JP2013003448A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing power consumption and being miniaturized while considering conveyance characteristics of a document and a recording medium.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: document reading means; image formation means; a paper feeding section for arranging paper; conveyance means for feeding paper arranged in the paper feeding section; a paper ejection section for receiving paper; a first conveyance path connected to the paper ejection section from the paper feeding section via the document reading means; a second conveyance path connected to the paper ejection section from the paper feeding section via the image formation means; identification means for identifying whether paper fed by the conveyance means is a document to be a reading object by the document reading means or a recording medium on which an image is to be formed by the image forming means; and path selection means for selecting either one of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path on the basis of the identification result by the identification means.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which a paper feed and paper discharge mechanism for a document and a recording medium is simplified.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as copiers, facsimiles, and multi-function peripherals (MFPs), a paper feed mechanism for feeding a document and a paper discharge for discharging each of a document and a recording medium In general, the mechanism is provided independently of each other.

  On the other hand, a configuration has been proposed in which a document feed tray and a recording medium feed tray are used together, and the document and the recording medium are discharged to respective discharge trays. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-333381 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus that serves both as a recording medium feed tray and a document feed tray and partially uses the same transport path.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-034271 (Patent Document 2) includes a document discharge tray and a recording medium discharge tray that is discharged toward the upper surface of the apparatus main body so that the recording medium intersects the document discharge direction. Disclosed is an image forming apparatus that is ejected and placed.

JP 10-333381 A JP 2007-034271 A

  In the configuration of the general image forming apparatus as described above, that is, a configuration in which a paper feed mechanism for feeding paper and a paper discharge mechanism for paper discharge are provided independently for each of a document and a recording medium. If the conveyance of the original and the conveyance of the recording medium are not performed at the same time, one of the paper feeding mechanism and the paper discharge mechanism (including a conveyance mechanism that connects both) is in a pause state. In this way, at each time point, although one of the conveyances is stopped, a drive source and various parts for feeding, conveying, and discharging the document and the recording medium are provided. There was a need. For this reason, the power consumption of the entire apparatus is increased, and this is one factor that hinders downsizing of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce power consumption and reduce size while taking into consideration such characteristics of conveying a document and a recording medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a document reading unit, an image forming unit, a paper feeding unit for placing paper, a transport unit for feeding paper placed in the paper feeding unit, A paper discharge unit for receiving paper, a first transport path from the paper feed unit to the paper discharge unit through the document reading unit, and a second link from the paper supply unit to the paper discharge unit through the image forming unit An identification unit for identifying a conveyance path, a sheet fed by the conveyance unit, a document to be read by the document reading unit, or a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and an identification by the identification unit Route selection means for selecting either the first transport route or the second transport route based on the result.

Preferably, the first transport path and the second transport path share a part of the path.
Preferably, the transport unit includes a paper feed roller, and the paper feed unit includes a first stacking plate for placing the document and a second stacking plate for placing the recording medium. The stacking plate and the second stacking plate are configured such that either the document disposed on the first stacking plate or the recording medium disposed on the second stacking plate contacts the paper feed roller.

  In particular, the first stacking plate is placed on top of the second stacking plate, and each of the first stacking plate and the second stacking plate is configured to be rotatable, And a push-up portion that generates a push-up force for rotating the first stacking plate toward the paper feed roller via the second stacking plate.

In particular, the first stacking plate is configured not to interfere with the paper feed roller.
In particular, the identification unit includes a unit that is arranged in association with the first stacking plate and detects whether or not a document exists on the first stacking plate.

  Preferably, the path selection unit forms a path for reversing the transport direction to return to the corresponding transport path before the document and the recording medium are discharged to the paper discharge unit.

  Preferably, the paper discharge unit includes a first paper discharge tray for receiving the original whose contents have been read by the original reading unit, and a second for receiving the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. A paper discharge tray and a guide for guiding the paper discharged from the discharge port to either the first paper discharge tray or the second paper discharge tray based on the identification result by the identification unit.

Preferably, the paper feeding unit is disposed on top of the paper discharging unit.
Preferably, the paper feed unit includes a paper feed cassette that is detachable in a state where a document or a recording medium is stored.

  Preferably, the document reading means includes a mounting table for mounting the document and a reading unit movable relative to the document mounted on the mounting table. In the case of being transported along the transport path, the position is fixed at a predetermined position on the first transport path.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of reducing power consumption and downsizing while taking into consideration the characteristics of conveying a document and a recording medium.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a related technique of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an automatic feeding operation for a single-sided original in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an automatic feeding operation for a double-sided original in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a single-sided printing operation in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the double-sided printing operation | movement in the image forming apparatus according to embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an operation at the time of reading a document in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing an operation during printing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram showing a main part structure of a paper supply / discharge unit in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the control part of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the control part of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram showing a paper supply / discharge unit in an image forming apparatus according to a first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the paper supply / discharge unit in the image forming apparatus according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the paper supply / discharge unit in the image forming apparatus according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a switching process from a reading operation to a printing operation in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth modification of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the control part of the image forming apparatus according to the modification 4 of embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[A. Configuration related to related technology]
Before describing the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the related art of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 200 according to a related technique of the present invention. An image forming apparatus 200 according to the related art shown in FIG. 1 includes a document feed mechanism such as a document feed tray 231, a document discharge mechanism such as a document discharge tray 233, and a recording medium feed tray 211. A recording medium (paper) feeding mechanism and a recording medium discharge mechanism such as a recording medium discharge tray 218 are provided.

