JP2005141046A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which coiling round, jam and defective copying do not occur when reclaimed paper is used, and thereby saving of resources is surely attained. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 20 is provided with: an operation input means for inputting information relevant to control; an image forming means for forming a toner image based on image information on a photoreceptor; a transferring separating means having a transferring separating pole for transferring the toner image on a transfer material and separating the image from the photoreceptor; a separating means having a separating member for pressing / releasing the photoreceptor in order to separate the transfer material from the photoreceptor; and a control means for driving and controlling the respective means. In the image forming apparatus 20, when information showing that the transfer material is the reclaimed paper is inputted by the operation input means, the control means performs transferring separating current value control and separating member control only for the reclaimed paper to the transferring separating means and the separating means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a duplex printing mode capable of printing on both sides of a sheet.

  2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method such as a printer, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine, an image is formed by transferring and fixing a toner image on a photoconductor based on image information onto paper (also referred to as a transfer material or transfer paper). Forming.

  For example, when the image forming apparatus is a copying machine, in general, when copying (also referred to as printing) on both sides of a transfer sheet, if the duplex copying mode is selected, copying on one side recorded after copying on one side is performed. A double-sided copy function is used in which a paper is once stocked, then reversely fed to a transfer position at a predetermined timing, and image recording is performed on the back side, thereby forming a double-sided copy.

  Conventionally, as a transfer sheet used in an image forming apparatus, it is common to use a dedicated transfer sheet (also referred to as a standard sheet or plain sheet) whose both sides are blank. However, in recent years, in order to satisfy demands for resource saving and cost reduction, once used transfer paper with some images copied on one side is used again, and the back side blank paper part where the images are not copied on the transfer paper is used. The reuse of transfer paper that is used for recording images, that is, the use of reused paper is increasing.

  Recycled paper can be used for copying because the paper surface is rounded (also referred to as curl) depending on how it is handled and stored until it is used again as transfer paper. It is no longer flat as standard paper.

  Therefore, when reusable paper is used for image recording, the transfer paper is curled, and therefore, a phenomenon of jamming that is caught by some member in the transport process, and in particular, the transfer paper is a photoconductor. In the transfer / separation process of separating, there is a very high possibility of causing a phenomenon that the transfer paper is wound around the photoconductor, which often causes an accident that makes the use of the image forming apparatus impossible.

  In addition, in the conventional image forming apparatus having the double-sided copy function, since the image is recorded using the blank portion on the back side of the reused paper as described above, if double-sided copying is executed by mistake, In any one aspect, there has been a problem of frequent miscopying in which the recorded images overlap, and wasting energy resources and time including not only paper but also toner and electricity.

Therefore, with regard to prevention of miscopying, for example, a detection sensor for detecting whether or not there is an image on the transfer paper is provided, and when the detection sensor detects an image on the transfer paper, the duplex copy mode is automatically canceled. It has been proposed to do so. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)
It has also been proposed that a detection sensor for detecting whether or not there is an image on the transfer paper is provided so that the duplex copy mode cannot be set when the detection sensor detects an image on the transfer paper. (For example, see Patent Document 2.)
In addition, setting means for setting whether or not double-sided copying (printing) is prohibited is provided for each of a plurality of trays, and double-sided copying is prohibited when a tray set to prohibit double-sided copying is selected. Has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 3.)
JP-A-9-96927 JP-A-9-146418 JP 2000-242141 A

  However, even when a detection sensor for detecting whether or not there is an image on the transfer paper is provided as in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, for example, an image is recorded on a part of the transfer paper. In some cases, the presence of an image cannot be detected due to the relationship between detection areas related to the number of detection sensors, the arrangement configuration, etc., and double-sided copying is permitted even though there is an image on the transfer paper. In addition, miscopying cannot be completely prevented, and even if it is detected that there is an image on the transfer paper and it is detected that the paper is reused, the above-described wrapping or jamming cannot be prevented.

  Similarly, when setting whether or not to prohibit double-sided copying for each of a plurality of trays as in Patent Document 3, it may be possible to prevent miscopying that double-sided copying is performed on reused paper. However, just because it is understood that the paper is reused, it is not possible to prevent the above-described winding and jamming.

  In particular, when a detection sensor is provided in order to prevent miscopying, the mounting position and arrangement of the detection sensor in the image forming apparatus, the development of hardware parts such as an electric circuit that controls the drive of the detection sensor, and the drive control As a result, there has been a great problem that development of a software part such as a program or the like is required, resulting in an increase in a great development cost and a great production cost.

  In other words, simply using double-sided copying to prevent miscopying when using recycled paper is not sufficient for resource saving. First, it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of wrapping and jamming so that the image forming apparatus cannot be used so that the business can be performed smoothly. In addition, by eliminating waste such as repair costs and repair time caused by these, and further preventing miscopying, further waste of resources and time can be reduced, further saving resources. become.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably saving resources without causing winding, jamming, and miscopying when reusable paper is used.

