JPH09281856A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To economize resources and effectively utilize the resources by setting a 3rd mode in the case not only a 1st mode execution means but also a 2nd mode execution means can not be used when a priority image forming mode is a 1st mode. SOLUTION: A CPU 100 performs input processing by an operation panel 4 and copying control by a control part 101 in accordance with a priority copying mode stored in a RAM 102 according to a program stored in a ROM 103. In copying mode initialization processing, a copying mode is set to any of a double-sided copying mode being the 1st mode execution means, a one-sided copying mode being the 3rd mode execution means, and a 2-in-1 copying mode being the 2nd mode execution means based on the priority copying mode stored in the RAM 102. When a double-sided copying function can not be used in the case the priority copying mode is the double-sided copying mode, the 2-in-1 copying mode is selected and set preferentially to the one-sided copying mode.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a double-sided image forming (for example, double-sided copying) function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a copying machine, a user makes a copy using one copy sheet for one original image (for example, an original sheet having an original image on one side). Further, when copying a manuscript sheet having manuscript images on both sides, since one manuscript image is used to make a copy, a total of two copying paper sheets are used for copying. ing. Therefore, when copying is performed in this manner, one side of the copy paper on which the original image is copied is blank, which is a problem from the viewpoint of effective use of paper resources.

For this reason, recently, a copying machine having a function of copying on both sides of a sheet and two original images are arranged side by side on one side of one sheet of copying paper (hereinafter referred to as "2").
in1 copy; called two-in-one copy. ) Has been proposed. Generally, a copying machine having a double-sided copying function can perform not only double-sided copying but also single-sided copying in the same manner as in the past, and a user determines whether to perform double-sided copying or single-sided copying. The copy mode (double-sided copy mode or single-sided copy mode) can be selected and set.

Further, in the copying machine having the double-sided copying function as described above, from the viewpoint of effective utilization of paper resources, when the power is turned on, when the mode is reset by the user operating the reset key, or the like, the key operation is performed for a predetermined time or The copy mode set in the mode initial setting that is automatically executed when the copy operation is not performed can be set to the double-sided copy mode, that is, the double-sided copy mode rather than the single-sided copy mode. Is provided so that it can be prioritized. When the double-sided copy mode is prioritized, copying is performed in the double-sided copy mode unless the user sets the single-sided copy mode by operating the operation panel or the like.

Even a copying machine having a 2 in 1 copy function,
In general, the structure is the same as that of the copying machine having the above-mentioned double-sided copying function.

[0006]

However, even when the double-sided copying mode is prioritized over the single-sided copying mode in the above conventional copying machine, double-sided copying cannot be performed due to a failure of the device for double-sided copying or a paper jam. Then, copying may not be possible (trouble) or the one-sided copying mode may be set, and eventually resource saving or effective use of resources may not be performed. Similarly, even in a copying machine having a 2in1 copy function, even if the 2in1 copy mode is prioritized over the single-sided copy mode, if the 2in1 copy cannot be performed due to a failure of the device for the 2in1 copy, copying cannot be performed (trouble), Alternatively, the one-sided copy mode may be set, and in this case, resource saving and effective use of resources may not be executed after all.

In the above description, a copying machine is taken as an example, but such a problem also occurs in an image forming apparatus such as a printer other than the copying machine. Therefore,
The present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material based on an original image, and an image forming mode which is prioritized for resource saving of a recording material such as paper and effective use of the resource, for example, a recording material Even when the image forming apparatus cannot specify the double-sided image forming mode for forming images on both sides or the mode for forming images by arranging a plurality of original images on one side of one recording material, even if the image forming mode cannot be executed, It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of saving the resources of recording materials and effectively utilizing the resources.

[0008]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following two types of image forming apparatuses. The first type of image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material based on an original image, and includes a multifunctional image forming unit for forming an image on the recording material and an image forming mode initial setting. A storage unit that stores an image forming mode that is sometimes prioritized, and a priority image forming mode stored in the storage unit is read from the storage unit when the image forming mode is initially set, and an image is formed based on the priority image forming mode. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit for setting a mode, wherein the multi-functional image forming unit executes a first mode for forming an image on both sides of the recording material; Means for performing a second mode for forming an image by arranging images on one side of one of the recording materials, and the priority image forming mode stored in the storage means is the first image forming mode. The control means sets the mode when the means for executing the first mode can be used, and sets the second mode when the means for executing the first mode cannot be used. And an image forming apparatus.