  More specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a print engine 210 that forms an image on a recording medium, an original reading unit 220, and an automatic original feeding unit 230. FIG. 1 shows a cycle type print engine 210 capable of color printing as a typical example. The print engine 210 is generated by an imaging unit 213 that generates toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), an intermediate transfer belt 215, and an imaging unit 213. A primary transfer roller 214 for transferring (primary transfer) each color toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 215, and a secondary transfer for transferring (secondary transfer) the toner image superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 215 to a recording medium. A roller 216. The recording medium stored in the recording medium feed tray 211 is conveyed along the recording medium conveyance path 212 to the secondary transfer roller 216. The recording medium to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing roller 217, and is fixed on the recording medium by heating and pressurizing the toner image. Then, the recording medium after the toner image is fixed is discharged to the recording medium discharge tray 218. FIG. 1 shows a so-called in-body discharge configuration that is discharged to a recording medium discharge tray 218 provided inside the main body.

  On the other hand, the original is read by the original reading unit 221 of the original reading unit 220. There are a case where the original is placed on an original placement table (platen glass) of the original reading unit 220 and a case where the original is sequentially conveyed by the automatic original feeding unit 230.

  When documents are sequentially conveyed by the automatic document feeding unit 230, the document placed on the document feeding tray 231 is conveyed along the document conveyance path 232, and the contents are read by the document reading unit 221 during the conveyance. After that, it is discharged to the document discharge tray 233.

  Considering the case of providing a function (scanner function) that generates electronic data (for example, PDF (Portable Document Format) data) from a document using the image forming apparatus 200 shown in FIG. Only the print engine 210 does not need to operate. Considering the case of providing a function (print function) for forming an image on a recording medium according to a print job using the image forming apparatus 200, only the print engine 210 is operated, and the automatic document feeder unit 230 is There is no need to operate.

  Further, in consideration of a case where a function (copy function) for reading a document using the image forming apparatus 200 and printing the read content on a recording medium is provided, the print engine 210 and the automatic document feeding unit. However, if the document reading operation and the printing operation are performed continuously (in series), it is not necessary to operate the print engine 210 and the automatic document feeding unit 230 at the same time.

  In view of this, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, which will be described below, pays attention to the fact that the document feeding mechanism and the recording medium feeding mechanism need not be operated at the same time. Make common. As a result, the apparatus is reduced in size and power consumption is reduced.

[B. Configuration according to this embodiment]
Next, the configuration of image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Unlike image forming apparatus 200 described above, image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a common paper feed mechanism and paper discharge mechanism for documents and recording media. Therefore, an arbitrary method can be adopted as a printing method employed as the print engine. That is, FIG. 2 exemplifies a print engine capable of cycle type color printing as an example, but various types such as tandem type color print, electrophotographic monochrome print, ink jet method, sublimation type method, dot impact method, etc. This method can be applied.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 can be applied to any of a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine (MFP), and the like.

  More specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a print engine 110, a document reading unit 120, and a paper supply / discharge unit 130.

  The print engine 110 is a typical example of an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, and an imaging unit that generates toner images of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). 113, an intermediate transfer belt 115, a primary transfer roller 114 for transferring (primary transfer) each color toner image generated by the imaging unit 113 to the intermediate transfer belt 115, and a toner image superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 115. And a secondary transfer roller 116 for transferring (secondary transfer) to the recording medium. The print engine 110 includes a fixing roller 117 that heats and pressurizes the recording medium onto which the toner image is transferred.

  The document reading unit 120 is an embodiment of a document reading unit, and includes a document reading unit 121 for reading a document and a document placement table 122 on which the document is placed. The document reading unit 121 includes an optical element such as a CCD (Charged Couple Device) or a line sensor, and reads the contents by moving relative to the document. That is, the document reading unit 121 reads the content of the document placed on the document placement table 122 such as platen glass by moving in the horizontal direction of the paper surface, and is sequentially conveyed by the paper supply / discharge unit 130. The content is read by positioning the document at a predetermined position through which the document passes.

  The paper supply / discharge unit 130 provides a paper supply mechanism and a paper discharge mechanism for documents and recording media. More specifically, the paper supply / discharge unit 130 includes a document stacking plate 131, a recording medium stacking plate 132, a paper feed roller 133, a paper discharge roller 134, a switchback roller 135, switching guides 136, 137, 138 and a paper discharge tray 139.

  The user sets a document on the document stacking plate 131 of the paper supply / discharge unit 130, sets a recording medium on the recording medium stacking plate 132, and operates the image forming apparatus 100 to read the document as described later. The operation and the printing operation on the recording medium are performed. That is, the document stacking plate 131 corresponds to a paper feed unit for placing a document to be read by the document reading unit 120 and a recording medium on which an image is formed by the print engine 110. A paper feed roller 133, which is an embodiment of a conveying unit for feeding a document and a recording medium arranged in the paper supply / discharge unit 130, sends out the document and the recording medium on the document stacking plate 131 one by one.

