FR2541975A1 - MULTI-FUNCTION IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATES TO A MULTI-FUNCTION IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS. THIS UNIT IS CAPABLE OF WORKING IN SEVERAL MODES, INCLUDING HIGH SPEED RECORDING, TWO-SIDED RECORDING AND MULTIPLEX RECORDING. For this purpose, it comprises two parts 2, 3 of recording images linked together by a part 4 of handling of the sheets allowing in particular to carry out on command a turning of the leaves. FIELD OF APPLICATION: PHOTOCOPY MACHINES, PRINTERS, ETC.

Description

The invention relates to a recording apparatus

  multifunction images that can perform various functions.

  Various image recording apparatus on sheets have been up to now in use. For example, there are copying apparatuses of the type in which the original images are recorded on sheets by means of a photosensitive medium or otherwise, and printers in which image information, transformed into an electrical signal, is reproduced as an image on a sheet by a typing system (the character system, the dot system or

  other) or by the system without keystrokes (the thermo-

  sensitive, the ink jet system, the beam system

laser or other).

  In recent years, under the trend of streamlining office work, a high level

  operation of these recording devices was requested.

  In particular, it was strongly desired to increase the output speed (the number of sheets processed per unit of time) and the tendency to

  higher and higher speeds have developed.

  However, the different systems have their own speeds and if we try to increase these speeds, there are many problems which, to be

  resolved, require a major effort such as the development of

  of a new technique, and the apparatus becomes

  itself complicated and bulky, as well as uneconomical.

  If we consider, for example, a copying apparatus, the image of an original is directed directly on a photosensitive medium where it forms a latent image which is developed into a visible image, itself carried on a sheet and, for example, therefore, one can

  only one copy each scan cycle of the original

  Therefore, to achieve a higher copy speed, the speed of the mechanism must be increased and

  this can lead to insufficient sensitivity

  photosensitive medium or to show

  such as machine vibrations, noises and longevity problems On the other hand, if a countermeasure such as an increase in the amount of light provided by the lighting lamp of the original is adopted, there are countless problems including raising the temperature of the machine as a result of the heat

  cleared by the lamp, and a complete solution to these

  In addition, this difficulty increases exponentially with speed and, consequently, the upper limit speed is obviously limited according to the balance of benefits provided by the increase in speed.

  In addition, the practice was habitually

  up to now, to record images on a

  the surface of the leaves, but it is now desired to

  to record images on both leaf surfaces, as in ordinary printed

  the number of sheets used to save the resources

  sources or congestion of archiving In this respect also, a device in which sheets on a first surface of which images are recorded

  are first accumulated and, after the completion of Ilenre-

  On the first surfaces, the accumulated sheets are again machine-processed and images are recorded on their second surface, has been proposed and put into operation. However, such an apparatus is effective when it is necessary to prepare numerous sheets to be worn. same record, but it is very inefficient when it is necessary to prepare many sheets whose two surfaces must receive different recordings. In other words, when pages 1, 2, 3, 4, * must be prepared, odd pages, c ' Pages 1, 3, 5 must first be saved on a first surface of the respective sheets, then these sheets must be machine-wrapped again and pages 2, 4, 6, must be saved on their second page. surface If, during the second pass, multiple feed or sheet jam occurs, the combination of the front and back sides becomes different from the predetermined one and, therefore, the recording must be resumed from the beginning To avoid this, a recording can be made on each sheet so that the front and back surfaces of each of them constitute the front and back, respectively, but this It takes a lot of time for the reintroduction of the leaves and the yield is extremely reduced. Moreover, in the prior art process, the leaf transportation route is complicated and, furthermore, it inevitably includes the step of turning the sheets over. leaves, which has led to extremely reliable

low leaf transport.

  In the tendency to this superior function,

  it is also desirable to record two types of information

  mations, superimposed on a surface of a leaf.

  In particular, recently, the color has progressed in many areas and it is therefore desirable to mix, for example, a recording in red with a recording in black (for example to record the title in red), rather than only recording. in black of a document, so that the latter can be read more easily In the apparatus of the prior art, this was made possible by the device using an ink ribbon or other, but in copying devices implementing the electrophotographic process or in laser-beam printers, the apparatus itself becomes very large and, therefore, no apparatus suitable for normal office work has yet been put into operation. there is an apparatus implementing a simple method according to which a first recording is done in black, after which the development device in black

  the apparatus is replaced by a device for developing

  in red, and a recording is again made

  killed on the same surface However, such a device requires

a lot of work.

  In addition, when two types of information are to be recorded on one surface of the same sheet, in superposition, care must be taken to ensure the accuracy of the position of the image, otherwise the resulting copy may become very unpleasant. to see due to a color shift or deviation from a predetermined image recording frame In addition, for example when a postponed image is to be fixed on a sheet by a fixture such as a heat-setting roller, the heat or pressure applied to the sheet accelerates the deformation of this sheet and,

  therefore, there are major technical difficulties

  to ensure the accuracy of the position of the image -when two types of information are recorded in

  superposition on one surface of the sheet.

  The subject of the invention is therefore an apparatus for recording

  Advanced multifunction image recording by holding

  the disadvantages mentioned above.

  Another object of the invention is an apparatus

  multi-function image recording system in which

  any image forming parts are provided and organically linked together to thereby enable the performance of multiple functions such as high speed recording, double-sided recording and recording.

in multiplex.

  Another object of the invention is an apparatus for

  multifunction image recording in which several

  image recording devices are connected organic-

  to each other by a sheet transport and handling device to thereby allow the performance of multiple functions such as high-speed recording, double-sided recording and multiplex recording.

  An essential embodiment of the invention

  to achieve the objectives indicated above.

  it consists of a multifunction image recording apparatus having first and second image recording devices each having at least one sheet feed path, an image forming part on the sheets arriving by said journey, and a

  unloading path of the leaves of the part of

  imaging, and a sheet handling device having a sheet feed path connected to the unloading path of the first image recording device, a first output path of

  sheets connected to the feeding path of the second

  image-retrieval device, a second sheet-exit path for discharging the sheets from the apparatus, and an inverting guide for selectively directing the sheets that follow the path of feeding sheets to the first path leaves or to the

  second leaf exit path.

  Another essential embodiment of the present invention, making it possible to achieve the objectives

  indicated above, is used in a recording device

  multi-function image system having a first image recording device having at least a first sheet feed path, a first image forming part on the sheets arriving by said path, and a first unloading path leaves

  of said image forming part, and a second

  image recording device having a second sheet feed path, connected to said first unloading path, a second image forming portion for selectively forming images on a first surface or a second surface of the incoming sheets said second feed path, and a second feed path

  unloading the sheets of said second part of

pictures.

  Another essential embodiment of the present invention, to achieve the objectives indicated above, is a multifunction image recording apparatus having first and second image recording devices each having at least one a sheet feed path, an image forming part on the sheets arriving from said path, and a sheet unloading path of said image forming part, a first image fixing device,

4 1 91975

  images recorded on the sheets by the first

  image recording system, and a device for

  trimming placed on a path of transport of leaves on

  which images were formed by the first disc

  positive image recording device, said path switching device selectively directing said sheets towards either of the second recording device

  of images and the first device for fixing images.

  Another essential embodiment of the present invention, which makes it possible to achieve the objectives indicated above, resides in a multi-function image recording apparatus comprising first and second image recording devices each having at least

  a leaf feeding path, a training part,

  imaging on sheets arriving from said path, and a discharge path of the sheets of said imaging portion, and a sheet handling device having a leaf introduction path.

  connected to the unloading path of the first

  2-0 image recording, a first unloading path

  sheets connected to the feed path of the second disc

  positive image recording, a second sheet unloading path allowing the sheets to be unloaded from the apparatus, and a routing guide for selectively directing the sheets, driven onto the sheet feed path to the first leaf exit path or the second leaf exit path, the direction of transmission of the image to the first image recording device and the

  direction of the transmission of the image to the second

  tif recording-images that can be chosen free-

  between the same direction and an inverted direction of 1800. As described above, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the transport routes of the sheets of several devices or

  image recording devices are linked organically-

  each other, and therefore it is possible to perform various functions such as high-speed

  double-sided and multiplex recording.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of image recording devices or apparatuses may select various routes so that the image-fixing device can act selectively and that it is possible to perform various such as high-speed recording, double-sided recording and multiplex recording, at a high speed and with good accuracy of the position of the images, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. examples which are in no way limitative and in which: FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of a

  first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

  tion; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the sheet handling portion of the first embodiment;

  Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams

  corresponding to various functions of the apparatus; Figures 7 and 8 are longitudinal sections

other variants of the invention -

  Figures 9 to 14 are longitudinal sections of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention; Figures 15 and 16 are longitudinal sections of other variants; Figure 17 is a longitudinal section of a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 is a longitudinal section on an enlarged scale of an inversion part; Figures 19 and 20 are simplified diagrams of this inversion part; Fig. 21 is a longitudinal section of an embodiment of the invention of the two-speed type; FIGS. 22 and 23 are simplified diagrams of this embodiment; FIGS. 24 and 25 are longitudinal sections of other variants of the invention; FIG. 26 is a longitudinal section of a

  fourth embodiment of -the apparatus according to -inven-

  tion; Fig. 27 is a longitudinal section showing the sheet transport and handling portion of the apparatus of Fig. 26; Fig. 28 is a schematic diagram of a circuit used in the case of high speed recording

  Figure 29 shows leaves in the return state-

  Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data processing; Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operations performed in the case of a multiplex recording; Fig. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operations performed in the case of a double-sided recording; FIG. 33 is a perspective view of leaves in the inverted state; Fig. 34 is a schematic diagram showing the operations performed in the case of an independent recording; FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a method implemented in the apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 36 is a longitudinal section of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 37 is a perspective view showing sheets in the inverted state; and Figure 38 is a flowchart of a method

  implemented in the apparatus according to the invention.

  A first embodiment of the invention

  will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of this first embodiment of the invention, FIG.

  longitudinal section showing the part of trans-

  and FIG. 3 to 6 are simplified diagrams illustrating various functions. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 designates a main body whose interior comprises a

  first part 2 of image recording, a second part

  part 3 of image recording, part 4 of manipula-

  paper, a first part of the paper, a second part of the paper, a first part

  7 of stacking and a second stacking portion 8.

  The first and second parts 2 and 3 of

  images are laser beam printers of a similar construction.

  first part 2 of image recording, the numerical reference

  20 denotes a photosensitive carrier rotated

  around which are arranged treatment devices

  Electrophotographic apparatus (not shown) A laser beam modulated according to an image signal is moved to scan the photosensitive medium 20

  with the aid of a laser scanning device 22, through

  mirror medium 21, so as to form on said support a latent image which is made visible by a predetermined electrophotographic treatment In addition, sheets of paper P 1, stacked in the first portion 5 of paper feed, are advanced one by one on the paper feed path 23 of the first image recording portion 2 by paper advance means 50 such as a known roll The paper thus advanced arrives at a transfer station 24, in synchronism with the visible image carried by the photosensitive medium 20, and this visible image is transferred or transferred onto the paper by known transfer means. The paper then arrives in a fixing station where the image it carries is fixed

  by known means, for example by heating or

  wise, then the paper is unloaded from the first part 2 of image recording through a path 26 of

  unloading Although not represented, a trans-

  carrier, for example rollers and a belt, is

  venably arranged on the paper path.

