JP3254265B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus which can be used for image recording on a plain paper sheet and a reversible thermosensitive recording film by an electrophotographic process such as a copying machine, a facsimile or a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, protection of the global environment including forest resources has become one of the major issues in various industrial fields. In the OA equipment industry, the reuse of recording sheets used in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines has been steadily executed as part of this environmental protection measure. Currently, a method of recycling recording sheets generally collects used recording sheets, collects them, and performs a chemical treatment in a reprocessing plant such as a paper mill to produce recycled paper.
However, in such a chemical treatment method, there is a physical limit (the progress of fiber decomposition) in the number of reprocessings, and a certain amount of new wood is required for the reprocessing.

[0003] On the other hand, as another method of reusing a recording sheet, a recording material which is rewritable and can be used repeatedly as many times as possible, specifically, a reusable recording material which is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature. Various examination proposals have been made for a method using a simple recording material (hereinafter, referred to as a reversible thermosensitive recording film; TC film) because of its easy handling.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention examines a reusable TC film among the above-mentioned prior arts. By the way, all of the conventional methods for forming an image on a TC film are configured so that a heating means (thermal head) is brought into direct contact with the film surface to record image information. Although various uses of the TC film are considered, a copier, a laser facsimile machine, which is widely spread in general, uses a large amount of paper, and is expected to have a great effect of reusing the paper. Alternatively, in an image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer, an apparatus capable of applying the TC film has not been put to practical use yet. This is because, in a conventional image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic process is generally used as an image forming method. Therefore, in order to be able to apply a TC film to this type of image forming apparatus, a conventional electrophotographic process means is used. In addition to the above, an image forming unit (for example, a heating unit, a conveying unit, a control unit, etc.) dedicated to the TC film must be newly provided. That is, an image forming apparatus having such a configuration in which an image forming means dedicated to a TC film is added is, in other words, an apparatus in which an image forming apparatus for a TC film is simply combined with a conventional copying machine or the like. Although no technical difficulty is recognized, it is inevitable that the cost of the apparatus as a whole, the size of the apparatus, and the complexity of the image forming control system will inevitably increase. it is conceivable that.

