JP2015040989A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact and low-cost image forming apparatus configured to improve accuracy of reading an image on a sheet.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: image reading means, such as a light source 11 or a reading optical system 12, arranged to have an image reading position in a position adjacent from upstream in a sheet conveyance direction of a registration roller pair 7; second sheet discharge means, such as a sheet-discharging opening 1a or a roller 17, for discharging a sheet passing through a registration roller pair 6 to the outside, on a conveyance path from the registration roller pair 6 to image forming means; and conveyance path switching means, such as a paper-discharge guide unit 16, arranged downstream in the sheet conveyance direction of the registration roller pair 6, so as to select a conveyance path of the sheet passing through the registration roller pair 6, between a conveyance path leading to the second sheet discharge means and a conveyance path leading to the image forming means.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an image reading unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of image forming apparatus, an apparatus having an image reading unit in a conveyance path for conveying a sheet supplied from a sheet storage unit is known. In this image forming apparatus, the sheet storage portion can be used as the sheet storage portion for each of the image formation target sheet and the image reading target sheet. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a sheet storage unit that stores a sheet to be read, and the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus including a common conveyance path from a sheet supply unit which is a sheet storage unit, and a pair of gate rollers provided in the middle of the common conveyance path so as to position the leading end of the sheet. Is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a conveyance path switching unit on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction of the pair of gate rollers. The transport path switching unit switches the transport path of the sheet so that the sheet that has passed through the gate roller is supplied to the image forming transport path or the document reading transport path. The image forming conveyance path is configured to pass an image forming position by the image forming unit, and the document reading conveyance path is configured to pass a document image reading position of the document reading unit (image reading unit). The recording sheet supplied to the image forming conveyance path is discharged onto a common discharge tray after an image is formed by the image forming unit. On the other hand, the original sheet supplied to the original reading conveyance path is discharged onto a common discharge tray or a discharge tray dedicated to reading originals after the original image is read by the original reading unit. In addition, the original reading tray is configured to be openable and closable. When the original reading tray is opened, the original sheet transport path after passing through the gate roller is linked to the original reading transport. Switch to the road.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, an image reading unit that reads an image of a sheet supplied from a sheet supply tray, which is a sheet storage unit, is provided at the center of the image forming apparatus main body, and the image reading unit is pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus configured to be possible is disclosed. In this image forming apparatus, it is determined whether the sheet supplied from the sheet supply tray is a recording sheet or a document based on the reading result of the image reading unit. When the sheet is a recording sheet, the sheet that has passed the image reading position of the image reading unit is reversed and conveyed toward the registration roller of the image forming unit. Then, after the image is formed by the image forming means, it is discharged to the recording paper discharge portion. On the other hand, if the sheet is a document, the sheet that has passed through the image reading position of the image reading unit is conveyed as it is, and the sheet is discharged onto a document discharge tray provided separately from the recording paper discharge unit.

  However, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the document reading unit (image reading unit) is disposed downstream of the gate roller in the sheet conveying direction. Therefore, the document reading unit reads the image on the sheet conveyed on the document reading conveyance path after being sent out from the gate roller. On the original reading and conveying path after passing through the gate roller, there is a possibility that the sheet conveying speed may vary or the sheet may be inclined. Therefore, there is a possibility that the image on the sheet cannot be accurately read due to the influence of variations such as the conveyance speed on the document reading conveyance path.

  Further, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 reads an image of a sheet being conveyed that is fed from a sheet supply tray and conveyed on a conveyance path before reaching a registration roller. In this conveyance path, there is a possibility that variations in the conveyance speed of the sheet may occur or the inclination of the sheet may occur. Therefore, there is a possibility that the image on the sheet cannot be read accurately due to the influence of variations such as the conveyance speed on the conveyance path. In addition, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a complicated structure in which the image reading unit can be pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and also requires a unit for determining whether the sheet from the sheet supply tray is a recording sheet or a document. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the size and cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the size and cost and improving the reading accuracy of an image on a sheet. .