  Then, both the original whose contents are read by the original reading unit 120 and the recording medium on which the image is formed by the print engine 110 are discharged to the discharge tray 139. That is, the paper discharge tray 139 corresponds to a paper discharge unit for receiving a document whose contents have been read by the document reading unit 120 and a recording medium on which an image has been formed by the print engine 110.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2, the position where the document and the recording medium are arranged is close to the position where the document and the recording medium on which the image is formed are read, so that the operability of the user is improved. In order to improve, in the paper supply / discharge unit 130, the document stacking plate 131 and the recording medium stacking plate 132 are arranged on top of the discharge tray 139.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the document conveyance direction by sheet supply / discharge unit 130 and the conveyance direction of the recording medium are the same direction. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes respective paper feed trays (a document stacking plate 131 and a recording medium stacking plate 132) for documents and recording media, which also serve as the same sheet feeding port and sheet feeding roller 133. Yes. Further, the original and recording medium share the same discharge roller 134 and discharge port.

  Hereinafter, a document reading operation and a printing operation on a recording medium will be described with reference to the drawings.

[C. Example of operation]
(C1: Automatic document feeding operation (single side))
First, the operation when a single-sided document is automatically fed and read will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing an automatic feeding operation for a single-sided original in image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the user sets a document on document stacking plate 131 and gives a command for starting desired operation to image forming apparatus 100. As will be described later, a mechanism for detecting that a document is set on the document stacking plate 131 may be provided, and the document reading operation may be started in response to the detection result.

  The switching guide 136 in this example is provided so as to be switchable to three positions, and specifically, can be positioned at the uppermost position, the intermediate position, and the lowermost position.

  In the automatic document feeding operation, the switching guide 136 is positioned at the uppermost position, the switching guide 137 is positioned at the lower side, and the switching guide 138 is positioned at the upper side. As a result, a document transport path 141 is formed in which the document passes through the inside of the paper supply / discharge unit 130 and is guided to the paper discharge tray 139. The paper feed roller 133 sends out the original, and the original passes through the original conveyance path 141 and is then discharged to the paper discharge tray 139.

  At this time, the document reading unit 121 is positioned on the document transport path 141 and starts an electrical / optical reading operation in synchronization with the document transport. Then, the document reading unit 121 reads the document between the paper feed roller 133 and the paper discharge tray 139 on the document conveyance path 141.

(C2: Automatic document feeding operation (both sides))
Next, the operation in the case of automatically feeding and reading a double-sided document will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an automatic feeding operation for a double-sided document in image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. When reading a double-sided original, after reading one side by the method shown in FIG. 3 described above, the original is switched back as shown in FIG. Take a round. That is, after the end of the document conveyed on the document conveyance path 141 shown in FIG. 3 passes through the switchback roller 135, the switching guide 136 is switched to the intermediate position, whereby the document conveyance path 142 is formed. Then, by reversing the rotation directions of the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135, the original passes through the original transport path 142 and is then discharged to the paper discharge tray 139.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, before the document is discharged to the discharge tray 139, a path for reversing the transport direction to return to the corresponding transport path is formed.

(C3: Document reading operation (document placement table))
When a document is placed on the document placing table 122, the paper supply / discharge unit 130 does not operate, and the document reading unit 121 of the document reading unit 120 moves in the horizontal direction of the sheet, thereby reading the contents of the document. .

  As described above, the document reading unit 120 includes the document placing table 122 for placing the document, and the document reading unit 121 that can move relative to the document placed on the document placing table 122. The document reading unit 121 is fixed at a predetermined position on the document transport path when the document is transported on the document transport path 141 or 142.

(C4: Print operation (single side))
Next, the operation when printing on one side of a recording medium will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a single-sided printing operation in image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, in the single-sided printing operation, switching guide 136 is positioned at the intermediate position, switching guide 137 is positioned on the upper side, and switching guide 138 is positioned on the upper side. As a result, after passing through the paper supply / discharge unit 130, the recording medium travels around the inside of the print engine 110 and is then guided to the paper discharge tray 139 to form a recording medium conveyance path 143. The paper feed roller 133 sends out a recording medium, and the recording medium passes through a path partially shared with the document conveyance path 141 shown in FIG. It is discharged to 139.

(C5: Print operation (both sides))
Next, the operation when printing on both sides of the recording medium will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a double-sided printing operation in image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the double-sided printing operation, after forming an image on one side of the recording medium by the method shown in FIG. 5, the recording medium is switched back as shown in FIG. Let's go round again. That is, after the end of the recording medium after printing conveyed through the recording medium conveyance path 143 shown in FIG. 5 passes through the switchback roller 135, the switching guide 136 is switched to the lowest position, so that the recording medium conveyance path 144 is changed. It is formed. Then, by reversing the rotation directions of the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135, the recording medium passes through a path partially shared with the document transport path 141 shown in FIG. A forming process is performed, and then the sheet is discharged to a discharge tray 139.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, before the recording medium is discharged to the paper discharge tray 139, a path for reversing the transport direction and returning to the corresponding transport path is formed. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a configuration is adopted in which the document and the recording medium are reversed in the middle of conveyance and are conveyed again to the respective paper feed paths. For example, it is partially shared between the document and the recording medium.

[D. Automatic document feed unit]
As described above, in image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, paper supply / discharge unit 130 provides a paper supply / discharge mechanism for a document and a paper supply / discharge mechanism for a recording medium. The paper feed / discharge unit 130 according to the present embodiment has a document stacking plate 131 for placing a document and a recording medium stacking plate 132 for placing a recording medium. That is, the document stacking plate 131 corresponds to a stacking plate for placing documents, and the recording medium stacking plate 132 corresponds to a stacking plate for placing recording media.