In view of the above, the image forming means dedicated to the TC film (toner removing means, heat generating means, conveying means, etc.) and the image forming means dedicated to the plain paper sheet are commonly used. This makes it possible to form an image on a TC film using an existing electrophotographic process for forming an image on a plain paper sheet without adding a large-scale image forming means dedicated to the TC film. By the way, the image information to be recorded is information on the setting state of the image forming apparatus, or information to be recorded on a trial basis, such as information from a host in a printer, read information in a copying machine, and output of a test pattern. In the case of management information recording that does not normally need to be stored, by recording this image information on a reusable TC film, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of non-reusable plain paper. Become. This is the case of editing copy or marker mode that cannot be understood unless it is recorded, the case of recording received image information from facsimile, etc., and checking the state after change when the recording position or recording density is changed Similarly, in such a case, the T
By recording on a C film, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of plain paper that cannot be reused. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to provide a convenient and economical image forming apparatus capable of avoiding wasteful consumption of plain paper due to recording of image information that does not require storage. It is to provide a device.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor, and an electrostatic image formed on the photoreceptor. Developing means for visualizing the latent image with toner, paper feeding means for feeding and transporting a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming section, and a developing means on the plain paper sheet fed and transported to the image forming section; A transfer unit for transferring the toner image formed on the photoreceptor; and a fixing unit for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet. The transfer unit is initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature. The available reversible thermosensitive recording film is fed and conveyed to the image forming unit by the feed / convey means, and the latent image is written on the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the latent image writing means and the developing means. Formed on the body The image is transferred by the transfer means, and the image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by the irradiation means for irradiating the reversible thermosensitive recording film with the transferred toner image to heat the transferred toner image. After the image is formed, 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 unit, the image information to be recorded is set in the setting state of the image forming apparatus. Information such as user summary sheets, management reports and test patterns, etc., or information such as information from the host in a printer, read information in a copier, and received image information of a facsimile, etc. Image information determining means for determining whether the image information is If it is determined that the cut image information is the former image information, a plain paper sheet is fed and conveyed, writing on the photoconductor, toner development, toner transfer to the plain paper sheet, toner A series of operations up to fixing are performed, and when the image information determined by the image information determining means is determined to be the latter image information, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is fed and conveyed, and A series of operations including writing on the body, toner development, transfer to the reversible thermosensitive recording film, irradiation, and toner removal are performed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor, and a method for forming an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor into a toner. Developing means for visualizing by means of, and paper feeding means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming unit,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoreceptor onto a plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming unit;
Fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet, and reusing the reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature by the sheet feeding means. The toner image formed on the photoreceptor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit.
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the transferred reversible thermosensitive recording film with the transferred toner image to heat the transferred toner image. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove carried toner from a film surface by a toner removing unit, an edit copy mode and an edit copy mode unit for editing image information, and an inside of a portion surrounded by a marker in a document. Alternatively, a marker mode and a marker mode selecting means for performing recording by erasing the outside are provided, and when the editing copy mode or the marker mode is not selected by the editing copy mode selecting means or the marker mode selecting means, Feeding and transporting plain paper sheet, writing on the photoconductor,
A series of operations from toner development, toner transfer to a plain paper sheet, and toner fixing are performed, and when the edit copy mode or the marker mode is selected by the edit copy mode selecting means or the marker mode selecting means, the reversibility is detected. The thermal recording film is fed and conveyed, and a series of operations from writing to the photoconductor, toner development, transfer to the reversible thermosensitive recording film, irradiation, and toner removal are performed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a latent image writing unit for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor, and a method for converting the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor to a toner. Developing means for visualizing by means of, and paper feeding means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming unit,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoreceptor onto a plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming unit;
Fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet, and reusing the reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature by the sheet feeding means. The toner image formed on the photoreceptor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit.
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the transferred reversible thermosensitive recording film with the transferred toner image to heat the transferred toner image. In a facsimile apparatus or a copying machine configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by the toner removing means, there is provided an image information determining means for determining whether or not the image information to be recorded is received image information. If it is determined that the image information determined by the image information determining means is not the received image information, a plain paper sheet is fed and conveyed, writing to the photoconductor, toner development, and A series of operations from toner transfer to toner fixation is performed, and if the image information determined by the image information determination means is determined to be received image information, a reversible The thermal recording film is conveyed paper feeding, writing to the photosensitive member, toner development, transfer onto the reversible thermosensitive recording films, irradiation, a configuration for performing a series of operations until the toner removal.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor, and a method for transferring an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor to a toner. Developing means for visualizing by means of, and paper feeding means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet for image recording to the image forming unit,
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoreceptor onto a plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming unit;
Fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet, and reusing the reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature by the sheet feeding means. The toner image formed on the photoreceptor by the latent image writing unit and the developing unit is transferred onto the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film by the transfer unit.
An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiation means for irradiating the transferred reversible thermosensitive recording film with the transferred toner image to heat the transferred toner image. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove the carried toner from the film surface by a toner removing unit, a recording position changing unit capable of changing a setting of a recording position of image information to be recorded, and recording is attempted. Recording density changing means for changing the setting of the recording density of the image information; first storage means for storing the set recording position and recording density; and the recording position changing means and recording density changing means. A second storage unit for storing the changed recording position and the changed recording density, and a setting comparison unit for comparing the contents of the first storage unit and the second storage unit When the image information is recorded, the contents of the first storage means and the second storage means are compared by the setting comparison means, and the contents of the first storage means are stored in the second storage means. If the contents are the same, a plain paper sheet is fed and conveyed, and a series of operations from writing to the photoreceptor, toner development, toner transfer to the plain paper sheet, and toner fixing are performed. Is not equal to the content of the second storage means, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is fed and conveyed, writing on the photoreceptor, toner development, transfer to the reversible thermosensitive recording film, irradiation, A series of operations until toner removal is performed, and after the recording is completed, the second
The contents of the storage means are stored in the first storage means.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in each of the above-mentioned image forming apparatuses, it is selected whether or not each of the above-mentioned operations is performed with priority given to recording on a reversible thermosensitive recording film. It has a reversible thermosensitive recording film priority mode selecting means. When the reversible thermosensitive recording film priority mode selecting means is selected, the above operations are performed, and the reversible thermosensitive recording film priority mode selecting means is selected. If not, recording is performed on a plain paper sheet.

[0011]

According to the present invention, the image information to be recorded is information relating to the setting state of the image forming apparatus, or information to be recorded on a trial basis such as a user summary sheet, a management report and a test pattern. Or image information determining means for determining whether the information is original image information such as information from a host in a printer, read information in a copying machine, and received image information of a facsimile. If it is determined that the determined image information is the former image information, a plain paper sheet is fed and conveyed, writing on the photoconductor, toner development, toner transfer to the plain paper sheet, toner When a series of operations up to fixing are performed, and the image information determined by the image information determining means is determined to be the latter image information, the Thermal recording film is conveyed paper feeding, writing to the photosensitive member, toner development, transfer onto the reversible thermosensitive recording films, irradiation, a series of operations until the toner removal is performed.

Further, according to the present invention, an edit copy mode and edit copy mode means for editing image information, and a marker mode for erasing and recording inside or outside a portion surrounded by a marker in a document. And the marker mode selection means, when the edit copy mode or the marker mode is not selected by the edit copy mode selection means or the marker mode selection means, a plain paper sheet is fed and conveyed, A series of operations from writing to the photoreceptor, toner development, toner transfer to a plain paper sheet, and toner fixing are performed, and the edit copy mode or the marker mode is selected by the edit copy mode selecting means or the marker mode selecting means. In this case, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is fed and conveyed, Serial write to the photoreceptor, toner development, transfer onto the reversible thermosensitive recording films, irradiation, a series of operations until the toner removal is performed.

Further, according to the present invention, since the image information determining means for determining whether the image information to be recorded is the received image information is provided, the image determined by the image information determining means is provided. If it is determined that the information is not received image information, a plain paper sheet is fed and conveyed, writing on the photoreceptor, toner development, toner transfer to the plain paper sheet,
A series of operations until toner fixing is performed, and when it is determined that the image information determined by the image information determining means is the received image information, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is fed and conveyed, and A series of operations including writing on a body, developing with toner, transferring to a reversible thermosensitive recording film, irradiation, and removing toner are performed.

