JP3823521B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a charge input device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a large number of copiers equipped with a fee entry device (hereinafter referred to as “copy vendor”) that can be copied when a fee is charged are installed in convenience stores and the like.
If this copy vendor is provided, the user's own copy operation can be performed and the user's request can be directly met, so that the copy service at a convenience store or the like with a small number of people can be greatly improved.
[0003]
By the way, copying machines equipped with copy vendors as described above need to be charged each time an administrator managing the copying machine tries to copy or a serviceman makes a copy for maintenance. It was inconvenient.
Therefore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-12369 discloses a technology that allows copying without inputting a fee to a copy vendor, as long as a password registered in advance is input.
[0004]
According to the technology of this gazette, while a copy service is performed for a general user for a fee, only a specific user who knows the personal identification number can make a free copy. As a result, it is possible to switch between a mode in which copying cannot be performed unless a fee is charged (fee management mode) and a mode in which copying is not required (non-fee management mode).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode, the management mode for determining whether or not a charge is required is simply switched, and the executable copy function and the like are exactly the same. Therefore, even if it is convenient for managers and service personnel who want various copy functions, such as the double-sided copy function and the automatic paper function that automatically selects recording paper according to the document size, such special functions are available. For general users who rarely use it, the copy operation is complicated because it is equipped with abundant functions, and miscopying is often performed by pressing an unnecessary key by mistake. It was.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an image forming apparatus that has both a charge management mode and a non-charge management mode, and is easy to use for both general users and administrators. The purpose is to do.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a charge input device, a charge management mode for managing the number of image formations according to the charge input to the charge input device, and an image without requiring input of charges. An image forming apparatus capable of switching between a charge management mode and a charge management mode for managing the number of formations, according to switching between the charge management mode and the charge management mode, and switching between the charge management mode and the charge management mode And setting means for setting different image forming conditionsThe charge input device can be disconnected from the image forming apparatus main body, and the switching means includes a receiving means for accepting designation of one of the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode, and the charge input. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, the designation of the non-fee management mode is accepted by the accepting means, and the charge input device is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. Switch to non-fee management mode only when it is detected that it is not connectedIt is characterized by that.
[0008]
In the fee management mode, a fee required for each image forming operation to be performed is determined in advance. When the switching unit is switched to the fee management mode, the setting unit is the cheapest in the initial state. An image forming condition capable of executing an image forming operation for a fee is set.
Further, the image forming apparatus has a plurality of image forming functions, and when the switching unit is switched to the charge management mode, the setting unit sets the plurality of image forming functions as image forming conditions of the mode. Among these, the condition is set such that at least one function cannot be executed.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with respect to a digital color copying machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “copying machine”).
(1) Configuration of the entire copying machine
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the copying machine 1. As shown in the figure, the copying machine 1 is formed by connecting a coin vendor 60 to a copying machine main body 2, and the copying machine main body 2 is roughly divided into an image reader unit 10 for reading a document image and a read sheet as a recording sheet. It comprises a printer unit 20 that prints and reproduces it.
[0011]
The image reader unit 10 is a known unit that reads an image of a document placed on a document glass plate (not shown) by moving the scanner 11, and is obtained by irradiation of an exposure lamp 12 installed in the scanner 11. The original image is formed on the full-color CCD sensor 17 via folding mirrors 13 to 16 and a condenser lens (not shown).
The full-color CCD sensor 17 AD-converts the original image data into three types of electric signals of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), thereby obtaining original R, G, and B image data. It is done.
[0012]
The image data for each color component obtained by the image reader unit 10 is subjected to various data processing in the control unit 100, and further each of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Converted to reproduced color image data (hereinafter, each reproduced color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is expressed as C, M, Y, K, and the number of the component part related to each reproduced color is indicated by C, M, Y and K are added as subscripts).
[0013]
The control unit 100 sends the image data of these reproduced colors to the print head unit 21 and drives a laser diode built in the print head unit 21 for any one of C, M, Y, and K reproduced colors. The surface of the photosensitive drum 22 is exposed.