  The difference between the second part 3 of

  image recording and the first part 2 of image recording lies in the fact that in addition to a paper feed path 33, intended to receive sheets

  of paper P 2 stacked in the second part 6 of food

  paper, a second paper feed path 37,

  intended to receive paper from Part 4 of

  The sheets of paper received from the two paper feed paths are all directed

  to a transfer or post office.

  The paper handling portion 4 will now be described. This portion 4 or not returns the paper received from an introducer path 40 connected to the unloading path 26, and passes the paper from a paper exit path 41. towards the paper feed path 37, or a second paper exit path 43 to the first stacking portion 7 via a

  part 42 of turning over or reversing the paper.

  The details of the interior of part 4 of

  handling of the paper will now be described in

  Figure 2 Rollers 401 and 402 on the paper feed path 40 are rotated in the directions indicated by arrows and a finger 60.

  path reversal is disposed in front of these rollers.

  The path reversing finger 60 is pivotable about an axis 601 and is normally biased counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 2, by a spring 61 to direct the path of the paper. to the paper rollover portion 42 Now, if a roll 62 is actuated, the path reversal finger 60 pivots clockwise, against the force of the spring 61, to direct the path to the A finger 63, pointing downwards under the effect of its own weight, is placed at the entrance of the paper-turning part 42, and the paper arriving from the input path 40 and

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  direction to the left, as shown in Figure 2, can pass by pushing aside the lower surface of the

  finger 63, and the paper coming back from part 42 back-

  paper and heading to the right, as shown in Figure 2, is guided by the upper surface of the finger 63 and moves to the output path 41 A paper detector, comprising a lamp 64 and an element

  receiving light, is placed in the immediate vicinity of

  The reference numerals 66 and 67 designate a roll-over roller and a follower roll, respectively. The roll-up roller 66 is mounted on the end of an arm 67 'pivotable on an axis 661 and is normally rotation in the direction

  opposite to that of the needles of a clock, in the direction

  FIG. 2 The arm 67 'is suspended at a distance

  spell 68 and roll 66 reversal sets normal-

  a certain interval'with the follower roller 67 but, when a spool 69 is actuated, the arm 67 'pivots clockwise and the roller 66

  reversal is applied against the follower roller 67.

  The latter is rotatably mounted and rotates clockwise when the roll 66 is applied against it. A belt rotatable in the direction of the arrow is arranged.

  in close proximity to the follower roller, and paper can.

  be transported to the exit path 43 by being drawn towards the belt 70 by a fan 71 placed below

of this belt.

  The operation of the paper handling portion 4 will now be described. When paper is to be directed directly from the input path 40 to the output path 41, if the coil 62 is actuated, the finger 60

  path reversal switches to establish a

  from the entry 40 to 41

exit.

  Further, when paper, after being turned, is to be directed to the exit path 41, it is directed to the paper rollover portion 42 without the web 62 being operated when the leading edge of the paper passes between the web. roll 66 and the follower roller 67 and arrives on the belt 70, the paper is transported to the left by the suction produced by the fan 71 At the time when the passage of the trailing extreme edge of the paper is detected by the lamp 64 and the light-receiving member, the coil 69 is actuated and the roll-up roller 66 is applied against the follower roller 67 so that the paper is clamped together. At this time, the roll-up roller 66 is rotated in counterclockwise and, therefore, the paper is transported to the right, despite the friction force against the belt 70 under the action of the fan 71 In other words, the paper has The front end edge is formed by the edge which was so far located at the rear end. When the new front edge of the paper reaches the finger 63, the latter serves as a guide, as described above, and the paper is directed. At this point, the front and back surfaces of the paper are inverted relative to the positions they occupied at the time the paper was directed directly to the output path 41. By the way, when the paper needs to be directed

  towards the output path 43, the coil 62 is rendered inoperable

  rante and the paper is directed to the 42 part of return-

  and, if the spool 69 is then left at rest, the paper is transported to the left under the effect of the cooperation of the belt 70 and the fan 71 and

  is directed, without intervention, to the exit path 43.

  The first and second portions 7 and 8 of emp-lage are intended to stack the paper sheets discharged from the output path 43 of the paper handling portion 4 and the unloading path 36 of the second device

  recording of images, respectively.

  We will now explain how to deal with a

  recording at a high speed,

  back and a multiplex recording in the device such

41975

as described above.

  A high speed recording can be

  by means of an image signal 51 transmitted to the

  in accordance with the invention and distributed to the first and second image recording devices 2 and 3 which are

implemented in parallel (Figure 3).

  In other words, the signal 51 is first temporarily stored in a first buffer memory B1 and in

  a second buffer memory B 2, the first part 2 of recording

  The image recorder receives the paper feed P1 from the first feed portion of the paper and, when the paper P1 is detected by a sensor 28 placed on the

  paper, the first part of the paper

  The image recorder delivers an instruction to the buffer memory B 2, in synchronism with this detection, records the image of the signal 51 on a first surface of the paper P1 and directs the paper P1 to the paper handling portion 4. 4, the coils 62 and 69 are rendered inoperative and the received paper P1 is discharged from the

  output path 43 in the first stacking portion 7.

  Moreover, the second part 3 of image recording

  receives the paper feed P 2 of the second part -

  6 paper feed and, when the paper P 2 is detected by a detector 38 placed on the path 33 in advance

  paper, the second part or the second recording device

  image recording delivers an instruction to the buffer memory B 1, in synchronism with the detection, and records, on a first surface of the paper P 2, the image of the same

  signal Sl, that is to say the same image as that recorded

  on the paper P 1, after which the paper P 2 is unloaded from the unloading path 36 in the second stacking portion 8. Thus, if the processing capabilities of the first and second parts 2 and 3 of image recording by time unit are, respectively, N sheets, the processing capacity of the whole unit per unit time is 2 N sheets and, therefore, one

  can perform dual recording at high speed.

  When it is desired to perform a double-sided recording, the apparatus is implemented so that the recording by a picture signal 52 is performed on a first surface of the paper by the first recording portion 2 of images and that recording a

  given image signal 53 is performed on a second sur-

  paper face by the second part 3 recording

images (Figure 4).

  In other words, first, the signal 52 is memo-

  momentarily stored in the buffer memory B 1 and the signal 53 is memorized momentarily in the buffer memory B 2, the first image recording part 2 receives

  the paper feed Pl of the first part 5 of food

  paper, and when the paper P1 is detected by the sensor 28 on the paper feed path 23, the first image recording part

  issues an instruction to the buffer memory B 1, in

  chronism with this detection, records the image of the first surface signal 52 on a first surface (the upper surface in the orientation of the figure) of the paper Pl and directs the paper Pl to the paper handling part 4 In this part 4, the operation

  paper rollover, described above, is carried out

  killed In other words, the coil 62 is rendered inoperative

  and the paper Pl is introduced in part 42 of return-

  Then the detector 64, 65 detects the trailing extreme edge of the paper to thereby actuate the spool 69, and the paper Pl is directed to the exit path 41, its extreme edge, now located forward, being the edge. which was before-at the back end,

  and the paper is directed to the second part 3 of

  In this second part 3, when.

  the paper P1 thus delivered is detected by a detector

  39 placed on the paper advance path 37, an instruc-

  It is transmitted to the buffer memory B 2 in synchronism with the detection and, in a transfer station 34, the image

  signal 52 of the second surface is transferred or

  the paper surface P 1, which receives the image carried over (ie the upper surface in the orientation of the

  figure) is the second surface, which is opposed to the first

  first surface on which the image was transferred in the first part 2 of image recording, because the paper was previously returned

  an image thus recorded on its second surface is.

  discharged from the unloading portion 36 into the second stacking portion 8, thereby completing the registration

  In the meantime, the second part 6 of food

  paper is kept inoperative.

  When a multiplex recording has to be performed, the recording by a first image signal

  given 54 is carried out in the first part 2 of recordings

  In this case, the image is produced on the same paper surface in the second image-recording part 3 (FIG). In other words, firstly, the signal Sd is temporarily stored in the buffer memory B1 and the signal 55 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory B 2. In the first image-recording part 2, the paper supply P from the first paper feed portion and, when the paper P1 is detected by the sensor 28, an instruction is transmitted to the buffer memory B 1 i at the same time as the detection, and the first image corresponding to the signal 54 is recorded on a surface (the upper surface in the orientation of the figure) of the paper Pl which is

  then directed to the paper handling portion 4.

  In this part 4, the coil 62 is actuated and the recycled paper P1 is transmitted without intervention of the output path 41 to the second image-recording part 3 In this second part 3, when the paper

  transmitted P1 is detected by the detector 39, an instruction

  It is delivered to the buffer B 2 in synchronism with the detection and in the transfer station 34 the second image corresponding to the signal 55 representative of a different color or the like is transferred to the report on the paper P 1 and the the surface of the latter, which receives the transferred image (the upper surface in the orientation of the figure) is the same as that on which the image was transferred in the first part 2 of image recording carrying the second image thus recorded is evacuated from the 36 de-discharge path

  in the second stacking part 8, which completes the recording.

multiplex recording.

  It has been described above how to cope with the three high functions and, furthermore, in the described embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, the two image recording parts 2 and 3 can be controlled independently. one of the other, -as two recording devices, by signals 56 and 57 of which

  content and timing are independent (Figure 6).

  In other words, firstly, the signal 56 is temporarily stored in the first buffer memory B1 and the signal 57 is temporarily stored in the

  second buffer B 2 The first part 2 of recording

  The image recorder receives the paper feed P1 from the first paper supply portion and, when the paper P1 is detected by the sensor 28, the first image recording portion issues instructions to the buffer memory. B 1, in synchronism with the detection, records the image corresponding to the signal 56 on a first surface of the paper P1 and directs it to the paper handling part 4 In this part 4, the coils 62 and 69 are rendered inoperative and the received paper P1 is discharged from the output path 43 to arrive in the first stacking portion 7.

  the second part 3 of image recording receives the

  paper P 2 of the second part 6 of food

  paper and, when the paper P 2 is detected by the detector 38, the second part of the image recording

  delivers an instruction to the buffer memory B 2, in synchronization with

  with the detection, and records the correspon-

  signal 57 on a surface of the paper P 2, after which the latter is discharged from the discharge path 36 into the

second part 8 of stacking.

  At this point, it is not necessary for the two image-recording parts to work at the same time and it is obvious that even if only one of them works, this is not a disadvantage. If it is used in this way, the device

  of this form of

  the same function as two image recording devices each having N processing capability

leaves per unit of time.