Further, according to the present invention, a recording position changing means for changing the setting of the recording position of the image information to be recorded, and a recording for changing the setting of the recording density of the image information to be recorded. Density changing means, first storage means for storing the set recording position and recording density, and recording position and recording density changed by the recording position changing means and recording density changing means. Second
And the setting comparing means for comparing the contents of the first storing means and the second storing means. Therefore, when the image information is recorded, the first comparing means is used by the setting comparing means. Are compared with the contents of the second storage means. If the contents of the first storage means are equal to the contents of the second storage means, a plain paper sheet is fed and conveyed to the photosensitive member. When a series of operations from writing to the image, developing the toner, transferring the toner to the plain paper sheet, and fixing the toner are performed, and the content of the first storage device is not equal to the content of the second storage device, the reversible heat sensitive The recording film is fed and conveyed, and a series of operations including writing on the photoreceptor, toner development, transfer to the reversible thermosensitive recording film, irradiation, and toner removal are performed. Is stored in the first storage means. That.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a reversible thermosensitive recording film priority mode selecting means for selecting whether or not to perform each of the above-mentioned operations by giving priority to recording on the reversible thermosensitive recording film. When the reversible thermosensitive recording film priority mode selection means is selected, the above-described operations are performed. When the reversible thermosensitive recording film priority mode selection means is not selected, recording on a plain paper sheet is performed. Is performed.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configuration, operation, and the like in a range that can be clearly recalled from the description of this specification will be omitted or simplified in order to avoid complication of 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), a reversible thermosensitive recording film, and a thermochromic film (hereinafter, referred to as T).
(Hereinafter abbreviated as C film), an image can be recorded using a common image forming means. First, an example of an image forming apparatus provided with a TC cleaning unit as a toner removal unit of a TC film to be controlled in the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

This image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG.
It has two paper feed trays, a paper feed tray A and a paper feed tray B. These paper feed trays A and B are respectively arranged in parallel, and both paper feed trays are configured without any difference. Here, for convenience of explanation, paper feed tray A
And a plain paper is set in the paper feed tray B.

In FIG. 1, a bundle of plain paper set in the paper feed tray B is pulled out of the paper feed tray B by the paper feed roller 1, and only the uppermost sheet is separated by the separation pad 35. Is conveyed by the rotation of. Paper feed roller 1
Is transported by the transport rollers 37 to a pair of registration rollers including the registration driving roller 9 and the registration driven roller 40, and is abutted against the nip portion of the registration roller. At this time, the leading edge of the plain paper is detected by the pre-registration sensor 31, and the timing of writing an image on the plain paper is set.

On the other hand, while the plain paper is fed and conveyed as described above, an 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 is The image is visualized by the toner supplied from the developing unit 4. Next, the plain paper sent out toward the photoreceptor 10 by the registration roller rotating at a timing by the pre-registration sensor 31 is transferred to the transfer separation unit 8.
As a result, the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor 10. The plain paper to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed toward the fixing unit 34 while being attracted to the conveyance guide plate 13 by the suction force of a fan 36 provided on the back surface side of the conveyance guide plate 13. The plain paper conveyed to the fixing unit 34 is pressed and heated by the pair of pressure roller 19 and heating roller 20 to fix the transferred toner image.

A TC cleaning means 24, which functions only when recording an image on a TC film, is disposed downstream of the fixing means 34. When the image is recorded on plain paper,
This TC cleaning means 24 is indicated by an arrow a in FIG.
To the position displaced in the direction (the position indicated by the solid line). As a result, the plain paper discharged from the fixing unit 34 guided by the fixing outlet upper guide plate 22 and the fixing outlet lower guide plate 23 is left
The paper is further conveyed by the paper ejection tray 8 and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 30 by paper discharge rollers 29 through a paper discharge guide plate 28.

Next, recording of an image on a TC film in the image forming apparatus will be described. In FIG. 1, the bundled TC film set on the paper feed tray A is pulled out of the paper feed tray A by the paper feed roller 1, and only the uppermost sheet is rotated by the paper feed roller 1 by the separation pad 35. Conveyed. Here, the TC film set on the paper feed tray A has been initialized (whitened) in advance. The TC film transported by the paper feed roller 1 is transported by a transport roller 37 to a pair of resist rollers including a resist driving roller 9 and a resist driven roller 40, and is abutted on a nip portion of the resist roller.
At this time, the leading 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 determined.

On the other hand, while the TC film is fed and conveyed as described above, the optical unit 5
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 by the transfer separation unit 8 to the TC film sent out toward the photoconductor 10 by the registration roller that rotates at a timing by the pre-registration sensor 31. The image forming process on the TC film so far is not different from the image forming process on the plain paper described above.