The photosensitive drum 22 is uniformly charged by the charging charger 25 after the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive member is removed by the cleaner 23 before the exposure, and the eraser lamp 24 is irradiated to remove the charge. When the exposure is performed in such a uniformly charged state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 22.
[0014]
The toner developing units 26C to 26K for the respective colors C, M, Y, and K drive only the toner developing units 26C to 26K for the colors to be developed in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 22, and thereby the photosensitive drum 22 is driven. Develop the electrostatic latent image on the surface.
On the other hand, on the transfer drum 27, the control unit 100 controls the paper cassette 41, 421, 431 based on detection signals from the paper size detection sensors 411, 421, 431 provided in the paper cassettes 41, 42, 43. Either 42 or 43 is selected and a recording sheet (not shown) is supplied. The paper cassette 41 stores A4 size recording paper, the paper cassette 42 stores A3 size recording paper, and the paper cassette 43 stores B4 size recording paper.
[0015]
When the leading edge of the recording paper passes through the timing roller 28 and reaches the suction roller 29, it is gripped by the chucking mechanism on the transfer drum 27 and electrostatically attracted by the suction charger 30, so that the positional deviation occurs. The image that has been wound up without being generated and developed on the photosensitive drum 22 is transferred onto the recording paper wound on the transfer drum 27 by the transfer charger 31.
[0016]
The above-described printing process is repeated for each color of C, M, Y, and K at the time of full-color copying. When printing is completed for all colors, the separation claw 32 and the charge removal chargers 33 and 34 are operated to perform recording. The paper is separated from the surface of the transfer drum 27. In addition, the copying machine 1 can perform black and white monochrome copying, and at the time of black and white copying, the above printing process is performed only for the black (K) color.
[0017]
Since the toner image transferred to the recording paper is in an unstable state where it is peeled off immediately, the toner is fixed on the surface of the recording paper by being pressed while being heated in the fixing device 35, and then discharged onto the paper discharge tray 36. To do.
When copying on the back side of the recording paper (in the case of so-called “double-sided copying”), the switching claw 51 is operated to feed the recording paper discharged from the fixing device 35 to the conveyance path 52 of the lower paper reversing unit 50. Then, the paper is once pushed in the direction of the reverse tray 54 by the reverse roller 53 and then reversely rotated to reverse the front and back of the recording paper and sent to the conveyance path 55 to form an image on the back surface. It has become.
[0018]
In addition, an operation panel 18 is provided at an easy-to-operate position on the front surface of the image reader unit 10 as indicated by a dotted line. A numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, a start key for instructing start of copying, and cassettes 41 to 43 are provided. Cassette key for selection, enlargement / reduction key for selecting enlargement / reduction copy mode, color selection key for selecting either full-color copy or monochrome copy mode, single-sided copy mode, double-sided copy mode or multiple sheets A set key for setting various copy modes, such as an enlarged continuous copy mode, in which four copies are joined to form one original image, and a mode set by the selected cassette, color mode, and set key. A display unit or the like for displaying is provided.
[0019]
Further, the copying machine 1 is provided with an original size detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the original size in the image reader unit 10 and automatically selects a cassette having the same size as the original size detected thereby. A color selection mode is provided for determining whether the original is a color original or a black-and-white original from the mode and the read original image, and automatically setting either a full-color copy or a black-and-white copy based on the determination result (hereinafter referred to as “color select mode”). "Image formation function" is a generic term for various types of functions performed during image formation, such as various copy modes such as the above-mentioned enlargement / reduction copy mode and double-sided copy mode, and auto paper mode and color select mode. That said.)
