JPH10316317A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a stop during an automatic double-face recording action and save the waste of a recording sheet by detecting the disturbance of the sheet interval or conveyance timing of recording sheets at a recording sheet inversion section during the automatic double-face recording action in the continuous recording mode, and forcefully discharging a nonreversible recording sheet. SOLUTION: During an automatic double-face record reversion action in the continuous recording mode, the time after the tip of the preceding recording sheet is detected until the tip of the succeeding recording sheet is detected is measured by a fixing inlet sensor 22. When a controller 23 judges that the sheet interval is narrow and the preceding recording sheet cannot be inverted based on the measured information, it drives an inverting motor 24 to forcefully discharge the recording sheet via an outer discharge roller pair 19 after the recording of only the first face. When a sensor near a recording sheet insertion section detects that the conveyance timing of the next recording sheet is early, the recording sheet being inverted may be forcefully discharged.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus having an automatic double-sided recording function and having a function of reversing a recording sheet for recording a second side after recording a first side. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various types of image recording apparatuses have been manufactured and sold, and among them, those having an automatic double-sided recording function have been considerably increased. This is because the diversification of uses of image recording devices has increased the opportunities for double-sided recording,
On the other hand, from the viewpoint of environmental problems, it is considered that opportunities for performing double-sided recording for the purpose of reducing the number of used recording sheets and the like will further increase.

Accordingly, there has been an increasing demand for an image recording apparatus having an automatic double-sided recording function capable of easily performing double-sided recording. Further, in order to increase the speed of the image recording apparatus and the like, not only an automatic double-sided recording function is provided, but also an improvement in productivity in double-sided recording is demanded.

Further, there is a demand for simplification of a processing method when a jam occurs during a printing operation and reduction of the number of wasteful recording sheets in such a case. In general, when a jam occurs during a recording operation, the recording operation is stopped to prompt the user to perform the jam processing.

[0005]

Indeed, the jam of the recording sheet generated in the recording sheet feeding section, the image recording section and the recording sheet discharge section has to stop the image recording apparatus and wait for the user to clear the jam. In an image recording apparatus having an automatic double-sided recording function, a jam may occur in a recording sheet reversing unit due to a variation in a recording sheet interval or a conveyance timing due to disturbance or the like.
At that time, it is often necessary to stop the recording operation and once remove all the recording sheets remaining in the image recording apparatus main body.

Some image recording apparatuses can stack a large number of recording sheets in the image recording apparatus main body. However, once a recording sheet is jammed, it is not necessary to remove all of the stacked recording sheets. Some do not.

Further, it is ideal that processing can be performed during double-sided recording at the same recording sheet interval as during single-sided recording in order to improve the productivity of automatic double-sided recording. Depending on the reversal position of the recording sheet and the recording sheet interval during single-sided recording, it is necessary to devise a method of securing a reversal margin time such as increasing the reversing speed of the recording sheet.

However, the actual breakdown of the reversal jam is that if only the recording sheet that cannot be reversed is removed, the recording operation can be continuously performed without stopping the recording operation and wasting the recording sheet unnecessarily. Often.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and
The purpose thereof is to provide an image recording apparatus having an automatic double-sided recording function having means for reversing a recording sheet in a main body of the image recording apparatus. Automatic double-sided printing can be performed without stopping a series of continuous printing operations by eliminating only the recording sheet that causes a jam in the reversing unit, and eliminating waste of the recording sheet due to jam in the recording sheet reversing unit. It is intended to provide an image recording device capable of doing so.

[0010]

A typical configuration according to the present invention for achieving the above object is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of recording an image on both sides of a recording sheet by inverting the recording sheet. A recording sheet reversing section for reversing the recording sheet reversing section, and a recording sheet interval between the preceding recording sheet and the succeeding recording sheet during the continuous recording operation, and Detecting means for detecting the recording sheet to be conveyed and the conveyance timing of the succeeding recording sheet, and determining means for judging whether or not the succeeding recording sheet can be reversed in the recording sheet reversing unit based on the detection information of the detecting means. An image recording apparatus characterized in that:

If it is determined by the determining means that the recording sheet cannot be reversed, only the recording sheet is removed from the main body of the image recording apparatus, or the recording sheet is retreated to a retreat space provided inside the main body of the image recording apparatus. And a control means for continuing the continuous recording operation.

