JP3230912B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a two-page spread mode in which a read original image is divided into two and recorded on separate recording papers, The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a double-sided mode in which an image is recorded on both the front side and the back side of a recording sheet by storing the sheet and feeding the recording sheet again from the double-sided sheet feeding apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional image forming apparatus, there is an apparatus having a double-page spread mode in which a read document image is divided into two and recorded on different recording papers. By using this double-page spread mode, for example, in a book manuscript such as a magazine or a book, the left and right spread pages can be automatically divided and output on separate recording sheets. Also, A3
If you want to record an A4 size document unified to A4 size, divide the A3 size document into two from the center and
The output can be divided into four sizes of recording paper.

Also, as one of the functions of a conventional image forming apparatus, a duplex mode for recording an image on both sides of a recording sheet is known. In the double-sided mode, for example, after forming an image on the front side, the recording paper is reversed and stored in a double-sided paper feeding device, and the recording paper is fed again from the double-sided paper feeding device, so that the front and rear sides of the recording paper are This can be realized by recording images in both.

Further, in an image forming apparatus capable of executing both the two-page spread mode and the two-sided mode, by simultaneously specifying these modes, for example, an A3-size image as shown in FIG. A single-sided document image can be recorded separately on the front side and the back side of one recording sheet.

[0005]

However, according to the above-described conventional image forming apparatus, the read original image is
In order to divide the recording paper and record it simply on the front and back sides of the recording paper, for example, continuous two-page spreads like images C-1 and C-2 on one side of the second A3 in FIG. Since the image is recorded on the front and back surfaces of one sheet of recording paper as shown in FIG. 11B, there is a problem in that a continuous image is divided in a two-page spread and the usability is poor. Specifically, FIG.
As shown in (c), there is a problem that it becomes very difficult to see when binding as an A4 file.

As a method for solving the above-mentioned problem, the spread mode is canceled, the original is placed again, and images are formed on the front and back of the recording paper only in the duplex mode. Image C-1, C of one side of the second A3
-2, the image C-1 is recorded on the back side of the n-th recording sheet, and the image C-2 is recorded on the front side of the (n + 1) -th recording sheet, so as to be spread in a file-bound state. However, although the continuous images C-1 and C-2 can be referred to in a two-page spread, the operation is complicated and time-consuming, so that there is a problem that the operation is troublesome.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12A, an image forming apparatus provided with an ADF (automatic document feeder) conveys a document having a plurality of sizes mixed with each other, and performs both a spread mode and a duplex mode. When recording on recording paper in the state where is specified, the original is automatically fed.
Depending on whether or not the image is a continuous spread image, the original cannot be rearranged. As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the spread page of the original (the continuous image " C-1, C-2 "and" F-1, F-2 ") may not be spread, and there is a problem that the binding becomes very difficult when bound as an A4 file.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in a state in which both the spread mode and the duplex mode are designated, a continuous image of a spread in an original image is recorded on a recording sheet so that it can be referred to by the spread. The purpose is to do.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to improve the convenience in forming images on the front and back of recording paper by mixing original sizes on an ADF.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for double-sided printing a document group in which a document of a predetermined size and a double-page spread document having two pages of the document are mixed. While dividing the spread document image data into two document image data of the predetermined size,
An image forming apparatus that sequentially records image data of the original and the spread original on recording paper while reversing recording paper fed from a paper feeding unit by a double-sided paper feeding unit, wherein the image data is fed from the paper feeding unit. When recording image data on a recording sheet, it is determined whether or not the image data to be recorded is the image data to be recorded on the recording sheet first among the two image data obtained by dividing the image data of the double-page spread document. And determining if the image data is to be recorded on the recording paper first, without recording the image data on the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit. First control means for storing paper in the double-sided paper supply unit and controlling the recording paper fed again from the double-sided paper supply unit to record image data to be recorded on the recording paper first ; By the determining means
Recording on the recording paper fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit
The image data is obtained by dividing the image data of the spread original 2
Image data to be recorded on the recording paper first
Data from the duplex paper feeder,
Control to record the image data on the fed recording paper.
And second control means .