  When such a configuration is adopted, the user may explicitly specify either the original reading operation or the printing operation, but from the viewpoint of user friendliness, from the original reading to the printing operation. It is preferable that this can be done automatically.

  In view of this, the paper feed / discharge unit 130 according to the present embodiment is configured to automatically perform an operation of reading a series of set originals and then printing the read contents, such as a copy function. adopt.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing an operation at the time of reading a document in image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an operation during printing in image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, paper feed / discharge unit 130 has a paper presence / absence detection unit 151 for determining the presence / absence of a document on document stacking plate 131. The sheet presence / absence detection unit 151 corresponds to an identification unit that identifies whether a sheet fed by a sheet feeding roller 133 which is an embodiment of the sheet feeding unit is a document or a recording medium. More specifically, the sheet presence / absence detection unit 151 has a detector that passes through a hole in which a part of the document stacking plate 131 is cut out, as will be described later. Based on the position of this detector, The presence / absence of paper (original) on the original stacking plate 131 is determined.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when it is detected that a document is set on the document stacking plate 131, a document transport path 141 or 142 is formed and the document is read. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when it is detected that no original is set on the original stacking plate 131, the recording medium conveyance path 143 or 144 is formed, and the printing process is executed. That is, in response to the detection result by the paper presence / absence detection unit 151, the switching guides 136, 137, and 138 are switched, and the document or the recording medium is conveyed. As described above, the switching guides 136, 137, and 138 and a control mechanism that drives the switching guides 136, 137, and 138 move the document reading unit 120 from the paper feed roller 133 based on the identification result by the sheet presence / absence detection unit 151 that is an identification unit. A first transport path (original transport path 141 or 142) that leads to the paper discharge tray 139, and a second transport path (recording medium transport path) that leads from the paper feed roller 133 through the print engine 110 to the paper discharge tray 139. 143 or 144). The first transport path (original transport path 141 or 142) and the second transport path (recording medium transport path 143 or 144) share a part of the paths.

  Next, a more specific structure of the paper supply / discharge unit 130 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a main part structure of paper supply / discharge unit 130 in image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a top view of a portion of the paper supply / discharge unit 130 where the original and the recording medium are set, and FIG. 9B is a side view of a portion of the paper supply / discharge unit 130 where the original and the recording medium are set. FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 9, document stacking plate 131 and recording medium stacking plate 132 are configured to be rotatable by document stacking plate fulcrum 131a and recording medium stacking plate fulcrum 132a, respectively. The document stacking plate 131 is disposed on the upper side of the recording medium stacking plate 132, and a recording medium can be set between the document stacking plate 131 and the recording medium stacking plate 132. That is, the document stacking plate 131 for placing a document is disposed closer to the paper feed roller 133 than the recording medium stacking plate 132 for placing a recording medium.

  In addition, a cutout portion 152 is formed in a part of the range on which the document is placed on the document stacking plate 131, and the sheet presence / absence detection portion 151 rotates vertically with respect to the document surface through the cutout portion 152. It is possible to move. The presence / absence of the document is detected by the rotation of the sheet presence / absence detection unit 151. As described above, the sheet presence / absence detection unit 151, which is a typical example of the identification unit, is arranged in association with the document stacking plate 131 and detects whether or not a document exists on the document stacking plate 131.

  The document stacking plate 131 is shorter in the document / recording medium transport direction than the recording medium stacking plate 132, and interferes with the paper feed roller 133 when there is no document on the document stacking plate 131. It is supposed not to. The recording medium stacking plate 132 is configured to be pushed up by a push-up spring 155 in a direction in which the recording medium stacking plate 132 comes into contact with the paper feed roller 133. In other words, the recording medium stacking plate 132 causes the document and / or the recording medium to contact the paper feed roller 133 in the direction of rotation about the recording medium stacking plate fulcrum 132a.

  By adopting the configuration as shown in FIG. 9, the document set on the document stacking plate 131 and the recording medium set on the recording medium stacking plate 132 are sequentially conveyed. That is, both the document placed on the document stacking plate 131 and the recording medium placed on the recording medium stacking plate 132 are configured to come into contact with the paper feed roller 133.

  More specifically, the document stacking plate 131 provided on the upper side has a recording medium stacking plate 132 (or a recording medium set on the recording medium stacking plate 132) provided on the lower side on the lower surface. By rotating the stacking plate fulcrum 132a as a starting point, the pushing force from the pushing spring 155 is transmitted and pushed up in a direction in contact with the sheet feeding roller 133. As a result, the documents set on the document stacking plate 131 are fed one by one by the feed roller 133. The push-up spring 155 corresponds to a push-up portion that generates a push-up force for rotating the document stacking plate 131 toward the paper feed roller 133 via the recording medium stacking plate 132.

  Since the document stacking plate 131 is configured to be short so that the length on the side opposite to the fulcrum does not come into contact with the sheet feeding roller 133, when all the documents set on the document stacking plate 131 are fed, the sheet feeding is performed. Jumps up to a position where it does not interfere with the roller 133. That is, the document stacking plate 131 is configured not to interfere with the paper feed roller 133 in the state where there is no document to be placed.