  In the embodiment described, the path

  23 paper of the second part of the registration

  image, connected to the paper feed portion 6, and the paper feed path 37 of the second

  3 recording of images, connected to Part 4 of

* lation of the paper, are physically distinct from each other, although this is not restrictive, but any advance paper path, capable of receiving sheets

  of paper from the two paper feeding parts, para.

  example of directing the paper P 2 from the party

  6 paper feed to Part 4 handling

  of paper and joining at this point the path followed

  by the paper from the first part 2 of

  very images, then directing the paper P 2 to the second part 3 of image recording, or separating the

  paper feed part 6 of Part 4 of

  paper and linking them to a common journey in advance,

is within the scope of the invention.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. In this figure, parts whose operation is quite similar to that of the corresponding parts of the first embodiment bear similar numerical references.

  and it is useless to describe them in detail.

  In the apparatus of this embodiment, the direction of movement (to the left, as shown in the figure) of the paper in the first part 2 of image recording and the direction of movement <to the right as shown in FIG. the figure) of the paper in the second image-recording part 3 are opposite each other and these two image-recording parts are interconnected by the paper-handling part 4. Moreover, a stacking portion 7 'is used in common for the first and second image recording portions 2 and 3. In such an arrangement, with respect to that of the first embodiment, the operation of the paper handling part 4 differs during an operation.

  double-sided recording and during multi-record

  plexes. In other words, as it appears in FIG. 7, if, during a double-sided recording, the paper P1 received from the input path 40 is not returned as during the multiplex recording performed at the same time. help from

  first embodiment, but is directed without any

  In order to prevent the exit of the exit path 41 from entering the second image recording portion 3, the surface of the paper receiving the image carried in the transfer station 34 is the surface opposite to that on which the image summer

  reported in transfer station 24.

  On the other hand, if, during a multiplex recording, the paper P1 received from the input path 40 is returned by the paper rollover portion 42, as is the case with a double-sided registration made in the first embodiment, and that it is directed from the output path 41 to the inside of the second image-recording part 3, the surface of the paper which receives the image postponed in the transfer station 34 is the same as the one on which the image was postponed

in the transfer station 24.

  In addition, the stacking portion 7 'is used in common with the two image recording portions 2 and 3, i.e., the paper sheets for these image recording portions. are stacked in part 7 'and, therefore, when sheets of paper on which the same image is recorded are discharged from the two image recording parts 2 and 3 during high speed recording, The operation of subsequently removing the sheets of paper becomes

  very easy in comparison with the first form of reali-

  in which the sheets of paper are accumulated

distinctly in two positions.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8. This embodiment is explored for convenience to the operator. In FIG. 8, the parties assume functions quite similar to those corresponding parts of the first embodiment bear similar numerical references and it is unnecessary

to describe them.

  In this embodiment, there is provided a single portion 5 'for feeding paper to the first and second image recording portions 2 and 3 to facilitate the feeding of paper P. In other words, sheets of paper P are stacked in a first position and, at the highest part of the stack, are arranged means 51 for advancing the paper to the first image recording part 2 and means 52 for advancing the image. paper to the second part 3 of image recording

  means 51 and 52 paper feed are designed to function

  under the control of a signal and, when one of them works to advance the paper P, the other does not interfere with this action (for example, when the paper feed means are rollers , they turn

freely).

  When paper is to be advanced to the first

  In the first part of the image-recording part, the paper advance means 51 are used to advance the highest paper sheet P to the right, as shown in the figure. paper is to be advanced to the second image-recording part 3, the paper-feeding means 52 are used to advance the highest paper sheet P to the

2541975-

  left, as shown in the figure When the sheets of paper P must be advanced substantially at the same time to the two parts 2 and 53 of image recording, one-means 51 and 52 paper advance is put first to advance a sheet of paper to the right or to the left The trailing edge of the paper passes just below the other means 52 or 51 paper advance and, if this other means of paper advance is in action, the second sheet of paper is advanced in the opposite direction to that of the first sheet of paper In this way, the advance of the second sheet can be started before the previous sheet completely leaves the post stacking (immediately after

  the advance of the first sheet has begun) and, consequently,

  * the single part 5 'in advance of the paper is sufficient

  health, even if the two parts 2 and 3 recording

  images make a continuous recording, at an inter-

  In this embodiment, two paper feed means 51 and 52 are provided, a single paper feed device capable of working both to the right and to the right side of the paper.

  the left, produces a similar effect.

  Moreover, in the embodiment described, in place of the stacking portion 7 'of the second embodiment, there is provided a sorting portion 8' for

  to collect in one position the sheets of paper

  of the unloading path 36 and the exit path 43, and then sorting the sheets of paper to make

  unnecessary the subsequent sorting operation.

  It is evident from this figure that the paper handling part 4 of the described embodiment performs exactly the same operation as that performed in the first embodiment during a double-sided recording and during a

multiplex recording -.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figs. 9 to 14 are sections showing this second embodiment. Fig. 9 shows the basic construction of this embodiment, centered on the paper path; reference numeral 1 designates a main body whose interior consists of a first part 2 of image recording, a second part 3 of image recording, a first part

  4 supply of paper, a second part 5 of food

  paper, a first stacking portion 6, a second stacking portion 7 and a third portion

8 Stacking.

  The first and second image recording parts 2 and 3 are laser beam printers In the first or first image recording device 2, the reference numeral 201 denotes a photosensitive medium rotated about the periphery whose

  electrophotographic treatment devices are arranged

  known graphics, such as an application device of

  202, a development device 203, a device

  A transfer beam application 204 and a cleaning device 205 A laser beam modulated according to an image signal is scanned on the photosensitive medium 201 by means of a device. 207 and by means of a mirror 206 to form on the support a latent image which is transformed into a visible image by a process

  electrophotographic predetermined.

  On the other hand, sheets of paper P 1, stacked in the first paper feed portion 4, are advanced one by one on the paper advance path 208 of the first image recording part 2 by means of

  200 means in advance such as a known roll

  thus advanced arrives at a transfer station 209, in

  chronism with the visible image carried by the photo-support

  201, and the image is postponed or transferred onto the paper P1 by the transfer charge application device 204 The paper P1 then arrives in a fixing station 210 in which the image carried by the paper is fixed by known means, for example by heating or pressure, and the paper is discharged from the first part 2 of image recording through a path 211

unloading.

  Moreover, in the second part of

  very many images, reference numeral 301 designates a

  photosensitive medium which can be rotated selectively

  clockwise or in the direction of the clock

  inverse The photosensitive medium 301 is surrounded by

  positive charges 302 and 303, a device

  304, a cleaning device 305 for cleaning, and a laser beam modulated according to an image signal is emitted by a laser scanning device 306,

  is reflected by a mirror 307 that can be moved selectively

  to a first position 3071 and a second

  position 3072 by a driving device (not shown

  sensé), and a fixed mirror 308 or 309, and is animated with a scanning motion on the photosensitive medium 301,

  above or below the developing device 304.

  Three paper paths, namely a first path 310, a second path 311 and a third path 312 are provided, and the design is such that the paper received from a first path 313 of power connected to the discharge path 211 of the first part 2 of image recording is directed selectively towards one of the three

  paper paths by a portion 314 of paper referral.

  The first path 310 of the paper leads from the referral portion 314 to a first unloading path 317 and the first stacking portion 6 through a first

  315 transfer station and a first station 316 fixing.

  The second paper path 311 leads from the routing portion 314 to a second unloading path 320 and the second stacking portion 7 through a

  second shift 318-and a second shift 319-

  The third 312-paper path leads to

  the switching part 314 to the third part 8 of empi

  passing through a third discharge path 321-

  P 2 paper sheets stacked in the second paper feed portion can be fed through

254 1,975

  to one by means 300 in advance, such as a known roll, and are directed to the first paper path 310 through a second path 322 in advance.

  FIG. 10 which shows in detail the portion 314 of

  1, a switch finger 323 is placed in the branch portion of the first, second and third paths 310-312 of the paper and is adapted to take a first position 3231, a second position 3232 and a third position.

  position 3233 under the action of a device 324 driving

  The paper directed to the advance path 313 may be directed to the first paper path 310 when the switch finger 323 is in the first position 3231 to the second paper path 311. when the switch finger 323 is in the second position 3232, and to the third path 312 of the paper when the switch finger 323 is in the third

position 3233.

  Although not shown, a conveyor, for example rollers and a belt, is suitably

  arranged on the route traveled by the paper.

  We will now describe how to deal with a

  recording at a high speed,

  back and a multiplex recording in the device

described above.

  A high speed recording can be

  by means of an image signal 51 transmitted to the

  described and distributed to the first and second image recording portions 2 and 3 which are implemented

in parallel (Figure 11).

  In other words, the first part 2 of

  image feed receives the paper feed Pl of the first paper feed parts 4, records

  the image corresponding to the signal 51 on a first over-

  facing the paper Pl and directs the paper Pl to the path 313 in advance of the second part 3 of image recording In this second part 3, the finger 323 of the

  part 314 is placed in the third position.

  3233 and the received paper P1 is discharged into the third stacking device 8 through the third path

  312 paper and the third path 321 unloading.

  Moreover, the photosensitive medium 301 of the

  second part 3 of image recording is rotated

  in a clockwise direction, as shown

  in the figure, and it is loaded uniformly by the dis-

  In addition, the laser beam of the scanning device 306 is reflected by the mirror 307 which is in the first position 3071 and by the mirror 308, and is applied to the photosensitive medium.

  301, above the device 304 of development, that is

  that is to say, upstream, with respect to the direction of rotation of the photosensitive medium 301, so as to form on the latter a latent image. This image is developed in a visible image by the device 304-of development. paper P 2 is output from the second paper feed portion 501 by the device 501 in advance

  and she arrives at the first transfer station 315

  the first paper path, and the visible image is transferred onto the paper P 2 by the load application device 303. Next, the image is fixed on the paper P 2 by the first part 316 of fixing and the paper is unloaded in the first part of stacking

  through the first unloading path.

  By doing so, if the capacity to treat

  the first and second parts 2 and 3 of the regis-

  images, per unit of time, are, respectively, N sheets, the processing capacity of the whole apparatus, per unit of time, becomes equal to 2 N sheets and, consequently, a double registration at

great speed.

  When a double-sided registration must be

  the device is controlled so that the recorder

  by a given image signal 52 of a first

  face to be made on a first surface of the paper by the first image-recording part 2 and that the recording by a given image signal 53 of a second surface is made on a second surface of the paper by the second part 3 image recording

(Figure 12).

  In other words, first of all, the first image-recording part 2 receives the paper feed P1 from the first paper-feeding part 4, records the image corresponding to the signal 52 of the first surface. on the first surface (the upper surface as shown in the figure) of the paper P 1 1 and directs the paper P 1 to the path 313 in advance of the second part

3 recording images.

  In the second image recording part 3, the finger 323 of the switching part 314 is placed in the second position 3232 and it directs the received paper Pl

  to the second paper path 311.