The initial setting of the image forming mode means the initial setting of the image forming mode when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, and the initial setting of the image forming mode accompanying the reset processing by the key input means provided on the operation panel of the apparatus. Initialization of the image forming mode by auto-reset that is automatically executed when the key input operation is not performed for the predetermined time or the setting or the key input means provided on the operation panel of the apparatus. Any one or two or more of the settings and the like. This point also applies to the image forming apparatus of the second type according to the present invention described later.

The second mode for forming an image by arranging the plurality of original images on one side of one recording material includes, for example, a mode of forming two original images on one side of one recording material to form an image, It is conceivable to arrange the four original images on one side of one recording material to form an image. In any case, when forming an image in the second mode, normally, the image forming magnification is set to be reduced so that a plurality of original images are accommodated on one side of a recording material having the same size as the original, and the image is formed. It is possible. This point also applies to the image forming apparatus of the second type according to the present invention described later.

According to this image forming apparatus, normally, the first mode, which is the priority image forming mode stored in the storage means by the control means, that is, for forming an image on both sides of the recording material. A mode is set, and an image is formed by means of the multifunctional image forming means that executes the set first mode. However,
When the first mode cannot be used, the second mode, that is, the mode for forming images by arranging a plurality of original images on one side of one recording material is set, and the second mode executing means is set. An image is formed by.

When the multi-functional image forming means further includes means for executing a third mode for forming an image on one side of the recording material, the priority image stored in the storage means. When the formation mode is the first mode, the control means may set the third mode when neither the first mode execution means nor the second mode execution means can be used. . In this apparatus, when the priority image forming mode stored in the storage unit is the first mode and the first mode execution unit and the second mode execution unit cannot be used, the third mode That is, the image is formed by the execution means of the mode for forming the image on one side of the recording material.

According to this image forming apparatus, since the first mode and the second mode are set with priority over the third mode, resource saving of the recording material and effective use of the resource can be achieved. Further, in any of the above image forming apparatuses, a sheet feeding port dedicated to a recording material that cannot form an image on both sides is provided, and the control unit is configured to feed the sheet even if the first mode execution unit can be used. When forming an image on the recording material fed from the mouth, it is possible to set the second mode. In this case, a paper feed port other than the paper feed port, that is,
When an image is formed on a recording material fed from a paper feed port for a recording material capable of forming images on both sides, the first mode is set, and when the first mode execution means cannot be used, the first mode is set. The mode 2 may be set.

Next, the second type image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material based on an original image, and a multifunctional image forming means for forming an image on the recording material. A storage unit that stores an image forming mode that is prioritized when the image forming mode is initially set; and a priority image forming mode that is stored in the storage unit is read from the storage unit when the image forming mode is initially set, and the priority image forming process is performed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit for setting an image forming mode based on a mode, wherein the multi-functional image forming unit executes a first mode for forming an image on both sides of the recording material. And a means for performing a second mode for forming an image by arranging a plurality of original images on one side of one recording material, and the storage means includes the first mode and the first mode. The mode specified by the first mode is stored when the image forming mode is initialized and the mode stored in the storage is the first mode. When the means can be used, the mode is set, when the means cannot be used, the second mode is set, and when the mode stored in the storage means is the second mode, the second mode is executed. When the means can be used, the mode is set, and when the means cannot be used, the first mode is set.

According to this image forming apparatus, the control means controls the priority image in either the first mode or the second mode stored in the storage means among the first and second image forming modes. The image forming mode is set based on the forming mode, and the image forming is performed by the executing unit of the set image forming mode of the multi-functional image forming unit. In the case where the mode stored in the storage means is the first mode, when the first mode execution means can be used, the image formation is performed by the execution means, and when the first mode execution means cannot be used, the image is obtained by the second mode execution means. The formation is done. In the case where the mode stored in the storage means is the second mode, when the second mode execution means can be used, image formation is performed by the execution means, and when the second mode execution means cannot be used, the first mode execution means is used. An image is formed by.

