JP2007326344A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus capable of adjusting the printing direction regardless of whether a recording medium is reversed to form images or not. <P>SOLUTION: In a first tray, recording media are housed so that they can be taken out in the state that they are conveyed to an image formation position in a first state. In a second tray, recording media are housed so that they can be taken out in the state so that they can be conveyed to an image formation position in a second state. The second state is the state equivalent to the state in which the recording medium is conveyed in the first state, reversed by a reversing mechanism, and conveyed again to the image formation position. In the image formation apparatus, depending on whether one-side printing is to be performed without reversing the recording medium or both-side printing of reversing the recording medium and printing on both-sides is to be performed, the recording medium is taken out from the first tray or second tray, and the taken-out recording medium is conveyed to the image formation position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of duplex printing using a reversing mechanism for reversing a recording medium.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses capable of duplex printing have become widespread. Such an image forming apparatus is equipped with a mechanism for reversing the front and back of the recording medium, and printing of the back surface and the front surface (front noodle) is performed using this mechanism.

As an image forming apparatus capable of double-sided printing, a printing apparatus that stores both front and back data, prints both sides of the paper in the order of backside data and frontside data, and stacks and discharges the pages in ascending order. Is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). There is also known an image forming apparatus that performs single-sided printing control when it is determined that one side becomes a white side during double-sided printing (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-8-192552 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-123885

  However, in consideration of arranging the page order, it may be the user's intention to change the front side data and back side data during double-sided printing or to switch to single-sided printing during double-sided printing. An output result different from the output result may be obtained.

  For example, when printing in the order of back side data and front side data during double-sided printing, after printing the back side data on one side of the recording medium, turn the recording medium upside down and print the front side data. Consider a case where single-sided printing is performed before the medium is reversed. In this case, if perforated paper is used as the recording medium and is printed by being conveyed from the binding hole side of the perforated paper to the image forming position as shown in FIG. 18 (A), FIG. 18 (B) and FIG. 18 (C). As shown in the figure, the output direction when printing on both sides and the output result when printing on one side are not aligned with the binding hole position of the perforated paper, and the print direction is intended to be aligned. However, the intended output result cannot be obtained. The same problem occurs when the recording medium is an index sheet having a tab portion.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of aligning the printing directions regardless of whether an image is formed by inverting a recording medium. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a recording medium storage unit storing a recording medium, and taking out the recording medium from the recording medium storage unit and transporting it to an image forming position in the middle of the transport path. Conveying means, an image forming means for forming an image on one surface of the recording medium conveyed to the image forming position, and a recording medium that has passed through the image forming position is turned upside down so as to be upstream of the conveying path in the conveying direction. Reversing means for re-conveying from the side to the image forming position, and whether or not the recording medium is reversed by the reversing means to form an image. The first control for controlling the transport means to be transported to a position, or the image in a second state equal to the state when transported in the first state, reversed by the reversing means and re-transported Transported to the forming position It said control means for performing second control for controlling the conveying means, is configured to include a so.

  That is, in the first invention, the first control or the second control is performed depending on whether or not the recording medium is reversed by the reversing unit to form an image. The first control is a control for controlling the transporting unit so that the recording medium is transported to the image forming position in a predetermined first state, and the second control is transported and reversed in the first state. This is control for controlling the conveying means so that it is conveyed to the image forming position in the second state equal to the state when it is reversed and re-conveyed by the means.

  An example of the process of forming an image by inverting the recording medium with the inverting means is double-sided printing. Even in single-sided printing, the recording medium may be reversed by the reversing means and printed on the back surface.

  In this way, when the recording medium is reversed by the reversing unit to form an image, and when the image is formed without being reversed, the recording medium is perforated paper having a binding hole or the like. Even in the case of an index sheet having a tab portion, the printing direction can be aligned, and an output result intended by the user can be obtained.

  The recording medium storage unit includes a first storage unit that is detachably stored in a state in which the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the first state, and the recording medium is the second storage unit. And a second storage portion that is detachably stored in a state of being conveyed to the image forming position in the state, and in the first control, the control means starts from the first storage portion to a recording medium. Is controlled so that the recording medium is taken out and conveyed to the image forming position. In the second control, the recording medium is taken out from the second storage unit and conveyed to the image forming position. The conveying means can be controlled.

  According to such a configuration, the storage unit for taking out the recording medium is set to one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit according to whether the recording medium is inverted by the reversing unit. Since switching can be performed, appropriate control can be performed with a simpler configuration. Each of the first storage unit and the second storage unit may be one or a plurality of each.

  The recording medium storage section includes a first end portion that can be taken out in a state where the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the first state, and the recording medium in the second state. A second end portion that can be taken out in a state of being conveyed to an image forming position, and in the first control, the control means takes out the recording medium from the first end portion and The transport unit is controlled to be transported to a forming position, and in the second control, the transport unit is controlled so that a recording medium is taken out from the second end and transported to the image forming position. can do.

  According to such a configuration, the end portion from which the recording medium is taken out is either the first end portion or the second end portion, depending on whether the recording medium is reversed by the reversing unit or not. Since switching can be performed, appropriate control can be performed with a simpler configuration.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a recording medium storage unit in which a recording medium is stored, a transport unit that takes out the recording medium from the recording medium storage unit and transports the recording medium to an image forming position in the transport path, Image forming means for forming an image on one surface of the recording medium conveyed to the image forming position, and the image forming position from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the conveying path by reversing the recording medium that has passed the image forming position. Reversing means for re-conveying the recording medium, and depending on whether or not the recording medium is reversed by the reversing means to form an image, the image is formed in a first direction with respect to the conveying direction of the recording medium. The first control for controlling the image forming unit, or the image forming unit is controlled so that the image is formed in a second direction obtained by rotating the first direction by 180 degrees with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording medium. Control for performing second control It is configured to include a stage, a.

  That is, in the second invention, the first control or the second control is performed depending on whether or not the recording medium is reversed by the reversing means to form an image. The first control is control for controlling the image forming means so that an image is formed in the first direction with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording medium, and the second control is for the conveyance direction of the recording medium. In this control, the image forming unit is controlled so that an image is formed in a second direction obtained by rotating the first direction by 180 degrees.

  An example of the process of forming an image by inverting the recording medium with the inverting means is double-sided printing. Even in single-sided printing, the recording medium may be reversed by the reversing means and printed on the back surface.

  In this way, the recording medium can be made of perforated paper having a binding hole or the like by controlling the recording medium by reversing the recording medium by reversing means and when forming the image without reversing. Even in such a case, the printing directions can be aligned, and an output result intended by the user can be obtained.

  In the image forming apparatuses according to the first and second inventions, the control means further includes an image forming order and recording on each surface of the recording medium when the reversing means inverts the recording medium to form an image. The first control or the second control can be performed according to at least one of the types of media.

  As the image formation order, there is either an image formation in the order of the back surface and the front surface (Omenen) or an image formation in the order of the front surface and the back surface.

