Image formation apparatus

Abstract

To arbitrarily set the size and a type or the like of recording paper that is an object of adjustment processing related to image formation.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 10 comprises a control part 29. The control part 29 sets a paper feeding part indicated by a selection instruction that selects a paper feeding part for adjustment processing being input to an operation part 21 out of a plurality of paper feeding parts, as a paper feeding part for adjustment processing that is a supply source of recording paper to be used for image formation according to adjustment processing, when executing the adjustment processing according to an image formation part 12, and further, sets attribute information of the recording paper supplied for adjustment processing by the paper feeding part for adjustment processing, in the paper feeding part for adjustment processing, in accordance with an attribute information designation instruction being input to the operation part 21. In addition, when executing the adjustment processing, the control part 29 supplies recording paper from the paper feeding part for adjustment processing in which the attribute information meeting the conditions required for executing the adjustment processing is set, and executes the adjustment processing using the image formation part 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image or performs an adjustment process that is a preset adjustment image formation on recording paper supplied by a paper feeding unit, and particularly relates to a technique for supplying an arbitrary recording paper from the paper feeding unit for use in the adjustment process.

Background Art

[0002] As image forming apparatuses, there are an electrophotographic method in which toner is attached to recording paper to form an image on the recording paper, an inkjet method in which ink is ejected onto the recording paper to form an image on the recording paper, and the like. In the electrophotographic method, an adjustment process of forming a pattern on the recording paper is performed to adjust the image density, and in the inkjet method, an adjustment process of discharging the ink in the ink head onto the recording paper is performed.

[0003] In the recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, each cassette containing a plurality of types of recording media is provided, and a recording medium (for example, the widest recording medium) on which an inspection pattern is recorded is determined based on the priority order of the sizes of the recording media and the priority order of the types of the recording media, the cassette containing this recording medium is selected, the recording medium is supplied from this selected cassette, and the inspection pattern is recorded on this recording medium.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, when the above adjustment process is performed, a paper feed unit (such as a paper feed cassette) that contains recording paper of a type, size, etc. suitable for the adjustment process is selected from among a plurality of paper feed units, and recording paper is supplied from this selected paper feed unit. For this reason, the user cannot arbitrarily set the type, size, etc. of the recording paper to be the target of the adjustment process.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, a recording medium on which an inspection pattern is recorded is determined based on the priority order of the size of the recording medium and the priority order of the type of the recording medium, a cassette that houses this recording medium is selected, and recording medium is supplied from this selected cassette. Therefore, also in this case, the user cannot arbitrarily set the type, size, etc. of the recording paper to be the target of the adjustment process.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to enable a user to arbitrarily set the type, size, etc. of the recording paper to be the target of the adjustment process related to image formation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of paper feed units that supply recording paper, an image forming unit that performs an adjustment process, which is image formation or preset adjustment image formation, on the recording paper supplied by the paper feed units, an operation unit into which an instruction is input by a user, and when causing the image forming unit to execute the adjustment process, sets the paper feed unit indicated by a selection instruction that selects the paper feed unit used for the adjustment process, which is input to the operation unit, from among the plurality of paper feed units, as an adjustment process paper feed unit that is a source for supplying the recording paper used for the image formation by the adjustment process, sets the attribute information of the recording paper supplied for the adjustment process by the adjustment process paper feed unit according to the attribute information designation instruction input to the operation unit in the adjustment process paper feed unit, and at the time of execution of the adjustment process, causes recording paper to be supplied from the adjustment process paper feed unit in which the attribute information that meets the conditions necessary for the execution of the adjustment process is set, and causes the image forming unit to execute the adjustment process, and includes a control unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the user can arbitrarily set the type, size, etc. of the recording paper to be the object of the adjustment process related to image formation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment>

[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is an MFP (multifunction peripheral) having a plurality of functions such as a copying function and a scanner function. This image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 11 and an image forming unit 12.

