JP2004244125A - Inspection device and image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inspection device and an image formation device capable of easily carrying out image processing for inspection even when oblique advancement and lateral deviation occur on a sheet. <P>SOLUTION: The inspection device 500 is provided with at least one correction means of a correction means for carrying out correction before the information of the sheet is read by a reading device and carrying out the correction of the oblique advancement of the sheet and a correction means for carrying out the correction of a position in a direction approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus for inspecting a sheet output from an image forming apparatus main body, and an image forming apparatus including such an inspection apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a sheet output from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine is used as it is, or is processed as a bundle by a post-processing device such as a finisher, that is, a bundle discharging process, a binding process, a punching process, and a folding process. Post-processing such as processing, bookbinding, and sorting is performed.
[0003]
In these cases, a mode such as a cover mode or a slip sheet mode can be set, and a cassette provided in the image forming apparatus or a tray for feeding paper is provided at the first page, last page, or middle page of the sheet. It is possible to insert the paper supplied from.
[0004]
For this reason, the “cover”, “interleaf” can be obtained by feeding a bundle other than a single type of sheet, specifically, from another sheet feeder or from a special tray on which “insertion sheets” are placed. , Different types of sheets can be inserted as “back cover”.
[0005]
At this time, since the processing of the sheets for insertion is a mere sheet conveyance operation, the number of inserted sheets (place) and the number of inserted sheets for each bundle can be arbitrarily set.
[0006]
However, there are various misprints such as image defects of the output sheet due to a defect of the image forming apparatus, skew of the image and the paper, wrinkling of the paper, broken ears, poor density, color misregistration, and a difference in the color of the paper due to an incorrect paper setting. Can occur.
[0007]
Therefore, an inspection device is provided downstream of the image forming apparatus to determine whether the paper output from the image forming apparatus is normal, reads information on the output paper, and inspects whether the paper to be output is normal. Was common.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the image output from the image forming apparatus is read as it is by the inspection device, the sheet is skewed inside the image forming apparatus or the sheet is displaced in the horizontal direction. However, a large image reading device was required.
[0009]
Also, when determining whether the read image information is a normal output sheet, after performing image processing on the image information once in a state where the skew or lateral shift amount of the sheet has been corrected, whether or not the image information is a normal output sheet is determined. When the sheet has to be conveyed at a high speed, the image processing apparatus becomes unnecessarily large, which requires extra cost and space.
[0010]
In addition, depending on the type of paper, there is a case where the outer shape of the paper cannot be accurately detected by the image reading device, and correct skew and deviation in the horizontal direction cannot be corrected. Sometimes it was judged to be defective.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to facilitate image processing for inspection even when skewing or lateral displacement occurs in a sheet. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inspection apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can perform the inspection.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes a transport path for transporting a sheet, a holding unit for holding the sheet, and a branch from the transport path to guide the sheet to the holding unit. Switching means for switching whether the sheet is passed through the conveyance path as it is, reading means for reading information on the sheet, information on the sheet sent from the image forming apparatus, and information on the sheet read by the reading means And a control unit for controlling the switching unit according to the result of the comparison, wherein the skew correction of the sheet is performed before the information of the sheet is read by the reading unit. At least one of correction means for correcting a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction is provided.
[0013]
In the inspection apparatus according to the present invention, the correcting means for correcting the skew of the sheet includes a correcting means for correcting the skew of the sheet by abutting a leading end of the sheet against a roller.
[0014]
In the inspection apparatus according to the present invention, the correction unit that corrects a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction includes an alignment unit that aligns a position of the sheet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. The position in the direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction is corrected by the aligning means.
[0015]
Further, in the inspection device according to the present invention, when the correction means for performing the skew correction of the sheet includes a detachable sheet conveyance unit arranged upstream of the reading means, and when the sheet conveyance unit is attached to the apparatus main body. By adjusting the position, the position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction is corrected.
[0016]
Further, in the inspection device according to the present invention, the correction unit that corrects a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction includes at least one of a conveyance roller and a driven roller, and the conveyance roller and the driven roller Is obliquely arranged, the position in the direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction is corrected.