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for performing double-sided printing on a document group in which a document of a predetermined size and a large spread document in which the document is arranged for two pages are mixed. While dividing the image data of the original into image data of the two originals of the predetermined size, the image data of the original and the spread original is recorded on the recording paper while the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit is inverted by the duplex paper feeding unit. An image forming apparatus for sequentially recording image data on recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit, wherein the image data to be recorded is divided into two image data obtained by dividing the image data of the double-page spread original. Determining means for determining whether or not the image data is to be recorded on the recording paper first, and if the determining means determines that the image data is to be recorded on the recording paper first, Salary After recording the image data on a recording sheet fed from the parts, a first control means for controlling so as to discharge without housing the recording paper to the duplex paper feed unit, before
Recording paper fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit by the determination means
The image data to be recorded with respect to the
Data on the recording paper first of the two divided image data
If it is determined that the image data is to be recorded,
The image data is recorded on the recording paper fed from the duplex paper feeder.
Recording means for controlling recording .

If the first control means determines that the image data is not the image data to be recorded on the recording paper first, the first control means controls the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit. After recording the image data, control is performed such that the recording paper is stored in the double-sided paper feeding unit.

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when recording image data on recording paper fed from a paper feeding unit, the image data to be recorded is one of two image data obtained by dividing the spread original image data. First, it is determined whether or not the image data is to be recorded on the recording paper. If it is determined that the image data is to be recorded on the recording paper first, the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit is determined. The recording paper is accommodated in the double-sided paper feeding unit without recording the image data, and the image data to be recorded on the recording paper first is recorded on the recording paper fed again from the double-sided paper feeding unit. Control for the recording paper fed from the duplex paper feeder.
Image data to be recorded is split into two-page spread image data
Should be recorded on recording paper first of the two image data
If it is determined that the image data is
Is controlled to record the image data on the recording paper fed from the printer.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a copying machine will be described in detail in the order of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment In the copying machine according to the first embodiment, when both the facing mode and the duplex mode are specified at the same time, the document size detected by the document size detection sensor 102a described later and the paper size of the operation key unit 402 are set. The size of the original document is compared with the size of the recording paper designated by the selection key, and if the original size is larger than the size of the recording paper, the original image is divided into two, and the first divided original image is recorded on the recording paper. The paper is discharged, and the second divided document image is recorded on the surface of the next recording paper. At this time, if the surface of the recording paper for recording the first divided original image is the front side, the recording paper is reversed, and then the first divided original image is recorded on the back surface of the recording paper.

Further, as described later, whether the recording paper on which an image is to be formed is the front side or the back side is determined by the double-sided paper feeding device 3.
The determination is made based on whether or not there is a recording sheet in the printer 10.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copying machine according to a first embodiment. An automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as an ADF) 101 feeds documents one by one to a predetermined image reading position.
A scanner unit 102 for reading image data of a document conveyed to an image reading position by the ADF 101, an image processing unit 103 for performing known image processing on the image data read by the scanner unit 102, and a storage unit for storing the image data. An image memory unit 104, a printer unit 105 for forming an image on a recording sheet, a sheet feeding unit 106 for feeding the recording sheet to the printer unit 105, and a sorter unit for storing the classified and sorted recording sheets after forming the image 107, an operation display unit 108 for performing various operations, and a main control unit 109 for controlling the above units.

The scanner unit 102 is provided with a document size detection sensor 102a for detecting the size of a document to be read. Also, the paper feeding unit 106
Is a paper feeder (not shown) for feeding recording paper, and a double-sided paper feeder (not shown) for storing and re-feeding the recording paper that has been turned upside down after image formation when performing duplex copying. (Not shown).

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic arrangement of the ADF 101, the scanner unit 102, the printer unit 105, the paper supply unit 106, and the sorter unit 107. Since the mechanical configuration of each part is a general technology, the description is omitted from the drawings. However, the printer unit 10
Regarding the imaging process of 5, etc., the charger,
A known electrophotographic technique including a photosensitive drum, a writing device, a developing device, a transfer charger, a fixing device (all not shown) is applied. As shown in FIG. 3, the recording paper is inverted and discharged. It has functions.