[0013] The image reading unit 11 has an image sensor (such as a CCD sensor or a contact image sensor) that optically reads the image of the document, and image data indicating the image of the document is generated from the analog output of this image sensor.

[0014] The image forming unit 12 forms the image indicated by the above image data on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic method, and includes an image forming unit 3M for magenta, an image forming unit 3C for cyan, an image forming unit 3Y for yellow, and an image forming unit 3Bk for black. In each of the image forming units 3M, 3C, 3Y, and 3Bk, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is uniformly charged, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is exposed to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4, the electrostatic latent image of the photosensitive drum 4 is developed into a toner image, and the toner image of the photosensitive drum 4 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 5. As a result, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 5. This color toner image is secondarily transferred to the recording paper P conveyed through the conveyance path 8 from the paper feeding device 14 in the nip region N between the intermediate transfer belt 5 and the secondary transfer roller 6.

[0015] The paper feeding device 14 includes a first paper feeding cassette 71, a second paper feeding cassette 72, a third paper feeding cassette 73, a fourth paper feeding cassette 74, and a manual feed tray 9. Recording paper P is conveyed and supplied to the conveyance path 8 from any one of the paper feeding cassettes 71 to 74, or recording paper P is conveyed and supplied to the conveyance path 8 from the manual feed tray 9. This recording paper P is sent out to the conveyance path 8, and the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 5 is secondarily transferred to the recording paper P in the nip area N between the intermediate transfer belt 5 and the secondary transfer roller 6. The first paper feeding cassette 71, the second paper feeding cassette 72, the third paper feeding cassette 73, the fourth paper feeding cassette 74, and the manual feed tray 9 are an example of the paper feeding unit in the claims.

[0016] After that, the recording paper P is heated and pressed by the fixing device 15, the toner image on the recording paper P is fixed by thermocompression bonding, and further the recording paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 17 through the discharge roller 16.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, a touch panel 24, a storage unit 26, the paper feeding cassettes 71 to 74, the manual feed tray 9, and a control unit 28. These components can transmit and receive data or signals to and from each other through a bus.

[0018] The operation unit 21 includes physical keys such as numeric keys, enter keys, and start keys. Various instructions are input to the operation unit 21 according to operations by the user. The display unit 22 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (OLED) display or the like.

[0019] On the screen of the display unit 22, a touch panel 24 is arranged. The touch panel 24 is a touch panel such as a so-called resistive film method or a capacitance method, and detects contact (touch) of a user's finger or the like with the touch panel 24 together with the contact position, and outputs a detection signal indicating the coordinates of the contact position to a control unit 29 (to be described later) of the control unit 28. Note that the touch panel 24 is assumed to be a part of the operation unit 21.

[0020] The storage unit 26 is a large-capacity storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various application programs and various data.

[0021] The control unit 28 is composed of a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC, or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc. The control unit 28 functions as a control unit 29 when a control program stored in the above ROM or the storage unit 26 is executed by the above processor.

[0022] The control unit 29 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 29 is connected to the image reading unit 11, the image forming unit 12, the operation unit 21, the display unit 22, the touch panel 24, the storage unit 26, and each paper feed cassette 71 to 74, the manual feed tray 9, etc., and performs operation control of these components and signal or data transmission and reception between these components.

[0023] The control unit 29 serves as a processing unit that executes various processes necessary for image formation by the image forming apparatus 10. Further, the control unit 29 receives an operation instruction input by the user based on a detection signal output from the touch panel 24 or an operation of a physical key of the operation unit 21. For example, the control unit 29 receives a touch operation on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like displayed on the screen of the display unit 22 through the touch panel 24. Furthermore, the control unit 29 has a function of controlling the display operation of the display unit 22.

[0024] Also, the control unit 29 controls respective drive sources (such as motors) that operate the respective paper feed cassettes 71 to 74, and conveys and supplies the recording paper P from any one of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74 to the conveyance path 8.