[0017]
In addition, the inspection device according to the present invention includes a conveyance path for conveying a sheet, a holding unit for holding the sheet, and a sheet that branches from the conveyance path and guides the sheet to the holding unit or the conveyance path as it is. Switching means for switching whether to pass, reading means for reading the information of the sheet, and comparing the information on the sheet sent from the image forming apparatus with the information of the sheet read by the reading means, In an inspection apparatus having control means for controlling the switching means in accordance with the result of the comparison, a detection means for detecting the amount of skew of the sheet, wherein the detection means detects the information of the sheet before the reading means reads the information. At least one of the detecting means for detecting a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium.
[0018]
In the inspection device according to the present invention, after the detecting unit detects a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, the inspection unit moves the reading unit in the sheet conveyance direction in accordance with the detected position of the sheet. A moving means for moving the sheet in a substantially perpendicular direction is provided, and the information on the sheet is read by the reading means after the movement.
[0019]
Further, in the inspection device according to the present invention, the detecting means for detecting the skew amount of the sheet has a width smaller than the width direction of the minimum sheet and at least two or more sheets arranged substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. It has a sensor.
[0020]
Further, in the inspection device according to the present invention, the detecting means for detecting a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction includes: a sensor flag movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction; And a rack for supporting the movement of the sensor flag, a sensor for detecting the movement of the sensor flag, and an instruction unit for obtaining a reference for the position of the sensor flag.
[0021]
Furthermore, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet, and the above-described inspection device that inspects a sheet on which an image is formed.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(One Embodiment of Image Forming Apparatus)
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them unless otherwise specified. Absent.
[0023]
Note that the image forming apparatus described below is provided with an inspection apparatus. However, since this inspection apparatus is an embodiment of the inspection apparatus according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. The description of one embodiment also serves as the description of one embodiment of an inspection device according to the present invention.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and includes an image forming apparatus main body 100, an inspection apparatus 500, and a post-processing apparatus 300. Hereinafter, each will be described.
[0025]
[Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus Main Body]
With reference to FIG. 2, the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus main body shown in FIG. 1 will be described along the flow of sheets. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus main body shown in FIG.
[0026]
Note that a copying machine will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus main body. In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus main body 100 has a scanner unit B as image reading means for reading image information of a book document at an upper part thereof, and has an image forming part C as an image forming means at a lower part thereof. The seat deck D is attached to the lower part.
[0027]
The scanner unit B includes a scanning system light source 201, a platen glass 202, a document pressure plate 203 that can be opened and closed with respect to the scanning main body A, a mirror 204, a lens 205, a light receiving element (photoelectric conversion element) 206, an image processing unit, and the like. It is configured.
[0028]
A book original or a sheet original such as a book, thick paper, curled paper, or the like is placed on the platen glass 202 with the original surface facing down, the back surface is pressed by the original platen 203, and the original is set in a stationary state. When pressed, the scanning system light source 201 scans the lower part of the platen glass 202 in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 2 to read image information on the document surface.
[0029]
Image information of the document read by the scanning light source 201 is processed by an image processing unit, converted into an electric signal, and transmitted to the laser scanner 111.
[0030]
The image forming apparatus main body 100 functions as a copier when a processing signal of the image processing unit is input to the laser scanner 111, and functions as a printer when an output signal of the computer is input. The multifunction printer can also function as a facsimile apparatus by receiving a signal from another facsimile apparatus or transmitting a signal from an image processing unit to another facsimile apparatus.
[0031]
On the other hand, a sheet cassette 1 is mounted below the image forming unit C. In the present embodiment, two feeding units U1 and U2 are mounted and four cassettes are mounted.
[0032]
The sheets accommodated in the cassettes 1a and 1b are fed out by a pickup roller 3 serving as a feed rotating body, and are separated and fed one by one by the cooperation of a feed roller 4 and a retard roller 5. The sheet is conveyed by conveyance rollers 104 and 105, guided to a registration roller 106, and fed to the image forming section C by the roller 106 in synchronization with the image forming operation.
[0033]
The image forming section C includes a photosensitive drum 112, an image writing optical system 113, a developing device 114, a transfer charger 115, and the like.
[0034]
A laser beam corresponding to image information emitted from the laser scanner 111 is scanned on the surface of the photosensitive drum 112 uniformly charged by the transfer charger 115 by the image writing optical system 113 to form a latent image. A toner image is formed on the image by the developing device 114, and the toner image is transferred to the first surface of the sheet by the transfer charger 115 on the sheet conveyed in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 112 by the registration roller 106.
