JP2010277013A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can properly arranges backing paper and forms an image on the backing paper without degrading a printing efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: During a time when an image formation is not executed by a user, the following front-back arrangement control is executed. First, paper P is pulled out from a paper cassette 172 and printed states of both surfaces of the paper P are detected by sensors 161 and 162. When the first surface of the paper P, that is the surface on which a toner image is transferred by a secondary transfer roller 115 in the case of being printed without change is a blank surface, the paper P is reversed a progression direction thereof in a paper carrying path 114b, is carried to a paper cassette 171, and is placed. At that time, the paper P does not pass places of a turnover roller 119 or a paper carrying path 118. When an image is previously printed on the first surface of the paper P, the paper P is reversed the progression direction thereof by the turnover roller 119 and is made to pass the paper carrying path 118. After that, the paper P is reversed the progression direction thereof in the paper carrying path 114b, is carried to the paper cassette 171, and is placed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet in which the front and back sides of the back sheet are arranged and rearranged.

  In recent years, backing paper has been increasingly used for image forming apparatuses from the viewpoint of increasing awareness of environmental problems and reducing costs. The back paper means “paper on which one side is printed and the opposite side is a blank page”. Thus, by using not only one side of a sheet but also both sides, the reuse of resources is promoted and the cost has been reduced.

  However, it is not efficient for the user to manually arrange the backing paper manually. In addition, there is a case where image formation is performed in a state where the front and back sides of the paper are not always aligned because of the urgent work. In order to solve these problems, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that determines an already printed surface and sorts the paper and forms an image. According to Patent Document 1, when a copy button is pressed, after determining the printing state of both sides of a sheet, it is determined whether or not to form an image on the sheet and the image is formed. As a result, the user does not need to tidy up the backing paper.

  In addition, when a paper on which confidential information is written is used as a backing paper, the confidential information may be leaked if the paper is touched by a third party. In order to prevent this, Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus that erases confidential information. In Patent Document 2, confidential information cannot be read by bringing an image erasing roller in which a sandpaper is wound around a core metal into contact with a confidential information description portion of a sheet.

JP 2003-195589 A JP 2006-154055 A

The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 performs the following processing after the copy button is pressed until the image forming processing is performed. In other words, in the meantime, 1) judge the printing status on both sides of the paper,
2) For paper with different orientations, reverse the orientation,
3) Transport paper that has been printed on both sides to a waste tray so that it is not used for printing.
4) White paper that is not printed on both sides is conveyed to a white paper tray.

  If such complicated processing is performed after the copy button is pressed, it takes more time than necessary to eject the first copy. And printing efficiency will fall. When printing on a large number of sheets, the decrease in printing efficiency is more remarkable. That is, the user waits until the end of the printing process.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that organizes a back paper and forms an image on the back paper without reducing printing efficiency.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention, which has been made for the purpose of solving this problem, accommodates an image forming unit that forms an image on one surface of a printing member and a bundle of printing members that are used for image formation in the image forming unit. In the image forming apparatus having a sheet feeding unit and a front / back reversing unit for inverting the front and back of the printing member pulled out from the sheet feeding unit, a first storage unit and a second storage unit provided in the sheet feeding unit, An image discriminating unit for discriminating the presence or absence of an image of at least one surface of the printing member pulled out from the first storage unit, and a printing member stored in the first storage unit one by one, A front / back order control unit that performs front / back order control for arranging the front and back sides of the second storage unit based on the determination result, and the front / back side control unit is provided in the printed member drawn from the first storage unit. Surface that is the target of image formation by the image forming unit That is, when there is no image on the first surface, or when there is an image on the back surface of the first surface, that is, the second surface, the printed member is left as it is without passing through the front / back reversing part. If there is an image on the first surface of the printed member that is accommodated in the accommodating portion and pulled out from the first accommodating portion, or if there is no image on the second surface, the printed member is turned upside down. It is accommodated in the second accommodating part after the front and back are reversed by the part. Such an image forming apparatus organizes a back paper sheet bundle that is placed in the first storage unit and the front and back directions are not aligned, and forms a back paper sheet bundle that is aligned in the front and back direction in the second storage unit. Can be placed.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, the front / back order control unit may perform front / back order control after a predetermined time has elapsed since the last image formation. Since the front / back order control is performed when image formation is not performed, it does not hinder image formation. That is, there is no possibility that the printing efficiency will be reduced.

  The image forming apparatus described above includes a start time setting unit for a user to set a start time of front / back order control, and the front / back order control unit has a front / back side at the start time set in the start time setting unit. It is good to start organized control. Front-and-back control does not interfere with image formation because it is generally organized during non-printout periods such as lunch breaks and late at night. That is, there is no possibility that the printing efficiency will be reduced.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, the user has an ordering instruction unit for instructing whether to perform front / rear ordering control, and the front / rear ordering control unit is instructed to perform front / rear ordering control by the ordering instruction unit. It is preferable that the front-and-back control is performed when the front-and-back control is performed, and the front-and-back control is instructed not to be performed by the ordering instruction unit. This is because it is possible to prevent the ordering process from being performed when front and back ordering control is not required, such as when a new sheet is placed.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, the paper feed unit has a plurality of paper feed cassettes, and at least one of the paper feed cassettes has a first storage unit and a second storage unit therein. It should be a thing. This is because it is still possible to perform an orderly process for the sheet bundle of the backing paper. Another reason is that it is not necessary to provide a paper feed cassette for placing an unorganized backing paper bundle.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, the image forming apparatus includes a paper discharge tray for storing a printing member having an image on both the first surface and the second surface, and the image determination unit is pulled out from the first storage unit. The front and back order control unit determines whether or not there is an image on both the first and second surfaces of the printed member. The printed member may be discharged to a discharge tray. This is because paper with images on both sides of the paper can be sorted.