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a sheet storage portion for storing a sheet, image forming means for forming an image on a sheet supplied from the sheet storage portion, and the image from the sheet storage portion. An image forming apparatus including: a pair of sheet feeding rotating bodies which are provided on a conveying path to the forming unit and which can be driven and controlled so as to receive and temporarily stop the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage unit and send the sheet at a predetermined timing; An image reading unit provided to have an image reading position at an adjacent position from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the sheet sending rotator, and a conveying path from the sheet sending rotator to the image forming unit A sheet discharge means for discharging the sheet that has passed through the sheet delivery rotator to the outside of the apparatus, and a conveyance path of the sheet that has passed through the sheet delivery rotator, A conveyance path switching means provided on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction of the sheet delivery rotating body so as to switch between a conveyance path toward the second sheet discharge means and a conveyance path toward the image forming means. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size and cost, and to increase the reading accuracy of an image on a sheet.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment when an image forming operation is performed. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state when an image reading operation of the image forming apparatus is being executed. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state before paper supply in an image reading operation of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state during sheet conveyance in an image reading operation of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state during sheet conveyance in an image reading operation of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state during sheet discharge in the image reading operation of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state after paper discharge in an image reading operation of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state after an image reading operation is finished for a plurality of sheets of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a seventh embodiment when an image forming operation is performed. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state when an image reading operation of the image forming apparatus is being executed. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an eighth embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 are schematic configuration diagrams showing an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment (Embodiment 1) of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram when an image forming operation is performed, and FIG. 2 is a diagram when an image reading operation is performed.

  The image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment has a general laser printer configuration. Inside the housing 1, a paper feed cassette 2 as a sheet storage unit, a process cartridge 3, and an optical writing unit 4 as optical writing means (exposure means) are arranged. The sheet feeding cassette 2 stores (sets) sheets as sheets, and feeds the stored sheets one by one by a sheet feeding roller 2a and a sheet separating member 2b as sheet feeding means. The process cartridge 3 develops a latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 as an image carrier to form a toner image. The optical writing unit 4 writes a latent image by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 charged to a predetermined potential with light (for example, laser light) L based on image data. The process cartridge 3 and the optical writing unit 4 function as an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet.

  Further, in the housing 1 of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, a transfer roller 6 as a transfer unit, a pair of registration rollers 7 as a pair of sheet feeding rotating bodies, a fixing unit 8 as a fixing unit, Is arranged. Further, inside the housing 1, a pair of paper discharge rollers 9 as a first sheet discharge unit and a paper discharge tray 10 as a first sheet discharge unit are arranged. The transfer roller 6 transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 onto the sheet. The registration roller pair 7 is provided in a conveyance path from the paper feed cassette 2 to the process cartridge 3. The registration roller pair 7 temporarily stops the paper supplied from the paper feed cassette 2 to perform skew correction, and directs the paper to the transfer start position at a predetermined timing in accordance with the tip of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 5. Rotation drive control is performed so as to send out. The fixing unit 8 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction of the process cartridge 3 and thermally fixes the image transferred onto the paper. The paper discharge roller pair 9 discharges the paper on which the image has been transferred and fixed. The paper discharge tray 10 receives the paper discharged by the paper discharge roller pair 9 and holds a plurality of sheets.

  An image reading unit that reads an image on a sheet is provided on a conveyance path from the sheet exit of the sheet feeding cassette 2 to the registration roller pair 7. This image reading means has an image reading position (point P) at a position adjacent to the registration roller pair 7 from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction, and includes, for example, a light source 11 and a reading optical system 12 as shown in FIGS. Can be configured. Light emitted from the light source 11 is irradiated toward a predetermined point P on the conveyance guide plate 20 as a sheet guide member. The conveyance guide plate 20 guides conveyance of the sheet from the side opposite to the image reading unit at the image reading position by the image reading unit. Of the light emitted from the light source 11, the diffused light reflected by the surface of the paper passes through the optical path C in the figure, and the CCD as an image pickup means (solid-state image pickup device) by the refractive mirror 18 and the reduction lens 19 of the reading optical system 12. (Charge Coupled Device) 13

  In FIG. 1, the first conveyance path for the sheet S supplied from the sheet feeding cassette 2 to the sheet discharge tray 10 through the point P, the registration roller pair 7, the process cartridge 3, the fixing unit 8 and the sheet discharge roller 9. Is indicated by a dotted line A. Here, the plate-like cover member 14 serving as an opening / closing member is disposed so as to block the sheet discharge opening 1 a serving as the sheet discharge opening of the housing 1. A paper discharge guide portion 16 serving as a conveyance path switching means fixed to the cover member 14 via a connecting member 15 is held at a position that does not interfere with the sheet conveyance path and the optical path C of the reading optical system 12.