[0025] In the image forming apparatus 10 having such a configuration, the control unit 29 causes the image reading unit 11 to read an image of an original, supplies the recording paper by any one of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74 of the paper feeding apparatus 14 or the manual feed tray 9, inputs image data indicating the image of the original to the image forming unit 12 based on a print job, and causes the image forming unit 12 to perform an image forming operation of forming the image of the original on the supplied recording paper.

[0026] Also, the control unit 29 counts the number of sheets of recording paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 12, and when the counted number reaches a preset threshold value, supplies the recording paper by any one of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74 of the paper feeding apparatus 14 or the manual feed tray 9, inputs image data indicating patterns of respective colors of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta preset to the image forming unit 12, and executes an adjustment process of causing the image forming unit 12 to form the patterns of respective colors on the recording paper.

[0027] For example, the user observes the patterns of each color formed on the recording paper, operates the operation unit 21, and inputs the adjustment amount of the density of each color component of the image formed on the recording paper by the image forming unit 12. The control unit 29 controls the image forming unit 12 based on the adjustment amount of the density of each color component input to the operation unit 21, and corrects the density of each color component of the image formed on the recording paper by the image forming unit 12. Alternatively, the user causes the image reading unit 11 to read the patterns of each color formed on the recording paper. The control unit 29 detects the density of the patterns of each color read by the image reading unit 11, and controls the image forming unit 12 based on the detected density of each color component to correct the density of each color component of the image formed on the recording paper.

[0028] Here, in the image forming apparatus 10, since the control unit 29 is provided with four first paper feed cassettes 71, 72, 73, 74 and a manual feed tray 9, the recording paper used for image formation by a print job or the recording paper used for image formation in the adjustment process is supplied by any one of the paper feed cassettes or the manual feed tray. Here, it is assumed that there are two types of adjustment processes, type I and type II. The adjustment process of type I is an adjustment process in which the size and layout of the patterns of each color, namely black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, formed on the recording paper are adapted to the standard size "A4". The adjustment process of type II is an adjustment process in which the size and layout of the patterns of each color formed on the recording paper are adapted to the standard size "A3".

[0029] The patterns of each color that conform to the standard size "A4" of the adjustment process of type I and the patterns of each color that conform to the standard size "A3" of the adjustment process of type II are stored in advance in the storage unit 26, read out from the storage unit 26 by the control unit 29, and used for the adjustment process.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the control unit 29 receives an arbitrary paper feed cassette or tray indicated by a selection instruction for selecting a paper feed cassette or tray for adjustment processing input to the operation unit 21 as a paper feed unit for adjustment processing that is a source for supplying recording paper for adjustment processing, and further receives attribute information of the recording paper supplied for adjustment processing from the paper feed cassette or the like in accordance with an attribute information designation instruction input to the operation unit 21, the control unit 29 sets the paper feed cassette indicated by the selection instruction as a paper feed unit for adjustment processing that is a source for supplying recording paper during adjustment processing execution. Further, in accordance with the attribute information designation instruction, the control unit 29 sets attribute information including setting values such as the size of the recording paper (\"A4\" or \"A3\") supplied for adjustment processing from the paper feed cassette for the paper feed unit for adjustment processing. The control unit 29 stores each of the settings, for example, in a nonvolatile memory or the like built in the control unit 28.

[0031] As a result, the user can arbitrarily specify the type, standard size, etc. of the recording paper used for image formation in the adjustment process.

[0032] On the other hand, when the user stores bundles of recording paper of each standard size in the respective paper feed cassettes 71 to 74, the user operates the operation unit 21 to input the standard size and type of each recording paper stored in each paper feed cassette. The control unit 29 stores, in accordance with the content input to the operation unit 21, attribute information including the standard size and type of the recording paper stored for each paper feed cassette in the storage unit 26 in association with the paper feed cassette as the attribute information of the recording paper used for image formation based on the print job. When the control unit 29 causes the image forming unit 12 to form an image on the recording paper in accordance with the print job, the control unit 29 supplies the recording paper to the image forming unit 12 from any one of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74 in which the attribute information satisfying the conditions of the recording paper indicated by the print job is set.