[0035]
Reference numeral 117 denotes a conveyance unit that conveys the sheet on which the toner image is formed, 118 denotes a fixing device, and 119 denotes a discharge roller. The sheet on which the toner image has been formed is conveyed to the fixing device 118 by the conveying unit 117, and is heated and pressed to fix the toner image on the sheet surface.
[0036]
When an image is recorded on both sides of a sheet, the sheet discharged from the fixing device 118 is sandwiched by discharge rollers 119, and when the rear end of the sheet passes the branch point 207, the discharge rollers are rotated in reverse, and the sheet double-sided tray is rotated. Once placed on the sheet 121, the sheet is conveyed by the conveying rollers 104 and 105, reaches the registration roller 106, and the inverted sheet is discharged after an image is formed on the second surface in the same manner as described above. You.
[0037]
[Overall configuration of post-processing device]
Next, the configuration of the post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the post-processing apparatus shown in FIG.
[0038]
3, the post-processing apparatus 300 receives the sheet discharged from the inspection apparatus 500 from the pair of entrance rollers 302, and conveys the sheet to the inside. A transport roller pair 303 is provided downstream of the entrance roller pair 302, and a sheet detection sensor 331 is provided between the entrance roller pair 302 and the transport roller pair 303.
[0039]
Downstream of the transport roller pair 303 is a punch unit 350, and downstream of the punch unit 350 are disposed a large transport roller 305 and pressing rollers 312, 313, and 314 for pressing and transporting the sheet around it.
[0040]
The switching flapper 311 switches between the non-sort path 321 and the sort path 322. The switching flapper 310 at the entrance of the sort path 322 switches between the sort path 322 and a buffer path 323 for temporarily storing sheets.
[0041]
A transport roller 306 is provided in the sort path 322. On an intermediate tray (hereinafter, referred to as “processing tray”) 313 as a stacking tray disposed downstream of the sort path 322, temporary stacking, alignment, stapling, and the like of sheets can be performed.
[0042]
A discharge roller 307 at the exit of the sort path 322 discharges a sheet onto the processing tray 313. The upper bundle discharge roller 318b is supported by the swing guide 315, and when the swing guide 315 moves to the closed position, cooperates with the lower bundle discharge roller 318a disposed on the processing tray 313 to remove the sheet on the processing tray 313. The bundle is conveyed and discharged on the stack tray 320.
[0043]
That is, the swing guide 315 tilts, and forms a pair of rollers with the lower bundle discharge roller 318a and the upper bundle discharge roller 318b to convey the sheets on the processing tray 313 in a bundle.
[0044]
[Overall configuration of inspection equipment]
Next, the configuration of the inspection device shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inspection device shown in FIG.
[0045]
Reference numeral 504 denotes a transport path for receiving a sheet output from the image forming apparatus main body.
[0046]
The transport path 504 is connected to an exit for transferring sheets to the post-processing device 300. Reference numeral 501 denotes a reading device that reads sheet information such as a sheet image, a color, and an outer shape.
[0047]
A reading device such as a CCD or CIS is arranged to read both sides of the sheet. Reference numerals 506 and 507 are flappers for switching the sheet conveyance direction.
[0048]
The flapper 506 guides the sheet to the branch path 513, and is arranged at a position at least separated from the reading device 501 by at least the maximum sheet passing sheet length.
[0049]
Reference numerals 502 and 505 denote trays for stacking sheets guided by the flappers 506 and 507, reference numeral 502 denotes a buffer tray, and reference numeral 505 denotes an inspection tray. The buffer tray 502 is provided with a sheet re-feeding unit 503.
[0050]
The sheet is guided to the buffer tray 502 by the transport path 508. The buffer tray 502 and the transport path are arranged so that the sheet re-fed from the buffer tray 502 passes through the reading device 501 again.
[0051]
The inspection tray 505 holds the sheets guided by the transport path 509 and is exposed outside the inspection apparatus main body.
[0052]
Reference numeral 511 denotes a storage device that stores image data read by the reading device 501.
[0053]
Reference numeral 512 denotes a comparison device for comparing the read image with reference data. Reference numeral 510 denotes a CPU that controls the operation of the inspection device and controls the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the post-processing device 300. An operation unit 514 is used when the state of the inspection device and an operation instruction to be described later are issued.
[0054]
[Operation of inspection equipment]
The operation of the inspection device 500 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the inspection device shown in FIG.
[0055]
First, the sheet output from the image forming apparatus main body 100 passes through the conveyance path 504 (S501).