  According to the present invention, when reusable paper is used in the image forming apparatus, when information indicating that the transfer paper (also referred to as a transfer material) is reusable paper is input from the operation unit, the input information Based on the above, by performing the transfer separation current control for the recycle paper for the transfer separation means and the separation claw control for the recycle paper for the separation claw means, the above-mentioned wrapping and jamming can be prevented, and the information Further, by prohibiting double-sided copying, miscopying is prevented, and reusable paper can be used in the image forming apparatus with peace of mind, thereby further saving resources.

That is, the above object is achieved by adopting the following configuration.
(1) An image forming mode having a double-sided printing mode and a single-sided printing mode, an operation input means for inputting a transfer material type and other control-related information, and a toner image based on the image information on the photoreceptor. An image forming means for forming; a transfer separating means having a transfer separating electrode for transferring the toner image to a transfer material and separating the toner image from the photoconductor; and a photoconductor for separating the transfer material from the photoconductor. In the image forming apparatus, comprising: a separating unit having a separating member to be crimped / released; and a control unit that drives and controls each unit, the control unit has information indicating that the transfer material is reused paper An image forming apparatus, wherein when input from an operation input unit, a transfer separation current value control and a separation member control dedicated to recycled paper are performed on the transfer separation unit and the separation unit.
(2) The control unit prohibits the setting of the duplex printing mode when information indicating that the transfer material is reused paper is input from the operation input unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1.
(3) When the information indicating that the transfer material is reused paper is input from the operation input unit and the double-sided printing mode has already been set, the control unit automatically The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the print mode setting is canceled and the single-sided print mode is set.
(4) An information control means for detecting completion of a preset job based on JOB information is provided, and when the information control means detects that the JOB is completed, the control means The image according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control and mode set when information indicating that the paper is reused is input from the operation input unit. Forming equipment.

  In the present invention, when information indicating that the transfer material is reused paper is input from the operation input means, the control means performs transfer separation current value control and separation member control dedicated to the reuse paper, transfer separation means and By using the separation means, it is possible to prevent wrapping or jamming of the transfer paper around the photosensitive member, and resources such as transfer material, toner and electric energy, or repair costs and time required for repair can be saved. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can be used effectively and that can form an image using recycled paper with confidence.

  In addition, when information indicating that the transfer material is reused paper is input from the operation input means, it is possible to prevent miscopying by prohibiting the setting of the double-sided copy mode, so that resources can be used effectively, It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image using recycled paper with confidence.

  Also, when information indicating that the transfer material is recycled paper is input from the operation input means, if the duplex printing mode has already been set, the duplex printing mode is automatically canceled and By setting the print mode, it is possible to prevent miscopying, so that it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can effectively use resources and can perform image formation using reusable paper with peace of mind.

  Further, when the information control unit detects that the preset JOB is completed, the control unit sets the transfer separation current value control and the separation member control dedicated to the reused paper set when the reused paper is used. Alternatively, by canceling the prohibition of the duplex printing mode, the mode change to the simplex printing mode, etc., for example, it is possible to prevent a miscopy that causes printing in the simplex printing mode even though the duplex printing mode can be used. In addition, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates the use of recycled paper and facilitates resource saving by preventing unnecessary control and continuation of modes and improving usability.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

  1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first control procedure according to the present invention, and FIG. These are the flowcharts which show the 2nd control procedure which concerns on this invention.

  In addition, in each drawing, the thing of the same code | symbol shall show the same thing, and shall be demonstrated in detail suitably with reference to other related drawings.

  The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 20 in the embodiment of the present invention is an electrophotographic copying machine for the sake of simplicity. Since the electrophotographic copying machine is well known, the parts not directly related to the present invention will be described briefly.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes an image forming apparatus, and 30 denotes an automatic document feeder (ADF) mounted on the image forming apparatus 20.

  The image forming apparatus 20 is provided with a manual feed tray 2 for supplying a relatively small amount of transfer material (also referred to as transfer paper) P to the right side surface portion of the housing 1. In addition, a discharge tray 3 for discharging and stacking the transfer material P on which an image is formed is provided on the left side surface portion. A plurality of rollers 4 are provided on the bottom surface of the housing 1 so that the image forming apparatus 20 can be moved.

  The transfer material P is roughly classified into a normal transfer material P and a special transfer material IP. The normal transfer material P is called a standard paper or plain paper. As the special transfer material IP, a thick paper ( (Thick paper), thin paper (thin paper), index paper provided with protrusions called tabs, OHP sheets, or recycled paper. Note that recycled paper is usually called backing paper, and is generally an image once formed on one side of a normal transfer material P. In order to save resources, the back side of the white background of this transfer material is used. It refers to a transfer material that is used to form an image again.

