JP2004045464A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which is properly controlled together with a finisher so as not to form an image on transfer paper uselessly even if inserted sheets are doubly fed. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is equipped with a 1st supply means to successively separate a 1st recording medium one by one so as to supply the 1st recording medium, an image forming means to form the image on the 1st recording medium, a carrying means to make the 1st recording medium supplied from the 1st supply means stand by so as to supply the 1st recording medium to the image forming means at a specified time, a 2nd supply means to successively separate a 2nd recording medium one by one so as to supply the 2nd recording medium, a discrimination means to discriminate the supply order of the recording medium supplied from the 1st and the 2nd supply means, and a control means to change the time to supply the 1st recording medium to the image forming means by the carrying means in accordance with the result of discrimination by the discrimination means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for performing an image forming process on a sheet and outputting an image-formed sheet, and in particular, conveys and loads sheets from a plurality of paper feed stages, and mixes the sheets from a plurality of stages. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method for creating a bundle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a mode such as a cover mode or a slip sheet mode is provided. In these modes, a cassette provided in the image forming apparatus is provided at a first page, a last page, or a middle page of a sheet. Or, it is controlled so that the paper supplied from the paper feed tray can be inserted. For this reason, it is possible to insert a bundle other than sheets from a single paper feed stage, specifically, as a “cover”, “insert”, and “back cover” from another paper feed stage. The same insertion processing can be performed by feeding paper from a special tray on which "insertion sheets" are placed. At this time, since the processing of the sheet for insertion is a mere sheet conveying operation, the number of inserted sheets (place) and the number of inserted sheets can be arbitrarily set for each bundle. The bundle into which the insertion sheet is inserted is processed as a bundle by a finisher or the like attached to the image forming apparatus main body, that is, post-processing such as bundle discharge processing, binding processing, folding processing, and bookbinding processing. Can be applied.
[0003]
Hereinafter, the operation mode for inserting a sheet from the insertion sheet stage into the “front cover”, “interleaf”, and “back cover” will be generally referred to as “interleaf mode”.
[0004]
In the method of supplying the insertion sheet from the cassette, when it is time to insert the insertion sheet, the insertion sheet is fed from the cassette to the same conveyance path as the sheet on which an image is formed, and the fed insertion sheet is The sheet is discharged via the transport path. Here, a fixing unit is arranged in the middle of the transport path, and the insertion sheet passes through the fixing unit similarly to the sheet.
[0005]
Here, when a color image printing original is used as the insertion sheet, the quality of the printed image may be deteriorated due to the heat and pressure when the insertion sheet passes through the fixing unit. In recent years, with the spread of personal computers, the number of color images has increased, and color copy paper / color print paper has often been used as the insertion sheet. The transport of the paper feed mechanism may be reduced due to the attached oil or the like, and the reliability of transporting the paper may be significantly reduced.
[0006]
In addition, there has been an apparatus in which an insert sheet feeder for supplying an insert sheet is provided in a finisher, and an insert sheet is supplied from the finisher. Examples of this type of apparatus include those described in JP-A-60-180894, JP-A-60-191932, and JP-A-60-204564. In the apparatuses described in these documents, specifically, an insertion sheet is supplied from an insertion sheet feeder to a finisher at a desired timing, transported to and stored in an intermediate tray in the finisher, and stacked. The paper discharged from the image forming apparatus main body is guided into the finisher, transported to and stored in the intermediate tray. In order to perform such an operation, it is necessary to arrange the page order according to the image content in the storage section of the insertion sheet feeder in advance, and to stack the same for the number of copies.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of the insertion sheet supplied from the insertion sheet feeder provided in the finisher and the transfer paper supplied from the image forming apparatus main body, the insertion sheet having the shorter conveyance path to the finisher starts feeding the paper, The time required to reach the transport path is reduced. Even when using the interleaving mode using the insertion sheet feeder, in order to exhibit the same productivity as when transferring only the transfer paper from the image forming apparatus main body to the finisher sequentially, the insertion sheet is fed. During this time, a method of feeding the subsequent transfer paper or feeding the subsequent transfer paper simultaneously with the insertion sheet is adopted. Here, the feeding of the transfer paper refers to the conveyance to the transfer unit of the image forming apparatus main body.
[0008]
The paper fed from the insertion sheet feeder must be reliably fed into the finisher one by one. However, in the case of an insertion sheet, since there are various types of paper / images, there is a difference from the transfer paper in terms of stability when performing an operation of automatically separating / conveying. For example, a so-called "double feed" may occur in which one sheet is supposed to be fed by the insertion sheet feeder but two sheets are fed at the same time.
[0009]
In this case, even when the entire image forming system is stopped at the time when the double feed occurs in the insertion sheet, the image formation is performed on the subsequent transfer paper, and the transfer paper that is wasted is generated. was there.
[0010]
Also, when a plurality of inserted sheets are conveyed like a sheet that is longer than the length of the inserted sheet in the conveying direction when the conveying ends of the inserted sheets are shifted, the inserted multi-inserted sheet and the subsequent transfer sheet are conveyed. The gap with the paper is lost, and the transfer paper succeeding the inserted multi-fed insert sheet is rushed. Further, there is a problem that the reusable insertion sheet cannot be reused due to damage.
[0011]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that does not wastefully form an image on a transfer sheet by appropriately controlling an image forming apparatus and a finisher even if a double feed occurs in an insertion sheet. is there.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a first supply unit that sequentially separates the first recording medium one by one, and supplies the first recording medium; Image forming means for forming an image, conveying means for waiting the first recording medium supplied from the first supply means and supplying the first recording medium to the image forming means at a predetermined time, A second supply unit that sequentially separates the second recording medium one by one and supplies the second recording medium; and a supply of the recording medium supplied from the first supply unit and the second supply unit. A determination unit configured to determine an order; and a control unit configured to change the timing at which the conveyance unit supplies the first recording medium to the image forming unit according to a determination result of the determination unit. I do.