When the multi-functional image forming means further includes means for executing the third mode for forming an image on one side of the recording material, the priority image stored in the storage means. When the formation mode is the first mode or the second mode, the control means sets the third mode when neither the first mode execution means nor the second mode execution means can be used. It is also possible to do it.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an analog copying machine which is an embodiment of the present invention. In this copying machine, one-sided copying, two-sided copying, and two originals can be arranged side by side on one side of one sheet to perform copying (hereinafter referred to as 2-in-1 copying). It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 11A, the one-sided copy copies the original image only on one side of the copy sheet, and the two-sided copy shown in FIG. 11B copies the original image on both sides of the copy sheet. , 2i as shown in FIG.
In the n1 copy, two original images are copied side by side on one side of a copy sheet. Therefore, in the single-sided copy, two copy sheets are used for two original images, and in the double-sided copy and 2-in-1 copy, one copy sheet is used for two original images.

This copying machine includes a scanning optical system S1 for scanning an image of a document placed on the platen glass GL and a photoconductor drum PC, and a charger 11 is provided around the photoconductor drum PC. The developing device 12, the transfer charger 13, the separation charger 14, the cleaner 15, and the main eraser 16 are sequentially arranged. Further, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 3 is provided above the document table glass GL, and an operation panel 4 (see FIG. 3) is provided above the copying machine.

The scanning optical system S1 also serves as an exposure device for exposing the photosensitive drum PC with an image, and an illumination lamp 10 for irradiating an original image placed on the original glass GL with light and a lens for reflecting light from the original. Reflection mirrors M1 and M leading to LN
2, a reflection mirror M4 for guiding the image light passing through the lens LN to the photosensitive drum PC. The illumination lamp 10 and the reflection mirror M1 are supported by the carriage C1, and the reflection mirrors M2 and M3 are supported by the carriage C2.

A fixing device 17 for heating and fixing the toner image transferred to the sheet is arranged downstream of the separation charger 14 in the sheet conveying direction. The sheet conveyance belt 21 can convey the sheet between the separation charger 14 and the fixing device 17. A sheet discharge conveyance path 20d and a sheet re-feed conveyance path 20c are provided on the downstream side of the fixing device 17, and a sheet discharge switching claw 22 is provided at a branch point of both the conveyance paths. The discharge switching claw 22 is a solenoid SOL1.
So that the direction is upward in FIG. 1 (in FIG. 1,
Shown by a solid line. ) Or downward (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 1), the swinging of the claw 22 sorts the paper to one of the transport paths (the paper discharge transport path 20d or the re-feed transport path 20c). be able to. The double-sided unit 19 including the intermediate tray 190 is disposed below the re-feeding conveyance path 20c, and the re-feeding conveyance path 20c and the reversing conveyance path 2 are arranged.
The sheet conveyed through 0e can be temporarily stored by the intermediate tray 190. The sheet temporarily stored in the intermediate tray 190 can be sent to the common transport path 20b by the refeed roller pair 23.

Below the intermediate tray 190, paper trays 18a and 18b for accommodating copy paper to be fed at the transfer position of the photoconductor drum PC are arranged. The paper trays provided for the respective paper trays are provided. The sheets accommodated by the pair of sheet rollers 24a and 24b can be sent out to the first sheet feed side transport path 20a. The lowermost paper tray 18c will be described later.

The automatic document feeder 3 is a platen glass GL.
A document tray 31, which is mounted so as to be openable and closable, on which a document to be sent to the apparatus 3 is placed, and a document tray 31.
A document feed roller group 32 and a document transport belt 33 for transporting a document placed on the document table glass GL to a predetermined position, and a document placed on the document table glass GL and scanned with an image are moved out of the apparatus. It includes a document discharge roller group 34 for discharging and a document discharge tray 35 for storing discharged documents.