  A control panel CP as a display unit and an operation input unit for operating the image forming apparatus 20 is provided in the upper part of the front surface of the housing 1.

  The control panel CP includes a liquid crystal display device or a display means DP constituted by a touch panel type liquid crystal display device in which a touch panel or the like is incorporated in the display device. Use numeric values to input control-related information such as whether to use recycled paper or various image forming conditions such as the number of copies and number of copies, and finishing conditions such as whether or not to bind the output transfer material. There are provided an input device as an operation input means comprising a keyboard KB for input and a start button (also referred to as a copy button) SK for executing a series of image forming operations such as copying.

  In particular, the touch panel type display means DP is used to input information such as selection and setting of information displayed on the display unit when the user touches a pattern such as a button on which a number, character, symbol, or the like indicated on the display unit is drawn. In particular, in many cases, it also serves as an input means for items requiring selection and setting such as an operation mode.

  Inside the housing 1, a control unit EC, an image forming unit 11, an image reading unit 13, a paper supply / discharge unit 14 and the like are provided.

  The control means EC, also called a control circuit, is a means for controlling all operations of the image forming apparatus 20, and is composed of an electric circuit composed of a CPU and the like. Based on a control program or control data stored in advance in the CPU, all means constituting the image forming apparatus 20 are driven and controlled.

  Further, when an auxiliary device such as the ADF 30 is connected to the image forming apparatus 20, similarly, in cooperation with these auxiliary devices, drive control is performed so that the entire system of the image forming apparatus 20 operates smoothly. To do.

  Further, even when connected to a personal computer or other information equipment via a LAN (local area network), etc., the control means EC cooperates with these equipment to provide information necessary for operation. It shall be possible to smoothly control drive without any problems including memory and transfer.

  The image forming unit 11 is a unit for forming an image based on image information of a document. For example, a photosensitive drum (also referred to as a photosensitive member) 5 that rotates in a predetermined image forming direction (for example, a clockwise direction indicated by an arrow) by a driving source such as a motor, and charging that uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 5. Means 6, exposure light E that is converted into a signal based on image information (also referred to as image data) of the original and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 5, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 is converted into a toner image. Developing means 7 for developing the toner image, transfer separating means 8 for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 to the transfer material P or the like, and after the toner image is transferred to the transfer material P or the like, A cleaning unit 9 for scraping off residual toner, paper dust, and the like, a fixing unit 10 for melting and fixing the transferred toner image to the transfer material P, and the like.

  Further, in this embodiment, depending on the transfer material, curling may easily occur, and when the transfer material is separated from the photosensitive drum, the transfer material is difficult to be separated depending on the state of the curl. Since an accident in which the body drum 5 is wound may occur, the photosensitive drum 5 is used as a means for assisting the operation of the transfer separating means 8 for separating the transfer material from the photosensitive drum 5 in order to prevent this. A separation claw means (separation means) 15 having a claw member (separation means) that can be contacted or retracted is provided.

  In particular, when recycled paper is used as a transfer material, the curled state varies depending on the state in which the reused paper is stored, so it is often difficult to separate and reused by the control means EC as described later. When it is determined that the paper is used, the current of the transfer separating means 8 is controlled to a current dedicated to the reused paper, and the claw member of the separation claw means 15 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 5 for easy separation. Like to do.

  The image reading unit 13 includes a reading optical system including a light source LT, a mirror group MR, an imaging lens LZ, and the like, and a reading device ES including an electric circuit including a CCD (solid-state imaging device).

  When the image forming apparatus 20 is a copying machine, the reading device ES is located on the bottom side of the automatic document feeder 30 and is placed on a platen glass (not shown) provided on the top of the housing 1. Alternatively, the automatic document feeder 30 reads the image information of the document conveyed to the reading position, converts it into digital image data, and stores the image data in the storage means provided in the control means EC. Yes.

  Further, when the document conveyed by the ADF 30 is read by the image reading unit 13, the light source LT irradiates the document conveyed to the reading position, and the reflected light from the document is reflected by the imaging lens LZ via the mirror group MR. An image is formed on the CCD surface of the reading device ES, and image information output from the CCD is stored as image data.

  The paper supply / discharge unit 14 includes a paper supply cassette 12 and a paper supply / discharge conveyance device including a motor as a drive source and a plurality of rollers.

  The paper feed cassette 12 includes a cassette 12a that stores a special transfer material IP and a cassette 12b that stores plain paper P.

  In response to an instruction from the control means EC, the paper supply / discharge conveyance device selects a special transfer material, for example, reused paper IP or plain paper P, based on the document, and then rotates a motor as a driving source, thereby A roller group or the like is rotated to feed and convey a special transfer material IP or plain paper P from the paper feed cassette 12 toward the photosensitive drum 5 at an appropriate timing. 3 is discharged and conveyed.