When recording the image on the TC film, the TC film to which the toner image has been transferred is attracted to the transport guide plate 13 by the suction force of the fan 36 disposed on the back side of the transport guide plate 13. When the sheet is conveyed while being conveyed, the irradiation lamp 16 of the irradiation means 15 disposed opposite the conveyance guide plate 13 with the conveyance path interposed therebetween.
Lights up. The irradiation light of the irradiation lamp 16 is reflected by the reflection plate 1.
7 and the condenser lens 18, the T
Light is focused and irradiated on the film surface of the C film. At this time, the TC film itself is in a cloudy state, and an unfixed toner image is transferred to the surface of the TC film. Therefore, the irradiation light irradiated and condensed by the irradiation lamp 16, the reflection plate 17, and the condensing lens 18 is absorbed by the unfixed toner image portion which is a black portion on the film surface of the TC film, and the black portion is Even if the temperature is increased, the other portion of the film surface which becomes cloudy (non-image portion) is reflected and has no effect. As a result, a temperature difference occurs between the toner image portion and the non-image portion on the film surface of the TC film, and only the toner image portion of the TC film changes color from a cloudy state to a transparent state due to the temperature difference. On the TC film surface, an image composed of a cloudy portion (non-image portion) and a transparent portion (toner image portion) is recorded.

The TC film on which an image is recorded by 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 means 34 comes into contact with the heating roller 20 and is reheated, so that the image recorded on the film surface is In order not to lose the heat, the heating roller 20 of the fixing unit 34 is displaced in advance in the direction of arrow b in FIG.
It is retracted to a position that does not contact the film surface of the TC film (chain line position), that is, a position where the heat of the heating roller 20 is not transmitted to the TC film.

At the time of recording an image on the TC film, the TC cleaning means 24 moves the arrow a in FIG.
To the position displaced in the opposite direction (the position indicated by the dashed line) at the timing described later, and to the position on the back surface of the TC film (the surface on which the toner image is not transferred) of the transport roller 38 composed of a pair of rollers On the peripheral surface of the roller 38a
The blade 25 of the cleaning means 24 is in contact. Here, the blade 25 with respect to the roller 38a
Is set such that the frictional force between the roller 38a and the TC film is larger than the frictional force between the blade 25 and the TC film. Thus, the TC film that has passed through the fixing unit 34 without being reheated is guided by the fixing outlet upper guide plate 22 and the fixing outlet lower guide plate 23, and is conveyed in accordance with the rotation of the roller 38a. When the TC film is transported by the roller 38a, the toner transferred onto the film surface is scraped off by the blade 25. The toner scraped off from the surface of the TC film is collected into a collection bottle 27 by a collection roller 26 provided in the cleaning unit 24. The TC film on which the image composed of the cloudy part (non-image part) and the transparent part (image part) is recorded by scraping off the transfer toner in this manner is further transported by the transport roller 38 composed of a pair of rollers. Then, the sheet is guided by a sheet discharge guide plate 28 and is discharged onto a sheet discharge tray 30 by a sheet discharge roller 29.

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 feed roller 1 while being conveyed to the registration drive 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
Reference numeral 9 denotes plain paper separated from the photoreceptor 10 and T or
It has a function of guiding the C film to the nip between the pressure roller 19 and the heating roller 20 of the fixing unit 34. The thermistor T provided in the fixing unit 34 is
0 has a function of detecting the surface temperature of the heater 2, and the heater 2 disposed in the heating roller 20 based on the detection signal.
The heating temperature of the heating roller 20 is varied by controlling the amount of heat generated in the heating roller 20. The charging unit 6 provided around the photoconductor 10 has a function of initializing the surface potential of the photoconductor 10 by discharging. A paper discharge sensor 32 arranged on the conveyance path of the paper discharge guide plate 28 detects whether or not the plain paper or the TC film conveyed from the fixing unit 34 passes at a predetermined timing, and jams the plain paper or the TC film. And so on.

As described above, according to this image forming apparatus, an image can be formed on a TC film by using a conventional electrophotographic process for forming an image on plain paper. It is not necessary to add a large-scale dedicated image forming means, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost and apparatus volume and a complicated image forming control system.

In order to initialize a used TC film in the image forming apparatus, an image is not written on the fed and conveyed TC film.
The same process as that for feeding plain paper may be performed. Specifically, first, a used TC film is set on the paper feed tray A or the paper feed tray B, and the topmost roller is fed by the paper feed roller 1, the transport roller 37, the registration drive roller 9, and the registration driven roller 40. Is fed and transported. At this time, no image signal is sent, the optical unit 5 does not write an image as a latent image on the photoconductor 10, and toner is not attached to the photoconductor 10 by the developing unit 4. As a result, the used TC film passes through the transfer / separation unit 8 without toner adhered to the film surface. When the used TC film conveyed without the toner adhered thereto passes through the fixing unit 34,
The heating roller 20 of No. 4 heats the entire surface of the TC film to a temperature at which the transparent portion (image portion) of the TC film turns opaque. Thereby, the entire surface of the TC film is initialized to be cloudy, and the used image recorded by the transparent portion and the cloudy portion is erased. In this erasing step, the toner is not attached on the film surface of the TC film.
The C cleaning unit 24 moves to the arrow a in FIG. 1 and faces the blade 25 away from the transport roller 38a. The TC film thus initialized is further transported by the transport rollers 38, guided by the discharge guide plate 28, and discharged onto the discharge tray 30 by the discharge rollers 29.