Next, the operation panel 4 provided on the upper surface of the copying machine will be described. FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the operation panel 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 4 includes a start key 41 for instructing the start of a copy operation, a numeric keypad 42 for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies, and a clear key 43 for clearing the input numerical values. A stop key 44 for canceling the copy operation, and a panel reset key 45 for resetting various modes that have been set.
There is. In addition, copy mode (in this example, single-sided copy,
Copy mode setting key 46 capable of selecting either double-sided copy or 2-in-1 copy, paper tray (in this example, either upper tray 18a or lower tray 18b)
There is also a paper tray setting key 47 for selecting, ie, from which paper tray the paper on which the original image is copied is to be fed.

When the copy mode setting key 46 is pressed, the copy mode which is set each time it is pressed is sequentially switched to the single-sided copy mode, the double-sided copy mode, the 2-in-1 copy mode, and the single-sided copy mode again, and the user selects the corresponding copy mode. LEDs 48a, 48 that light up when
It is possible to confirm what the copy mode currently set is from b and 48c. During the mode initialization process, the copy mode initialization process, which will be described later, normally sets the duplex copy mode based on the priority copy mode, but the user wants to select a 2-in-1 copy mode or a simplex copy mode other than the duplex copy mode. At this time, the copy mode setting key 46 can be used to manually change the copy mode. The priority copy mode is stored in the random access memory (RAM) 102 described later, and the double-sided copy mode is usually set. However, the priority copy mode can also be changed to another mode, for example, the 2in1 mode, by a predetermined input using the operation panel 4 or a key (not shown) provided at another position.

Further, the paper tray setting key 47 selects paper trays each time it is pressed, such as the paper tray 18a (upper paper tray), the paper tray 18b (lower paper tray),
The paper tray 18a (upper paper tray) is sequentially switched again, and the user can confirm what the currently selected paper tray is by the LEDs 48d and 48e that are turned on when the corresponding paper tray is selected.

The scanning optical system S1, the photosensitive drum PC, the peripheral devices of the photosensitive drum PC, the fixing device 17, and the fixing device 17 described above.
The automatic document feeder 3 and the like are all connected to the copy controller 101 as shown in FIG. 2, and each device is operated under the control of the copy controller 101. The copy control unit 101
It is connected to a central control unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 100, and can control each device based on a command from the CPU 100. The CPU 100 is further provided with a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as a RAM) for storing the operation panel 4 and the priority copy mode described above.
A read-only memory (hereinafter, referred to as a ROM) 103 that stores a program for controlling the control unit 101 and the like is connected. CPU100 is R
By the program stored in the OM 103, the input processing by the operation panel 4 and the copy control by the control unit 101 can be performed according to the priority copy mode stored in the RAM 102.

In the copying machine described above, the copy mode initializing process or the copy mode setting key 46 is performed.
The control unit 10 is controlled by the CPU 100 according to the copy mode (one-sided copy, two-sided copy, or 2in1 copy) set by the user.
Under the control of No. 1, each device of the copying machine is operated as follows to perform one-sided copying, two-sided copying, or 2 in 1 copying.

First, the one-sided copy will be described. The document to be copied is placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass GL with the user opening the automatic document feeder 3, or the document placed on the document tray 31 is the automatic document feeder. By rotating the document feeding roller group 32 and the document transport belt 33 of No. 3, the document is transported to a predetermined position on the document glass GL. Next, an image is read by the scanning optical system S1.

For image reading by the scanning optical system S1, the illumination lamp 10 mounted on the carriage C1 is turned on and the carriage C1 is driven in the sub-scanning direction X. At this time,
The carriage C1 is driven at a predetermined speed, and the carriage C2 is also driven in the same direction at a speed half that of the carriage C1. The reflected image light from the document is reflected by the reflecting mirror M1,
It is guided to the imaging lens LN via M2 and M3. The light passing through the imaging lens is guided to the exposure position of the photoconductor drum PC by the reflection mirror M4.

At this time, the photosensitive drum PC is rotationally driven in the CCW direction in FIG. 1 at a predetermined speed, and the surface thereof is uniformly charged by the charging charger 11. On the charged photoconductor drum PC, an electrostatic latent image is formed at the exposure position by the image formation light of the document image guided by the reflection mirror M4. This electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by the developing device 12, and the toner image is transferred onto the copy paper by the transfer charger 13.