  When performing double-sided copying (also referred to as printing), the sheet feeding / conveying device is operated in accordance with an instruction from the control unit EC, and the transfer material on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 11 is directed in the direction of the sheet discharging tray 3 (arrow In the middle of being conveyed in the X direction), for example, when the leading end of the transfer material passes through the reverse roller 17, the rotation of the reverse roller 17 is stopped. Next, the rotation direction of the reverse roller 17 is switched so that the transfer material is conveyed in a direction to return to the image forming unit 11. At the same time, the reversing member 16 is rotated in the clockwise direction to change the traveling direction of the transfer material conveyed in the direction of the image forming unit 11 to the path indicated by the arrow X2. Then, after temporarily placing the transfer material in a standby state, the transfer material is conveyed from the arrow X2 direction to the X1 direction at an appropriate timing, and image formation is performed again by the image forming unit 11, and double-sided copying is performed. The transferred material is discharged to the discharge tray 3.

  In general, the transfer material conveyance path is often provided with a guide member for appropriately conveying the transfer material. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, for ease of explanation. The illustration and description regarding the guide member are omitted.

  The entire ADF 30 is covered with an ADF casing 31, and the ADF 30 is provided with a document table 32 and a paper discharge unit 33 outside the ADF casing 31.

  On the document placement table 32, a plurality of documents WP with the document surface (front surface) of the first page at the top is placed. The placed document WP is conveyed to a reading position by a document conveying device including a plurality of rollers and the like, read by a reading device ES, and discharged to a paper discharge unit 33.

  The document conveying device is operated in conjunction with the control means EC of the image forming apparatus 20 by a drive control circuit (not shown).

  Next, the circuit configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 100 denotes a configuration of various units and circuits of the entire image forming apparatus 20, and 110 is a CPU that controls the entire image forming apparatus 20, and programs and programs in various modes for controlling the image forming apparatus 20. Data necessary for execution is stored in advance.

  An information control circuit 120, an image processing circuit 140, a drive control circuit 150, a power supply circuit 400, and the like are connected to the CPU 110. These circuits constitute the control means EC shown in FIG. 1 so that the entire image forming apparatus 20 can be controlled.

  The information control circuit 120 is connected to the external information device 500 via an interface (I / F) 130 according to an instruction from the CPU 110 to set image information such as characters and images, density and magnification necessary for image formation, and the like. Information is input as JOB information in units of 1 JOB, which is one printing unit, and stored in the storage unit 160. The setting information stored in the storage unit 160 is output to the image processing circuit 140, the drive control circuit 150, the display unit 300, or the like.

  In addition to the JOB information input from the external information device 500, the information control circuit 120 includes various data including data attached to the JOB information (also referred to as JOB data), for example, the image processing circuit 140, the drive control circuit 150, and the like. Input / output of instruction information related to detailed control for operating circuits and various means, and various information related to the type of transfer material and image forming mode input by the operation input means 200 are automatically It has a function of smoothly and appropriately transmitting to each circuit and various means of the image forming apparatus so as not to hinder the operation of the image forming apparatus.

  The external information device 500 is mainly a computer or an Internet server. However, in some cases, another image forming apparatus on a local area network (LAN), a digital camera, or measured information is output. Possible information devices such as measuring devices are envisaged.

  The interface (I / F) 130 is information exchange means, and is configured to be connected to the above-described computer, other image forming apparatuses, and external information equipment 500 such as an Internet server via various networks.

  The operation input unit 200 includes a keyboard KB provided on the control panel CP of the image forming apparatus 20, an input device including buttons such as a start button SK, and a touch panel type liquid crystal display device DP that also serves as a display device. It is configured.

  For example, by operating the keyboard KB, the output number and type of transfer material (for example, index paper, thick paper, plain paper, thin paper, recycled paper, OHP sheet, reused paper, etc.), magnification or output such as scaling Setting information such as image density can be input, and various operation modes of the image forming apparatus 20 can be set using the liquid crystal display device DP.

  The display means 300 displays an operation procedure and a list of various information when the above-mentioned various information is input by the operation input means 200, displays information stored in the storage means 160, and displays a status during operation of the image forming apparatus. And warning indications are displayed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the type of transfer material, the storage location, and the image forming mode, which is one of various operation modes, are mainly selected by the touch panel display device DP capable of performing both display and input. It can be set.

  In the image forming mode, (1) single-sided printing original is printed on one side. (2) A single-sided original is printed on both sides. (3) Single-sided printing of a duplex printing document. (4) A double-sided original is printed on both sides. There are four modes as described above, each of which is displayed as a button so that it can be selected and set.