[0020]
The copy vendor 60 is connected to the control unit 100 of the copier body 2 via the connector 61, and communication is performed between the control unit 100 and the copy vendor 60. The copy vendor 60 is a publicly known one, and when a coin is inserted from the fee insertion slot 62, the amount to be inserted is displayed on the display unit 65 and a fee insertion signal is transmitted to the control unit 100. When the control unit 100 receives the signal, it manages the number of times (or the number of copies) that can be made in accordance with the input fee, and each time copying is completed, information on the copy end signal and the fee spent on the copy (cost information) ) To the copy vendor 60. The generation of the cost information is performed based on a charge table stored in advance in the ROM 104 of the control unit 100 and corresponding to the charge for color copying and monochrome copying for each recording paper size.
[0021]
When the copy vendor 60 receives the copy end signal and the cost information, the copy vendor 60 displays on the display unit 65 the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the fee for copying based on the cost information from the amount initially input. When the remaining amount is insufficient or the return button 63 is pressed and the remaining amount is returned to the return port 64, the copy vendor 60 transmits a copy prohibition signal to the control unit 100. When the control unit 100 receives the copy prohibition signal, the control unit 100 displays a message “please charge the copy vendor” on the display unit of the operation panel 18 and prohibits copying.
[0022]
It is also possible to remove the connector 61 from the copier body 2 and release the connection, and set the non-fee management mode in the management setting mode to be described later so that the copying operation can be performed without requiring a fee. is there.
(2) Configuration of control unit 100
Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0023]
As shown in the figure, the control unit 100 includes a CPU 101, an input port 102, an output port 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, and an EEPROM 106.
The input port 102 receives various key inputs on the operation panel 18, detection signals of various control sensors in the image reader unit 10 and the printer unit 20, a charge input signal and a copy prohibition signal from the copy vendor 60, and the CPU 101. Send to.
[0024]
The ROM 104 has a scanning program in the image reader unit 10, an image forming operation in the printer unit 20, a control program related to the image forming function, a control program related to the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode, and a charge for generating the cost information. Stores tables and so on.
The RAM 105 temporarily stores various control variables, the number of copies set from the operation panel 18, the copy mode, and the like.
[0025]
The CPU 101 receives the above signals via the input port 102, reads out necessary programs from the ROM 104, and controls the operations of the image reader unit 10 and the printer unit 20 through the output port 103 in a unified manner with timing. Thus, a smooth copying operation is executed. Further, a copy end signal and cost information are transmitted to the copy vendor 60 via the output port 103.
[0026]
The EEPROM 106 stores a flag indicating information set in a management setting mode to be described later.
This management setting mode is one of serviceman modes that can be operated only by a specific person such as an administrator or a serviceman, and sets one of a charge management mode and a non-fee management mode. The administrator or the like sets the fee management mode when the copy vendor 60 is connected, and sets the non-charge management mode when the copy vendor 60 is removed (when the connection is released).
[0027]
The CPU 101 sets a flag indicating the mode set in the management setting mode in the EEPROM 106 and controls the copy operation in the copying machine 1 based on the set mode.
When controlled in the charge management mode, copying can be performed according to the charge input to the copy vendor 60, and when controlled in the non-charge management mode, copying can be performed without requiring the input of a charge.
[0028]
This management setting mode setting process will be described later.
The EEPROM 106 may be composed of other nonvolatile memory, for example, battery-backed SRAM.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the control operation of the entire copying machine 1 by the control unit 100.
[0029]
When power is supplied to the copying machine 1, first, the RAM 105 and the EEPROM 106 in the control unit 100 are initialized as described later, and an internal timer is set to start timing (steps S1 and S2).
If the management setting mode is designated by the administrator or service person entering a predetermined password or operating a switch provided in the copying machine main body 2 (“Yes” in step S3). When the management setting mode is displayed on the display unit on the operation panel 18 and management setting mode setting processing to be described later is executed (step S4), the process proceeds to step S5.
[0030]
On the other hand, if the password is not input by the administrator or the like (“No” in step S3), the process proceeds to step S5.