  In addition, as the type of the recording medium, for example, plain paper without the front and back sides of the paper itself, without a binding hole or a tab portion, perforated paper with a binding hole, or index paper with a tab portion and so on. If control is performed according to the characteristics of such various recording media, an image can be formed more appropriately and efficiently.

  Further, in the image forming apparatuses of the first and second inventions, it corresponds to at least one of whether or not to form an image by inverting the recording medium by the inverting means, the image forming order, and the type of the recording medium. And setting means for presetting control performed by the control means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to arbitrarily set the control that the user wants to execute.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a recording medium storing unit storing a recording medium; a conveying unit that takes out the recording medium from the recording medium storing unit and conveys the recording medium to an image forming position in the conveying path; An image forming unit that forms an image on one side of the recording medium conveyed to the position, and the recording medium that has passed through the image forming position is reversed from the front side to the image forming position from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the conveyance path. The reversing means for conveying and the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in a predetermined first state depending on whether the reversing means reverses the recording medium to form an image. A first control for controlling the image forming means so that an image is formed in a first direction with respect to a conveying direction of the recording medium while controlling the conveying means; the recording medium is conveyed in the first state and the Inverted by reversing means So that the conveying means is controlled so as to be conveyed to the image forming position in a second state equal to the state when the image is re-conveyed, and an image is formed in the first direction with respect to the recording medium. Second control for controlling the image forming means, and controlling the conveying means so that the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the first state, and the first direction with respect to the recording medium. And control means for performing any one of the third controls for controlling the image forming means so that an image is formed in the second direction rotated by 180 degrees.

  That is, in the third invention, the first control, the second control, or the third control is performed depending on whether or not the recording medium is reversed by the reversing unit to form an image.

  In the first control, the conveying unit is controlled so that the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in a predetermined first state, and an image is formed in the first direction with respect to the conveying direction of the recording medium. The second control is to control the image forming unit so that the recording medium is conveyed in the first state, reversed by the reversing unit, and re-conveyed. In this control, the conveying unit is controlled so as to be conveyed to the forming position, and the image forming unit is controlled so that an image is formed in the first direction with respect to the recording medium. The third control is a second direction obtained by controlling the conveying unit so that the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the first state and rotating the first direction by 180 degrees with respect to the recording medium. The image forming means is controlled so as to form an image.

  An example of the process of forming an image by inverting the recording medium with the inverting means is double-sided printing. Even in single-sided printing, the recording medium may be reversed by the reversing means and printed on the back surface.

  In this way, when the recording medium is reversed by the reversing unit to form an image, and when the image is formed without being reversed, the recording medium is perforated paper having a binding hole or the like. Even in the case of an index sheet having a tab portion, the printing direction can be aligned, and an output result intended by the user can be obtained.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the recording medium storage unit stores the recording medium so that the recording medium can be taken out in a state where the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the first state. A storage unit; and a second storage unit that is detachably stored in a state in which the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the second state, and the control unit includes the first control unit. And when controlling the conveying means by the third control, the conveying means is controlled so that the recording medium is taken out from the first storage portion and conveyed to the image forming position, and the second control is performed. When controlling the conveying means, the conveying means can be controlled so that the recording medium is taken out from the second storage section and conveyed to the image forming position.

  According to such a configuration, the storage unit for taking out the recording medium is set to one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit according to whether the recording medium is inverted by the reversing unit. Since switching can be performed, appropriate control can be performed with a simpler configuration. Each of the first storage unit and the second storage unit may be one or a plurality of each.

  In the image forming apparatus according to a third aspect, the recording medium storage portion includes a first end portion that can be taken out in a state where the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the first state; And a second end portion that can be taken out in a state in which the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the second state, and the control means performs the first control and the third control. When controlling the conveying means, the conveying means is controlled so that the recording medium is taken out from the first end and conveyed to the image forming position, and the conveying means is controlled by the second control. In some cases, the conveying unit can be controlled so that the recording medium is taken out from the second end and conveyed to the image forming position.

  According to such a configuration, the end portion from which the recording medium is taken out is either the first end portion or the second end portion, depending on whether the recording medium is reversed by the reversing unit or not. Since switching can be performed, appropriate control can be performed with a simpler configuration.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, the control means further includes the order of image formation on each surface of the recording medium and the type of the recording medium when the reversing means inverts the recording medium to form an image. Any one of the first control, the second control, and the third control can be performed in accordance with at least one of the above.

  As an image forming order, there is either an image formation in the order of the back surface and the front surface or an image formation in the order of the front surface and the back surface.

  In addition, as the type of the recording medium, for example, plain paper without the front and back sides of the paper itself, without a binding hole or a tab portion, perforated paper with a binding hole, or index paper with a tab portion and so on. Thus, if control is performed according to the characteristics of various recording media, an image can be formed more appropriately and efficiently.

  Further, in the third invention, it corresponds to at least one of whether to perform double-sided printing, whether to invert the recording medium with the reversing unit to form an image, the image forming order, and the type of recording medium. In addition, it is possible to further include setting means for presetting control performed by the control means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to arbitrarily set the control that the user wants to execute.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to align the printing direction by performing control according to whether or not the recording medium is reversed by the reversing mechanism to form an image. Play.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus includes a controller 10 and a printer engine 30. The controller 10 rasterizes (bitmaps) print data input from an external host computer or the like to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data to the printer engine 30. 30 is caused to perform an image forming operation. The printer engine 30 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data input from the controller 10.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 12, a ROM 14, a RAM 16, an engine interface 18, and various interfaces 20.

  The CPU 12 executes a program stored in the ROM 14 serving as a storage unit to generate image data by raster processing the input print data, or request the image data from the printer engine 30 for the generated image data. In response to the signal, it is transmitted to the printer engine 30. In addition, the printer engine 30 is arranged so that the printing direction is aligned between when performing double-sided printing for forming images on both sides of the paper and when performing single-sided printing for forming images on one side of the paper. On the other hand, processing such as transmitting a control signal for controlling the conveyance of the paper or transmitting image data rotated by a predetermined amount is also performed. The RAM 16 is used as a work memory.

  The engine interface 18 is an interface for connecting to the printer engine 30. The engine interface 18 is connected to a connection line 22 connected to the controller interface 38 of the printer engine 30, and image data and control signals are transmitted to and received from the printer engine 30 via this interface 18.

  The various interfaces 20 are interfaces for connecting to a user interface (not shown) such as a panel display provided in the controller 10 or a network (not shown) such as the Internet.

  The printer engine 30 includes a CPU 32, a ROM 34, a RAM 36, a controller interface 38, and an engine device interface 40.

  The CPU 32 executes a program stored in the ROM 34 serving as a storage unit, thereby controlling an engine device (see FIG. 2) that actually forms an image based on the image data input from the controller 10 on the sheet. An image is formed. The RAM 36 is used as a work memory.