FIG. 3 shows the printer unit 105 and the paper feeding unit 1.
06 shows the configuration of the recording paper reversing mechanism and the double-sided paper feeding mechanism. When the recording paper is discharged from the fixing device 301,
The discharge sensor 302 detects discharge of the recording sheet.
The discharge rollers 303 and 304 rotate only in a single direction and are driven by the same drive source (not shown). The reversing rollers 305 and 306 can rotate forward and reverse, and are driven by one driving source (not shown) different from the driving source of the sheet discharging rollers 303 and 304. Further, switching claws 307, 308
Are respectively driven up and down by solenoids (not shown). In the drawing, 309 is a reversing guide portion,
Reference numeral 310 denotes a double-sided paper feeding device of the paper feeding unit 106.

In the above configuration, when the recording paper discharged from the fixing device 301 is discharged to the sorter unit 107 as it is, the switching paper 307 is set up so that the recording paper is discharged from the discharge roller 303. The sheet is conveyed to the sheet discharging roller 304 and discharged to the sorter unit 107.

When image recording is performed on both sides of the recording paper, the switching claws 307 and 308 are moved downward, respectively.
After the recording paper is sent from the discharge roller 303 to the reversing guide 309 via the reversing rollers 305 and 306, the reversing roller 3
05 and 306 are reversed, and the recording paper is fed to the duplex paper feeding device 310.

Further, when the recording paper is to be inverted and discharged, first, the recording paper is fed to the reversing guide portion 309 as in the case of double-sided printing, and then the switching claw 308 is raised before the reversing rollers 305 and 306 are reversed. , The recording paper can be discharged with its back side up.

FIG. 4 shows an external view of the operation display unit 108, which is roughly divided into a display panel 401 for displaying the number of copies, a paper selection display, a scaling display, an error display, a jam display, etc. An operation key unit 402 on which various keys such as a start key, a paper selection key (recording paper size designating means of the present invention) and a scaling key are arranged, and an LCD display screen (liquid crystal display screen) on which a touch panel is arranged on the surface
And a selection LCD unit 403 having a 404.

In this embodiment, the selected LCD unit 4
By selecting a mode from a selection screen displayed at 03, various modes such as a double-page spread mode and a double-sided mode are selected. FIG. 5 shows the LCD of the selection LCD unit 403.
The example of the selection screen displayed on the display screen 404 is shown,
For example, by touching the heading mode on the selection screen, the heading mode is designated, and the heading mode portion of the screen is highlighted. When two modes, ie, the heading mode and the double-sided mode, are designated, by touching the double-sided mode continuously, both modes are designated. However, if the combination is not possible, the configuration cannot be specified by touching the mode.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 shows a control flowchart executed by the main control unit 109. First, the operator specifies the duplex mode and the spread mode via the operation display unit 108, and then specifies the size of the recording paper (S601). For example, it is assumed that A4 size is specified as the size of the recording paper.

Next, when an original is placed on the ADF 101 and the copy start key of the operation display unit 108 is pressed (S6).
02), a document is fed to the document reading position of the scanner unit 102 by the ADF 101 (S603), and the scanner unit 1
The size of the original is detected by the 02 original size detection sensor 102a (S604).

Subsequently, the main control unit 109 determines whether or not recording paper exists in the duplex paper feeder 310 by using a recording paper presence / absence sensor (not shown) arranged in the duplex paper feeder 310. It is determined (S605), and if the recording paper is present, the recording paper is fed from the duplex paper feeding device 310 (S6).
06) If there is no recording paper, step S61
Proceed to 2.

In step S606, the duplex paper feeder 310
After the recording paper is fed from the printer, the original size is compared with the recording paper size to determine whether the original is a two-page spread (S
607). Specifically, if the document size is greater than the recording paper size, the document image cannot be recorded on the recording paper and must be divided.
If the document size is smaller than or equal to the recording paper size, it is determined that the document is not a double-page spread because the document image can be recorded on the recording paper without being divided.