Next, a control operation of the above-described image forming apparatus will be described with reference to an overall control block diagram shown in FIG. Various inputs, outputs, and control signals of the image forming apparatus are collectively processed by a main control unit 901 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, an operation request input to the main control unit 109 includes a setting input by an operator pressing a key from an operation unit 903 shown in FIG. 5, and an image information input represented by a facsimile receiving apparatus or a host computer. There are image information and commands from the unit 904. Inputs for controlling the present apparatus include a timing detection signal by the pre-registration sensor 31, the paper ejection sensor 32, a temperature detection signal by the thermistor T, and a temperature detection signal by the in-machine temperature sensor 906. The output and control signal from the main control unit 901 are supplied from the paper feed roller 1, the resist drive roller 9, the optical unit 5, the developing unit 4, the charging unit 6, the transfer separating unit 8, the photoconductor 10, the transport switching unit 12, the irradiation unit. 15, the pressure roller 19, the heating roller 20, the heater 21, the TC cleaning means 24, the paper discharge roller 29, and the like. Here, a control program and various setting data necessary for executing the program are stored in a storage unit 902 such as a ROM, and an internal timer 905 is used to generate a timing at the time of operation. Is done.

Further, an ONE-type image forming apparatus such as this
As a control example of the PATH system, a timing chart of an image recording operation on a TC film is shown in FIG. 3, and a timing chart of an image recording operation on plain paper is shown in FIG.
That is, when recording an image on the TC film, as shown in FIG. 3, first, upon receiving a start signal, the paper feed roller 1 is started to start feeding the TC film. Charging means 6, paper discharge roller 29
Is started, and the position of the fixing unit 34 is shifted so that the TC film passes through the fixing unit. Next, reception of image information is started from the image information input unit 904, the paper feed roller 1 is stopped based on the detection signal of the leading end of the TC film of the pre-registration sensor 31, and the image to the photoreceptor 10 is At the same time as starting to write information, the registration drive roller 9 is started at an appropriate timing, and then the transfer separation unit 8, the irradiation unit 15, and the TC cleaning unit 24 are started. 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 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 completion of the discharge 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, the irradiation unit 15, the fixing unit 34, the TC cleaning The operation of the means 24 is stopped.

When recording an image on plain paper, first, as shown in FIG.
The feed roller 1 is started to start feeding of the plain paper, and at the same time, the operations of the developing means 4, the charging means 6, and the discharge roller 29 are started, and the plain paper passes through the fixing unit. Then, the position of the fixing unit 34 is changed to a state, and the heater 21 is turned on to start the fixing unit 34. Next, the 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 leading edge of the plain paper of the pre-registration sensor 31, and the image to the photoconductor 10 by the optical unit 5 is transmitted. At the same time as writing of information is started, the registration drive roller 9 is started at a certain timing, and then the transfer separation unit 8 is started. 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 driving 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 paper discharge sensor 32 detects that the discharge of the plain paper is completed, the transfer separation unit 8 and the developing unit 4 are stopped, and the operations of the discharge roller 29 and the fixing unit 34 are stopped.

On the other hand, in FIG.
Is pressed to set the time of the timer. When the timer is set by the timer key 701 and when the timer is operating, the timer display 702 is turned on. Also, the program key 703
Is pressed when the program is stored and when the program is called. When the program is used, the program display 704 is turned on. An enter key 705 is pressed at the time of setting a size change, an editing function, and a program number. The numeric keypad 706 is pressed to set the number of copies (image recording), to change the size, to set the binding margin, to set a program, and to set a program number. The guidance key 707 is pressed when it is desired to display a copy operation method and an explanation of the operation of each key on the guidance display unit 708. When the guidance key 707 is 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 to input the size of the document. When the size scaling is selected, 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 turned on when the centering is selected. Binding margin adjustment key 71
The button 4 is pressed when binding margins (margins) are to be created on the left and right sides of the copy, and the binding margin display 715 displays the selected binding margin. The sorter key 719 is pressed when using the sorter, and when using the sorter and in the sorting state,
The sort display 717 is turned on (optional). The stack display 718 is lit when a sorter is used and the stacker is in a stack state (optional). The double-sided key 720 is pressed to make a double-sided copy. In this double-sided copy state, the double-sided display 716 is turned on. The continuous page copy key 722 is used for automatically copying a two-sided original one by one, and for automatically copying one-sided one-sided originals (however, an optional automatic sheet feeder; DF is required for the two-sided originals). , And in this page continuous shooting state, the page continuous shooting display 721 is turned on. Erase key 72
4 is pressed when an edit copy such as frame erase, outer erase, or inner erase is made. In this edit copy state, the erase indicator 723 is turned on. The paper-designated scaling key 726 is pressed to make a paper-designated scaling copy, and in this paper-designated scaling copy state, the paper-designated scaling display 725 is turned on. The zoom variable key 727 is pressed to freely select a copy magnification. A reduction key 728 is pressed to make a reduction copy. The enlargement key 729 is pressed to make an enlarged copy. The double key 730 is pressed when returning to the normal copy. The paper selection key 731 is
Pressed to select copy paper size. An automatic paper selection key 732 is pressed to automatically select a copy paper size. The density adjustment key 733 is pressed when adjusting the density of a copy image. Automatic density key 7
Reference numeral 34 is pressed when the density of the copy image is automatically adjusted. The clear / stop key 735 is pressed to change the number of sheets to be set, to stop continuous copying halfway, and to set a program number. 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 during a continuous copy operation to copy another original while interrupting the original. The preheat display 738 is lit when the heat generating portion of the device is in a 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 a program number. The cover mode key 740 is pressed when copying with a cover. The TC mode key 741 is
Pressed when recording an image on a TC film. The additional image formation mode key 742 is pressed when performing additional image formation on the TC film. One-touch print key 743 is TC
Pressed when recording on plain paper again after test recording on film.