This copy paper is a paper tray (18a, 18a, selected by the paper tray setting key 47 of the operation panel 4).
18b) and is conveyed to the transfer position of the photosensitive drum PC via the first paper feed side conveyance path 20a and the common conveyance path 20b. Then, the copy sheet holding the toner image is separated from the photosensitive drum PC by the separation charger 14, and is conveyed to the fixing device 17 by the sheet conveyance belt 21. In the fixing device 17,
A copy sheet holding a toner image passes between a heating roller 171 heated to a predetermined fixing temperature and a pressure roller 172 pressed by the heating roller 171 while being sandwiched between the heating roller 171 and the pressure roller 172. The image is fused to the copy sheet. The copy sheet on which the toner image is fixed is discharged by the discharge switching claw 22 facing downward (dotted line position) in FIG.
0d, the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 25, and the one-sided copy is completed.

In the case of the double-sided copy, the copy sheet on which the single-sided copy has been made is guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 20c by the sheet discharge switching claw 22 which is turned up in FIG. 1, and further passes through the reversing conveyance path 20e. Copy paper is in intermediate tray 19
It is stored once on 0. Then, the image reading and the image copying are performed on the second original in the same manner, but the copy paper conveyed to the transfer position of the photoconductor drum PC at this time is copied on one side to the intermediate tray 190 and temporarily stored. The sheet is a sheet that is fed to the common transport path 20b by the refeed roller pair 23. Since this copy sheet is stored in the intermediate tray by being turned upside down by the reversing conveyance path 20e, the toner image is transferred to the surface opposite to the one-sided copy surface at the transfer position. Then, the toner image is fixed on the copy sheet by the fixing device 17 in the same manner as described above, and in this case, the copy sheet is guided to the sheet discharge passage 20d by the sheet discharge switching claw 22 facing downward and copied on both sides. Is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 25, and the double-sided copy is completed.

In the case of 2-in-1 copy, two originals to be copied are placed side by side at a predetermined position on the original platen glass GL with the automatic original feeder 3 opened by the user. Two originals placed on 31 are conveyed to a predetermined position on the original platen glass GL by the rotation of the original feed roller group 32 and the original conveying belt 33 of the automatic original feeder 3, and the two originals are placed side by side. It Then, the image reading and copying of the two originals are performed in the same manner as in the case of the single-sided copy, and the sheet on which the image is copied is discharged onto the discharge tray 25. At this time, the photoconductor drum PC
Copy paper conveyed to the transfer position of the paper tray 18a.
Alternatively, a sheet of paper having the same size as the original is selected, which is stored in either one of 18 or 18b. Further, the copy magnification is set so that the two original images can be accommodated on the selected paper at this time, and (reduced) copying is executed.

4 to 5 showing the control contents of the CPU 100 for the operation of the copying machine relating to the setting of the copy mode based on the priority copy mode stored in the RAM 102.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the main routine. When the power switch of the copying machine is pressed to turn on the power, the CPU 100 is initialized such as setting various registers (step S1 in FIG. 4).

When the initialization is completed, the mode initialization process (S2) is performed. The contents of the mode initialization process will be described later. Next, built in the CPU 100,
In the initial setting (S1), an internal timer preset to an initial value is started (S3). Then, various subroutine processes, that is, display process (S4), input process (S5), copy control (S6), and other processes (S7).
When all the subroutines are completed, the internal timer set in step S3 is waited for (S8), one routine is ended, and the process returns to step S3 again (S8: YES).

