JP2004117428A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance convenience in using back paper by preventing misprinting from occurring when printing is performed by using the back paper whose either surface has been already printed. <P>SOLUTION: Before starting printing, paper information showing whether or not paper to be supplied is the back paper is inputted and stored, and when starting printing, whether or not the paper is the back paper is judged based on the stored information. When the paper is not the back paper, double-sided printing (or one-sided printing) is performed according to a printing instruction as it is. However, when the paper is the back paper, processing is finished without performing printing after displaying that the paper is the back paper on the control panel or the like of the image forming apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on plain paper, such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a digital multifunction peripheral having a plurality of these functions.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in image forming apparatuses that form images on plain paper (paper) such as copiers, fax machines and printers for the purpose of resource saving, waste reduction, cost reduction, etc. ") Is increasing, and there is a strong demand for improved compatibility with backing paper.
In such a backing paper, in a normal copying machine, a small amount of oil component adheres to the back surface of the paper when passing through a fixing device, or is affected by an image formed by toner or ink on the surface of the paper. As a result, the sheet separating performance in the sheet feeding unit is likely to be reduced. In addition, not only backing paper of the same type of paper but also backing paper of various paper quality may be used in a mixed state. In this case as well, there is a problem that the separation performance in the paper feeding unit is likely to deteriorate. is there.
[0003]
Further, due to the influence of the toner image printed on the front surface, the toner on the front surface loses the heat of fixing when the toner image on the back surface is fixed, and the fixability of the image on the back surface is reduced. There is also a problem that it is difficult to separate from the fixing roller of the fixing unit by melting again by the heat of the fixing unit.
When using the backing paper with a two-sided copy machine, the user does not want to make a two-sided copy without noticing that the backing paper is used, or do not want to use the backing paper in documents that are officially issued outside the company. In such a case, there is a possibility that the user may make a copy on the backing paper without noticing.
[0004]
On the other hand, the necessity of double-sided copying has been increasing more and more in recent years for the purpose of resource saving, waste reduction, cost reduction, and the like, similarly to the use of backing paper. In addition to the case where the usage modes of the copier, the printer, and the like are used independently, or the case where the usage mode is connected to a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as “PC”) at a ratio of 1: 1, a printer connected to a network is used. It is increasingly used as a multifunctional digital multifunction peripheral having functions and a network printer.
As described above, when used as a digital multifunction peripheral or a network printer connected to a network, when a print command is issued from a position distant from the copying machine (such as a PC installed on a user's desk), all of the commands are issued. Since it is difficult for the user to recognize and use the paper information as to which paper cassette contains the backing paper, there is also a problem that two-sided printing is mistakenly performed on the backing paper. Further, for the same reason, there is also a problem that, when it is not desired to use the backing paper in a document officially issued to the outside or the like, the printing is erroneously performed on the backing paper.
[0005]
Among these problems, regarding the deterioration of the fixing property of the image when the backing paper is used and the separability of the fixing part, the fixing temperature is controlled to an appropriate temperature when the backing paper is used, or the roller of the fixing part is used. It has already been found that this can be improved by providing a backing paper mode in which the amount of applied oil is increased.
As a conventional technology for preventing multiple printing on the backing paper, a line sensor is provided in the width direction of the paper feed to detect whether or not an image already exists on the transfer surface of the paper. There is one that does not print (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0006]
Further, in the apparatus capable of detecting the type of paper loaded on the paper cassette, a rotatable size detection plate having an uneven portion is provided on the paper cassette, and various paper sizes are determined by a combination of the uneven portions. By disposing three push switches for detection in the apparatus main body of the printer and rotating the size detection plate, the three push switches advance and retreat, respectively, and input paper size information to the apparatus main body by a combination thereof. There is also such a configuration (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-305323 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-8-119463
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the configuration of the conventional multiple recording prevention device described in Patent Document 1, when the device is used as a digital multi-function device or a network printer connected to a network, the user of the externally connected device is mistaken. Can solve the problem of double-sided printing on the backing paper without noticing it as a backing paper, but solves the problem that the separation performance decreases in the paper feeding unit and the fixing unit when using the backing paper It is impossible. In addition, since only the transfer surface of the sheet is detected, it is not effective even if an image is formed on the back side, and it is not effective against the problem of erroneously printing on the back sheet. Further, since a relatively expensive means such as a line sensor is used, it is difficult to adopt it in an inexpensive image forming apparatus.