  In FIG. 2, the second transport path in which the paper S supplied from the paper feed cassette 2 passes through the point P and the registration roller pair 7 and is discharged to the outside of the housing 1 before the process cartridge 3 is indicated by a dotted line. This is indicated by B. Here, the plate-like cover member 14 can be inclined by a predetermined angle θ with the axis Q as a turning fulcrum (swinging fulcrum). Due to the inclination of the cover member 14, an opening 1 a for paper discharge is formed in the housing 1, and a paper discharge guide portion 16 fixed through a connecting member 15 is disposed near the exit of the registration roller pair 7. Swing up. As a result, the sheet that has passed through the registration roller pair 7 is guided to the nip portion provided by the roller 17 that is a rotating body serving as a second sheet discharge means that is in contact with one roller of the registration roller pair 7. 1 is discharged outside.

  In the first transport path indicated by the dotted arrow A in FIG. 1, image formation is performed by feeding printing paper (printing paper) that is an image formation target sheet from the paper feed cassette 2, and paper after image formation Is discharged out of the housing 1. Further, in the second transport path indicated by the dotted arrow B in FIG. 2, a document as a sheet to be scanned is fed from the sheet feeding cassette 2, and an image on the document is read at a point P. It is discharged out of the housing 1 before the cartridge 3.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the registration roller pair 7 has an image reading position at an adjacent position from the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and the document that is the image reading target sheet is the registration roller. It is discharged out of the housing 1 at a position immediately after passing the pair 7. Thus, since the document can be discharged out of the housing 1 without passing the document through the process cartridge 3 as an image forming unit, the document is not contaminated. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, printing paper (printing paper) and a document can be supplied from a common paper feed cassette 2 and a conveyance path from the paper feed cassette 2 to the registration roller pair 7 is shared. It can be a route. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size (compact) and the cost of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram when an image forming operation is performed. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part which is common in above-mentioned FIG.1 and FIG.2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 3 shows an example in which an equal-magnification imaging lens 21 and a contact image sensor (CIS: Contact Image Sensor) 22 are employed in the reading optical system 12 ′ constituting the document reading means. In this example, by using the equal magnification imaging lens 21 and the contact image sensor 22, the document reading unit can be configured more compactly.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to still another embodiment (Embodiment 3) of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram when an image reading operation is performed. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part which is common in above-mentioned FIG.1 and FIG.2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In FIG. 4, a guide plate 23 as a sheet guide member is provided on the downstream side of the registration roller pair 7 ′, and a pair of conveying rollers 24 as a pair of rotating bodies is arranged instead of the roller 17 arranged in FIG. It is an example.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to still another embodiment (Embodiment 4) of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part which is common in above-mentioned FIGS. 1-4, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In the example of FIG. 5, the transport guide plate 20 ′ provided on the transport path from the paper exit of the paper feed cassette 2 to the registration roller pair 7 is made of a metal material, and the light from the light source 11 passes to the opposite transport surface side. do not do. In addition, a white coating 25 is applied to the transport surface (paper guide surface) of the transport guide plate 20 ′, and the light source 11 efficiently reflects the light that has passed through the paper S toward the transport surface. The conveyance surface of the conveyance guide plate 20 ′ may be a metal color instead of white.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to still another embodiment (Embodiment 5) of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part which is common in above-mentioned FIGS. 1-4, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In the example of FIG. 6, from a pair of rotating bodies upstream of the point P of the conveyance guide plate 20 ″ provided on the conveyance path from the sheet exit of the sheet feeding cassette 2 to the registration roller pair 7, in the sheet conveyance direction. A conveying roller pair 26 is installed. The fed paper S is held by the registration roller 7 and the conveyance roller pair 26 while moving the conveyance guide plate 20 ″, and is prevented from being lifted or laterally shifted from the guide surface of the conveyance guide plate 20 ″. Be transported.

  7 to 12 are explanatory diagrams showing an image reading operation of a sheet (original) performed in a state where the second transport path is formed in the image forming apparatus of still another embodiment (sixth embodiment) of the present invention. It is. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part which is common in above-mentioned FIGS. 1-3, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 7, a plate-like cover member 14 ′ serving as an opening / closing member is in an open state with the axis Q as a turning fulcrum, and forms a paper discharge opening 1 a in the housing 1. Further, the paper discharge guide portion 16 fixed via the connecting member 15 is swung on the paper transport path in the vicinity of the exit of the registration roller pair 7. In addition, a block member 27 as a sheet holding member is disposed at an arbitrary position on the surface of the plate-shaped cover member 14 ′ on the housing 1 side.

