JPH06340137A - Image recording method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To raise a recording speed by actuating a large number of low-speed recording means in parallel without raising the operation speed of recording means. CONSTITUTION:Recording mediums 614 are fed at a high speed by paper distribution means 101-104 to be distributed to paper distribution speed conversion means 201-204. After the feed speed of the recording mediums is lowered, the recording mediums are recorded by recording means 301-304. After the feed speed of the recording mediums is raised by paper collection speed conversion means 401-404, the recorded mediums are collected in a predetermined order by paper collection means 501-504. In this manner, the low recording speed of the recording means can stabilize recording, and a recording speed as a recorder is raised.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording device for recording an image on a recording medium such as paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional recording apparatus, in order to increase the recording speed, it is necessary to increase the operating speed of the recording apparatus. For example, considering an electrophotographic recording device as a recording device, it is necessary to increase the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum, the developing roll, and the fixing roll. Further, along with the increase in speed, it is necessary to improve the performance of the corona charger, increase the amount of heat supplied to the fixing device, and improve the performance other than speed. However,
It has been found that various problems occur in order to achieve a high operating speed.

The first problem is the performance of the corona charger. If the rotation speed of the photoconductor drum is high and the charging performance of the corona charger is low, it is necessary to increase the width of the corona charger to enhance the charging ability. However, this method increases the size of the device.

The second problem is that the photoresponse speed of the photoconductor is increased. The development must be performed after exposing the photoconductor to form an electrostatic latent image. Unless the photoresponse speed of the photoconductor is increased with the increase in the rotation speed of the photoconductor drum, it is necessary to increase the distance from exposure to development, which also increases the size of the apparatus. Further, in order not to upsize the device, it is necessary to develop a photoconductor having a high photoresponse speed, which requires a long development period and a great cost.

The third problem is the scattering of the developer due to the speeding up of the rotation of the developing roll. In the case of a two-component developer consisting of toner and carrier, it is held on the surface of the developing roll by the magnetic force of the magnet in the developing roll, but when the developing roll rotates faster, the centrifugal force acting on the developer becomes larger than the magnetic force.
Scattering of the developer occurs. If the toner is scattered,
The toner adheres to the area where the toner should not originally adhere and stains the background portion of the image. If the carrier scatters, it adheres to the photoconductor and causes a transfer failure of the toner image around the carrier adhered during transfer. Also, toner scattering,
Both carrier scattering causes contamination inside the device.
This scattering of the developer occurs more as the rotation of the developing roll becomes faster. The means for preventing this is to slow down the rotation of the developing roll, which contradicts the original purpose of increasing the operating speed in order to increase the recording speed.

[0006]

As described above, in order to increase the recording speed of the recording apparatus, there are various problems to be solved. Some of these problems have a solution, but there is also a problem that the solution contradicts the original purpose of speeding up.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording method and apparatus for increasing the recording speed without increasing the operating speed of the recording means. .

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an image recording method of the present invention is to convey a recording medium at high speed,
The recording medium is supplied to a plurality of recording means for recording an image while conveying the recording medium at a speed slower than the conveying speed, and after the images are recorded by the plurality of recording means, the conveying speed of the recording medium of the recording means is higher than that. It is characterized in that recording media on which images have been recorded are collected and accumulated at a high speed.

Further, the image recording apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality of recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, a paper distributing means for supplying a recording medium such as paper to each recording means, and a recording medium recorded by each recording means. A paper collecting means for collecting paper, and a recording medium which is provided between the recording means and the paper distributing means and which is sent at a carrying speed of the paper distributing means, is changed to a carrying speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means. And a paper distribution speed converting means for conveying to the recording means, and provided between the recording means and the paper collecting means,
A paper collecting speed conversion means for changing the recording medium sent at a conveying speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means to the paper collecting means and conveying the recording medium to the paper collecting means, and the operation of each means. It has a control means to control.

Further, in the image recording apparatus of the present invention, the paper distribution speed conversion means corresponds to the recording speed of the recording means which is slower than the conveyance speed of the recording medium sent at a high conveyance speed by the paper distribution means. To the recording means, and the paper collecting speed conversion means conveys the image-recorded recording medium sent at the conveying speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means to the recording means. It is characterized in that it is changed to a conveying speed of the paper collecting means which is higher than the speed and the paper is conveyed to the paper collecting means.

Further, in the image recording apparatus of the present invention, the paper distribution speed converting means includes a conveying means for conveying a recording medium, a driving means for driving the conveying means, and a control means for driving and controlling the driving means. A detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium, and changing the operating speed of the drive means by giving a control signal to the drive means based on the detection output of the detection means,
It is characterized in that the conveying speed of the recording medium is changed by changing the conveying speed of the conveying means, and the recording medium is sent to the recording means.

Further, in the image recording apparatus of the present invention, the paper-collection speed converting means includes a conveying means for conveying a recording medium, a driving means for driving the conveying means, and a control means for driving and controlling the driving means. A detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium, and changing the operating speed of the drive means by giving a control signal to the drive means based on the detection output of the detection means,
It is characterized in that the conveying speed of the conveying means is changed to change the conveying speed of the recording medium and the recording medium is sent to the paper collecting means.

Further, in the image recording apparatus of the present invention, the control means records with the recording means which has become unrecordable due to an abnormality or the like while recording the image on the recording medium by the plurality of recording means. It is characterized in that each unit is controlled so that the recording is performed by another recording unit instead of the recording unit.

Further, the image recording apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality of storage means for holding image data to be recorded, a plurality of recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, the plurality of recording means and the plurality of storage means. Connection means configured to be able to arbitrarily switch the connection between the recording medium, paper distribution means for supplying a recording medium such as paper to each recording means, paper collecting means for collecting the recording medium recorded by each recording means, The recording medium, which is provided between the recording means and the paper distribution means and is sent at the transportation speed of the paper distribution means, is changed to a transportation speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means and is transported to the recording means. Distribution speed conversion means,
A recording medium, which is provided between the recording unit and the paper collecting unit and is sent at a conveying speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording unit, is changed to the conveying speed of the paper collecting unit and conveyed to the paper collecting unit. And a control means for controlling the operation of each of the above-mentioned means.