If the original is a two-page spread, the scanner unit 10
2, the first original image (half the original image) obtained by dividing the original image into two is read and subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 103, and then the first original image divided by the printer unit 105 is read. An image is formed on recording paper (S608).

If the original is not a double-page spread, the original image is read by the scanner unit 102 and the image processing unit 103
Then, the printer unit 105 forms the original image on the recording paper as it is (S609).

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
01, the image formed on the recording paper is fixed (S61).
0), the recording paper is conveyed from the paper discharge roller 303 to the paper discharge roller 304 by setting the switching claw 307 upward, and discharged to the sorter unit 107 (S611).

Next, in step S620, the ADF
It is determined whether there is an original on the original mounting table 101. If there is an original, the process returns to step S603.
Proceed to step S621.

In step S621, the duplex paper feeder 31
It is determined whether or not the recording paper exists within 0. Here, if the recording paper exists, the recording paper is fed from the double-sided paper feeding device 310 (S622). If the recording paper does not exist, the image formation of all the originals and the discharge of the recording paper are performed. Since the processing has been completed, the processing ends.

In step S622, the duplex paper feeder 310
The recording paper fed from the printer unit 105 is conveyed to the printer unit 105, but there is no document image to be recorded.
The image forming process is executed (hereinafter, referred to as blank image forming) without performing optical writing on the photosensitive drum by the writing device of No. 05, and is conveyed to the fixing device 301 (S623). (S624), it is discharged to the sorter unit 107 (S625).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S605 that there is no recording paper in the duplex paper feeding device 310, the recording paper is fed from the paper feeding device (S612), and the original size and the recording paper size are set. Are compared to determine whether the document is a two-page spread (S613). Here, if the original is a two-page spread, it is determined whether or not the image of the first divided original image has been formed (S614).

After the first original image is formed, the scanner unit 102 reads the second original image (half of the original image) obtained by dividing the original image into two parts, and reads the second original image.
An image of the original document is formed on a recording sheet (S615), and the flow advances to step S618. On the other hand, if it is not after the image of the first divided original image is formed, a blank image is formed (S616).
a), after passing through the fixing device 301 (S616b), the sheet is discharged to the duplex sheet feeding device 310 (S616c), and step S60 is performed.
Return to 5.

If it is determined in step S613 that the original is not a two-page spread, the image processing unit 103 performs predetermined image processing, and then the printer unit 105 forms the original image on recording paper as it is (S617). ), Step S618
Proceed to.

In step S618, the image formed on the recording paper by the fixing device 301 is fixed.
In step 19, the sheet is discharged to the double-sided sheet feeding device 310, and step S620 is performed.
Proceed to.

Next, the above operation will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the state of the original to be copied and the state of the output recording paper.
FIG. 8 is a timing chart. For example, FIG.
As shown in (a), when a document bundle in which a plurality of document sizes are mixed is loaded on the ADF 101 as a document to be copied and is recorded on A4 size recording paper, when the copy start key is pressed, the ADF paper feed motor of the ADF 101 is pressed. Is driven, and the first document (A4 single side, image “A”) is conveyed to the scanner unit 102. Here, the duplex paper feeding device 310
Since there is no recording paper in the printer, the paper feeding clutch of the paper feeding device is turned ON, and the recording paper corresponding to the image “A” is fed from the paper feeding device.

Also, if both the original size and the recording paper size are A
Since it is 4 sizes, it is determined that it is not a double-page spread, and the scanner motor is driven to read the original image, the original image is written by the writing device, transferred and fixed on the recording paper, and the switching claw solenoid is turned on. Switching claws 307, 30
8 is moved downward, the reversing rollers 305 and 306 are rotated forward and fed to the reversing guide section 309, and then the reversing rollers 305 and 306 are rotated reversely to feed the recording paper to the duplex paper feeding device 310.