  On the other hand, the recording medium stacking plate 132 provided on the lower side is configured to be in contact with the paper feed roller 133 even when there is no recording medium. The recording medium set on the recording medium stacking plate 132 is pushed up and comes into contact with the paper feed roller 133. The paper feed roller 133 feeds the recording media set on the recording medium stacking plate 132 one by one.

  Note that the absence or presence of the document on the document stacking plate 131 is detected by the sheet presence / absence detection unit 151.

[E. Control structure]
Next, a control structure for realizing the above operation will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 10 for controlling the overall operation.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of control unit 10 of image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, a control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12 as a processing unit, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 as a storage unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14, an EEPROM (Electrical Erasable and). A programmable read only memory (HDD) 15 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 16, and an external communication I / F (Interface) 17 and an internal communication I / F 18 which are communication units are included. These parts are connected to each other via the internal bus 11.

  In the control unit 10, the CPU 12 controls the image forming apparatus 100 by developing a program for executing various processes stored in advance in the ROM 14 or the like on the RAM 13 and executing the program.

  The RAM 13 is a volatile memory and is used as a work memory. More specifically, the RAM 13 temporarily stores image data to be processed and various variable data in addition to the program itself to be executed. The EEPROM 15 is typically a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and stores various setting values such as the IP address and network domain of the image forming apparatus 100. The HDD 16 is typically a non-volatile magnetic memory, and stores a print job received from the image processing apparatus, image information acquired by the document reading unit 121, and the like.

  The external communication I / F 17 typically supports a general-purpose communication protocol such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and provides data communication with a personal computer or the like via a network. The internal communication I / F 18 is connected to the print engine 110 or the like, receives detection signals from various sensors included in the print engine 110, transmits the detection signals to the CPU 12, and in accordance with commands from the CPU 12, various actuators of the print engine 110. Send necessary signals to.

[F. Processing procedure]
Next, a processing procedure for realizing an operation in image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in control unit 10 of image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, processing is performed when the user performs a copying operation after setting one or more originals on the original stacking plate 131 and setting the corresponding recording medium on the recording medium stacking plate 132. Show. Each step shown in FIG. 11 is typically realized by the control unit 10 executing a program. However, a part or all of the configuration for realizing the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 may be implemented as dedicated hardware.

  First, the control part 10 receives the setting by a user (step S2). This setting includes designation of whether the original is a single-sided original or a double-sided original, and designation of whether the original is single-sided printing or double-sided printing.

  Subsequently, the control unit 10 positions the switching guides 136, 137, and 138 to form the document conveyance path 141 (FIG. 3) (step S4). That is, the control unit 10 positions the switching guide 136 at the uppermost position, positions the switching guide 137 at the “lower side”, and positions the switching guide 138 at the “upper side”. Then, the control unit 10 rotationally drives the paper feed roller 133 to convey the document along the document conveyance path 141 (step S6), and reads the conveyed document by the document reading unit 121 (step S8). It is assumed that document reading unit 121 is fixed on the document conveyance path 141.

  Thereafter, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the read document is a double-sided document (step S10). This determination is made based on the setting input by the user in step S2.

  When the read document is a single-sided document (NO in step S10), the control unit 10 drives the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 to rotate toward the paper discharge tray 139, whereby the document is scanned. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 139 (step S12). Then, the process proceeds to step S24.

  On the other hand, when the read original is a double-sided original (YES in step S10), the control unit 10 causes the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller until the end of the original passes through the switchback roller 135. 135 is rotated toward the paper discharge tray 139 (step S14). When the end of the document passes through the switchback roller 135, the control unit 10 switches the position of the switching guide 136 to form the document transport path 142 (FIG. 4) (step S16). That is, the control unit 10 switches the switching guide 136 from the uppermost position to the intermediate position. Then, the control unit 10 rotationally drives the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 in the direction opposite to the paper discharge tray 139 to transport the document along the document transport path 142 (step S18) and transport the document. The read original is read by the original reading unit 121 (step S20). The image data read by the document reading unit 121 is sequentially stored in the HDD 16 (FIG. 10) or the like. Further, the control unit 10 rotates the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 toward the paper discharge tray 139 to discharge the original to the paper discharge tray 139 (step S22).

  Based on the detection result by the paper presence / absence detection unit 151, the control unit 10 determines whether or not reading of all the originals set on the original stacking plate 131 has been completed (step S24). If a document remains on document stacking plate 131 (NO in step S24), the processes in and after step S4 are repeated. Note that if the reading of a single-sided document continues, the process of step S4 is substantially skipped.

  On the other hand, when reading of all the documents set on document stacking plate 131 is completed (YES in step S24), control unit 10 starts print processing. That is, the control unit 10 positions the switching guides 136, 137, and 138 to form the recording medium conveyance path 143 (FIG. 5) (step S26). That is, the control unit 10 positions the switching guide 136 at the intermediate position, positions the switching guide 137 “upper”, and positions the switching guide 138 “upper”. Then, the control unit 10 rotationally drives the paper feed roller 133 to convey the recording medium along the recording medium conveyance path 143 (Step S28), and forms an image on the conveyed recording medium by the print engine 110. (Step S30). In the case of a cycle type like the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the toner image of each color may be started by the imaging unit 113 before the conveyance of the recording medium is started.

  Thereafter, the control unit 10 determines whether double-sided printing is designated (step S32). This determination is made based on the setting input by the user in step S2.