Further, the image recording apparatus of the present invention includes image data generating means for generating image data, a plurality of storage means for holding the image data to be recorded generated by the image data generating means, and the plurality of storages. First connection means configured to be able to arbitrarily switch the connection between the means and the image data generation means, a plurality of recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, the plurality of recording means and the plurality of recording means. Second connection means configured to arbitrarily switch connection with the storage means, paper distribution means for supplying a recording medium such as paper to each recording means, and recording media recorded by each recording means are collected. The recording medium is provided between the paper collecting means and the recording means and the paper distribution means, and the recording medium sent at the transportation speed of the paper distribution means is changed to a transportation speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means. Transport to recording means The recording medium is provided between the paper speed converting means and the recording means and the paper collecting means, and the recording medium sent at the conveying speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means is changed to the conveying speed of the paper collecting means. It is characterized by having a paper collecting speed converting means for carrying to the paper collecting means and a control means for controlling the operation of the respective means.

Further, in the image recording apparatus of the present invention, the control means causes the recording means of any one of the plurality of recording means to execute recording of the first image and records the image in the first accumulating means. The recorded recording medium is accumulated, and another recording means of the plurality of recording means executes recording of the second image, and the image is recorded in the second accumulating means different from the first accumulating means. It is characterized in that control is performed so as to store different recording media.

The image recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized by having a plurality of connection interfaces with a data processing apparatus such as a computer.

Further, the recording means of the present invention is a recording means for recording an image, and an input part for introducing the recording medium conveyed to the recording means, a recording part for recording the image on the recording medium, and an image. An output unit for unloading the recording medium on which the recording medium is recorded from the recording unit, and the input unit reverses or reverses the conveying direction of the recording medium introduced, and the recording is performed at the conveying speed of the recording unit. Have means for supplying
The output unit may carry out the recording medium on which the image is recorded at the same speed as the conveying speed of the recording unit, or may change the speed to a different speed and carry out the medium.

In the recording means of the present invention, when the recording means are arranged laterally adjacent to each other in the same direction, the recording medium from the output part of one recording means to the input part of the other recording means It is characterized in that a transport path is formed.

Further, the recording means of the present invention is provided with a plurality of recording colors, and the image is recorded by using only one of the recording colors.

The image recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized by:
A plurality of recording means, a paper distribution means for branching and deflecting the conveyance path of the recording medium, and a paper collection means for collecting the recording medium by merging the conveyance paths of the recording medium, the paper distribution means and the paper collection means. A paper means or a conveying means for connecting the respective means when the respective means of the recording means are provided, the paper distributing means conveys a recording medium to a plurality of the recording means, and the recording means An image is recorded on the recording medium while the recording medium is being conveyed at a speed lower than the conveying speed of the paper distributing means, and the paper collecting means has already recorded an image from the plurality of recording means at a speed higher than the conveying speed of the recording means. And collecting the recording media.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus comprising: a plurality of recording means according to claim 12; a paper distribution means for branching and deflecting a conveyance path of a recording medium; A paper collecting means for collecting the paper, and a conveying means for connecting the paper distributing means, the paper collecting means, or the recording means when the respective means are arranged, and the paper distributing means stores the recording medium. The recording means conveys the image to the recording medium while conveying the recording medium at a speed slower than the conveying speed of the paper distribution means, and the paper collecting means conveys the image to the recording means. From the recording medium, the recording mediums on which the images have been recorded are collected at a speed higher than the conveying speed of the recording means, and the recording medium on which the images are recorded by the first recording means of the plurality of recording means is conveyed through the conveying path. Second
It is possible to record an image on both surfaces of the recording medium by conveying the recording medium to the second recording unit, reversing the conveying direction of the recording medium at the input unit of the second recording unit, and sending the recording medium to the second recording unit. Characterize.

Further, the image recording apparatus of the present invention comprises:
A plurality of recording means, a paper distribution means for branching and deflecting the conveyance path of the recording medium, and a paper collection means for collecting the recording medium by merging the conveyance paths of the recording medium, the paper distribution means and the paper collection means. A paper means or a conveying means for connecting the respective means when the respective means of the recording means are provided, the paper distributing means conveys a recording medium to a plurality of the recording means, and the recording means An image is recorded on the recording medium while the recording medium is being conveyed at a speed lower than the conveying speed of the paper distributing means, and the paper collecting means has already recorded an image from the plurality of recording means at a speed higher than the conveying speed of the recording means. While collecting the recording medium, the recording medium on which the image is recorded by the first recording means of the plurality of recording means is conveyed to the second and subsequent recording means of the recording means via a conveyance path, In the input section of the second and subsequent recording means Feeding the recording unit without reversing the conveying direction of the recording medium is Te, by recording the image by different recording colors and the first, characterized by recording a multi-color image on the recording medium.

[0024]

In the image recording apparatus having the above structure, the paper distribution means supplies the recording medium to each of the plurality of paper distribution speed conversion means at a high speed, and each paper distribution speed conversion means records the feed speed of the recording medium for each recording. Convert to the recording speed of the means and send to each recording means,
Each recording means records an image on a recording medium and sends it to the paper collection speed conversion means.

The paper collecting speed converting means converts the feed speed of the image recorded medium into the paper collecting speed of the paper collecting means, and the paper collecting means collects the image recorded recording medium in a predetermined order.

The control means controls the operation of each means, and at the time of paper collection, after the image recorded medium is sent to each paper collecting speed converting means, the image recorded medium in which paper collecting speed converting means is sent. It is determined whether to collect the paper from the sheet collection order, and the paper collection speed conversion means and the paper collection means are controlled to collect the image-recorded medium in a predetermined order.