[0012] Further, there is provided a notifying means for notifying reversal impossible information when the judgment means judges that reversal of the recording sheet is impossible.

According to the present invention, as described above, the interval between recording sheets or the timing of recording sheet conveyance during continuous automatic double-sided recording operation is detected by detecting means disposed near the upstream side of the recording sheet reversing section in the recording sheet conveyance direction. If a recording sheet that cannot be reversed is detected by the recording sheet reversing unit and the recording sheet is not reversed, only the recording sheet is forcibly removed or retracted from the recording sheet conveyance path, and a series of continuous operations are performed. Continue the automatic double-sided recording operation without stopping.

When a recording sheet is forcibly removed or retracted, the user is notified by a notification means when a series of continuous automatic double-sided recording operations is completed, and only the second side of the recording sheet is recorded manually or automatically. I do.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily prevent a relatively uncertain jam such as a disturbance in the recording sheet interval or the conveyance timing of the recording sheet, to reduce the trouble of the jam processing, and to reduce the waste of the recording sheet.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a copying machine as an example of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a configuration of a first embodiment of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part showing a recording sheet discharge unit and a discharge path of the first embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of a main part showing a recording sheet discharge unit and a reversing path according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 shows the first timing chart.
6 is a flowchart illustrating control of a recording sheet reversing unit according to the embodiment.

In the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, when automatic double-sided recording is continuously performed on a recording sheet composed of a plurality of sheets of paper or synthetic resin, the recording sheet interval or the conveyance timing of the recording sheet varies due to disturbance or the like. Thus, even if the reversal of the recording sheet becomes impossible, the image recording apparatus can be processed without stopping a series of continuous recording operations.

In the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1, an image recording section B is disposed below a flat head scanner section A serving as image reading means, and an image signal read from a document in the flat head scanner section A is read from the image recording section B. To form an image.

Further, the personal computer is used as a scanner and a printer by connecting to a personal computer.
Further, by installing a modem, it can be used as a facsimile machine.

The flat head scanner section A irradiates the original placed on the platen glass 1 with light from a light source 2 and reflects the reflected light via a mirror 3 and a lens 4 into a photoelectric conversion element 5.
Image. Then, the image information optically read by the photoelectric conversion element 5 is converted into an electric signal and transmitted to an image recording unit B or a personal computer disposed below the flat head scanner unit A, or a telephone line as a facsimile machine. To other facsimile machines through the Internet.

The image recording section B selectively feeds the recording sheet P from the manual feed tray 6 or the feed cassette 7, places the recording sheet P on the transport belt 8, and outputs the electric information of the transmitted image information. After the toner images formed on the surfaces of the electrophotographic photosensitive drums 9, 10, 11, and 12 serving as four image recording means are sequentially transferred to the recording sheet P conveyed on the conveyance belt 8 in accordance with the signal. The recording sheet P on which a monochrome or full-color image is permanently fixed by the fixing device 13 is discharged onto a discharge tray 14.

The image recording apparatus of this embodiment has an automatic double-sided recording function. The recording sheet P is automatically reversed by the operation of each member in the recording sheet reversing section C, and recording is performed in accordance with an image signal. Images can be formed on both sides of the sheet P.

In this embodiment, the photosensitive drums 9 to
As light source devices for forming toner images on four surfaces of twelve, independently controlled LEDs (light emitting diodes) 15, 16, 17, and 18 face the respective surfaces of the photosensitive drums 9 to 12. It is arranged.