  Also, regarding the type of transfer material, plain paper, thick paper, thin paper, index paper, recycled paper, OHP sheet, reusable paper, etc. can be selected. Also regarding the storage location of the transfer material, the cassette 12, the manual feed tray 2, etc. Can be selected.

  Although not shown, the transfer material type and storage location are selected and set using the touch panel type display device DP described above. First, a transfer material is selected by touching a button display indicating the transfer material on the screen, and then touching each button display indicating the type of transfer material to be displayed. Next, the storage location is selected by touching the button display indicating the storage location and touching the button display of the displayed cassette 12 or manual feed tray 2. Further, when a plurality of cassettes 12 (a) and 12 (b) are equipped, a button display indicating a cassette number can be selected by touching.

  In this embodiment, when reusable paper is selected as the type of transfer material, the image forming mode automatically outputs the double-sided printing of (2) and (4) of the image forming mode described above. Setting of the mode (also referred to as double-sided mode) is prohibited, and the mode (also referred to as single-sided mode) for (1) and (3) single-sided printing output is set.

  In the present embodiment, as an operation for prohibiting the setting of the duplex mode, the button display indicating the duplex mode is deleted from the selection screen display of the image forming mode using the above-described display device DP although not shown. By performing the screen display, the duplex mode itself cannot be selected.

  However, the operation for prohibiting the setting of the duplex mode is not limited to this. Even if the duplex mode is selected, the next item cannot be selected or the copy start operation cannot be performed. It is only necessary to display a warning message “Not possible” so that the duplex mode cannot be selected and set as a result.

  The image processing circuit 140 converts the image information of the document read by the image reading unit 13 into digital data and stores it in the storage unit 160 as image data, or the image forming unit 11 forms an image according to an instruction from the CPU 110. In this case, the image data stored in the storage unit 160 is converted into data, signals, or the like suitable for the image forming method of the image forming unit 11.

  The drive control circuit 150 operates the image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 13, the paper supply / discharge unit 14, the ADF 30, and the like according to instructions from the CPU 110 at an appropriate timing based on a preset operation mode. This is a circuit for performing the operation.

  The storage unit 160 stores JOB information and JOB data including image data necessary for forming an image and setting conditions for controlling the image forming apparatus 20, and information such as programs for various setting modes. It has become.

  Note that the JOB information and JOB data are defined as follows in the embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, when the image forming apparatus 20 is a copying machine, the JOB information is set based on the image information of the original, selects a single-sided or double-sided mode, selects a paper cassette, selects the number of copies, and print density. Means a series of print data determined by performing output settings and instructing the start of copying. A print data group corresponding to one print instruction (also referred to as one print unit) is referred to as 1 JOB.

  Similarly, when the image forming apparatus is a printer, for example, a series of print data groups transmitted from the external information device 500 is called JOB information, and a print data group corresponding to one print instruction is called 1 JOB. The handling of JOB information and JOB data for each JOB is called 1 JOB unit.

  Note that the JOB data refers to control value data associated with detailed control items associated with the JOB information, for example, setting of a conveyance speed according to a transfer material or execution of an image forming operation.

  Therefore, the storage unit 160 stores JOB information and JOB data for each JOB, that is, in units of 1 JOB (also simply referred to as JOB units).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 11 includes a photosensitive drum 5, a charging unit 6, a developing unit 7, a transfer separating unit 8, a cleaning unit 9, a fixing unit 10, a separating claw unit 15, and the like. Operated by the control circuit 150.

  Accordingly, the image forming unit 11 is controlled based on the image data, JOB information, and JOB data read by the image reading unit 13 and stored in the storage unit 160 to form an image on the photosensitive drum 5, and the plain paper An image is transferred and recorded on P or reused paper IP.

In particular, in the present embodiment, when reusable paper is used as a transfer material, when the image forming unit 11 is operated via the drive control circuit 150 according to an instruction from the CPU 110,
The transfer separation means 8 and the separation claw means 15 are made to perform control only for the reused paper. Although details will be described later, the transfer separation means 8 performs current control exclusively for the reuse paper, and this The separation claw means 15 makes the claw member contact the photosensitive drum 5 (also referred to as pressure bonding) so that the recycled paper is separated along the claw member in contact. Thus, curled recycled paper is prevented from being wound around the photosensitive drum 5.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 13 includes a reading optical system and a reading device ES. The image information of the document that is operated by the drive control circuit 150 and conveyed to the reading position is read by the reading device ES, and the read image information is converted into digital image data by the image processing circuit 140, for example, and stored. The information is stored in the means 160.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper supply / discharge unit 14 includes a paper supply cassette 12 that stores reusable paper IP and plain paper P, and a paper supply / discharge conveyance device.