  The image forming apparatus described above includes an information erasing unit that renders an image on the second surface of the printing member unreadable, and the information erasing unit is configured so that the printing member can 2 It is preferable that the image on the second surface of the member to be printed is unreadable before being accommodated in the accommodating portion. This is because the image on the confidential information description surface of the backing paper on which the confidential information is described can be reliably made unreadable.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that arranges a back paper and forms an image on the back paper without reducing printing efficiency.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a mechanism for arranging back sheets in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram (No. 1) for explaining a procedure of arranging back sheets in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the function of the nail | claw in the image forming apparatus based on this invention. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram (No. 2) for explaining a procedure of arranging back sheets in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the back-up sheet tidying-up process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining another paper feed cassette according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining another paper feed cassette according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the back-up sheet tidying-up process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram for demonstrating the mechanism which erase | eliminates the confidential information which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the procedure which erase | eliminates the confidential information which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process which erase | eliminates the confidential information which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the best mode for embodying the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is embodied in an image forming apparatus.

(First embodiment)
1. Image Forming Apparatus The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a so-called tandem type color copier having an intermediate transfer belt 101 as schematically shown in FIG. The intermediate transfer belt 101 is an endless belt member. Both ends of the intermediate transfer belt 101 are supported by rollers 102 and 103 and rotate in the direction of arrow A in the drawing. Along the lower portion of the intermediate transfer belt 101 in the figure, image forming portions 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K for each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged.

  The image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K for the respective colors have the same configuration. Each has a photoreceptor unit 20, an exposure device 30, and a developing unit 10. The photoreceptor unit 20 has a photoreceptor drum 21 that carries an electrostatic latent image. The exposure device 30 is for drawing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21. The developing unit 10 is for applying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21 for development. Further, a primary transfer roller 111 is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 21 with the intermediate transfer belt 101 interposed therebetween. In FIG. 1, the reference numerals of these devices are shown as representatives by the image forming unit 1Y.

  In the lower part of FIG. 1, a paper feeding unit 170 that stores paper P is arranged. The paper feed unit 170 includes paper feed cassettes 171, 172, 173, and 174. Paper feed rollers 181, 182, 183, and 184 for feeding the paper P are provided above the paper feed cassettes 171, 172, 173, and 174, respectively.

  The functions of the paper feed cassettes 171, 172, 173, and 174 during image formation are the same. The paper P is sent upward along the paper transport path 114 from any one of the paper feed cassettes 171, 172, 173, and 174. However, in the rear paper ordering process, which will be described later, the back paper placed on the paper feed cassette 172 is placed on the paper feed cassette 171 after the front and back sides are kept in order. For this purpose, the paper feed cassette 172 is provided with a sensor 163 for determining whether or not a paper is set therein.

  In the middle of the paper transport path 114, sensors 161 and 162 for determining whether or not printing is performed on the paper are arranged with the paper transport path 114 interposed therebetween. Here, in the paper transport path 114, the side where the paper feed cassette is provided is the upstream side (lower side in the figure), and the side where the paper discharge tray 117 described later is located is the downstream side (upper side in the figure). In the following figures, the “upstream side” refers to “downward in the figure” and the “downstream side” refers to “upward in the figure” regardless of the paper traveling direction. To do. A claw 191 is arranged immediately downstream of the sensors 161 and 162. The claw 191 transports the sheet transported from the upstream side to the downstream side to the location of the secondary transfer roller, and returns the sheet transported from the downstream side to the upstream side to the paper feed cassette 171. Is to determine.

  A roller 192 is disposed on the downstream side. The roller 192 is a roller that can convey the sheet downstream by forward rotation and can convey the sheet upstream by reverse rotation. If the rotation of the roller 192 is stopped when the sheet is between the roller pair of the rollers 192, the sheet is stopped while being sandwiched between the roller pair of the rollers 192. A secondary transfer roller 115 is disposed at a position facing the roller 103 with the sheet conveyance path 114 interposed therebetween. Further, a fixing device 130 is disposed on the downstream side. The fixing device 130 has a roller pair of a pressure roller 131 and a heating roller 132.

  A paper discharge roller 116 and a paper discharge tray 117 are arranged further downstream of the paper transport path 114 when viewed from the fixing device 130. A folding roller 119 and a folding tray 120 are disposed further above the paper discharge roller 116. The folding roller 119 reverses the paper traveling direction. Details will be described later. The folding roller 119 is connected to the paper transport path 118 in addition to the paper transport path 114.

  The paper transport path 118 is a transport path used when performing duplex printing. The paper transport path 118 is a paper transport path for joining the paper transported from the folding roller 119 to the paper transport path 114 again. The folding roller 119 and the paper transport path 118 are front and back reversing portions that reverse the front and back of the paper. In other words, the sheet that has been transported through the paper transport path 118 and returned to the paper transport path 114 is the reverse of that when it was transported through the paper transport path 114 before that.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 150. In addition to controlling the operation of each device in image formation, the control unit 150 also serves as a front / back order control unit for instructing each part regarding back-and-back order control as described later. In addition, it also serves as a start time setting unit for setting a start time for performing front-and-back control.

  Next, a basic operation of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be briefly described. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives an image formation instruction, the image forming apparatus 100 generates image data of each color from the image signal. The generated image data of each color is sent to the corresponding image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. The image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K for each color form an electrostatic latent image based on the image data. Further, the formed electrostatic latent image is developed to form a toner image. The formed toner images are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 101 by the primary transfer roller 111 and superimposed.