The mode initialization process is performed in step S2 after the power is turned on, the panel reset process (see FIG. 5) which is a subroutine in step S5 for performing the input process of the operation panel 4, and other processes (step S7). The automatic clear process (see FIG. 6) which is a subroutine in () is also performed. The panel reset process is as shown in FIG.
Judgment as to whether the panel reset key 45 of the operation panel 4 has been pressed (step S51 in FIG. 5), judgment as to whether a fatal error such as paper jam or trouble has occurred (S52), judgment as to whether copying is in progress (S53) is performed. When the panel reset key 45 is pressed (S51: YES), no error or fatal error has occurred (S52: NO), and no copying is in progress (S53: NO), the mode initialization process is performed. (S5
4). In other cases, the mode initialization process is not performed and the process returns.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the auto clear process. In FIG. 6, FCOPY is a flag that is set during copying, FCOPY = 0 indicates that copying is not in progress, and FCOPY = 1 indicates that copying is in progress. FKEY is a flag that is set when any key on the operation panel 4 is pressed.
KEY = 0 indicates that no keys are pressed,
FKEY = 1 indicates that any key is pressed.

Not copying (FCOPY = 0, S7
1: YES), not the off-edge of the flag FCOPY (the transition from the copying to the copy end) (S72: N
O), with all keys not pressed (FKEY =
0, S73: YES), which is not the off edge of the flag FKEY (the transition from the state in which any key is pressed to the state in which all keys are not pressed) (S74: N).
In the case of O), the timer for automatic clearing TIME is counted down by 1 (S75).

When the flag FCOPY is off edge (S72: YES) or the flag FKEY is off edge (S74: YES), a predetermined set value TSET of the auto clear time is assigned to the auto clear timer TIME. Reset the timer value (S
78). And the timer for automatic clear TIME is 0
(S76: YES), the mode initialization process (S7
The subroutine 7) is executed.

After the power is turned on, the mode initialization process (step S2 in FIG. 4), the mode initialization process (step S54 in FIG. 5) during the panel reset process included in the input process (step S5 in FIG. 4), and other Processing (step S in FIG. 4)
The mode initialization process (step S77 in FIG. 6) during the auto clear process included in 7) is performed as shown in FIG.

That is, after the copy mode initialization processing is performed (S91) and the other initialization processing subroutine (S92) is performed, the routine returns to the called routine. Although the copy mode initial setting process (S91) will be described later, the copy mode (in this example, either the double-sided copy mode, the single-sided copy mode, or the 2in1 copy mode) is set. Further, in the other initial setting processing, initial settings such as the number of copies, a discharge mode, a binding margin mode, an erase mode, a cover mode, and a slip sheet mode are performed.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the copy mode initial setting process. First, it is determined whether or not the priority copy mode stored in the RAM 102 is the double-sided copy mode (S901). (1) When priority is given to double-sided copy (S901: YES) It is determined whether the double-sided copy function can be used (S90).
2) If it is usable (S902: YES), the copy mode is set to the double-sided copy mode (S903).
When the double-sided copy function cannot be used (S902: N
O), and then it is determined whether the 2in1 copy function can be used (S904). When the 2in1 copy function is available (S904: YES), the copy mode is set to the 2in1 copy mode (S90
5) If it cannot be used (S904: NO), the copy mode is set to the single-sided copy mode (S90).
6).

The state in which the double-sided copy function cannot be used means that the double-sided unit 19 has a failure, the double-sided unit 19 has a paper jam, or the double-sided unit 19 has a paper jam.
Is pulled out from the copying machine main body. The state in which the 2 in 1 copy function cannot be used is, for example, a case where a paper jam occurs in the automatic document feeder 3. (2) When the duplex copy is not prioritized (S901: NO) At this time, the copy mode is set to the simplex copy mode (S906).

As described above, in the copy mode initial setting process, the copy mode is set to either the double-sided copy mode, the single-sided copy mode, or the 2in1 copy mode based on the priority copy mode stored in the RAM 102. When the priority copy mode is the double-sided copy mode and the double-sided copy function cannot be used, the 2-in-1 copy mode is selected and set prior to the single-sided copy mode. When the paper cannot be used, paper resources can be saved compared to the case where the single-sided copy mode is set.

The copy mode initial setting process can be performed by the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. Also in the copy mode initial setting process shown in FIG. 9, the copy mode is set depending on what is the priority copy mode stored in the RAM 102 and whether the function of the priority copy mode can be used. Hereinafter, the priority copy mode will be described separately for each case. (A) When priority is given to double-sided copy (S931: YES) In this case, when the double-sided copy function is available (S9
32: YES), the duplex copy mode is set (S93
3) If it cannot be used, it is next determined whether or not the 2in1 copy function can be used (S934).