[0033] Next, a process of setting attribute information for adjustment processing in the paper feed unit for adjustment processing will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process of setting attribute information for adjustment processing in the paper feed unit for adjustment processing.

[0034] The control unit 29 causes the display unit 22 to display a home screen G1 as shown in, for example, FIG. 4. On the home screen G1, a function key 31 for receiving an instruction for adjustment processing setting and the like are displayed. When the user touches the function key 31, the control unit 29 receives, through the touch panel 24, a screen switching instruction associated with the function key 31, and causes the display unit 22 to display a paper feed cassette selection screen G2 as shown in FIG. 5 according to the screen switching instruction (S101). On the paper feed cassette selection screen G2, cassette keys K11, K12, K13, K14 and a tray key K15 respectively associated with the first paper feed cassette 71, the second paper feed cassette 72, the third paper feed cassette 73, and the fourth paper feed cassette 74, which can be set as the paper feed unit for adjustment processing, are displayed. When any of these cassette keys K11, K12, K13, K14 and the tray key K15 is touched by the user, the control unit 29 sets the paper feed cassette or tray associated with the touched cassette key or tray key as the paper feed unit for adjustment processing.

[0035] For example, when the user touches the cassette key K13 associated with the third paper feed cassette 73 on the paper feed cassette selection screen G2, the control unit 29 sets the third paper feed cassette 73 associated with the cassette key K13 as the paper feed unit for adjustment processing through the touch panel 24 (S102).

[0036] After setting the paper feed unit for adjustment processing as described above, the control unit 29 causes the display unit 22 to display an attribute information setting method selection screen G3 as shown in FIG. 6 (S103). On the attribute information setting method selection screen G3 shown in FIG. 6, attribute keys K21, K22, K23 respectively associated with arbitrary attribute information, existing attribute information, and recommended attribute information are displayed.

[0037] For example, when a user touches an attribute key K21 associated with any attribute information on the attribute information setting method selection screen G3, the control unit 29 receives an instruction to select any attribute information associated with the attribute key K21 through the touch panel 24 (S104 "any"). At this time, the control unit 29 causes the display unit 22 to display a recording paper size selection screen G5 as shown in the example in FIG. 7 (S107). On the recording paper size selection screen G5, size keys K41, K42, and K43 associated with the standard sizes "A4", "B4", and "A3" are displayed. When any of these size keys K41, K42, and K43 is touched, the control unit 29 receives a selection instruction to select the size of the recording paper associated with the touched size key.

[0038] For example, when a user touches the size key K43 associated with "A3" on the recording paper size selection screen G5, the control unit 29 receives a selection instruction to select the standard size "A3" of the recording paper associated with the size key K43 through the touch panel 24 (S108), and causes the display unit 22 to display a recording paper type selection screen G6 as shown in the example in FIG. 8 (S109). On the recording paper type selection screen G6, type keys K51 and K52 associated with plain paper and recycled paper are displayed. When any of these type keys K51 and K52 is touched, the control unit 29 receives a selection of the type of the recording paper associated with the touched type key.

[0039] For example, when the user touches the type key K52 associated with recycled paper on the recording paper type selection screen G6, the control unit 29 receives a selection instruction to select the recycled paper associated with the type key K52 through the touch panel 24 (S110). The control unit 29 sets the attribute information including the standard size "A3" selected in S108 and the recycled paper selected in S110 as set values, and associates and sets this with the paper feed cassette set as the paper feed unit for adjustment processing in S102, which is the third paper feed cassette 73 in this example (S111). That is, the control unit 29 sets each set value of the attribute information in accordance with the instruction input to the operation unit 21 in association with the set paper feed unit for adjustment processing. After this, the process ends.

[0040] Note that the attribute information set in S111 is only used when the adjustment process is executed. When the printing job is executed, the attribute information set as the attribute information of the recording paper used for image formation based on the printing job is used.