[0056]
On the way, the reading device 501 reads sheet information. The read information is converted into data and compared with the original data stored in the storage device in advance (S502).
[0057]
If the result of the comparison is OK, the sheet passes through the conveyance path 504 as it is, is conveyed in the E direction, and is sent to the post-processing device 300 (S503).
[0058]
Inspection OK is displayed on the operation unit 514, and the user is notified that the output is in order. This operation is sequentially repeated.
[0059]
Next, the case where the comparison result is NG will be described. Upon receiving the NG signal, the CPU 510 switches the flapper 506 in the A direction, and guides the sheet determined to be defective (hereinafter, referred to as a defective sheet) to the branch path 513. Further, the flapper 507 is switched in the direction C, and the defective sheet is guided in the direction of the conveyance path 509 (S504).
[0060]
As a result, the defective sheet is discharged to the inspection tray 505. The inspection tray 505 is exposed outside the inspection device, and the discharged sheet can be immediately visually recognized by a person.
[0061]
At this time, several sheets, such as the next sheet that has already passed through the fixing device, the sheet on which an image is being formed, and the sheet fed from the cassette, are present in the image forming apparatus main body 100. .
[0062]
If there is a remaining sheet in the apparatus, the CPU 510 sends a command to the CPU of the image forming apparatus main body 100 to perform the process from the image formation in progress to the fixing and temporarily stop the subsequent operations (S505).
[0063]
Then, an instruction is made to feed a substitute sheet for the defective sheet again and to form an image. When a sheet in process is guided to the inspection device 500, the reading device 501 reads sheet information.
[0064]
If the result of the inspection by reading the sheet information is OK, the CPU 510 switches the flapper 506 in the A direction and the flapper 507 in the D direction (S506, S507).
[0065]
As a result, the sheets in progress are guided to the buffer tray 502 and are sequentially stacked.
[0066]
On the other hand, if the inspection is No (S506, S508), the flapper 506 is switched to the direction A and the flapper 507 is switched to the direction C, and the defective sheet is discharged to the inspection tray.
[0067]
Thereafter, the re-output sheet passes through the reading device 501 (S509), and if the information is read and OK, the CPU 510 switches the flapper 506 to the B direction and switches the sheet to be conveyed in the E direction (S510). , S512).
[0068]
On the other hand, if the result of the inspection at step 510 is No, the flapper 506 is switched to the direction A and the flapper 507 is switched to the direction C, and the defective sheet is discharged to the inspection tray (S511).
[0069]
The sheet traveling in the direction E is guided to the post-processing device 300 (S512). The work-in-progress sheets stacked on the buffer tray 502 are sequentially fed by the re-feeding means 503, pass through the transport path 504, and are guided to the post-processing apparatus 300 (S514, S515, S516).
[0070]
At this time, the information is read again by the reading device 501, and it is checked whether a double feed, a break, or the like has occurred. Thereafter, CPU 510 instructs CPU of image forming apparatus main body 100 to perform the remaining jobs.
[0071]
Of course, when the sheet re-output from the image forming apparatus main body 100 or the sheet re-fed from the buffer tray 502 becomes the inspection NG again, it is discharged to the inspection tray 505 and the CPU of the image forming apparatus main body 100 To output again. A series of subsequent operations are as described above.
[0072]
As described above, even if a defective sheet is generated, the recovery is automatically performed, so that there is no need to stop the entire apparatus and the productivity is improved.
[0073]
[Example of inspection NG]
Here, a specific example when the inspection becomes NG will be described.
(Example 1) FIG. 6A shows an example of sheet information serving as a comparison source. The information includes the outer shape information of the sheet, the position of the image, and the like. FIG. 6B shows sheet information read by the reading device 501. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a sheet inspected by the inspection apparatus shown in FIG.
[0074]
The comparison device 512 divides the information into a mesh as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, and compares the elements Q1 to Q150 with the elements Q1 ′ to Q150 ′ for each corresponding element. Do.
[0075]
In the example of FIG. 6, the difference between the elements Q1 and Q1 'is recognized. It can be seen that the data on the outer portion of the sheet has changed in this portion.
[0076]
Thus, the CPU 510 recognizes from this data that the sheet has come into contact with an obstacle in the transport path, and that a break in the ear has occurred.