[0013]
Further, the apparatus further comprises double feed determining means for determining whether or not the second recording medium is multi-fed, wherein the control means causes the transport means to wait until the determination by the double feed determining means is completed. When it is determined that the second recording medium has not been multi-fed, the conveying means can be driven to supply the first recording medium to the image forming means.
[0014]
Further, the control means does not supply the first recording medium to the image forming means when the multi-feed discriminating means determines that the second recording medium has been multi-fed. It may wait for the release processing of the performed second recording medium.
[0015]
Here, the first recording medium may be a transfer sheet on which an image is formed, and the second recording medium may be an insertion sheet.
[0016]
An image forming method according to the present invention includes a first supply step of sequentially separating a first recording medium one by one and supplying the first recording medium, and an image forming method of forming an image on the first recording medium. And a registration step of, before the image forming step, waiting for the first recording medium supplied by the first supply step to supply the first recording medium to the image forming step at a predetermined time. A second supply step of sequentially separating the second recording medium one by one and supplying the second recording medium; and a recording medium supplied from the first supply step and the second supply step. A control step of determining the supply order of the first recording medium to the image forming step by the registration step in accordance with the determination result of the determination step. Characterized in that it comprises and.
[0017]
In addition, the method further includes a multi-feed determination step of determining whether the second recording medium is multi-fed or not, wherein the control step performs the processing in the registration step until the determination in the multi-feed determination step ends. When it is determined that the second recording medium is not multi-fed, the process of supplying the first recording medium to the image forming step by the registration step can be performed.
[0018]
Further, in the control step, when the multi-feed determination step determines that the second recording medium is multi-fed, the processing in the image forming step of the first recording medium is not performed, and the multi-feed processing is performed. The processing for releasing the sent second recording medium may be waited.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part configuration of an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus main body 10, a folding device 400, and a finisher 500. The image forming apparatus main body 10 includes an image reader 200 for reading a document image and a printer 300.
[0022]
The image reader 200 has a document feeder 100 mounted thereon. The document feeder 100, which is a first feeding unit, feeds the documents set upward on the document tray one by one in order from the first page to the left, and passes the document on the platen glass 102 through a curved path. The sheet is conveyed to the right via the flow reading position from the left, and then discharged toward the external discharge tray 112. When the document passes through the scanning reading position on the platen glass 102 from left to right, the document image is read by the scanner unit 104 held at a position corresponding to the scanning reading position. This reading method is a method generally referred to as “flowing original reading”. Specifically, when the document passes the flow reading position, the reading surface of the document is irradiated with the light of the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104, and the reflected light from the document is passed through the mirrors 105, 106, and 107 via the lens. It is led to 108. The light passing through the lens 108 forms an image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 109.
[0023]
By transporting the document so as to pass from the flow reading position from left to right in this manner, the document reading scan in which the direction perpendicular to the document transport direction is the main scanning direction and the transport direction is the sub-scanning direction is performed. Done. That is, when the original passes through the scanning reading position, the original is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction while reading the original image by the image sensor 109 line by line in the main scanning direction, so that the entire original image is read. The image that has been read is converted into image data by the image sensor 109 and output. The image data output from the image sensor 109 is input to the exposure control unit 110 of the printer 300 as a video signal after being subjected to predetermined processing in an image signal control unit 202 described later.
[0024]
Note that the original can be read by transporting the original onto the platen glass 102 by the original feeding device 100 and stopping at a predetermined position, and in this state, scanning the scanner unit 104 from left to right. This reading method is a so-called fixed original reading method.
[0025]
When reading a document without using the document feeder 100, the user first lifts the document feeder 100, places the document on the platen glass 102, and scans the scanner unit 104 from left to right. To read the original. That is, when reading a document without using the document feeder 100, fixed document reading is performed.
[0026]
The exposure control unit 110 of the printer 300 modulates and outputs a laser beam based on the input video signal, and irradiates the laser beam onto the photosensitive drum 111 while being scanned by the polygon mirror 110a. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the scanned laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 111. Here, the exposure control unit 110 outputs a laser beam so that a correct image (an image that is not a mirror image) is formed at the time of original fixed reading, as described later.
[0027]
The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 111 is visualized as a developer image by the developer supplied from the developing device 113. On the other hand, sheets fed from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 by the pickup rollers 127 and 128 are transported to the registration rollers 126 by the sheet feeding rollers 129 and 130. When the leading edge of the sheet reaches the registration roller 126, the registration roller 126 is driven at an arbitrary timing, and is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer unit 116 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation. The developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred onto a sheet fed by the transfer unit 116.
[0028]
The sheet on which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 117, and the fixing unit 117 fixes the developer image on the sheet by heat-pressing the sheet. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is discharged from the printer 300 to the outside (folding device 400) via the flapper 121 and the discharge roller 118.
[0029]
Here, when the sheet is discharged with its image forming surface facing downward (face down), the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is once guided into the reversing path 122 by the switching operation of the flapper 121, and After the sheet passes through the flapper 121, the sheet is switched back and discharged from the printer 300 by the discharge roller 118. Hereinafter, this paper discharge mode is referred to as reverse paper discharge. This reverse ejection is performed when forming images sequentially from the top page, such as when forming an image read using the document feeder 100 or when forming an image output from a computer. The sheet order after the ejection is the correct page order.
[0030]
Also, when a hard sheet such as an OHP sheet is fed from the manual feed unit 125 and an image is formed on the sheet, the image forming surface is faced up (face-up) without guiding the sheet to the reversing path 122. ), The sheet is discharged by the discharge roller 118.