Next, a series of operations during automatic double-sided printing in the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. The image recording apparatus of the present embodiment performs so-called external reversal, in which the reversal of the recording sheet P in the recording sheet reversing section C at the time of automatic double-sided recording is performed using an outer discharge roller pair 19 provided in the recording sheet discharging section. It is structured in a so-called manner.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG.
The configuration of the external reversal in the above will be described. Broken line in FIG. 2 shows a conveyance path K ₁ of the recording sheet P in the normal one-side recording. That is, the recording sheet P passes through the inner discharge roller pair 20 through the fixing device 13 and is discharged to the outside of the image recording apparatus main body by the outer discharge roller pair 19. At this time, the recording sheet P discharged by the outside discharge sensor 25 is detected.

Further, in order to optimize the discharge property of the recording sheet P to the outside of the image recording apparatus main body and the stacking property of the recording sheet P on the discharge tray 14, the vicinity of the recording sheet reversing section C near the upstream side in the recording sheet conveyance direction. Detecting means for detecting a recording sheet interval between a preceding recording sheet P and a succeeding recording sheet P during a continuous recording operation, or a conveyance timing of the preceding recording sheet P and the succeeding recording sheet P When the inner discharge sensor 21 detects the rear end of the recording sheet P, the controller 23 serving as control means shown in FIG.
To increase the rotation speed.

Here, the trailing edge detection operation of the recording sheet P will be specifically described. The inner discharge sensor 21 serving as a detecting means shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 rotates an arm member, which is generally referred to as a mechanical detection method, around a fulcrum (not shown), and the arm member shown in FIG. This is done by turning ON / OFF the photo interrupter that does not use it.

That is, when the recording sheet P passes through the inner discharge sensor 21, the trailing edge of the recording sheet P is detected based on the ON / OFF signal. Further, in the present embodiment, the mechanism detecting means is used, but as another configuration, a detecting means generally called an optical sensor may be used.

On the other hand, the conveyance path K ₂ indicated by the broken line in FIG. 3 is a recording of the first surface of the recording sheet P at the time of the automatic both-side recording is completed, reversing the recording sheet P in order to perform the recording of the second surface 4 shows a conveyance path of the recording sheet P at the time.

That is, the recording sheet P passes from the fixing device 13 to the inner discharge roller pair 20, and when the inner discharge sensor 21 detects the rear end of the recording sheet P, the control unit 23 shown in FIG. Is controlled to increase the rotation speed of the outer discharge roller pair 19.

Then, a part of the leading end of the recording sheet P is discharged to the outside of the image recording apparatus main body by the outer discharge roller pair 19, and the trailing end of the recording sheet P reaches the reversal position Q shown in FIG. At this point, the controller 23 controls the rotation of the outer discharge reversing motor 24 to rotate the outer discharge roller pair 19 in the reverse direction.

The recording sheet P is guided to a double-sided path D serving as a lower conveying section disposed below the conveying belt 8, conveyed by each pair of rollers disposed on the double-sided path D, and re-fed to the conveying belt 8. Then, after the second surface of the recording sheet P is recorded by the photosensitive drums 9 to 12 as described above, the recording sheet P is discharged to the outside of the image recording apparatus main body.

At the time of the reversing operation of the automatic double-sided recording in the continuous mode, the fixing entrance sensor 22 as a detecting means always detects the time T ₁ shown in the timing chart of FIG. From the point in time when the leading edge of the succeeding recording sheet P is detected) or the time T
₂ By detecting the (recording sheet P interval time), the sheet interval between the preceding recording sheet P and the next recording sheet P is detected (step S1 in FIG. 6), and the control functioning also as a judgment means based on this detection information. When the controller 23 determines that the preceding recording sheet P cannot be reversed because the sheet interval is small (step S2), the controller 23 controls the outer discharge reversing motor.
24, the recording sheet P is forcibly discharged only by recording on the first surface by the outer discharge roller pair 19 (Step S).
4).

Then, the recording sheet P following the forcibly discharged recording sheet P is reversed as usual, and recording on the second side is performed.

Here, the time T using the fixing entrance sensor 22 is
For specific detection means for detecting _one or time T _2, it is similar to the detection means of the discharge sensor 21 among the above-mentioned. The method of determining whether the reversing operation is possible or not is performed by determining the interval of the recording sheet P necessary for the reversing operation based on the detection information when the time T ₁ or the time T ₂ is detected by the determination means provided in the control unit 23. That is, it is determined whether or not the recording sheet P is conveyed while keeping the interval required to secure the time required for the reversal.