When the 2in1 copy function is available (S934: YES), the 2in1 copy mode is set (S937), and when it is not available (S93).
4: NO), single-sided copy mode is set (S93)
9). (B) In case of 2 in 1 copy priority (S931: NO, S
In this case, if the 2in1 copy function is available (S936: YES), the 2in1 copy mode is set (S937), and if the 2in1 copy mode is not available (S936: N).
O), and then it is determined whether the double-sided copy function can be used (S938).

When the double-sided copy function is available (S938: YES), the double-sided copy mode is set (S933), and when the double-sided copy function cannot be used (S938: N).
O), single-sided copy mode is set (S939). (C) In cases other than the above (S931: NO: S935: N
O) In this case, the single-sided copy mode is set (S93).
9).

As described above, when the copy mode is set according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, when the priority copy mode stored in the RAM 102 is the double-sided copy mode, even if the double-sided copy function cannot be used, the single-sided copy is performed. When the 2 in 1 copy mode is set prior to the mode, and when the priority copy mode is the 2 in 1 copy mode, even if the 2 in 1 copy mode function cannot be used, the double sided copy is set prior to the single sided copy mode. Therefore, when the double-sided copy function or the 2-in-1 copy function cannot be used as in the conventional case, the resource saving of paper resources can be achieved as compared with the case where the single-sided copy mode is set.

The copy mode initial setting process may be performed by the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. In this case, the copying machine is provided with a paper tray 18c dedicated to the backing paper (paper having an image on one side) shown by a chain double-dashed line in FIG.
This paper tray 18c can also be selected by 7. Normally, a sheet having one sided image, which has been copied on one side, is stored in the sheet tray 18c when the sheet is to be reused as a copy sheet. (A) When double-sided copy has priority (S951: YES) It is determined whether the double-sided copy function can be used (S95).
2) If it is available (S952: YES), then whether the selected paper feed port is for back paper, that is, the paper tray selected by the paper tray setting key 47 is for back paper (in this example, It is determined whether it is the paper tray 18c) (S95).
3). If the selected paper feed port is not for backing paper (S953: N
O) The double-sided copy mode is set (S954), and when it is for backing paper (S953: YES), it is determined whether the 2in1 copy function can be used (S955). If the 2in1 copy function is available (S955: YES), 2in1
The copy mode is set (S956), and if it cannot be used (S955: NO), the single-sided copy mode is set (S957).

When the double-sided copy function cannot be used (S952: NO), the 2in1 copy function is available (S955: YES), the 2in1 copy mode is set (S956), and the 2in1 copy function cannot be used. (S955: NO) single-sided copy mode is set (S957). (B) When double-sided copy is not prioritized (S951: NO) At this time, the copy mode is set to the single-sided copy mode (S957).

By performing the copy mode initial setting process in this manner, the same effect as the copy mode initial setting process can be obtained according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In this copying machine, by providing the paper tray 18c dedicated to the backing paper, it is possible to promote the reuse of the backing paper and further promote resource saving. In the copying machine described above, the 2 in 1 copy mode may be replaced with a mode in which four originals are copied onto one side of one sheet.

In the above embodiment, the analog copying machine is explained as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an image formed on a recording material based on an original image of a digital copying machine or the like. It can be effectively applied to all forming devices.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material based on an original image, for the purpose of resource saving of recording material such as paper and effective use of resources. In an image forming apparatus in which an image forming mode that is prioritized for the image forming apparatus, such as a double-sided image forming mode for forming images on both sides of a recording material or a mode for forming a plurality of original images on a single recording material, is specified. Even when the mode cannot be executed, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of saving resources of recording materials such as paper and effectively utilizing resources.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an analog copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic control block diagram of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an operation panel provided in the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a main routine showing control contents performed by a central control device of the copying machine shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a panel reset process included in the input process shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an auto clear process included in the other processes shown in FIG.