  If single-sided printing is designated (NO in step S32), the control unit 10 drives the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 toward the paper discharge tray 139 to print an image. The recorded recording medium is discharged to the paper discharge tray 139 (step S34). Then, the process proceeds to step S46.

  On the other hand, if double-sided printing is designated (YES in step S32), the control unit 10 causes the paper discharge roller 134 and the switch until the recording medium on which the image is printed passes through the switchback roller 135. The back roller 135 is driven to rotate toward the paper discharge tray 139 (step S36). When the recording medium on which the image is printed passes through the switchback roller 135, the control unit 10 switches the position of the switching guide 136 to form the recording medium conveyance path 144 (FIG. 6) (step S38). That is, the control unit 10 switches the switching guide 136 from the intermediate position to the lowest position. Then, the control unit 10 rotationally drives the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 in the direction opposite to the paper discharge tray 139 to convey the recording medium on which the image is printed along the recording medium conveyance path 144 ( Along with step S40), an image is formed again by the print engine 110 on the conveyed recording medium (step S42). Further, the control unit 10 rotates the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 toward the paper discharge tray 139 to discharge the recording medium on which the image is printed to the paper discharge tray 139 (step S44).

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not the print processing for all the read originals has been completed (step S46). If there remains a document to be printed (NO in step S46), the processes in and after step S26 are repeated. If single-sided printing is continued, the process of step S26 is substantially skipped.

  If the printing process has been completed for all the read originals (YES in step S46), the process ends.

[G. Modification 1]
In the paper supply / discharge unit 130 according to the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the length on the side opposite to the fulcrum side of the upper document stacking plate 131 is configured to be short, so that the paper supply roller 133 is in a state where there is no document. It is comprised so that it may not contact | abut. Instead of such a configuration, a portion of the document stacking plate 131 facing the paper feed roller 133 may be cut out or a hole may be provided.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a paper supply / discharge unit 130 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12A shows a configuration example in the case where a region where the paper feed roller 133 on the opposite fulcrum side of the document stacking plate 131 faces is cut out. FIG. 12B shows a configuration example in which a hole is provided in a region of the document stacking plate 131 facing the paper feed roller 133 on the opposite fulcrum side.

  As described above, in any case, the document stacking plate 131 is configured not to interfere with the paper feed roller 133 in a state where there is no document to be arranged. Note that the document stacking plate 131 does not come into contact with the rotation shaft of the paper feed roller 133 so that the rotation of the paper feed roller 133 is not hindered even when the document stacking plate 131 is pushed up in a direction in contact with the paper feed roller 133. Furthermore, the movable range in the push-up direction is restricted.

[H. Modification 2]
In the paper supply / discharge unit 130 according to the above-described embodiment, the document and the printed recording medium are discharged to the common paper discharge tray 139. On the other hand, a configuration may be adopted in which the original and the printed recording medium are distinguished and discharged.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a paper supply / discharge unit 130 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, a discharge tray switching guide 140 is provided after the discharge roller 134, and the discharge tray is divided into a first discharge tray 139-1 and a second discharge tray 139-2. Thus, the original and the printed recording medium are distinguished and discharged. Note that the discharge tray switching guide 140 may be switched in conjunction with the detection result by the sheet presence / absence detection unit 151, that is, the presence / absence of a document.

  In the second modification of the present embodiment, the paper discharge unit forms an image with the first paper discharge tray 139-1 for receiving the original whose contents have been read by the original reading unit 120 and the print engine 110. The second discharge tray 139-2 for receiving the recorded recording medium and the sheet discharged from the discharge port based on the identification result of the sheet, the first discharge tray 139-1 or the second discharge tray 139 -2 is included in the paper discharge tray switching guide 140.

With this configuration, the original and the printed recording medium are not mixed.
[I. Modification 3]
In the paper supply / discharge unit 130 according to the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which a user sets a document on the document stacking plate 131 and sets a recording medium on the recording medium stacking plate 132 is shown. You may comprise in the form which can use a paper cassette.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a paper supply / discharge unit 130 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, a paper feed cassette 160 in which a stacking plate 161 corresponding to a document stacking plate 131 or a recording medium stacking plate 132 is disposed is used. By using such a paper feed cassette 160, it is configured to perform the same operation as when paper is set on the document stacking plate 131 or the recording medium stacking plate 132. Note that a hole or a notch for allowing the paper feed roller 133 and the paper presence / absence detection unit 151 to contact the paper is provided in the upper part or the lower part of the paper feed cassette 160.

  As described above, in the third modification of the present embodiment, the paper feed / discharge unit 130 includes the paper feed cassette 160 that can be attached and detached while storing a document or a recording medium.

  By using such a paper feed cassette 160, it is possible to attach and detach the document or the recording medium in a set state, and it becomes more user-friendly when it is necessary to use a document and / or a recording medium of a different size.

[J. Modification 4]
In the paper supply / discharge unit 130 according to the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the presence / absence of the document to be read is determined by the paper presence / absence detection unit 151 provided on the document stacking plate 131 is shown. You may comprise so that a manuscript and a recording medium may be identified.