  On the other hand, the photosensitive medium 301 is rotated counterclockwise in the orientation of the figure, and is uniformly charged by the charge application device 303. of the scanning device 306 is reflected by the mirror 307, moved to its second position 3072, and by the mirror 309 and is

  applied to the photosensitive medium 301, below the

  positive 304 of development, that is to say upstream, with respect to the direction of rotation of the photosensitive medium 301,

  in order to form on the latter a latent image

  it is developed into a visible image by the device

304 development.

  The paper P1 directed towards the second paper path 311 arrives at the second transfer station 318, in synchronism with the visible image carried by the photosensitive medium 301, and this visible image is transferred.

  or reported on the paper Pl by the device 302 of application

  This image transfer is carried out on the lower surface of the paper P 1 1, namely the second surface of the paper, opposite to the surface on which a

  image was transferred to the first part 2 of

  Then, the image carried by the second surface of the paper P1 is fixed by the second station 319 of

254197 '5

  fixing and the paper is unloaded in the second part

  7 stacking, passing through the second discharge path-

  thus completing the double-sided recording.

  Meanwhile, the second paper feed portion is held inoperative. When a multiplex recording has to be made, the recording by a first image signal

  given 54 is performed by the first part of

  In this case, images are recorded and recorded by a given second image signal 55 on the same surface of the paper by the second image-recording part 3 (FIG. 13). In other words, first, the first part 2 of image recording receives the paper feed

  Pl of the first part 4 of paper feed, recording

  stores the first image corresponding to the signal 54 on a surface (the upper surface in the orientation of the figure) of the paper P1 and directs the paper P1 to the path 313 in advance of the second recording part 3

images.

  In the second image recording part 3, the finger 323 of the switching part 314 is placed in the first position 323 and directs the received paper Pl to

the first paper path 310.

  On the other hand, the photosensitive medium 301 is rotated clockwise in the orientation of the figure and is uniformly charged by the charge application device 302. Moreover, the laser beam from the device 306 is reflected by the mirror 307 which is in the first position 3071 and by the mirror 308, and is applied to the photosensitive medium 301, above the developing device 304, that is to say upstream by relative to the direction of rotation of the photosensitive medium 301, to form on the latter a latent image It is developed

  in an image visible by the development device 304.

  The paper P1 directed towards the first path 310 of paper arrives in the first transfer station 315, in synchronism with the visible image carried by the photosensitive medium 301, and this visible image is transferred.

  or reported on paper Pl by the device 303 of application

  This transfer of images is performed on the upper surface of the paper P 1, that is to say on the

  same surface as the one on which the image was

  in the first part 2 of image recording.

  Then, the image carried by the paper P1 is fixed by the first fixing station 316 and the paper is discharged into the first stacking portion 6 via the first unloading path 317, thus completing the multiplex recording. the second part 5 feeding in

paper remains inoperative.

  It has been described above how to cope with the three important functions and, furthermore, in this embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the two image recording parts 2 and 3 can be controlled independently of one another. on the other, as two recording apparatus, by signals 56 and 57 whose contents

and the timing are independent.

  The operation of each of the parts of the apparatus, in the case of an independent recording

  (Figure 14), is substantially similar to that occurring

  in the case of a high-speed recording, the

  the only exception being that signals 56 and 57 are communi-

  first and second parts 2 and 3 of

  very images, respectively, to thus make recordings on paper Pl and on paper P 2 V respectively, and that the operations of the two parts 2 and 3 of image recording are totally off

  synchronism (for example, the first part 2 of

  very pictures works alone and the second part

  3 image recording is disabled).

  If this is the case, the single apparatus of this embodiment can assume all of the same function as two image recording apparatuses each having a processing capacity of N sheets per unit

of time.

  In the described embodiment, the paper P 2 -from the second paper feeding portion 5 is directed to the first paper path 310 and the image is transferred to the upper surface of the paper P 2, in the same direction. orientation of the figure, although this is not restrictive, and the paper P 2 can be directed to the second path 311 of paper and the image transferred to the lower surface of the paper P 2, in the orientation of

  In this case, it appears that when a

  high-speed recording and independent recording

  various functions, including the direction of rotation of the photosensitive medium 301, can be

  be executed in the same way as during a recording

very recto-verso.

  Moreover, in the embodiment described, the various processing devices are used in common, depending on the direction of rotation forward or

  towards the rear of the photosensitive medium 301, in order to

  kill a predetermined treatment, although this is not

  not limiting and that independent treatment devices

  pendants can be arranged around the

  sensitive 301 and used during a forward rotation

  and when rotating in opposite directions.

  Another embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 15. In Fig. 15, the parts and elements which are quite identical in function to those of the first embodiment bear numerical references

  identical and it is unnecessary to describe them in detail.

  The described embodiment is designed to

  use a single part in common, instead of

  whose functions overlap in the first embodiment, namely the paper feed parts, the fixing stations of the second part 3 of

  imaging and stacking parts.

  With regard to the paper feed portions, during high speed recording, the first and second feed portions 4 and 5

  paper are in operation, but during a recording

  As a result, only one paper feeding part is working, provided that it can feed the two parts 2 and the paper. 3 recording images during a high-speed recording In this case, only one

  paper advance is necessary and this is

  tageux from the operating point of view.

  In addition, the first and second stations 316 and 319 for fixing the second image recording part 3 are never used at the same time, but one of them is

taken out of service, no problem.

  Similarly, the first and second parts 6 and 7

  Stacking is never used at the same time.

  Consequently, if only one part of each of the respective pairs is used in common for the two parts of each pair, the result is an economy.

  and the ability to reduce the dimensions of the device.

  Therefore, in the embodiment described, there is provided a single portion 5 'of power

  the first and second parts 2 and 3 of

  In other words, sheets of paper P are stacked in one position, and means 51 are intended to facilitate the feeding of paper.

  to advance the paper towards the first part 2 of

  recording of images while means 52 are intended

  to advance the paper towards the second part 3 of

  recording of images, these means being arranged in the part-.

  the highest of the stack of sheets of paper These means 51 and 52 of paper advance can be implemented under

  the control of a signal and, when one of them is in operation

  the other does not interfere with it (for example, when the paper feed means

  are rolls, the other roll turns freely).

  When paper is to be directed to the first image recording portion 2, the paper advance means 51 is used to advance the sheet.

  of the highest paper P to the right, in the east

  In addition, when paper is to be directed to the second image-recording portion 3, the paper-feeding means 52 is operable to cause the highest paper sheet P to be to the left, in the orientation of the figure When sheets of paper P must be directed substantially at the same time to the two parts 2 and 3 of image recording, one of the means 51 and 52 in advance of the paper is first used to advance a sheet of paper to the right or to the left If the other means of paper advance is implemented after the extreme trailing edge of this sheet of paper is just past below the other means 52 or 51 for feeding the paper, the second sheet of paper is advanced in the opposite direction to that of the first sheet. In this way, the advance of the second sheet can be started before the previous sheet left the stack of sheets of paper (this is that is, immediately after the beginning of the advance of the first sheet), and therefore the single paper feed portion 5 'is sufficient, even though the two recording parts 2 and 3

  images make a continuous recording with a

  valle greatly reduced between the sheets of paper.

  In this embodiment, two paper feeding means 51 and 52 are provided, but a single paper feeding device, which can work to the right and to the left, would also provide the same

result -

  Next, the paper directed along the first path 310 of paper and the paper directed along the second path 311 of paper are fixed by a common fastening device 322. This device 322 comprises a roller 323.

  fixing the surface of which is subjected to an anti-

  offset, and two press rollers 324, 325 When paper P is advanced along the first path 310 during high speed recording or multiplex recording, the fixing roll 323 is rotated in the direction of the clockwise, in the orientatiôn of the figure, so as to pass the paper P between the fixing roller 323 and the pressure roller 324 and thus achieve the fixing In addition, when paper P is

  advanced along the second path 311 during a

  double-sided, the 323 fixing roller is rotated

  counterclockwise, in the orientation of the figure, so that the paper

  P passes between this fixing roll 323 and the press roll.

  325 and that the fixing is thus achieved.

  After the completion of the fixing, the paper is directed

  towards a common unloading trip 326 and it is then-

  discharged to a common stacking portion 61 -

  The embodiment as described above results in the paper feed portion, the fixing portion and the stacking portion still working without

  wasted, regardless of the type of recording made.

  Stacking portions 61 and 8 can be replaced by

  placed in a common stacking part In this case, it is impossible for the same records to be stacked in two different places, especially when recording at high speed, and this is

an operating advantage.

  Figure 16 represents another form of reali-

  of the invention in which the first and second image recording portions are

ink jets.

  Numerals 331 and 332 denote ink jet heads located in the recording portions 91 and 92, respectively, and adapted to discharge ink droplets to the paper under the control of a signal. given image The sheets of paper P 3 are stacked in the portion 93 of paper supply and they

  may be advanced to Parts 91 and 92 of

* in much the same way as described for the previous embodiment Paper? 3 In this portion 92, the paper is selectively directed to a first path 334 or a second path 331 is fed to the image by the head 331 and is directed to the recording portion 92. 335 by a

333 referral.

  The head 332 is displaceably supported and can take a first position 3321 opposite a first recording position 336 on the first path, and a second position 3322 opposite a second registration position 337 on the second path 332. path 335, using a driver (not shown) The first and second paths 334 and 335

  join in passing through parts 336 and 337 of

  registration and they are connected to a path 338

  and, beyond, to a stacking portion 339.

  The head 332 takes the first position 3321 during a high speed recording, a multiplex recording and an independent recording, and it takes

  the second position 3322 when a recto

back.

  The paper path in the various types of recording

  The data is substantially similar to that of the embodiments described above and therefore need not be described in detail. The only difference in the paper path between the embodiment now described and those described above is that in the embodiments previously described, the second

  and third routes 311 and 312 of the paper were independently

  of each other, whereas in the form of

  Currently, a second path 335 is used in common. In other words, in high speed recording and independent recording, the paper having

  received a recording in the first part 91 of the

  In the above-described embodiments, the second path 311 of the paper is in contact with the moving photosensitive medium 301, or the station 319 for fixing, which is unnecessary for high-speed recording and independent recording, is present and, therefore, paper can not be passed along this path. However, the embodiment of the invention now described is of the ink jet type and, therefore, in this

  embodiment, even in the case where the paper

  only in the first part 91 of the regis-

  it passes through the second position 3322 of recording, it does not undergo any bad influence and no device

  such as that found in the electronic system.

  The photographic pathway is not present and, therefore, a path corresponding to the third path 312 of the paper becomes useless. A third embodiment of the invention

  will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 17 shows the basic construction of this third embodiment of the invention, centered on the paper path. The reference numeral 1 designates a main body whose inside consists of a first imaging device 2. , of a second

  imaging device 3, of a part 420 of -

  handling of the paper, a first part 425 of food

  paper feeding apparatus, a device 426 for routing to various paths, a first image fixing device 427, a second image fixing device 428, a first stacking device 429, and a second

430 stacking device.