Next, the ADF paper feed motor of the ADF 101 is driven, and the second document (A4 single side, image “B”) is conveyed to the scanner unit 102. Here, since recording paper is present in the duplex paper feeder 310, the duplex paper feeder 3
The duplex feeding clutch 10 is turned on, and the duplex feeding device 3 is turned on.
From 10, recording paper corresponding to the image "B" is fed. On the other hand, since the size of the second document and the size of the recording paper are both A4 size, it is determined that the spread is not a spread, and the scanner motor is driven to read the document image, and the writing device writes the document image and transfers it to the recording paper. After the fixing, the switching pawl solenoid is turned off, and the switching pawls 307 and 308 are set up, so that the recording paper is conveyed from the paper discharging roller 303 to the paper discharging roller 304, and the first recording paper is discharged. Sorter part 1
To 07.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the first sheet of recording paper discharged to the sorter unit 107 has an image "A" on the front side and an image "B" on the back side. .

Next, the ADF paper feed motor of the ADF 101 is driven to drive the third original (A3 single-sided, double-page spread image "C-
1, C-2 ”) is conveyed to the scanner unit 102. Here, since no recording paper is present in the duplex paper feeding device 310, the paper feeding clutch is turned on, and the recording paper is fed from the paper feeding device. On the other hand, since the third original size is greater than the recording paper size, it is determined that the spread is a double-page spread, and the blank image is formed on the recording paper without driving the scanner motor and without performing writing with the writing device. Then, the switching pawl solenoid is turned on, and the recording paper is fed to the duplex paper feeding device 310.

Next, the scanner motor is driven to read the first original image (image "C-1") obtained by dividing the original image into two, and the writing device is driven to write the image "C-1". . On the other hand, here, since recording paper is present in the duplex paper feeder 310, the duplex feed clutch of the duplex feeder 310 is turned on, and the image “C” is output from the duplex feeder 310.
-1 "is fed. After transfer and fixing to the recording paper, the switching claw solenoid is turned off, and the second recording paper is discharged to the sorter unit 107.

As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the second recording paper discharged to the sorter unit 107 has a blank surface and an image "C-1" recorded on the rear surface. Similarly, a spread image “C-2” is recorded on the front surface of the third recording paper, and an image “D” of the fourth document is recorded on the rear surface.
Further, the image "E" of the fifth document is recorded on the front surface of the fourth recording paper, and the spread image "F-1" of the sixth document is recorded on the back surface. 1 divided in this way
The second spread image is always recorded on the back side of the recording paper.

Therefore, the recording paper shown in FIG.
When bound as a file, as shown in FIG. 7C, a double-page spread image (two-page spread) can be referred to by double-page spread. Further, even when the document size is mixed on the ADF 101, the image can be appropriately formed on the front and back of the recording paper, so that the convenience is improved.

In other words, the first divided image of the facing image is always recorded on the back side of the recording paper, so that the facing image is prevented from being recorded on the front and back of one recording sheet. Facing images can be appropriately divided and recorded on two recording sheets. Further, even when the first document is a two-page spread image, it is possible to appropriately record.

Further, by performing blank sheet image formation, even on a recording sheet on which only one side of a two-page spread image is recorded, the side on which the divided image is recorded is always ejected as the back side. Saves labor and is convenient.

Further, whether the recording paper on which the image is to be formed is the front side or the back side is determined by confirming the presence of the recording paper in the double-sided paper feeding device 310. The processing of complicated flags and counters is not required, and the configuration and processing can be simplified.

In the first embodiment, the case where the document is automatically fed using the ADF 101 is described as an example.
Obviously, the same effect can be obtained even when 01 is not used.

[Second Embodiment] In the copying machine according to the second embodiment, when both the spread mode and the duplex mode are specified at the same time, the document size detected by the document size detection sensor 102a and the paper selection key of the operation key section 402 are used. Is compared with the recording paper size specified in step 2. If the original size is larger than the recording paper size, the original image is divided into two, and the first divided original image is recorded on the recording paper. Eject paper,
The second divided document image is recorded on the surface of the next recording sheet. At this time, if the surface of the recording paper on which the first divided original image is to be recorded is the front side, the recording sheet is discharged after recording the first divided original image on the recording paper. The configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and illustration and description are omitted.