[0077]
Then, the CPU 510 sends a signal for switching the flapper 506, instructs the CPU of the image forming apparatus main body 100 to discharge the sheet to the inspection tray 505 and to re-output the sheet. Thereafter, the operation described in the operation of the inspection device is performed.
[0078]
(Example 2) FIG. 7A shows sheet information as a comparison source, and FIG. 7B shows information read by the reading device 501. In this example, the sheet is skewed when reaching the image forming unit, and thus the image is skewed with respect to the sheet outer shape. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a sheet inspected by the inspection apparatus shown in FIG.
[0079]
Therefore, a difference is recognized between the elements Q11 to Q20 and the elements Q11 ′ to Q20 ′. Then, the CPU 510 sends a signal for switching the flapper 506, instructs the CPU of the image forming apparatus main body 100 to discharge the sheet to the inspection tray 505 and to re-output the sheet.
[0080]
In addition, it is needless to say that various information regarding the sheet, such as image density, color shift, dirt, positions of punch holes, and positions of tabs, can be recognized and compared.
[0081]
In the present embodiment, the image information is cut into 150 meshes and compared for each element. However, the number of meshes is not limited. Needless to say, the comparison element may be compared line by line, or may be developed into bitmap data and compared at each point.
[0082]
[Inspection device with inserter]
Next, a case where the inserter 550 is attached to the inspection device 500 will be described. FIG. 8 is a sectional view when an inserter is mounted on the inspection device shown in FIG.
[0083]
The inserter 550 includes a tray 551 for stacking and storing sheets, and a sheet feeding unit 552.
[0084]
The sheet fed from the inserter 550 by the sheet feeding unit 552 passes through the insertion path 553 and is arranged to join the transport path 504 of the inspection device 500 upstream of the reading device 501. By storing the sheet information in the storage device 511 in advance, the sheet fed from the inserter 550 can be inspected by the reading device 501.
[0085]
Therefore, the inserter 550 can be used in the cover mode or the slip sheet mode.
[0086]
The outline of the embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has been described above. In the present embodiment, the inspection apparatus has been described as an independent apparatus, but it goes without saying that the inspection apparatus may be integrated with the image forming apparatus main body. Further, although the post-processing device is mounted after the inspection device, it is needless to say that a simple stacking means such as a stacker may be used. In addition, although the CCD and the CIS are described as the reading device, it is needless to say that the reading device is not limited thereto.
[0087]
Hereinafter, the inspection device according to the present invention will be described in more detail. However, in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, the correction unit and the detection unit described below may be provided on the sheet conveyance path from the entrance I to the sheet inspection device to the reading device 501. .
[0088]
The inspection device included in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment relates to an inspection device that is disposed between the image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing device, reads information of a sheet by a reading device, and determines whether a normal sheet is being conveyed. Before reading the image of the sheet, at least one of a correction unit for correcting skew of the conveyed sheet and a deviation in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheet (hereinafter, referred to as a lateral registration deviation), or a detection unit for detecting Is a means for assisting image processing (judgment processing) of a sheet. The description is given below with reference to the drawings.
[0089]
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet conveyance path provided in the inspection device shown in FIG. The conveyance roller 601, the registration roller 602, and the space 603 illustrated in FIG. 9 function as a correction unit that corrects the skew of the conveyed sheet.
[0090]
A sheet 600 on which a predetermined image has been formed by an image forming apparatus (not shown) is conveyed in a sheet conveying direction by conveying rollers 601 as shown in FIG.
[0091]
The registration roller 602 located downstream of the conveyance roller 601 is in a stopped state, and the sheet 600 is conveyed by the conveyance roller 601 to form a loop in the space 603 in the sheet conveyance path.
[0092]
By forming a loop in the sheet 600, the skew is corrected by the stiffness of the sheet.
[0093]
Thereafter, the registration roller 602 is driven by a driving unit (not shown) to convey the skew-corrected sheet.
[0094]
Next, another example of the correction unit of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows a top view ((a) of FIG. 10) and a cross-sectional view ((b) of FIG. 10) of the sheet conveyance path provided in the inspection device shown in FIG.
[0095]
The conveying roller 604 and the aligning units 606 and 607 illustrated in FIG. 10 function as a correcting unit that corrects the lateral registration of the conveyed sheet 600. This lateral registration correction corrects the position of the sheet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction.
[0096]
The conveyance of the sheet 600 conveyed by the conveyance roller 604 and the driven roller 608 is temporarily stopped by the stop of the sheet conveyance roller 604. In this state, the conveying roller 604 is separated by a separating means (not shown) as shown by a broken line in the drawing, and the sheet is not held.