Here, the sheet S shown in FIG. 7 is transported from the sheet feeding cassette 2, and in FIG. 8, when the image on the sheet S is read by the reading optical system 12 when passing the point P, the leading end of the sheet is registered. The nip portion of the roller pair 7 is reached.
Subsequently, in FIG. 9, the sheet passes through a nip portion provided by a roller 17 in contact with one roller of the registration roller pair 7, and is carried out of the housing 1 from the discharge opening 1 a.
Subsequently, in FIG. 10, the leading edge of the unloaded paper S comes into contact with the surface of the plate-shaped cover member 14 ′ on the housing 1 side. Thereafter, the sheet S is stably held along the surface on the surface of the plate-shaped cover member 14 ′ on the housing 1 side as shown in FIG. 11 with the rear end in contact with the block member 27.

  FIG. 12 shows a state in which the operations from FIG. 7 to FIG. 11 are continuously performed and a plurality of sheets S are held on the surface of the cover member 14 ′ on the housing 1 side.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the cover member 14 also used as a paper discharge tray is opened and closed, the paper discharge guide portion 16 fixed to the cover member 14 via the connecting member 15 is provided. Moving. By the movement of the paper discharge guide unit 16, it is possible to switch between the first transport path when performing the image forming operation and the second transport path when performing the image reading operation. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an actuator such as a solenoid as means for switching the conveyance path, and a complicated configuration for driving and controlling the actuator is also unnecessary. In addition, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the cover member 14 is tilted and opened, whereby the discharge opening 1 a is formed in the housing 1, and the discharge guide 16 is formed by the registration roller pair 7. It turns on the paper transport path near the exit. As a result, the document that has passed through the registration roller pair 7 is guided to a nip formed by one roller of the registration roller pair 7 and the roller 17 and is discharged out of the housing 1. The document that has been read in this way and has passed through the registration roller pair 7 can be directly discharged from the common conveyance path to the discharge opening 1 a formed in the housing 1. Therefore, as compared with the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 having the relatively long document reading and conveying path described above, it is smaller (compact) and lower in cost (a multi-function apparatus having a part-saving image forming function and an image reading function). Can provide.
Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, since the conveyance path is switched in conjunction with opening and closing of the cover member 14, whether the paper like the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2 described above is a printing paper or an original is determined. There is no need to provide a means for judging. Further, unlike a complicated structure in which an image reading unit such as the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2 can be pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus, further downsizing (compacting) and cost reduction can be achieved.

  13 and 14 are schematic configuration diagrams showing an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to still another embodiment (Embodiment 7) of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram when an image forming operation is being performed, and FIG. 14 is a diagram when an image reading operation is being performed. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part which is common in above-mentioned FIG. 1, 2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 13, a push switch 28 is provided inside the housing 1 of the apparatus body as detection means for detecting the open / closed state of a plate-like cover member 14 ″ as an open / close member. The push switch 28 is in a state where the cover member 14 ″ forms a first transport path (first transport state) in which the discharge opening 1a of the housing 1 is closed (first transport state), and the cover member 14 ″. An arbitrary portion of the surface on the side of the housing is in contact with the detection unit. It is detected by the contact of this detection part that it is in the 1st conveyance state. When the control unit (not shown) detects the first transport state in which the cover member 14 ″ is closed based on the detection result of the push switch 28, the sheet bundle T set in the paper feed cassette 2 is recorded on the recording medium. This is recognized as a transfer paper. Then, the image forming process is performed by the first conveyance path indicated by the arrow A in the drawing.

  The control unit includes, for example, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O interface, and the like, and executes a control such as an image forming operation and a document image reading operation by executing a preinstalled control program. Can do.