Next, when the operator changes the cassette size, copy mode, and the like on the operation panel 18 and presses the start key, the image reader unit 10 and the printer unit 20 are controlled to execute the copy operation (step S5). Then, after the end of the internal timer (step S6), the process returns to step S2 to repeat the above operation. As a result, the control of the entire copying machine 1 is managed in time.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the initial setting subroutine of step S1.
First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the management setting mode is set to the charge management mode by reading the setting content of the flag in the EEPROM 106 (step S10).
[0032]
If the CPU 101 determines that the management setting mode is set to the fee management mode (“Yes” in step S10), the CPU 101 displays on the display unit on the operation panel 18 that the copying machine 1 is controlled in the fee management mode. If it is displayed and no charge input signal is received from the copy vendor 60, the copy operation is prohibited and the initial state for the charge management mode is set (step S14).
[0033]
As an initial state for the charge management mode, a copy mode having the lowest unit price per copy, for example, an A4 size cassette 41 is set in the cassette stage, and a monochrome copy mode and a single-sided copy mode are set in each copy mode. The reason for this setting is that even if the user mistakenly copies the copy by pressing the start key by mistake immediately after the user has charged the fee, the user can reduce the loss. The copy mode with the lowest unit price is set in advance based on the charge table in the ROM 104.
[0034]
Note that this initial state is merely a state set on the operation panel 18 after power-on or the like, so that the user can select another cassette, copy mode, or the like by performing a key operation.
Next, the CPU 101 sets an image forming function that can be used in the charge management mode (step S15) and returns.
[0035]
Here, for a general user who is unfamiliar with the copy operation, the auto paper mode and the color select mode cannot be performed among the image forming functions. When these modes are functioning, for example, even when it is desired to copy a B4 size document onto A3 size recording paper, the B4 size cassette 43 is automatically selected when the document is set. If the user forgets to change this and presses the start key, a copy is made on a B4 size recording sheet. Even if the copy operation is performed normally, this is the same as a miss copy for the user. This is the same even when you want to make a black and white copy of a color document. If the color select mode is functioning, the color copy mode is set according to the color document. Otherwise, color copying will be performed.
[0036]
Therefore, if these modes are not functioned, the user himself / herself selects the cassette and color mode of the size he / she wants to copy with the cassette key and color selection key. Note that a mode that does not function in the image forming function is selected in advance and stored in the ROM 104.
[0037]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the management setting mode is set to the non-fee management mode (“No” in step S10), it is detected whether or not the copy vendor 60 is connected to the copier body 2 (step S11). ). Whether or not the copy vendor 60 is connected to the copier body 2 can be determined by whether or not the connector 61 is connected to the copier body 2. For example, a part of the pin of the connector 61 is short-circuited, and if it is detected that the terminals corresponding to this pin are short-circuited, the copy vendor 60 is connected, and if not short-circuited, it is determined that it is not connected. do it.
[0038]
If it is detected that the copy vendor 60 is connected (“Yes” in step S11), the management setting mode is changed to the charge management mode (step S12), and a flag indicating this content is set in the EEPROM 106. (Step S13), Steps S14 and S15 described above are executed, and the process returns.
By controlling in this manner, even if the management setting mode is forgotten to be set to the charge management mode after the copy vendor 60 is connected, it is detected that the connector 61 is connected to the copier body 2 and the charge management is performed. Since the mode is changed, it is not controlled in the wrong mode.
[0039]
Furthermore, for example, even if the copy vendor 60 is connected, even if an attempt is made to set the non-charge management mode for copying free of charge, the copy is forcibly copied because it is forcibly changed to the charge management mode. Nor.
On the other hand, if the copy vendor 60 is not connected (“No” in step S11), a flag indicating that the management setting mode is the non-charge management mode is set in the EEPROM 106 (step S16).
[0040]
At this time, the CPU 101 displays on the operation panel 18 that the copier 1 is controlled in the non-fee management mode, enables a copying operation without requiring a charge, and further allows for the non-fee management mode. An initial state is set (step S17).