  The controller interface 38 is an interface for connecting to the controller 10. The controller interface 38 is connected to a connection line 22 connected to the engine interface 18 of the controller 10, and image data and control signals are transmitted to and received from the controller 10 via the interface 38.

  The engine device interface 40 is an interface for connecting to each engine device provided in the printer engine 30. The operation of each engine device is controlled via this interface, and an image can be formed on a sheet.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing each engine device provided in the printer engine 30 and a paper transport path (shown by dotted lines).

  A charger 52 and a developing device 53 are disposed around the photosensitive drum 51, which is one of the engine devices, along the circumferential direction. Between the charger 52 and the developing device 53, there is provided an optical scanning device (ROS) 55 that irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image.

  On the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 51 from the ROS 55, a transfer roller 56 is provided to face the photosensitive drum 51.

  Sheets are stored in the first tray 80 and the second tray 82 as the sheet storage unit. A paper feed roller 62 is disposed above the end of the first tray 80, and the sheets stored in the first tray 80 are taken out one by one. A paper feed roller 64 is disposed above the end of the second tray 82, and the sheets stored in the second tray 82 are taken out one by one.

  The paper taken out from the first tray 80 or the second tray 82 passes through a conveyance path 90 provided with conveyance rollers 58 and 59, further includes a conveyance roller 60, and is provided with a photosensitive drum 51 and a transfer roller 56. It is conveyed to the conveyance path 92. The sheet conveyed from the upstream side of the main conveyance path 92 is conveyed to an image forming position between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 56.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 52. Based on the image data, laser light is irradiated from the ROS 55 to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 51, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 53, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Note that toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 without being transferred to the paper is collected by a cleaner (not shown).

  The toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to one surface of the sheet conveyed to the position facing the photosensitive drum 51 through the main conveying path 92 by the action of the transfer roller 56. Thereafter, the toner image on the paper is heated and melted by a fixing device 66 installed on the downstream side in the transport direction, and the toner image is fixed on the paper. On the downstream side of the fixing device 66 in the conveyance direction, the sheet is branched by a branching portion 67 and conveyed to a discharge path 96 or a reverse conveyance path 94 provided with a discharge tray (not shown).

  In the discharge path 96, the paper is transported by the transport roller 68 and discharged to a paper discharge tray (not shown).

  On the other hand, in the case of duplex printing, the sheet is reversed by a reversing mechanism and conveyed again to the image forming position. The reversing mechanism includes a conveying roller 68 and conveying rollers 70, 72, 74, and 76 arranged along the reversing conveying path 94. After the sheet is conveyed halfway by the conveyance roller 68 to the discharge path 96 side, the sheet is conveyed to the reverse conveyance path 94 side by rotating the conveyance roller 68 in the reverse direction. The reverse conveyance path 94 includes conveyance rollers 70, 72, 74, and 76, and the sheet is conveyed to the upstream side of the main conveyance path 92 in the conveyance direction by rotating these rollers. Then, the sheet re-transported to the upstream side of the main transport path 92 is re-transported to the image forming position, and the toner image is transferred to the other surface of the paper.

  There are various types of paper on which an image can be formed by this image forming apparatus. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, there is a plain paper that is not provided with a binding hole or a tab portion. Plain paper has a feature that the paper itself has no front and back, and the shape before reversal and the shape after reversal are the same even when reversed by a reversing mechanism. Hereinafter, paper types in which the paper itself has no front and back and the shape before reversal and the shape after reversal are generally referred to as a normal paper type.

  An image can also be formed on a perforated paper provided with a binding hole. In addition, when the perforated paper is conveyed so that the holes are arranged in parallel with the paper conveyance direction as shown in FIG. 3B, even if the paper is reversed by the reversing mechanism, the shape before reversal and the shape reversed. In practice, however, as shown in FIG. 3C, in many cases, the holes are conveyed so that the holes are aligned perpendicularly to the sheet conveying direction. In this case, the shape before reversal and the shape after reversal are different. Not equal. However, even in the latter case, the perforated paper has a characteristic that it matches the shape before reversal if the paper is further rotated 180 degrees after reversal. Hereinafter, a paper type in which the paper itself has no front and back and the shape after reversal does not match the shape before reversal but the relationship between the two is point-symmetric is collectively referred to as a symmetric paper type.

  In addition, an image can be formed on an index sheet provided with a tab portion. As shown in FIG. 3D, the index paper can be a paper type in which the shape after inversion does not match the shape before inversion and the relationship between the two is not point-symmetric. Also, an image can be formed on a sheet having the front and back sides of the sheet itself (for example, images having different textures on the front and back sides, or different images printed on the front and back sides). Hereinafter, paper types that have the front and back sides of the paper itself or the shape after the paper is inverted are not point-symmetric are collectively referred to as an index paper type.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the image of the printer engine 30 can be used so that the printing direction can be aligned in a print job in which double-sided printing and single-sided printing are mixed even for symmetrical paper type and index paper type paper. Control the forming operation. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus will be described by taking as an example a case where an image is formed on a perforated paper of a symmetric paper type.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram schematically showing the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a sheet conveyance path. As shown in FIG. 4B, the first tray 80 is stored in a state in which it is conveyed from the binding hole side of the perforated paper. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4C, the second tray 82 is stored in a state where it is conveyed from the side opposite to the binding hole side of the perforated paper. That is, here, the state where the paper is taken out from the first tray 80 and conveyed to the image forming position, and after being taken out from the second tray 82 and reversed by the reversing mechanism, is re-conveyed to the image forming position. The sheets are stored in the first tray 80 and the second tray 82 so as to be equal to the current state.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main routine of print processing that is started when printing of a print job is started.

  In step 100, it is determined whether the print job is finished. If it is determined that the printing has not been completed, print data to be printed is set in step 102. In step 104, a print processing subroutine is executed.

  If it is determined in step 100 that the print job has ended, the main routine is ended. Accordingly, the print processing subroutine is repeatedly executed until printing of all pages of the print job is completed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a print processing subroutine executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, when duplex printing is performed, it is assumed that printing is performed in the order of back side image data and front side image data.

  In step 200, the controller 10 determines whether the print type of the print data to be printed is double-sided printing or single-sided printing. If it is determined that the printing is duplex printing, the process proceeds to step 202, and a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so as to feed paper from the second tray 82. As a result, the paper feed roller 64 of the engine device is rotated, the perforated paper is taken out from the second tray 82, and is transported to the main transport path 92 from the end opposite to the binding hole side of the perforated paper.

  In step 204, the controller 10 generates and transmits back side image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. As a result, the printer engine 30 forms an image on the back side on one side of the perforated paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  In step 206, the controller 10 transmits a control signal to the printer engine 30 so as to invert the paper. In response to this control signal, the printer engine 30 reverses the perforated paper by the reversing mechanism, and re-transports the perforated paper from the upstream side in the transport direction of the main transport path 92 to the image forming position via the reverse transport path 94. . At this time, the image forming position is conveyed again from the end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side.