Therefore, since each recording device operates at a speed that does not cause a problem such as scattering of the developer, the recording speed per recording device is not high, but a large number of them operate in parallel so that recording is performed as a whole. Higher speed is achieved.

[0028]

【Example】

Embodiment 1 An embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention when four recording apparatuses operate in parallel will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, 10
1 to 104 are paper distribution means, 201 to 204 are paper distribution speed conversion means, 301 to 304 are recording means, and 401 to 4
Reference numeral 04 is a paper collection speed conversion means, 501 to 504 are paper collection means, 1 is print data, and 2 is a control means. Control means 2
When the print data 1 is input, each unit controls each unit to perform printing. First, when a drive signal is sent to the paper distribution motor control means 610 to drive the paper distribution motor 611, the paper distribution roller 6
12 rotates, and a recording medium 614 such as paper stacked in a hopper 615 is guided by a conveyance guide 613, and the paper distribution unit 101
Sent to. The paper distribution means 101 to 104 are connected in series in the vertical direction, and the recording medium is the paper distribution means 101 to 104.
In the middle of the process, the sheet is transferred to the sheet distribution speed converting means 201 to 204 by the deflection claws 111 to 114 on the way.
In FIG. 1, the deflection claw 111 of the paper distribution means 101 is connected to the solenoid 1
21 illustrates a state in which the recording medium is driven by 21 and is transferred to the sheet distribution speed conversion unit 201. The solenoid 121
The drive instruction is given by the control means 2. Next, the recording medium 614 is transferred to the sheet distribution speed conversion unit 201, and the recording medium sensor 2
When the recording medium is detected by 31, the detection signal is transmitted to the control means 2, and the control means 2 transmits the speed conversion signal to the motor control means 211 of the paper distribution speed conversion means 201 to lower the rotation speed of the motor 221. , Transport rollers 241a, 241
The rotation speeds of b and 241c are slowed down so that the conveyance speed of the recording medium matches the recording speed of the recording unit 301. At this time, in addition to speed conversion, the paper distribution speed conversion unit 201 also controls the recording medium conveyance to stop and wait according to the state of the recording unit 301, for example, the state of recording. Next, recording means 3
The recording medium is sent to 01 and the image is recorded. The recording means 301 is an electrophotographic recording means.
In the recording unit 301, 311 is an electrostatic charge image carrier such as a photoconductor, 321 is a charger, 331 is an exposure device, 341 is a developing device, 351 is a transfer device, 361 is a fixing device, and 371 is a cleaner. Further, 381 is a recording unit control device that controls the recording unit 301 and communicates with the control unit 2, and 391 is a conveyance roller. The recording medium on which the image is recorded by the recording unit 301 is sent to the paper-collection speed conversion unit 401. In the paper collecting speed conversion means 401, when the recording medium sensor 431 detects the recording medium, the detection signal is transmitted to the control means 2,
The control unit 2 transmits a speed conversion signal to the motor control unit 411 of the paper collection speed conversion unit 401, increases the number of rotations of the motor 421, and speeds up the rotation of the conveyance rollers 441a, 441b, 441c to convey the recording medium. Is adjusted to the conveyance speed of the paper collecting means 501. At this time, the paper collecting speed converting means 401
In addition to the speed conversion, the recording medium is stopped in the recording medium 501, the conveyance of the recording medium is stopped, and the page order is waited for after the recording medium 501 is recorded in the recording medium 501 due to the relationship such as the page sequence with the recording medium recorded by other recording means. It also controls sending. At this time, the allocation of the recording page and the recording means is managed by the control means 2, and the conveyance of the paper collecting speed converting means 401 to 404 is controlled, so that the recording medium is sent to the paper collecting means 501 to 504 in the order. Can be managed. Recording medium 6 sent to paper collecting means
24 is guided by the conveyance guide 623, and the paper collecting roller 6
At 22, the stacker 625 is loaded. The transportation of the transport rollers 622 and the paper collecting means is driven by the paper collecting motor 621, and the control thereof is performed by the control means 2 sending a control signal to the paper collecting motor control means 620.

The above is the operation of the image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, four recording means are operated in parallel. When the recording speed of each of the recording means 301 to 304 is set to 1, the paper distribution means 101 to 104 and the paper collection means 50
By setting the conveyance speed of the recording medium of 1 to 504 to 4 or more, the recording speed of 4 is obtained in the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment. That is, by operating a large number of recording means in parallel, it is possible to increase the recording speed without increasing the operating speed of the recording means. Therefore, problems such as the scattering of the developer accompanying the speeding up of the operation of the recording means do not occur, and the development of new materials and techniques for speeding up the operation of the recording means is avoided. Therefore, as the recording means, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using a non-magnetic one-component developing method, which is advantageous in reducing the size and weight, can be used.

The recording apparatus of this system has a recording speed of 5 pages / minute to 20 pages / minute at A4, and it is operated from 20 to 50 pages / minute in parallel, for example.
A recording device having a recording speed of 00 pages / minute can be realized.

In this case, the recording medium such as paper is conveyed at a speed of 100 pages / minute to 400 pages / minute by the paper distribution means, the paper collection means, etc. This is technically feasible because the effect of increasing the speed is small like the recording means. In fact, printing machines such as rotary presses convey sheets at higher speeds.

Next, the control means of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram specifically showing the control means 2 of FIG. The control means 2 distributes the recording data sent from the host computer or the like to the raster expanding devices 21 to 24, and the raster expanding devices 21 to 2.
4, bit map memories 2001 to 2004 for holding the record data expanded into bits, and the sheet distribution means 101 to 1
04, paper distribution speed conversion means 201-204, recording means 30
1 to 304, paper collection speed conversion means 401 to 404, and paper collection means 501 to 504, signals are transmitted and received to control the operation of each means and bit map memories 2001 to 200.
4 and a connection controller 30 for controlling the connection of the recording means 301 to 304.