[0009]
On the other hand, the size detection device described in Patent Document 2 described above is provided with a rotatable size detection plate in a paper feed cassette, and is driven in the axial direction by abutting an uneven portion of the size detection plate on the main body of the device. Paper information can be input to the apparatus main body by a relatively simple and inexpensive configuration in which three rod-shaped push switches are provided, but this paper information is limited to the size of paper loaded in the paper feed cassette and its length and width. However, it was not possible to input information as to whether or not the paper was backing paper.
The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and reliably prevents printing on the backing paper by mistake, and facilitates input and confirmation of paper information as to whether or not the backing paper is set. The purpose is to enhance the convenience of using the backing paper.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of feeding sheets stacked in a sheet feeding cassette and forming an image on one or both sides thereof, in order to achieve the above object, the sheet to be fed is already on one side. Paper information input means for inputting paper information as to whether or not the back paper is printed on the paper, paper information storage means for storing the paper information input by the means, double-sided print mode is set, and When the paper fed from the paper information stored in the information storage means is determined to be back paper, control means for controlling not to perform printing is provided.
[0011]
Instead of controlling not to perform the printing, control may be performed to perform one-sided printing.
Also, when the back paper prohibition mode for prohibiting the use of the back paper is set, and the paper to be fed is determined to be the back paper based on the paper information stored in the paper information storage means, the printing is performed. It is preferable to provide a control means for performing control so as not to occur.
Alternatively, means may be provided for switching various conditions relating to image formation to a back paper mode suitable for use of the back paper when it is determined that the fed paper is back paper.
Further, it is preferable to provide means for displaying on the operation panel of the apparatus main body that the paper to be fed is back paper, or means for displaying on an externally connected device connected to the apparatus main body via a network.
[0012]
A plurality of paper cassettes are provided, and paper information input means for inputting paper information indicating whether or not the paper stacked in each paper cassette is back paper is provided, and the paper information of each paper cassette is stored. Paper information storage means may be provided.
In this case, when the paper cassette in which the loaded paper is stored as the back paper is selected, a means for displaying on the operation panel of the apparatus body that the paper in the selected paper cassette is the back paper. Alternatively, it is desirable to provide a means for displaying on an externally connected device connected to the apparatus main body via a network.
Further, when the double-sided printing mode or the backing paper prohibition mode is set, it is preferable to provide a means for controlling the paper not to be fed from the paper feeding cassette in which the loaded paper is stored as the backing paper.
[0013]
The paper information input means is preferably provided in a paper cassette. In this case, the paper information input means can be constituted by a paper information setting member rotatably provided in the paper feed cassette, and a detection member capable of detecting the rotation position of the paper information setting member.
Further, the sheet information setting member may be made visible from the outside of the sheet cassette, and may also serve as a member for displaying information as to whether or not the sheets stacked in the sheet cassette are back sheets.
Further, the paper information input means can also serve as a means for inputting paper size information.
Further, the paper information input means may be provided on an operation panel of the apparatus main body. Alternatively, the paper information may be input from an externally connected device connected to the apparatus main body via a network.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an image forming apparatus which is a multifunctional color copying machine provided with a sheet information input means of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a structural view showing an internal configuration thereof.
In this image forming apparatus, a sheet feeding section 2 having a plurality of (four in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) sheet feeding cassettes 22 for stacking sheets of paper P at a lower portion of an apparatus main body 1 is automatically contacted with an original at an upper portion. The automatic document feeder 3 for feeding on the glass 31 (FIG. 2) and the image forming unit 20 are arranged at the center. In addition, another paper feeding device can be added to the paper feeding unit 2 as needed.
[0015]
An operation panel 60 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1 on the front side of the automatic document feeder 3. The operation panel 60 has ten keys for setting the number of copies and the like, a double-sided print mode and a back paper inhibition mode, which will be described later. It includes keys for selecting various modes including, a paper size, a copy density, etc., and a liquid crystal display for performing various displays.