Further, the recording sheet P which has been reversed before the forcibly discharged recording sheet P and is in the main body of the image recording apparatus performs the usual recording operation. When all the specified number of operations are completed, the user is notified of the number of recording sheets P that have been forcibly ejected, and the user records only the second surface of the forcibly ejected recording sheets P. I'm done. That is, it is possible to prevent the reversal jam caused by the narrowing of the interval between the recording sheets P, and to avoid wasting the recording sheets P.

When a remote operation is performed as in a printer, after a series of double-sided recording operations are completed, the recording of the same image information as the recording sheet P forcibly discharged is automatically performed on the separately transmitted recording sheet P. Performing the recording operation once again saves the user the trouble of printing out again.

Although the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has a non-stack type automatic double-sided function, the present invention is not limited to this. It can be applied to a typical image recording apparatus having a stack type automatic double-sided function, and a recording sheet P
The present invention can be widely applied to an image recording apparatus having a reversing function.

When it is judged by the judging means provided in the control section 23 that the reversal of the recording sheet P is impossible, a notifying means (not shown) for notifying the non-reversible information by a visual display means or an alarm is provided. It is provided in the image recording apparatus main body.

Next, a second embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the control of the recording sheet reversing unit of the second embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, when it is determined that the reversal of the recording sheet P is impossible using the sensor near the recording sheet reversing portion, the recording that hinders the continuous operation is performed. In this configuration, only the sheet P is forcibly discharged.

The difference of the present embodiment from the first embodiment lies in a detection method for controlling that the reversal of the recording sheet P is impossible. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the interval of the recording sheet P, i.e., it was a method of detecting the time shown in FIG. 5 T ₁ or time T _2, the detection method of the present embodiment is a recording sheet P Is not always detected, and even if one recording sheet P is in the middle of a reversing operation, the next recording sheet P is detected by a sensor near immediately before the recording sheet reversing section C.
Is detected when the timing at which the sheet is conveyed is early, that is, when the outer discharge roller pair
When the next recording sheet P is found to reach the outer discharge roller pair 19 when the rotation of the recording sheet 19 is being performed (in the direction opposite to the transport direction for discharge), the recording sheet that is being reversed is immediately rotated. P is forcibly discharged.

That is, in FIG. 6, the internal discharge sensor 21 is used to detect the time T ₃ (from the time when the reversal operation of the preceding recording sheet P is started in the recording sheet reversing section C, the succeeding recording sheet P is detected by the internal discharge sensor 21). (The time until the tip of is detected). That is, when this time T ₃ is shorter than the set time required to reverse the recording sheet P,
The controller 23 switches the outer discharge reversing motor 24 for driving the outer discharge roller pair 19 from the reversing operation rotation to the discharging operation rotation to forcibly discharge the recording sheet P.

Here, in this embodiment, the detecting means for the time T ₃ uses the mechanical detecting means described in the first embodiment, but a detecting means having another configuration such as a light detecting means is used. It is only necessary to be able to detect information of the same content even if used, and the invention is not limited to the mechanism detecting means.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and similar effects can be obtained. Also, in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the present invention can be widely applied to an image recording apparatus having a function of reversing the recording sheet P.

Next, a third embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is an explanatory sectional view showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the third embodiment. The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the first embodiment, the reversal of the recording sheet P is performed by a so-called external reversal method. In the present embodiment, the reversal of the recording sheet P in the main body of the image recording apparatus is called a so-called internal reversal. It has a method and a non-stack type automatic double-sided function. The image recording apparatus main body has a retreat space for retreating the recording sheet P when it is detected that the recording sheet P cannot be inverted during automatic double-sided recording.

In FIG. 8, the recording sheet P that has passed the inner discharge roller pair 20 is conveyed to a recording sheet reversing unit E, which is a lower conveying unit below the image forming unit, and is retracted and reversed by the control unit 23. The motor 34 causes the pair of reversing rollers 31 to perform a switchback operation to be reversed.