  For example, some characters and images are present in the original to be read, while the recording medium before printing is completely white. Therefore, the original and the recording medium are set in an overlapping manner (so that the original is first fed by the paper feed roller 133), and the contents are sequentially read by the original reading unit 121. When no image can be read, that is, when a white solid image is read, it is determined that the sheet is not a document but a recording medium, and the reading operation is switched to the printing operation.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a switching process from the reading operation to the printing operation in image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth modification of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, when no image is read by the document reading unit 121, it is determined that the read target is a recording medium, the switching guide 136 is switched to the lowest position, and the discharge roller The paper (recording medium) is returned to the original recording medium conveyance path 143 by reversing the rotation direction of the 134 and the switchback roller 135.

By adopting such a configuration, the paper supply / discharge unit 130 can be further simplified.
Next, a processing procedure for realizing an operation in image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth modification of the embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 15 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in control unit 10 of image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 16, control unit 10 accepts a setting by the user (step S2). This setting includes designation of whether the original is a single-sided original or a double-sided original, and designation of whether the original is single-sided printing or double-sided printing.

  Subsequently, the control unit 10 positions the switching guides 136, 137, and 138 to form the document conveyance path 141 (FIG. 3) (step S4). That is, the control unit 10 positions the switching guide 136 at the uppermost position, positions the switching guide 137 at the “lower side”, and positions the switching guide 138 at the “upper side”. Then, the control unit 10 rotationally drives the paper feed roller 133 to convey the document along the document conveyance path 141 (step S6), and reads the conveyed document by the document reading unit 121 (step S8). It is assumed that document reading unit 121 is fixed on the document conveyance path 141.

  Subsequently, the control unit 10 determines whether significant information is included in the image read by the document reading unit 121 (step S9). If the image read by the document reading unit 121 includes significant information (YES in step S9), the control unit 10 determines that the sheet to be read is a document, and the steps after step S10. Execute the process.

  On the other hand, when the image read by the document reading unit 121 does not include significant information (NO in step S9), the control unit 10 determines that the sheet to be read is a recording medium. Judgment is performed, and the processing from step S23 is executed.

  In step S10, the control unit 10 determines whether the read document is a double-sided document. This determination is made based on the setting input by the user in step S2.

  When the read document is a single-sided document (NO in step S10), the control unit 10 drives the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 to rotate toward the paper discharge tray 139, whereby the document is scanned. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 139 (step S12). And the process after step S4 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the read original is a double-sided original (YES in step S10), the control unit 10 causes the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller until the end of the original passes through the switchback roller 135. 135 is rotated toward the paper discharge tray 139 (step S14). When the end of the document passes through the switchback roller 135, the control unit 10 switches the position of the switching guide 136 to form the document transport path 142 (FIG. 4) (step S16). That is, the control unit 10 switches the switching guide 136 from the uppermost position to the intermediate position. Then, the control unit 10 rotationally drives the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 in the direction opposite to the paper discharge tray 139 to transport the document along the document transport path 142 (step S18) and transport the document. The read original is read by the original reading unit 121 (step S20). The image data read by the document reading unit 121 is sequentially stored in the HDD 16 (FIG. 10) or the like. Further, the control unit 10 rotates the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 toward the paper discharge tray 139 to discharge the original to the paper discharge tray 139 (step S22). And the process after step S4 is repeated.

  In step S23, the control unit 10 positions the switching guides 136, 137, and 138 so that the sheet read by the document reading unit 121 is returned to the recording medium conveyance path 143 (FIG. 15). ). Then, the control unit 10 rotationally drives the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 in the direction opposite to the paper discharge tray 139 to transport the paper (recording medium) to the recording medium transport path 143 (step S25). . Then, the control unit 10 starts print processing.

  That is, the control unit 10 positions the switching guides 136, 137, and 138 to form the recording medium conveyance path 143 (FIG. 5) (step S26). That is, the control unit 10 positions the switching guide 136 at the intermediate position, positions the switching guide 137 “upper”, and positions the switching guide 138 “upper”. Then, the control unit 10 rotationally drives the paper feed roller 133 to convey the recording medium along the recording medium conveyance path 143 (Step S28), and forms an image on the conveyed recording medium by the print engine 110. (Step S30). In the case of a cycle type like the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the toner image of each color may be started by the imaging unit 113 before the conveyance of the recording medium is started.

  Thereafter, the control unit 10 determines whether double-sided printing is designated (step S32). This determination is made based on the setting input by the user in step S2.

  If single-sided printing is designated (NO in step S32), the control unit 10 drives the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 toward the paper discharge tray 139 to print an image. The recorded recording medium is discharged to the paper discharge tray 139 (step S34). Then, the process proceeds to step S46.

  On the other hand, if double-sided printing is designated (YES in step S32), the control unit 10 causes the paper discharge roller 134 and the switch until the recording medium on which the image is printed passes through the switchback roller 135. The back roller 135 is driven to rotate toward the paper discharge tray 139 (step S36). When the recording medium on which the image is printed passes through the switchback roller 135, the control unit 10 switches the position of the switching guide 136 to form the recording medium conveyance path 144 (FIG. 6) (step S38). That is, the control unit 10 switches the switching guide 136 from the uppermost position to the intermediate position. Then, the control unit 10 rotationally drives the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 in the direction opposite to the paper discharge tray 139 to convey the recording medium on which the image is printed along the recording medium conveyance path 144 ( Along with step S40), an image is formed again by the print engine 110 on the conveyed recording medium (step S42). Further, the control unit 10 rotates the paper discharge roller 134 and the switchback roller 135 toward the paper discharge tray 139 to discharge the recording medium on which the image is printed to the paper discharge tray 139 (step S44).

