JP2016139902A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that photographs a subject with imaging means, and maintains a sheet loading property without increasing the size of an apparatus body.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises an apparatus body 1a that includes an image forming part 10 forming an image on a sheet P, and a loading tray 11a that is supported by the apparatus body 1a and can move between a storage position at which the loading tray is stored in the apparatus body and a loading position at which a subject can be loaded. The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a reading unit 231 that is supported by the apparatus body 1a and can photograph a subject S on the loading tray 11a at the loading position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, and a multifunction machine of these.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus provided with a document reading unit has been proposed which includes a document reading means (imaging means) for reading a document from above for the purpose of reducing the size of the image forming apparatus body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus body). (See Patent Document 1).

  The image forming apparatus includes an upper surface discharge unit that discharges a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit to the upper surface of the apparatus main body, and an upper surface discharge that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body that receives the sheet discharged by the upper surface discharge unit. With a tray. Further, the image forming apparatus captures a subject placement table that exposes a subject placement surface on which a subject such as a document or a book is placed by opening the top discharge tray, and a subject placed on the subject placement table. And a two-dimensional sensor as the document reading means. The opened upper surface discharge tray is also used as a support for the two-dimensional sensor. As a result, not only a flat document but also a three-dimensional subject can be imaged. The two-dimensional sensor refers to an image sensor that is two-dimensionally arranged.

JP 2006-317863 A

  However, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 may cause the following problems. That is, since the subject placement surface is exposed by opening the upper surface discharge tray that supports the two-dimensional sensor that images (reads) the subject, the upper surface discharge tray corresponds to the size of the readable subject. There is a risk of enlargement. Since a flat surface serving as a subject placement surface is required on the upper surface of the apparatus main body, the apparatus main body may be increased in accordance with the size of the readable subject.

  Further, it is necessary to open the upper discharge tray each time the subject is read. For this reason, even if a jam (paper jam) does not occur when a sheet is discharged from the main body of the apparatus, if the sheet is opened in a state where the sheet is stacked on the upper discharge tray, the stacked sheet is shifted in one direction. The sheet stackability is impaired.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that does not impair the stackability of sheets without increasing the size of the apparatus main body while having a configuration for capturing an image of a subject with an image capturing unit.

  The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including an apparatus main body including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a storage position that is supported by the apparatus main body and is stored on the apparatus main body side, and a stacking position where a subject can be stacked. And an imaging unit supported by the apparatus main body and capable of imaging a subject on the stacking unit at the stacking position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that has a configuration in which a subject is imaged by an imaging unit, but does not increase the size of the apparatus body and does not impair the stackability of sheets.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment with a stacking tray opened. The perspective view which shows the state at the time of the imaging by the reading unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which a stacking tray, a discharge extension tray, and a reading unit according to the first embodiment are closed. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment in a closed state of the stacking tray. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a reading operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a reading operation of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention with a stacking tray opened. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which shows the state at the time of the imaging by the reading unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment with a stacking tray opened. The side view which shows the state which obstruct | occluded the stacking tray and reading unit which concern on 4th Embodiment. The enlarged side view which shows the reading unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment in the state in a reading mode position. The enlarged side view which shows the reading unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment in the state in an imaging storage position.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can be composed of an electrophotographic recording type copying machine, a printer, a multifunction machine, and the like. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG.

[Image forming apparatus]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 1a. On the front surface (right side in FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body 1a, a stacking tray 11a as stacking means is supported so as to be openable and closable. The stacking tray 11a is rotatably supported on the right side of FIG. 1 in the apparatus main body 1a, and can be rotated between a storage position stored on the apparatus main body side and a stacking position on which the subject S (sheet P) can be stacked ( It is configured to be movable).

  On the apparatus main body side of the stacking tray 11a, a feeding roller 11b is disposed as a feeding unit that feeds sheets P stacked on the stacking tray 11a to an image forming unit 10 described later. Further, a reading unit 231 serving as an imaging unit, which will be described later, is rotatably supported above the stacking tray 11a on the right side of the apparatus main body 1a in FIG.

  In the upper center of the apparatus main body 1a, a discharge stacking unit 51 on which sheets P discharged after printing are stacked is provided. The discharge stacking portion 51 is provided with a discharge extension tray 52. The discharge extension tray 52 is configured to extend rightward in FIG. 1 from the vicinity of the front end of the discharge stacking portion 51 so as to improve the stackability when the length of the discharged sheet P is long.

  An operation unit 61 having various operation buttons and the like is disposed at a position adjacent to the discharge stacking unit 51 at the top of the apparatus main body 1a. The operation unit 61 is configured to display the power state of the image forming apparatus 1, the presence / absence of a job, an error state, or the like, or to perform network setting, job deletion, various settings, operations, and the like. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the apparatus main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, an image forming unit 10 as an image forming unit is disposed at a substantially central portion inside, and a sheet feeding cassette 211a as a sheet storage unit is provided at the bottom. Are arranged so that they can be mounted and pulled out. A sheet P fed to the image forming unit 10 is stored in the sheet feeding cassette 211a. A feeding roller 211b is disposed downstream of the sheet feeding cassette 211a in the sheet feeding direction. The feeding roller 211b is formed in a substantially half moon shape, and its rotation is controlled so that the sheet P stored in the sheet feeding cassette 211a is fed to the image forming unit 10.