[0041] On the other hand, when the user touches the attribute key K22 associated with the existing attribute information on the attribute information setting method selection screen G3, the control unit 29 receives an instruction to select the existing attribute information associated with the attribute key K22 through the touch panel 24 ("existing" in S104).

[0042] In this case, the control unit 29 sets the attribute information that has already been set as the attribute information for the printing job for the third paper feed cassette 73, which is the paper feed cassette set as the paper feed unit for adjustment processing in S102, in association with the third paper feed cassette 73 (S118). That is, the control unit 29 transfers and sets the attribute information set for printing job execution as the adjustment processing use for the paper feed unit for adjustment processing in accordance with the instruction input to the operation unit 21.

[0043] Also, when the user touches the attribute key K23 associated with the recommended attribute information on the attribute information setting method selection screen G3, the control unit 29 receives an instruction to select the recommended attribute information associated with the attribute key K23 through the touch panel 24 (S104 "Recommended"). At this time, the control unit 29 causes the display unit 22 to display a recording paper type selection screen G8 as shown in the example of FIG. 9 (S115). On the recording paper type selection screen G8, the respective type keys K61 and K62 associated with the recording paper types TP1 and TP2 are displayed. When any of these type keys K61 and K62 is touched and instructed, an instruction to select the recording paper type associated with the instructed type key is received. For example, the recording paper type TP1 is a preset consisting of the combination of the standard size "A4" and plain paper, and the recording paper type TP2 is a preset consisting of the combination of the standard size "A3" and plain paper.

[0044] For example, when the user touches the type key K61 associated with the type TP1 on the recording paper type selection screen G8, the control unit 29 receives an instruction to select the recording paper type TP1 associated with the type key K61 through the touch panel 24 (S116), and sets the attribute information including the set values of the standard size "A4" and plain paper indicated by the recording paper type TP1 (S117). That is, the control unit 29 sets, in association with the set paper feed unit for adjustment processing, the attribute information that is the preset indicated by the selection instruction input to the operation unit 21 from among a plurality of presets of attribute information each consisting of preset set values.

[0045] In this way, the user can arbitrarily specify the type, standard size, etc. of the recording paper used for image formation in the adjustment process.

[0046] Next, the processing when executing the adjustment process will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing when executing the adjustment process.

[0047] The control unit 29 counts the number of sheets of recording paper on which image formation has been performed by the image forming unit 12 based on a print job. When the counted number reaches a preset threshold value (YES in S201), for example, an adjustment process execution screen G11 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display unit 22 (S202). On the adjustment process execution screen G11, a function key 310 indicating the execution of the adjustment process and the like are displayed. When the user touches the function key 31 indicating the execution of the adjustment process, the control unit 29 receives an execution instruction for the adjustment process through the touch panel 24 (YES in S203). Note that if the control unit 29 does not receive an execution instruction for the adjustment process within a certain period (for example, 1 minute) after the display of the adjustment process execution screen G11 (NO in S203), the process ends. Note that if the counted number does not reach the preset threshold value (NO in S201), the control unit 29 repeats the process of S201.

[0048] When the control unit 29 receives an execution instruction for the adjustment process, it detects a paper feeding unit for adjustment processing in which attribute information including set values matching the content of the adjustment process to be executed at this time is set (S205). For example, when the control unit 29 is executing the above-described type I as the adjustment process, it detects a paper feeding unit for adjustment processing in which attribute information including set values matching the recording paper size and type indicated by type I is set.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 29 determines whether the attribute information set in the detected paper feeding unit for adjustment processing is the attribute information including an arbitrary set value instructed by the above-described user (the above (i)), the preset attribute information selected by the user from a plurality of preset attribute information composed of preset set values (the above (ii)), or the attribute information set by diverting the attribute information set for print job execution for adjustment processing use (the above (iii)) (S206).