[0031]
Further, when double-sided recording in which image formation is performed on both sides of the sheet is set, the sheet is guided to the reversing path 122 by the switching operation of the flapper 121, and then is conveyed to the two-sided conveyance path 124, and is guided to the two-sided conveyance path 124 Control is performed to feed the cut sheet again between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer unit 116 at the timing described above.
[0032]
The sheet discharged from the printer 300 is sent to the folding device 400. The folding device 400 performs a process of folding a sheet into a Z shape. For example, when a folding process is designated for an A3 size or B4 size sheet, the folding device 400 performs the folding process. 500. The finisher 500 is provided with an inserter 900 for feeding a special sheet such as a cover sheet or a slip sheet to be inserted into a sheet on which an image is formed. The finisher 500 performs various processes such as bookbinding, binding, and punching.
[0033]
(System block diagram)
Next, the configuration of a controller that controls the entire image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller that controls the entire image forming apparatus of FIG.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 2, the controller has a CPU circuit unit 150. The CPU circuit unit 150 includes a CPU (not shown), a ROM 151, and a RAM 152, and each block 101 is controlled by a control program stored in the ROM 151. , 153, 201, 202, 209, 301, 401, 501. The RAM 152 temporarily stores control data and is used as a work area for arithmetic processing associated with control.
[0035]
The document feeder control unit 101 controls the drive of the document feeder 100 based on an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 150. The image reader control unit 201 performs drive control on the above-described scanner unit 104, image sensor 109, and the like, and transfers an analog image signal output from the image sensor 109 to the image signal control unit 202.
[0036]
After converting the analog image signal from the image sensor 109 into a digital signal, the image signal control unit 202 performs various processes, converts the digital signal into a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the printer control unit 301. Also, the digital image signal input from the computer 210 via the external I / F 209 is subjected to various processes, and the digital image signal is converted into a video signal and output to the printer control unit 301. The processing operation of the image signal control unit 202 is controlled by the CPU circuit unit 150. The printer control unit 301 drives the above-described exposure control unit 110 based on the input video signal.
[0037]
The operation unit 153 includes a plurality of keys for setting various functions related to image formation, a display unit for displaying information indicating a setting state, and the like, and outputs a key signal corresponding to operation of each key to the CPU circuit unit 150. At the same time, the corresponding information is displayed on the display unit based on the signal from the CPU circuit unit 150.
[0038]
The folding device control unit 401 is mounted on the folding device 400, and controls the driving of the entire folding device by exchanging information with the CPU circuit unit 150.
[0039]
The finisher control unit 501 is mounted on the finisher 500, and controls the driving of the entire finisher by exchanging information with the CPU circuit unit 150. The details of this control will be described later.
[0040]
(Folding part)
Next, the configurations of the folding device 400 and the finisher 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the folding device 400 and the finisher 500 of FIG.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 3, the folding device 400 has a folding conveyance horizontal path 402 for introducing the sheet discharged from the printer 300 and guiding the sheet to the finisher 500 side. A transport roller pair 403 and a transport roller pair 404 are provided on the folding transport horizontal path 402. Further, a folding path selection flapper 410 is provided at an exit portion (the finisher 500 side) of the folding transport horizontal path 402. The folding path selection flapper 410 performs a switching operation for guiding the sheet on the folding transport horizontal path 402 to the folding path 420 or the finisher side 500.
[0042]
Here, when performing the folding process, the folding path selection flapper 410 is turned on, and the sheet is guided to the folding path 420. The sheet guided to the folding path 420 is conveyed to the folding roller 421 and folded into a Z shape. On the other hand, when the folding process is not performed, the folding path selection flapper 410 is turned off, and the sheet is directly sent from the printer 300 to the finisher 500 via the folding transport horizontal path 402.
[0043]
(Finisher main part)
The finisher 500 sequentially takes in the sheets ejected through the folding device 400, aligns the plurality of taken-in sheets and binds them into one bundle, staples the stapling of the rear end of the bundled sheet bundle, and takes in Post-processing of each sheet such as punching, sorting, non-sorting, and bookbinding for punching near the rear end of the sheet is performed.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 3, the finisher 500 has an inlet roller pair 502 for guiding the paper discharged from the printer 300 via the folding device 400 to the inside. Downstream of the entrance roller pair 502, a switching flapper 551 for guiding the sheet to the finisher path 552 or the first bookbinding path 553 is provided.
[0045]
The sheet guided to the finisher path 552 is sent to a buffer roller 505 via a pair of conveying rollers 503. The transport roller pair 503 and the buffer roller 505 are configured to be capable of normal and reverse rotation.
[0046]
An entrance sensor 531 is provided between the entrance roller pair 502 and the transport roller pair 503. In addition, near the upstream of the entrance sensor 531 in the sheet transport direction, the second bookbinding path 554 branches off from the finisher path 552. Hereinafter, this branch point is referred to as branch A. The branch A forms a branch from the entrance roller pair 502 to a transport path for transporting the sheet to the transport roller pair 503. , A branch having a one-way mechanism that is conveyed only to the second bookbinding path 554 side is formed.
[0047]
A punch unit 550 is provided between the transport roller pair 503 and the buffer roller 505, and the punch unit 550 operates as needed to punch a hole near the rear end of the transported sheet.
[0048]
The buffer roller 505 is a roller capable of laminating and winding a predetermined number of sheets sent on the outer periphery thereof, and is wound around the outer periphery of the roller by pressing rollers 512, 513, 514 as necessary. The sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 is conveyed in the rotation direction of the buffer roller 505.