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

Incidentally, plain paper and TC as described above are used.
In an image forming apparatus capable of applying a film, image information to be recorded is information on a setting state of the image forming apparatus, or information recorded experimentally, for example, information from a host in a printer or read information in a copying machine. , And management information records that do not normally need to be stored, such as test pattern output, or in the case of edit copy or marker mode that cannot be understood without recording, or received image information from facsimile etc. If you want to record the image information or check the changed state when the recording position or recording density is changed, such image information is unnecessary after recording, so the image information is recorded on plain paper. This causes a problem that plain paper is wasted. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus for a reversible thermosensitive recording film according to the present invention, it is determined whether the image information to be recorded is image information that needs to be stored, and the image information that does not need to be stored is determined. In the case of (1), this image information is recorded on a rewritable (reusable) TC film so that wasteful consumption of plain paper due to recording of image information that does not need to be stored can be avoided.

FIG. 6 shows T in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
2 shows an initial control program for the C mode. In the TC mode initial setting program, the TC mode flag indicating whether the TC mode is selected is cleared, and the LED for TC mode display provided on the operation unit 903 is turned off.

FIG. 7 shows T in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
3 shows a control program for setting the C mode. In this TC mode setting program, first, the presence or absence of an input from the operation unit 903 is determined, and then, it is determined whether or not the input from the operation unit 903 is an input from the TC mode key 741. Here, when there is an input from the operation unit 903 and the input is the TC mode key 741,
If the TC mode flag is "0", the TC mode flag is set to "1", and the LED for displaying the TC mode is turned on. Here, if there is an input from the operation unit 903 and the input is the TC mode key 741 and the TC mode flag is “1”, the TC mode flag is set to “0”. LED for TC mode display
Turn off the light. Thus, the toggle operation of the TC mode setting is performed by the TC mode key 741. Here, a special mode called a TC mode is provided. However, in order to facilitate maintenance of the apparatus, logging of the number of recordings and the number of jams, which is already generally performed, is performed by the TC mode.
A counter dedicated to the film may be provided.

Hereinafter, control modes according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, referring to FIG. 8, image information to be recorded is information on the setting state of the image forming apparatus, or information recorded on a trial basis, for example, information from a host in a printer, read information in a copier, and A case of management information recording that does not normally need to be stored, such as a test pattern output, will be described. When the user operates the operation unit 903 to perform recording output of a user summary sheet or a system summary sheet, that is, when performing off-line recording output, as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the recording output is off-line. If the recording output is off-line, the recording is automatically performed in the TC mode.
Record in mode. That is, the user summary sheet, the system summary sheet, the dump list, the font printing, and the like are usually recorded by receiving data from the external I / F. In this embodiment, however, the external I / F that exchanges the data is used. It has an online key that can turn on / off F by a toggle operation. By setting the offline state by operating the online key, it is possible to change the system settings, perform a system test, and the like. Therefore, when recording is performed during this off-line, recording is automatically performed in the TC mode. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the online key is provided. However, the above-described operation can be similarly performed using a touch panel on an LCD or another method. Similarly, so-called management information output, such as test pattern output and report output, other than copying of a read original in a copying machine, facsimile or received image information in a copying machine, is automatically performed by the TC. Recorded in mode.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the case of management information recording that does not normally need to be stored, recording is automatically performed on the TC film, so that wasteful consumption of plain paper can be prevented.

Next, a case where the edit copy mode or the marker mode is selected will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an operation unit 903.
Further, there are provided an edit copy mode key for editing image information, and a marker mode key for erasing and recording inside or outside a portion surrounded by a marker in a document. In this embodiment, when the operation unit 903 is operated by the user and the edit copy mode or the marker mode key is selected by the edit copy mode key or the marker mode key, recording is automatically performed in the TC mode. That is, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, an original is set, and an edit copy mode key is operated to enter an edit copy mode. As shown in FIG.
6 is automatically operated in the TC mode when the button 6 is depressed, the edit copy is performed on the TC film, and only when the edit copy mode key is not operated, the PP
Recording on plain paper in the mode is performed. Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, even when the marker mode is selected by the marker mode key, the start key 736 is set in the marker mode similarly to the operation shown in FIG.
Is pressed, the operation is automatically performed in the TC mode, edit copy is performed on the TC film, and recording on plain paper in the PP mode is performed only when the marker mode key is not operated. . In the present embodiment, for convenience of description, the editing copy mode key and the marker mode key are provided.
The same can be performed with a touch panel on the LCD or other methods. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the recording is automatically performed on the TC film in the edit copy mode or the marker mode in which the recording is not known until the recording is performed, so that the wasteful consumption of the plain paper can be prevented. At the same time, it is possible to confirm what kind of image is to be recorded.