A reading unit 23 for reading a document is provided above the image forming unit 20, and a discharge storage unit 24 is provided on the left side of the image forming unit 20 in FIG. 2, and an image is formed on the discharge storage unit 24. Paper P is discharged and stored.
[0016]
In the image forming section 20, drum-shaped photoconductors 26Y, 26M, 26C, and 26K (a plurality of first image carriers each having a surface exposed to form a latent image) Photoconductor 26 "), developing devices 63 for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of each photoconductor with toner of each color, and toner images formed on each photoconductor. And an intermediate transfer belt 25, which is a second image carrier on which images are sequentially primary-transferred, is provided. The intermediate transfer belt 25 rotates in the direction of arrow A.
The intermediate transfer belt 25 is formed to have a size capable of carrying a plurality of toner images arranged on the belt surface in the moving direction.
[0017]
Around each photoconductor 26Y, 26M, 26C, 26K shown in FIG. 2, each charging device 62 for charging the surface of each photoconductor, and a toner image (visible image) on each photoconductor Each cleaning device 64 is provided to remove and collect the residual toner remaining on each photoconductor after transferring the toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 25.
A laser beam corresponding to the image information of each color is applied to the upper portion of the image forming section 20 to irradiate the exposure position on each of the photoreceptors 26Y, 26M, 26C, and 26K of the image forming section 20 with a latent image. An exposure device 7 for forming an image is provided.
[0018]
Further, a registration roller 33 constituting a registration unit is provided on the upstream side of the image forming unit 20 in the sheet conveyance, and a fixing device 28 is provided on the downstream side of the image formation unit 20 in the sheet conveyance, and the skew correction of the sheet is performed by the registration roller 33. At the same time, the sheet is fed to the secondary transfer portion T2 at the same timing as the image on the photoreceptor 26. Then, in the secondary transfer unit T2, the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 25 is sequentially secondary-transferred onto the paper P fed from the paper supply unit 2, and the toner image is fixed by the fixing device. On the downstream side of the fixing device 28, there is provided a paper discharge roller 41 for discharging the paper passing through the fixing device 28 onto the paper discharge storage unit 24.
[0019]
In this color image forming apparatus, when a full-color image forming operation is started, each charged surface on the photoconductors 26Y, 26M, 26C, and 26K charged by each charging device 62 of the image forming unit 20 is exposed by the exposure device 7, Exposure is performed by scanning light corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and a latent image is formed there.
Writing to each of the photoconductors 26Y, 26M, 26C, and 26K by the exposure device 7 is performed by reading an image of a document set on a contact glass 31 provided in a reading unit 23 by reading a document including a document illumination light source and a mirror. The scanning is performed by reciprocating the bodies 32a and 32b in the left-right direction in FIG. 2, and the scanning is performed based on image information read as image signals by the CCD 35 installed behind the lens 34.
[0020]
That is, the image signal read into the CCD 35 is digitized and subjected to image processing, and based on the image-processed signal, the laser diodes in the exposure device 7 emit light to emit light from the photoconductors 26Y, 26M, 26C, and 26K. Each surface is exposed to form an electrostatic latent image thereon.
At that time, the light from the laser diode reaches each photoconductor via a polygon mirror and a lens.
Thus, each latent image formed on each of the photoconductors 26Y, 26M, 26C, and 26K is converted into four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toner images are developed by the corresponding developing devices 63, respectively.
[0021]
In the toner image, first, a yellow image on the photoconductor 26Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 rotating in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2, and then the yellow image is transferred to the photoconductor 26Y. When the image is moved to the position of 26M, a magenta image is superimposed and transferred there. When the portion to which the magenta image has been transferred has moved to the position of the photoreceptor 26C, the cyan image is superimposed and transferred there, and the portion to which the cyan image has been transferred is located at the position of the photoreceptor 26K. When it is moved to the position, the black image is superimposed and transferred there.
[0022]
Then, when the four-color superimposed image of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black moves to the secondary transfer portion T2 where the transfer roller 51 is provided by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 25, synchronization is established so as to coincide with the timing. Is transferred collectively by the transfer roller 51 onto the recording paper fed. As described above, the color image forming apparatus performs an image forming process in which the intermediate transfer belt 25 rotates once to form one color image.