  In step 208, the controller 10 generates and transmits surface image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. Accordingly, the printer engine 30 forms an image of the front surface on the other side of the perforated paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  When the double-sided printing is completed, in step 214, the printer engine 30 discharges the perforated paper from the discharge path 96, and ends the processing for the print data to be printed. As described above, when all the printing of the print job is not completed in the main routine, the print processing subroutine is started again to process the next print data to be printed.

  On the other hand, if the controller 10 determines in step 200 that the print type of the print data to be printed is single-sided printing, the process proceeds to step 210. In step 210, a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so that paper is fed from the first tray 80. As a result, the paper feed roller 62 of the engine device rotates to take out the perforated paper from the first tray 80 and transport it to the main transport path 92 from the end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side.

  In step 212, the controller 10 generates and transmits image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. Accordingly, the printer engine 30 forms an image on one side of the perforated paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  Thereafter, in step 214, the perforated paper is discharged in the same manner as described above. As described above, the print processing subroutine is repeated until it is determined in the main routine that all print jobs have been completed.

  When image data is supplied in order from the first page to the last page, Face Down output is performed for both double-sided printing and single-sided printing (the state where the image forming surface is on the lower side in single-sided printing). As a result, the entire page is discharged with Face Down, and the page order is maintained.

  When print data is supplied in the order of one page from the last page, Face Up (state in which the image forming surface is on the upper side in single-sided printing) is output in both double-sided printing and single-sided printing. As a result, the whole is ejected with Face Up, and the page order is maintained.

  Here, a specific printing example in the present embodiment will be described.

  An example of printing an image as shown in FIG. In the case of single-sided printing, the perforated paper is taken out from the first tray 80 and conveyed to the image forming position from the end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side, so that an image is formed. The print direction is as shown. On the other hand, when the same image is printed on the front (front) surface by double-sided printing, the perforated paper is taken out from the second tray 82, and image formation is performed from the opposite end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side. After passing through the position, the image is reversed and conveyed to the image forming position from the end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side, and an image is formed. Therefore, the image is printed in the printing direction as shown in FIG.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the output results (printing directions) of the two coincide. Even in the case of index paper type paper, output results can be matched by the same control.

  As described above, when the sheet is taken out from the first tray 80 and conveyed to the image forming position, and when the sheet is taken out from the second tray 82 and reversed by the reversing mechanism and then conveyed again to the image forming position. By switching the tray to be taken out for single-sided printing and double-sided printing, the printing direction can be made uniform even in the case of a print job in which double-sided printing and single-sided printing are mixed.

  Further, when an image is formed on a normal paper type paper, the shape before reversal and the shape after reversal are exactly the same, so that different trays are used for double-sided printing and single-sided printing as in the above embodiment. In either case, the printing direction can be aligned, whether the paper is taken out from the paper and printed, or the paper is taken out from the same tray and printed. Therefore, in the case of the normal paper type, there is no need to switch the tray from which the paper is taken out. Therefore, not only whether or not double-sided printing is performed, but also control may be set so as to vary depending on the type of paper. Thus, appropriate control can be performed according to the type of paper, and printing can be performed efficiently.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, when both double-sided printing and single-sided printing are performed, the paper is taken out from the same tray, and the image to be printed by either single-sided printing or double-sided printing is rotated 180 degrees to align the printing direction. The embodiment will be described.

  Since the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus and the configuration of the engine device of the printer engine 30 in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  Also in this embodiment, the image forming operation of this embodiment will be described by taking as an example a case where an image is formed on a symmetric paper type perforated paper. In the first tray 80, perforated paper is stored in advance as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a subroutine of print processing executed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. The main routine is the same as that in the first embodiment. Also in this embodiment, when performing duplex printing, it is assumed that printing is performed in the order of back side image data and front side image data.

  In step 300, the controller 10 determines whether the print type of the print data to be printed is double-sided printing or single-sided printing. If it is determined that the printing is duplex printing, the process proceeds to step 302, and a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so as to feed paper from the first tray 80. As a result, the paper feed roller 62 of the engine device rotates to take out the perforated paper from the first tray 80 and transport it to the main transport path 92 from the end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side.

  In step 304, when a request for image data is received from the printer engine 30, the controller 10 generates image data obtained by rotating the image data on the back side by 180 degrees.

  In step 306, the back side image data rotated 180 degrees is transmitted to the printer engine 30. Thereby, the printer engine 30 forms an image of the back surface rotated by 180 degrees on one surface of the perforated paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  In step 308, the controller 10 transmits a control signal to the printer engine 30 so as to invert the paper. In response to this control signal, the printer engine 30 reverses the perforated paper by the reversing mechanism, and re-transports the perforated paper from the upstream side in the transport direction of the main transport path 92 to the image forming position via the reverse transport path 94. . At this time, the image forming position is transported again from the end of the perforated paper on the side opposite to the binding hole side.

  In step 310, when a request for image data is received from the printer engine 30, the controller 10 generates image data obtained by rotating the image data on the surface by 180 degrees.

  In step 312, the image data of the surface rotated by 180 degrees is transmitted to the printer engine 30. Accordingly, the printer engine 30 forms an image of the surface rotated by 180 degrees on the other surface of the perforated paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  When double-sided printing is completed, in step 318, the printer engine 30 discharges the perforated paper from the discharge path 96, and ends the processing for the print data to be printed.

  On the other hand, if the controller 10 determines in step 300 that the print type of the print data to be printed is single-sided printing, the process proceeds to step 314. In step 314, a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so that paper is fed from the first tray 80. As a result, the feed roller 62 of the engine device rotates in the same manner as in step 302, and the perforated paper is taken out from the first tray 80 and transported to the main transport path 92 from the end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side. The

  In step 316, the controller 10 transmits image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. Accordingly, the printer engine 30 forms an image on one side of the perforated paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  Thereafter, in step 318, the perforated paper is discharged in the same manner as described above, and the process for the print data to be printed is terminated.

  When image data is supplied in order from the first page to the last page, Face Down output is performed for both double-sided printing and single-sided printing (the state where the image forming surface is on the lower side in single-sided printing). As a result, the entire page is discharged with Face Down, and the page order is maintained.

  When print data is supplied in the order of one page from the last page, Face Up (state in which the image forming surface is on the upper side in single-sided printing) is output in both double-sided printing and single-sided printing. As a result, the whole is ejected with Face Up, and the page order is maintained.

  Here, a specific printing example in the present embodiment will be described.