The connection controller 30 is composed of the paper distribution means 101-10.
4, paper distribution speed conversion means 201 to 204, recording means 301
~ 304, between the paper collection speed conversion means 401 ~ 404,
At the time of paper distribution, the recording medium 614 is set to the paper distribution speed conversion means 201 to 2
Control signals SC1 to SC4 of the solenoids 121 to 124 for driving the deflection claws 111 to 114, and signals PP1 to PP4 indicating the transfer of the recording medium 614 to the sheet distribution speed converting means 201 to 204, and sheet distribution speed. Control signals MCP1 to M of the motors of the conversion means 201 to 204
CP4, bidirectional signal transmission lines COM1 to COM4, which collectively represent a large number of signal lines for controlling the recording means 301 to 304 and transmitting recording data, and the paper collecting speed converting means 40.
1 to 404, signals PF1 to PF4 indicating that the recorded recording medium 614 has been transferred, and a paper collecting speed conversion unit 401.
˜404, various signals such as motor control signals MCF1 to MCF4 are received, control signals are transmitted to each means, and recording data is transmitted.

Next, an example of control of the image recording apparatus by the control means 2 will be described. FIG. 3 shows the flow of the processing procedure when recording is performed by the recording apparatus of FIG. In FIG. 3, the unit is a set of paper distribution means, paper distribution speed conversion means, recording means, paper collection speed conversion means, and paper collection means surrounded by broken lines in FIG. Unit 1, unit 2, unit 3 and unit 4 are respectively 701, 702 and 70 in FIG.
3 and 704 are constituent elements.

The symbol S in the square means paper distribution, P means recording, and the following numbers and p. Means the page to record,
G means paper collection. Further, the horizontal length of the square relatively represents the time required for processing. Units 1 to 4
The recording media are distributed in this order, and the recording means of each unit starts recording from page 1 to page 4. Since the time required for recording is four times the time required for paper distribution,
The horizontal length of the quadrangle in the recording process is four times that of the paper distribution. When recording is completed, the sheets are collected in the order of units 1 to 4. Subsequently, each unit records 5 to 8 pages. It can be seen that even if the recording speed of one recording unit is low, the total recording speed can be increased four times by using four recording units.

Embodiment 2 Next, another embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention will be described. This is an embodiment of control of the recording apparatus when an abnormality occurs in a plurality of recording means or other means. FIG. 4 shows the flow of the processing procedure of this embodiment. In this example, a case where an abnormality occurs during recording of two pages is shown. If an abnormality occurs in the recording of 2 pages and it becomes impossible to collect 2 pages, 2 pages will be missing if the recording of 3 pages and 4 pages is completed and the sheets are collected. Therefore, the unit 1 which has already completed the paper collection is made to act as a proxy for recording the two pages in which an abnormality has occurred, and the unit 1 is made to collect the three pages and the four pages after the recording and the collection of the two pages are completed. Control. After that, the unit 1, unit 3, and unit 4 are made to record the fifth and subsequent pages. The recording speed at that time is reduced to 75% of that when all the units operate, but recording can be continued without stopping the entire recording apparatus.

On the other hand, in the conventional recording apparatus having the same recording speed as the recording apparatus of the present invention, if the recording is stopped when the recording means is abnormal, the recording speed becomes 0, and the recording cannot be performed until the abnormality is recovered. . Therefore, it can be seen that the recording apparatus of the present invention is excellent in failure resistance.

Further, in the above example, the case where an abnormality occurs in the recording means or the like has been described, but in addition to this, the case where inspection and maintenance or replacement of each means is applicable.
Therefore, the present invention also has the effect of improving reliability such that the recording apparatus can be maintained without interruption.

Embodiment 3 The following embodiment relates to connection control between each recording means and the bit map memory in the control means 2 for realizing the second embodiment. The structure is shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, reference numerals 2001 to 2004 are bitmap memories, 301 to 304 are recording means in FIG. 1, 31 to 46 are switch circuits, and 30
A switch controller 00 controls switching of the switch circuit.

Bitmap memories 2001 to 2004
The recording means 301 to 304 are connected via the crossbar network 3010, and the bit map memory 2001 is selected by switching the switch circuits 31 to 46.
1 to 2004 can be connected to any of the recording means 301 to 304. Therefore, the operation described in the second embodiment is possible. This operation will be described.
First, the switch circuits 31, 36, 41, and 46 are brought into a connected state so that the bit map memories 2001 to 2004 are connected to the recording means 301 to 304, respectively. Then, the units 1 to 4 start recording pages 1 to 4, respectively. Where unit 2
When an abnormality occurs in the switch circuit, the switch circuits 31 and 36 are separated and the switch circuit 35 is connected. Then, the bitmap memory 200 holding the record data of the second page
2 is connected to the recording means 301 so that the unit 1 can record two pages. Connecting the recording means and the bit map memory by a crossbar network as in this embodiment is effective in realizing a highly reliable recording device.

Embodiment 4 The following embodiment shows the construction of the bit map memory and the recording means for sufficiently exhibiting the performance of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the number of bitmap memories is larger than the number of recording means. Figure 6
In this case, the bit map memory 2005 is added by one, and the switch circuits 47 to 50 are added to the crossbar network 3010.