  The image forming unit 10 includes a photosensitive drum 21 as an image carrier, a developing device (not shown), a laser scanner 201 that exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, and a charging roller (not shown). And a transfer portion 22 for transferring the toner image to the sheet P. Further, the image forming unit 10 includes a fixing unit 31 that fixes the transferred toner image to the sheet P by heating and pressing. The transfer unit 22 includes a photosensitive drum 21 and a transfer roller 22a, and a transfer nip portion is formed by pressure contact between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 22a. The fixing unit 31 includes a fixing belt 31a having a heating source and a pressure roller 31b pressed against the fixing belt 31a.

  On the downstream side of the fixing unit 31 in the sheet conveyance path 39, a conveyance roller pair 45 that conveys the sheet P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 10 and fixed by the fixing unit 31 is disposed. Further, a discharge roller pair (discharge unit) 41 that discharges the sheet P to a discharge stacking unit 51 as a common stacking unit is disposed downstream of the conveyance roller pair 45.

  The discharge stacking unit 51 is fed from the stacking tray 11 a by the feeding roller 11 b and formed with the image P at the image forming unit 10, and is fed from the paper feeding cassette 211 a and imaged at the image forming unit 10. The sheets P are configured to be stacked in common. With this configuration, there is no need to separately prepare a stacking unit that stacks sheets formed with images sent from the stacking tray 11a and a stacking unit that stacks sheets formed with images sent from the sheet feeding cassette 211a. Therefore, the device configuration can be simplified.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 having the above configuration, at the time of image formation, the sheet P fed from the stacking tray 11a by the feeding roller (feeding unit) 11b according to the control of the control unit 46 (FIG. 6). The image is sent to the image forming unit 10 via the registration roller pair 43. Further, the sheet P fed from the sheet feeding cassette 211 a by the feeding roller 211 b is fed into the image forming unit 10 through the conveying roller pair 44 and the registration roller pair 43.

  The registration roller pair 43 temporarily receives the fed sheet P at the nip portion, corrects its skew, and sends it to the transfer unit 22 at a predetermined timing in accordance with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 21. Then, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the sheet P in the transfer unit 22.

  Thereafter, the sheet P on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 22 is conveyed to the fixing unit 31 and is heated and pressed when passing through the fixing nip portion between the fixing belt 31a and the pressure roller 31b. Is fixed. Further, the sheet P passes through the conveying roller pair 45 and is discharged to the discharge stacking unit 51 via the discharge roller pair 41.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes two feeding units, that is, the feeding roller 11b that feeds from the stacking tray 11a and the feeding roller 211b that feeds the sheet P from the sheet feeding cassette 211a. It has.

  In the sheet feeding cassette 211a, sheets P that are usually most frequently used are stored as sheet sizes and types. In addition, the stacking tray 11a is normally stored in a folded state on the front surface (right side in FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus 1. The stacking tray 11a stacks the sheets P in the state of being pulled out as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when recording on the size and type of sheets P that are not stored in the sheet feeding cassette 211a. .

  When it is desired to read information from the subject S such as a document or a book, the subject S is stacked on the stacking tray 11a opened at the position shown in FIGS. The reading unit 231 can read the entire area of the subject S in a state where the reading unit 231 faces the stacking tray 11a extending to the upper right from the center in the vertical direction in FIG. 2 on the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a. Then, the stacking tray 11a is stood up so as to face from above.

  As described above, the stacking tray 11a according to the present embodiment can be used both for stacking sheets P fed to the image forming unit 10 and for stacking the subject S imaged by the reading unit (imaging unit) 231. Configured. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, while having a configuration in which the subject S is imaged by the reading unit (imaging means) 231, the stackability of the sheets P is not impaired without increasing the size of the apparatus main body 1a. The image forming apparatus 1 can be realized.

  The reading unit 231 is supported by the apparatus main body 1a and configured to be able to image the subject S on the stacking tray 11a (on the stacking unit) facing the stacking tray 11a at the stacking position. The reading unit 231 is positioned so that the optical axis O at the time of imaging is perpendicular to the subject S on the stacking tray 11a when standing. By adjusting the tilt angle of the reading unit 231 in the upright state, the optical axis O is positioned at the approximate center of the subject S, so that the entire range of the reading range H of the subject S (the range indicated by the arrow) is in focus. Will be matched.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, details of the reading unit 231 serving as an imaging unit that reads the subject S will be described. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the reading unit 231 when reading the subject S, and FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the stacking tray 11a, the discharge extension tray 52, and the reading unit 231 are closed. It is. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment in a closed state of the stacking tray 11a.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, an opening / closing cover 11 c is supported on the front portion of the image forming apparatus 1 via a support mechanism (not shown) so as to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body 1 a. The stacking tray 11a is supported via a support mechanism (not shown) so as to be positioned inside the closed opening / closing cover 11c and to be openable / closable with respect to the apparatus main body 1a.