The initial state for the non-fee management mode is selected in advance and stored in the ROM 104, which is frequently used by an administrator or the like. For example, in the cassette stage, the cassette 42 that stores A3 size recording paper that is most often used for maintenance is set, and in each copy mode, the full-color copy mode and the single-sided copy mode that are optimal for test copy in maintenance are set. Is done.
[0041]
Further, an image forming function that can be used in the non-fee management mode is set (step S18), and the process returns. .
Here, all modes are made to function mainly for a service person who performs maintenance.
In this way, by setting the contents set in the initial state and the functions that can be executed out of the image forming function to be different between the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode, the general user who uses the charge management mode is not For both managers and service personnel using the charge management mode, fewer operations have to be performed when copying, which improves usability. Furthermore, in the charge management mode, the cheapest copy mode is set in the initial state, so even if a miscopy occurs due to an erroneous operation such as copying by pressing the start key immediately after the user enters the charge, it is detrimental for the user. Less. In addition, among the image forming functions, a general user is prevented from executing the auto paper mode and the color selection mode, which are particularly easy to make an operation error, so that erroneous operations are reduced and miscopying is reduced.
[0042]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the management setting mode setting process in step S4.
As described above, if the management setting mode is designated by the administrator or service person entering a predetermined password, the fact that it is in the management setting mode is displayed on the display unit on the operation panel 18. . Furthermore, the current setting content is displayed on the display unit, and either the charge management mode or the non-charge management mode can be set by a key operation.
[0043]
When the fee management mode is set by an administrator or the like (“Yes” in step S40), a flag indicating the fee management mode is set in the EEPROM 106 (step S41).
Then, the fact that the copying machine 1 is controlled in the charge management mode is displayed on the display unit on the operation panel 18, and if no charge input signal is received from the copy vendor 60, the copying operation is prohibited. The initial state and the image forming function that can be used in the charge management mode are set (steps S42 and S43), and the process returns. The initial state and image forming function set in steps S42 and S43 are the same as the initial state and image forming function set in steps S14 and S15.
[0044]
On the other hand, when the non-fee management mode is set (“No” in step S40), it is detected whether or not the copy vendor 60 is connected to the copying machine main body 2 (step S44).
If it is detected that the copy vendor 60 is connected (“Yes” in step S44), the management setting mode is changed to the charge management mode (step S45), and a flag indicating this content is set in the EEPROM 106. After (step S41), the above steps S42 and S43 are executed, and the process returns.
[0045]
With this control, for example, even if the copy vendor 60 is connected, even if an attempt is made to set the non-charge management mode in order to perform free copy, the copy management mode is forcibly changed to the charge management mode. There is no risk of being lost.
On the other hand, when it is detected that the copy vendor 60 is not connected (“No” in step S44), a flag indicating that the management setting mode is the non-fee management mode is set in the EEPROM 106 (step S46).
[0046]
Then, the CPU 101 displays on the operation panel 18 that the copying machine 1 is controlled in the non-fee management mode, enables a copying operation without requiring a charge, and further provides an initial for the non-fee management mode. The state and the image forming function that can be used in the non-fee management mode are set (steps S47 and S48), and the process returns. The initial state and image forming function set in steps S47 and S48 are the same as the initial state and image forming function set in steps S17 and S18.
(3) Modification
Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the following modifications can be considered.
[0047]
(3-1) In the above embodiment, the non-charge management mode is set only when the management setting mode is set to the non-charge management mode and the connector 61 is not connected. Either the charge management mode or the non-charge management mode may be set by a simple method that only detects the connection state 61. In this way, it is possible to save the trouble of designating the mode on the operation panel 18.
[0048]
(3-2) In the charge management mode described above, the auto paper mode and the color selection mode are not functioned. However, other modes, for example, the enlarged continuous shooting mode alone may not be functioned.