[0049]
A switching flapper 510 is disposed between the pressing rollers 513 and 514, and a switching flapper 511 is disposed downstream of the pressing rollers 514. The switching flapper 510 is a flapper for peeling the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 from the buffer roller 505 and guiding the sheet to the non-sort path 521 or the sort path 522. The switching flapper 511 switches the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 to buffalo. The flapper is a flapper that is separated from the roller 505 and guided to the buffer path 523 in a state where the sheet wound around the sort path 522 or the buffer roller 505 is wound.
[0050]
The sheet guided to the non-sort path 521 by the switching flapper 510 is discharged onto the sample tray 701 via the discharge roller pair 509. In the middle of the non-sort path 521, a paper ejection sensor 533 for detecting a jam or the like is provided.
[0051]
The sheets guided to the sort path 522 by the switching flapper 510 are stacked on an intermediate tray (hereinafter, referred to as a processing tray) 630 via the conveyance rollers 506 and 507. The sheets stacked on the intermediate tray 630 are discharged onto the stack tray 700 by discharge rollers 680a and 680b after performing alignment processing, staple processing, and the like as necessary. A stapler 601 is used for stapling processing for binding sheets stacked on the processing tray 630 in a bundle. The operation of the stapler 601 will be described later. The stack tray 700 is configured to be able to run in the vertical direction.
[0052]
(Bookbinding department)
The sheets from the first bookbinding path 553 and the second bookbinding path 554 are stored in a storage guide 820 by a pair of conveying rollers 813, and further conveyed until the leading end of the sheet comes into contact with a movable sheet positioning member 823. A bookbinding entrance sensor 817 is arranged upstream of the transport roller pair 813. Further, two pairs of staplers 818 are provided at an intermediate position of the storage guide 820, and the stapler 818 is configured to bind the center of the sheet bundle in cooperation with the anvil 819 facing the stapler 818.
[0053]
A folding roller pair 826 is provided downstream of the stapler 818. A projecting member 825 is provided at a position facing the folding roller pair 826. By projecting the protruding member 825 toward the sheet bundle stored in the storage guide 820, the sheet bundle is pushed out between the pair of folding rollers 826, and after being folded by the pair of folding rollers 826, the origami sheet discharging roller 827. Is discharged to the saddle discharge tray 832 through the. A bookbinding discharge sensor 830 is disposed downstream of the origami discharge roller 827.
[0054]
When folding the sheet bundle bound by the stapler 818, the positioning member 823 is lowered by a predetermined distance so that the staple position of the sheet bundle is at the center of the pair of folding rollers 826 after the stapling process is completed.
[0055]
(Inserter section)
The inserter 900 is provided above the finisher 500, sequentially separates a cover sheet stacked on the tray 901 and a sheet bundle forming an interleaf, and conveys the sheet bundle to the finisher path 552 or bookbinding path 553. Here, the special paper is stacked on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 in a normal view when viewed from the operator. That is, the special paper is stacked on the tray 901 with its surface facing upward.
[0056]
The special paper on the tray 901 is conveyed by a conveyance roller feed roller 902 to a separation unit including a conveyance roller 903 and a separation belt 904, and is sequentially separated and conveyed one by one from the top sheet.
[0057]
A pull-out roller pair 905 is disposed downstream of the separation unit, and the special paper separated by the pull-out roller pair 905 is stably guided to the transport path 908. A paper feed sensor 907 is provided downstream of the pull-out roller pair 905, and between the paper feed sensor 907 and the entrance roller pair 502, a conveyance for guiding the special paper on the conveyance path 908 to the entrance roller pair 502 is performed. A roller 906 is provided.
[0058]
A double-feed detection sensor 950 is provided in the transport path of the transport path 908 to determine whether or not two or more sheets of special paper separated and transported from the tray 901 overlap each other. Have been.
[0059]
In addition, the double feed detection sensor can also perform double feed determination of the recording paper as needed, and can change the installation location as appropriate.
[0060]
(Finisher block diagram)
Next, the configuration of the finisher control unit 501 that controls the driving of the finisher 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the finisher control unit of FIG.
[0061]
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the finisher control unit 501 includes a CPU circuit unit 510 including a CPU 511, a ROM 512, a RAM 513, and the like. The CPU circuit unit 510 communicates with the CPU circuit unit 150 provided on the image forming apparatus main body side via the communication IC 514 to exchange data, and various programs stored in the ROM 512 based on instructions from the CPU circuit unit 150. To control the drive of the finisher 500.
[0062]
When performing this drive control, detection signals from various sensors are taken into the CPU circuit section 150. These various sensors include an entrance sensor 531, a bookbinding entrance sensor 817, a bookbinding discharge sensor 830, a paper feed sensor 907, a paper set sensor 910, and a double feed detection sensor 950. The paper set sensor 910 is a sensor for detecting whether or not special paper is set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900. As described above, the double feed detection sensor 950 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the special paper separated and conveyed from the tray 901 is conveyed in a double feed state where two or more sheets overlap. The double feed detection sensor is composed of opposed fixed electrodes and movable electrodes. The special sheet is sandwiched between the opposed electrodes while the special paper is being conveyed at the sensor position, and detects the paper thickness from the capacitance. Needless to say, any other method may be used as long as the double feed of the conveyed paper can be detected. A driver 520 is connected to the CPU circuit unit 510, and the driver 520 drives a motor and a solenoid based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 510. Further, the CPU circuit section 150 drives the clutch.
[0063]
Here, the motors include an inlet roller pair 502, a transport roller pair 503, an inlet motor M1 as a drive source of the transport roller pair 906, a buffer motor M2 as a drive source of the buffer roller 505, a transport roller pair 506, and a discharge roller pair. 507, a discharge motor M3 that drives the discharge roller pair 509, a bundle discharge motor M4 that drives the discharge rollers 680a and 680b, a transport motor M10 that drives the transport roller pair 813, and a drive source for the sheet positioning member 823. A positioning motor M11, a projecting member 825, a folding roller pair 826, a folding motor M12 which is a driving source of the origami sheet discharging roller pair 827, a sheet feeding roller 902 of the inserter 900, a conveying roller 903, a shunt belt 904, and a pulling roller pair. There is a paper feed motor M20 as a drive source 905.