  The first and second parts 2 and 3 of

  Image recordings are laser printers of substantially the same construction With regard to the first image recording part 2, reference numeral 201 designates a photosensitive medium rotated around which devices are arranged.

  known electrophotographic processors (not shown

  A laser beam modulated according to an image signal is scanned on the photosensitive medium 201 by a laser scanning device 242, through a mirror 241, to form a light-sensitive medium on the photosensitive medium. latent image which is then transformed into a visible image by an electrophotographic process

  In addition, sheets of paper Pl

  In the first paper feeding portion 425 are advanced one by one on the paper advance path 243 of the first image recording portion 2 by a paper feed device 270, for example a known roll The advanced paper arrives at a transfer station 244 in synchronism with the visible image carried by the photosensitive medium 201, and this visible image is transferred onto the paper by known transfer means.

  The paper is then directed to the needle device 426.

  This device 426 alternates between paper transport paths 245 and 246 to thereby direct the transfer paper selectively to the second image forming device 3 or to the first image fixing device 427. second image forming device 3, an image is formed on the paper by this second device 3, as has been done by the first image forming device 2, and the images formed by the first and second devices 2 and 3 are fixed by the second fixing device-428, after which the paper is discharged into the second stacking device 430. On the other hand, if the paper is directed towards

  the first device 427 for fixing images by the dis-

  Positive 426 referral, an image fixing is performed by the first device 427, then the paper is directed

  to the paper handling portion 420.

  The difference presented by the second part 3 of image recording is that in addition to the path

  253 of the paper which is connected to the path 445 of

  carrying transfer paper through the disc

  In the positive direction 426 and which directs the paper carrying an unfixed image, coming from the first imaging device, there is provided a second paper advance path 257 for receiving the paper from the portion 420 of The sheets of paper received from the two paper feed paths are all directed to the transfer station 254. As in the first imaging device 2, a laser beam modulated according to a image signal is scanned on a photosensitive medium 301 by a laser scanning device 252, via a mirror 251, so as to form a latent image on the carrier which is then transformed into a visible image by a predetermined electrophotographic process The paper handling portion 420 returns the paper received from an input path 440 or does not return the paper, but directs it to the second form device 3 image transfer by a transport path 441, or it directs paper from an unloading path 443 to the first stacking device 429

  passing through a portion 442 of turning the paper.

  The transport path 441 is connected to the second paper feed path 257 and is designed to direct the paper before the transfer station 254 of the second paper feed device.

image formation.

  The details of the interior are shown in FIG. 18 Rollers 400 and 401 located on the paper entry path 440 are rotated in the directions indicated by arrows, and a switch finger 402 is disposed forwardly. Rollers The finger 402 can pivot on an axis 403 and is normally recalled in the direction

  reverse of that of clockwise, in Por-

  of the figure by a spring 404 so as to

  direct the paper path to the 442 part of the

  Now, if a 405 reel is

  At this point, the switch finger 402 pivots clockwise against the force of the spring 404 so as to tilt the path towards the side of the exit path 441. A finger 406 is facing downwards. under the effect of its own weight, is placed at the entrance to the 442 turning part of the paper, and advanced paper

  to the left, in the orientation of the figure, in

  venance of the input path 440, can pass by pushing aside on the lower surface of the finger 406, and the paper turned to the right, in the orientation of the figure, from the portion 442 of turning the paper, is guided by the upper surface of the finger 406 and is moving towards the output path 441 A paper detector, comprising a lamp 407 and a receiving element 408

  the light, is placed in close proximity to the finger 406.

  The numerical references 409 and 410 denote a roll-over roller and a follower roll, respectively. The roll 409 of roll-over is mounted on the end of a roll.

  arm 411 can pivot on an axis 410 and is normal-

  rotated in the opposite direction to that of the

  clockwise, in the orientation of the figure.

  The arm 411 is suspended from a spring 412 and the roller

  409 reversal normally establishes a certain

  With the follower roller 410, however, when a spool 413 is actuated, the arm 411 pivots in the opposite direction.

  clockwise and the roll 409-of returns-

  This is applied against the follower roller 410.

  it is rotatably mounted and rotates clockwise when the roll 409 is applied against it.

  414, movable in the direction indicated by the arrow, is adja-

  to the follower roll and the paper can be drawn to the band 414 by a fan 415 placed below

  from it, and directed towards the 443 exit route.

  The operation of part 420 of manipula-

  paper will now be described First, when

  that paper is to be directed, / undergoing no operation, from the input path 440 to the transport path 441, if the coil 405 is energized, the switch finger 402 switches to form a route

  from the input path 440 to the path 441 of

Harbor -

  Further, when paper is to be directed to the transport path 441 after being turned over, the spool 405 is not actuated and the paper is directed to the paper turning portion 442 when the edge

  extreme front of the paper passes between the 409 roll-back

  ment and the follower roller 410 and that it arrives on the

  belt 414, the paper is driven to the left by.

  When the passage of the trailing edge of the paper is detected by the lamp 407 and the light receiving member 408, the coil

  413 is excited and the roll 409 for turning is applied.

  Against the follower roller 410 so that the paper is clamped together at this time, the roll 409 of rotation is rotated in the opposite direction of that of the clockwise and the paper is moved despite the friction force against the belt 414, under the action of the fan 415, and it is driven to the right in the orientation of the figure In other words, the paper

  advance so that its edge, now located at 1 Dextré.

  before, ie the edge that was previously at the

  When the new leading edge of the paper reaches the finger 406, as mentioned above, the latter constitutes a guide and the paper is directed towards the exit path 441. Compared to the moment when the paper was directed directly to the path 441 of exit, it appears that the paper is then returned to

the bottom.

  On the other hand, when the paper is to be directed to the unloading path 443, the spool 405 is rendered inoperative and the paper is directed to the turnaround portion 442, and if the spool 413 is then left untouched.

  rest, the paper is directed to the left by the cooperation

  between the belt 414 and the fan 415 and is directed, without any intervention, to the unloading path 443 The first and second stacking portions 429 and 430 are for stacking the successive paper sheets from the unloading path 443 Part 420 Paper Handling and S econd Device

  428 fixing images, respectively.

  Figures 19, 20, 22 and 23 show the actual image recording operations performed

  in the apparatus as shown in Figure 17.

254-975

= 38

  FIG. 19 is a simplified diagram illustrating a rectoverso recording. When such a recording is to be made, the recording by an image signal 51 of first surface, made on a first surface S of the paper, is made on the paper coming from the

  first portion 425 of paper feed, by the first

  first imaging device 2, and the paper is directed to the referral device 426 The paper is directed to the first image fixing device 427 by the referral device 426, and the paper having been fixed an image by the device 427 is directed to the paper handling portion 420 In this portion 420, the aforesaid operation of turning the paper is performed. In other words, the coil 405 is left at rest and the paper P1 is inserted into the turning part 442, then the detector 407, 408 detects the trailing extreme edge of the paper so as to excite the spool 413, and the paper Pl is directed to the transport path 441, its leading edge being the edge previously located at the rear end, and is brought to the second image recording device 3 An image recording is made by this second device 3 on the surface of the paper P 1, and

  brought, which is opposite-to the surface on which an

  image recording was performed by the first recording device 2 The paper P 1 1 on the two surfaces of which images are recorded, is directed to the second fixing device 428 so that the images carried by the paper Pl are fixed, then it is unloaded

  in the first stacking portion 429, which completes the

  2 is a simplified diagram illustrating the steps of a multiplex recording When such recording is to be performed, the recording by a first surface image signal 53, intended for a first surface of the paper, is performed on the paper from the first paper feeding portion 425, by the first image recording portion 2,

  and the paper is directed to the switching device 426.

  The paper is directed to the second part 3 of

  by the switching device 426, without having been subjected to a fixing of the image, and the second recording part 3 forms a second image corresponding to an image signal 54, on the same surface as the one on which the first image was formed by the first image-recording part 2 In this case, when the image-recording colors of the first and second parts 2 and 3 differ from each other, the images formed are in multiple colors The paper Pl on which multiplex images have been formed by the second image recording part 3, is subjected to a fixing by the second fixing device 428, for the

  first time, then it is unloaded in the second

  stacking system 430, which completes the multi-record

  plexes. When repetitive image formation on

  the same surface, for example multi-image

  plex, is achieved in this way, one can avoid a

  deformation, which would otherwise be caused by a pres-

  heat, etc., applied to the paper, by

  not pass the paper through the device -

  fixing between the formations of the individual images and, therefore, the accuracy of the framing and the accuracy of the positions of the images can be improved.

  A double-sided recording and a recording

  multiplexing (in multiple colors) have been described above based on the embodiment of FIG. 17, and a higher speed can be attained in the dual speed mode by employing at least two devices of forming images and making them form the same image, independently of one another. Fig. 21 shows an embodiment in which a second paper feeding portion 425 'is for feeding paper also to the second image recording portion 3, in addition to the elements of the embodiment shown on the drawing. figure 17, so as to be able to cope with the speed more

  high used in dual speed mode.

  Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the operation steps corresponding to this case. When a high-speed recording is to be performed, an image signal 55, transmitted to the described apparatus, is distributed to the first and second image recording portions 2 and 3 and these two parts 2 and

  3 are implemented in parallel.

  In other words, the first part 2 of

  images receives the paper feed Pl of the first

  first part 425 and records 12 cor-

  corresponding to the signal 55 on a first surface of the paper P 1, and the latter is directed towards the first image fixing device 427 by the switching device 426, so that the image carried by the paper P 1 is fixed after the paper P1 is directed to the paper handling portion 420 In this portion 420, the bobbins 405 and 413 are turned off and the received paper P1 is unloaded

  of the output path 443 in the first portion 429 of

  On the other hand, the second image recording part 3 receives the paper feed P 2 from the second paper feed portion 425 'and

  records, on a surface of the paper P 2, the corre-

  laying at the same signal 55 that c 3 him used for paper

  P 1, after which the paper P 2 passes through the second disc

  positive 428 fixing and is discharged in the second part

430 stacking.

  Although not represented, a trans-

  carrier, for example rollers and a belt, is

  arranged on the paper route.

  By doing so, if the capacity to treat

  first and second parts-2 and 3 of registra-

  per unit of time are N sheets, respectively, the processing capacity of the whole apparatus is 2 N sheets per unit of time and, therefore, a speed record can be obtained.

high double.

  It has been described above how to deal with the three higher functions and, in the apparatus of the described embodiment, as shown in the simplified diagram of FIG. 23, it will be seen that the two parts 2 and 3 of recording

  Lots of images can be implemented independently

  from each other by signals 56 and 57 whose contents and timing are independent, the apparatus

  unique being used as two recording devices.

  In other words, the first part 2 of

  The image is fed with the paper feed P1 of the first paper feed portion 425 and stores the image corresponding to the signal 56 on a first surface of the paper Pi, which is then directed to the handling portion 420 of the paper. In Part 420, Reels 405 and 413 are rendered inoperative and the paper

  received P1 is unloaded from the output path 443 in the first

  In addition, the second image-recording portion 3 receives the paper feed P 2 from the second paper-feeding portion 4251 and stores the image corresponding to the signal 57 on a paper feed. paper surface P 2, after which the latter is discharged in the second portion 430 of em piling in

  through the device 428 fixing.