When the recording data sent from the host computer or the like has a different amount of data to be recorded for each page, the time required for expansion by the bit map expanders 21 to 24 is different. At that time, if the expansion of the page that takes the longest time is not completed, if the recording means for recording the page has already completed the recording of the previous page, the recording means is stopped until the next recording, and Pages already recorded by other recording means may be waiting for paper collection, or the effective recording speed of the recording device may be reduced. In such a case, as shown in this embodiment, by increasing the number of bitmap memories to the number of recording means, the bitmap expansion can be performed prior to the recording, so that the recording means waits for the bitmap expansion. It is possible to significantly reduce the influence that the recording speed is lowered due to the stop state. In this case as well, the connection between the bitmap memory and the recording means is frequently switched, so that the connection by the crossbar network 3010 as shown in FIG. 6 is effective. Further, in FIG. 6, the bit map expanders 21 to 25 are provided in the bit map memories 2001 to 2005, respectively. However, if the bit map expanders are developed at a high speed, the number of bit map expanders is less than the number of bit map memories. May be. In that case, by connecting the bitmap memory and the bitmap expander via the crossbar network 3011 as well, which bitmap is waiting to be expanded by the bitmap expander that has completed bitmap expansion. It is also possible to connect to the memory.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the state in which the recording means waits for the completion of the bit map expansion is less likely to occur, and the decrease in recording speed is reduced.

Embodiment 5 Next, an embodiment of an image recording apparatus capable of double-sided recording and multicolor recording will be described. 7 to 13 show the means constituting the image recording apparatus. First, the recording means 1100 in FIG. 7 will be described. The recording unit 1100 is divided into a recording unit 1350, a recording medium loading unit 1360, and a recording medium unloading unit 1370.

Image formation is performed as follows. 1110
Is a photoconductor, and a belt-shaped photoconductor is shown in this embodiment. The photoconductor 1110 is charged by the charger 1120, the exposure device 1130 performs exposure according to the recording data, an electrostatic charge image is formed on the photoconductor 1110, and the image is developed by the first developing device 1140 or the second developing device 1150. The transfer device 1160 transfers the image onto a recording medium such as paper, and the fixing device 1170 fixes the image. The recording medium after fixing is the transport path 127 of the recording medium unloading section 1370.
0 is conveyed and discharged from the discharge port 1310, or when performing double-sided recording or multicolor recording, it is transferred to the conveyance path 1280 by the deflection claw 1250 as shown in FIG. It is sent from 1320 to the next recording means, and the second recording means records the second surface or the second color.

The conveyance of the recording medium to the recording means is performed as follows. Deflection claw 121 in recording medium carry-in section 1360
0 and 1220 are set to the state shown in FIG. 14, the recording medium is sent to the sheet delivery buffer 1300 by the delivery rollers 1240 and 1230 at the delivery speed of the sheet delivery means shown in FIG. 8, and is delivered by the recording medium sensor 1200. 15 is detected, the deflection claw 1220 is raised as shown in FIG. 15, and the conveying roller 1230 is rotated in the reverse direction, so that the recording medium is sent to the conveying roller 1190 of the recording unit at the conveying speed of the recording unit.

As described above, in the recording means of this embodiment, the recording medium is inverted and then sent to the recording section 1350. When the recording means records the second side of double-sided recording, this inversion mechanism is used. To use.

When this recording means is used after the second color for multi-color recording, the deflection claw 1210 is set up as shown in FIG. 16 and the recording medium is sent directly to the recording section 1350. By doing so, the recording medium is not inverted, and multicolor recording can be performed on the same surface. Note that these recording procedures will be described later.

Further, the recording means 1100 is provided with a conveying path indicated by 1260 and 1290, which serves as a conveying path for the recording medium when connected to other means constituting the image recording apparatus.

Next, the paper distribution means will be described with reference to FIG. The paper distribution means 1400 operates in the same manner as the paper distribution means 101 to 104 in FIG. That is, the transport roller 1
The recording medium conveyed at 410 is sent to the recording means 1100 shown in FIG. 7 or the horizontal paper delivery conveying means 1600 shown in FIG. 10 by the deflection claw 1420. Further, in order to connect the sheet distributing means and the sheet distributing means, the vertical sheet conveying means 1500 shown in FIG. 9 is also used. The vertical paper delivery conveyance means 1500 and the horizontal paper delivery conveyance means 1600 are means that constitute a paper delivery passage of a recording medium when a large number of recording means are arranged.

Next, the paper collecting means will be described. The paper collecting means includes a paper collecting guide 1700 shown in FIG. 11, a vertical paper collecting conveying means 1800 shown in FIG. 12, and a horizontal paper collecting conveying means 1900 shown in FIG.

The paper collecting guide 1700 includes a recording means 1100.
Is a guide for guiding the recording medium sent by the carrying roller 1310 of FIG. Also, the paper collection guide 1
A recording medium sensor 1710 is installed in 700,
When the recording medium is detected by this sensor, the conveying path 1720
Before the recording medium is delivered to the recording medium, the conveying roller 1310 of the recording means is stopped to wait for the paper collection order,
Control is performed such that the rotation speed of the transport roller is increased to match the transport speed of the recording medium with the transport speed of the paper collection. The vertical paper collecting and conveying unit 1800 connects the paper collecting guides and conveys the recording medium. Vertical paper collecting and conveying means 1800
The horizontal paper collecting and conveying means 1900 is means for forming a paper conveying path for collecting recording media when a large number of recording means are arranged.

Next, FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of an image recording apparatus constructed by using the respective means shown in FIGS. 7 to 13. FIG. 18 shows a recording device in which recording means are arranged in two stages in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction. Four recording means operate in parallel to record different pages, or two recording means arranged in the horizontal direction. It is possible to perform double-sided recording and two-color recording as a set of recording means.

First, the case where the four recording means respectively record one to four pages will be described. The recording unit 1101 is the first page, the recording unit 1102 is the second page, the recording unit 1103 is the third page, and the recording unit 1104.
Will record the fourth page. First, the recording medium 61
The sheet distribution unit 1401 transfers the sheet No. 4 to the horizontal sheet distribution conveyance unit 1601 and conveys it to the conveyance path 1602, and the recording unit 1102.
Then, the sheet is sent to the sheet distribution buffer 1301 of the recording unit 1101 for recording the first page after passing through the sheet conveyance path 1292.

The recording medium on which the first page has been recorded by the recording means 1101 is sent to the conveying path 1271, and then the paper collecting guides 1701 and 1702 and the vertical paper collecting conveying means 180.
2. The paper collecting guides 1703 and 1704 are conveyed and stacked on the stacker 625.