[0050] Here, when the control unit 29 determines that the detected attribute information set in the paper feeding unit for adjustment processing is the attribute information set by diversion (the above (iii)) (in S206, "diversion"), the adjustment processing is executed (S207). That is, the control unit 29 causes the recording paper to be supplied by any one of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74 or the manual feed tray 9 as the paper feeding unit for adjustment processing detected in S205, inputs image data indicating patterns of each color, namely, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, which are preset, to the image forming unit 12, and causes the image forming unit 12 to form patterns of each color on the recording paper.

[0051] On the other hand, in S206, when the control unit 29 determines that it is either the attribute information (the above (i)) including an arbitrary set value instructed by the user or the preset attribute information (the above (ii)) selected by the user from a plurality of presets composed of preset set values (in S206, "arbitrary" "preset"), a message prompting confirmation as to whether the recording paper suitable for the above adjustment processing is stored in the paper feeding unit for adjustment processing (the third paper feed cassette 73 in this example) is displayed on the display unit 22 (S208). For example, the control unit 29 causes the display unit 22 to display a recording paper confirmation screen G7 as shown in FIG. 12.

[0052] On the recording paper confirmation screen G7 of the recording paper shown in FIG. 12, as an example of the above message, a message E1 requesting to set the recording paper that matches the set values indicated by the attribute information set in the paper feeding unit for adjustment processing detected in S205, for example, the recording paper size "A3" and the type "recycled paper", in the paper feeding unit for adjustment processing (the third paper feed cassette 73 in this example), an execution key K53 for receiving an execution instruction for the adjustment processing, and further, a cancel key K54 for receiving cancellation of the adjustment processing are displayed.

[0053] The user views message E1, sets recycled paper of the standard size "A3" in the third paper cassette 73, and touches the execution key K53. Alternatively, the user views message E1, confirms that the recycled paper of the standard size "A3" is already set in the third paper cassette 73, and touches the execution key K53.

[0054] When the user touches the execution key K53, the control unit 29 receives an instruction to reconfirm the execution of the adjustment process via the touch panel 24 (YES in S209). The control unit 29 executes the adjustment process according to the execution instruction of the adjustment process (S207).

[0055] On the other hand, when the user touches the cancel key K54, the control unit 29 receives a cancel instruction for the adjustment process via the touch panel 24 (NO in S209). In this case, the process ends without the adjustment process being executed. <Second Embodiment>

[0056] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 13, parts that perform the same operations as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0057] The image forming apparatus 10A of the second embodiment includes an image reading unit 11 and an image forming unit 12A. The image reading unit 11 has an image sensor that optically reads an image of a document, and image data indicating the image of the document is generated from the analog output of the image sensor.

[0058] The image forming unit 12A forms an image indicated by the above image data on a recording sheet by an inkjet method, and has respective line heads (an example of an ink head) 55 that eject ink droplets of four colors (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow). Each line head 55 ejects ink droplets of each color onto the recording sheet P that has been conveyed from the paper feeding device 14 through the conveyance path 53 to the conveyance unit 54, and forms a color image on the recording sheet P.

[0059] The conveying unit 54 includes a driving roller 68, a driven roller 69, a tension roller 65, and a conveying belt 66. The conveying belt 66 is an endless belt and is stretched over the driving roller 68, the driven roller 69, and the tension roller 65. The driving roller 68 is a roller that is rotationally driven clockwise by a motor (not shown). When the driving roller 68 is rotationally driven, the conveying belt 66 moves in a circular motion clockwise, and the driven roller 69 and the tension roller 65 are driven to rotate passively clockwise.

[0060] The tension roller 65 is a roller for appropriately maintaining the tension of the conveying belt 66. The suction roller 67 is in contact with the conveying belt 66, and by charging the conveying belt 66, the recording paper P fed from the paper feeding device 14 is electrostatically adsorbed to the conveying belt 66.

[0061] The recording paper P on which the image of the original has been formed by the image forming unit 12A is discharged to the discharge tray 63 via the relay conveying path 61 and through the driven roller 69.