  The paper supply / discharge conveyance device operates via the drive control circuit 150 after the reuse paper IP or the plain paper P is selected according to an instruction from the CPU 110. The reusable paper IP or plain paper P selected from the paper feed cassette 12 is fed and conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 5 at an appropriate timing, and the reusable paper IP or plain paper P on which an image is formed is fed to the single-sided mode. The transport path is appropriately changed depending on whether it is the double-sided mode, and finally the paper is transported to the paper discharge tray 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic document feeder (ADF) 30 is a device that automatically conveys documents placed on a document placing table 32 to a reading position one by one by a document conveying device. The CPU 110 operates in cooperation with the drive control circuit 150 according to the instruction of the CPU 110.

  When a power switch (not shown) is turned on by a user's operation, the power supply circuit 400 is appropriately energized from the power source to the entire image forming apparatus. When the power switch is shut off, the power supply is shut off. It has become so.

  Even when the power switch is turned on, for example, in the power saving mode in which the image forming apparatus is in a standby state, only energization necessary for storing the storage contents of the temporary memory or the like is instructed by the CPU 110. And other energization such as a heater of the fixing means is cut off.

  Here, the control for exclusive use of the reused paper for the transfer separation means 8 and the separation claw means 15 according to the present invention will be described.

  In the case of recycled paper, since an image is once formed (also referred to as recording) on the transfer material as described above, handling until the image is formed again on the image forming apparatus as recycled paper. Depending on the state and storage state, there are many cases where a part or all of the transfer material is curled, and the size of the curl is not constant.

  Therefore, when the reused paper is used for resource saving or the like as described above, the jammed paper is crushed by the reused paper being caught by some member such as a guide member in the paper feeding / conveying path of the image forming apparatus. Even when the image is transported without occurrence of the problem referred to as “recycled”, when the image is formed by the image forming unit 11 and separated from the photosensitive drum 5 in the transfer separation process, the curl is reused compared to the plain paper without the curl. The paper is easily wound around the photosensitive drum 5 and cannot be separated, which may cause a problem called winding.

  When a winding problem occurs, generally, the work of removing the wound transfer material is complicated, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is often damaged, and the degree of damage is generally larger than the problem of jamming. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent wrapping from occurring when using recycled paper.

  Therefore, as a result of experiments and the like, first, for example, in the case of plain paper, a current of about 80 μA is usually applied to the separation pole of the transfer separation means 8, but in order to facilitate separation of the recycled paper. It has been found that it is necessary to reduce to about 60 μA. This is because if the DC (direct current) voltage is increased excessively and a large amount of current is allowed to flow in a state where the curling is easily caused by curling, the reused paper is reversely charged and is easily wound on the photosensitive drum 5. It is. In other words, the transfer separating unit 8 needs to perform control to reduce the current compared to the case of plain paper to such an extent that the state where the recycle paper is easily wound is offset.

  On the other hand, in order to support the electrical separation operation of the transfer separation means 8 described above, the separation claw means 15 is provided, and the drive control of the claw member of the separation claw means 15 is performed.

  For example, in the case of plain paper, the time during which the claw member is in contact with the photosensitive drum 5 may be about 300 mS, but in the case of recycled paper, it can be reused from the photosensitive drum 5 by increasing it to about 400 mmS. It turns out that it becomes easy to separate the paper. That is, when reused paper is used, the separation claw means 15 needs to control the contact time so that the time for the claw member to contact the photosensitive drum 5 is longer than that for plain paper.

  Note that the current that flows through the transfer separation unit 8 and the contact time for driving the claw member of the separation claw unit 15 in order to facilitate separation of the reused paper vary depending on the structure of the image forming apparatus. It is not limited to a value, It is preferable to use the value calculated | required beforehand by experiment etc.

  In addition, since the quality of the separation state may affect the humidity and the like, it is desirable to provide an adjustment unit in the image forming apparatus that can change these values depending on the humidity and the curl state, if possible.

  A control procedure in the image forming apparatus when using recycled paper will be described with reference to FIG. The control procedure can be broadly divided into whether the mode is set after the transfer sheet information is set as the first control procedure, or the transfer sheet information is set after the mode is set as the second control procedure. A street is conceivable.

  In order to simplify the description, the image forming apparatus of the first control procedure described below is the copying machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the reused paper is loaded in the paper feed cassette 12 (a). Shall.

(ST1)
In this step, transfer paper is set in a paper feed cassette. In order to save resources, the user loads the reusable paper IP as the transfer paper into the paper feed cassette 12 (a) of the image forming apparatus 20, and proceeds to ST2.

(ST2)
This is a step of setting information on transfer paper. The user uses the touch panel type display device DP, which is the display means 300 and the operation input means 200, to load in ST1 from each button display indicating the type and storage location of the displayed transfer paper. Set the transfer paper type and storage location.