Then, it is detected whether or not the recording sheet P can be reversed by using some sensors near the recording sheet reversing section E, and when it is determined that the reversal of the recording sheet P is impossible, The recording sheet P is temporarily retracted to the retraction space 32 provided inside the image recording apparatus main body so as not to hinder the automatic double-sided recording of another recording sheet P.

When a series of automatic double-sided printing is completed, the user manually performs only the printing operation on the second side of the retracted recording sheet P, or a re-feeding mechanism serving as re-feeding means shown in FIG. The re-feeding of the recording sheet P retracted to the retreat space 32 is automatically performed by using 35.

The method for judging whether or not the recording sheet P can be inverted is basically the same as that in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Since it is arranged downstream of the configuration of the first and second embodiments in the sheet conveyance direction, the detecting means for detecting the interval between the recording sheets P or the conveyance timing of the succeeding recording sheet P is also used for the recording sheet of the recording sheet reversing unit E. It is preferable to use a double-sided entrance sensor 33 provided near the upstream side in the transport direction.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, and similar effects can be obtained.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system according to the fourth embodiment. The same components as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 23 is provided with one of the fixing entrance sensor 22 and the detection sensor 41 serving as detecting means disposed near the upstream side of the recording sheet reversing unit F in the recording sheet conveyance direction. The determining unit determines whether or not the recording sheet P can be reversed. If it is determined that the recording sheet P cannot be reversed, the retracting reversing motor 46 driven to rotate by the control unit 23 controls the pair of reversing rollers. Conveying with the same rotation without performing the switchback reverse operation of 42,
The forced discharge flapper 43 is switched, and the forced discharge motor 47 rotated and driven by the control unit 23 includes a forced discharge roller pair 44.
To forcibly discharge the recording sheet P, which is determined not to be reversed, onto the discharge tray 45.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, and the same effects can be obtained. Also figure
Although the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 10 has a non-stack type automatic double-sided function, it can be widely applied to an image recording apparatus having a stack type automatic double-sided function represented by an intermediate tray type.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an object for determining whether or not the recording sheet P can be inverted. Here, in each of the above embodiments, whether or not the recording sheet P can be reversed is determined by detecting the interval (sheet interval) of the recording sheet P being conveyed. When the sheet interval is detected at a certain point on the sheet transport path, it is usually detected that the sheet interval is constant during continuous recording. However, when the sheet interval is changed due to some disturbance, the following 2 is roughly described.
Divided into patterns.

One is a case where the recording sheet P1 is located downstream of the normal direction in the conveying direction (preceding the normal conveying), as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12B, this is a case where the recording sheet P3 is located on the upstream side of the normal direction in the transport direction (retreats from the normal transport).

The present invention determines whether or not the recording sheet P can be inverted by constantly detecting the sheet interval.
If applicable in FIG. 12 (a), detects that the distance L ₁ of the recording sheet P1 and the recording sheet P2 is narrower, reversing the recording sheet P in the image recording apparatus main body as shown in FIG. 10 With the configuration, there is no problem whether the recording sheet P1 can be inverted or whether the recording sheet P2 preceding the recording sheet P1 can be inverted.

However, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 8 in which a part of the recording sheet P is taken out of the image recording apparatus main body and turned over, the recording sheet P2 is turned over and the recording sheet P1 is turned over. Since it is impossible to forcibly eject the recording sheet P2 but to invert the recording sheet P2 itself,
Is a target of whether or not inversion is possible.

Similarly, in the case corresponding to FIG.
The configuration in which the recording sheet P is reversed in the image recording apparatus main body as shown in 10 has no problem even if the recording sheet P3 or the recording sheet P4 can be reversed, and FIGS. In a configuration in which a part of the recording sheet P is taken out of the image recording apparatus main body and inverted as shown in FIG. 8, it is impossible to invert the recording sheet P3 and forcibly eject the recording sheet P4. Is a target of whether or not inversion is possible.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic image recording apparatus having a plurality of photosensitive drums 9 to 12 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be widely applied to an image recording apparatus having an automatic double-sided function having a reversing mechanism.