[0097]
Here, the sheet is corrected to a predetermined position by jogging the aligning means 606 and 607 in the direction of the arrow in the figure.
[0098]
In the case of the example in FIG. 10, the sheet at the position shown by the broken line is corrected by X to the position shown by the solid line.
[0099]
The sheet whose horizontal registration has been corrected in this way is pressed by the conveying roller 604 by a pressing unit (not shown), and is rotated at the same time as holding the sheet. And the image is read.
[0100]
Further, another example of the correction unit of the present embodiment will be further described with reference to FIG. 11 is a top view of the detachable transport unit arranged upstream of the reading device of the inspection device shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 11A is a detailed view, and FIG. It is a conceptual diagram.
[0101]
The transport unit 609 functions as a correction unit that corrects the skew of the transported sheet.
[0102]
The transport unit 609 is provided with positioning pins 610 and 611 for positioning on the rear side of the apparatus body.
[0103]
Further, a positioning pin 612 for positioning on the front side of the transport unit 609 is attached to the transport unit 609 so that the stop position can be adjusted. Therefore, the amount of skew of the sheet 600 to be conveyed can be adjusted according to the mounting position of the positioning pin 612.
[0104]
The operation of the transport unit shown in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an operation schematic diagram of the transport unit shown in FIG.
[0105]
As shown in FIG. 12, the sheet 600 fed from a sheet feeding unit (not shown) is shifted in the horizontal registration by X by being conveyed through an image forming apparatus such as a registration roller 613, a drum 614, and a fixing roller 615. Even in this case, by adjusting the positioning pins 612 of the transport unit 609 in the inspection device and arranging the transport unit 609 at an angle of α, the image reading device 605 corrects the sheet so that the lateral registration does not shift. You can do it.
[0106]
If necessary, by correcting the skew between the transport unit 609 and the image reading device 605 by the skew correction unit shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to read the image of almost the skew / lateral registration sheet. .
[0107]
Next, another example of the correction unit of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a top view of the sheet conveying path of the inspection device shown in FIG.
[0108]
The support plate 616, the fixing screw 617, and the driven roller 618 shown in FIG. 13 function as correction means for correcting the skew of the conveyed sheet 600.
[0109]
The sheet 600 conveyed from an image forming apparatus (not shown) is in a state where the horizontal registration is shifted by X. Here, the driven roller 618 provided at a position facing the transport roller 604 and the supporting plate 616 holding the driven roller 618 are fixed by a fixing screw 617 so that the horizontal registration does not shift in the image reading apparatus as shown in the figure. The lateral misalignment can be corrected by inclining by only the angle α.
[0110]
Here, the means for correcting the lateral registration has been described by focusing on the driven roller. However, the same effect can be obtained by inclining the transport roller 604 without changing the driven roller. Further, the same effect can be obtained by providing both the driven roller 618 and the transport roller 604 and inclining either one of them.
[0111]
As described above, if the skew is corrected by the skew correcting means shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to read an image of a sheet with almost no skew / lateral registration error.
[0112]
Next, an example of the detection unit of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a top view of the sheet conveying path of the inspection device shown in FIG.
[0113]
The lateral displacement detection device 619 illustrated in FIG. 14 functions as a detection unit that detects a lateral displacement of the conveyed sheet 600.
[0114]
The lateral displacement amount X of the sheet 600 transported by the transport roller (not shown) is detected by the lateral displacement detection device 619. Thereafter, the reading device 605 disposed downstream is driven only by X by the drive motor 620 and the drive unit 621 in accordance with the shift amount X of the horizontal registration, and can read the image of the conveyed sheet 600. . With such a configuration, not only can the lateral registration correction processing of the read image be reduced, but also the effective area of the main body of the reading device 605 can be designed to be small.
[0115]
Next, another example of the detection unit of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram ((a) of FIG. 15) and a timing chart of output signals ((b) of FIG. 15) showing a detecting means for detecting the skew amount of the sheet provided in the inspection device shown in FIG. is there.
[0116]
The paper detection sensors 622 and 623 shown in FIG. 15A function as detection means for detecting the skew amount of the sheet 600.