  In FIG. 14, the push switch 28 is configured so that the plate-shaped cover member 14 ″ forms a second transport path in which the opening of the housing is opened (second transport state), and the detection unit and the cover The contact with the member 14 '' has been released, and it is detected that the second transport state is in effect. When the control unit detects the second conveyance state in which the cover member 14 ″ is open based on the detection result of the push switch 28, the control unit recognizes that the sheet bundle T ′ set in the sheet feeding cassette 2 is a document. . Then, the control unit controls the reading optical system 12 to perform image reading processing by the second conveyance path indicated by the arrow B in the drawing.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an internal configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to still another embodiment (Embodiment 8) of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram when the image forming operation is executed. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part which is common in above-mentioned FIG. 1, 2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 15, the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding cassette 2 passes through the point P in the state of the first transport path in which the plate-shaped cover member 14 blocks the discharge opening 1 a of the housing 1. To do. At this time, an image (printing information) on the surface of the sheet S is read through the optical path C of the reading optical system 12. Here, the CCD 13 is connected to a control unit 29 as control means for controlling an operation mode when switching to the first transport path and the second transport path described above. As described above, the control unit 29 includes, for example, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O interface, and the like. By executing a control program incorporated in advance, an image forming operation, an original image reading operation, and the like are performed. Control can be performed. When the presence of an image (printing information) is confirmed on the fed paper S in the operation mode in the first transport path, the control unit 29 or a data pattern set in advance for the image (printing information) When is recognized, control is performed as follows. That is, the paper transport operation is stopped before the paper reaches the process cartridge 3 by a predetermined control sequence.

  Although not shown in the drawings, at least one of the configurations described in the above-described second to eighth embodiments may be applied to the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above. .