  On the other hand, the paper P drawn from one of the paper feed cassettes of the paper feed unit 170 passes through the paper transport path 114 and is transported to the position of the secondary transfer roller 115. The toner image superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 101 is transferred onto the sheet P by the secondary transfer roller 115. The sheet P carrying the toner image is further conveyed and reaches the fixing device 130, and is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 130. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper P. The paper P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to a paper discharge tray 117 by a paper discharge roller 116. The above is the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

2. Backing paper ordering mechanism The backing paper ordering mechanism in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Arrangement of the back paper means that a paper bundle in which the orientation of the white paper is not aligned is aligned so that the paper is a paper bundle in which the orientation of the white paper of all the papers is uniform. In the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the surface transferred by the secondary transfer roller 115 is the surface (hereinafter referred to as “first surface”) facing upward in the drawing of each sheet feeding cassette. Therefore, the ordering of the back paper in the present embodiment means that the first surface of all the paper stored in the paper feed cassette is in a state of being a blank paper surface.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the rear paper sorting mechanism of the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment arranges a sheet bundle of backing paper placed on the paper feed cassette 172 and places it on the paper feed cassette 171. The paper feed cassette 172 is a first storage unit for storing unordered backing paper. The paper feed cassette 171 is a second storage unit that stores back-ordered paper. Therefore, the user does not place the paper directly on the paper feed cassette 171.

  The sensor 161 is an image determination unit that reads whether or not printing is performed on the first surface of the paper P conveyed along the paper conveyance path 114. An example is an optical sensor. Here, the first surface of the paper is a surface facing the upper side in FIG. 1 inside the paper feed cassettes 171, 172, 173, and 174. The first surface of the paper is a surface to which the toner image is transferred by the secondary transfer roller 115 when printing is performed as it is. That is, it is a surface to be printed by the image forming apparatus 100.

  The sensor 162 is an image determination unit that reads whether or not printing is performed on the second surface of the paper P that is transported along the paper transport path 114. The sensor 162 may be the same sensor as the sensor 161. Here, the second surface of the paper is the surface opposite to the first surface. In addition, the sensors 161 and 162 may be capable of measuring not only the presence / absence of printing but also the printing rate. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 161 and the sensor 162 are arranged so that each side of the paper can be measured by measuring one side of the paper.

  The paper transport path 114a is a path through which the paper drawn from the paper feed cassette 172 passes. The paper transport path 114b is a path through which the paper P fed from the paper feed cassettes 171, 172, 173, and 174 is transported in common. The secondary transfer roller 115 and the fixing device 130 are disposed in the middle of the paper conveyance path 114b. The paper transport path 114c passes through the paper that is pulled out from the paper feed cassette 171 and onto which the toner image is transferred by the secondary transfer roller 115, or the paper that has been subjected to front-and-back control as described later and returned to the paper feed cassette 171. It is a route to do.

3. Backing Paper Ordering Method Here, a method for ordering the paper P using the above-described backing paper ordering mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of a procedure for arranging the backing paper. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs the front / back order control on the bundle of unordered backsheets P arranged in the paper feed cassette 172 and places it on the paper feed cassette 171. This front-and-rear control is performed while the image is not formed as described above. For this reason, even if the paper P passes the portion of the secondary transfer roller 115 in FIG. 3 during the rear paper sorting process, the toner image is not transferred. Further, the heater of the heating roller 132 of the fixing device 130 in FIG. 3 may be off.

  First, the paper feed roller 182 pulls out one sheet P from the paper feed cassette 172 and sends it out to the paper transport path 114a. The leading edge of the sheet P when it is sent out, that is, the end portion on the traveling direction side is defined as an end portion P1, and the opposite end portion is defined as an end portion P2. Thereafter, the description will be made assuming that even if the traveling direction of the paper P changes, the end P1 remains the end P1. The same applies to the end P2. After the paper P is sent out, the sensor 161 detects whether or not the first surface of the paper P is printed. At the same time, the sensor 162 detects whether the second surface of the paper P is printed. These pieces of information are sent to the control unit 150. Thereby, the control unit 150 determines whether or not there are images on the first side and the second side of the paper P, respectively.

  The case where the first surface is a blank paper surface and there is an image on the second surface, that is, the case where the backing paper is in the correct orientation will be described with reference to FIG. The paper P that has passed through the paper transport path 114a is transported through the paper transport path 114b in the direction of arrow B in FIG. Then, when the paper P is in the paper transport path 114b, the control unit 150 stops the rotation of the roller 192. As a result, the paper P is stopped while being sandwiched between the roller pair of the rollers 192. The position when the paper P stops is shown in FIG. At this time, the blank surface, which is the first surface of the paper P, is the surface facing the left side in FIG. The end portion P1 is located on the downstream side, and the end portion P2 is located on the upstream side.

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100 temporarily stops the paper P, and then transports the paper P in the direction opposite to the previous traveling direction, that is, in the direction of the arrow C. At this time, the end P2 is the head in the traveling direction of the paper P. The reversal of the traveling direction of the sheet P is performed by the reverse rotation of the roller 192 located along the sheet conveyance path 114b.

  As described above, the claw 191 is provided at the branch point between the paper transport path 114a and the paper transport path 114c. As shown in FIG. 4, the claw 191 can move by changing its direction from the direction drawn by a solid line to the direction drawn by a two-dot chain line. The claw 191 is normally lightly pressed by an elastic member or the like so as to be in the direction drawn by a solid line in FIG.

  Therefore, the paper P that has been transported from the downstream side (upper side in the figure) to the upstream side (lower side in the figure) is transported toward the paper transport path 114c. At this time, the claw 191 remains at the position of the solid line in FIG. Therefore, the claw 191 does not hinder the passage of the sheet while the sheet is passing through the sheet conveyance path 114c. Further, when the paper P is transported from the paper feed cassette 171 to the secondary transfer roller 115 at the time of image formation, the claw 191 does not hinder the passage thereof.