[0117]
In the sheet conveyance path, paper detection sensors 622 and 623 having a width smaller than the width direction of the smallest sheet conveyed are arranged substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. Here, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the sheet 600 is conveyed while being skewed, the output of each sensor is delayed by X as shown in the lower part of the figure. Accordingly, the skew amount of the sheet is derived from the sheet conveyance speed and the delay time X of the sensor.
[0118]
The number of paper detection sensors is not limited to two as shown in FIG. 15, but may be an arbitrary number of two or more.
[0119]
Next, another example of the detecting means according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a detection unit that detects a lateral displacement amount of a sheet included in the inspection device illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0120]
The drive motor 630, the rack 624, the sensor flag 625, the sensor 626, and the instruction unit 627 shown in FIG. 16 function as a detecting unit that detects the amount of lateral displacement of the conveyed sheet 600.
[0121]
The sensor flag 625 in the figure can be driven in the horizontal direction in the figure by a drive motor 630 and a rack 624. Here, when the sensor flag 625 is driven to the right by the drive motor 630, the sensor 626 is turned on by being pushed by the indicator 627 projecting from the apparatus main body, and the home position is detected.
[0122]
Thereafter, this time, the sensor flag 625 is driven by the drive motor 630 in the direction of the arrow (left) in the figure, and when reaching the end of the sheet 600, the sensor 626 is turned on again.
[0123]
Here, by counting the drive pulse from the home position to the end of the sheet, the lateral displacement amount of the sheet 600 can be detected. Inspection of the conveyed sheet 600 can be easily performed using the lateral registration information.
[0124]
As described above, by correcting the skew of the sheet and the lateral misregistration from the entrance I of the sheet to the inspection device to the reading device 501, the skew of the read image and the lateral registration are corrected. No correction is required, and inspection of the sheet can be easily performed. Further, the present invention can be implemented by arbitrarily combining the above-described correction means and detection means.
[0125]
Further, the skew and lateral registration detecting means as described above is provided and detected between the entrance I of the sheet to the inspection device and the reading device 501 to detect the skew amount and the lateral registration by image processing. It is not necessary to detect the amount, and it is not only easy to inspect the sheet, but also difficult to detect with a reading device, for example, it is possible to reliably detect even a sheet such as a second original drawing sheet, Inspection errors can be prevented.
[0126]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a correction unit for correcting a skew or a lateral deviation of a sheet is provided, and the deviation of the output sheet is forcibly corrected, thereby inspecting the sheet. Without performing image processing on the image read by the apparatus, it is possible to directly determine whether or not the output paper is normal.
[0127]
Therefore, there is no need to perform extra image processing before inspection, and inspection can be performed at high speed.
[0128]
In addition, before the sheet output from the image forming apparatus main body is read by the inspection device, the inspection device is provided with a detection unit for detecting skew or lateral deviation of the sheet, and based on information obtained by the detection unit, the inspection device is used. After correcting the skew or the lateral displacement of the image read in step, it is possible to greatly reduce the processing time by determining whether or not the output sheet is a normal output sheet.
[0129]
In addition, the reading means of the inspection device can be configured with the amount of skew of the output paper and the amount of deviation in the horizontal direction omitted, and not only can the device itself be designed compactly, but also the cost can be kept low. It becomes.
[0130]
In addition, by detecting the skew and the lateral deviation of the sheet, which have been performed by the image reading device, by using a dedicated detecting unit, it is possible to reliably detect even a type of sheet that is difficult to detect. Inspection errors can be eliminated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus main body shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the post-processing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inspection device shown in FIG. 1;
5 is a flowchart of the operation of the inspection device shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a sheet inspected by the inspection device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a sheet inspected by the inspection apparatus shown in FIG.
8 is a cross-sectional view when an inserter is mounted on the inspection device shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet conveyance path provided in the inspection device shown in FIG.
10 is a top view (FIG. 10 (a)) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 10 (b)) of a sheet conveying path provided in the inspection device shown in FIG.