Further, the present invention can be widely applied to an image recording apparatus which does not have the automatic double-sided function but has a function of reversing the recording sheet P.

[0063]

Since the present invention has the above-described configuration and operation, the sheet interval of the recording sheet is always kept near the upstream of the recording sheet reversing section in the recording sheet conveyance direction during the automatic double-side recording operation in the continuous recording mode. Detects disturbances in the transport timing of the recording sheet, and if it is determined that the recording sheet cannot be reversed, only the recording sheet is forcibly removed or forcibly retracted, so that the automatic double-sided recording operation in the continuous recording mode is not stopped. By continuously performing the automatic double-sided recording operation and separately recording only the second surface of the recording sheet forcibly removed or forcibly retracted, it is possible to minimize waste of the recording sheet.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a recording sheet discharge unit and a discharge path according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of a main part showing a recording sheet discharge unit and a reversing path according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating control of a recording sheet reversing unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control of a recording sheet reversing unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart illustrating control of a recording sheet reversing unit of a second embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory sectional view showing a configuration of a third embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory sectional view showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a target for determining whether or not a recording sheet can be inverted;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Platen glass, 2 ... Light source, 3 ... Mirror, 4 ... Lens, 5 ... Photoelectric conversion element, 6 ... Manual feed tray, 7 ... Feeding cassette, 8 ... Conveying belt, 9-12 ... Photoconductor drum, 13 ...
Fixing device, 14: discharge tray, 15-18: LED, 19: outer discharge roller pair, 20: inner discharge roller pair, 21: inner discharge sensor, 22
... Fixing entrance sensor, 23 ... Control unit, 24 ... Outside discharge reversing motor, 25 ... Outside discharge sensor, 31 ... Reversing roller pair, 32 ... Evacuation space, 33 ... Double side entrance sensor, 34 ... Evacuation reversal motor, 35
… Re-feed mechanism, 41… Detection sensor, 42… Reversing roller pair, 43
... forced discharge flapper, 44 ... forced discharge roller pair, 45 ... discharge tray, 46 ... evacuation reversal motor, 47 ... forced discharge motor, A
... flat head scanner unit, B ... image recording section, C ... recording sheet reversing section, D ... duplex path, E, F ... recording sheet reversing unit, K _1, K ₂ ... transport path, P, P1 to P4 ... recording sheet , Q ... reversal position

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image recording apparatus capable of recording an image on both sides of a recording sheet by reversing the recording sheet, comprising: a recording sheet reversing unit for reversing the recording sheet; and an upstream side of the recording sheet reversing unit in a recording sheet conveying direction. A detecting unit disposed in the vicinity and detecting a recording sheet interval between a preceding recording sheet and a succeeding recording sheet during a continuous recording operation or a conveyance timing of the preceding recording sheet and the succeeding recording sheet; A determination unit for determining whether or not the subsequent recording sheet can be reversed in the recording sheet reversing unit based on the detection information. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that, when the determination unit determines that reversal of the recording sheet is impossible, excludes only the recording sheet from the image recording apparatus main body and continues the continuous recording operation. Item 2. The image recording apparatus according to Item 1. 3. A control means for retreating only the recording sheet to a retreat space provided inside the main body of the image recording apparatus and continuing the continuous recording operation when the judgment means judges that reversal of the recording sheet is impossible. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. When a series of continuous recording operations is completed,
4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a re-feeding unit that re-feeds the recording sheet temporarily evacuated to the evacuation space when it is determined that reversal is impossible by the determination unit and performs double-sided image recording. The image recording apparatus as described in the above. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying reversal non-reversal information when the determining unit determines that reversal of the recording sheet is impossible. 6. When a series of continuous recording operations is completed,
An image to be originally recorded on a recording sheet removed from the image recording apparatus main body or retreated to a retreat space provided inside the image recording apparatus main body is recorded on a separately transmitted recording sheet. The image recording device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein