JPH0675508A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] To provide a highly convenient image forming apparatus capable of avoiding meaningless operation of the apparatus and wasteful consumption of TC film and the like. When the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided key 720 after the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741, it is indicated that double-sided copying at the time of recording the reversible thermosensitive recording film is prohibited. Double-sided key 720
If the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741 after the double-sided copy mode is selected by, a display or warning sound indicating that reversible thermosensitive recording film recording during double-sided copying is prohibited is issued.

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, a facsimile, or a printer, which can be used for image recording on a plain paper sheet and a reversible thermosensitive recording film by an electrophotographic process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the protection of the global environment including forest resources has become one of the major problems in various industrial fields. In the OA equipment industry as well, the reuse of recording sheets used in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines is steadily being implemented as part of this environmental protection measure. In the currently practiced method for reusing recording sheets, it is general to collect used recording sheets collectively and to chemically process them in a reprocessing plant such as a paper manufacturing factory to produce recycled paper.
However, in such a chemical treatment method, there is a physical limit to the number of retreatments (progress of fiber decomposition), and a certain amount of new wood is required for the retreatment.

On the other hand, as another method for reusing a recording sheet, a rewritable recording material which can be re-used any number of times, more specifically, a reusable recording material which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature A method using a recording material (hereinafter referred to as a reversible thermosensitive recording film; TC film) has been variously proposed for its easy handling.

[0004]

The present invention is to study reusable TC films among the above-mentioned conventional techniques. By the way, in the conventional image forming method on the TC film, the heat generating means (thermal head) is directly contacted with the film surface to record the image information. In addition, although various uses of this TC film are considered, it is widely spread, and the amount of paper used is huge, so that it is expected that the effect of paper reuse will be great. Alternatively, in an image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer, the apparatus to which the TC film can be applied has not yet been put into practical use. This is because the conventional image forming apparatus usually uses the electrophotographic process as the image forming method, and therefore, in order to make the TC film applicable to this type of image forming apparatus, the conventional electrophotographic process means is used. In addition to this, an image forming means (for example, a heat generating means, a conveying means, a control means, etc.) dedicated to the TC film must be newly provided. That is, the image forming apparatus having the structure in which the image forming means dedicated to the TC film is added is, in other words, a device which is a combination of a conventional copying machine and the image forming device of the TC film, and is a special technique. However, from the perspective of the entire device, it is inevitable that the cost will increase significantly, the size will increase, and the image forming control system will become complicated, and this point will not be put to practical use. it is conceivable that.

Therefore, the TC film dedicated image forming means (toner removing means, heat generating means, transporting means, etc.) and the plain paper sheet dedicated image forming means are configured to be shared. This makes it possible to form an image on a TC film by using an electrophotographic process for forming an image on an existing plain paper sheet without adding a large-scale image forming means dedicated to the TC film. By the way, the image forming apparatus to which the plain paper sheet and the TC film can be applied is provided with a double-sided copy unit for enabling copying on both sides of the recording paper and a double-sided copy mode selection means for selecting a double-sided copy mode. When a duplexer capable of double-sided copying is configured additionally, when both the image recording mode on the TC film (TC mode) and the double-sided copy mode by the double-sided copy mode selection means are selected, In the TC mode, meaningless double-sided copying to a TC film is performed, which causes a problem that the device is operated meaninglessly and the TC film is wastefully consumed. Further, the image forming apparatus to which the plain paper sheet and the TC film can be applied is provided with a staple unit for enabling stapling (binding) on the recording paper and a staple mode selecting means for selecting a staple mode. In the case of configuring a stapling-combining machine, when both the image recording mode (TC mode) on the TC film and the stapling mode by the stapling mode selecting means are selected, in the TC mode. The meaningless stapling of the TC film is performed, so that the apparatus is operated meaninglessly, the TC film is scratched, and the staple needle is wastefully consumed. Further, in the image forming apparatus to which the plain paper sheet and the TC film can be applied, when an abnormality occurs in the unit or operation peculiar to the TC film, or when an abnormality occurs in the fixing means of the plain paper sheet. , The operation is interrupted even though it is possible to record an image on another recording sheet, so that it is necessary to obtain a hard copy regardless of the type of recording sheet, such as when receiving from a facsimile. However, there is a problem that the convenience of the device is reduced. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a highly convenient image forming apparatus capable of avoiding meaningless operation of the apparatus and wasteful consumption of TC film and the like. is there.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a latent image writing means for writing image information on a photoconductor as an electrostatic latent image, and an electrostatic image formed on the photoconductor. A developing unit that visualizes the latent image with toner, a paper feeding and conveying unit that feeds and conveys a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming unit, and a plain paper sheet that is fed and conveyed to the image forming unit. It has a transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoreceptor and a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet, and is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature. The reversible thermosensitive recording film that can be used is fed and conveyed to the image forming section by the paper feeding and conveying means, and the latent image writing means and the developing means perform the photosensitization on the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film. G formed on the body The image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation unit that transfers the image by the transfer unit and heats the transferred toner image by irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred. In the image forming apparatus configured to remove the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film from the film surface by the toner removing means after the image formation, the PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and the reversible feeling. A recording mode selection unit for selecting a TC mode for recording an image on a thermal recording film, a double-sided copy unit for copying on both sides of a recording sheet, and a double-sided copy mode for the double-sided copy unit to function are selected. For selecting the TC mode by the recording mode selecting means, When the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means, a display or warning sound indicating that double-sided copy during recording of the reversible thermosensitive recording film is prohibited is issued, and by the double-sided copy mode selection means. When the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means after the double-sided copy mode is selected, a warning indicating that a reversible thermosensitive recording film recording during double-sided copying is prohibited or a warning sound is issued. It is configured to include means.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention uses a latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor. Developing means for making the image visible by means of, and a paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section;
A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation means that heats the transferred toner image by irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred. After the image is formed, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing means, a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. A recording mode selection unit for selecting, a double-sided copy unit for copying on both sides of the recording paper, and a double-sided copy mode selection unit for selecting a double-sided copy mode in which the double-sided copy unit functions, After the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means, the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means. Mode is selected, the selection of the double-sided copy mode selection unit is ignored, and the single-sided copy mode to the reversible thermosensitive recording film is set, and after the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection unit. When the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means, the mode switching means for ignoring the selection of the recording mode selecting means and setting the duplex copy mode to the plain paper sheet is provided.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention further comprises a latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor. Developing means for making the image visible by means of, and a paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section;
A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation means that heats the transferred toner image by irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred. After the image is formed, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing means, a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. A recording mode selection unit for selecting, a double-sided copy unit for copying on both sides of the recording paper, and a double-sided copy mode selection unit for selecting a double-sided copy mode in which the double-sided copy unit functions, After the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means, the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means. Mode is selected, the selection of the double-sided copy mode selection unit is ignored, and the single-sided copy mode to the reversible thermosensitive recording film is set, and after the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection unit. Even when the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means, the mode switching means for ignoring the selection of the double-sided copy mode selecting means and setting the single-sided copy mode to the reversible thermosensitive recording film is provided. .

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention further comprises a latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor. Developing means for making the image visible by means of, and a paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section;
A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation means that heats the transferred toner image by irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred. After the image is formed, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing means, a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. A recording mode selection unit for selecting, a double-sided copy unit for copying on both sides of the recording paper, and a double-sided copy mode selection unit for selecting a double-sided copy mode in which the double-sided copy unit functions, After the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means, the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means. When the mode is selected, the selection of the recording mode selection means is ignored, and the duplex copy mode to the plain paper sheet is set, and after the duplex copy mode is selected by the duplex copy mode selection means, the recording Even when the TC mode is selected by the mode selecting means, the mode switching means for ignoring the selection of the recording mode selecting means and setting the double-sided copy mode to the plain paper sheet is provided.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention further comprises a latent image writing means for writing image information on the photoconductor as an electrostatic latent image, and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor. Developing means for making the image visible by means of, and a paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section;
A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing means, a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. Recording mode selection means for selecting, a double-sided copy unit for copying on both sides of recording paper, a double-sided copy mode selection means for selecting a double-sided copy mode in which the double-sided copy unit functions, and only one side A reversible thermosensitive recording film capable of image recording and a reversible thermosensitive recording film capable of image recording on both sides are distinguished from each other. When the recording paper fed by the TC film discriminating and selecting means is a reversible thermosensitive recording film capable of recording an image on only one side, If the recording sheet fed by the TC film discriminating / selecting means is a reversible thermosensitive recording film capable of image recording on both sides, the operation according to claim 4 is executed. The selected recording method and mode are executed without executing the operation of claim 4.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention further comprises a latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor. Developing means for making the image visible by means of, and a paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section;
A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing means, a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. A recording mode selecting unit for selecting a recording sheet, a stapling unit for stapling a recording sheet, and a staple mode selecting unit for selecting a staple mode in which the stapling unit functions. After the TC mode is selected by the staple mode selection means, Mode is selected, a display or warning sound indicating that stapling is prohibited at the time of recording the reversible thermosensitive recording film is issued, and after the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selection means, the recording is performed. When the TC mode is selected by the mode selection means, a warning notification means is provided for displaying a display or warning sound indicating that reversible thermosensitive recording film recording during stapling is prohibited.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention further comprises a latent image writing means for writing image information on the photoconductor as an electrostatic latent image, and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor. Developing means for making the image visible by means of, and a paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section;
A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing means, a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. A recording mode selecting unit for selecting a recording sheet, a stapling unit for stapling a recording sheet, and a staple mode selecting unit for selecting a staple mode in which the stapling unit functions. After the TC mode is selected by the staple mode selection means, Mode is selected, the selection of the staple mode selection means is ignored, and the TC mode in which an image is recorded on the reversible thermosensitive recording film without stapling is selected, and the staple mode selection means selects the staple mode. After that, when the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection unit, the selection of the recording mode selection unit is ignored, and the staple mode in the PP mode for performing image recording and stapling on the plain paper sheet is set. The mode switching means is provided.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention further comprises a latent image writing means for writing image information on the photoconductor as an electrostatic latent image, and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor. Developing means for making the image visible by means of, and a paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section;
A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing means, a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. A recording mode selecting unit for selecting a recording sheet, a stapling unit for stapling a recording sheet, and a staple mode selecting unit for selecting a staple mode in which the stapling unit functions. After the TC mode is selected by the staple mode selection means, Mode is selected, the selection of the stapling mode selecting means is ignored, and the TC mode in which an image is recorded on the reversible thermosensitive recording film without stapling is selected, and the stapling mode is selected by the stapling mode selecting means. After that, even when the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means, the selection of the staple mode selecting means is ignored, and the image is recorded on the reversible thermosensitive recording film without stapling.
The configuration is such that a mode switching means for setting the C mode is provided.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention further comprises a latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor. Developing means for making the image visible by means of, and a paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section;
A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing means, a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. A recording mode selecting unit for selecting a recording sheet, a stapling unit for stapling a recording sheet, and a staple mode selecting unit for selecting a staple mode in which the stapling unit functions. After the TC mode is selected by the staple mode selection means, Mode is selected, the selection of the staple mode selection means is ignored, and the staple mode in the PP mode for performing image recording and stapling on a plain paper sheet is set, and the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selection means. Even when the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting unit after the selection, the staple mode in the PP mode in which the selection of the recording mode selecting unit is ignored and the image recording and stapling on the plain paper sheet are performed. The mode switching means is provided.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention further comprises a latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor. Developing means for making the image visible by means of, and a paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section;
A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing means, a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. And a TC mode abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality in a unit or operation required only for the reversible thermosensitive recording film, and the TC is selected by the recording mode selecting means.
When the mode is selected and the TC mode abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality in the unit or an operation that is necessary for the reversible thermosensitive recording film, the image is not normally recorded on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. When an image is recorded on a paper sheet, the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means, and the abnormality of the unit or the operation required for the reversible thermosensitive recording film is not detected by the TC mode abnormality detection means. The reversible heat-sensitive recording film is used for image recording.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention further comprises a latent image writing means for writing image information on the photoconductor as an electrostatic latent image, and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor. Developing means for making the image visible by means of, and a paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section;
A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film on which the toner image is transferred to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing means, a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. And a fixing abnormality detecting unit for detecting an abnormality of the fixing unit.
When a mode is selected and an abnormality of the fixing means is detected by the fixing abnormality detecting means, the image is recorded on the reversible heat-sensitive recording film without recording the image on the plain paper sheet, and the recording mode is selected. The PP mode is selected by the means, and when the abnormality of the fixing means is not detected by the fixing abnormality detecting means, the image is recorded on the plain paper sheet.

[0017]

According to the present invention, when the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means after the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means, the reversible heat-sensing is performed by the warning notification means. A display or a warning sound indicating that double-sided copying is prohibited at the time of recording the recording film is informed, and after the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means, the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means. In this case, the warning notifying means gives a display or warning sound indicating that reversible thermosensitive recording film recording during double-sided copying is prohibited.

Further, according to the present invention, when the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means after the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means, the double-sided copy is performed by the mode switching means. The selection of the copy mode selection unit is ignored, the mode is switched to the single-sided copy mode for the reversible thermosensitive recording film, and after the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection unit, the TC is selected by the recording mode selection unit. When the mode is selected, the mode switching unit ignores the selection made by the recording mode selection unit and switches to the double-sided copy mode for the plain paper sheet.

Further, according to the present invention, when the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means after the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means, the double-sided copy is performed by the mode switching means. The selection of the copy mode selection unit is ignored, the mode is switched to the single-sided copy mode for the reversible thermosensitive recording film, and after the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection unit, the TC is selected by the recording mode selection unit. Even when the mode is selected, the mode switching means ignores the selection of the double-sided copy mode selection means and switches to the single-sided copy mode for the reversible thermosensitive recording film.

Further, according to the present invention, when the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means after the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means, the recording is performed by the mode switching means. The selection of the mode selection means is ignored, the mode is switched to the double-sided copy mode on the plain paper sheet, and after the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means, the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means. Even in this case, the mode switching means ignores the selection made by the recording mode selection means and switches to the double-sided copy mode for the plain paper sheet.

Further, according to the present invention, when the recording paper fed by the TC film discriminating / selecting means is a reversible thermosensitive recording film capable of recording an image on only one side, the above-mentioned recording paper is selected. When each operation is executed and it is determined that the recording paper fed by the TC film determination / selection means is a reversible thermosensitive recording film capable of image recording on both sides, each operation is not executed. Then, the selected recording method and mode are executed.

Further, according to the present invention, when the staple mode is selected by the stapling mode selecting means after the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means, the reversible heat sensitive by the warning notifying means. After a display or a warning sound indicating that stapling is prohibited at the time of recording the recording film is notified, and after the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selection means,
When the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means, the warning notification means gives a display or a warning sound indicating that reversible thermosensitive recording film recording during stapling is prohibited.

Further, according to the present invention, when the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selecting means after the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means, the staple mode is selected by the mode switching means. TC for recording an image on a reversible thermosensitive recording film without stapling, ignoring the selection of means
When the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting unit after the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selecting unit, the recording mode selecting unit is selected by the mode switching unit. It is ignored and switched to the staple mode in the PP mode for performing image recording and stapling on a plain paper sheet.

Further, according to the present invention, when the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selecting unit after the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting unit, the staple mode selecting unit is selected by the mode switching unit. TC for recording an image on a reversible thermosensitive recording film without stapling, ignoring the selection of means
Even when the recording mode is switched to the mode and the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting unit after the staple mode selecting unit selects the staple mode, the mode switching unit selects the staple mode selecting unit. It is ignored, and the mode is switched to the TC mode in which an image is recorded on the reversible thermosensitive recording film without performing stapling.

Further, according to the present invention, when the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selecting means after the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means, the staple mode is selected by the mode switching means. The selection of the means is ignored, the mode is switched to the staple mode in the PP mode for performing image recording and stapling on the plain paper sheet, and after the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selection means, the recording mode selection means is performed. Even when the TC mode is selected by, the mode switching unit ignores the selection of the recording mode selection unit and switches to the staple mode in the PP mode in which image recording and stapling are performed on a plain paper sheet.

Further, according to the present invention, the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means, and the abnormality of the unit or the operation required for the reversible thermosensitive recording film is detected by the TC mode abnormality detecting means. In this case, the reversible heat-sensitive recording film is not image-recorded but the plain paper sheet is image-recorded, the recording mode selecting means selects the TC mode, and the TC-mode abnormality detecting means selects the reversible heat-sensitive image. If no unit abnormality or operation abnormality required for the recording film is detected, image recording is performed on the reversible heat-sensitive recording film.

Further, according to the present invention, when the PP mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means and an abnormality of the fixing means is detected by the fixing abnormality detecting means,
The image is recorded on the reversible heat-sensitive recording film without recording the image on the plain paper sheet, the PP mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means, and the abnormality of the fixing means is not detected by the fixing abnormality detecting means. In this case, the image is recorded on the plain paper sheet.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the disclosure of the configuration, action, etc. within a range that can be clearly recalled from the description of the present specification is omitted or simplified in order to avoid complication of the description.

The image forming apparatus in which the present invention is carried out includes a plain paper sheet (hereinafter simply referred to as plain paper) and a reversible thermosensitive recording film; a thermochromic film (hereinafter T).
For C film), an image can be recorded using common image forming means. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus having the basic configuration has two paper feed trays, a paper feed tray A and a paper feed tray B. These paper feed trays A and B are arranged in parallel, and both paper feed trays are configured without any difference. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the TC film is set in the paper feed tray A and the plain paper is set in the paper feed tray B.

First, image recording on plain paper in this image forming apparatus will be described. In FIG. 1, the bundle of plain paper set in the paper feed tray B is pulled out from the paper feed tray B by the paper feed roller 1, and only the uppermost one sheet is separated by the rotation of the paper feed roller 1 by the separation pad 35. Be transported. The plain paper conveyed by the paper feed roller 1 is conveyed by the conveyance roller 37 to the registration drive roller 9 and the heating head 3.
The paper is conveyed until it hits the nip part of. On this occasion,
The front end of the plain paper is detected by the pre-registration sensor 31, and the timing for writing an image on the plain paper is set. Here, the registration driving roller 9 and the heating head 3
The abutting force with respect to is set so that the frictional force between the resist driving roller 9 and the TC film is larger than the frictional force between the heating head 3 and the TC film. As a result, the plain paper is conveyed according to the rotation of the registration driving roller 9.

On the other hand, while the plain paper is being fed and conveyed as described above, the original image is written as a latent image on the photoconductor 10 by the optical unit 5, and the latent image on the photoconductor 10 becomes The toner supplied from the developing unit 4 visualizes the image. Then, the plain paper sent toward the photoconductor 10 by the registration driving roller 9 rotating at a timing by the pre-registration sensor 31 is transferred with a toner image from the photoconductor 10 by the transfer separation unit 8. The plain paper on which the toner image is transferred is the conveyance guide plate 1
By the suction force of the fan 36 disposed on the back surface side of the sheet 3, the sheet is conveyed toward the fixing unit 34 while being attracted to the conveyance guide plate 13. The plain paper conveyed to the fixing unit 34 is conveyed by the pair of pressure roller 19 and heating roller 20.
The toner image transferred by being pressed and heated is fixed.

A TC cleaning means 24, which functions only when recording an image on a TC film, is provided downstream of the fixing means 34. When recording an image on plain paper, a TC cleaning means 24 is provided.
This TC cleaning means 24 is indicated by an arrow a in FIG.
It is retracted to the position displaced in the direction (position shown by the solid line). As a result, the plain paper that is guided by the fixing outlet upper guide plate 22 and the fixing outlet lower guide plate 23 and discharged from the fixing unit 34 is in the state as it is, and the transport roller 3 is used.
Further, the sheet is further conveyed by 8, and is ejected onto a sheet ejection tray 30 by a sheet ejection roller 29 through a sheet ejection guide plate 28.

Next, the image recording on the TC film in this image forming apparatus will be described. In FIG. 1, the bundle of TC films set in the paper feed tray A is pulled out from the paper feed tray A by the paper feed roller 1, and only the topmost sheet is rotated by the rotation of the paper feed roller 1 by the separating pad 35. Be transported. The TC film transported by the paper feed roller 1 is transported by the transport roller 37 until it abuts against the nip portion between the registration drive roller 9 and the heat generation head 3. At this time, the front end of the TC film is detected by the pre-registration sensor 31, and the timing of writing an image on the TC film is set. Here, the contact force between the registration driving roller 9 and the heat generating head 3 is set so that the frictional force between the registration driving roller 9 and the TC film is larger than the frictional force between the heat generating head 3 and the TC film. . As a result, the plain paper is conveyed according to the rotation of the registration driving roller 9.

Further, the heating head 3 has a function of heating the TC film to a temperature at which the transparent portion (image portion) of the TC film is turned white turbid and is initialized. Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the TC film passes through the nip portion between the resist driving roller 9 and the heat generating head 3, the heat generating head 3 heats the entire surface of the TC film to a temperature at which the TC film turns into a cloudy color. Even when the recorded TC film is conveyed, the recorded image is automatically erased.

On the other hand, while the TC film is being fed and conveyed as described above, the optical unit 5 is attached to the photoreceptor 10.
The original image is written as a latent image by the
The latent image on 0 is visualized by the toner supplied from the developing unit 4. Next, the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor 10 to the TC film sent by the pre-registration sensor 31 toward the photoconductor 10 by the rotating registration roller at a timing. When recording an image on the TC film, the TC film on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed while being attracted to the conveyance guide plate 13 by the suction force of the fan 36 arranged on the back side of the conveyance guide plate 13. At this time, the irradiation lamp 16 of the irradiation means 15 arranged facing the conveyance guide plate 13 across the conveyance path is turned on. The irradiation light of the irradiation lamp 16 is reflected by the reflection plate 17
And the condenser lens 18 allows the TC on the transport guide plate 13
It is focused and irradiated on the film surface of the film. At this time,
The TC film itself is initialized to a cloudy state by the action of the heating head 3 in the erasing step, and the unfixed toner image is transferred to the surface thereof. Therefore, the irradiation light that is irradiated and condensed by the irradiation lamp 16, the reflection plate 17, and the condenser lens 18 is absorbed by the unfixed toner image portion that is the black portion of the film surface of the TC film,
Even if the temperature of the black portion is raised, it is reflected at the other part of the film surface that is in a white turbid state (non-image part) and has no effect. This causes a temperature difference between the toner image area and the non-image area on the film surface of the TC film,
Only the toner image portion of this TC film changes from a cloudy state to a transparent state due to this temperature difference, and thus a white cloudy portion (non-image portion) and a transparent portion (toner image portion) are formed on the TC film surface. The image is recorded.

The TC film, on which an image is recorded due to the heat discoloration of the cloudy portion, is conveyed toward the fixing means 34 while being attracted to the conveyance guide plate 13 by the suction force of the fan 36. Here, at the time of recording an image on the TC film, the film surface of the TC film conveyed to the fixing unit 34 comes into contact with the heating roller 20 and is reheated, so that the image recorded on the film surface is imaged. In order to prevent the heat loss from being lost, the heating roller 20 of the fixing means 34 is displaced in advance in the direction of arrow b in FIG.
The TC film is retracted to a position where it does not come into contact with the film surface (chain line position), that is, to a position where the heat of the heating roller 20 is not transferred to the TC film.

Further, at the time of recording an image on the TC film, the TC cleaning means 24 is operated by an arrow a in FIG.
Of the transport roller 38, which is preliminarily raised to a position displaced in the opposite direction (position shown by a chain line), of the transport roller 38 including a pair of rollers (the surface on which the toner image is not transferred)
The blade 25 of the cleaning means 24 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the roller 38a located at. Here, the contact force of the blade 25 with respect to the roller 38a is the friction force between the roller 38a and the TC film.
It is set to be larger than the frictional force with the C film. As a result, the TC film that has passed through the fixing means 34 without being reheated is guided by the fixing outlet upper guide plate 22 and the fixing outlet lower guide plate 23, and then the roller 38.
It is conveyed according to the rotation of a. When the TC film is conveyed by the roller 38a, the toner transferred onto the film surface is scraped off by the blade 25. The toner scraped off from the film surface of the TC film is collected in the collection bottle 27 by the collection roller 26 provided in the cleaning unit 24.
The TC film on which an image composed of a cloudy portion (non-image portion) and a transparent portion (image portion) is recorded by scraping off the transfer toner in this manner is further conveyed by the conveying roller 38 including a pair of rollers. Then, the paper is guided by the paper discharge guide plate 28, and is discharged by the paper discharge rollers 29.
Is discharged above zero.

In FIG. 1, the paper feed guide plate 2 is
It has a function of guiding the plain paper and the TC film fed by the paper feed roller 1 while being conveyed to the registration driving roller 9 and the registration driven roller 40. The pre-transfer guide plate 11 has a function of guiding the plain paper or the TC film conveyed by the registration driving roller 9 and the registration driven roller 40 toward the photoconductor 10. Fixing entrance upper guide plate 14 and fixing entrance lower guide plate 3
9 is plain paper or T which is separated and conveyed from the photoconductor 10.
It has a function of guiding the C film to the nip portion of the pressure roller 19 and the heating roller 20 of the fixing means 34. The thermistor TA provided in the fixing unit 34 has a function of detecting the surface temperature of the heating roller 20, and the heat generation amount of the heater 21 arranged in the heating roller 20 is controlled based on this detection signal. By doing so, the heating roller 20
The heating temperature of is variable. The thermistor TB arranged on the registration drive roller 9 has a function of detecting the surface temperature of the registration drive roller 9, and the heat generation amount of the heat generation head 3 is controlled based on this detection signal, so that The heating temperature of the drive roller 9 is changed. Photoconductor 1
The charging means 6 disposed around 0 has a function of initializing the surface potential of the photoconductor 10 by discharging. Paper ejection sensor 32 arranged on the conveyance path of the paper ejection guide plate 28
Detects the presence or absence of passage of the plain paper or TC film conveyed from the fixing means 34 at a predetermined timing to detect jamming of the plain paper or TC film.

As described above, according to this image forming apparatus, since the image can be formed on the TC film by using the conventional electrophotographic process for forming the image on the plain paper, it is possible to record the image on the TC film. It is not necessary to add a large-scale dedicated image forming means, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost and device volume and to complicate the image forming control system.
Since the erasing means for initializing the used TC film is provided in the image forming process, no matter what state the TC film is set in, the image formation on this TC film can be performed without any trouble. Image and the convenience of the device is improved.

Next, the control operation of the above-described image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the overall control block diagram shown in FIG. Various input, output, and control signals of this image forming apparatus are collectively processed by the main control unit 901 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, as the operation request input to the main control unit 109, the setting input by the operator's key press from the operation unit 903 shown in FIG. 5 and the image information input represented by the fax receiver or the host computer, etc. There are image information and commands from the unit 904. The inputs for controlling the apparatus include a timing detection signal from the pre-registration sensor 31, the paper discharge sensor 32, a temperature detection signal from the thermistors TA and TB, and a temperature detection signal from the in-machine temperature sensor 906. Outputs and control signals from the main control unit 901 include a paper feed roller 1, a registration drive roller 9, a heating head 3, an optical unit 5, a developing unit 4, a charging unit 6, a transfer separating unit 8, a photoconductor 10, and a conveyance switching unit. 12, irradiation means 1
5, pressure roller 19, heating roller 20, heater 21,
It is output to the controlled objects such as the TC cleaning unit 24 and the paper discharge roller 29. Here, a control program, various setting data necessary for program execution, and the like are stored in a storage unit 902 such as a ROM, and an internal timer 905 is used to generate timing during operation. To be done.

ONE-like the image forming apparatus
As a control example of the PATH system, a timing chart of the image recording operation on the TC film is shown in FIG. 3, and a timing chart of the image recording operation on the plain paper is shown in FIG.
That is, at the time of recording an image on the TC film, as shown in FIG. 3, first, by receiving a start signal, the paper feed roller 1 is activated to start feeding the TC film, and at the same time, the developing means 4 is started. , Charging means 6, discharge roller 29
At the same time, the position of the fixing means 34 is changed so that the TC film passes through the fixing portion. Here, when erasing the recorded image on the TC film,
The heating head 3 is turned on in advance. Next, reception of image information is started from the image information input unit 904, and based on the detection signal of the TC film front end of the pre-registration sensor 31,
The paper feed roller 1 is stopped, and the photoconductor 1 by the optical unit 5
The writing of the image information to 0 is started, and at the same time, the registration driving roller 9 is activated, and thereafter, the transfer separation unit 8, the irradiation unit 15, and the TC cleaning unit 24.
Start each. Then, when the input of the image information is completed, the operations of the optical unit 5 and the charging means 6 are stopped, and the registration driving roller 9 is stopped based on the detection signal of the TC film rear end of the pre-registration sensor 31. Further, when the discharge completion of the TC film is detected by the discharge sensor 32, the transfer separation unit 8 and the developing unit 4 are stopped, and the discharge roller 29 and the irradiation unit 1 are subsequently detected.
5. The operations of the fixing unit 34 and the TC cleaning unit 24 are stopped.

When recording an image on plain paper, first, as shown in FIG. 4, by receiving a start signal,
The paper feed roller 1 is activated to start feeding the plain paper, and at the same time, the operations of the developing unit 4, the charging unit 6, and the paper discharge roller 29 are started, and the plain paper is passed through the fixing unit. The position of the fixing unit 34 is changed to, the heater 21 is turned on, and the fixing unit 34 is activated. At this time, the heating head 3 is turned off in advance. Next, reception of image information from the image information input unit 904 is started, the paper feed roller 1 is stopped based on the detection signal of the front edge of the plain paper from the pre-registration sensor 31, and the image is formed on the photoconductor 10 by the optical unit 5. The writing of information is started, the registration driving roller 9 is activated at a timing, and then the transfer separation unit 8 is activated. Then, when the input of the image information is completed, the operations of the optical unit 5 and the charging unit 6 are stopped, and the registration drive roller 9 is stopped based on the detection signal of the rear end of the plain paper of the pre-registration sensor 31. Further, when the discharge sensor 32 detects that the plain paper has been discharged, the transfer / separation unit 8 and the developing unit 4 are stopped, and subsequently, the operations of the discharge roller 29 and the fixing unit 34 are stopped.

On the other hand, in FIG. 5, the timer key 701
Is pressed when setting the time of the timer, and the timer display 702 is turned on when the timer is set by the timer key 701 and when the timer is operating. Also, the program key 703
Is pressed when the program is stored and when the program is called, and the program display 704 is turned on when the program is being used. The enter key 705 is pressed when changing the dimensions, setting the editing function, and setting the program number. The ten-key pad 706 is pressed when setting the number of copies (image recording), changing the size, setting the binding margin width, setting the program, and setting the program number. The guidance key 707 is pressed when it is desired to display a copy operation method or an explanation of the operation of each key on the guidance display unit 708, and when the guidance key 707 is being used, the guidance key display 708 is turned on. Various information is displayed on the display panel 709. The size scaling key 710 is pressed when inputting the size of the document, and in the size scaling selection state, the size scaling display 711 is turned on. The centering key 712 is pressed to move the copy image to the center of the paper (plain paper or TC film), and the centering display 713 is lit in the centering selection state. Binding adjustment key 71
4 is pressed to make a binding margin (margin) on the left and right of the copy, and the binding margin display 715 displays the selected binding margin. The sorter key 719 is pressed when the sorter is used, and when the sorter is used and the sort state is set,
The sort display 717 is turned on (optional). The stack display 718 is turned on when the sorter is used and is in the stack state (optional). The double-sided key 720 is pressed to make a double-sided copy, and in the double-sided copy state, the double-sided display 716 is turned on. The page continuous copy key 722 is used to automatically copy a two-page spread original one by one, and to automatically copy a two-sided original (however, this optional two-sided original requires an automatic paper feeder; DF) one-sided. In the page continuous shooting state, the page continuous shooting display 721 is turned on. Erase key 72
4 is pressed when making an edit copy such as frame erase, outside erase, and inside erase, and in the state of this edit copy, the erase display 723 is turned on. The paper designation scaling key 726 is pressed to make a paper designation scaling copy, and in the state of the paper designation scaling copy, the paper designation scaling display 725 is turned on. The zoom scaling key 727 is pressed when freely selecting the copy magnification. The reduction key 728 is pressed when making a reduction copy. The enlargement key 729 is pressed when making an enlargement copy. The current key 730 is pressed when returning to the current copy. The paper selection key 731 is
Pressed when selecting the copy paper size. The automatic paper selection key 732 is pressed when the size of copy paper is automatically selected. The density adjustment key 733 is pressed when adjusting the shade of a copy image. Automatic concentration key 7
Reference numeral 34 is pressed when the density of the copy image is automatically adjusted. The clear / stop key 735 is pressed when it is desired to change the set number of sheets, when it is desired to stop continuous copying in the middle, and when the program number is set. The start key 736 is pressed when making a copy, that is, when forming an image on plain paper or TC film. The interrupt key 737 is pressed when it is desired to interrupt another document for copying during the continuous copying. The preheat display 738 is turned on when the heat generating portion of the device is in the preheat state. The mode clear / preheat key 739 is pressed when returning various modes to the standard mode, when switching between the preheat state and the normal state, and when setting the program number. The cover mode key 740 is pressed when attaching a cover and making a copy. TC mode key 741
Pressed when recording an image on TC film. The additional image formation mode key 742 is pressed when additional image formation is performed on the TC film. One-touch print key 743 is TC
Pressed when recording again on plain paper after trial recording on film.

In FIG. 5, when one key has a plurality of displays, rotation is displayed by pressing the keys, and the modes are not compatible. Further, the guidance display unit of the operation unit 903 is configured to display a message for operating the image forming apparatus and warning as described above. Although a copying machine has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus here, an image forming apparatus other than the copying machine, such as a printer or a facsimile, is similarly configured.

FIG. 6 shows the T in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
The structure of the program of C mode initialization is shown. This TC
In the mode initialization program, the TC mode flag indicating whether or not the TC mode is selected is cleared, and the TC mode display LE provided on the operation unit 903 is cleared.
Turn off D.

FIG. 7 shows a control program for setting the TC mode in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In this TC mode setting program, first, the operation unit 90
It is determined whether or not there is an input from 3, and then the operation unit 90
It is determined whether or not the input from 3 is input from the TC mode key 741. If there is an input from the operation unit 903 and this input is the TC mode key 741 and the TC mode flag is "0", this T
Set the C mode flag to "1" and set the L for TC mode display.
Turn on the ED. If there is an input from the operation unit 903 and this input is the TC mode key 741 and the TC mode flag is "1", this TC mode flag is set to "0". , Turn off the LED for TC mode display. This allows TC mode key 7
41, a toggle operation for TC mode setting is performed.
Although a special mode called TC mode is provided here,
In order to facilitate maintenance of the apparatus, logging of the number of recorded sheets and the number of jammed sheets may be performed by using a counter dedicated to TC film, which is generally performed.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment is provided with an image forming unit capable of forming an image on the plain paper and the TC film as described above, and the image forming apparatus main body 750 includes Double-sided copy unit 770 including double-sided tray unit 771 and relay reversing unit 772
Is attached. Further, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is
As shown in FIG. 5, a TC mode key 741 as a recording mode selection unit capable of selecting the PP mode and the TC mode by a toggle operation on the operation unit 903.
And a double-sided key 720 as a double-sided copy mode selecting means capable of selecting a single-sided copy mode for forming an image on one side of the recording paper and a double-sided copy mode for forming an image on both sides of the recording paper. .

Here, by pressing the TC mode key 741, P
When the P mode is selected and the start key 736 is pressed, plain paper is fed from the paper feed tray A, and the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor 10 onto the plain paper by the transfer separation unit 8. Then, after the toner image is fixed on the plain paper by the fixing means 34, the plain paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 30 by the paper discharge roller 29. Also, TC
When the TC mode is selected by the mode key 741 and the start key 736 is pressed, the paper feed tray B
The TC film is fed from. At this time, if the fed TC film is initialized (image erased) in advance, this TC film is fed as it is, and the fed TC film is used (image formed). In that case, the recorded image is erased by the heating head 3 in the transport path. TC fed in this way
After the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor 10 by the transfer / separation unit 8, the film is image-formed as described above by the irradiation unit 15, and the pressure roller 19 and the heating roller 20 are used to avoid heating the TC film. After passing through the fixing means 34 separated from each other, the toner is removed by the TC cleaning means 24, and the toner is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 30 by the paper discharge roller 29.

Thus, in FIG. 8, the double-sided key 72
When the single-sided copy mode is selected by 0 and the start key 736 is pressed, plain paper or TC film (recording paper) is ejected through a predetermined image forming process as described above. However, here, when the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided key 720, FIG.
, The recording paper that has passed the conveyance roller 38 is temporarily stocked in the double-sided tray unit 771 by the double-sided paper discharge roller 773 through the reversing unit 772, and after the next document is read, the recording paper stocked in the double-sided tray unit 771. Paper is fed by the double-sided feed roller 774,
After the image is formed on the back side through the predetermined image forming process,
The sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 30 by the sheet discharge roller 29.

Therefore, such plain paper sheet and T
Double-sided copying is possible by adding a double-sided copy unit 770 for enabling copying on both sides of the recording paper and a double-sided key 720 for selecting a double-sided copy mode to the image forming apparatus to which C film can be applied. When a double-sided copying machine is configured, if both the image recording mode (TC mode) on the TC film and the double-sided copy mode by the double-sided key 720 are selected, the TC film is meaningless in the TC mode. Double-sided copying is performed, so that the device is operated meaninglessly and TC film is wastefully consumed. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, when the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741 and then the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided key 720, the TC is displayed by the display panel 709 as a warning notifying unit. A notification (or a warning sound may be displayed) that double-sided copying is prohibited during film recording,
When the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided key 720 and then the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741, the TC film recording during double-sided copying is prohibited by the display panel 709 serving as a warning notifying unit. A highly convenient configuration is provided in which it is possible to avoid a meaningless operation of the apparatus and wasteful consumption of TC film or the like by notifying a certain indication or a warning sound.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of the overall control means in the embodiment of this construction, and FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the operation of the double-sided setting warning control of this control means. That is, in this embodiment, first, the T mode key 741
It is determined whether the C mode is selected, and then it is determined whether the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided key 720. If it is determined that the mode is not the double-sided copy mode, nothing is done and the image forming operation in the TC mode or the PP mode is executed. If it is determined that the PP mode is the TC mode instead of the TC mode and the duplex copy mode is determined, it is again determined whether the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741. Here, in the PP mode, the image forming operation is executed as it is, and in the TC mode, a message for prohibiting the selection of the TC mode after the double-sided copy mode is selected is displayed on the display panel 709. On the other hand, in FIG. 10, when the TC mode is selected and it is determined that the double-sided copy mode is selected, a message to the effect that the selection of the double-sided copy mode after selecting the TC mode is prohibited is displayed on the display panel 709. Displayed above. Therefore, according to this embodiment, T
When the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided key 720 after the TC mode is selected by the C-mode key 741 and the double-sided copy mode is selected, the display panel 709 serving as a warning notifying unit.
Displays a warning or a warning sound that double-sided copying is prohibited at the time of recording on the TC film, and when the TC mode is selected after the double-sided copying mode is selected, the TC film at the time of double-sided copying is selected. Since a display indicating that recording is prohibited or a warning sound is issued, the probability of meaningless double-sided copying to TC film is reduced.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the operation of the double-sided setting prohibition control in the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741. If the TC mode is not selected, that is, if the PP mode is determined, then the TC mode is selected. It is determined whether the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided key 720. here,
When it is determined that the double-sided copy mode is not selected, the image forming operation in the PP mode described above is executed without doing anything. If it is determined that the double-sided copy mode is selected, it is determined whether the TC mode key 741 is pressed down. If the TC mode key 741 is not pressed down, the double-sided copy mode is selected. Image formation in the mode and the PP mode is performed. Further, when it is determined that the double-sided copy mode is selected and the TC mode key 741 is pressed down, the input from the TC mode key 741 is ignored and the double-sided copy mode is selected. Image formation is performed in the copy mode and the PP mode. On the other hand, in FIG. 11, when it is determined that the TC mode is selected, it is determined whether the double-sided key 720 is pressed down. When the double-sided key 720 is not pressed down, the single-sided copy mode and Image formation is performed in the TC mode. Here, when it is determined that the double-sided key 720 is pressed down, the input from the double-sided key 720 is ignored, and image formation in the single-sided copy mode and the TC mode is performed. As described above, in this embodiment, the double-sided key 72 after the TC mode is selected.
Pressing 0 or selecting T after double-sided copy mode is selected
If the C mode key 741 is pressed,
Does not accept keys that are pressed down later. That is,
The default is PP mode and single-sided mode.
When the C mode key 741 is pressed down, the LCD on the TC mode key 741 is turned on to enter the TC mode. Also, when the double-sided key 720 is pressed, the double-sided key 720
The upper LCD is turned on to enter the double-sided copy mode. When the LCD is turned off, the default PP mode and single-sided mode are shown. Therefore, when the double-sided key 720 is pressed down after the TC mode is selected, the LCD on the double-sided key 720 does not light up, and single-sided copying remains, and when the TC mode key 741 is pressed down after the double-sided copy mode is selected, the TC mode key 741 LCD does not light up,
The PP copy remains as it is and is operated so as not to accept a key that is pressed down later. in this way,
According to this embodiment, when the double-sided copy mode is selected after the TC mode is selected, the selection of the double-sided key 720 is ignored, and the single-sided copy mode to the TC film is set, and the double-sided copy mode is also selected. Is selected, then TC
When the mode is selected, the selection of the TC mode key 741 is ignored and the mode is double-sided copy mode to plain paper, so that meaningless double-sided copy to TC film is not performed.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of the operation of the double-sided automatic release control in the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741. If the TC mode is not selected, that is, if the PP mode is determined, then the TC mode is selected. It is determined whether the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided key 720. If it is determined that the double-sided copy mode is not selected, nothing is done and the single-sided copy in the PP mode is executed. If it is determined that the double-sided copy mode is selected, the TC mode key 741
Is pressed down, and if the TC mode key 741 is not pressed down, image formation is performed in the double-sided copy mode and the PP mode. Further, when it is determined that the double-sided copy mode is selected and the TC mode key 741 is pressed down, the double-sided copy mode is canceled and the TC mode is prioritized. That is, when the double-sided key 720 is pressed down after the TC mode is selected, L on the double-sided key 720 is pressed.
The CD is turned off and the single-sided copy mode is set. On the other hand, FIG.
When it is determined that the TC mode is selected in 2, it is determined whether the double-sided key 720 is pressed down. When the double-sided key 720 is not pressed down, the single-sided copy mode and the TC mode are selected. Image formation. If it is determined that the double-sided key 720 is pressed down, the LCD on the double-sided key 720 is turned off to set the single-sided copy mode, and the TC mode key 74
The LCD on 1 is turned on to perform image formation in the single-sided copy mode and the TC mode. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the double-sided copy mode is selected after the TC mode is selected, the mode is switched to the single-sided copy mode for TC film, and after the double-sided copy mode is selected, Even when the TC mode is selected, the mode is switched to the single-sided copy mode on the TC film, meaningless double-sided copy on the TC film is prevented, and unnecessary copying of plain paper is prevented.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the operation of the automatic switching control to the PP mode in the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided key 720, and here, the double-sided copy mode is not selected, that is,
If it is determined that the one-sided copy mode is set, then it is determined whether the TC mode has been selected by the TC mode key 741. If it is determined that the TC mode is not selected, the one-sided copy in the PP mode is executed without doing anything. Also, here, T
When it is determined that the C mode is selected, it is determined whether the double-sided key 720 is pressed down. When the double-sided key 720 is not pressed down, image formation in the single-sided copy mode and the TC mode is performed. Do. Furthermore,
If it is determined that the TC mode is selected and the double-sided key 720 is depressed, the TC mode is canceled and the double-sided copy mode is prioritized. That is, when the TC mode key 741 is pressed down after the double-sided copy mode is selected, the LCD on the TC mode key 741 is turned off to set the PP mode, and the LCD on the double-sided key 720 is turned on to set the double-sided copy mode. Image formation is performed in the double-sided copy mode and the PP mode. On the other hand, in FIG. 13, when it is determined that the double-sided copy mode is selected, it is determined whether the TC mode key 741 is pressed down, and T
When the C mode key 741 is not pressed, image formation is performed in the double-sided copy mode and the PP mode.
If it is determined that the TC mode key 741 is pressed down, the LCD on the double-sided key 720 is turned on to enter the double-sided copy mode, and the TC mode key 741 is pressed.
The upper LCD is turned off to perform image formation in the double-sided copy mode and the PP mode. Therefore, according to this embodiment,
When the double-sided copy mode is selected after the TC mode is selected, the mode is switched to the double-sided copy mode on the plain paper sheet, and when the double-sided copy mode is selected and then the TC mode is selected. Also, since the mode is switched to the double-sided copy mode on the plain paper sheet, meaningless double-sided copy on the TC film is prevented, and unnecessary copying of the TC film is prevented.
You can get double-sided copies automatically.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 14, projections 7 of a predetermined size are provided at the corners of the paper feed tray (cassette) C.
In the case of using a paper feed tray dedicated to TC film in which recording paper other than TC film cannot be physically supplied by providing 81, as shown in FIG.
The type of TC film accommodated in the paper feed tray C, that is, single-sided copy, depends on whether there is an input from a TC film discriminator 780 including a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the protrusion 781 of the paper feed tray C. It is possible to determine whether it is a TC film for use in copying or a TC film for double-sided copying. Therefore, according to the discrimination of the TC film discriminator 780, the consumption of the TC film can be minimized by performing the operation shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 only in the case of the TC film for single-sided copying. .

FIG. 16 shows a staple unit (sorter stapler 790) for enabling stapling (binding) on recording paper and a staple mode selecting means (staple key) for selecting the staple mode in this image forming apparatus. In the following, an embodiment will be shown in which a double-sided copying machine capable of stapling is configured. This image forming apparatus has a TC mode key 741 capable of selecting a PP mode and a TC mode by a toggle operation and a staple key capable of selecting ON / OFF of the staple mode on the operation unit 903. is doing.

Here, by pressing the TC mode key 741, P
When the P mode is selected and the start key 736 is pressed, plain paper is fed from the paper feed tray A, and the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor 10 onto the plain paper by the transfer separation unit 8. After the toner image is fixed on the plain paper by the fixing means 34, the plain paper is discharged onto the sorter stapler 790 by the paper discharge roller 29. Further, when the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741 and the start key 736 is pressed, the TC film is fed from the paper feed tray B. At this time, if the fed TC film has been initialized (image erased) in advance, this TC film is fed as it is, and the fed TC film is used (image formed). In that case, the heating head 3
Causes the recorded image to be erased. The TC film thus fed is transferred to the photosensitive member 1 by the transfer separating means 8.
After the toner image is transferred from 0, the irradiation unit 15 forms an image as described above, and the pressure roller 19 and the heating roller 20 pass through the fixing unit 34 which is separated from each other in order to avoid heating the TC film. After that, the toner is removed by the TC cleaning means 24, and is discharged onto the sorter stapler 790 by the paper discharge roller 29.

By the way, in FIG. 16, when the staple mode / off is selected by the staple key and the start key 736 is pressed, as described above, the plain paper or the TC film (recording paper) is subjected to the predetermined operation. It is discharged through the image process. On the other hand, here, when the staple mode ON is selected by the staple key,
As shown in FIG. 17, the recording sheets that have passed through the conveying roller 38 are sorted and stocked in the bins 792 by the conveying switching claws 791 of the sorter stapler 790, and the respective end portions of these recording sheets are stored in the bins. It is bound by a stapler 793 that moves up and down with respect to 792.
That is, after the sheets are discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 750 to the sorter stapler 790, the sorting into each bin 792 corresponds to the number of copies set in the operation unit 903, and the transport switching claw 791 is set to the discharge timing of the recording sheet. It is performed by correspondingly turning on / off (oscillating). As a result, after the discharge sensor (not shown) of the sorter stapler 790 confirms that the recording sheets have been discharged, the discharged recording sheets are aligned on the respective bins 792, and the recording for each bin is performed. The sheet bundle is bound by the stapler 793.

Therefore, in this image forming apparatus, when both the image recording mode on the TC film (TC mode) and the staple mode by the staple mode selecting means are selected, it is meaningless in the TC mode. TC
The stapling of the film is performed, so that the apparatus is operated insignificantly, the TC film is scratched, and the staple needle is wastefully consumed. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741 and then the staple mode is selected by the staple key, the TC film recording is performed by the display panel 709 as a warning notifying unit. When stapling at the time is notified that the stapling is prohibited (or a warning sound may be given), and when the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741 after the staple mode is selected by the staple key 720, A display panel 709 serving as a warning notifying unit notifies the user of a display or warning sound indicating that TC film recording is prohibited in the staple mode, thereby avoiding meaningless operation of the apparatus and wasteful consumption and damage of TC film and the like. The configuration will be highly convenient.

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of the overall control means in the embodiment of this construction, and FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of the operation of the staple setting warning control of this control means. That is, in this embodiment, first, it is determined whether the TC mode has been selected by the TC mode key 741 and then whether the staple mode has been selected by the staple key. If it is determined that the staple mode is not set, nothing is done and the above-mentioned T
The image forming operation in the C mode or the PP mode is executed. If it is determined that the mode is the PP mode instead of the TC mode, and if the mode is the staple mode, it is determined again whether the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741. And PP
In the mode, the image forming operation is executed as it is, and the T
In C mode, T after selecting staple mode
A message indicating that the selection of the C mode is prohibited is displayed on the display panel 709. On the other hand, in FIG. 19, when the TC mode is selected and it is determined that the staple mode is selected, a message to prohibit the selection of the staple mode after the TC mode is selected is displayed on the display panel 709. Is displayed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741 and then the staple mode is selected by the staple key, the display panel 709 serving as a warning notifying means is used for recording the TC film. A display indicating that stapling is prohibited or a warning sound is issued, and when TC mode is selected after the stapling mode is selected, a display indicating that TC film recording in stapling mode is prohibited or Since the warning sound is notified,
The probability of stapling the TC film to scratch it is reduced.

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the operation of the staple setting prohibition control in the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741. If the TC mode is not selected, that is, if the PP mode is determined, then the TC mode is selected. , It is determined whether or not the staple mode is selected by the staple key. If it is determined that the staple mode is not selected, the image forming operation in the PP mode described above is executed without doing anything. If it is determined that the staple mode is selected, it is determined whether the TC mode key 741 is pressed down,
If the TC mode key 741 is not pressed,
Image formation is performed in the staple mode and the PP mode. Further, when it is determined that the staple mode is selected and the TC mode key 741 is pressed down, the TC mode key 7
Ignoring the input from 41, staple mode and PP
Performs image formation in the mode. On the other hand, in FIG.
When it is determined that the TC mode is selected, it is determined whether the staple key is pressed down,
When the staple key is not depressed, image formation in TC mode is performed. If it is determined that the staple key is pressed down, the input from the staple key is ignored and the image formation in the TC mode is performed. As described above, in this embodiment, when the staple key is pressed after the TC mode is selected or the TC mode key 741 is pressed after the staple mode is selected, the key that is pressed down later is not accepted. That is, the default is the PP mode and the single-sided mode, but when the TC mode key 741 is pressed,
The LCD on the TC mode key 741 is turned on to enter the TC mode. When the staple key is pressed down, the LCD on the staple key is turned on to enter the staple mode. When the LCD is off, the default PP mode and staple mode off are shown. Therefore, when the staple key is pressed down after the TC mode is selected, the LCD on the staple key does not light up and the staple mode is kept off. When the TC mode key 741 is pressed down after the staple mode is turned on, the TC mode key 741 The LCD is not turned on, the PP copy remains in the same state, and the key pressed down later is not accepted. As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the staple mode is selected after the TC mode is selected, the selection of the staple key is ignored, the mode becomes the TC mode, and the staple mode is selected. When the TC mode is selected later, the selection of the TC mode key 741 is ignored and the staple mode is set to the plain paper, so that the TC film is not stapled enough to damage the TC film. .

FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of the operation of the automatic staple release control in the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, first, the TC mode key 741
When it is determined that the TC mode is not selected, that is, the PP mode, it is then determined whether the staple copy mode is selected by the staple key. Is judged. If it is determined that the staple mode has not been selected, the image forming operation in the PP mode is executed without doing anything. If it is determined that the staple mode is selected, it is determined whether the TC mode key 741 is pressed down,
If the TC mode key 741 is not pressed,
Image formation is performed in the staple mode and the PP mode. Further, when it is determined that the staple mode is selected and the TC mode key 741 is pressed down, the staple mode is released and the TC mode is prioritized. That is, when the staple key is pressed down after the TC mode is selected, the LCD on the staple key is turned off and the staple mode is turned off. On the other hand, in FIG. 21, when it is determined that the TC mode is selected, it is determined whether or not the staple key is pressed. When the staple key is not pressed, image formation in the TC mode is performed. Do. Here, when it is determined that the staple key is pressed down, the LCD on the staple key is turned off to turn off the staple mode, and the LCD on the TC mode key 741 is turned on to turn on the TC mode. Image formation. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the staple mode is selected after the TC mode is selected, the staple mode for the TC film is switched to, and the TC mode is changed after the staple mode is selected. Even when it is selected, the mode is switched to the single-sided copy mode to TC film, so that stapling to TC film is not performed and useless consumption of plain paper is prevented.

FIG. 22 shows a flow chart of the operation of the automatic switching control to the PP mode in the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the staple mode is selected by the staple key. If it is determined that the staple mode is not selected, then the TC mode key 741 is used to execute the TC.
It is determined whether or not the mode is selected. Where TC
When it is determined that the mode is not selected, the PP mode image formation is executed without doing anything. If it is determined that the TC mode is selected, it is determined whether or not the staple key is pressed. If the staple key is not pressed, image formation in the TC mode is performed. To do. Further, here, when it is determined that the TC mode is selected and the staple key is pressed down, the TC mode is released and the staple mode is prioritized. That is, in the case of pressing down the TC mode key 741 after selecting the staple mode, the TC mode key 741
The upper LCD is turned off to set the PP mode, and the LCD on the staple key is turned on to set the staple mode, and image formation in the staple mode and the PP mode is performed. On the other hand, in FIG. 22, when it is determined that the staple mode is selected, the TC mode key 74
If the TC mode key 741 is not depressed, it is determined whether or not 1 is depressed, and image formation is performed in the staple mode and the PP mode. here,
When it is determined that the TC mode key 741 is pressed down, the LCD on the staple key is turned on to set the staple mode, and the LC on the TC mode key 741 is set.
The D is turned off, and image formation in the staple mode and the PP mode is performed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the staple mode is selected after the TC mode is selected, the staple mode is switched to the plain paper, and the TC mode is changed after the staple mode is selected. Even when selected, the mode is switched to the stapling mode for plain paper, so that stapling on TC film is not performed, wasteful consumption of TC film is prevented, and automatically stapled copy is performed. Is obtained.

By the way, in the image forming apparatus to which the plain paper sheet and the TC film can be applied as described above,
When an abnormality occurs in the TC image forming unit or operation peculiar to the TC film, or when an abnormality occurs in the fixing unit of the plain paper sheet, it is possible to record an image on another recording paper, Since the operation is interrupted, there is a problem in that the convenience of the apparatus is reduced when it is desired to obtain a hard copy regardless of the type of recording paper, such as when receiving from a facsimile. Hereinafter, examples configured in view of this point will be described.

First, a description will be given of an embodiment configured to automatically switch to the PP mode when an abnormality occurs in the TC image forming unit peculiar to the TC film image forming process that operates in the TC mode. The irradiation lamp 16 of the irradiation means 15 in this embodiment is equipped with a thermistor and a photodiode so that the surface temperature and the illuminance of the irradiation lamp 16 can be detected. Further, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is equipped with a mechanism in which the photo interrupter is shielded by the detection filler when the heating roller 20 of the fixing means 34 is moved in the direction of arrow b in FIG. , It is configured to be able to detect whether or not the escape mechanism of the heating roller 20 is normally operating in the TC mode. Further, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, when the TC cleaning means 24 is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow a direction in FIG. It is configured to be able to detect whether or not the blade 25 of the cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the transport roller 38a. That is, the control means of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, includes the irradiation lamp 16 of the irradiation means 15 and the heating roller 2 of the fixing means 34 described above.
0 and an abnormality of the TC image forming unit, such as the moving mechanism of the blade 25 of the TC cleaning means 24, which is peculiar to the image forming process of the TC film operating in the TC mode, is detected. The TC image forming unit abnormality detector 400 is provided for this purpose.

A flow chart of the operation of this control means is shown in FIG. In FIG. 24, the TC mode is selected by the TC mode key 741 on the operation unit 903, and thereafter,
When the start command (recording) from the host computer is received, first, the irradiation lamp 16 is turned on for pre-irradiation, and at the same time, the timer 905 is started so that the surface temperature of the irradiation lamp 16 is imaged on the TC film within a predetermined time. The thermistor of the irradiation lamp 16 checks whether or not the lower limit temperature t1 of the lower limit possible has been reached, or whether the upper limit temperature t2 of the upper limit for image formation on the TC film has not been exceeded. Here, when the surface temperature of the irradiation lamp 16 does not reach the specified temperature t1 and does not exceed the specified temperature t2, when the time set by the timer 905 elapses, the irradiation lamp 16 is also turned on. When the surface temperature exceeds the specified temperature t2, it is determined that some abnormality (defective irradiation lamp 16) has occurred in the irradiation unit 15, and the image forming is performed by switching to the PP mode. On the other hand, here, when the surface temperature of the irradiation lamp 16 reaches the specified temperature t1 within the predetermined time and does not exceed the specified temperature t2, that is, when the irradiation lamp 16 is normally turned on, this The photodiode of the irradiation lamp 16 checks whether or not the light amount of the irradiation lamp 16 has reached a predetermined value capable of forming an image on the TC film. Here, the light amount of the irradiation lamp 16 is TC
If the predetermined value capable of forming an image on the film has not been reached, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred in the irradiation lamp 16, and the image formation is performed by switching to the PP mode. When it is determined that the light amount of the irradiation lamp 16 has reached a predetermined value capable of forming an image on the TC film, the heating roller 20 is moved in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 1 to shield the photo interrupter. Then, it is determined whether the movement of the heating roller 20 is normal or not. Here, when the photo interrupter is not shielded, it is determined that the movement of the heating roller 20 is abnormal, and the image formation is performed by switching to the PP mode. Next, when the photo interrupter is shielded and it is determined that the heating roller 20 has moved normally, the TC cleaning means 24 is moved to the arrow a in FIG.
It moves in the opposite direction, and it is checked whether or not the blade 25 of the TC cleaning means 24 is in contact with the transport roller 38a depending on whether or not the photo interrupter is shielded. Here, if the photo interrupter is not shielded, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the movement of the TC cleaning means 24, and the image forming is performed by switching to the PP mode. On the other hand, if the photo interrupter is shielded and it is determined that the TC cleaning unit 24 has moved normally, the TC film is fed to form an image in the TC mode.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus having the structure as shown in FIG. 1 has been described as an example. However, in the case of the apparatus having other structures, similarly, a unit used only in the TC mode is abnormal. When the TC mode is selected by providing a detecting means, the operation of the unit is checked before the TC film is fed, and if an abnormality occurs, PP
If it is configured to switch to the mode, it can be easily applied. Further, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned check is carried out when the start command is received in the TC mode, but this check is carried out when the apparatus is on standby, and the contents thereof are stored in a part of the memory (storage section 902). In advance, the stored contents may be used as a judgment condition if necessary.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the TC mode is selected and an abnormality of the unit or an operation which is necessary for forming an image on the TC film is detected,
Since the image recording is not automatically performed on the TC film but is automatically performed on the plain paper, a hard copy can be obtained even in such an abnormal condition.

Next, the fixing unit 34 heating roller 2 peculiar to the image forming process of the plain paper is required only in the PP mode.
An embodiment in which only the image forming operation in the TC mode is permitted when an abnormality occurs in 0 will be described. The heating roller 20 of the fixing means 34 in this embodiment
The thermistor TA is installed in the heating roller 2
The surface temperature of 0 can be detected. That is, the control means of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is similar to that shown in FIG.
It is configured as shown in.

FIG. 26 shows a flowchart of the operation of this control means. In FIG. 26, the PP mode is selected by the TC mode key 741 on the operation unit 903, and thereafter,
When the start command (record) from the host computer is received, first, the heater 21 is turned on as preheat,
And heating roller 20 is rotated, and at the same time, timer 905
Whether the surface temperature of the heater 21 has reached the lower limit specified temperature t3 for forming an image on plain paper within a predetermined time, or the upper limit specified temperature for forming an image on a plain paper. The thermistor TA checks whether t4 has been exceeded. Here, the surface temperature of the heater 21 is
When the temperature does not reach the specified temperature t3 and does not exceed the specified temperature t4, when the time set by the timer 905 elapses and the surface temperature of the heater 21 exceeds the specified temperature t4. In the meantime, it is determined that some abnormality (defective heater 21) has occurred in the fixing means 34 and an error message is output, while the surface temperature of the heater 21 is within the predetermined temperature t3 within a predetermined time. If the temperature has reached the predetermined temperature t4 and has not exceeded the specified temperature t4, that is, if the heater 21 has been normally operated, whether or not the temperature of the heating roller 20 is stable at a temperature capable of forming an image on plain paper. Is checked by the thermistor TA. If the temperature of the heating roller 20 is not stable enough to form an image on plain paper, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred in the heater 21 after a predetermined time, and an error message is displayed. Further, when it is determined that the temperature of the heating roller 20 is stable enough to form an image on the plain paper, the plain paper is fed to form an image in the PP mode. On the other hand, when the above error message is output, only the recording in the TC mode is permitted when the TC mode is selected and the start command is received until the abnormality of the fixing unit 34 is resolved thereafter.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus having the structure shown in FIG. 1 has been described as an example. However, in the case of the apparatus having other structures, similarly, a unit used only in the PP mode is abnormal. If the detecting means is provided and the operation of the unit is checked before the feeding of the plain paper when the PP mode is selected, and if an abnormality occurs, the mode is switched to the TC mode, Easy to apply. Further, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned check is carried out when the start command is received in the TC mode, but this check is carried out when the apparatus is on standby, and the contents thereof are stored in a part of the memory (storage section 902). In advance, the stored contents may be used as a judgment condition if necessary.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the PP mode is selected and an abnormality in the unit necessary for image formation on the plain paper or an abnormality in the operation is detected, the plain paper is changed to the plain paper. Since image recording is not performed and only image recording on the TC film is automatically permitted, a hard copy can be obtained even in such an abnormal case.

[0073]

According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus to which the plain paper sheet and the TC film can be applied, a double-sided copy unit and a double-sided copy mode are selected so as to enable copying on both sides of the recording paper. Even when a duplexer capable of double-sided copying is configured by adding a double-sided copy mode selecting means for performing the operation, an image recording mode (TC mode) on TC film and a double-sided copy mode by the double-sided copy mode selecting means are provided. When both are selected, double-sided copying to a TC film that is meaningless in the TC mode is performed, so that it is possible to prevent the apparatus from being meaninglessly operated or wasteful consumption of the TC film. Further, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus to which the plain paper sheet and the TC film can be applied is provided with a staple unit for enabling stapling (stitching) to the recording paper and a staple for selecting a staple mode. Image recording mode on TC film (TC mode) even when a stapling / combining machine is constructed by adding mode selecting means.
When both the stapling mode and the stapling mode selected by the stapling mode selecting means are selected, the TC film is stapled insignificantly in the TC mode, the device is operated insignificantly, and the TC film is damaged. It is possible to prevent the staples from being wasted and the staple needles being wasted. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the plain paper sheet and TC
In the image forming apparatus to which the film can be applied, TC
Even if an abnormality occurs in the unit or operation peculiar to the film, or even if there is an abnormality in the fixing means of the plain paper sheet, it is possible to record an image on another recording paper. As described above, the convenience of the apparatus is improved when a hard copy is desired regardless of the type of recording paper.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus capable of recording on a reversible thermosensitive recording film and a plain paper sheet according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall control block diagram of an image forming apparatus capable of recording on a reversible thermosensitive recording film and a plain paper sheet according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a TC in an image forming apparatus capable of recording on a reversible thermosensitive recording film and a plain paper sheet according to the present invention.
It is a general control timing chart at the time of film recording.

FIG. 4 is an overall control timing chart during plain paper recording in an image forming apparatus capable of recording on a reversible thermosensitive recording film and a plain paper sheet according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an operation unit of an image forming apparatus capable of recording on a reversible thermosensitive recording film and a plain paper sheet according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of TC mode initialization in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of PP mode initialization in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus having a double-sided copy function according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an overall control block diagram of the image forming apparatus having the double-sided copy function.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of setting warning control during double-sided copying in the image forming apparatus having the double-sided copying function.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of setting prohibition control during double-sided copying in the image forming apparatus having the double-sided copying function.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of double-sided mode automatic cancellation control during double-sided copying in the image forming apparatus having the double-sided copying function.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of automatic switching control to the PP mode during double-sided copying in the image forming apparatus having the double-sided copying function.

FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a paper feed tray dedicated to TC film used in an image forming apparatus having a double-sided copy function according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an overall control block diagram in an embodiment having a function of discriminating the type of TC film by using the paper feed tray dedicated to TC film.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus having a stapling function according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged schematic view of a sorter stapler of the image forming apparatus having the stapling function.

FIG. 18 is an overall control block diagram of the image forming apparatus having the stapling function.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of setting warning control at the time of stapling in the image forming apparatus having the stapling function.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an operation of setting prohibition control during stapling in the image forming apparatus having the stapling function.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of staple mode automatic release control in the image forming apparatus having the stapling function.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an operation of automatic switching control to the PP mode at the time of stapling in the image forming apparatus having the stapling function.

FIG. 23 is a general control block diagram of the image forming apparatus including the image forming unit abnormality detecting means in the TC mode of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of automatic switching control to the PP mode in the image forming apparatus provided with the image forming unit abnormality detecting means in the TC mode.