What has been described above is merely an example, and the present invention has a specific effect for each of the following modes.
(Aspect A)
A sheet storage unit such as a paper feed cassette 2 that stores sheets such as paper S, an image forming unit such as a process cartridge 3 or an optical writing unit that forms an image on a sheet supplied from the sheet storage unit, and the image formation A first sheet discharge means such as a discharge roller pair 9 for discharging a sheet on which an image has been formed to the outside of the apparatus, and a sheet storage section provided on a transport path from the sheet storage section to the image forming section. An image forming apparatus comprising: a pair of sheet feeding rotating bodies such as a pair of registration rollers 7 that can be driven and controlled so as to receive, temporarily stop, and send out a conveyed sheet at a predetermined timing. Image reading means such as the light source 11 and the reading optical system 12 provided so as to have an image reading position at a position adjacent from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the rotating body; A second sheet discharge such as a discharge opening 1a and a roller 17 for discharging the sheet that has passed through the sheet transmission rotary member on the conveyance path from the sheet transfer rotary member to the image forming unit. And the sheet delivery rotator so as to switch the conveyance path of the sheet that has passed through the sheet delivery rotator between the conveyance path toward the second sheet discharge means and the conveyance path toward the image forming means. Transport path switching means such as a paper discharge guide portion 16 provided downstream in the sheet transport direction.
According to this, as described in the above embodiment, when an image is formed on a sheet, the conveyance path switching unit changes the conveyance path of the sheet that has passed through the sheet delivery rotating body to a conveyance path toward the image formation unit. Can be switched. As a result, a first transport path is formed in which the sheet supplied from the sheet storage unit passes through the sheet delivery rotating body and the image forming unit and is discharged out of the apparatus by the first sheet discharging unit. When the sheet to be imaged is stored in the sheet storage unit in the state where the first conveyance path is formed in this way, an image can be formed on the sheet supplied from the sheet storage unit and discharged outside the apparatus. .
When the image on the sheet is read, the second sheet for discharging the sheet that has passed through the sheet sending rotator to the outside of the apparatus by the conveying path switching means by the conveying path switching unit. It is switched to the transport path toward the discharge means. As a result, a second conveyance path is formed in which the sheet supplied from the sheet storage unit passes through the image reading position by the image reading unit and the sheet delivery rotating body and is discharged out of the apparatus by the second sheet discharging unit. The When the sheet to be read is stored in the sheet storage unit in the state where the second conveyance path is formed in this way, the image on the sheet supplied from the sheet storage unit can be read and discharged out of the apparatus. .
As described above, in the aspect A, the sheet storage unit can be used as the sheet storage unit for each of the image forming target sheet and the image reading target sheet during the image forming operation and the image reading operation. Therefore, the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost as compared with the case where the sheet storage unit for the image forming target sheet and the sheet storage unit for the image reading target sheet are provided separately.
In addition, the image reading position of the image reading unit is provided at a position adjacent to the sheet delivery rotating body from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction. As a result, the sheet to be image-read can be received by the sheet delivery rotating body and temporarily stopped to correct the inclination of the sheet, and the sheet can be sent out at the start timing of the image reading operation by the image reading means. Further, when the sheet is sent out and conveyed by the sheet delivery rotary member in this way, the sheet is held by the sheet delivery rotary member on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction of the sheet delivery rotary member where the image reading position of the image reading unit is. It is transported so as to be pulled at a constant transport speed. Therefore, even if the sheet comes into contact with any member such as a guide member or a conveyance roller on the conveyance path, the conveyance speed of the sheet passing through the image reading position on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction of the sheet feeding rotating body is stable. To do. On the other hand, when the image reading position of the image reading means is provided at a position on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the sheet delivery rotating body, unlike the aspect A, the portion on the leading end side of the sheet is as shown below. Tends to be tilted and the sheet conveyance speed becomes unstable. In other words, on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the sheet sending rotator, the leading edge of the sheet sent by the sheet sending rotator may come into contact with any member such as a guide member or a conveying roller on the conveying path. If there is such contact, when the sheet passes through the sheet delivery rotating body and passes through the image reading position of the image reading means, the portion on the leading end side of the sheet is bent and tilted, or the conveyance speed fluctuates and becomes unstable. To do.
As described above, in the aspect A, since the inclination of the sheet reading the image by the image reading unit is corrected and the sheet conveyance speed is stable, the reading accuracy of the image on the sheet can be improved.
(Aspect B)
In the above-described aspect A, a sheet discharge opening such as a discharge opening 1a for discharging a sheet on which an image has been read by the image reading unit is provided, and the second sheet discharge unit includes the sheet discharge opening. An opening / closing member such as a cover member 14 that opens and closes the opening / closing member, and the conveyance path switching means moves the sheet conveyance path that has passed through the sheet delivery rotating body in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member. Is switched to a conveyance path toward the image forming unit, and when the opening / closing member is open, the path is switched to a conveyance path toward the sheet discharge opening. According to this, as described in the above embodiment, the first conveyance path when performing the image forming operation and the second conveyance when performing the image reading operation by a simple operation of opening and closing the opening / closing member. It is possible to switch to a route.
(Aspect C)
In the aspect A or the aspect B, the image reading unit is configured to read an image on the sheet using reflection of light irradiated toward the sheet, and the image reading unit reads the image at an image reading position by the image reading unit. A sheet guide member such as a conveyance guide plate 20 for guiding the conveyance of the sheet from the side opposite to the means is provided, and the surface of the sheet guide member is metallic or white. According to this, as described in the above embodiment, when a sheet to be read is passing through the image reading position of the image reading unit, the sheet guide member conveys the sheet from the side opposite to the image reading unit. To guide you. This stabilizes the distance between the image reading target sheet and the image reading means. In addition, since the surface of the sheet guide member is a metal color or white color that easily reflects the light irradiated on the sheet, the light irradiated toward the sheet can be reflected on the surface of the sheet guide member, and image reading can be performed. The reflected light used for can be obtained efficiently. As described above, the distance between the image reading target sheet and the image reading unit is stabilized, and the reflected light used for image reading can be obtained efficiently, so that the quality of images such as print information read from the sheet is improved. Can do.
(Aspect D)
In the aspect A or the aspect B, the image reading unit is configured to read an image on the sheet using reflection of light irradiated toward the sheet, and the image reading unit is configured to read the image on the image reading unit by the image reading unit. Includes a sheet guide member such as a conveyance guide plate 20 that guides conveyance of the sheet from the opposite side, and holds and conveys the sheet in the vicinity of the light irradiation range on the guide surface of the sheet guide member. One set or a plurality of sets of a pair of rotating bodies such as the rotating conveying roller pair 26 were arranged. According to this, as described in the above embodiment, the image is read by holding and transporting the sheet by one or a plurality of sets of rotating bodies in the vicinity of the light irradiation range on the guide surface of the sheet guide member. It is possible to prevent the target sheet from rising or sideways. Therefore, even when a contact image sensor (CIS) having a shallow depth of focus is used as the image reading means, the quality of images such as print information read from the sheet can be improved.
(Aspect E)
In any one of the above aspects A to D, the opening / closing member is configured to hold the sheet discharged out of the apparatus from the sheet discharge opening when the opening / closing member is in an open state. According to this, as described in the above embodiment, since the sheet discharged out of the apparatus from the sheet discharge opening can be held by the opening / closing member, the image reading on the sheet has been read continuously. This sheet can be discharged on the opening and closing member. Therefore, the work burden on the user can be reduced.
(Aspect F)
In any one of the above-described aspects A to E, a control unit such as a push switch 28 that detects an open / closed state of the open / close member and a control to switch between an image forming operation and an image reading operation based on a detection result of the detection unit. And a control means. According to this, as described in the above embodiment, when the user opens the opening / closing member, it is recognized that an image reading operation is about to be performed, and the second conveyance path for reading the image is automatically set. Can be switched. Accordingly, setting by the operation of the operation panel or the switch by the user is unnecessary, and it is possible to prevent the image reading target sheet from being erroneously sent to the image forming unit and being deteriorated.
(Aspect G)
In any one of the above aspects A to F, based on the image reading result of the image reading unit, it is determined whether or not there is an image on the sheet supplied from the sheet storage unit, and it is determined that there is an image on the sheet. In this case, control means such as a control unit 29 is provided for controlling the conveyance of the sheet to be stopped, and when it is determined that there is no image on the sheet, the image forming operation is performed on the sheet. According to this, as described in the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent the sheet to be read by the user from being erroneously sent to the image forming unit due to an erroneous operation by the user and deteriorating.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 1a Paper discharge opening part 2 Paper feed cassette 3 Process cartridge 4 Optical writing unit 5 Photosensitive drum 6 Transfer roller 7 Registration roller pair 8 Fixing unit 9 Paper discharge roller pair 10 Paper discharge tray 11 Light source 12 Reading optical system 13 CCD
14, 14 'cover member 15 connecting member 16 discharge guide portion 17 roller 18 refracting mirror 19 reduction lens 20, 20', 20 '' conveying guide plate 21 equal magnification imaging lens 22 contact type image sensor 23 guide plate 24 conveying roller Pair 25 Paint 26 Conveying roller pair 27 Block member 28 Push switch 29 Control unit S Paper T Paper bundle