11 is a top view of the detachable transport unit arranged upstream of the reading device of the inspection device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is an operation schematic diagram of the transport unit shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a top view of a part of a sheet conveying path of the inspection device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a top view of a part of a sheet conveyance path of the inspection device shown in FIG. 1;
15 is a schematic diagram ((a) of FIG. 15) and a timing chart of an output signal ((b) of FIG. 15) showing a detecting means for detecting a skew amount of a sheet provided in the inspection device shown in FIG. 1; is there.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a detecting unit that detects a lateral displacement amount of a sheet included in the inspection device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Image Forming Apparatus Main Body
104 transport roller
106 registration roller
111 Laser Scanner
112 Photoconductor drum
113 Optical system
114 Developer
115 transfer charger
117 Transport unit
118 Fixing device
119 Discharge roller
121 sheet duplex tray
201 Scanning light source
202 Platen glass
203 Original platen
204 mirror
205 lens
207 junction
300 Post-processing device
302 Entrance roller pair
303 transport roller pair
305 Large conveying roller
306 Transport roller
307 discharge roller
310, 311 switching flapper
312,313,314 Pressing roller
313 Processing tray
315 Swing guide
318a Lower bundle discharge roller
318b Upper bundle discharge roller
320 Stack tray
321 non-sort pass
322 sort path
323 buffer path
331 Sheet detection sensor
350 punch unit
500 inspection equipment
501 reader
502 tray
502 buffer tray
503 Re-feeding means
504 transport path
505 inspection tray
506,507 Flapper
508,509 Transport path
510 CPU
511 Storage device
512 Comparison device
513 Branch path
514 Operation unit
550 Inserter
551 tray
552 paper feeding means
553 insertion path
600 sheets
601 transport roller
602 registration roller
603 space
604 transport roller
605 Image reading device
606,607 Matching means
608 driven roller
609 Transport unit
610, 611, 612 Positioning pin
613 Registration roller
614 drum
615 Fixing roller
616 support plate
617 fixing screw
618 driven roller
619 Lateral displacement detection device
620 drive motor
621 drive means
622,623 Paper detection sensor
624 racks
625 sensor flag
626 sensor
627 Indicator
630 drive motor
A Scanning body
B Scanner section
C Image forming unit
D seat deck
I entrance

Claims (10)

A conveying path for conveying the sheet, holding means for holding the sheet, switching means for switching whether to branch from the conveying path and guide the sheet to the holding means or to pass the sheet as it is, A reading unit for reading the information on the sheet, comparing the information on the sheet sent from the image forming apparatus with the information on the sheet read by the reading unit, and switching the switching unit according to a result of the comparison. In an inspection device including a control unit for controlling,
At least one of correction means for correcting the information of the sheet before reading by the reading means, correction means for performing skew correction of the sheet, and correction means for correcting a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction; An inspection device comprising a correction unit. Correction means for performing skew correction of the sheet,
2. The inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising a correction unit configured to perform skew correction of the sheet by abutting a leading end of the sheet against a roller. The correction unit that corrects a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction,
An alignment unit that aligns the position of the sheet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction,
3. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the sheet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction is corrected by the alignment unit. Correction means for performing skew correction of the sheet,
A detachable sheet transport unit disposed upstream of the reading means,
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction is corrected by adjusting a position when the sheet conveying unit is attached to the apparatus main body. 5. Inspection equipment. The correction unit that corrects a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction,
Comprising at least one of a transport roller and a driven roller,
The position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction is corrected by arranging at least one of the conveyance roller and the driven roller obliquely, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Inspection device as described. A conveying path for conveying the sheet, holding means for holding the sheet, switching means for switching whether to branch from the conveying path and guide the sheet to the holding means or to pass the sheet as it is, Reading means for reading the information on the sheet, comparing the information on the sheet sent from the image forming apparatus with the information on the sheet read by the reading means, and switching the switching means according to the result of the comparison. In an inspection device having control means for controlling,
At least one of a detecting unit that detects the amount of skew of the sheet and a detecting unit that detects a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction, which detects the information of the sheet before the reading unit reads the information; An inspection device comprising detection means. After detecting the position of the sheet in the direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction,
Moving means for moving the reading means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction according to the detected position of the sheet,
7. The inspection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information on the sheet is read by a reading unit after the movement. Detecting means for detecting the skew amount of the sheet,
The inspection apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising at least two or more sensors having a width smaller than a width direction of the minimum sheet and disposed substantially perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction. Detection means for detecting a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction,
A sensor flag movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction,
A drive motor for driving the sensor flag;
A rack supporting the movement of the sensor flag;
A sensor for detecting the movement of the sensor flag,
The inspection device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising an instruction unit for obtaining a reference of the position of the sensor flag. Image forming means for forming an image on the sheet,
An image forming apparatus comprising: the inspection apparatus according to claim 1, which inspects a sheet on which an image is formed.

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