  On the other hand, the sheet conveyed from the sheet feeding cassette 172 to the downstream side through the sheet conveying path 114a comes into contact with the claw 191 arranged in the direction of the solid line in FIG. Since the force to keep the claw 191 in the direction of the solid line in FIG. 4 is weak, the paper P bounces off the claw 191 and moves toward the paper conveyance path 114b. The claw 191 that has been bounced away faces the direction of the two-dot chain line in FIG. Then, after the sheet passes through the position of the tab 191, the tab 191 returns to the original position, that is, the position of the solid line in FIG.

  As described above, the claw 191 is for changing the conveyance path of the paper P. Because of the presence of the tab 191, when the paper P returns, it is transported not in the paper transport path 114 a but in the paper transport path 114 c in the direction of arrow C in FIG. Subsequently, the paper P is arranged in the paper feed cassette 171 so that the upper surface in FIG. That is, the paper P is placed in the correct orientation so that the blank paper surface faces upward.

  The case where the second surface is a blank paper surface and there is an image on the first surface, that is, the case where the backing paper is reverse will be described with reference to FIG. The paper P that has passed through the paper transport path 114a is transported in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 5 and reaches the paper transport path 114b. Then, the paper P is transported in the direction of arrow E in FIG. Subsequently, the paper P is conveyed in the direction of the arrow F in FIG.

  Most of the paper P reaches the folding tray 120. Then, the turning roller 119 stops its rotation. Accordingly, the paper P is also stopped. At that time, the end portion P1 of the sheet P passes through the place of the folding roller 119. On the other hand, the end portion P2 does not reach the place of the folding roller 119. Subsequently, the folding roller 119 rotates in the reverse direction. Thus, the paper P is conveyed in the direction of the arrow G in FIG. At this time, the head of the paper P in the traveling direction is the end portion P2. In other words, the head of the paper P in the traveling direction is switched from the end portion P1 to the end portion P2 by the reversal by the folding roller 119.

  The paper P whose traveling direction is reversed by the folding roller 119 is transported to the paper transport path 118 instead of the paper transport path 114. Therefore, the paper P is transported in the direction of the arrow H in FIG. Then, it returns to the paper transport path 114 again. At this time, the paper P is transported in the direction of arrow E in FIG. At this time, the top of the paper P remains the end portion P2.

  The sheet P stops there. The stopped position is the same as the position of the paper P in FIG. However, the end portions P1 and P2 of the paper P are opposite to those shown in FIG. That is, the paper P at this time has an end P2 on the downstream side (upper side in the figure) and an end P1 on the upstream side (lower side in the figure). The blank side of the paper P faces the left side in the figure. The side with the image of the paper P faces the right side in the figure. That is, the paper P is in the correct orientation. Therefore, the paper P may be returned to the paper feed cassette 171 in this orientation.

  Thereafter, the sheet P is conveyed in the direction of the arrow I in FIG. As a result, the paper P is placed in the paper feed cassette 171 in the correct orientation. In this way, by arranging the bundle of sheets P one by one, the bundle of back sheets P, which is not aligned in the sheet cassette 172, is fed in a state where all the sheets P are aligned in the correct orientation. 171 is placed.

  If the paper P is blank on both sides, single-sided printing or double-sided printing can be performed on the paper. In that case, it can be processed in the same way as a correctly oriented backing paper. The result is the same even if it is processed in the same way as the reverse backing paper. Alternatively, one of the trays in the paper feeding unit 170 may be set in advance as a blank paper tray and returned to that.

  On the other hand, if the paper P has an image formed on both sides, there is no surface suitable for printing, and the paper P may be discharged directly onto the paper discharge tray 117. These processes are performed when the image forming process is not performed. Therefore, there is no possibility that the paper discharged to the paper discharge tray 117 is pinched between the printed paper. Further, in order to discard such a sheet, one of the trays in the sheet feeding unit 170 may be set in advance as a discard tray and returned to that tray.

4). Arrangement processing flow of backing paper Here, the organization processing of backing paper will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the ordering process performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the determination shown in FIG. 6 is always performed except during image formation.

  First, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the last image formation process, that is, printing (S101). If a predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the last printing (S101: No), the rear paper sorting process is terminated. If a predetermined period has elapsed (S101: Yes), the process proceeds to S102.

  In S102, the control unit 150 determines whether or not to execute an orderly process. At this time, if a bundle of sheets P is placed on the sheet feeding cassette 172 and the sheet feeding cassette 171 is not full, the rear sheet sorting process is executed. Otherwise, the backsheet tidy process is not executed. Therefore, when the condition for executing the above-described backsheet sorting process is satisfied (S102: Yes), the process proceeds to S103. If the condition for executing the ordering process is not satisfied (S102: No), the ordering process for the paper P is terminated.

  In S103, the sheet bundle accommodated in the sheet feeding cassette 172 is sequentially arranged one by one in accordance with the above-described ordering procedure and placed on the sheet feeding cassette 171. As a result, the rear paper was tidy. In the subsequent printout, if the back paper is supplied as it is from the paper feed cassette 171, printing is performed on the white side of the back paper.

  The backsheet ordering process of the present embodiment is performed while avoiding the image forming time of the image forming apparatus 100. That is, no ordering process is performed during image formation. For this reason, the printing efficiency is better than the image forming apparatus in which the ordering process and the image forming process are performed as an integrated process as in the prior art. If there is a print instruction in the middle of the flow, the flow is stopped and printing is performed. Of course, when a printing instruction is given while the backing paper being processed passes through the paper transport paths 114 and 118, the image forming apparatus 100 places the backing paper in the correct orientation. Then, the flow may be stopped without pulling out the next backing paper. In this way, image formation is performed with priority.

5). Modification In this embodiment, sensors 161 and 162 for determining the presence / absence of images on both sides of the paper P are provided. However, if it is assumed that a sheet printed on both sides will not be placed in the sheet cassette, only the sensor 161 may be installed. In that case, the ordering process may be performed as described below.

  First, the paper P is pulled out from the paper feed cassette 172. Next, the sensor 161 detects whether or not printing is performed on the first surface of the paper P. If printing is not performed on the first surface of the paper P, it is determined that the paper is in the correct orientation, and the portion of the folding roller 119 and the paper conveyance path 118 are not passed. On the other hand, if printing is performed on the first surface of the paper P, it is determined that the direction is reversed, and the portion of the folding roller 119 and the paper conveyance path 118 are passed.

  Further, only the sensor 162 may be installed. In that case, the ordering process may be performed as described below. First, the paper P is pulled out from the paper feed cassette 172. Next, the sensor 162 detects whether printing is performed on the second surface of the paper P. If printing is performed on the second surface of the paper P, it is determined that the paper is in the correct orientation, and the portion of the folding roller 119 and the paper conveyance path 118 are not passed. On the other hand, if printing is not performed on the second surface of the paper P, it is determined that the direction is reversed, and the portion of the folding roller 119 and the paper conveyance path 118 are passed.

  Here, another modification will be described. In this embodiment, the sheet bundle before the rear paper is arranged is placed on the paper feed cassette 172, and the paper bundle after the rear paper is arranged is placed on the paper feed cassette 171. However, a paper feed cassette other than the paper feed cassette 172 may be set as a paper feed cassette on which the sheet bundle is placed with the back paper in an unordered state. In this case, a paper feed cassette other than that set as a paper feed cassette on which a sheet bundle is placed in an unordered state is set as the paper feed cassette placed after the back paper is arranged. Further, the user may be allowed to designate which sheet cassette is to be used as an unorganized sheet bundle sheet cassette and an organized sheet bundle sheet cassette by using an operation panel or the like. In this case, it is necessary to appropriately select the position where the claw is arranged so that the paper P is transported along a desired transport path.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, a tray for storing a bundle of sheets before ordering may be separately provided in one sheet feeding cassette. The paper feed cassette 175 of FIG. 7 is provided with a tray 175a and a tray 175b.

  FIG. 7 shows a case where the tray 175a is the first storage portion and the tray 175b is the second storage portion. Further, the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 7 is provided with a switching guide 140 for switching a tray connected to the paper transport path 114 among these two trays. The switching guide 140 can change the direction around the fulcrum 141.

  The switching guide 140 can change its direction within the range of the direction drawn by a solid line and the direction drawn by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Normally, the switching guide 140 is arranged in the direction drawn by the solid line in FIG. This is because it is lightly pressed by an elastic member or the like so as to hold the direction.

  Therefore, the paper P conveyed in the direction of the arrow K from the upper side in FIG. 7 is placed on the tray 175b. Further, at the time of image formation, the sheet is conveyed from the tray 175b to the secondary transfer roller 115. At this time, the switching guide 140 remains at the position depicted by the solid line in FIG. Therefore, when the sheet is conveyed to the tray 175b or when the sheet is pulled out from the tray 175b, the switching guide 140 does not become an obstacle to the conveyance.

  On the other hand, the paper placed on the tray 175a is pulled out by the paper feed roller 185a. Then, the sheet comes into contact with the switching guide 140. This is because the switching guide 140 is in the direction drawn by the solid line in FIG. Since the force to keep the switching guide 140 at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 7 is weak, the paper P can jump off the switching guide 140.

  Then, the sheet P advances upward in the figure in the direction of arrow J in FIG. 7 while splashing away the switching guide 140. The switching guide 140 pushed away at this time is moved to the position depicted by the two-dot chain line in FIG. In addition, since the force which presses the switching guide 140 is weak, a problem does not arise in paper conveyance. After the sheet passes through the switching guide 140, the switching guide 140 returns to the original position, that is, the position of the solid line in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the sheet bundle before being arranged is accommodated in the tray 175a. That is, if the user sets an unorganized sheet bundle on the tray 175a, the organized sheet bundle is arranged on the tray 175b while no image is formed. Therefore, it is sufficient to feed paper from the tray 175b during image formation. The tray 175a is a detachable tray that can be removed as appropriate. In order to align the backing paper of the tray 175a, the paper P is transported in the direction of arrow J in FIG. 7, and the orientation of the backing paper is aligned and arranged in the tray 175b in the direction of arrow K. It becomes. It is assumed that the user does not place a bundle of sheets P directly on the tray 175b.

  Here, another modification of this embodiment will be described. In S102, when the paper is stored in the paper feed cassette 172 and the paper feed cassette 171 is not full, it is determined that there is an unordered paper bundle and the paper is arranged. However, the user may be able to instruct whether or not he / she wishes to organize the backing paper. That is, when the user has instructed an orderly process for a bundle of sheets P, the front / back order control is performed, and when the user has not instructed the orderly process, the front / back order control is not performed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a lever 193 is provided on the paper feed cassette 172. The user can manually move the lever 193 in the direction of the arrow S in FIG. The direction of movement may be displayed. When the lever 193 is at the position depicted by the solid line in FIG. 8, the control unit 150 determines in S102 that there is a desire for a backsheet ordering process. When the lever 193 is at the position depicted by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8, the control unit 150 determines that there is no hope of the backsheet ordering process in S <b> 102.

  The user moves the lever 193 to the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8 when the back paper is placed on the paper feed cassette, and moves the lever 193 to the position shown in FIG. 8 when new blank paper is placed. Move to the position indicated by the dotted line. At this time, it is assumed that no new paper is added on top of the new paper when new paper remains, and no new paper is added on the back paper when it remains.

  By moving the lever 193 in this way, the control unit 150 determines in step S102 whether or not the backing paper is in order. Therefore, in S102, when the lever 193 is in the position drawn by the solid line in FIG. 8 and the sensor 163 recognizes that the paper is placed, the process proceeds to S103 and the back paper is arranged. Process it. That is, the lever 193 is an orderly instruction unit that allows the user to specify whether or not a backing paper is placed.

  The position where the lever 193 is provided is not limited to the position associated with the sheet feeding cassette as shown in FIG. 8, and may be any position on the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, instead of providing the lever 193, the user may be able to instruct the backsheet to be arranged by an operation panel or the like.

  Furthermore, another modified example will be described. In this embodiment, the bundle of sheets P placed on the sheet feeding cassette 172 is arranged on the sheet feeding cassette 171 after being arranged. However, the user may be able to set which paper feed cassette or tray is to be used for paper backing. In that case, a sensor similar to the sensor 163 may be provided in each paper feed cassette or tray.

  In addition, the surface of a sheet with a small printing rate on which only the page number is printed may be treated as a blank sheet surface. In that case, the sensors 161 and 162 need to be able to measure the printing rate.

6). Summary As described above in detail, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment automatically performs back-sheet sorting processing when image formation is not performed. This eliminates the need for the user to organize the backing paper. Nor does it interfere with the printing process. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 is realized in which the user can perform the back paper ordering work without obstructing the front and back sides without interfering with the printing.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to a color copier. The present invention can be applied to a printer, a FAX, and other apparatuses that form images. Moreover, it is not restricted to a color. It does not depend on the type of developer. Furthermore, a system using ink instead of toner may be used. The sensors 161 and 162 are not limited to optical types.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described below. The mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. Further, the rear paper sorting mechanism is the same as that of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is the flow of the backsheet tidy processing.

  The image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment performs an orderly work for backing paper at a time designated by the user. For example, regular work is performed during times when printing is not generally performed, such as during lunch breaks or late at night. As a result, the image forming process and the backing paper ordering process do not overlap. It should be noted that the time specification for the user's tidy work for the backing paper may be determined in advance as an initial setting. In addition, the user may change appropriately thereafter. You can also delete the settings. In addition, the deleted settings can be set again. These changes can be made at any time.

  Next, the flow of the rear paper sorting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of back-up sheet sorting processing performed by the image forming apparatus 200 of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the determination shown in FIG. 9 is always performed except during image formation.

  First, it is determined whether or not a time for arranging the backing paper is designated (S201). If the time for organizing the backing paper is specified (S201: Yes), the process proceeds to S202. Otherwise (S201: No), the process proceeds to S203.

  In S202, it is determined whether or not the time at that time is a designated time for designating the rear paper tidying work. If the time is the specified time (S202: Yes), the process proceeds to S204. If not (S202: No), the rear paper sorting process is terminated.

  In S203, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last printing. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the last printing (S203: Yes), the process proceeds to S204. Otherwise (S203: No), the rear paper sorting process is terminated.

  After S204, the same processing as the flow shown in FIG. 6 is performed. In S204, the control unit 150 determines whether or not to execute an orderly process. At this time, if a bundle of sheets P is placed on the sheet feeding cassette 172 and the sheet feeding cassette 171 is not full, the rear sheet sorting process is executed. Otherwise, the backsheet tidy process is not executed. Therefore, when the condition for executing the above-described backsheet sorting process is satisfied (S204: Yes), the process proceeds to S205. If the condition for executing the ordering process is not satisfied (S204: No), the ordering process for the paper P is terminated.

  In S205, as described in the first embodiment, the front and back sheet bundles are organized. For this reason, a sheet bundle in which the orientation of the backing paper is aligned is arranged in the sheet feeding cassette 171. As a result, the rear paper was tidy. The backsheet ordering process of this embodiment starts at a specified time while avoiding the image formation of the image forming apparatus 200. Therefore, printing efficiency is better than an image forming apparatus in which the ordering process and the image forming process are performed as an integrated process as in the prior art.

  In S <b> 204, when sheets are stored in the sheet feeding cassette 172, it is determined that there is an unordered sheet bundle and the sheets are arranged. However, it may be determined by the user's instruction that the unordered backing paper has been stored in the paper feed cassette. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a lever 193 may be provided on the paper feed cassette 172. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a tray 175a and a tray 175b may be provided. Further, only the sensor 161 or only the sensor 162 may be used. In addition, a paper feed cassette on which an unordered sheet bundle is placed and a paper feed cassette on which an organized sheet bundle is placed may be designated by the user. Further, the surface of a sheet with a small printing rate may be treated as a blank sheet surface.

  As described above in detail, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment automatically performs back-sheet sorting processing when image formation is not performed. This eliminates the need for the user to organize the backing paper. Nor does it interfere with the printing process. As a result, the image forming apparatus 200 is realized in which the user can perform the rear paper ordering work without obstructing the front and back sides without interfering with the printing.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the image forming apparatus 200 is not limited to a color copier. The present invention can be applied to a printer, a FAX, and other apparatuses that form images. Moreover, it is not restricted to a color. It does not depend on the type of developer. Furthermore, a system using ink instead of toner may be used. The sensors 161 and 162 are not limited to optical types. When only the back paper is placed on the paper feed cassette, only one of the sensors 161 and 162 may be provided.

(Third embodiment)
The third embodiment will be described below. The mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus 300 in this embodiment is almost the same as that in the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that it has a confidential information erasing device for erasing confidential information as will be described later.

1. Confidential Information Erasing Mechanism A confidentiality maintaining mechanism in the image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment has a confidential information erasing device 340 in addition to the image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. The confidential information erasing device 340 is an information erasing unit for erasing the printed image on the back paper.

  The confidential information erasing device 340 is for making the image on the printed side of the backing paper unreadable. In other words, it is sufficient if it is possible to make it impossible to read what was drawn without completely erasing the image. Therefore, the confidential information erasing device 340 may be a roller in which sandpaper is wound around a core metal, for example. Alternatively, ink may be sprayed onto the printed surface.

  The image forming apparatus 300 according to this embodiment can set a mode for erasing confidential information. As an initial setting, a mode for deleting confidential information may be set. In this embodiment, when the confidential information is erased as described above, the confidential information erasing unit makes the printed image unreadable.

  The confidential information erasing device 340 is in contact with the confidential information description surface of the paper passing through the paper conveyance path 114 only when processing for erasing the confidential information is performed. For this reason, the confidential information erasing device 340 can move between two positions, ie, a position in contact with one side of the sheet and a position away from the sheet transport path 114 of the sheet. . The movement may be performed using a known means such as a pinion or a rack.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 300 includes a control unit 350. In addition to controlling the operation of each device in image formation, the control unit 350 also serves as a front / back order control unit that instructs each part of the back paper front / back order control as described later. It also plays a role of instructing confidential information erasure processing. Furthermore, it also serves as a start time setting unit for setting the start time for performing front-and-back control.

2. Confidential Information Erasing Method Here, a method of erasing the confidential information on the backing paper in the image forming apparatus 300 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, only one sheet P is sent from the sheet feeding cassette 172 to the sheet conveyance path 114. Next, the sensor 161 determines whether or not the first surface of the paper P is printed. At the same time, the sensor 162 determines whether the second surface of the paper P is printed. Thereby, the printing states of the first surface and the second surface are determined. These pieces of information are sent to the control unit 350. On the other hand, the paper P is transported in the direction of the arrow L in FIG.

  A case where the first side is a blank side and an image is present on the second side, that is, a case where the backing paper is in the correct orientation will be described with reference to FIG. The paper P that has passed through the paper transport path 114a is transported in the direction of arrow L in FIG. 11 and reaches the paper transport path 114b. At this time, the blank surface, which is the first surface, is the surface facing the left side in FIG. Then, the sheet is stopped when it is in the sheet conveyance path 114b. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state when the paper P is stopped. Then, after the sheet is temporarily stopped, the sheet is conveyed in the direction opposite to the previous traveling direction, that is, in the direction of the arrow R in FIG. This is done by the reverse rotation of the roller 192 located along the paper transport path 114b.

  At this time, the blank paper surface faces leftward in FIG. The side on which the confidential information is printed faces rightward in FIG. That is, it is the side where the confidential information erasing device 340 is provided. Therefore, the confidential information erasing device 340 makes the image on the surface on which the confidential information is printed unreadable.

  Subsequently, the paper P is arranged so that the upper surface in FIG. 11 of the paper P arranged in the paper feed cassette 171 becomes a blank paper surface. That is, the paper P is arranged in the correct orientation so that the blank paper surface, which is the printing surface, faces upward. This is the same as described in FIG. 3 and paragraph [0042].

  The case where the second side is a blank page and there is an image on the first side, that is, the case where the backing paper is in the reverse direction, will be described with reference to FIG. The paper P that has passed through the paper transport path 114a is transported in the direction of arrow L in FIG. 11 and reaches the paper transport path 114b. Then, the paper P is transported along the paper transport path 114b in the direction of the arrow M in FIG. Subsequently, the portion of the folding roller 119 advances in the direction of arrow N in FIG. The paper P is temporarily stopped at the position shown above in FIG. Then, the paper P is conveyed in the direction of the arrow O in FIG. This is the same as described in FIG. 5 and paragraph [0044].

  Thereafter, the paper P is transported to the paper transport path 118. The paper P is transported in the direction of the arrow Q in FIG. Then, it returns to the paper transport path 114 again. At this time, the paper P is transported in the direction of the arrow M in FIG. Thereafter, the conveyance direction of the sheet P is reversed again at the position of the sheet conveyance path 114b. For this reason, the paper P is transported in the direction of the arrow R in FIG.

  At this time, the blank paper surface faces leftward in FIG. The side on which the confidential information is printed faces rightward in FIG. That is, it is the side where the confidential information erasing device 340 is provided. Therefore, the confidential information erasing device 340 makes the image on the surface on which the confidential information is printed unreadable.

  Next, the paper P is conveyed to the paper feed cassette 171 while being inverted. Thus, even when the second surface is a blank paper surface, the paper P is arranged in the paper feed cassette 171 so that the blank paper surface faces upward in FIG.

  As described above, the confidential information description surface of the paper P always faces the confidential information erasing device 340 before being conveyed to the paper feed cassette 171 in the same manner as the paper P is organized. Therefore, confidential information can be securely erased.

3. Confidential Information Erasing Process Flow Next, a process flow for erasing confidential information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of confidential information processing performed by the image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment. First, it is determined whether or not a time for arranging the backing paper is designated (S301). If the time for organizing the backing paper is specified (S301: Yes), the process proceeds to S302. Otherwise (S301: No), the process proceeds to S303.

  In S302, it is determined whether or not the time at that time is within a specified time for specifying the tidy-up work for the backing paper. If the time is within the specified time (S302: Yes), the process proceeds to S304. Otherwise (S302: No), the process for deleting the confidential information is terminated.

  In S303, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last printing. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the last printing (S303: Yes), the process proceeds to S304. Otherwise (S303: No), the process of erasing confidential information is terminated.