Next, a case where the received image information is recorded and output in a facsimile or a copy decoding machine will be described with reference to FIG. In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when recording and outputting received image information in a facsimile or a copying machine, that is, when recording and outputting image information received via a line I / F and a communication control unit, As shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the image information to be recorded is the received image information. If the image information to be recorded is the received image information, the recording and output is automatically performed in the TC mode to be performed on the TC film. Is recorded on plain paper in the PP mode only when the image information to be recorded is not the received image information. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the image information to be recorded is the received image information, the recording is automatically performed on the TC film, so that the wasteful consumption of the plain paper can be prevented, and only the necessary image information can be stored. You can choose.

Next, a case where the test print mode is selected will be described with reference to FIG. In the test printing mode control shown in FIG. 11, the user operates the operation unit 903 to set settings relating to a recording layout such as an upper size, a left size, and a print position, or settings that change the recorded image, such as a change in recording density. However, when the state is changed from the previous state, the recording output immediately after the change is automatically performed in the TC mode. That is, in this embodiment, the printer setting information input before the operation unit 903 is stored in the setting information memory MA in the storage unit 902. When changing the setting information, as shown in FIG. 11, first, the online state is set by depressing the online key on the operation unit 903, and then the setting / change mode of the user memory switch is set by pressing the menu key. And change the user memory switch,
By depressing the set key, a new state of the memory switch is set in the setting information memory MB. After that, when the online key is depressed to enter the online state and a (recording) start command is received from the host, the contents of the setting information memory MA are called, and the contents of the setting information memory MB that has just been set are read. Is compared. If the contents of the setting information memory MA are different from the contents of the setting information memory MB, the contents of the setting information memory MB are written into the setting information memory A, and then the TC film in the TC mode is automatically set. Is performed, and only when the contents of the setting information memory MA and the contents of the setting information memory MB are equal, recording on plain paper in the PP mode is performed. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the recording is automatically performed on the TC film only when the recording position and the recording density are changed. And image density.

Next, the TC priority mode in which the TC mode is prioritized in each of the above embodiments will be described. In the TC priority mode, each operation shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 can be turned on / off by a software switch or a hardware switch. That is, for example, assuming that the system memory switch has a selection switch capable of selecting on / off of the TC priority mode in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the selection switch is operated by the operation unit 903. When set to ON, the operation shown in FIG. 8 is performed. When the selection switch is set to OFF, even if the condition shown in FIG. 8 is met, the operation is automatically performed. Recording is performed in the PP mode without entering the TC mode. This enables a flexible response to the user's usage environment.

[0043]

According to the present invention, in the case of management information recording that does not normally need to be stored, recording is automatically performed on the TC film, so that wasteful consumption of plain paper can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic 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 shows 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.
6 is an overall control timing chart during film recording.

FIG. 4 is an overall control timing chart at the time of 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 diagram 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 an operation of TC mode initial setting in the embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of management information output control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of edit copy control in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of reception output control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of test printing mode control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper feed roller 2 Paper feed guide plate 4 Developing means 5 Optical unit 6 Charging means 7 Photoreceptor cleaning means 8 Transfer separation means 9 Registration drive roller 10 Photoreceptor 11 Pre-transfer guide plate 12 Transport switching means 13 Transport guide plate 14 Fixing Inlet guide plate 15 Irradiation means 16 Irradiation lamp 17 Reflector plate 18 Condenser 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 Collection roller 27 Collection bottle 28 Discharge guide plate 29 Discharge roller 30 Discharge tray 31 Pre-registration sensor 32 Discharge sensor 34 Fixing means 35 Separation pad 36 Fan 37, 38 Transport roller 39 Fixing entrance lower guide plate 40 Register driven roller 901 Main control unit 902 Storage unit03 operation unit 904 image information input unit 905 internal timer A, B tray

(72) Inventor Nobuyuki Iwata 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Sagawa 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Co. Inside Ricoh (72) Inventor Hideki Tobinaga 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Ricoh Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-2-14156 (JP, A) JP-A-3-3- 146386 (JP, A) JP-A-5-127456 (JP, A) JP-A-6-35347 (JP, A) JP-A-6-35348 (JP, A) JP-A-6-35368 (JP, A) JP-A-6-35369 (JP, A) JP-A-6-43790 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67566 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67567 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67568 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67569 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67570 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67571 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67572 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67573 (JP, A) JP-A-6-67574 (J (P, A) JP-A-6-67575 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/22 G03G 21/00 376