[0064]
The inlet motor M1, the buffer motor M2, and the discharge motor M3 are composed of stepping motors, and control the excitation pulse rate to rotate a pair of rollers driven by each motor at a constant speed or at a unique speed. Can be. Further, the inlet motor M1 and the buffer motor M2 can be driven by the driver 520 in respective forward and reverse rotation directions.
[0065]
The transport motor M10 and the positioning motor M11 are composed of a stepping motor, and the folding motor M12 is composed of a DC motor. The transport motor M10 is configured to be able to transport a sheet in synchronization with the speed of the entrance motor M1.
[0066]
The paper feed motor M20 is composed of a stepping motor, and is configured to be able to convey the paper in synchronization with the speed of the entrance motor M1.
[0067]
The solenoids include a solenoid SL1 for switching the switching flapper 510, a solenoid SL2 for switching the switching flapper 511, a solenoid SL10 for switching the switching flapper 551, and a sheet feeding shutter (not shown in FIG. 3) of the inserter 900. There is a solenoid SL20 to be driven and a solenoid SL21 to drive the paper feed roller 902 of the inserter 900 up and down.
[0068]
The clutch includes a clutch CL1 for transmitting the drive of the folding motor M12 to the projecting member 825 and a clutch CL10 for transmitting the drive of the paper feed motor M20 to the paper feed roller 902.
[0069]
(Operation unit)
Next, an example of a post-processing mode selection operation using the operation unit 153 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen regarding selection of a post-processing mode in the operation unit in the image forming apparatus in FIG.
[0070]
The image forming apparatus has various processing modes such as non-sort, sort, staple sort (binding mode), and bookbinding mode as post-processing modes, and also sets an insertion sheet as a slip sheet mode to cover a sheet, a final sheet, or a sheet in the middle. It is set so that it can be inserted. The setting of such a processing mode is performed by an input operation from the operation unit 153. For example, when setting the post-processing mode, a menu selection screen shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the operation unit 153, and the processing mode is set using this menu selection screen. In addition, for example, when setting the slip sheet mode, a screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the insertion setting operation unit 153, and using this screen, the special paper is inserted from the inserter 900 or the manual paper feeding is performed. The user can set whether to perform the setting from the section 125 and set the number of sheets to be inserted on the screen shown in FIG. When special paper is fed only to the cover, only “1” can be selected. When there are a plurality of sheets to be inserted, a desired number can be selected and set.
[0071]
(Overview of finisher operation)
Next, paper transport from the inserter 900 and the printer 300 to the processing tray 630 in the finisher 500 in the sort mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11 are diagrams for explaining the flow of sheets from the inserter and the printer to the processing tray in the finisher in the sort mode in the image forming apparatus of FIG.
[0072]
When the sheet C is inserted into the sheet after image formation as a cover, the sheet is set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6A, the sheet C is set so that the image surface faces upward and the binding position is on the left as viewed from the operator, and is fed in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The setting state of the sheet C is the same as the setting state of the document in the document feeding apparatus 100, and the operability when setting the sheet C can be improved.
[0073]
When the sheet C is set on the tray 901, as shown in FIG. 7, the feeding of the uppermost sheet C 1 is started, and the switching flapper 551 is switched to the finisher path 552. The sheet C1 is guided from the conveyance path 908 to the finisher path 552 via the entrance roller pair 502, and when the leading end of the sheet C1 is detected by the entrance sensor 531, the sheet after image formation from the printer 300 (see FIG. 8). Feeding of the sheet P1) is started.
[0074]
Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the sheet P1 fed from the printer 300 is guided into the finisher 500, and the sheet C1 is guided to the sort path 522 via the buffer roller 505. At this time, both of the switching flappers 510 and 511 have been switched to the sort path 522 side.
[0075]
The sheet C1 guided to the sort path 522 is stored on the processing tray 630 as shown in FIG. At this time, the sheet P1 from the printer 300 is guided into the finisher path 522. As shown in FIG. 10, this sheet P1 is guided to the sort path 522 via the buffer roller 505 and is conveyed toward the processing tray 630, similarly to the sheet C1. A sheet P2 following the sheet P1 is guided into the finisher path 552. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the paper P1 is stacked and stored on the paper C1 already stored in the processing tray 630, and the subsequent paper P2 is stacked and stored on the paper P1.
[0076]
Here, mirror-processed images are formed on the respective sheets P1 and P2 from the printer 300, and the respective sheets P1 and P2 are discharged by reverse discharge. Similarly to C1, the sheet is stored in the processing tray 630 with its image surface facing downward and its binding position facing the stapler 601 side. Although not shown in FIG. 11, when there is special paper for the next bundle, the special paper is fed to the transport path 908 during the feeding of the sheets P1 and P2 constituting the current bundle, and the standby is performed. It is configured to be. With this configuration, the productivity during the sort mode processing can be improved.
[0077]
(Outline of binding operation)
Next, image formation in the bookbinding mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining image formation in the bookbinding mode in the image forming apparatus of FIG.
[0078]
When the bookbinding mode is designated, the originals set in the original feeder 100 are sequentially read from the first page, the images of the read originals are sequentially stored in the hard disk 206, and the number of originals read at the same time is counted.
[0079]
When the reading of the document is completed, the read document images are classified according to the following equation (1), and the image forming order and the image forming position are determined.
M = n × 4-k (1)
M: the number of documents n: an integer of 1 or more and the number of sheets k: any one of 0, 1, 2, and 3
A detailed description of the image forming order and the image forming position control will be omitted.