  As in the first embodiment, a case where an image as shown in FIG. 7 is printed will be described as an example. In the case of single-sided printing, as shown in FIG. 10A, the perforated paper is taken out from the first tray 80, conveyed from the end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side to the image forming position, and is normally processed. Since an image is formed (in a normal orientation with respect to the paper conveyance direction), printing is performed in the printing direction as shown in FIG. On the other hand, even when the same image is printed on the front (front) surface by double-sided printing, as shown in FIG. 10A, after the perforated paper is taken out from the first tray 80 and passed through the image forming position. Inverted and re-conveyed from the edge of the perforated paper on the binding hole side to the image forming position, but the image of FIG. 10C was rotated 180 degrees on the paper (rotated 180 degrees with respect to the paper conveyance direction) Since the image is formed (in the orientation), it is printed in the printing direction as shown in FIG. If the printed sheet is rotated by 180 degrees, as shown in FIG. 10D, the output result exactly matches the output result shown in FIG.

  That is, since both single-sided printing and double-sided printing are taken out from the same tray, the shape when the paper is conveyed to the image forming position during single-sided printing and the shape when the paper is re-conveyed to the image forming position during double-sided printing In this case, the images are point-symmetric with each other, but the image formed by either one-sided printing or two-sided printing (in this embodiment, the image at the time of double-sided printing) is rotated 180 degrees, so that the printing direction is aligned. Can do.

  In addition, the control for rotating the image in this way cannot be applied to the index sheet type paper (one-sided printing and two-sided printing can be performed even if the image is rotated 180 degrees in either one of two-sided printing or one-sided printing). Cannot be used to align the printing direction). Therefore, in the case of the index paper type, control such as stopping double-sided printing may be performed. In addition, when an image is formed on normal paper type paper, the shape before reversal and the shape after reversal are exactly the same, so either one of double-sided printing or single-sided printing as in the above embodiment. The printing direction can be aligned in either case, whether the image is rotated 180 degrees or not. Therefore, it is not necessary to rotate the image in the normal paper type. In view of this, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may be set to have different control depending on the type of paper as well as whether or not double-sided printing is performed. Thus, appropriate control can be performed according to the type of paper, and printing can be performed efficiently.

[Third Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, paper is taken out from the same tray for double-sided printing and single-sided printing, but an embodiment will be described in which the printing direction is aligned between double-sided printing and single-sided printing by changing the direction of taking out.

  Since the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing each engine device provided in the printer engine 30 of the present embodiment and a sheet conveyance path. In FIG. 11, the same components as those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  As in the first embodiment, a charger 52 and a developing device 53 are disposed around the photosensitive drum 51, and a ROS 55 is provided between the charger 52 and the developing device 53. On the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 51 from the ROS 55, a transfer roller 56 is provided to face the photosensitive drum 51.

  Sheets are stored in a tray 84 serving as a sheet storage unit. A paper feed roller 63 is disposed above the first paper feed end of the tray 84, and the sheets stored in the tray 84 are taken out one by one from the first paper feed end. In addition, a paper feed roller 65 is disposed above the second paper feed end opposite to the first paper feed end of the tray 84, and the sheets stored in the tray 84 are one by one from the second paper feed end. It is taken out.

  The paper taken out from the first paper feed end of the tray 84 is conveyed to the main conveyance path 92 through the conveyance path 90 a provided with the conveyance rollers 58. The paper taken out from the second paper feed end of the tray 84 passes through the transport path 90b provided with the transport rollers 78, passes through the downstream portion of the reverse transport path 94 near the transport rollers 76, and is transported to the main transport path 92. The

  The photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 56 are arranged along the main conveyance path 92, and the sheet conveyed from the upstream side of the main conveyance path 92 is conveyed to the image forming position. As a result, an image is formed as in the first and second embodiments.

  In the case of duplex printing, the sheet is reversed by a reversing mechanism and conveyed again to the image forming position. Since the reversing mechanism and the reversing operation are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, description thereof is omitted.

  Also in this embodiment, the image forming operation of this embodiment will be described by taking as an example a case where an image is formed on a symmetric paper type perforated paper.

  FIG. 12A is a diagram schematically showing the image forming apparatus of this embodiment and a sheet conveyance path. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, the tray 84 has a binding hole side end portion of the perforated paper on the first paper feed end side of the tray 84 and an end opposite to the binding hole side of the perforated paper. Is stored so that the portion faces the second paper feed end side of the tray 84.

  As apparent from FIGS. 11 and 12, the state in which the paper is taken out from the first paper feed end of the tray 84 and conveyed to the image forming position, and is taken out from the second paper feed end of the tray 84 and reversed. The state when it is reversed by the mechanism and then re-conveyed to the image forming position becomes equal.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a print processing subroutine executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment in a state where perforated sheets are stored in the tray 84 as described above. The main routine is the same as that in the first embodiment. Also in this embodiment, when performing duplex printing, it is assumed that printing is performed in the order of back side image data and front side image data.

  In step 400, the controller 10 determines whether the print type of the print data to be printed is double-sided printing or single-sided printing. If it is determined that duplex printing is selected, the process proceeds to step 402 where a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so that paper is fed from the second paper feed end of the tray 84. As a result, the paper feed roller 65 of the engine device rotates, the perforated paper is taken out from the second paper feed end, and transported to the main transport path 92 from the end opposite to the binding hole side of the perforated paper. .

  In step 404, the controller 10 generates and transmits back side image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. As a result, the printer engine 30 forms an image on the back side on one side of the perforated paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  In step 406, the controller 10 transmits a control signal to the printer engine 30 so as to invert the paper. In response to this control signal, the printer engine 30 reverses the perforated paper by the reversing mechanism, and re-transports the perforated paper from the upstream side in the transport direction of the main transport path 92 to the image forming position via the reverse transport path 94. . At this time, the image forming position is conveyed again from the end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side.

  In step 408, the controller 10 generates and transmits surface image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. Accordingly, the printer engine 30 forms an image of the front surface on the other side of the perforated paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  When the double-sided printing is completed, in step 414, the printer engine 30 discharges the perforated paper from the discharge path 96 and ends the processing for the print data to be printed.

  On the other hand, when the controller 10 determines in step 400 that the print type of the print data to be printed is single-sided printing, the process proceeds to step 410. In step 410, a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so that paper is fed from the first paper feed end of the tray 84. As a result, the paper feed roller 63 of the engine device rotates, the perforated paper is taken out from the first paper feed end, and transported to the main transport path 92 from the end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side.

  In step 412, the controller 10 transmits image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. Accordingly, the printer engine 30 forms an image on one side of the perforated paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  Thereafter, in step 414, the perforated paper is discharged in the same manner as described above, and the process for the print data to be printed is terminated.

  When image data is supplied in order from the first page to the last page, Face Down output is performed for both double-sided printing and single-sided printing (the state where the image forming surface is on the lower side in single-sided printing). As a result, the entire page is discharged with Face Down, and the page order is maintained.

  When print data is supplied in the order of one page from the last page, Face Up (state in which the image forming surface is on the upper side in single-sided printing) is output in both double-sided printing and single-sided printing. As a result, the whole is ejected with Face Up, and the page order is maintained.

  Here, a specific printing example in the present embodiment will be described.