Then, after the four-color superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 25 is collectively transferred to the sheet, the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 25 is removed and collected by the intermediate transfer cleaning device 52.
[0023]
The sheet on which the toner image has been fixed and has passed through the fixing device 28 is discharged to the discharge storage unit 24 by the discharge roller 41 when the image is formed on one side.
When an instruction to form a double-sided image is issued, the paper is disposed below the image forming unit 20 by the branching claw 43 provided on the transport path between the fixing device 28 and the paper discharge roller 41. And is conveyed to the registration roller 33 again, and then is discharged onto the discharge storage unit 24 by the discharge roller 41 after an image is formed on the second surface. .
[0024]
On the other hand, the paper feeding unit 2 for feeding paper is provided with a paper feeding device 4 for each paper feeding stage.
The paper feeder 4 of each paper feed stage includes a bottom plate 5 on which the paper P is loaded, and a pickup roller 6 for feeding the paper P loaded on the bottom plate 5 by rotating the paper P counterclockwise in FIG. When there are a plurality of sheets P fed by the pick-up rollers 6, a separating means 8 including a feed roller and a reverse roller for separating the sheets into one sheet is provided.
The sheet is fed from the sheet feeding device 4 when the unused sheet P stored on the bottom plate 5 of the sheet feed tray 22 is rotated by the bottom plate 5 and the top sheet is picked up by the pickup roller. The pickup roller 6 is lifted up to a position where the pickup roller 6 comes into contact with the sheet feed roller 6.
[0025]
Therefore, when two or more sheets P are sent out, they are separated into one sheet by the separating means 8. Then, the sheet P is conveyed to the registration roller 33 in a stopped state, where the sheet P is temporarily stopped, and the registration roller 33 is moved at a timing when the positional relationship between the leading end thereof and the toner image on the photoconductor exactly matches. By starting rotation, the sheet is conveyed toward the image forming unit 20. Hereinafter, image formation is performed through the above-described process, and the image is discharged to the paper discharge storage unit 24.
As described above, this image forming apparatus scans an original to read an image, digitizes the image information, and forms an image on paper. This is a multifunctional image forming apparatus having a function as a facsimile apparatus for exchanging image information with a remote place and a function as a printer for printing image information handled by a computer on paper. Then, all the images formed by any of the functions are discharged to one discharge storage unit 24.
[0026]
By the way, as shown in a state where the uppermost stage is pulled out in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of stages of the paper cassettes 22 arranged in the above-mentioned paper feeding unit 2 has a disk-shaped paper information setting member 10 rotated at the front. It is provided as possible. As shown in the plan view (a), front view (b), and back view (c) of FIG. 3, the sheet information setting member 10 has an outer ring 10a and an inner ring 10b formed on the back surface, and an outer ring 10a. Are formed in at least two places and at least one place in the inner peripheral ring 10b, and three push switches 11 are provided in the apparatus main body 1 in correspondence with them, and these constitute a paper information input means. When the paper feed cassette 22 is pushed in, the concave and convex portions of the back surface of the paper information setting member 10 press or release the detecting portions 11a to 11c of the push switch 11, respectively, thereby changing the paper size, the vertical / horizontal state, and the front / back state. It can be input to the main body 1 side. The concave / convex portion on the back surface of the sheet information setting member 10 is divided into a plurality of parts in the rotation direction, and further divided into an outer ring part 10a and an inner ring part 10b.
[0027]
Then, based on the pressed state of the detection units 11a, 11b, and 11c of the triple push switch 11 by the combination of the uneven portions, the paper size and direction of A3, A4 length, A4 width, B4, B5 length, B5 width, and the like are determined. In addition, it is possible to input the paper front / back state such as A4 portrait-back paper, A4 landscape-back paper, B5 portrait-back paper, and B5 landscape-back paper when setting the back paper. It should be noted that the classification example of the sheet front and back state is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that a sheet of another size can be added.