[0081]
The image formation in the bookbinding mode will be described with an example in which the number of read originals is eight. As shown in FIG. 12A, eight pages of original image data (R1 to R8) are stored in the hard disk 206. They are stored in the order in which they were read.
[0082]
For each image data (R1 to R8), the image forming order and the image forming position are determined. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, after the above-described mirror image processing is performed, the first half (front side) of the first sheet of paper P1 has an R4 image in the left half and an R5 image in the right half. An image is formed, and the sheet P1 is guided to the double-sided conveyance path 124. Then, the sheet P1 is again fed to the transfer unit 116, and an R6 image is formed on the left half of the second surface (back surface), and an R3 image is formed on the right half thereof. Then, the sheet P1 on which the images are formed on both sides in this manner is sent to the bookbinding path 553 of the finisher 500 after being inverted and ejected by the inverted ejection. As shown in FIG. 12C, the sheet P1 is turned upside down with the R6 image and the R3 image formed thereon in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. Conveyed.
[0083]
Next, an R2 image is formed on the left half and an R7 image is formed on the right half of the first surface (front surface) of the second page of paper P2, and the paper P2 is guided to the double-sided conveyance path 124. The sheet P2 is again fed to the transfer unit 116, where an R8 image is formed on the left half of the second surface (back surface) and an R1 image is formed on the right half. Then, the sheet P2 is sent to the first bookbinding path 553 of the finisher 500 after being inverted and discharged. As shown in FIG. 12C, the sheet P2 is turned upside down with the R8 image and the R1 image formed thereon in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Conveyed.
[0084]
The sheets P1 and P2 are guided and stored in the storage guide 820 via the bookbinding path 553 of the finisher 500. In the storage guide 820, as shown in FIG. 12D, the sheet P1 is stored on the protruding member 825 side, and the sheet P2 is stored on the folding roller pair 826 side. The first surfaces of the sheets P1 and P2 are stored facing the protruding member 825.
[0085]
The positioning of each of the sheets P1 and P2 in the storage guide 820 is performed by a positioning member 823.
[0086]
(Overview of bookbinding + inserter operation)
Paper transport from the inserter 900 and the printer 300 to the storage guide 820 in the finisher in the bookbinding mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 19 are diagrams for explaining the flow of sheets from the inserter and the printer to the storage guide in the finisher in the bookbinding mode in the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1, and FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the folding process in the finisher in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of bookbinding performed by a binding process.
[0087]
When bookbinding is performed by inserting the sheet C1 as a cover into the sheet after image formation, the sheet C1 is set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13A, the sheet C1 is set on the tray 901 with the image surfaces on which the image R and the image F are formed facing upward, and is fed with the image F at the top. That is, the sheet C1 is set in a normal viewing state as viewed from the operator, and the setting state of the sheet C1 is the same as the setting state of the document in the document feeding apparatus 100. Therefore, the operability when setting the paper C1 can be improved.
[0088]
When the sheet C1 is set on the tray 901, the feeding of the topmost sheet C1 is started, and the switching flapper 551 is switched to the finisher path 552, as shown in FIG. The sheet C1 is guided from the conveyance path 908 to the finisher path 552 through the entrance roller pair 502, and when the leading end of the sheet C1 is detected by the entrance sensor 531, the sheet after image formation from the printer 300 (see FIG. 15). The feeding of the paper P) is started.
[0089]
Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the paper P fed from the printer 300 is guided into the finisher 500, and the paper C1 is guided to the non-sort path 521 via the buffer roller 505. At this time, the switching flapper 510 has been switched to the non-sort path 521 side.
[0090]
Further, when the sheet C1 is guided to the non-sort path 521 and conveyed until its rear end passes through the entrance sensor 531, the sheet C1 is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. At this time, the paper P from the printer 300 is guided into the finisher 500. Then, with the sheet C1 stopped, the sheet P is guided to the first bookbinding path 553 by the switching flapper 551 and stored in the storage guide 820 as shown in FIG. To the first bookbinding path 553. At this time, the sheet C2 following the sheet C1 is separated and conveyed to a position before the conveying roller pair 906, and waits until a predetermined number of sheets are stored in the storage guide 820.
[0091]
When a predetermined number of sheets P are stored in the storage guide 820, the sheet C1 is reversed and fed into the storage guide 820 via the branch A and the second bookbinding path 554 as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 18, the sheet C <b> 1 is conveyed with the image R side at the top, and is stored while being superimposed on the bundle of sheets P already stored in the storage guide 820. When the sheet C1 is stored in the storage guide 820, feeding of the sheet C2 following the sheet C1 is started. Here, for example, when the sheet C2 is an inappropriate sheet having a size different from the predetermined size, as shown in FIG. 19, the sheet C2 is discharged to the sample tray 701 without being temporarily stopped in the state shown in FIG. You.
[0092]
After the sheet C1 is stored in the storage guide 820 while being superimposed on the bundle of the sheets P, a protruding member 825 is protruded from the bundle of the sheet C1 and the sheet P, and the bundle is pushed out toward the folding roller pair 826. . The bundle is folded by the folding roller pair 826 at the center of the bundle (the image boundary portion of the image surface) and is discharged to the saddle discharge tray 832. In the folded state, as shown in FIG. 20B, the image F of the sheet C1 is arranged on the cover page, the image R is arranged on the last page, and the image of each sheet P is arranged in the page order. That is, the directions of the images on the paper C1 and the paper P are matched.