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not the print processing for all the read originals has been completed (step S46). If there remains a document to be printed (NO in step S46), the processes in and after step S26 are repeated. If single-sided printing is continued, the process of step S26 is substantially skipped.

  If the printing process has been completed for all the read originals (YES in step S46), the process ends.

[K. advantage]
According to the present embodiment, since the document and the recording medium have a structure that also functions as a paper feed and paper discharge and a conveyance path, the apparatus can be reduced in size while suppressing the height. That is, it is possible to save space by eliminating an overlapping function between the paper feed mechanism and the paper discharge mechanism (for example, a structure for paper feed, paper discharge, paper transport, and holding).

  In addition, by simplifying the configuration by eliminating the overlap function between the paper feed mechanism and the paper discharge mechanism, the power load of the drive source can be reduced, energy saving can be realized, and the number of parts can be reduced, resulting in low device power consumption. Cost reduction can be realized.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the overlap function between the paper feed mechanism and the paper discharge mechanism is eliminated, a switchback function is provided in the document / recording medium transport path, and the document / recording medium is placed in the paper feed path. By guiding the paper again and passing the paper again through the same conveyance path, the original can be read on both sides and the recording medium can be printed on both sides.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, since the paper supply / discharge unit 130 having the document stacking plate 131 and the recording medium stacking plate 132 both configured to be rotatable is employed, the paper that contacts the paper supply roller The pressure applied to the platen is stabilized, and the number of stacked sheets on each stacking plate can be increased.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, document stacking plate 131 and recording medium stacking plate 132 are arranged on top of discharge tray 139 and both are concentrated above document reading unit 120. Since it is arranged, the places to be operated are concentrated at a position where the visibility of the user is good, and the operability of the user can be improved.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is also possible to employ a paper feed cassette 160 that can be attached and detached while storing a document or a recording medium. In this case, the user accesses the document table 122. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of copying a manually placed document.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control part, 11 Internal bus, 12 CPU, 13 RAM, 14, 15 ROM, 17, 18 Communication I / F, 100, 200 Image forming apparatus, 110, 210 Print engine, 113, 213 Imaging unit, 114, 214 Primary Transfer roller, 115, 215 Intermediate transfer belt, 116, 216 Secondary transfer roller, 120, 220 Document reading unit, 121, 221 Document reading unit, 122 Document placement table, 130 Feed / discharge unit, 131 Document stacking plate, 131a Document loading plate fulcrum, 132 recording medium loading plate, 132a recording medium loading plate fulcrum, 133 paper feed roller, 134 paper discharge roller, 135 switchback roller, 136, 137,138 guide, 139 paper discharge tray, 139-1 first Output tray, 139-2 Paper discharge tray, 140 Paper discharge tray switching guide, 141, 142, 232 Document transport path, 143, 144, 212 Recording medium transport path, 151 Paper presence / absence detection section, 152 Notch section, 155 Push-up spring, 160 Paper feed cassette , 161 loading plate, 211 recording medium feeding tray, 217 fixing roller, 218 recording medium discharging tray, 230 automatic document feeding unit, 231 original feeding tray, 233 original discharging tray.

Claims (11)

Document reading means;
Image forming means;
A paper feeder for placing paper,
Conveying means for feeding the paper disposed in the paper feeding unit;
A paper discharge unit for receiving paper;
A first transport path that leads from the paper feed unit to the paper discharge unit via the document reading unit;
A second transport path that leads from the paper feed unit to the paper discharge unit via the image forming unit;
Identifying means for identifying whether a sheet fed by the conveying means is a document to be read by the document reading means or a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming means;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a route selection unit that selects one of the first conveyance route and the second conveyance route based on an identification result by the identification unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first transport path and the second transport path share a part of the path. The transport means includes a paper feed roller,
The paper feeding unit includes a first stacking plate for placing the document and a second stacking plate for placing the recording medium,
The first stacking plate and the second stacking plate are either a document disposed on the first stacking plate or a recording medium disposed on the second stacking plate and the sheet feeding roller. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to abut. The first loading plate is disposed on top of the second loading plate,
Each of the first loading plate and the second loading plate is configured to be rotatable,
The paper feeding unit further includes a push-up unit that generates a push-up force for rotating the first stacking plate toward the paper feed roller via the second stacking plate. The image forming apparatus described.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first stacking plate is configured not to interfere with the paper feed roller.   6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the identification unit includes a unit that is arranged in association with the first stacking plate and detects whether or not the document is present on the first stacking plate. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   7. The path selection unit according to claim 1, wherein the path selection unit forms a path for reversing the transport direction to return to the corresponding transport path before the document and the recording medium are discharged to the paper discharge unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The paper discharge unit
A first discharge tray for receiving a document whose contents have been read by the document reading means;
A second paper discharge tray for receiving a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming means;
8. The guide according to claim 1, further comprising: a guide that guides the sheet discharged from the discharge port to either the first discharge tray or the second discharge tray based on the identification result by the identification unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper feeding unit is disposed on top of the paper discharge unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper feed unit includes a paper feed cassette that is detachable in a state where the document or the recording medium is stored. The document reading means includes:
A mounting table for mounting the original;
A reading unit that can move relative to a document placed on the placing table;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is fixed at a predetermined position on the first transport path when the document is transported on the first transport path.

Images