  In the present embodiment, the user touches the button display indicating the reusable paper and the paper feed cassette 12 (a) loaded with the reusable paper from the screen display of the display device DP for selection. Next, a confirmation button display provided in the screen display of the display device DP or a start button (SK) provided in the operation input means 200 is pressed to set the type and storage location of the transfer paper. When the setting is completed, the process proceeds to ST3.

  At this time, the information control circuit 120 stores information on the type and storage location of the transfer paper in the storage unit 160 and transmits this information to various circuits such as the CPU 110 that require the information.

(ST3)
This is a step of determining whether or not to use recycled paper. The information control circuit 120 determines whether or not the reuse paper is set as the transfer paper type by the display device DP, and the reuse paper is set, that is, the use of the reuse paper is set. If not, the process proceeds to ST6.

(ST4)
This is a step for performing mode setting (B). Two types of mode setting programs are provided, and the mode setting (A) is for setting a mode when reusable paper is not used, and the duplex mode can be set. The mode (B) is for setting a mode when using recycled paper, and the duplex mode cannot be set.

  That is, in this mode setting (B), when it is detected that the information control circuit 120 is set to use the reusable paper, a button for displaying the duplex mode from the screen display of the display device DP is instructed by the CPU 110. It operates to display the screen with the display erased.

  Accordingly, since there is no display of the duplex mode, the selection setting of the duplex mode is prohibited as a result, and the simplex mode is automatically set.

  Next, when the user further performs other necessary settings such as density setting, enlargement / reduction, and the number of copies other than the image forming mode, and presses the confirmation button display or start button (SK), ST5 Proceed to

  When the user uses the automatic document feeder (ADF) or the like to read the image information of the document to form an image, the above-described (1) single-sided document is selected from the single-side mode as necessary. Is printed on one side. (3) Single-sided printing of a duplex printing document. Any one of the modes may be further set.

(ST5)
This is a step of changing control conditions. After this step, an image forming operation is executed. Therefore, when the CPU 110 inputs information on the use of recycled paper, the transfer separating unit 8 of the image forming unit 11 via the drive control circuit 150. Then, the separation claw means 15 is set so as to be able to perform current control dedicated to reused paper and drive control of the claw member, and the process proceeds to ST7.

(ST6)
This is a step for performing mode setting (A). This step is entered when the information control circuit 120 determines in step ST3 that the reusable paper is not used.

  The screen display of the display device DP displays a double-sided mode or a single-sided mode so that the image forming mode can be freely selected. After the user performs necessary settings such as the image forming mode, when the confirmation button display or start button (SK) is pressed, the process proceeds to ST7.

(ST7)
This is a step of performing an image forming operation. If an image is formed on the transfer material based on the image data stored in the storage unit 160 and under various output conditions set in ST4 or ST5, the process proceeds to ST8.

  In particular, when reused paper is used, image formation is performed in the single-sided mode, current control of the transfer separation means 8 dedicated to reused paper and drive control of the claw member of the separation claw means 15 are performed, and photosensitive The body drum 5 is smoothly separated.

(ST8)
In this step, it is determined whether 1 JOB has ended. For example, when the image forming operation with the number of copies set in step ST4 is 1 JOB, the information control circuit 120 measures, for example, the number of images formed on the transfer material (also referred to as the number of copies). Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of 1 JOB is completed. When 1 JOB is completed, the process proceeds to ST9, and when it is not completed, the process returns to ST7.

(ST9)
This is a step to release the mode. When the information control circuit 120 confirms that one job has been completed, the information control circuit 120 outputs completion information to the CPU 110 or the like. The CPU 110 that has input the completion information instructs the related circuit to cancel the mode that was being executed, and then terminates the operation. Execute.

  That is, when image formation is performed using recycled paper, the duplex mode prohibition mode is canceled and the end operation is executed.

  Therefore, the double-side mode prohibition mode executed when reusable paper is used is effective only for 1 JOB. When an image forming operation is performed next, first, the type of transfer material is used. Since the operation is started from the operation of setting the storage location, the double-sided mode prohibited state is not inadvertently continued.

  The second control procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

  Differences from the first control procedure described above will be mainly described. Unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the functions and performance of the image forming apparatus have the same functions and performance as those in the first control procedure described above.

(ST11)
In this step, transfer paper is set in a paper feed cassette. In order to save resources, the user loads the reusable paper IP as transfer paper into the paper feed cassette 12 (a) of the image forming apparatus 20, and proceeds to ST12.

(ST12)
This is a step of setting an image forming mode and the like. The user uses the display device DP to set either the double-sided mode or the single-sided mode from the displayed button display, and further, for example, density setting or enlargement other than the image forming mode. After performing the necessary settings such as reduction and the number of copies, if the confirmation button display or start button (SK) is pressed, the process proceeds to ST13.

(ST13)
This is a step of setting information on transfer paper. When the user uses the display device DP to set the type and storage location of the transfer paper from the displayed button display and presses the confirmation button display or start button (SK), the process proceeds to ST14.