  As in the first embodiment, a case where an image as shown in FIG. 7 is printed will be described as an example. In the case of single-sided printing, the paper is taken out from the first paper feed end of the tray 84 and conveyed from the end of the perforated paper on the binding hole side to the image forming position to form an image. ) Is printed in the print direction as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the same image is printed on the front (front) surface by double-sided printing, the paper is taken out from the second paper feed end of the tray 84 and from the end opposite to the binding hole side of the perforated paper. After passing through the image forming position, the image is formed by being re-conveyed from the end on the binding hole side of the perforated paper to the image forming position in the state of being reversed, so that the printing direction as shown in FIG. Printed.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the output results (printing directions) of the two coincide. Even in the case of index paper type paper, output results can be matched by the same control.

  In this way, the state in which the sheet is taken out from the first paper feed end of the tray 84 and conveyed to the image forming position, and after being taken out from the second paper feed end and reversed by the reversing mechanism, is returned to the image forming position. Since the state when transported is equal, by switching the paper feed end to be taken out for single-sided printing and double-sided printing, it is possible to align the printing direction even in the case of a print job in which double-sided printing and single-sided printing are mixed.

  In addition, when an image is formed on a normal paper type paper, the shape before reversal and the shape after reversal are exactly the same, so that different feeding is used for double-sided printing and single-sided printing as in the above embodiment. The printing direction can be made equal in either case, whether the paper is taken out from the paper edge and printed, or the paper is taken out from the same paper feeding edge and printed. Therefore, it is not necessary to switch the paper feed end in the case of the normal paper type. Therefore, it may be set so that the control differs depending on the type of paper as well as whether or not duplex printing is performed. Thus, appropriate control can be performed according to the type of paper, and printing can be performed efficiently.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments, the case where the image is formed in the order of the back side image data and the front side image data at the time of duplex printing has been described as an example. However, the front side image data and the back side image data Double-sided printing may be performed by sequentially forming images.

  In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the control is switched in consideration of the image forming order for each side of the paper during duplex printing.

  In the case of performing double-sided printing, and when the image forming order of each side of the printing medium is the order of image data on the front side and image data on the back side, as in the case of performing single-sided printing, the first embodiment In the second embodiment, the sheet is controlled to be taken out from the first tray 80 and conveyed. In the second embodiment, the image is controlled to be formed as it is without being rotated. By controlling to take out the paper from the first paper feed end of the tray 84 and convey it, the printing directions can be made uniform. Hereinafter, the print mode for performing single-sided printing and front-to-back order double-sided printing is referred to as a first mode, and printing control for performing single-sided printing and front-to-back order double-sided printing is referred to as first control.

  In addition, as described in the first to third embodiments, when duplex printing is performed, the image formation order on each side of the print medium is the order of the back side image data and the front side image data. In the first embodiment, control is performed so that the paper is taken out from the second tray 82 and conveyed. In the second embodiment, control is performed so that the image is rotated by 180 degrees. In this embodiment, the printing direction can be aligned by controlling the sheet to be taken out from the second sheet feed end of the tray 84 and conveyed. Hereinafter, the printing mode for performing the back-to-front order double-sided printing is referred to as a second mode, and the printing control for performing the back-to-front order double-sided printing is referred to as a second control.

  Switching between the first control and the second control is performed when the print mode of the print data to be printed is switched.

  Hereinafter, the flow of this switching will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step 500, it is determined whether the current state is in the first mode or the second mode. When in the second mode, the second control is being executed. Next, in step 502, it is determined whether or not the print mode of the print data to be printed has been switched to the first mode. If it is determined that the mode has been switched to the first mode, in step 504, the first control (takes out the paper from the first tray 80 and conveys it, forms the image without rotating it, (The sheet is taken out from the first sheet feeding end and conveyed), and the image forming operation is controlled.

  On the other hand, if the current state is in the first mode in step 500, the first control is being executed. If it is determined in step 506 that the print mode of the print data to be printed has been switched to the second mode, in step 508, the second control (paper is taken out from the second tray 82 and conveyed or the image is transferred). The image forming operation is switched by controlling the image forming operation by rotating 180 degrees or forming the paper from the second paper feed end of the tray 84 and transporting the paper.

  Thus, by switching the print control when the print mode is switched, the output result intended by the user can be obtained at any time.

  Note that the image forming order during duplex printing may be set for each print data, may be set in advance in the image forming apparatus, or may be configured to be designated by the user.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In this embodiment, the printing type (in this embodiment, one-sided printing, back side → front side duplex printing, front side → back side order duplex printing) and paper type (normal paper type, target paper type, index) The case where the control method is changed according to the paper type will be described.

  Since the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus and the configuration of the engine device of the printer engine 30 in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted. Further, the first tray 80 and the second tray 82 store sheets to be printed as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of a print processing subroutine executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The main routine is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In step 600, the controller 10 determines whether the print type of the print data to be printed is single-sided printing, reverse side → front-order double-sided printing, or front-side → back-order double-sided printing. If it is determined that the back side → front side duplex printing is selected, the process proceeds to step 602 to determine whether the paper type is the normal paper type, the target paper type, or the index paper type. This determination may be made based on the designation result when the user designates the paper type, or may be made by detecting the paper automatically stored on the image forming apparatus side.

  If it is determined in step 602 that the paper type is a symmetric paper type or an index paper type, a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so that paper is fed from the second tray 82 in step 604. To do. As a result, the paper feed roller 64 of the engine device rotates, and the symmetrical paper type or index paper type paper is taken out from the second tray 82 and conveyed to the main conveyance path 92.

  In Step 606, the controller 10 transmits the back side image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. As a result, the printer engine 30 forms an image on the back side on one side of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  In step 608, the controller 10 transmits a control signal to the printer engine 30 so as to invert the paper. In response to this control signal, the printer engine 30 reverses the sheet by the reversing mechanism, and re-conveys the sheet from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the main conveyance path 92 to the image forming position via the reverse conveyance path 94.

  In step 610, the controller 10 transmits the image data of the surface in response to a request from the printer engine 30. As a result, the printer engine 30 forms a surface image on the other surface of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  When double-sided printing is completed, in step 632, the printer engine 30 discharges the sheet from the discharge path 96, and ends the processing for the print data to be printed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 602 that the paper type is the normal paper type, a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so that paper is fed from the first tray 80 in step 612. As a result, the paper feed roller 62 of the engine device rotates to take out the paper from the first tray 80 and transport it to the main transport path 92.

  In step 614, the controller 10 transmits the back side image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. As a result, the printer engine 30 forms an image on the back side on one side of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  In step 616, the controller 10 transmits a control signal to the printer engine 30 so as to invert the paper. In response to this control signal, the printer engine 30 reverses the sheet by the reversing mechanism, and re-conveys the sheet from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the main conveyance path 92 to the image forming position via the reverse conveyance path 94.