  If so used, the single device can also perform the same function as two image recording devices each having a

  treatment of N leaves per unit of time.

  In the embodiment described, a path

  253 paper feed of the second part 3 of recording

  image recording, which is connected to the paper feed portion 425 ', and a paper feed path 257 of the second image recording portion 3, which is connected to the paper handling portion 420, are provided separately, although this is not limiting and it is also within the scope of the invention to be able to first direct the paper P 2 of the portion 425 'of paper feed to the handling portion 420 of the paper and to make it join the paper path from the first part 2 of image recording, after which the paper P 2 is directed towards the second part 3 of image recording, or it also enters in the context of the invention to be able to modify the part

  425 'of paper feed and part 420 of handling

  paper and connect them to a feed path.

  Figure 24 represents another form of reali-

  In FIG. 24, the parties to the invention

  similar functions to those of the corresponding parts

  of the second embodiment have the same reference numerals and need not be described.

  In the embodiment described, the first

  first and second image recording portions 2 and 3 respectively comprise first and second paper feeding portions 425 and 425 ', first and second image fixing devices 427 and 428, and first and second second portions 420 and 420 'of paper handling, and image formation is performed by the first image-recording part 2, and the paper, on which the image is fixed by the first fixing device 427, went back into the first part 420 of manipulation

  paper, in the same way as described above.

  or it is not returned and is directed to a transport path 444, then to the upstream side of the transfer station 244 of the first registration portion 2

  images, or it is directed to a path 443 of

  loading and to a first stacking device 429.

  The second portion 420 'of paper handling is designed

  to return in the same manner as described above.

  firstly the paper on which an image has been formed by the second image-recording part 3 and fixed by the second fixing device 428, or this second part 420 'does not return the paper and the latter is directed to a transport path 444 ', then to the upstream side of the transfer station 254 of the second image recording part 3, or else the paper is

2-541975

  directed to a unloading path 443 'and then to a

second stacking device 430.

  In the described embodiment, during a multiplex recording and as in the previous embodiment, images can be

  be formed on the same surface of the paper by the first

  first and second image recording portions 2 and 3, without the paper passing through the first fixing device 427 and, in the double-sided recording mode, an image is formed on a first surface of the paper Pl advanced since the first part 425 power supply

  in accordance with an image signal of first

  face, in the first part 2 of image recording,

  then the paper Pl is directed to the needle device 426.

  first, the first fixing device 427 and the first paper handling portion 420, in the order cited, and is returned to the paper handling portion 420 and directed to the transport path 444, and an image is formed on a second surface of the paper by a second surface image signal, again in the first image-recording part 2, after which the paper is directed to the first fixing device 427 by the device 426. referral so that the images are fixed, then the paper is directed to the unloading path 443 by the first handling portion 420 and is then discharged into the first stacking portion 429. Also, as in the second part 3 of image recording, an image is formed on a first surface of the paper P 2 from

  of the second portion 425 'of paper feed, in accordance with

  to a first surface image signal, and the paper P 2 is directed to the second fixing device 428 and to the second handling portion 420 ', in the order cited, and is returned to the second portion 4201 and directed to a transport path 4441, after which, in the second image recording portion 3, an image

  is formed on a second surface of the paper P 2, in accordance with

  to a second surface image signal, then the paper P 2 is directed to the second fixing device 428 for the images to be fixed, after which the paper P 2 is directed to an unloading path 443 'by the second part 420 'of handling the paper and is thus discharged in the second stacking device 430 It follows from this that, since the first and second parts 2 and 3 of image recording individually form images, if the images are formed on the front and back surfaces of the paper by the same image signal, we obtain a double-sided mode in speed

  double and, since both parties register

  images can be controlled by signals

  separate images, two independent functions of

  tion and image processing are obtained during one-

  In addition, the image forming colors are changed between the first image-recording part and the second image-recording part, and after an image has also been formed on the

  second surface of the paper by the first part 2 of

  image recording, the paper is directed to the second image-recording part 3 by the switching device 426, and the formation of double-sided images by the second image-recording part 3, second fixing device 428 and the second portion 420 'of paper handling is performed, which allows to obtain the formation of multiple color images on both

paper surfaces.

  When you want to proceed in single-sided, dual-speed mode, after forming an image on the first surface of the paper in the double-sided double-sided mode described above, the paper is turned over

  by the first and second parts 420 and 420 'of

  tion and is directed not to the transport paths 444 and 44 'but to the unloading paths 443 and 443, which makes it possible to proceed in

  double speed, on one side only.

"-54 1,975

  Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 25 as in Fig. 24, with the parts of Fig. 25 assuming

  functions similar to those of the corresponding parts

  in the second embodiment have similar numerical references and it is useless to

  describe The described embodiment adopts a

  truction in which, in place of the first and second image-fixing devices 427 and 428 and the first and second paper-handling portions 420 and 4201 of the previously described embodiment, a single

  of these devices and only one of these parts are

  Commonly used in the first and second image recording portions 2 and 3 In the dual speed mode and the double-sided recording mode, the image fixing device 427 and the image manipulation portion 420 are paper are designed to establish a dual speed of or greater than the transport speed present during the first and second image formations, so that a single fixing device does not interfere with the transport of paper on which images have been formed

  continuously in the first and second parts of

  In addition, the paper directed from the part

  420 handling to the transport path is trans-

  selectively carried to one of the first and second image-recording portions by the switching device 431 placed in the intermediate portion of the transport path The present embodiment produces an effect similar to that of the embodiment

previously described.

  A fourth embodiment of the invention

  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing the fourth embodiment of the invention, and FIG.

  a section showing a part of transport and manipulation

  In FIG. 26, reference numeral 1 designates a main body whose inside consists of a first image recording part 2, a second image recording part 3, a part 604 for handling the paper, a first part 605

  paper feed, one second per 606

  paper and a stacking portion 607.

  The first and second image recording parts 2 and 3 are laser beam printers of the same construction, but since the paper transport direction differs between these two recording parts, the part 3 of registration is of a

  opposite to that of Part 2 of the regis-

  As regards the first part 2 of registration,

  images, reference numeral 201 designates a photosensitive medium rotated around which

  electrophotographic treatment devices are arranged

  known graphics (not shown) A laser beam, modulated according to an image signal, is scanned on the photosensitive medium 201 by a laser scanning device 622, passing through

  a mirror 621 so as to form on the photoelectric support

  sensitive a latent image that is transformed into a

  visible image by an electrophotographic process pre-

  In addition, sheets of paper Pl stacked in the first portion 605 paper feed are advanced on the path 623 advance paper of the first

  part 2 of recording images, one by one, by a

  positive 650 advance paper, for example a known roll.

  The paper thus advanced arrives at a station 624 for transmitting

  in synchronism with the visible image carried by the photosensitive medium 201, and the image is transferred to the paper by known transfer means The paper then arrives at a station 625 for fixing where the image carried by the paper is fixed by known means, for example by heating or pressing, after which the paper is discharged from the first part 2 of image recording

  passing through an unloading route 626

  tor, for example rolls and a tape, is suitable for

  on the paper route, although it does not

not represented.

  Part 604 handling the paper will be

present described.

  Part 604 for handling the paper is

  for not returning the paper received from an input path 640 connected to the unloading path 626, or for not returning the paper and transmitting it from a paper exit path 641 to a path 642 in advance paper, or a second paper exit path 643 to the stacking portion 607. The details of the interior are shown in FIG. 27 Rollers 500 and 501 located on the paper entry path 640 can rotate in the directions indicated by arrows and a switch finger 502 is disposed in front of these rollers. The pointing finger 502 can pivot on an axis 503 and is normally biased counterclockwise, in the orientation of the figure, by a spring 504 to direct the path of the face paper. to the paper exit path 541 When a spool 505 is actuated, the turnout finger 502 pivots clockwise against the force of the spring 504 to make

  pass the route to the side of trip 644 return-

  At the entrance of the paper overturning path 644, a finger 506 is pivotable about an axis 507 and is clockwise biased by

  a spring 508, and the paper directed to the left,

  firing of the input path 640, can pass by pushing against the upper surface of the finger 506, while the paper returning to the right from the turning part 644, is guided by the lower surface of the finger 506 and goes towards I'm driving 641 exit A

  paper detector, comprising a lamp 509 and a

  The numerals 511 and 512 denote, respectively, a roll-over roller and a follower roll. The roll-up roll 511 is mounted on the end of an arm 514 rotatable on an axis 513 and is normally rotated in the

48 2541974

  counterclockwise direction, in the orientation of the figure The arm 514 is suspended from a spring 515 and the roll 511 reversal delimits

  usually an interval with follower roller 512.

  However, when a spool 516 is energized, the arm 514 rotates clockwise and the roll 511 is applied against the follower roller 512. The latter is rotatably mounted and is rotated in a clockwise direction when the roll 511 is applied against this follower roller A strip 517, movable in the

  direction indicated by the arrow, is placed in close proximity

  diate of the follower roller 512 and the paper is transported,

  while he is attracted to Band 517 by a ventilator

  518 The paper is reliably conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow, after the cancellation of the driving force of the

* rolls 500 and 501 of the paper entry path 640.

  Paper arriving from the paper entry path 640 is returned or not returned, and it arrives

  to the exit route 641, with the help of the transport

  519 and 520, and is transported to the paper feed path 642 or to the second paper exit path 643, depending on the position of a finger 521. The finger 521 can pivot on an axis 522 and is normally biased clockwise by a spring 523 to orient the paper-path to the paper feed path 642. When a spool 524 is energized, the finger 521 rotates in the opposite direction. inverse of

  clockwise, against the strength of the

  523, in order to switch the route to the side of the second paper output path 643 A paper sensor, comprising a lamp 525 and a light receiving member 526, is disposed in front of the carrier rollers 519 and 520 and the spool 524 is controlled to be excited when the leading edge of the paper intersects the paper sensor beam and the direction of transport of the paper is directed to the second path

paper advance.

  The operation of part 604 of manipula-

  paper will now be described.

  The paper arriving from the input path 640 is directed to the output path 641 if the spool 505 is turned off, and the paper can be directed to the paper feed path 642 or to the second output path 643. Next, if the spool 505 is excited, the paper is directed to the turning part and the paper coming out of the turning part moves in an orientation such that its leading edge is the

  edge that was previously at the back end.

  In addition, the front and back surfaces of the paper have been interchanged Usually, the paper that has passed through the turning part is directed to the path 642 in advance

  paper while the coil 524 is out of action.

  In FIG. 26, a second path 672 for unloading

  connected to the second output path 643, and a first discharge path 671, connected to the first output path 636, are arranged in opposite positions, and the sheets of paper recorded by the first and second parts 2 and 3 of recording images are stacked in the stacking device 607, their surface carrying a

image being turned down.

  We will now describe how to deal with a

  high-speed recording, a

  back and multiplex recording using the device

described above.

  When a high speed recording

  performed, the page data information communicated to the apparatus is distributed to the first and second

  parts 2 and 3 of image recording, and these two parts

  the paper feed parts, are controlled together and the delivered paper sheets are superimposed on each other in the part

stacking (Figure 28).