(ST14)
This is a step of determining whether or not to use recycled paper. As in ST3 of the first control procedure described above, the information control circuit 120 determines the information on the reused paper, and if it is set to use the reused paper, the process proceeds to ST15 and uses the reused paper. If not, fly to ST18.

(ST15)
This is a step of determining whether or not the duplex mode is set. Since the information set by the display device DP and the keyboard KB of the control panel CP is stored in the storage unit 160, the information control circuit 120 determines whether the duplex mode is set from the information stored in the storage unit 160. Determine whether.

  If the duplex mode is set, the process proceeds to ST16, and if the duplex mode is not set, the process jumps to ST18.

(ST16)
This is a step for changing the mode setting. Entering this step means that the duplex mode is set despite the use of recycled paper, so this step automatically changes to single-sided mode to prevent miscopying. Then, the process proceeds to ST17.

  At this time, the display unit 200 such as the display device DP may be used to display that the mode has been changed to the single-sided mode, and whether or not the single-sided mode may be executed to the user. Confirmation or warning may be performed.

  When performing confirmation or warning, for example, when a confirmation button display or start button (SK) of the display device DP is pressed, it is preferable to determine that confirmation has been made and proceed to the next step.

  Also, based on this confirmation or warning, when the transfer material is replaced and then the setting button display is operated, or the confirmation button display or start button (SK) is pressed, the mode etc. can be changed. This is preferable because it can cope with a case where the purpose of image formation needs to be suddenly changed.

(ST17)
This is a step of changing the control conditions. The same operation as ST5 of the first control procedure described above is executed, and the process proceeds to ST18.

  Hereinafter, the steps from (ST18) to (ST20) are performed in the same procedure as the STP from ST7 to ST9 of the first control procedure described above. Therefore, the description is omitted here.

  As described above, as shown in the first control procedure and the second control procedure, when both are set to use reused paper, the transfer separation unit in the image forming unit 11 is automatically reused. In addition to performing constant current control dedicated to paper, drive control dedicated to recycled paper for the claw member of the separating means is performed.

  Further, the first control procedure is a procedure for setting the image forming mode after setting the transfer paper information. When the reusable paper is set to be used, the duplex mode cannot be automatically set. The second control procedure is a procedure for setting transfer sheet information after setting the image forming mode. When the reusable sheet is set to be used, the duplex mode is set. If so, the mode is automatically changed to the single-sided mode.

  Also, in both the first control procedure and the second control procedure, when the job is completed, the control and mode set for using the reused paper are canceled.

  Therefore, even if reused paper is used, it is possible to prevent accidents where the reused paper is wrapped around the photosensitive drum in the transfer separation process, and when the reused paper is used, setting the duplex mode is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent miscopying of forming a new image on the surface where an image already exists, saving resources, and providing an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image using recycled paper with confidence. It became so.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention described above has been described by taking a copying machine as an example, but it goes without saying that it may be a printer or a facsimile apparatus that can use recycled paper.

1 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The flowchart which shows the 1st control procedure of this invention. The flowchart which shows the 2nd control procedure of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Manual feed tray 3 Paper discharge tray 4 Roller 5 Photoconductor drum 6 Charging means 7 Developing means 8 Transfer separation means 9 Cleaning means 10 Fixing means 11 Image forming means 12 Paper feed cassette 13 Image reading means 14 Feeding / discharging means 15 Separation claw means 16 Reversing member 17 Reversing roller 20 Image forming apparatus 30 Automatic document feeder

Claims (4)

Image forming mode having double-sided printing mode and single-sided printing mode, type of transfer material, and operation input means for inputting other control-related information, and an image for forming a toner image based on the image information on the photoreceptor Forming means, transfer separation means having a transfer separation pole for transferring the toner image to the transfer material and separating it from the photoreceptor, and pressure-bonding to the photoreceptor to separate the transfer material from the photoreceptor. In the image forming apparatus including a separating unit having a separating member to be released and a control unit for driving and controlling each unit, the control unit has information indicating that the transfer material is reused paper as the operation input unit. The image forming apparatus is configured to perform transfer separation current value control and separation member control dedicated to reused paper with respect to the transfer separation unit and the separation unit. The image according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits the setting of the duplex printing mode when information indicating that the transfer material is reused paper is input from the operation input unit. Forming equipment. When the information indicating that the transfer material is reused paper is input from the operation input unit and the double-sided printing mode has already been set, the control unit automatically sets the double-sided printing mode. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting is canceled and the single-sided printing mode is set. Information control means for detecting completion of a preset JOB based on the JOB information, and when the information control means detects that the JOB is completed, the control means is configured such that the transfer material is recycled paper; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control and the mode that are set when information indicating that the information is input from the operation input unit are canceled. 5.

Images