On the second page, the recording medium is the paper distribution means 140.
In step 2, the second page is directly sent to the paper distribution buffer 1302 of the recording unit 1102. The recording medium on which recording has been performed is sent to the conveying path 1272, passes through the conveying path 1261 of the recording means 1101, and is conveyed to the horizontal paper collecting conveying means 1902, and then the paper collecting guide 1702 and the vertical paper collecting conveying means 18.
02, the paper collecting guides 1703 and 1704 are conveyed and stacked on the stacker 625. The same processing is performed for the third and fourth pages as for the first and second pages. Figure 1
9 is a diagram showing the movement of the recording medium at this time. The recording medium is distributed to four recording means, and the images are collected after being recorded. As in the first embodiment, the recording speed of the entire recording apparatus is four times that of one recording unit.

The control of the paper collecting order of the recorded recording medium of this embodiment may be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Further, in this embodiment, a total of four recording means of two columns in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction are arranged in parallel. By using the respective means of FIGS. 8 to 13, the number of recording means can be reduced. It is also possible to configure an image recording device in the case where the number of pixels is increased in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

Example 6 This example uses the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.
This is an example of performing color recording. The recording medium 614 is attached to the paper distribution means 14
02 to the recording device 1102, and the first developing device 1142 of the recording means 1102 develops the first color to form a first recording medium.
Record the image of the color. The recording medium on which the first color is recorded is conveyed through the conveying path 1272, sent to the conveying path 1282 by the deflection claw 1252, and then passes through the conveying path 1332 and is sent to the recording unit 1101. For this multicolor recording,
In order to prevent the recording medium from being inverted, the deflection claw 1211 of the recording means 1101 is set up as shown in FIG. 16 so that the recording medium is not fed to the paper distribution buffer. Then, the movement of the recording medium is as shown in FIG.
Then, the second color can be recorded on the same surface of the recording medium on which the first color is recorded by developing the second color by the developing unit 1151 by the recording unit 1101. The same operation is performed for the combination of the recording means 1103 and 1103, and two-color recording is performed.

In order to increase the number of colors to be recorded, the number of recording means arranged in the lateral direction may be increased. For example, full-color recording is possible by arranging the recording means in four rows in the lateral direction and setting the colors that can be recorded by the respective recording means to black, black and magenta, black and cyan, and black and yellow. That is, the first
The color is recorded using a black developing machine, and the second and subsequent colors are recorded using a developing machine other than black. As for the recording means for the first color, one developing machine is sufficient, and in that case, a black developing machine is preferable. This is because black monochromatic recording is most often used.

Further, the recording means 1100 shown in FIG. 7 is provided with two developing machines because one of them is a black developing machine so that it can be used as a black recording means when multicolor recording is not performed.

In this embodiment, a large number of recording means provided with two developing machines are arranged in parallel, and the recording media are transferred between the recording means by means of each means as shown in FIGS. 8 to 13. By doing so, not only single-color recording can be performed in parallel, but also multi-color recording can be performed.

Example 7 This example is an example of performing double-sided recording using the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. In the sixth embodiment, recording means 1102
Although the recording medium was not sent to the paper distribution buffer 1301 of the recording means 1101 from the above, when performing double-sided printing, it is sent to the paper distribution buffer 1301 and the recording medium is inverted and sent to the recording unit. Then, the movement of the recording medium becomes as shown in FIG. 21. When the recording means 1102 records the front surface of the recording medium, the recording means 1101 reverses the front and back surfaces of the recording medium and records the back surface. In this embodiment, double-sided recording is possible as well as single-color recording in parallel.

As described above, by combining the recording means shown in FIG. 7 and the means for carrying the recording medium shown in FIGS. 8 to 13, parallel execution of single-color recording, multi-color recording, and double-sided recording can be performed. Is possible.

Incidentally, it is also possible to carry out double-sided multicolor recording by combining the sixth and seventh embodiments. Further, in the seventh embodiment, the recording color can be changed even in double-sided recording such that the front surface is black and the back surface is red.

Further, when black monochromatic pages and multicolor pages coexist, a part of the recording means and the conveyance processing means of the recording medium are assigned to the black monochromatic recording, and the other means connect a plurality of recording means. It is also possible to use it by assigning it to multicolor recording.

Embodiment 8 Next, an embodiment of an image recording apparatus provided with a plurality of stacker devices according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 22 shows the configuration of the image recording device. This image recording device includes two stacker devices 4701 and 4702. The recording means, the paper distribution means, and the like are the same as those shown in FIG.
Then, the units 701, 702, 70 in which each means is made into one set
3, 704 are shown. Normally, in this image recording device, recording is shared by four units, and the recorded recording medium is output to one of the stacker device 4701 or 4702.

By the way, in the case of recording and outputting the results of various data processing by a computer or the like, when the number of recorded pages becomes several thousand, for example, even if the recording speed is high, the recording is completed. Takes a long time.
Therefore, even if other data processing with a small number of recording pages is completed, the recording remains in the output waiting state until the previously started recording is completed.

However, in the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.
Start the next recording before the one that started earlier is over,
It is possible to record two processes in parallel. Since the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 22 is provided with a plurality of recording means, one recording means is allocated for the next recording, and the recording medium on which the recording is performed outputs the preceding recording medium. Output to a stacker device different from the stacker device.

Referring to FIG. 22, when the previous recording is executed by using four units 701 to 704 and is output to the stacker device 4701, if the next recording is requested, for example, the unit 701. Is assigned to the next record, recording is performed, and the result is output to the stacker device 4702. The control device 4500 includes deflection claw control devices 4511 and 451.
A deflection signal is sent to 2 to control the movement of the deflection claws 4521 and 4522 to output the previous recording and the next recording to different stacker devices.