FIG. 9 shows a control flowchart executed by the main control unit 109 of the second embodiment, which is basically the same as the control flowchart of the first embodiment (see FIG. 6). Will be described. Note that the same steps as those in the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

The main controller 109 determines in step S605
If it is determined that there is no recording paper in the duplex paper feeding device 310, the recording paper is fed from the paper feeding device (S61).
2) The original size is compared with the recording paper size to determine whether the original is a two-page spread (S613). Here, if the original is a two-page spread, it is determined whether or not the image of the first divided original image has been formed (S614).

In steps S613 and S614, if the original is a two-page spread and after the first original image is formed, the scanner unit 102 splits the original image into two (the original image). Half of the original image is read, and the second divided original image is formed on recording paper (S
615), proceed to step S618.

In steps S613 and S614, if the original is a two-page spread and has not been formed after the first original image is formed, the scanner unit 102 splits the original image into two first ( After reading the original image (half of the original image) and performing predetermined image processing in the image processing unit 103, the printer unit 105 forms the first original image divided on the recording paper (S901), and the fixing device. The image formed on the recording paper at 301 is fixed (S902), and the recording paper is discharged to the sorter unit 107 with the surface of the recording paper up (S903), and the process returns to step S605.

If it is determined in step S613 that the document is not a two-page spread, the image processing unit 103 performs predetermined image processing, and then the printer unit 105 forms the document image on recording paper as it is (S617). ), Step S618
Proceed to.

In step S618, the image formed on the recording paper by the fixing device 301 is fixed.
In step 19, the sheet is discharged to the double-sided sheet feeding device 310, and step S620 is performed.
Proceed to.

Further, in steps S620 and S621, there is no original on the original placing table of the ADF 101, and
If it is determined that recording paper is present in the duplex paper feeding device 310, the recording paper is fed from the duplex paper feeding device 310 (S904), and the recording paper is fed using the reversing guide unit 309 shown in FIG. And the recording paper is discharged to the sorter unit 107 with the back side of the recording paper facing up (S905), and the process is terminated.

Next, the above operation will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the original to be copied and the state of the output recording paper, and FIG. 10 is a timing chart. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a document bundle in which a plurality of document sizes are mixed is loaded on the ADF 101 as a document to be copied,
When recording on a recording sheet of a size, when the copy start key is pressed, the ADF paper feed motor of the ADF 101 is driven, and the first document (A4 single side, image “A”) is conveyed to the scanner unit 102. Here, the duplex paper feeding device 310
Since there is no recording paper in the printer, the paper feeding clutch of the paper feeding device is turned ON, and the recording paper corresponding to the image “A” is fed from the paper feeding device.

Also, if both the original size and the recording paper size are A
Since it is 4 sizes, it is determined that it is not a double-page spread, and the scanner motor is driven to read the original image, the original image is written by the writing device, transferred and fixed on the recording paper, and the switching claw solenoid is turned on. Switching claws 307, 30
8 is moved downward, the reversing rollers 305 and 306 are rotated forward and fed to the reversing guide section 309, and then the reversing rollers 305 and 306 are rotated reversely to feed the recording paper to the duplex paper feeding device 310.

Next, the ADF paper feed motor of the ADF 101 is driven, and the second document (A4 single side, image “B”) is conveyed to the scanner unit 102. Here, since recording paper is present in the duplex paper feeder 310, the duplex paper feeder 3
The duplex feeding clutch 10 is turned on, and the duplex feeding device 3 is turned on.
From 10, recording paper corresponding to the image "B" is fed. On the other hand, since the size of the second document and the size of the recording paper are both A4 size, it is determined that the spread is not a spread, and the scanner motor is driven to read the document image, and the writing device writes the document image and transfers it to the recording paper. After the fixing, the switching pawl solenoid is turned off, and the switching pawls 307 and 308 are set up, so that the recording paper is conveyed from the paper discharging roller 303 to the paper discharging roller 304, and the first recording paper is discharged. Sorter part 1
To 07.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the first sheet of recording paper discharged to the sorter unit 107 has an image “A” on the front side and an image “B” on the back side. .

Next, the ADF paper feed motor of the ADF 101 is driven to drive the third original (A3 single-sided, double-page spread image "C-
1, C-2 ”) is conveyed to the scanner unit 102. Here, since no recording paper is present in the duplex paper feeding device 310, the paper feeding clutch is turned on, and the recording paper is fed from the paper feeding device. On the other hand, since the third original is larger than the recording paper size, it is determined that the original is a two-page spread, and the scanner motor is driven to divide the original image into two first original images (image "C-1"). Is read, and the writing device is driven to write the image "C-1". Since the first original image divided into two has been written, the reversing rollers are rotated in the normal direction.
The recording paper is discharged to the sorter unit 107. That is, the recording paper is discharged to the sorter unit 107 as it is with the surface thereof facing upward. Here, by discharging the recording paper with the front side up, the recording paper is discharged in relation to another recording paper (eg, the first recording paper) discharged with the front side down and the back side up. Thereafter, the surface of the second recording sheet on which the image “C-1” is recorded is recognized as the back surface.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the second recording sheet discharged to the sorter unit 107 has a blank surface and an image "C-1" recorded on the back surface. Similarly, a spread image “C-2” is recorded on the front surface of the third recording paper, and an image “D” of the fourth document is recorded on the rear surface.
Further, the image "E" of the fifth document is recorded on the front surface of the fourth recording paper, and the spread image "F-1" of the sixth document is recorded on the back surface. 1 divided in this way
The second spread image is always recorded on the back side of the recording paper.

Therefore, the recording paper shown in FIG.
When bound as a file, as shown in FIG. 7C, a double-page spread image (two-page spread) can be referred to by double-page spread. Further, even when the document size is mixed on the ADF 101, the image can be appropriately formed on the front and back of the recording paper, so that the convenience is improved.

In the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment,
When the surface of the recording paper on which the first divided original image is recorded is the front side, after recording the first divided original image on the recording paper and then discharging the recording paper, the recording after discharge is performed. The front side (image forming side) of the paper is in the same direction as the back side of the other recording paper, and logically, the side on which the divided image is recorded is always ejected as the back side. It can be omitted and the convenience is good. Further, as compared with the first embodiment, the number of times of image formation is reduced, so that fatigue under process conditions can be reduced.

[0071]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when recording image data on recording paper fed from a paper feeding unit, the image data to be recorded is converted to image data of a two-page spread original. It is determined whether the first divided image data is the image data to be recorded on the recording paper first. If it is determined that the image data is the image data to be recorded first on the recording paper, The recording paper is accommodated in the double-sided paper feeding unit without recording the image data on the recording paper fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit, and the recording paper fed again from the double-sided paper feeding unit is placed on the recording paper first. controls to record the image data to be recorded, two-sided paper feed unit
The image data to be recorded on the recording paper fed from
Open image data is divided into two image data
Is determined to be image data to be recorded on the recording paper first.
The recording paper fed from the duplex paper feeder,
Controls to record image data, so when double-sided printing is performed on a group of originals where both spread originals and normal originals are mixed, a copy of double-page originals can be referred to by double-page spread without unnecessary white paper. It becomes possible to obtain a group.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when recording image data on recording paper fed from a paper feeding unit, the image data to be recorded is divided into two image data obtained by dividing the image data of a two-page spread document. Of the image data to be recorded on the recording paper first, and if it is determined that the image data is the image data to be recorded on the recording paper first, After recording the image data on a recording sheet, control is performed such that the recording sheet is discharged without being accommodated in the double-sided sheet feeding unit ,
Image to be recorded on recording paper fed from the duplex paper feeder
Two images obtained by dividing the image data of a two-page spread document
Image data to be recorded on the recording paper first
If it is determined that the paper fed from the duplex paper
Since the image data is controlled to be recorded on the recording paper, when two-sided printing is performed on a group of originals in which spread originals and normal originals are mixed, the spread of the originals is spread without intervening more than necessary. This makes it possible to obtain a copy group that can be referred to.