  In other words, a data item 700, comprising a series of page data sequences, is

  distributed to output memories 701 and 702 corresponding to

  at the first and second image recording portions so that odd page information is stored in the output memory 701 and even page information is stored in the output memory 702 In the first part 2 image recording, the paper feed P1 is received from the first portion 605 of the paper feed and the page data of the output memory-701 is recorded on a first surface of the paper P1 which is then directed In this portion 604, the spool 505 is rendered inoperative and the spool 524 is energized, and the received paper P1 is discharged from the output path 643 into the stacking device 607 through the first unloading path 671 Furthermore, the second image-recording part 3 receives the paper feed P 2 from the second part

  606 and records the data

  of pages of the output memory 702 on a surface of the paper P 2 which is then discharged into the stacking device 607 through the second discharge path 672. It should be noted at this point as

  shown in FIG. 29, that the direction 801 of the image delineates

  set by the first image-recording part and the 802-direction of the image delivered by the second part

  image recording are opposed to each other.

  To avoid such a situation, if an impression is made in the direction of an output image rotated from, as indicated in 803, the same image direction as that indicated at 801 is obtained.

  to be rotated 180, the image 802 remaining unchanged.

  Figure 30 illustrates the data processing performed for a rotation on 1800 When the data successively transferred from the page data suite 700 to the page memory 702, in the right direction of the arrow, from the upper address. A, are delivered to a buffer line 704, a reverse reading, in the left direction of the arrow, is performed from

  from the B address of the back end to the memory of

  page 702 The data formed on the buffer line 704 is delivered in the right direction of the arrow and an image is recorded on the paper by the second image recording part 3, and an output is obtained,

  an inverted image 706 Moreover, in the case o -

  the image is not reversed, when the data successively transferred from the data stream 700 of the pages to the memory

  701 of page, in the right direction of the arrow, to -

  from the upper address A, are delivered to a buffer line 703, a forward reading is made, in the right direction of the arrow, from the upper address A The data formed on the buffer line 703 are delivered in the right direction of the arrow and an image is recorded on the paper by the first image recording part 2, and

  gets a rectified image 705 -

  When a multiplex recording is to be performed, as shown in Fig. 31, a first recording information for recording

  multiplex is distributed to the first part of

  recording of images and a second recording information

  is distributed to the second part of

  pictures, and the recorded images are super-

  In other words, a data item 700, comprising a series of pages data sequences, is distributed to the output memories 701 and 702 corresponding to the first and second image recording portions so that, for example, the first recording information is stored in the output memory 701 and the second recording information is stored in the output memory 702 The first image recording part 2 receives the paper feed P1 of the first portion 605 of paper advance, stores the page data of the output memory 701 on a surface of the paper Pl and directs

  this paper P1 to the paper handling portion 604.

  In part 604, the coil 505 is excited and the paper

  is directed to the turning part of the paper and ,.

  after being returned, it is transported to the path 642 in advance of the paper, the coil 524 being rendered inoperable.

  In the turning part of the paper, not only

  the front and back surfaces, but also the extreme front and back edges of the paper, invert their positions. In FIG. 31, t is shown in FIG.

  data constituting the first registration information

  and in 711 data constituting the second informa-

  registration and, following a registration

  multiplexed, these data form those represented in 712.

  Assuming that the image recorded on the paper by the first image recording part is indicated at 713, if the data indicated at 711 in the second

  part of image recording are directly super-

  asked to the paper having passed through the part of

  paper, these 711 data become inverted,

as indicated in 714.

  To avoid such a situation, if the image is delivered to the second image-recording part at the same time as it is rotated 180 as shown in FIG. 30, it appears that the indicated image is obtained. in 712 It is obvious that the image can be rotated from 1800 in the first part of image recording and that it can be delivered without any intervention,

  at the second part of image recording.

  When a double-sided recording is to be performed, as shown in Fig. 32, a first recording information, to be recorded on a first surface of the paper, is distributed to the first image-recording part and a second recording information, to be recorded on the opposite surface of the paper, is distributed to the second image-recording part, so that images recorded on the front and back surfaces of the

same paper.

  In other words, a data item 700, comprising a series of page data sequences, is

  distributed to the output memories 702 and 701 corresponding to

  to the first and second image-recording portions so that, for example, odd-page data is stored in the output memory 701 and data of an even-numbered page are stored in

  the output memory 702 The first part 2 of recordings

  very pictures receives the paper feed Pl

  lo coming from the first part of the paper,

  stores the even-page data of the output memory 702 on a first surface of the paper P1 and directs it to the paper handling portion 604 In the portion 604, the coils 505 and 524 are set out of action and the paper from route 640 entering the

  paper is transported to the paper path 642.

  In the second part of the image recording, the data

  from an odd page of the output memory are recorded.

  on the back surface of the paper Pl which is then transported to the stacking device 607 Thus, the sheets of paper are stacked in the device 607, the

  odd pages being turned down.

  Now, in the previous description of a

  high-speed recording and multiplex recording, it became clear that in the first

  and second parts of image recording, it is neces-

  to make a recording taking into account a straightened image and an inverted image, from the point of view of the output of the image In the case of a double-sided recording, there appears another problem concerning the image and the inverted image, and this will be described with reference to FIG. 33 When the transmission is carried out in the same direction of images in the first and second image-recording parts, during the lateral advance during which the longitudinal direction of the paper P1 is oriented laterally to the conveying direction and during the longitudinal advance in which the length of the paper P1 is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the transport, the output is obtained by advanced 720 paper laterally and the paper 722 advanced longitudinally and, when assembled, it is usual to place them in the form of a file 721 connected laterally and a file 723 connected longitudinally, respect However, if you try to introduce the paper

  720, laterally advanced, in a 724 long-term file

  when you open the file, you get a reversed image on a surface. Similarly, if you try to embed the paper 722 advanced longitudinally in a file 725 connected laterally, you get,

  opening the file, on a surface, an inverted image

  To avoid such a situation if, for example, in

  output, the data corresponding to the even pages, pro-

  from the first image-recording portion, are rotated 1800, an output paper 726, laterally advanced, and an output paper 728, advanced longitudinally, and a longitudinally-bound file 727 is also obtained, wherein the laterally advanced paper 726 is longitudinally connected, and a laterally attached file 729, in which the longitudinally advanced paper 728 is laterally joined. In general, the output file is often produced as a 724 or 727 binder file longitudinal To allow longitudinal binding, it is necessary to determine if the direction of advance of the paper is longitudinal or lateral and can be controlled if the output is to be made, for example, while the image is rectified or reversed in the second part of the paper. In other words, when a longitudinal advance is detected, a control is intervened so that the directions of the images output from the first and second image recording parts

  are identical When a lateral advance is detected

  the order is placed so that the instructions are

  output images of the first and second parts

  image recording are opposed to each other.

  When a lateral binding is requested, for example, a switch is used in the image recording apparatus described and a control is carried out so that when this switch is operated, the sidebinding mode is otherwise obtained. said, in the side-binding mode, when a longitudinal feed is detected, a command is made such that the directions of the output images of the first and second image-recording portions are opposed to one another. other When a lateral advance is detected, a command is made such that the directions of the output images of the first and second recording parts

images are identical.

  When a recording is to be made, the page data information communicated to the described apparatus is distributed to the first or second image recording portion, as shown in Fig. 34, and an output is made otherwise. said, a data item 700, comprising a series of page data sequences, is transferred to the output memory 701 and output data is transmitted to the first or second image recording portion by a distributor 705 When the output data is transmitted to the first image recording part,

  this part receives the paper feed Pl of the first

  first part 605 paper feed, record the

  page data of the output memory 701 on an over-

  In this portion 604, the coil 505 is de-energized and the coil 524 is energized, and the received paper P1 is discharged from the output path 643.

  in the stacking device 607 through the first

  first trip 671 of unloading When the data of

  output are transmitted to the second part of

  This portion receives the paper feed P 2 from the second paper feed portion 606 and stores the page data of the output memory 702 on a surface of the paper P 2 which is then unloaded into the paper feed P 2. the stacking device 707 passing through the second discharge path 672 As is apparent from what has been described so far, it is necessary that the images, when directed to the first

  and second parts of image recording, are

  from 1800 so that the direction of the image emitted by the first image-recording part may coincide with the direction of the image emitted by the second image-recording part. However, in the following case, it it is not always necessary to rotate the directions of the images 180, but the images can be delivered without intervention In other words, if the first and second image recording parts are used

  alternately for each job or file,

  of several page data, to be produced, the direc-

  output images change for each job or for each file and, therefore, the division of

  work or file can be established clearly.

  In the case of a high-speed recording,

  a multiplex recording, a single

  In the case of an independent recording, the flowchart of FIG. 35 corresponds to a case where it is necessary to rotate the output image by 1800 between the first and second image recording parts, and a case where it is not necessary to rotate the output image from 1800 between the first and second image recording parts High speed recording and multiplex recording must be performed with a 180 V rotation -of the output image In the case of a double-sided recording, we choose whether the output image should be rotated by 1800 or not depending on the choice of the direction of advance of the paper and the direction of the binding. same as in the case of an independent recording it appears that the processing changes according to the changes of direction of images for

every job or every file.

  In FIG. 35, when the answer is no to the high-speed GV, multiplex, and two-sided recording decision steps RV, a decision step is made asking whether the work or file direction is changed or no (CHGT step) If the answer

  is no, go to step A indicating that it is necessary

  It is the same if the answer is yes to the GV and multiplex decision steps. In the case where the answer is yes to the RV step, the output images of the first and second image recording portions are changed by 1800. , it is determined what is the direction of advance of the paper If this direction is longitudinal, it is then determined what is the direction of the binding If this direction is lateral, we return to step A and if it is longitudinal, we go to step B which indicates that it is not necessary to change from 1800 the output images of the first and second image recording parts If the answer to the step requesting the direction of advance paper is "lateral", we go to a step determining the direction of the binding If this direction is lateral, we return to step B, if it is longitudinal, we return to step A. Figure 36 is a cut showing another

  embodiment of the transport path according to the invention.

  tion, and an example in which transport

  between the first and second parts of the

  Image record will now be described in Fig. 36, unlike the case shown in Fig. 26, unless the surface on which an image is to be formed by the first image recording portion 2 'is returned. in the paper handling part 604 ',

  it is possible to form, in the second part 3 'of

  recording images, an image on the same surface and, conversely, in the case of a double-sided recording, it is necessary to return the paper without problems and direct it to the second part 3 'recording

  In order to facilitate the description, the parts

  assuming functions similar to those of the parts shown in Figure 26 bear the same numerical references to which a "prime" sign is added, and it is unnecessary to describe them.

  reside in the fact that the first journey 671 'of unloading

  connected to the stacking device 607 ', and the second discharge path 672' meet along the way

  -and on the transportation route of the 604- 'portion of

  pulation of paper. In the case of Fig. 36, the direction of the paper does not differ between high speed and multiplex recordings and, therefore, the directions of the images recorded by the first and second recording parts 2 'and 3'. In addition, when recording independently, the recorded image directions may be the same, unless the image directions are changed for each job or for each file. Now, in the case of a single-sided recording -verso, as in the case of the problem shown in FIG. 33, the method used to deliver images changes according to the relationship between the direction of the advance of the paper and the direction of the binding. In FIG. if, conversely, in the case of

  figure 33, the laterally advanced paper is longitudinally

  at a time when the longitudinally advanced paper is connected laterally, the output directions of the first and second image recording portions 2 'and 3' may be identical If the laterally advanced paper is laterally joined or the longitudinally advanced paper is longitudinally connected , it is necessary that the exit directions of the first and second parts 2 'and

  33 of recordings are shot from 180.