7 is a flowchart showing a mode initialization process included in the main routine shown in FIG. 4, the panel reset process shown in FIG. 5, and the auto clear process shown in FIG.

8 is a flowchart showing a copy mode initial setting process shown in FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing another example of the copy mode initial setting process shown in FIG.

10 is a flowchart showing still another example of the copy mode initial setting process shown in FIG.

FIG. 11A is a diagram for explaining single-sided copying;
FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining double-sided copying, and FIG. 7C is a diagram for explaining 2-in-1 copying.

[Brief description of reference numerals]

 S1 Scanning optical system C1, C2 Carriage 10 Illumination lamps M1, M2, M3, M4 Reflecting mirror LN Imaging lens PC Photoconductor drum 11 Charging charger 12 Developer 13 Transfer charger 14 Separation charger 15 Cleaner 16 Main eraser 17 Fixing device 18a, 18b Paper tray 18c Paper tray for backing paper 19 Double-sided unit 190 Intermediate tray 20a First paper feed side transport path 20b Common transport path 20c Refeed transport path 20d Paper discharge transport path 20e Reverse transport path 21 Paper transport belt 22 Paper discharge switching Claw SOL1 Solenoid 23 Re-feeding roller pair 24a, 24b Feeding roller pair 3 Automatic document feeder 31 Document tray 32 Document feeding roller group 33 Document transport belt 34 Document ejection roller group 35 Document ejection tray 4 Operation panel 41 Start Key 4 2 Numeric keypad 43 Clear key 44 Stop key 45 Panel reset key 46 Copy mode setting key 47 Paper tray setting key 48a, 48b, 48c Copy mode display LED 48d, 48e Selected paper tray display LED 100 Central control unit (CPU) of copying machine ) 101 copy control unit 102 random access memory (RAM) 103 read only memory (ROM)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material based on an original image, a multi-functional image forming means for forming an image on the recording material, and an image prioritized at the time of initial setting of an image forming mode. Storage means for storing the formation mode, and for setting the image formation mode based on the priority image formation mode read out from the storage means at the time of initial setting of the image formation mode An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit for controlling the multi-functional image forming unit to perform a first mode for forming an image on both surfaces of the recording material; And a means for performing a second mode for forming an image side by side on one side of the recording material, and the priority image forming mode stored in the storage means is the first mode. At this time, the control means sets the mode when the execution means of the first mode can be used, and sets the second mode when the execution means of the first mode cannot be used. Image forming apparatus. 2. The multi-function image forming means includes means for executing a third mode for forming an image on one side of the recording material, and the priority image forming mode stored in the storage means is 2. The image forming according to claim 1, wherein in the first mode, the control unit sets the third mode when neither the first mode execution unit nor the second mode execution unit can be used. apparatus. 3. A paper feed port dedicated to a recording material that cannot form an image on both sides is provided, and the control means feeds paper from the paper feed port even when the first mode execution means can be used. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second mode is set when an image is formed on the recording material. 4. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material based on an original image, a multi-functional image forming means for forming an image on the recording material, and an image prioritized at the time of initial setting of the image forming mode. Storage means for storing the formation mode, and for setting the image formation mode based on the priority image formation mode read out from the storage means at the time of initial setting of the image formation mode An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit for controlling the multi-functional image forming unit to perform a first mode for forming an image on both surfaces of the recording material; Means for performing a second mode for forming an image side by side on one side of a recording material, wherein the storage means is a memory specified by the first mode and the second mode. When the mode stored in the storage unit is the first mode when the image forming mode is initialized, the control unit stores the mode when the first mode execution unit can be used. Is set, and the second mode is set when it cannot be used, and when the mode stored in the storage means is the second mode,
An image forming apparatus, wherein when the second mode execution means can be used, the mode is set, and when the second mode execution means cannot be used, the first mode is set. 5. The multifunctional image forming means includes means for executing a third mode for forming an image on one side of the recording material, and the priority image forming mode stored in the storage means is In the case of the first mode or the second mode, the control means, when neither the first mode execution means nor the second mode execution means can be used, the third means
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the mode is set.