[0073]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copying machine according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic arrangement relationship of an ADF, a scanner unit, a printer unit, a paper feed unit, and a sorter unit.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a recording paper reversing mechanism and a double-sided paper feeding mechanism in a printer unit and a paper feeding unit.

FIG. 4 is an external view of an operation display unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on an LCD display screen of a selection LCD unit.

FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a document to be copied and a state of a recording sheet to be output in the first embodiment (and the second embodiment).

FIG. 8 is a timing chart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a problem in a conventional image forming apparatus capable of executing both the spread mode and the duplex mode.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a problem in a conventional image forming apparatus capable of executing both the spread mode and the duplex mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 ADF (automatic document feeder) 102 scanner unit 102a document size detection sensor 103 image processing unit 105 printer unit 106 paper feed unit 108 operation display unit 109 main control unit 402 operation key unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshimasa Honda 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Muneyoshi Araki 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yuichi Deguchi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-63-241570 (JP, A) 61290 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 15/36 G03G 15/00 106-107

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] When two-sided printing is performed on a document group in which a document of a predetermined size and a spread document of a large size in which two pages of the document are arranged are mixed, the image data of the spread document is converted into two documents of the predetermined size. While dividing the image data into
An image forming apparatus for sequentially recording image data of the original and the spread original on recording paper while reversing recording paper fed from a paper feeding unit by a two-sided paper feeding unit, wherein the image data is fed from the paper feeding unit. When recording image data on a recording sheet, it is determined whether or not the image data to be recorded is the image data to be recorded on the recording sheet first among the two image data obtained by dividing the image data of the double-page spread document. Determining means for performing, if the determining means determines that the image data is to be recorded on the recording paper first, the image data is recorded on the recording paper supplied from the paper supply unit without recording the image data. First control means for storing paper in the double-sided paper supply unit and controlling the recording paper fed again from the double-sided paper supply unit to record image data to be recorded on the recording paper first ; the duplex paper feed unit by the determination unit Record that has been et al feed paper
The image data to be recorded on paper is the image of the double-page spread
The recording paper is placed first of the two image data obtained by dividing the data.
If it is determined that the image data is to be recorded in
The image data is recorded on recording paper fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit.
An image forming apparatus , comprising: second control means for controlling recording . 2. When two-sided printing is performed on a document group in which a document of a predetermined size and a spread document of a large size in which two pages of the document are arranged are mixed, the image data of the spread document is converted into two documents of the predetermined size. While dividing the image data into
An image forming apparatus for sequentially recording image data of the original and the spread original on recording paper while reversing recording paper fed from a paper feeding unit by a two-sided paper feeding unit, wherein the image data is fed from the paper feeding unit. When recording image data on a recording sheet, it is determined whether or not the image data to be recorded is the image data to be recorded on the recording sheet first among the two image data obtained by dividing the image data of the double-page spread document. Determining means for performing, if the determination means determines that the image data is to be recorded on the recording paper first, after recording the image data on the recording paper fed from the paper feed unit, A second control for discharging the recording paper without storing it in the double-sided paper feeding unit .
1 and a recording sheet fed from the double-sided sheet feeding section by the control section and the determination section.
The image data to be recorded on paper is the image of the double-page spread
The recording paper is placed first of the two image data obtained by dividing the data.
If it is determined that the image data is to be recorded in
The image data is recorded on recording paper fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit.
An image forming apparatus , comprising: second control means for controlling recording . 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first control means determines whether or not the image data is not image data to be recorded on the recording paper first by said determining means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after recording the image data, control is performed such that the recording paper is stored in the double-sided paper feeding unit.
Or the image forming apparatus according to 2.