FIG. 25 is an overall control block diagram of the image forming apparatus including the PP mode image forming unit abnormality detection means of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus provided with the image forming unit abnormality detecting means in the TC mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Paper Feeding Roller 2 Paper Feeding Guide Plate 3 Heating Head 4 Developing Means 5 Optical Unit 6 Charging Means 7 Photosensitive Body Cleaning Means 8 Transfer Separation Means 9 Registration Driving Rollers 10 Photosensitive Body 11 Pre-Transfer Guide Plates 12 Conveyance Switching Means 13 Conveyance Guides Plate 14 Fixing entrance guide plate 15 Irradiating means 16 Irradiating lamp 17 Reflecting plate 18 Condensing lens 19 Pressure roller 20 Heating roller 21 Heater 22 Fixing outlet upper guide plate 23 Fixing outlet lower guide plate 24 TC cleaning means 25 Blade 26 Collecting roller 27 Collection bottle 28 Paper ejection guide plate 29 Paper ejection roller 30 Paper ejection tray 31 Pre-registration sensor 32 Paper ejection sensor 34 Fixing means 35 Separation pad 36 Fans 37, 38 Conveying roller 39 Fixing entrance lower guide plate 40 Registration driven roller 400 TC Image formation Uni Abnormality detector 750 Image forming apparatus main body 770 Double-sided copy unit 771 Double-sided tray unit 772 Relay reversing unit 773 Double-sided paper discharge roller 774 Double-sided paper feed roller 780 TC film discriminator 790 Sorter stapler 791 Transport switching claw 792 Bin 793 Stapler 901 Main control Unit 902 Storage unit 903 Operation unit 904 Image information input unit 905 Internal timer 906 Internal temperature sensor A, B Paper feed tray TA, TB Thermistor

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification number Internal reference number FI Technical indication location G03G 15/00 102 106 114 7369-2H 21/00 111 (72) Inventor Nobuyuki Iwata Ota Ward, Tokyo Nakamagome 1-3-6, Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Sagawa Nakamagome 1-3-6, Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hideki Toinaga Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo 1-3-6, Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A latent image writing unit for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member, a developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member with toner, and an image recording unit. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Feed and convey to the forming unit,
On the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film, the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing means and the developing means is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive transfer of the toner image is performed. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed. A recording mode selecting means for selecting a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film in an image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the film surface by means. , A double-sided copy unit for making copies on both sides of the recording paper, and a double-sided copy unit on which this double-sided copy unit functions. It has a two-sided copy mode selection means for selecting a de, T by the recording mode selecting means
When the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means after the C mode is selected, a display or a warning sound indicating that double-sided copy at the time of recording the reversible thermosensitive recording film is prohibited is issued, Further, when the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection unit and then the TC mode is selected by the recording-mode selection unit, reversible thermosensitive recording film recording during double-sided copy is prohibited. An image forming apparatus comprising a warning notifying unit for notifying a display or a warning sound. 2. A latent image writing unit for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member, a developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member with toner, and an image recording unit. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Feed and convey to the forming unit,
On the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film, the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing means and the developing means is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive transfer of the toner image is performed. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed. A recording mode selecting means for selecting a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film in an image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the film surface by means. , A double-sided copy unit for making copies on both sides of the recording paper, and a double-sided copy unit on which this double-sided copy unit functions. It has a two-sided copy mode selection means for selecting a de, T by the recording mode selecting means
When the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means after the C mode is selected, the selection of the double-sided copy mode selection means is ignored and the single-sided copy mode to the reversible thermosensitive recording film is set, In addition, when the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection unit after the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection unit, the selection of the recording mode selection unit is ignored and a plain paper sheet is selected. An image forming apparatus comprising a mode switching means for setting a double-sided copy mode. 3. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, a developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor with toner, and an image recording means. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Feed and convey to the forming unit,
On the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film, the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing means and the developing means is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive transfer of the toner image is performed. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed. A recording mode selecting means for selecting a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film in an image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the film surface by means. , A double-sided copy unit for making copies on both sides of the recording paper, and a double-sided copy unit on which this double-sided copy unit functions. It has a two-sided copy mode selection means for selecting a de, T by the recording mode selecting means
When the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection means after the C mode is selected, the selection of the double-sided copy mode selection means is ignored and the single-sided copy mode to the reversible thermosensitive recording film is set, In addition, even when the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection unit after the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection unit, the reversible thermosensitive recording is ignored by ignoring the selection of the double-sided copy mode selection unit. An image forming apparatus comprising a mode switching means for setting a single-sided copy mode to a film. 4. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, a developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor with toner, and an image recording means. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Feed and convey to the forming unit,
On the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film, the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing means and the developing means is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive transfer of the toner image is performed. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed. A recording mode selecting means for selecting a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film in an image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the film surface by means. , A double-sided copy unit for making copies on both sides of the recording paper, and a double-sided copy unit on which this double-sided copy unit functions. It has a two-sided copy mode selection means for selecting a de, T by the recording mode selecting means
When the double-sided copy mode is selected by the double-sided copy mode selection unit after the C mode is selected, the selection of the recording mode selection unit is ignored, and the double-sided copy mode to the plain paper sheet is set. Even when the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting unit after the double-sided copying mode is selected by the double-sided copying mode selecting unit, the selection of the recording mode selecting unit is ignored and the double-sided copying mode on the plain paper sheet is performed. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a mode switching unit. 5. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor with toner, and an image recording means. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Feed and convey to the forming unit,
On the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film, the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing means and the developing means is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive transfer of the toner image is performed. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed. A recording mode selecting means for selecting a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film in an image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the film surface by means. , A double-sided copy unit for making copies on both sides of the recording paper, and a double-sided copy unit on which this double-sided copy unit functions. A double-sided copy mode selecting means for selecting a mode, and a TC film determining means for distinguishing between a reversible thermosensitive recording film capable of image recording on only one side and a reversible thermosensitive recording film capable of image recording on both sides. If the recording sheet fed by the TC film discriminating and selecting means is a reversible thermosensitive recording film capable of image recording on only one side, the operations of claims 1 to 4 are performed. When it is determined that the recording paper fed by the TC film determination and selection means is a reversible thermosensitive recording film capable of image recording on both sides, the operations of claims 1 to 4 are executed. An image forming apparatus, which executes a selected recording method and mode without performing the operation. 6. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, a developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor with toner, and an image recording means. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Feed and convey to the forming unit,
On the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film, the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing means and the developing means is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive transfer of the toner image is performed. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed. A recording mode selecting means for selecting a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film in an image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the film surface by means. A stapling unit for stapling the recording paper, and a stapling unit on which the stapling unit functions. And a staple mode selecting means for selecting a, T by the recording mode selecting means
When the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selection means after the C mode is selected, a display or warning sound indicating that stapling is prohibited at the time of recording the reversible thermosensitive recording film is issued, and the above-mentioned warning is issued. When the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means after the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selecting means, a display or a warning sound indicating that reversible thermosensitive recording film recording during stapling is prohibited is issued. An image forming apparatus, comprising: 7. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, a developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor with toner, and an image recording means. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Feed and convey to the forming unit,
On the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film, the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing means and the developing means is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive transfer of the toner image is performed. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed. A recording mode selecting means for selecting a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film in an image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the film surface by means. A stapling unit for stapling the recording paper, and a stapling unit on which the stapling unit functions. And a staple mode selecting means for selecting a, T by the recording mode selecting means
When the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selecting means after the C mode is selected, the selection of the staple mode selecting means is ignored, and the image is recorded on the reversible thermosensitive recording film without stapling.
If the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection unit after the staple mode is selected by the C mode and the staple mode selection unit selects the recording mode selection unit, the plain paper sheet is ignored. An image forming apparatus comprising: a mode switching unit that sets a staple mode in a PP mode in which image recording and stapling are performed. 8. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, a developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor with toner, and an image recording means. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Feed and convey to the forming unit,
On the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film, the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing means and the developing means is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive transfer of the toner image is performed. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed. A recording mode selecting means for selecting a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film in an image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the film surface by means. A stapling unit for stapling the recording paper, and a stapling unit on which the stapling unit functions. And a staple mode selecting means for selecting a, T by the recording mode selecting means
When the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selecting means after the C mode is selected, the selection of the staple mode selecting means is ignored, and the image is recorded on the reversible thermosensitive recording film without stapling.
Even when the C mode is selected and the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selecting means after the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selecting means, the selection of the staple mode selecting means is ignored and stapling is performed. An image forming apparatus comprising a mode switching means for setting a TC mode in which an image is recorded on a reversible thermosensitive recording film without using it. 9. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, a developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor with toner, and an image recording means. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Feed and convey to the forming unit,
On the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film, the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing means and the developing means is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive transfer of the toner image is performed. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed. A recording mode selecting means for selecting a PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and a TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film in an image forming apparatus configured to be removed from the film surface by means. A stapling unit for stapling the recording paper, and a stapling unit on which the stapling unit functions. And a staple mode selecting means for selecting a, T by the recording mode selecting means
When the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selection means after the C mode is selected, the selection in the staple mode selection means is ignored, and the PP mode in which image recording and stapling are performed on a plain paper sheet is performed. Even when the staple mode is set and the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection unit after the staple mode is selected by the staple mode selection unit, the selection of the recording mode selection unit is ignored and the plain paper sheet is selected. An image forming apparatus comprising: a mode switching unit that sets a staple mode in a PP mode in which image recording and stapling are performed. 10. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, a developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor with toner, and an image recording means. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and Toner image An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the transferred reversible thermosensitive recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the image is carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In the image forming apparatus having a structure in which the toner is removed from the film surface by the toner removing means, the PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and the TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film are selected. Recording mode selection means and TC mode abnormality detection means for detecting abnormalities in units and operations required only for the reversible thermosensitive recording film, and the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means. When an abnormality of the unit or an abnormality of the operation required for the reversible thermosensitive recording film is detected by the TC mode abnormality detecting means, , The image is recorded on the plain paper sheet without recording the image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film, the TC mode is selected by the recording mode selection means, and the reversible thermosensitive recording film is selected by the TC mode abnormality detection means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that an image is recorded on a reversible heat-sensitive recording film when no abnormality of the unit or operation required for the above is detected. 11. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, a developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor with toner, and an image recording means. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying the plain paper sheet to the image forming section, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor onto the plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming section, A reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature and which has a fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet; Paper is fed to the forming unit, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit, and Toner image An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the transferred reversible thermosensitive recording film to heat the transferred toner image, and after the image formation, the image is carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. In the image forming apparatus having a structure in which the toner is removed from the film surface by the toner removing means, the PP mode for recording an image on the plain paper sheet and the TC mode for recording an image on the reversible thermosensitive recording film are selected. And a fixing abnormality detecting unit for detecting an abnormality of the fixing unit. The recording mode selecting unit selects the PP mode, and the fixing abnormality detecting unit detects an abnormality of the fixing unit. Image recording on the reversible heat-sensitive recording film without recording the image on the plain paper sheet, PP mode is selected by the-option unit, an image forming apparatus and performing image recording on plain paper sheet when the abnormality in the fixing means by said fixing abnormality detecting means is not detected.