With the above arrangement, it is possible to interrupt and execute a record having a small number of pages while a record having a large number of pages is being executed. This is effective when you want to obtain the recording results immediately, although the number of pages to record is small.

Further, it is also possible to use the method such as executing recording with a large number of pages but low priority when the recording device is open.

The image recording apparatus and a computer or the like may be connected by two connection interfaces 4101 and 4102 as shown in FIG. In a large computer or the like, one computer has a plurality of channels, an image recording device is connected to each channel, and a channel is assigned to each process. for that reason,
In order to interrupt the recording of another process on the way, the transfer of the recording data of the previous recording is interrupted and the previous recording is interrupted.

However, by providing two connection interfaces, the computer side recognizes the image recording device shown in FIG. 22 as two recording devices and transfers the recording data to the respective interfaces, so that the previous recording is performed. Will not be interrupted.

[0075]

According to the present invention, since the recording speed of the recording apparatus is increased by arranging a large number of recording means having a low recording speed in parallel in the image recording apparatus, the recording speed can be increased by increasing the recording means itself. There are few technical problems associated with speeding up, as in the case of achieving higher speeds, and it becomes possible to easily realize a recording apparatus with a high recording speed.

As the low-speed recording means, if the recording method is an electrophotographic method, a small and lightweight recording means such as a non-magnetic one-component method can be used, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. . Furthermore, it is possible to use each recording means independently as a low-speed recording device. In this way, one kind of low-speed recording device can be used for a low-speed recording device to a high-speed recording device.

Further, by adding recording means and other means, it is possible to add functions such as recording speed, color recording and double-sided recording in the future. That is, the present invention can upgrade the recording device in the field.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of control means in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when an abnormality occurs in the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention and showing an example of the connection configuration of the recording means and the bitmap memory.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention and showing another example of the connection configuration of the recording means and the bitmap memory.

7 is a configuration diagram showing a specific configuration of a recording unit in the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

8 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a paper distribution unit in the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of a vertical sheet delivery conveyance unit.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of a horizontal paper delivery conveyance unit.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a specific configuration of a paper collection guide.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a specific configuration of a vertical paper collecting and conveying unit.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a specific configuration of a horizontal paper collecting and conveying unit.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a conveyance state of a recording medium to a paper distribution buffer of a recording unit.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a conveyance state of a recording medium from a paper distribution buffer of a recording unit to a recording unit.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a recording medium is directly fed to a recording unit of a recording unit.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a conveyance state of a recording medium in a recording unit when performing multicolor or double-sided recording.

FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the recording medium during parallel recording of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

20 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the recording medium during multicolor recording of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

21 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the recording medium during double-sided recording by the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Recorded data 2 Control means 101 Paper distribution means 102 Paper distribution means 103 Paper distribution means 104 Paper distribution means 201 Paper distribution speed conversion means 202 Paper distribution speed conversion means 203 Paper distribution speed conversion means 204 Paper distribution speed conversion means 301 Recording means 302 Recording means 303 Recording means 304 Recording means 401 Paper collection speed conversion means 402 Paper collection speed conversion means 403 Paper collection speed conversion means 404 Paper collection speed conversion means 501 Paper collection means 502 Paper collection means 503 Paper collection means 504 Paper collection means 21 bits Map expander 22 Bit map expander 23 Bit map expander 24 Bit map expander 25 Bit map expander 30 Connection controller 31-50 switch circuit 1100 Recording means 1140 First developing machine 1150 Second developing machine 1400 Paper distribution means 1500 Vertical paper delivery means 1600 Horizontal paper delivery Feeding means 1700 Paper collecting guide 1800 Vertical paper collecting conveying means 1900 Horizontal paper collecting conveying means 2001 Bitmap memory 2002 Bitmap memory 2003 Bitmap memory 2004 Bitmap memory 2005 Bitmap memory 3000 Switch controller 3001 Switch controller 3010 Crossbar network 3011 Crossbar network

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification code Office reference number FI technical display location G03G 15/00 301 15/01 N

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium is fed at a high speed, and the recording medium is supplied to a plurality of recording means for recording an image while conveying the recording medium at a speed lower than the conveying speed, and the image is recorded by the plurality of recording means. After that, the image recording method is characterized in that the recording medium on which the image is recorded is collected and accumulated at a speed higher than the conveying speed of the recording medium of the recording means. 2. A plurality of recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, a paper distributing means for supplying a recording medium such as paper to each recording means, and a paper collecting means for collecting the recording medium recorded by each recording means, The recording medium, which is provided between the recording means and the paper distribution means and is sent at the transportation speed of the paper distribution means, is changed to a transportation speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means and is transported to the recording means. A paper distribution speed conversion means, and a recording medium which is provided between the recording means and the paper collecting means and which is sent at a carrying speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means, is changed to the carrying speed of the paper collecting means. An image recording apparatus comprising: a paper-collection speed conversion unit that conveys the paper to the paper-collection unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of each unit. 3. The paper distribution speed conversion means changes the recording medium sent at a high conveyance speed by the paper distribution means to a conveyance speed corresponding to a recording speed of the recording means slower than the conveyance speed. The recording medium, which has been conveyed to the recording means, and has the image recording speed, which is conveyed at a conveying speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means, is faster than the conveying speed of the recording means. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image recording apparatus is changed to a conveying speed of the unit and is conveyed to the paper collecting unit. 4. The paper distribution speed converting means, a conveying means for conveying a recording medium, a driving means for driving the conveying means,
It has a control means for driving and controlling the drive means, and a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium, and gives a control signal to the drive means based on a detection output of the detection means to operate the speed of the drive means. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording medium is sent to the recording unit by changing the conveying speed of the recording medium by changing the conveying speed of the conveying unit. 5. The paper-collection speed conversion means includes a conveying means for conveying a recording medium, a driving means for driving the conveying means,
It has a control means for driving and controlling the drive means, and a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium, and gives a control signal to the drive means based on a detection output of the detection means to operate the speed of the drive means. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: changing the conveying speed of the recording medium to change the conveying speed of the recording medium, and feeding the recording medium to the paper collecting means. 6. The recording means, while recording an image on a recording medium by the plurality of recording means, records the recording made by the recording means which has become unrecordable due to an abnormality or the like, to another recording means. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that each unit is controlled so as to perform recording on behalf of. 7. A plurality of storage means for holding image data to be recorded, a plurality of recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, and an arbitrary connection between the plurality of recording means and the plurality of storage means. Connection means configured to be switchable to the recording means, paper distribution means for supplying a recording medium such as paper to each recording means, paper collecting means for collecting the recording media recorded by each recording means, the recording means and the paper distribution Paper distribution speed conversion means, which is provided between the means, changes the recording medium sent at the conveyance speed of the paper distribution means to a conveyance speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means, and conveys the recording medium to the recording means. A recording medium, which is provided between the recording unit and the paper collecting unit and is sent at a conveying speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording unit, is changed to the conveying speed of the paper collecting unit and conveyed to the paper collecting unit. Collecting speed converting means for The image recording apparatus characterized by a control means for controlling the operation. 8. An image data generating means for generating image data, a plurality of storing means for holding image data to be recorded generated by the image data generating means, a plurality of storing means and the image data generating means. First connection means configured to be able to arbitrarily switch the connection between the plurality of recording means and a plurality of recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, and a connection between the plurality of recording means and the plurality of storage means Second connection means configured to be capable of arbitrarily switching the recording medium, paper distribution means for supplying a recording medium such as paper to each recording means, paper collecting means for collecting the recording medium recorded by each recording means, And a sheet distribution means that is provided between the sheet distribution means and the sheet distribution means and that changes the recording medium sent at the transportation speed of the sheet distribution means to a transportation speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means and then conveys the recording medium to the recording means. Speed conversion means, before The recording medium, which is provided between the recording means and the paper collecting means and is sent at a conveying speed corresponding to the recording speed of the recording means, is changed to the conveying speed of the paper collecting means and is conveyed to the paper collecting means. An image recording apparatus comprising: a paper collecting speed converting means; and a control means for controlling the operation of each of the means. 9. The control means causes any one of the plurality of recording means to perform recording of the first image, and accumulates the recording medium on which the image is recorded in the first accumulating means. , So that another recording means of the plurality of recording means executes recording of the second image to accumulate the recording medium on which the image is recorded in the second accumulating means different from the first accumulating means. 9. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image recording apparatus is controlled according to claim 1. 10. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of connection interfaces with a data processing apparatus such as a computer. 11. A recording unit for recording an image, the input unit introducing the recording medium conveyed to the recording unit,
A recording unit that records an image on the recording medium and an output unit that carries out the recording medium on which the image is recorded from the recording unit are provided, and the input unit reverses the conveying direction of the introduced recording medium, or It has a means for supplying to the recording section at a conveying speed of the recording section without reversing, and the output section carries out a recording medium on which an image is recorded at the same conveying speed as the recording means or at a different speed. Recording means characterized by being changed to and carried out. 12. A conveyance path for a recording medium from an output section of one recording section to an input section of the other recording section when the recording sections are arranged laterally adjacent to each other in the same direction. The recording means according to claim 11, wherein: 13. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of recording colors are provided, and an image is recorded using only one of the recording colors.
Recording means according to 2. 14. A plurality of recording means according to claim 11, a paper distribution means for branching and deflecting a conveyance path of the recording medium, and a paper collection means for converging the conveyance path of the recording medium to collect the recording medium. A sheet feeding means, a sheet collecting means, or a conveying means for connecting the respective means of the recording means when the respective means of the recording means are provided, and the paper distributing means transfers the recording medium to the plurality of recording means. The recording means conveys the recording medium at a speed lower than the conveying speed of the paper distributing means and records an image on the recording medium, and the paper collecting means conveys the recording medium from the plurality of recording means. An image recording apparatus, characterized in that the recording medium on which an image has been recorded is collected at a speed higher than the speed. 15. A plurality of recording means according to claim 12, a paper distribution means for branching and deflecting the conveyance path of the recording medium, and a paper collection means for converging the conveyance path of the recording medium to collect the recording medium. A sheet feeding means, a sheet collecting means, or a conveying means for connecting the respective means of the recording means when the respective means of the recording means are provided, and the paper distributing means transfers the recording medium to the plurality of recording means. The recording means conveys the recording medium at a speed lower than the conveying speed of the paper distributing means and records an image on the recording medium, and the paper collecting means conveys the recording medium from the plurality of recording means. The recording media on which the images have been recorded are collected at a speed higher than the speed, and the recording media on which the images are recorded by the first recording means of the plurality of recording means are secondly recorded by the recording means via the conveyance path. Transport to the means, the second note By sending to the second recording unit by reversing the conveying direction of the recording medium at the input means, the image recording apparatus and recording images on both sides of the recording medium. 16. A plurality of recording means according to claim 13, a paper distribution means for branching and deflecting a conveyance path of the recording medium, and a paper collection means for converging the conveyance path of the recording medium to collect the recording medium. A sheet feeding means, a sheet collecting means, or a conveying means for connecting the respective means of the recording means when the respective means of the recording means are provided, and the paper distributing means transfers the recording medium to the plurality of recording means. The recording means conveys the recording medium at a speed lower than the conveying speed of the paper distributing means and records an image on the recording medium, and the paper collecting means conveys the recording medium from the plurality of recording means. The recording media on which the images have been recorded are collected at a speed higher than the speed, and the recording media on which the images have been recorded by the first recording means of the plurality of recording means are conveyed to the second and subsequent recording means of the recording means. No. 2 is transported to the recording means of In the subsequent input section of the recording means, the multi-color image is recorded on the recording medium by feeding the recording medium to the recording section without reversing the conveying direction and recording an image with a recording color different from the first recording color. An image recording device characterized by: