixing unit 70. As shown in Figure 12, the medium M1 on which the divided image 1 is formed in the image forming unit 50 is fed into the space between the fixing roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 (fixing nip) of the fixing unit 70, and the toner that forms the divided image 1 is fixed to the medium M1.

[0110] At this time, if the segmented image 1 is formed up to the leading edge in the transport direction of the medium M1, the toner at the leading edge of the segmented image 1 may melt and adhere to the fuser roller 71, and the medium M1 that has passed through the fuser nip may wrap around the fuser roller 71.

[0111] In this embodiment, since the medium M1 is fed to the fuser nip from the leading edge margin S1, there is no toner at the leading edge of the medium M1 in the transport direction. Therefore, adhesion of the leading edge of the medium M1 to the fuser roller 71 is unlikely. In addition, the separation claws 74, which are positioned opposite the surface of the fuser roller 71, ensure that the medium M1 is reliably separated from it. This prevents the medium M1 from becoming entangled with the fuser roller 71.

[0112] Figure 12 shows the medium M1 on which segmented image 1 is formed. Similarly, the mediums M2 to M4 on which segmented images 2 to 4 are formed are fed to the fixing nip from the leading margin S2 to S4. This prevents the mediums M2 to M4 from wrapping around the fixing roller 71.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when combining printed materials 91 to 94, the user only needs to make cuts along the cut lines A, B, and C of printed materials 92 and 93 (see Figure 9), and there is no need to cut (cut off) the entire side of the printed material.

[0114] Generally, cutting an entire edge of a printed document is a cumbersome process, and if the user is unable to cut it properly, there may be excess or insufficient margins, potentially leading to wasted printed material. In this embodiment, there is no need to cut an entire edge of the printed document, thus improving user convenience and reducing wasted printed material.

[0115] Furthermore, first margins (corner margins U, V) are added to the corners of media M2 and M3, and second margins (the parts of the front margins S2 and S3 other than the corner margins U and V, and the inner margins T2 and T3) are added to the ends of media M2 and M3 adjacent to these corners, with a length in the Y direction longer than the first margins (corner margins U and V), and cut lines A and B are formed between the first and second margins. This makes it easy to align printed materials 91 to 94 (media M1 to M4) when combining them by inserting printed material 94 into cut line Q (cut line A) and printed material 91 into cut line R (cut line B) (see Figure 10). This further improves user convenience.

[0116] Furthermore, by forming an inner margin T2 continuous with the leading margin S2, and an inner margin T3 continuous with the leading margin S3 (Figures 6(B), (C)), the cut lines A and B can be formed so as not to overlap with the divided images 2 and 3, thereby improving the quality of poster 9.

[0117] Furthermore, since image protrusions 25 and 35 (image portions) are formed on media M2 and M3 that are in contact with the corner margins U and V and the inner margins T2 and T3, when the printed materials 91 to 94 (media M1 to M4) are combined, the image protrusions 25 and 35 can be brought together to obtain a gap-free image.

[0118] Furthermore, since the corner margins U and V (first margins) are added to the positions corresponding to the central area of ​​the overall image 6 before division, printed materials 91-94 can be combined in the central area of ​​poster 9.

[0119] Here, we have described an example where the overall image 6 is divided into four parts and printed on four media M1 to M4. However, the number of divisions is not limited to four; any number of divisions of two or more is acceptable. In other words, it is acceptable to divide the overall image 6 into n media (where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) M1 to Mn and print them.

[0120] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment comprises an image forming unit 50 that forms a toner image (developer image) on a medium, a fixing unit 70 that fixes the toner image on the medium, and a control unit 101. When the image forming unit 50 divides the overall image 6 into n (n is an integer of 2 or more) mediums M1 to Mn for printing, it adds a margin (leading margin S1 to Sn) to one end of each of the n mediums M1 to Mn, and passes the n mediums M1 to Mn through the fixing unit 70 with their respective margins leading. Therefore, it is less likely for the mediums M1 to Mn to adhere to the fixing roller 71, and it is possible to prevent the mediums M1 to Mn from wrapping around the roller.

[0121] Furthermore, the control unit 101 adds a first margin (corner margins U, V) to the corner of at least one of the n media M1 to Mn, M2, M3, and adds a second margin (the part of the front margins S2, S3 other than the corner margins U, V and the inner margins T2, T3) to the end of the media M2, M3 adjacent to the corner, with a length in the Y direction longer than the first margin (corner margins U, V), thereby forming cut lines A, B between the first margin and the second margin. As a result, printed materials 91 to 94 can be combined by making cuts along the cut lines A, B of the printed materials 92, 93. Since it is not necessary to cut off the entire side of the printed material, user convenience is improved and waste of printed material can be reduced.

[0122] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various improvements or modifications can be made.

[0123] Furthermore, this disclosure can be used in image forming apparatuses that form images on a medium, such as photocopiers, facsimile machines, MFPs (Multi-Function Peripherals), etc.

[0124] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) An image forming unit that forms a developer image on a medium, A fixing unit for fixing the developer image onto the medium, A transport unit for transporting the aforementioned medium, Control unit and Equipped with, When the image forming unit divides an image into multiple media for printing, the control unit adds a margin to one end of each medium, and the transport unit causes the multiple media to pass through the fixing unit with the margin at the front of each medium. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Note 2) The control unit, Of the aforementioned multiple media, the media on which the margin is provided along the longer side is transported by the transport unit in a horizontal manner. Of the aforementioned multiple media, the media with the margin on its short side is transported vertically by the transport unit. The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 1, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. (Note 3) A first media supply unit that supplies media that are transported by horizontal feed, A second media supply unit that supplies media that are transported vertically, It has, The control unit switches between the first media supply unit and the second media supply unit depending on the position where the margin is to be provided. The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 2, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. (Note 4) The control unit, A first margin is provided at the corner of at least one of the aforementioned multiple media, A second margin is provided at the end adjacent to the aforementioned corner, the margin having a length in the media transport direction that is longer than the first margin. A cut line is formed between the first margin and the second margin. An image forming apparatus as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized by the above. (Note 5) Of the plurality of media, the segmented image formed on at least one medium includes an image portion that touches the first margin and the second margin on two sides. The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 4, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. (Note 6) The control unit prints the four divided images, which are obtained by dividing the original image into two rows and two columns, onto four media using the image forming unit. The first margin and the second margin are formed on two of the four media. The image forming apparatus according to Appendix 4 or 5, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. (Note 7) The first margin is added to the position corresponding to the central region of the image before division. An image forming apparatus as described in any one of the appendices 4 to 6, characterized by the above. (Note 8) An image forming unit that forms a developer image on a medium, Control unit and Equipped with, When the image forming unit divides and prints an image onto multiple media, the control unit provides a first margin to the corner of at least one of the multiple media. A second margin is provided at the end adjacent to the aforementioned corner, the margin having a length in the media transport direction that is longer than the first margin. A cut line is formed between the first margin and the second margin. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1,2,3,4 divided images, 5,5K,5Y,5M,5C process units, 6 images (overall image), 9 poster, 10 image forming system, 15,25 image protrusions (image portion), 50 image forming unit, 51 photoreceptor drum (image carrier), 52 charging roller (charging member), 53 exposure head (exposure device), 54 developing roller (developer carrier), 55 supply roller (supply member), 56 toner cartridge (developer container), 57 transfer roller (transfer member), 58 transfer belt (transfer member), 70 fixing unit, 71 fixing roller (fixing member), 72 pressure roller, 74 separation claw, 81 media supply unit (first media supply unit), 82 media supply unit (second media supply unit), 91,92,93,94 Printed material, 100 Image forming apparatus, 101 Control unit, 102 Margin addition function, 103 Image rotation function, 104 Cut line addition function, 105 Media orientation determination function, 200 Computer, 201 Control unit, 205 Memory unit, 206 Application, 207 Printer driver, 208 Image division function, A,B,C Cut lines, M1,M2,M3,M4 Media, N Notch, Q,R Cut, S1,S2,S3,S4 Front margin, T2,T3 Inside margin, U,V Corner margin.

Claims

1. An image forming unit that forms a developer image on a medium, A fixing unit for fixing the developer image onto the medium, A transport unit for transporting the aforementioned medium, Control unit and Equipped with, When the image forming unit divides an image into multiple media for printing, the control unit adds a margin to one end of each medium, and the transport unit causes the multiple media to pass through the fixing unit with the margin at the front of each medium. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit, Of the aforementioned multiple media, the media on which the margin is provided along the longer side is transported by the transport unit in a horizontal manner. Of the aforementioned multiple media, the media with the margin on its short side is transported vertically by the transport unit. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

3. A first media supply unit that supplies media that are transported by horizontal feed, A second media supply unit that supplies media that are transported vertically, It has, The control unit switches between the first media supply unit and the second media supply unit depending on the position where the margin is to be provided. The image forming apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The control unit, A first margin is provided at the corner of at least one of the aforementioned multiple media, A second margin is provided at the end adjacent to the aforementioned corner, the margin having a length in the media transport direction that is longer than the first margin. A cut line is formed between the first margin and the second margin. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Of the plurality of media, the segmented image formed on at least one medium includes an image portion that touches the first margin and the second margin on two sides. The image forming apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The control unit prints the four divided images, which are obtained by dividing the original image into two rows and two columns, onto four media using the image forming unit. The first margin and the second margin are formed on two of the four media. The image forming apparatus according to feature 4.

7. The first margin is added to the position corresponding to the central region of the image before division. The image forming apparatus according to feature 6.

Images