  In S304, the control unit 350 determines whether or not to execute the ordering process. At this time, if a bundle of sheets P is placed on the sheet feeding cassette 172 and the sheet feeding cassette 171 is not full, the rear sheet sorting process is executed. Otherwise, the backsheet tidy process is not executed. Therefore, if the condition for executing the above-described rear paper sorting process is satisfied (S304: Yes), the process proceeds to S305. If the condition for executing the ordering process is not satisfied (S304: No), the ordering process for the paper P is terminated.

  In S305, it is determined whether or not to delete confidential information. If the confidential information processing setting set by the user is set to the mode for deleting the confidential information (S305: Yes), the process proceeds to S306. Otherwise (S305: No), the process for deleting the confidential information is terminated.

  In S306, confidential information erasure processing is performed. At this time, the direction of the backing paper is aligned as described above. For this reason, the confidential information erasing device 340 makes the image of the confidential information description surface unreadable. As a result, the confidential information on the backing paper has become unreadable. The confidential information erasing process on the backing paper of this embodiment is performed while avoiding the image forming process of the image forming apparatus 300. For this reason, the printing efficiency is better than the conventional image forming apparatus in which the confidential information erasing process and the image forming process are performed as an integrated process.

  Here, a modified example of the image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as the confidential information erasing device 340, a roller in which sandpaper is wound around a core metal is used. However, other than sandpaper may be used. This is because it is sufficient that the confidential information entry surface of the paper is unreadable. In addition to the above, auxiliary rollers and the like may be provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a lever 193 may be provided on the paper feed cassette 172. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a tray 175a and a tray 175b may be provided.

  Here, another modification will be described. The sensor that detects the presence or absence of an image may be only the sensor 161 or only the sensor 162. In addition, a paper feed cassette on which an unordered sheet bundle is placed and a paper feed cassette on which an organized sheet bundle is placed may be designated by the user. Further, a tray for placing the backing paper may be provided separately. Moreover, you may have an orderly instruction | indication part. Further, the surface of a sheet with a small printing rate may be treated as a blank sheet surface.

4). Summary As described above in detail, the image forming apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment automatically performs the rear paper sorting process and the confidential information erasing process when image formation is not performed. This eliminates the need for the user to organize the backing paper. In addition, there is almost no risk of leakage of confidential information. Nor does it interfere with the printing process. As a result, the image forming apparatus 300 is realized in which the user can perform confidential information erasing processing on the back paper without having to arrange the front and back, and without interfering with printing.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the image forming apparatus 300 is not limited to a color copier. The present invention can be applied to a printer, a FAX, and other apparatuses that form images. Moreover, it is not restricted to a color. It does not depend on the type of developer. Furthermore, a system using ink instead of toner may be used. The sensors 161 and 162 are not limited to optical types. When only the back paper is placed on the paper feed cassette, only one of the sensors 161 and 162 may be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming part 10 ... Developing unit 20 ... Photoconductor unit 21 ... Photoconductor drums 100, 200, 300 ... Image forming apparatuses 114, 114a, 114b, 114c, 118 ... Paper transport path 115 ... Secondary transfer roller 119 ... Folding Roller 130 ... fixing device 150, 350 ... control unit 161,162,163 ... sensor 170 ... sheet feeding unit 171,172,173,174,175 ... sheet feeding cassette 192 ... roller 193 ... lever 340 ... confidential information erasing device

Claims (7)

An image forming unit that forms an image on one surface of the printing member, a paper feeding unit that stores a bundle of printing members used for image formation in the image forming unit, and a printing target that is drawn from the paper feeding unit In an image forming apparatus having a front / back reversing part for reversing the front / back of a member,
A first storage section and a second storage section provided in the paper feed section;
An image discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not there is an image of at least one surface of the printing member drawn out from the first housing unit;
Pull out the print-receiving members stored in the first storage unit one by one, arrange the front and back based on the determination result of the image determination unit, and perform front-and-rear control to be stored in the second storage unit A control unit,
The front and back order control unit
When there is no image on the surface (hereinafter referred to as “first surface”) that is the object of image formation by the image forming unit of the printing member drawn out from the first storage unit, or the back of the first surface When there is an image on the surface (hereinafter referred to as “second surface”), the printed member is accommodated in the second accommodating portion as it is without passing through the front / back reversing portion,
When there is an image on the first surface of the member to be printed pulled out from the first container, or when there is no image on the second surface, the member to be printed is turned upside down by the front and back reversing unit. An image forming apparatus that is inverted and then accommodated in the second accommodating portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The front and back order control unit
An image forming apparatus, wherein the front and back control is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the last image formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
A start time setting unit for the user to set the start time of the front-and-back control,
The front and back order control unit
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the front and back control is started at a start time set in the start time setting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
A tidying instruction unit for a user to instruct whether or not to perform the tidying-up control.
The front and back order control unit
When the instruction to perform the front and back tidy control is made by the tidy instruction unit, the front and back tidy control is performed,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the instruction for not performing the front / back order control is performed by the ordering instruction unit, the front / back order control is not performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The paper feed unit has a plurality of paper feed cassettes;
An image forming apparatus, wherein at least one of the paper feed cassettes has the first storage portion and the second storage portion therein. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A paper discharge tray for accommodating a printing member having an image on both the first surface and the second surface;
The image discriminating unit discriminates the presence or absence of images of the first surface and the second surface of the printing target member pulled out from the first housing unit;
The front and back order control unit
An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when an image is present on both the first surface and the second surface of a printing member, the printing member is discharged to the discharge tray. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An information erasure unit that renders the image on the second side of the printing member unreadable,
The information erasing unit
The image on the second surface of the member to be printed is unreadable after the member to be printed is pulled out from the first container and before being housed in the second container. Forming equipment.

Images