  In step 618, the controller 10 transmits the image data of the surface in response to a request from the printer engine 30. As a result, the printer engine 30 forms a surface image on the other surface of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  When double-sided printing is completed, in step 632, the printer engine 30 discharges the sheet from the discharge path 96, and ends the processing for the print data to be printed.

  If the controller 10 determines in step 600 that the print type of the print data to be printed is front side → back side sequential duplex printing, the controller 10 causes the controller 10 to feed paper from the first tray 80 in step 620. A control signal is sent to the printer engine 30. As a result, the paper feed roller 62 of the engine device rotates to take out the paper from the first tray 80 and transport it to the main transport path 92.

  In step 622, the controller 10 transmits the image data of the surface in response to a request from the printer engine 30. As a result, the printer engine 30 forms a surface image on one surface of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  In step 624, the controller 10 transmits a control signal to the printer engine 30 so as to invert the paper. In response to this control signal, the printer engine 30 reverses the sheet by the reversing mechanism, and re-conveys the sheet from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the main conveyance path 92 to the image forming position via the reverse conveyance path 94.

  In step 626, the controller 10 transmits the back side image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. Thus, the printer engine 30 forms an image on the back side on the other side of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  When double-sided printing is completed, in step 632, the printer engine 30 discharges the sheet from the discharge path 96, and ends the processing for the print data to be printed.

  If the controller 10 determines in step 600 that the print type of the print data to be printed is single-sided printing, the process proceeds to step 628. In step 628, a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so that paper is fed from the first tray 80. As a result, the paper feed roller 62 of the engine device rotates to take out the paper from the first tray 80 and transport it to the main transport path 92.

  In step 630, the controller 10 transmits image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. As a result, the printer engine 30 forms an image on one side of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  Thereafter, in step 632, the perforated paper is discharged in the same manner as described above, and the process for the print data to be printed is terminated.

  As described above, the printing direction can be aligned with appropriate control by switching the control according to the image formation order of the printing surface and the paper type when performing double-sided printing or single-sided printing.

  In this embodiment, the example of switching the tray to be fed has been described. However, as in the third embodiment, the sheet conveyance state is controlled by switching the sheet feeding end of the tray. Good.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, another example in which the control method is changed according to the print type and the paper type will be described.

  The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus and the configuration of the engine device of the printer engine 30 in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The first tray 80 stores sheets to be printed as in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of a printing process subroutine executed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. The main routine is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In step 700, the controller 10 determines whether the print type of the print data to be printed is single-sided printing, reverse-side → front-order double-sided printing, or front-side → back-order double-sided printing. If it is determined that the back side → front side duplex printing is selected, the process proceeds to step 702 to determine whether the paper type is a normal paper type, a target paper type, or an index paper type. This determination may be made based on the designation result when the user designates the paper type, or may be made by detecting the paper automatically stored on the image forming apparatus side.

  If it is determined in step 702 that the paper type is an index paper type, setting error processing is performed in step 704. Specifically, a message indicating that the index sheet type is set so as not to be printed can be output to a UI or the like connected to various interfaces of the controller 10, or a warning sound can be generated. After the setting error processing, the print processing subroutine is terminated.

  If it is determined in step 702 that the paper type is a symmetric paper type, a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so that paper is fed from the first tray 80 in step 706. As a result, the paper feed roller 62 of the engine device rotates to take out the paper from the first tray 80 and transport it to the main transport path 92.

  In step 708, when a request for image data is received from the printer engine 30, the controller 10 generates image data obtained by rotating the back side image data by 180 degrees.

  In step 710, the back side image data rotated 180 degrees is transmitted to the printer engine 30. Accordingly, the printer engine 30 forms an image of the back surface rotated by 180 degrees on one surface of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  In step 712, the controller 10 transmits a control signal to the printer engine 30 so as to invert the paper. In response to this control signal, the printer engine 30 reverses the sheet by the reversing mechanism, and re-conveys the sheet from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the main conveyance path 92 to the image forming position via the reverse conveyance path 94.

  In step 714, when the controller 10 receives a request for image data from the printer engine 30, the controller 10 generates image data obtained by rotating the surface image data by 180 degrees.

  In step 716, the image data of the surface rotated 180 degrees is transmitted to the printer engine 30. Accordingly, the printer engine 30 forms an image of the surface rotated by 180 degrees on the other surface of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  When double-sided printing is completed, in step 738, the printer engine 30 discharges the sheet from the discharge path 96, and ends the processing for the print data to be printed.

  If the controller 10 determines in step 700 that the print type of the print data to be printed is front side → back side sequential duplex printing, the controller 10 causes the controller 10 to feed paper from the first tray 80 in step 726. A control signal is sent to the printer engine 30. As a result, the paper feed roller 62 of the engine device rotates to take out the paper from the first tray 80 and transport it to the main transport path 92.

  In step 728, the controller 10 transmits the image data of the surface in response to a request from the printer engine 30. As a result, the printer engine 30 forms a surface image on one surface of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  In step 730, the controller 10 transmits a control signal to the printer engine 30 so as to invert the paper. In response to this control signal, the printer engine 30 reverses the sheet by the reversing mechanism, and re-conveys the sheet from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the main conveyance path 92 to the image forming position via the reverse conveyance path 94.

  In step 732, the controller 10 transmits the back side image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. Thus, the printer engine 30 forms an image on the back side on the other side of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  When double-sided printing is completed, in step 738, the printer engine 30 discharges the sheet from the discharge path 96, and ends the processing for the print data to be printed.

  On the other hand, if the controller 10 determines in step 700 that the print type of the print data to be printed is single-sided printing, the process proceeds to step 734. In step 734, a control signal is sent from the controller 10 to the printer engine 30 so that paper is fed from the first tray 80. As a result, the paper feed roller 62 of the engine device rotates, and the paper is taken out from the first tray 80 and conveyed to the main conveyance path 92.

  In step 736, the controller 10 transmits image data in response to a request from the printer engine 30. As a result, the printer engine 30 forms an image on one side of the paper that has reached the image forming position based on the image data.

  Thereafter, in step 738, the paper is discharged in the same manner as described above, and the process for the print data to be printed is terminated.

  As described above, by switching the control according to the printing type (double-sided printing or single-sided printing, image forming order of the printing surface when performing double-sided printing) and the paper type, it is possible to align the printing directions with appropriate control.

  In the fourth embodiment, the example in which the control to be executed is switched according to the print type, and the control to be executed according to at least one of the print type and the paper type is described in the fifth and sixth embodiments. The user may set in advance what kind of control is performed according to the type and the paper type. For example, a setting screen is displayed on a UI (not shown) provided in the controller 10 via the various interfaces 20, and the user is allowed to set the type of control to be executed corresponding to the print type and the paper type from the setting screen. Thereby, arbitrary control can be performed.

  In the case where the print direction is to be aligned by rotating the image by 180 degrees as in the present embodiment, it is preferable to set in advance so that the index paper type cannot be printed.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the case where the CPU 12 of the controller 10 performs print control has been described as an example. However, the CPU 32 of the printer engine 30 may perform the print control.

  In the above embodiment, in the case of single-sided printing, an example in which an image is formed on one side without being reversed by a reversing mechanism has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Even in the case of single-sided printing, an image may be formed on one side by being reversed by a reversing mechanism. In this case, even during single-sided printing, the same control as that during double-sided printing is performed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to all embodiments. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating engine devices provided in the printer engine according to the first and second embodiments and a paper conveyance path. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining types of paper printed by the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2A is a diagram schematically illustrating the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment and a sheet conveyance path, and FIG. 4B illustrates a state in which perforated sheets are stored in a first tray. FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating a state in which perforated paper in the second tray is stored. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of print processing that is activated when printing of a print job is started. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a print processing subroutine executed by the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the output image. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the printing result in 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a printing process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the printing result in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating engine devices provided in a printer engine according to a third embodiment and a sheet conveyance path. (A) is a diagram schematically showing an image forming apparatus and a paper conveyance path according to the third embodiment, and (B) is a diagram showing a storage state of perforated paper in a tray. . 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a print processing subroutine executed by the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the printing result in 3rd Embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of switching processing when switching control in consideration of an image forming order for each side of a sheet during duplex printing in the fourth embodiment. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing processing subroutine executed by the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a print processing subroutine executed by the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the conventional problem.

Explanation of symbols

10 Controller 12 CPU
30 Printer Engine 32 CPU
51 Photosensitive drum 52 Charger 53 Developing device 56 Transfer rollers 58, 60, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78 Feed rollers 62, 63, 64, 65 Feed roller 66 Fixing device 67 Branching section 80 First tray 82 Second tray 84 Tray 90, 90a, 90b Transport path 92 Main transport path 94 Reverse transport path

Claims (11)

A recording medium storage unit storing the recording medium;
Conveying means for taking out the recording medium from the recording medium storage unit and conveying it to an image forming position in the middle of the conveying path;
Image forming means for forming an image on one surface of the recording medium conveyed to the image forming position;
Reversing means for reversing the recording medium that has passed through the image forming position from the upstream side in the transport direction of the transport path to the image forming position;
In accordance with whether or not the recording medium is reversed by the reversing unit, the conveying unit is controlled so that the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in a predetermined first state. The transport unit is controlled to be transported to the image forming position in a second state that is equal to the control of 1 or the second state that is transported in the first state, reversed by the reversing unit, and transported again. Control means for performing second control;
An image forming apparatus including: The recording medium storage unit includes a first storage unit that is detachably stored in a state where the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the first state, and the recording medium is in the second state. A second storage portion that is detachably stored in a state of being conveyed to the image forming position,
In the first control, the control unit controls the transport unit so that a recording medium is taken out from the first storage unit and transported to the image forming position, and in the second control, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit is controlled so that a recording medium is taken out from the second storage unit and transported to the image forming position. The recording medium storage unit includes a first end that can be taken out in a state where the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the first state, and the image forming unit in which the recording medium is in the second state. A second end portion that can be taken out in a state of being conveyed to a position,
In the first control, the control unit controls the transport unit so that a recording medium is taken out from the first end and transported to the image forming position. In the second control, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit is controlled so that a recording medium is taken out from the second end and transported to the image forming position. A recording medium storage unit storing the recording medium;
Conveying means for taking out the recording medium from the recording medium storage unit and conveying it to an image forming position in the middle of the conveying path;
Image forming means for forming an image on one surface of the recording medium conveyed to the image forming position;
Reversing means for reversing the recording medium that has passed through the image forming position from the upstream side in the transport direction of the transport path to the image forming position;
A first control unit that controls the image forming unit so that an image is formed in a first direction with respect to a conveyance direction of the recording medium, depending on whether the recording medium is reversed by the reversing unit. Or a control means for performing a second control for controlling the image forming means so that an image is formed in a second direction obtained by rotating the first direction by 180 degrees with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording medium. When,
An image forming apparatus including:   The control means further includes the first control according to at least one of an image formation order on each side of the recording medium and a type of the recording medium when the reversing means inverts the recording medium to form an image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second control is performed.   A setting unit that presets the control performed by the control unit in accordance with at least one of whether the image is formed by inverting the recording medium with the inverting unit, the image forming order, and the type of the recording medium; The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: A recording medium storage unit storing the recording medium;
Conveying means for taking out the recording medium from the recording medium storage unit and conveying it to an image forming position in the middle of the conveying path;
Image forming means for forming an image on one surface of the recording medium conveyed to the image forming position;
Reversing means for reversing the recording medium that has passed through the image forming position from the upstream side in the transport direction of the transport path to the image forming position;
The conveying unit is controlled so that the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in a predetermined first state according to whether the recording medium is inverted by the inverting unit or not. A first control for controlling the image forming unit so that an image is formed in a first direction with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording medium. The recording medium is conveyed in the first state and reversed by the reversing unit. The conveying means is controlled so as to be conveyed to the image forming position in a second state equal to the state when re-conveyed, and the image is formed in the first direction with respect to the recording medium. Second control for controlling the image forming unit, and controlling the transport unit so that the recording medium is transported to the image forming position in the first state, and the first direction with respect to the recording medium is 180. Second orientation rotated degrees And control means for performing one of the third control for controlling said image forming means so that an image is formed,
An image forming apparatus including: The recording medium storage unit includes a first storage unit that is detachably stored in a state where the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the first state, and the recording medium is in the second state. A second storage portion that is detachably stored in a state of being conveyed to the image forming position,
When the control unit controls the conveyance unit by the first control and the third control, the conveyance unit takes out the recording medium from the first storage unit and conveys the recording medium to the image forming position. And controlling the conveying unit so that the recording medium is taken out from the second storage unit and conveyed to the image forming position when the conveying unit is controlled by the second control. 8. The image forming apparatus according to 7. The recording medium storage unit includes a first end that can be taken out in a state where the recording medium is conveyed to the image forming position in the first state, and the image forming unit in which the recording medium is in the second state. A second end portion that can be taken out in a state of being conveyed to a position,
When the control unit controls the transport unit by the first control and the third control, the transport unit takes out the recording medium from the first end and transports the recording medium to the image forming position. And controlling the conveying unit so that the recording medium is taken out from the second end and conveyed to the image forming position when the conveying unit is controlled by the second control. 8. The image forming apparatus according to 7.   The control means further includes the first control according to at least one of an image formation order on each side of the recording medium and a type of the recording medium when the reversing means inverts the recording medium to form an image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein any one of the second control and the third control is performed.   Control performed by the control unit in accordance with at least one of whether to perform double-sided printing, whether to invert the recording medium with the inversion unit, and to form an image, the image formation order, and the type of the recording medium The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising setting means for presetting.

Images