[0062] The paper feeding device 14 includes a first paper feeding cassette 71, a second paper feeding cassette 72, a third paper feeding cassette 73, and a fourth paper feeding cassette 74, and the recording paper P is conveyed and supplied to the conveying path 53 from any one of the paper feeding cassettes 71 to 74.

[0063] Next, the configuration related to the control of the image forming apparatus 10A of the second embodiment will be described. The configuration related to the control of the image forming apparatus 10A is generally the same as that of the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2. However, the image forming apparatus 10A in the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an inkjet type image forming unit 12A is applied instead of the electrophotographic type image forming unit 12. The control unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 10A in the second embodiment controls the inkjet type image forming unit 12A to perform a printing job of forming the image of the original on the recording paper by the image forming unit 12A in the above-described procedure.

[0064] Further, the control unit 29 counts the number of sheets of recording paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 12A, and when the counted number reaches a preset threshold value, performs an adjustment process of discharging (purging) ink onto the recording paper by each line head 55 of the image forming unit 12A. This discharging of ink is performed to prevent clogging of the nozzles of each line head 55.

[0065] In the image forming apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, although there is a difference in that an inkjet type image forming unit 12A is used instead of the electrophotographic type image forming unit 12 as compared with the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the processes shown in FIGS. 3 and 10 are performed in the same manner as in the image forming apparatus 10, and recording paper to be the object of the adjustment process is supplied by an arbitrary paper feed cassette or tray among the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74 (FIG. 13).

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. The configurations and processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 are merely examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to such configurations and processes.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 10 Image forming apparatus 10A Image forming apparatus 11 Image reading unit 12 Image forming unit 12A Image forming unit 14 Paper feeding device 21 Operation unit 22 Display unit 24 Touch panel 26 Storage unit 28 Control unit 29 Control unit 71 First paper feed cassette 72 Second paper feed cassette 73 Third paper feed cassette 74 Fourth paper feed cassette

Claims

1. A plurality of paper feeding units for supplying recording paper; An image forming unit that performs an adjustment process, which is image formation or preset adjustment image formation, on the recording paper supplied by the paper feeding unit; An operation unit into which an instruction is input by a user; When causing the image forming unit to execute the adjustment process, the paper feeding unit indicated by a selection instruction for selecting, among the plurality of paper feeding units, the paper feeding unit used for the adjustment process and input to the operation unit is set as an adjustment process paper feeding unit that is a source for supplying the recording paper used for image formation by the adjustment process, and according to an attribute information designation instruction input to the operation unit, the attribute information of the recording paper supplied for the adjustment process by the adjustment process paper feeding unit is set in the adjustment process paper feeding unit; A control unit that, when executing the adjustment process, causes the recording paper to be supplied from the adjustment process paper feeding unit in which the attribute information that meets the conditions necessary for executing the adjustment process is set, and causes the image forming unit to execute the adjustment process. An image forming apparatus comprising the same.

2. The control unit sets, in the adjustment process paper feeding unit, (i) each set value of the attribute information according to an instruction input to the operation unit, (ii) the attribute information that is a preset indicated by a selection instruction input to the operation unit from a plurality of presets of attribute information consisting of preset set values, or (iii) according to an instruction input to the operation unit, transfers and sets the attribute information set for job execution in the adjustment process paper feeding unit as the adjustment process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information is set by any one of the above.

3. Further comprising a display unit, When the control unit determines that the attribute information is set in the paper feeding unit of the supply source set in the above (i) or (ii) during the execution of the adjustment process, the control unit causes the display unit to display a message prompting confirmation as to whether recording paper suitable for the adjustment process is accommodated in the adjustment process paper feeding unit, and then causes the recording paper to be supplied from the set adjustment process paper feeding unit, and causes the image forming unit to execute the adjustment process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The image forming unit forms an image on the recording paper by an electrophotographic method, The adjustment process is a process of causing the image forming unit to form a preset pattern on the recording paper. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording sheet by an inkjet method, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjustment process is a process of causing the image forming unit to discharge ink onto the recording sheet.

Images