[0093]
As described above, by the sheet feed control of the sheet C1 from the inserter 900 and the transport control of the sheet P from the printer 300, in the bookbinding state, the image R of the sheet C1 is arranged on the cover page and the image R is arranged on the last page. Since the images of the respective sheets P are arranged in the page order and the orientations of the images are matched with each other, the sheets P and the special sheets can be used without deteriorating the print quality of the special sheets from the inserter 900 and the sheet conveyance durability of the printer 300. In the sort mode, the insertion of special paper is temporarily stopped in the finisher path 552 by the finisher 500, and then the paper is guided and stored in the storage guide 820. After the special paper is stored in the finisher path 552, the special paper waiting in the finisher path 552 is guided and stored in the storage guide 820. It is possible to improve the productivity at the time of bookbinding together.
[0094]
Further, if necessary, in a state where the sheet C1 is superimposed on the bundle of sheets P and stored in the storage guide 820, the bundle can be bound at the center by the stapler 818.
[0095]
An embodiment of the timing of feeding the transfer sheet as the first recording medium and the insertion sheet as the second recording medium in the slip sheet mode of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0096]
When the interleaving mode is not selected, there is no inserted sheet from the inserter 900 as the second supply unit, and only the transfer sheet of the image forming apparatus 10 is used, the cassettes 114 and 115 are used as shown in FIG. Is transferred from the registration roller 126 to the transfer unit 116 at predetermined intervals of T1 to form an image. For example, in the case of an image forming apparatus of 60 sheets / minute, T1 is 1 second. The interval T1 between transfer sheets on which an image is formed is the same even when the transfer sheet is conveyed to the entrance sensor 531 of the finisher 500.
[0097]
When the interleaving mode is selected and the second page from the inserter 900 and the first, third, and fourth pages from the image forming apparatus 10 are fed, as shown in FIG. Similarly, when the transfer sheets P1, P2, and P3 and the insertion sheet C1 are fed at a predetermined timing T1 interval, the interval between the transfer sheet and the insertion sheet in the finisher 500 at the entrance sensor 531 at FIG. The result is as shown in FIG. The insertion sheet C1 is on standby in the transport path 908 in advance. Further, the transfer sheet P2 is on standby by the registration roller 126, and the transport path length to the entrance sensor 531 is shorter for the insertion sheet. Therefore, the sheet interval at the entrance sensor 531 is different from that of the transfer sheet P1. Assuming that the interval T2 between the insertion sheet C1 and the interval T3 between the insertion sheet C1 and the transfer sheet P2,
T2 <T1
T3> T1
It becomes. Further, when the distance from the standby position of the inserted sheet in the transport path 908 to the entrance sensor 531 is reduced, as shown in FIG. 21D, the transfer sheet P1 and the inserted sheet C1 collide. At this time, the transfer speed of the transfer sheet and the insertion sheet is constant.
[0098]
As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, when the conveyance distance of the insertion sheet is short, the feeding interval T5 from the transfer sheet P1 to the insertion sheet C1 is increased, and the distance from the insertion sheet C1 to the next transfer sheet P2 is increased. When the sheet is conveyed to the entrance sensor 531 in the finisher 500 by shortening the sheet feeding interval T6, the sheet interval becomes a predetermined sheet interval T1 as shown in FIG.
[0099]
Next, description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0100]
The operation unit 153 of the image forming apparatus 10 has a function as a determination unit. That is, when the copy start key is turned on after the interleaving mode is selected on the operation unit 153, the operation starts, and whether the next sheet to be fed is a transfer sheet or an inserted sheet is set in the interleaving mode. At this point, it is possible to determine which sheet is to be fed with the insertion sheet, and it is determined whether or not it is time to feed the transfer sheet or the insertion sheet (S151). At the sheet feeding timing, it is determined whether the sheet to be fed is an insertion sheet or a transfer sheet (S152). If the sheet is an insertion sheet, the insertion sheet is supplied from the inserter 900 as the second supply unit. Paper is performed (S153). If it is the transfer paper feed timing in S152, it is determined in S155 whether or not the previously fed sheet is the transfer paper. If the previously fed sheet is a transfer sheet, the transfer sheet waiting by the registration roller 126 as a conveying unit is fed to form an image.
[0101]
If it is the transfer paper feed timing in S155, and the previous feed was an inserted sheet, the process waits for the completion of the double feed detection of the inserted sheet (S156). If the double feed is not detected after the completion of the double feed detection, the transfer paper is fed from the registration rollers 126 (S158). If it is determined in step S156 that the multi-feed has been performed, the sheet feeding process is terminated, and the process of releasing the multi-fed inserted sheet is awaited.
[0102]
In the case of an apparatus configuration in which the feeding timing of the insertion sheet C1 and the transfer sheet P2 occurs at the timing shown in FIG. 22B, as shown in FIG. Later, the paper feed timing of S151 occurs. However, since the double feed detection is not completed until T8 elapses, the transfer paper is fed after the double feed detection is completed for T8 time in S156 (S158). At this time, the interval between the inserted sheet and the transfer sheet at the entrance sensor 531 of the finisher 500 is equal to the interval between the inserted sheet C1 and the transfer sheet P2 as shown in FIG. become longer.
[0103]
As a result of the above-described control, even if double feeding occurs in the insertion sheet, it is possible to prevent image formation on transfer sheets subsequent to the insertion sheet in which the double feeding has occurred.
[0104]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, even if double feeding of the insertion sheet occurs, it is possible to prevent image formation on the subsequent transfer paper, so that useless image formation can be prevented. Further, even if the insertion sheet is multi-fed, it is possible to provide an image forming system that prevents the subsequent transfer sheet from colliding with the insertion sheet.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a folding device and a finisher included in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a finisher control unit that controls the finisher of FIG. 3;
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating setting screens displayed on a display unit of an operation unit, respectively.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for transporting a sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and an inserter to a processing tray of a finisher.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for transporting a sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and an inserter to a processing tray of a finisher.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for conveying paper from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to a processing tray of the finisher.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for transporting a sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to a processing tray of the finisher.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for conveying a sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to a processing tray of a finisher.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for transporting a sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to a processing tray of the finisher.