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor; a developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor with toner; Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet to an image forming unit; transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on the photoconductor onto a plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming unit; Fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet, and reusing the reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature by the sheet feeding means. Feed and transport to the forming unit,
The toner image formed on the photoreceptor by the latent image writing means and the developing means on the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive image transferred with the toner image is transferred. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiating means for irradiating the recording film with the transferred toner image, and after forming the image, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed by toner. In the image forming apparatus configured to remove from the film surface by means, the image information to be recorded is information on the setting state of the image forming apparatus,
Alternatively, the information may be information recorded on a trial basis such as a user summary sheet, a management report and a test pattern, or original image information such as information from a host in a printer, read information in a copier, and received image information of a facsimile. Image information judging means for judging whether or not the image information judged by the image information judging means is the former image information. Performing a series of operations from writing to the photoreceptor, developing the toner, transferring the toner to the plain paper sheet, and fixing the toner, and determines that the image information determined by the image information determining means is the latter image information. In the case where the reversible thermosensitive recording film is fed and conveyed, writing on the photoreceptor, toner development, transfer to the reversible thermosensitive recording film, irradiation, An image forming apparatus characterized by performing a series of operations up toner removal. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor; a developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor with toner; Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet to an image forming unit; transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on the photoconductor onto a plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming unit; Fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet, and reusing the reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature by the sheet feeding means. Feed and transport to the forming unit,
The toner image formed on the photoreceptor by the latent image writing means and the developing means on the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive image transferred with the toner image is transferred. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiating means for irradiating the recording film with the transferred toner image, and after forming the image, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed by toner. In an image forming apparatus configured to remove from the film surface by means, edit copy mode and edit copy mode means for editing image information, and erase and record inside or outside a portion surrounded by a marker in a document And the like, and the edit copy mode selecting means or the marker If the edit copy mode or the marker mode is not selected by the mode selection means, a plain paper sheet is fed and conveyed, and writing on the photoconductor, toner development, toner transfer to the plain paper sheet, and toner fixing are performed. When the edit copy mode or the marker mode is selected by the edit copy mode selecting means or the marker mode selecting means, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is fed and conveyed to the photosensitive member. An image forming apparatus that performs a series of operations from writing to a toner, developing a toner, transferring to a reversible thermosensitive recording film, irradiating, and removing toner. 3. A latent image writing means for writing image information as an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor, a developing means for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor with toner, and an image recording device. Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet to an image forming unit; transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on the photoconductor onto a plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming unit; Fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet, and reusing the reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature by the sheet feeding means. Feed and transport to the forming unit,
The toner image formed on the photoreceptor by the latent image writing means and the developing means on the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive image transferred with the toner image is transferred. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiating means for irradiating the recording film with the transferred toner image, and after forming the image, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed by toner. A facsimile apparatus or a demultiplexer configured to remove the image information from the film surface by means including image information determining means for determining whether or not image information to be recorded is received image information. If it is determined that the received image information is not the received image information, a plain paper sheet is fed and conveyed, and the writing to the photoconductor and the toner A series of operations from development, toner transfer to a plain paper sheet, and toner fixing are performed, and if the image information determined by the image information determining means is determined to be received image information, a reversible thermosensitive recording film An image forming apparatus which performs a series of operations from writing to the photosensitive member, toner development, transfer to a reversible thermosensitive recording film, irradiation, and toner removal. 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 Paper feeding and conveying means for feeding and conveying a plain paper sheet to an image forming unit; transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on the photoconductor onto a plain paper sheet fed and conveyed to the image forming unit; Fixing means for fixing the transferred toner image on a plain paper sheet, and reusing the reusable reversible thermosensitive recording film initialized by heating to a predetermined temperature by the sheet feeding means. Feed and transport to the forming unit,
The toner image formed on the photoreceptor by the latent image writing means and the developing means on the initialized reversible thermosensitive recording film is transferred by the transfer means, and the reversible thermosensitive image transferred with the toner image is transferred. An image is formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film by irradiating means for irradiating the recording film with the transferred toner image, and after forming the image, the toner carried on the reversible thermosensitive recording film is removed by toner. Means for changing the setting of the recording position of the image information to be recorded, and changing the recording density setting of the image information to be recorded in the image forming apparatus configured to remove from the film surface by means A recording density changing unit that enables the recording; a first storage unit that stores the set recording position and recording density; Means for storing the recording position and the recording density changed by the means and the recording density changing means, and setting comparing means for comparing the contents of the first and second storing means. When the image information is recorded, the contents of the first storage means and the contents of the second storage means are compared by the setting comparison means, and the contents of the first storage means are compared with the contents of the second storage means. If they are equal, a plain paper sheet is fed and conveyed, and a series of operations from writing to the photoconductor, toner development, toner transfer to the plain paper sheet, and toner fixing are performed. Is not equal to the content of the second storage means, the reversible thermosensitive recording film is fed and conveyed, writing on the photoreceptor, toner development, transfer to the reversible thermosensitive recording film, irradiation, toner removal Perform a series of operations up to After recording ends, the image forming apparatus characterized by storing the contents of said second memory means to said first storage means. 5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein priority is given to recording on a reversible thermosensitive recording film, and whether or not the operation according to claim 1 is performed is selected. 5. A thermosensitive recording film preferential mode selecting means, and when the reversible thermosensitive recording film preferential mode selecting means is selected, the operation according to claim 1 is performed, and the reversible thermosensitive recording film preferential mode is selected. An image forming apparatus for performing recording on a plain paper sheet when the mode selection means is not selected.