(3-3) In the above embodiment, the copy mode with the lowest unit price per copy is set as the initial state for the charge management mode. For example, the copy machine 1 is generally used. A copy mode that is considered to be most frequently used by the user may be set. In this way, the number of operations to be performed when copying is reduced, thereby reducing the number of erroneous operations by the user and thus reducing miscopying.
[0049]
(3-4) In the above embodiment, whether or not the copy vendor 60 is connected to the copier body 2 is determined by detecting the connection state of the connector 61. A switch (switch) is provided on the signal line connecting the copying machine main body 2, and the signal line is connected when the switch is turned on, and disconnected when the switch is turned off. By configuring so that the status can be detected, it may be determined whether or not the copy vendor 60 is connected.
[0050]
(3-5) In the above embodiment, the copy vendor 60 is connected to the copying machine main body 2 by the connector 61. For example, the copy vendor 60 is built in the copying machine main body 2. There may be.
(3-6) Although the initial setting (step S1) in the above embodiment is performed when the power is turned on, the connection state of the connector 61 changes while the power to the copying machine 1 is turned on. You may be made to do it. In this way, the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode are accurately switched regardless of when the connector 61 is inserted / removed, and the above-described unauthorized copying can be prevented.
[0051]
(3-7) In the above embodiment, a full-color copying machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to a full-color copying machine, and is generally applied to electrophotographic image forming apparatuses including a mono-color copying machine and a laser printer. Is possible.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, since different image forming conditions are set according to switching between the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode by the setting means, general users who use the charge management mode For both managers and service personnel who use the non-fee management mode, fewer operations need to be performed when forming an image, which improves usability.Then, the switch to the non-fee management mode is performed only when the designation of the non-fee management mode is accepted and it is detected that the fee-charging device is not connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Even if an attempt is made to perform image formation free of charge by specifying the non-charge management mode, as long as the charge input device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, the non-charge management mode cannot be switched and image formation is performed illegally. Can be prevented.
[0053]
Further, when the mode is switched to the charge management mode, the setting unit is set so that the image forming operation can be executed at the lowest price in the initial state. Requires less money. In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a plurality of image forming functions. When the mode is switched to the charge management mode by the switching unit, the setting unit controls the general user among the image forming functions. Since at least one image forming function that is prone to error is set so that it cannot be executed, erroneous operation is reduced and miscopying is reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a digital color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit in the copying machine main body.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a control operation in the control unit.
4 is a flowchart showing an initial setting (step S1) subroutine in the flowchart of FIG. 3; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of management setting mode setting processing (step S4) in the flowchart of FIG. 3;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Copying machine
2 Copier body
10 Image reader
18 Operation panel
20 Printer section
60 copy vendor
61 connector
62 Fee input
63 Return button
64 Return port
65 Display
100 control unit
101 CPU
102 Input port
103 Output port
104 ROM
105 RAM
106 EEPROM

Claims (3)

A charge management mode that includes a charge input device and manages the number of image formations according to the charge input to the charge input device, and a non-charge management mode that manages the number of image formations without requiring charge input A switchable image forming apparatus comprising:
Switching means for switching between the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode;
Setting means for setting different image forming conditions according to switching between the charge management mode and the non-charge management mode ;
The charge input device can be disconnected from the image forming apparatus main body,
The switching means includes a receiving means for accepting designation of either the charge management mode or the non-charge management mode, and a detection means for detecting whether or not the charge input device is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. And
Switching to the non-fee management mode is performed only when designation of the non-fee management mode is accepted by the accepting unit and it is detected that the fee-charging device is not connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Image forming apparatus.   In the fee management mode, a fee required for each image forming operation to be executed is determined in advance, and when the fee is switched to the fee management mode by the switching unit, the setting unit has the lowest fee as an initial state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image forming condition capable of executing an image forming operation is set. The image forming apparatus has a plurality of image forming functions,
When the mode is switched to the charge management mode by the switching unit, the setting unit sets a condition in which at least one of the plurality of image forming functions cannot be executed as the image forming condition of the mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

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