These various types of paper information are displayed on the front and side surfaces of the paper information setting member 10, and can be viewed through display windows 22a and 22b provided on the front and top surfaces of the paper feed cassette 22, respectively. In addition to the sheet information, a plurality of click grooves 10c are provided on the side surface of the sheet information setting member 10 in accordance with the number of the sheet information setting members. A predetermined click feeling can be obtained by the click section.
In addition, it is also possible to use a light reflection type sensor (not shown) to detect the unevenness of the sheet information setting member in place of the push switch 11 so that the sensor is turned on in the convex portion and turned off in the concave portion. It is.
[0028]
With such a configuration, when, for example, A4 portrait-back paper is stacked in the paper feed cassette 22, the paper information setting member 10 is rotated to display A4 portrait-back paper in the display window 22a or 22b. At this time, since the sheet information can be visually recognized through the display windows 22a and 22b, the setting operability is easy. As a result, the uneven portion on the back surface presses any of the detection units 11a to 11c of the three push switches 11 of the apparatus main body 1, and the apparatus main body 1 is supplied with this supply by the paper information input means based on a combination of ON and OFF. The fact that A4 portrait-back paper is inserted in the paper cassette 22 is stored, and can be displayed on a display unit such as an operation panel thereof or a panel of an externally connected device connected to the apparatus main body 1.
Therefore, with a relatively simple and low-cost configuration, it is possible to input the paper information in the paper feed cassette to the apparatus main body 1 and simultaneously identify the paper information loaded in each paper feed cassette from the outside at a glance. Becomes possible.
[0029]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus.
The controller 70 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the entire image forming apparatus.
The controller 70 includes a registration sensor 71, a first paper sensor 72 for paper feeding, a second paper sensor 73 for double-sided printing mode, and various information from the operation panel 60. The sheet information is input from the sheet information input means 74 for inputting whether or not to input the information.
The paper information input means 74 is not limited to the paper information setting member 10 and the push switch 11 provided in the paper feed cassette 22 described with reference to FIGS. Alternatively, the input unit may be an input unit from an externally connected device connected to the image forming apparatus, and may also serve as an input unit for a sheet size.
[0030]
The controller 70 controls the main motor drive circuit 75 based on the input information, and drives the respective photoconductors 26, the intermediate transfer belt 25, the fixing device 28, the paper discharge roller 41, and the like by rotating the main motor 76. Further, the operation of a double-side switching solenoid 78 is controlled via a double-side switching solenoid driving circuit 77. Further, the registration motor driving circuit 79 drives the registration motor 80 to rotate the registration roller 33, and the conveyance motor driving circuits 81 and 82 drive the conveyance motors 83 and 84 to rotate the conveyance rollers 85 and 86.
Further, a paper feed motor 88 is driven by a paper feed motor circuit 87 to rotate a paper feed roller 89, and a double-sided motor 91 is driven by a double-sided motor drive circuit 90 to rotate a double-sided roller 92. Further, while controlling the other drive circuit 93, the laser modulation drive circuit 94 laser-modulates the laser diode 95 to control exposure to the surface of the photoconductor 26. The controller 70 also executes a process according to the present invention described later.
[0031]
Next, processing according to the present invention by the controller 70 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS. In each embodiment described below, it is assumed that the processing shown in each flowchart is started when the duplex print mode is set from the operation panel shown in FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. When the double-sided copy mode is set, first, paper information, that is, information on the paper size and the length and width of the paper is input together with information on whether or not the paper is a back paper, and the paper information is stored in a memory (RAM) in the controller 70.
[0032]
Then, if there is a print command, the print is disclosed, and whether or not the paper fed from the paper feed cassette is the back paper is determined based on the stored paper information. Is not performed. Then, the fact that the paper is back paper is displayed on the operation panel 60 of the image forming apparatus, and the print is canceled. If the paper is not backing paper, double-sided printing is performed as instructed by pudding and printing, and printing is completed.
Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reliably prevent a double-sided print from being erroneously performed on the backing paper. Further, the user can know the reason why the printing was not performed by displaying "Use Back Paper" on the operation panel. Therefore, the user can replace the paper with non-backing paper, or select another paper cassette in which non-backing paper is loaded, and can take quick action.
The display of “use back paper” may be displayed on an externally connected device such as a PC connected to the image forming apparatus main body via a network.