JP 2010-245980 A JP 2008-26366 A

Claims (7)

A sheet accommodating portion for accommodating the sheet, an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet supplied from the sheet accommodating portion, and a first for discharging the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming means to the outside of the apparatus A sheet discharge unit and a drive controllable unit that is provided on a conveyance path from the sheet storage unit to the image forming unit and that can receive and temporarily stop the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage unit and send it out at a predetermined timing. An image forming apparatus comprising: a pair of sheet feeding rotating bodies;
Image reading means provided so as to have an image reading position at an adjacent position from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the sheet delivery rotating body;
A second sheet discharging means for discharging the sheet that has passed through the sheet sending rotating body on the transport path from the sheet sending rotating body to the image forming means;
The sheet feeding path of the sheet feeding rotator is switched so that the conveying path of the sheet that has passed through the sheet feeding rotator is switched between a conveying path toward the second sheet discharging unit and a conveying path toward the image forming unit. A transport path switching means provided on the downstream side in the direction;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
A sheet discharge opening for discharging the sheet whose image has been read by the image reading unit;
The second sheet discharge means has an opening / closing member that opens and closes the opening for discharging the sheet,
The conveyance path switching unit moves the conveyance path of the sheet that has passed through the sheet delivery rotating body to a conveyance path toward the image forming unit when the opening / closing member is closed in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member. An image forming apparatus that switches to a conveying path toward the sheet discharge opening when the opening / closing member is opened. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image reading means is configured to read an image on the sheet using reflection of light irradiated toward the sheet,
A sheet guide member for guiding sheet conveyance from the opposite side of the image reading unit at an image reading position by the image reading unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the sheet guide member is metallic or white. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image reading means is configured to read an image on a sheet using reflection of light irradiated toward the sheet,
A sheet guide member for guiding sheet conveyance from the opposite side of the image reading unit at an image reading position by the image reading unit;
Image forming characterized in that one or more pairs of a pair of rotating bodies that hold and convey a sheet and rotate in contact with each other are arranged in the vicinity of the light irradiation range on the guide surface of the sheet guide member. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the opening / closing member is configured to hold a sheet discharged out of the apparatus from the sheet discharge opening when the opening / closing member is in an open state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
Detecting means for detecting an open / closed state of the open / close member;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls to switch between an image forming operation and an image reading operation based on a detection result of the detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
Based on the image reading result of the image reading means, it is determined whether or not there is an image on the sheet supplied from the sheet storage unit, and when it is determined that there is an image on the sheet, the conveyance of the sheet is stopped, An image forming apparatus comprising: control means for controlling to execute an image forming operation on the sheet when it is determined that there is no image on the sheet.

Images