12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of an image forming procedure in the bookbinding mode in the image forming system in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for conveying an insertion sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to a storage guide of a finisher.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for conveying an insertion sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to a storage guide of a finisher.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for conveying an insertion sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to a storage guide of the finisher.
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for conveying an insertion sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to a storage guide of a finisher.
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for conveying an insertion sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to the storage guide of the finisher.
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for conveying an insertion sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to a storage guide of a finisher.
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for conveying an insertion sheet from the image forming apparatus main body and the inserter to the storage guide of the finisher.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example in which bookbinding is performed by folding processing and binding processing in a finisher.
FIGS. 21 (a), (b), (c) and (d) are schematic diagrams for explaining sheet feeding timing of a transfer sheet and an insertion sheet in a slip sheet mode, respectively.
FIGS. 22 (a), (b) and (c) are schematic diagrams for explaining sheet feeding timings of a transfer sheet and an insertion sheet in a slip sheet mode, respectively.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an interleaving process in the image forming apparatus and the image forming method according to the invention.
24 (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams for explaining sheet feeding timing in the slip sheet processing according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Image Forming Apparatus Main Body 100 Document Feeder 101 Document Feeder Control Unit 102 Platen Glass 103 Lamp 104 Scanner Unit 105 Mirror 108 Lens 109 Image Sensor 110 Exposure Control Unit 110a Polygon Mirror 111 Photosensitive Drum 112 Output Tray 113 Developing Unit 114 Upper cassette 115 Lower cassette 116 Transfer unit 117 Fixing unit 118 Discharge roller 121 Flapper 122 Reverse path 124 Double-sided conveyance path 125 Manual feed unit 126 Registration roller 127 Pickup roller 129 Feed roller 150 Circuit unit 153 Operation unit 200 Image reader 201 Image Reader control unit 202 Image signal control unit 206 Hard disk 210 Computer 300 Printer 301 Printer control unit 400 Device 401 Control unit 402 Convey horizontal path 403 Convey roller pair 404 Convey roller pair 410 Path selection flapper 420 Path 421 Roller 500 Finisher 501 Finisher control unit 502 Inlet roller pair 503 Convey roller pair 505 Buffer roller 506 Convey roller pair 507 Discharge roller pair 509 Discharge roller Pair 510 Switching flapper 511 Switching flapper 514 Pressing roller 520 Driver 521 Non-sort path 522 Sort path 522 Finisher path 523 Buffer path 531 Inlet sensor 533 Discharge sensor 550 Punch unit 551 Switching flapper 552 Finisher path 552 Finished path 553 after storage Finishing path 554 Bookbinding Pass 601 Stapler 630 Processing tray 630 Intermediate tray 700 Stack tray 701 Sample tray 813 Transport roller pair 817 Bookbinding entrance sensor 818 Stapler 819 Anvil 820 Storage guide 826 Roller pair 827 Paper discharge roller pair 830 Bookbinding discharge sensor 832 Saddle discharge tray 900 Inserter 901 Tray 902 Paper feed roller 902 Transport roller paper feed roller 903 Transport Roller 904 Separation belt 904 Shunt belt 905 Roller pair 906 Transport roller pair 907 Feed sensor 908 Feed path 910 Paper set sensor 950 Double feed detection sensor M1 Inlet motor M10 Transport motor M11 Motor M12 Motor M2 Buffer motor M20 Feed motor M3 Discharge Paper motor M4 Bundle discharge motor

Claims (7)

A first supply unit that sequentially separates the first recording medium one by one, and supplies the first recording medium,
Image forming means for forming an image on the first recording medium,
Conveyance means for waiting the first recording medium supplied from the first supply means and supplying the first recording medium to the image forming means at a predetermined time,
A second supply unit that sequentially separates the second recording medium one by one, and supplies the second recording medium,
Determining means for determining the supply order of the recording medium supplied from the first supply means and the second supply means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to change the timing at which the conveyance unit supplies the first recording medium to the image forming unit in accordance with a result of the determination by the determination unit. Double feed determining means for determining whether or not the second recording medium has been multi-fed, further comprising:
The control means causes the transport means to wait until the determination by the double-feed determination means is completed, and when it is determined that the second recording medium has not been double-fed, drives the transport means to drive the transport means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first recording medium is supplied to the image forming unit. If the control unit determines that the second recording medium has been multi-fed by the multi-feed determining unit, the control unit does not supply the first recording medium to the image forming unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus waits for a release process of the second recording medium. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording medium is transfer paper on which an image is formed, and the second recording medium is an insertion sheet. Separating the first recording medium one by one sequentially, a first supply step of supplying the first recording medium,
An image forming step of forming an image on the first recording medium,
Before the image forming step, a resist step of waiting for the first recording medium supplied by the first supply step and supplying the first recording medium to the image forming step at a predetermined time,
A second supply step of sequentially separating the second recording medium one by one, and supplying the second recording medium,
A determining step of determining a supply order of the recording medium supplied from the first supply step and the second supply step,
A control step of changing a timing at which the first recording medium is supplied to the image forming step by the registration step in accordance with a result of the determination in the determining step. Further comprising a double feed determination step of determining whether or not the second recording medium is multi-fed,
The control step waits for the processing in the registration step until the determination in the double-feed determination step ends, and when it is determined that the second recording medium has not been double-fed, 6. The image forming method according to claim 5, wherein a supply process of one recording medium to the image forming step is performed. In the control step, when it is determined that the second recording medium has been multi-fed by the multi-feed discriminating step, the processing by the image forming step of the first recording medium is not performed. 7. The image forming method according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus waits for the release processing of the second recording medium.

Images