[0033]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, when it is determined that the paper to be fed is the backing paper, the printing is not performed but the printing is performed by one-sided printing. The only thing that did. The other processing is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.
According to the second embodiment, when the paper is the backing paper, the two-sided printing as intended by the user is not performed and the printing is the one-sided printing, but the printing is performed without canceling the print command. For this reason, double-sided printing is usually used to reduce costs, but it is convenient for users who cannot avoid printing on one side because paper is backing paper, and double printing is completely prevented. .
[0034]
Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, in addition to the paper information, mode information (backing paper prohibition mode) is input and stored. This backing paper prohibition mode can be input by, for example, a numeric key combination on the operation panel 60 or by selecting from a display screen. Alternatively, it can be input from a connected external device.
Then, when printing is started, it is determined whether or not the paper to be fed is back paper. If the paper is not back paper, duplex printing is performed according to the print instruction. A determination is made based on the stored mode information as to whether or not the back paper prohibition mode is set. If the back paper prohibition mode is not set, duplex printing is performed according to the print instruction. If the back paper prohibition mode is set, printing is not performed, the fact that the paper is back paper is displayed on the operation panel or an externally connected device, and the printing process is terminated.
[0035]
This allows the user to confirm that the paper is backing paper before printing if the paper is backing paper, and to replace the paper or to load paper that is not backing paper. Can be selected, and it is possible to promptly take measures for obtaining a required copy. If the paper is neither backing paper nor backing prohibited mode, double-sided printing is performed according to the print command.
Even if the paper is a backing paper, if it is in the backing paper prohibition mode, the duplex printing is performed according to the print command. However, in this case, printing is performed on the already printed surface of the sheet, so that it can be used for test printing. Otherwise, in combination with the above-described second embodiment, when the paper is the backing paper and the backing paper is not in the prohibition mode, the printing may be performed by one-sided printing.
[0036]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control state according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, when a paper cassette in which the loaded paper is the backing paper is selected, various conditions related to image formation of the image forming apparatus are changed to a backing paper mode suitable for using the backing paper. I'm trying to switch. That is, in the backing paper mode, process conditions such as image formation / transfer are switched, the fixing temperature is controlled to a suitable temperature when the backing paper is used, the fixing property of the image on the back side is improved, and the coating on the fixing unit roller is performed. The amount of oil to be removed is increased to improve the separability of the fixing unit. When a paper cassette in which paper is not backing paper is selected, printing is performed in a normal mode (normal image forming conditions) in which switching to a backing paper mode is naturally performed.
However, if the paper is not backing paper, double-sided printing is performed according to the print instruction, but if the paper is backing, single-sided printing is performed.
[0037]
In the above embodiments, the case where the double-sided print mode is set has been described. However, the third and fourth embodiments can be similarly applied to the case of the single-sided print mode.
When the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is performed in the one-sided print mode, if the sheet is not the backing sheet, and if the sheet is the backing sheet but not in the backing sheet prohibition mode, the one-sided printing is performed according to the print instruction. Make a copy. If the paper is a backing paper and is in the backing paper prohibition mode, printing may not be performed.
In the case of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 8, when the printing is performed in the single-sided printing mode, if the paper is the backing paper, the image forming conditions and the like are switched to the backing paper mode to perform the single-sided copying. , One-sided copying is performed in the normal mode without switching to the backing paper mode.
[0038]
In the image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed cassettes 22 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a paper information input unit for inputting paper information as to whether or not the paper loaded in each paper feed cassette is back paper is provided. At the same time, the controller 7 is provided with paper information storage means for storing the paper information of each paper feed cassette.
In this case, when the paper cassette in which the loaded paper is stored as the back paper is selected, the controller 7 informs the operation panel of the apparatus main body 1 that the paper in the selected paper cassette is the back paper. It is desirable that the information be displayed on the display 60 or on an externally connected device such as a PC connected to the apparatus main body 1 via a network. Further, when the duplex print mode or the back paper prohibition mode is set by the operation panel 60 or the externally connected device, the controller 7 does not feed the paper from the paper feed cassette in which the loaded paper is stored as the back paper. Control.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can greatly reduce misprints when using the backing paper with a simple configuration, and can switch to be suitable for using the backing paper. Convenience can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet information input unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an internal structural view of the same.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a main part of the paper information input means.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the control system.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Main unit 2: Paper feed unit 9: Operation panel
10: Paper information setting member 11: Push switch
20: Image forming unit 22: Paper feed tray
26: Photoconductor 28: Fixing device
29: Double-sided device 33: Registration roller
70: controller 74: paper information input means

Claims (17)

In an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on one side or both sides by feeding paper stacked in a paper feed cassette,
Paper information input means for inputting paper information as to whether or not the paper to be fed is back paper already printed on one side;
Paper information storage means for storing the paper information input by the means,
Control means for controlling not to perform printing when a double-sided print mode is set, and it is determined that the paper to be fed is back paper based on the paper information stored in the paper information storage means. An image forming apparatus comprising: In an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on one side or both sides by feeding paper stacked in a paper feed cassette,
Paper information input means for inputting paper information as to whether or not the paper to be fed is back paper already printed on one side;
Paper information storage means for storing the paper information input by the means,
Control means for controlling to perform single-sided printing when a double-sided printing mode is set and the paper fed from the paper information stored in the paper information storage means is determined to be back paper. An image forming apparatus comprising: In an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on one side or both sides by feeding paper stacked in a paper feed cassette,
Paper information input means for inputting paper information as to whether or not the paper to be fed is back paper already printed on one side;
Paper information storage means for storing the paper information input by the means,
When the back paper prohibition mode for prohibiting the use of the back paper is set, and when it is determined that the paper to be fed is the back paper based on the paper information stored in the paper information storage means, the printing is not performed. An image forming apparatus, comprising: control means for controlling. In an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on one side or both sides by feeding paper stacked in a paper feed cassette,
Paper information input means for inputting paper information as to whether or not the paper to be fed is back paper already printed on one side;
Paper information storage means for storing the paper information input by the means,
Means for switching various conditions relating to image formation to a back paper mode suitable for use of the back paper when it is determined that the paper fed based on the paper information stored in the paper information storage means is a back paper. An image forming apparatus, comprising: 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper is fed when it is determined that the paper to be fed is the back paper based on the paper information stored in the paper information storage unit. 6. An image forming apparatus, comprising: means for displaying on a control panel of the apparatus main body that a sheet is a backing sheet. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper is fed when it is determined that the paper to be fed is the back paper based on the paper information stored in the paper information storage unit. 6. An image forming apparatus, further comprising means for displaying on a connected external device connected to the apparatus main body via a network that the sheet is a backing sheet. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of the sheet cassettes, and a sheet for inputting sheet information indicating whether a sheet stacked in each of the sheet cassettes is a backing sheet. 8. An image forming apparatus comprising: information input means; and paper information storage means for storing paper information of each paper feed cassette. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when a paper cassette in which the loaded paper is stored as a back paper is selected, the paper in the selected paper cassette is a back paper. An image forming apparatus, comprising: means for displaying on an operation panel of the apparatus main body. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when a paper cassette in which the loaded paper is stored as a back paper is selected, the paper in the selected paper cassette is a back paper. An image forming apparatus comprising: means for displaying on an externally connected device connected to the apparatus main body via a network. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the duplex printing mode is set, sheets are not fed from a sheet cassette in which the stacked sheets are stored as backing sheets. An image forming apparatus comprising: 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the backing paper inhibition mode is set, no paper is fed from the paper feed cassette in which the loaded paper is stored as the backing paper. An image forming apparatus provided with a means for performing such control. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet information input unit is provided in the sheet cassette. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the sheet information input unit includes a sheet information setting member rotatably provided on the sheet cassette, and a detection member capable of detecting a rotation position of the sheet information setting member. An image forming apparatus comprising: 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the sheet information setting member is visually recognizable from the outside of the sheet cassette, and information as to whether or not sheets stacked in the sheet cassette are back sheets. An image forming apparatus, which also serves as a member for displaying 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the paper information input unit also serves as a unit for inputting paper size information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet information input unit is provided on an operation panel of the apparatus main body. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet information input unit is a unit that inputs the sheet information from an externally connected device connected to the apparatus main body via a network. Image forming apparatus.

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