  FIG. 38 represents a flowchart identical to that of FIG. 35, except for steps A and B which are reversed and, in the case of a high speed recording and a multiplex recording, it is unnecessary to return the picture. In the case of a double-sided recording, we choose to return the output image of 1800 according to the choice of the direction of advance of the paper and the direction of the binding Similarly, in the case of an independent recording, it is necessary to return the output image of 180 only when it is desired to modify the directions of the images per unit of work or

file unit.

  As previously described, in the form of

  In Figure 26 and in Figure 36, it is clear that in all recording forms including high speed recording, multiplex recording, double-sided recording and independent recording, to obtain the same

  image at the output of the first and second parts of

  image recording, you have to turn the image on 1800 in the example of figure 36 whereas this is useless in the example of figure 26, or it is useless to turn the image of 1800 in the example of Figure 36 while this is necessary in the example of the

figure 26.

  In addition to the changes noted above,

  the description focused on an example in which the

  page memory is read in reverse, for example when the rollover of the image to 1800 is introduced

  in the buffer line in the example of Figure 30 Cepen-

  alternatively, the rotation of the image over 1800 may be performed using another page memory, or information may be produced in which the input data itself has been rotated to the next page. In this case, it is possible to indicate to the image-recording parts whether the data has been rotated by 1800 and the reversal can be ordered to 1800 on the side of the recording-d parts. 'images, in

the case where it must be done.

  Another variant can be conceived in which, during a double-sided recording, the direction of paper advance and the direction of binding are recorded

  in the input data, in advance, and an order of execution

  This image shows that the design of the transport device determines whether odd pages or even pages should be directed first to the first and second image-recording portions during the first time.

a double-sided recording.

  In addition, whether the reversal of the image on 1800 is necessary or not for the first and second image recording parts, depending on the image recording mode, it is possible to freely determine whether an output signal, in which image has been returned, must be

  transmitted to the first registration part.

  It has also been described that during a recording

  independently, the direction of the image is changed at each unit of work or at each file unit,

  whereas this modification is not limited to a

  independent registration, but it appears that it is also possible in any registration

  high-speed recording, multi-record

  plex or double-sided recording.

  Although a laser beam printer has been given as an example of an image recording device, the invention can of course be implemented with other devices, for example dot printers, such as inkjet printers, heat transfer printers and needle printers. As described in detail above, each of the embodiments of the invention produces the following beneficial effects

  1 Using multiple parts of recordings

  images, the apparatus can be easily operated at high speed without showing the disadvantages of a single apparatus implemented in large mode.

  As a result, the apparatus according to the invention

  puts an image recording at a speed exceeding the upper limit of the devices existing up to now, and this exceeding speed can be obtained so

stable and inexpensive.

  2 Moreover, by linking two parts of

  images by a paper handling part,

  the device can be used not only in the recording mode

  high-speed recording, but also in

  double-sided recording When recording recto-verso

  on the other hand, it is not done as in the prior art where the recording performed on a second surface can not begin until the recording is completed on a first surface; on the other hand, in the apparatus according to the invention, the recording on the second surface can be performed in the second recording part

  images, at the same time as the first part of

  very pictures makes the recording on the first

  surface, and we thus obtain a very efficient recording.

  In addition, a multiplex recording is possible continuously using the same apparatus and can be

  create a variety of image recordings, including

  took color recordings.

  4 C Only one device can be used from the

  same way as two other recording devices.

  By using a single piece of paper feed and a single stacking part (sorting part), despite the presence of several image recording parts, the operator is offered great convenience

working.

  6 Even in the case where a one-sided registration

  back is to be done, there is no process of flipping the paper and it results in an increase

notable reliability.

  In the multiplex recording mode, the accuracy of the image position can be improved by the removal of means, such as image-fixing devices, which exert a stress on the paper between the first part of the image. recording images and the second part of image recording and so we can

  get beautiful pictures, without framing defects.

  8 When paper handling such as

  the flipping of the paper during a recto

  backing must be done, this manipulation takes place after the image has been fixed, so that one can get beautiful double-sided images without deterioration of the image

formed on the first surface.

  9 By connecting several image recording parts by a paper handling part and combining them with a device allowing the image data to be freely flipped over 180 to be able to work in various recording modes such as

  high-speed recording, multi-record

  plex, double-sided recording and recording

  independent, it becomes possible to orient in the direc-

  appropriate, on paper, the direction of the image

Release.

  Especially in the case of a double-sided recording, one can order, according to the information of

  paper-advance direction and direction information

  binding, if the output image is to be rotated by-1800 and, therefore, when sheets of paper are to be used to form a file, it becomes possible to remove the disadvantage that open pages are one straightened

and the other reversed.

  11 It is also possible to change the direction of the image by unit of work or by file unit and it has therefore become possible to estimate the stacked work in the stacking part following that the

  images are straightened or reversed.

  In this embodiment, it is stated that the image forming device is a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. However, these embodiments are not limiting and other recording devices, for example devices using the typing process and devices not using the

  Typing process can obviously suit.

  Although the signals provided to the parties

  image recording and recorded by these parties have not been accurately described, it is obvious that these signals may be in any analog form

  or in any digital form and that they can be

  for example, output signals from a computer,

  signals accumulated in certain means, of trans-

  from a distant place or signals obtained from

reading the image of an original.

  It goes without saying that many modifications can be made to the apparatus described and shown

  without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (19)

  1 Multi-image recording apparatus   function, characterized in that it comprises first   and second image recording devices comprising   at least each, a leaf feeding path (23 or 37), an imaging portion (2 or 3) for forming images on the sheets arriving from said path, and a path (26 or 36). ) unloading the leaves from said training portion   images, as well as a device (4) for manipulating   sheets having a sheet entry path (40) connected to the unloading path of the first image recording device, a first sheet output path (41) connected to the feed path of the second recording device of images, a second output path (43) for discharging the sheets from the apparatus, and a switch guide (60) for selectively directing the incoming sheets through the input path to the first output path or the second exit path.   2 Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized   in that the sheet handling device   takes a portion (42) of flipping the sheets.   Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized   in that the first and second recording devices   images record the same image on separate sheets, under the control of a single image (51).   Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized   in that the first and second recording devices   Many images work in synchronism to record corresponding images on both leaf surfaces. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second image recording devices work in synchronism to record corresponding images on the same surface of the sheets, superimposed.   Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized   in that the sheet handling device   takes a single sheet stacking portion (5 ') capable of providing sheets to the sheet feeding paths of the first and second recording devices images.   Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized   in that the first and second film output paths   the sheets handling device are connected   to a single portion (7 ') of stacking of sheets.   8 Multi-image recording apparatus   function, characterized in that it comprises a first image recording device comprising at least a first leaf feeding path (208), a first image forming part (2) on the sheets arriving by said path, and a first sheet unloading path (211) of said image forming portion, and a second image recording device having a second sheet feeding path (322) connected to said first path for discharging, a second image forming portion (3) for selectively forming images on a first surface or a second surface of the sheets arriving from said second surface   feeding path, and a second discharge path (320)   sheet of said second image forming part. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the second image forming portion comprises a portion for forming images on a first surface of the sheets and a portion for forming   images on a second surface of the leaves.   Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the second image forming portion has a first transport path (310) from the second feed path and passing through the image forming portion on a first surface, a second transport path (311) passing through the imaging portion on a second surface, and a third transport path (312) passing through none of   these two parts of image formation.   Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized   characterized in that the second image forming portion comprises a single image carrier (20-1) whose direction of rotation, when forming an image on a first surface, is opposite to the direction of rotation of the image. this image support during the formation of an image on a second surface.   Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized   characterized in that the second imaging portion includes a switch member (314) for directing the sheets to one of the first, second, and third transport routes.   Multi-function image recording apparatus, characterized in that it comprises first and second image recording devices each comprising at least one leaf feed path (243 or 253), a portion ( 2 or 3) on the sheets arriving from said path, and a discharge path of the sheets of said imaging portion, a first device (427) for   images recorded on the sheets by the first disc   image recording device, and a switching device (426) disposed on a transport path of the sheets on which images have been formed by the first image recording device, which switching device is intended to be selectively directing the sheets to the second image recording device   or to the first image fixing device.   Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized   characterized in that it further comprises a device (420)   leaf handling designed to direct selective   leaves passing through the first device   to the second image recording device   or to a first journey (263) of unloading leaves of the device.   Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized   characterized in that the sheet handling device   includes a portion (442) for returning the sheets.   Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized   characterized in that it further comprises a first device   (420) sheet handling system for selectively   the sheets passed through the first fixing device to the first image recording device or to a first unloading path of the leaves of the device.   Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized   characterized in that the first sheet handling device includes a portion (442) for turning the sheets. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises a second device (428) for attaching the recorded images to the   sheets by the second image recording device   and a second sheet handling device (420 ') for selectively directing sheets passed through the second fixture to the second image recording device or to a second leaf discharge path (443'). of the device.   Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized   in that the first handling device   of sheets includes an element (442) for   designed to selectively direct the leaves towards the first   or to the second image recording device.   Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized   characterized in that the first image fixing device is used in common with the first and second   image recording devices.   21 Multiple image recording apparatus   function, characterized in that it comprises first and second image recording devices each comprising at least one path (23 or 33) of sheet feed, part (2 or 3) of image formation on sheets arriving from said path, and an unloading path (26 or 36) of the sheets of the image-forming portion, and a sheet-handling device (4) having a connected sheet entry path (40); to the unloading path of the first image recording device, a first leaf exit path (41)   connected to the feed path of the second recording device   image recording, a second sheet output path (43) for discharging the sheets from the apparatus,   and a referral guide (60) for selectively directing   Leaves passing through the leaf entry path   to the first exit path or the second path.   Leaving the leaves, the direction of the image coming out of the   first image recording device and the direc-   the image coming out of the second dien-   freely selectable images so that they are identical or rotated by 1800 with respect to each other.   Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized   characterized in that the sheet handling device   includes a portion (42) for returning the sheets.   Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized   in that the first and second recording devices   recording images save the same image on separate sheets, under the command of a single signal (51) image.   Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized   characterized in that the first and second   image recording work in synchronism in order to record corresponding images on both leaf surfaces.   Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized   in that the first and second   recording of images work in synchronism in order to record corresponding images on the same   leaf surface, superimposed.