  At the leading end of the stacking tray 11a, a stacking extension tray 11d supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the tray body is provided so as to extend outward from the tray body. When the stacking tray 11a is housed in the opening / closing cover 11c as shown in FIG. 5, the stacking extension tray 11d is rotated toward the apparatus main body 1a together with the tray main body while being folded with respect to the tray main body. Be made. In this state, the open / close cover 11c accommodates and covers the folded stacking tray 11a on the apparatus body 1a side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the reading unit (imaging means) 231 is formed with a pair of support convex portions 239 so as to protrude from both sides in the central portion of the front upper portion of the apparatus main body 1a. The reading unit 231 is connected to the reading unit 231c, the first arm unit 231a that supports the reading unit 231c, and the first arm unit 231a by a connecting shaft 237, and is rotatable relative to the first arm unit 231a. And a second arm portion 231b.

  The lower second arm portion 231b is provided at its lower portion with a shaft portion 238 that protrudes in the axial direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3). In the second arm portion 231b, both end portions of the shaft portion 238 are rotatably supported by the pair of support convex portions 239, and are rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 1a. The first and second arm portions 231a and 231b as moving means are configured so that the reading unit 231c can be moved and adjusted to a position where the entire subject S stacked on the stacking tray 11a can be imaged. Note that reference numeral 240 in FIG. 3 indicates a concave portion that makes it easy for the user to hook a finger or the like when opening the open / close cover 11c from a state where the open / close cover 11c is closed on the apparatus main body 1a (see FIG. 4).

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the reading unit 231 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1a and set to the reading mode position (image pickup possible position). In this case, the shaft portion 238 and the connecting shaft 237 are fixed by a light lock mechanism (not shown). This light lock mechanism (not shown) is configured so as to suppress the rotation of the shaft portion 238 and the connecting shaft 237 like a ratchet, and does not rotate until a certain rotational moment is applied. Held in position. As a result, the reading unit 231 is maintained in an upright state in which the reading unit 231 does not rotate to the discharge stacking unit 51 side from the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 at the image pickup possible position, and the reading unit 231 is folded as shown in FIGS. Maintained.

  The reading unit 231c is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction in FIG. 3, and a knob operation unit 231d is formed on the upper portion so as to protrude. Inside the reading unit 231c, a two-dimensional sensor 50 configured by two-dimensionally arranged image sensors for reading information on the subject S is fixed in a state along the longitudinal direction of the reading unit 231c cylinder. A lens 232 is attached to the center of the surface of the reading unit 231c that can face the stacking tray 11a, and LED lights (light sources) 233 as illumination units are attached to the left and right sides of the lens 232, respectively.

  The lens 232 forms an optical axis O (see FIG. 2), and is configured to form an image of the subject S on the two-dimensional sensor 50. The two-dimensional sensor 50 performs so-called photoelectric conversion, which converts the formed image of the subject S into electronic information, and outputs the signal to the control unit 46 (see FIG. 6). LED lights 233 provided integrally on both sides of the lens 232 in the reading unit 231c emit light under the control of the control unit 46 to illuminate the subject S stacked on the stacking tray 11a.

  The above-described reading unit 231 images the image pickup storage position (see FIGS. 4 and 5) stored on the apparatus main body side and the subject S on the stacking tray (on the stacking unit) facing the stacking tray 11a at the stacking position. It is supported so as to be movable to possible image pickup positions (see FIGS. 1 and 2). On the front side of the upper front of the apparatus main body 1a, reading as display means (light emitting section) is performed at a position covered by a reading unit 231 (see FIG. 4) folded at an imaging storage position stored on the apparatus main body side. A display lamp 235 and a reading operation start button 236 are arranged.

  The reading display lamp 235 is exposed when the reading unit 231 moves to the imageable position where the subject S stacked on the stacking tray 11a at the stacking position (reading mode position) can be imaged, and can be imaged by the reading unit 231. It emits light to indicate that there is something. The reading display lamp 235 emits light under the control of the control unit 46 to indicate that the image can be captured, and the reading unit 231 controls the control unit 46 so that imaging can be performed while the reading display lamp 235 is displayed. Controlled by That is, the reading display lamp 235 is turned on when the reading unit 231 is in the image pickup position (FIG. 2) and can be read, and is turned off when the reading unit 231 is in the image pickup storage position (FIG. 5) where the reading operation is not possible. Controlled to play a role in informing the state.

  Whether or not the reading unit 231 is in the reading mode position is determined based on detecting the position of the reading unit 231 by a reading mode position detecting sensor 49 (see FIG. 6) as a detecting unit, and a control unit having a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. 46 (see FIG. 6) determines. The reading mode position detection sensor 49 can be composed of a switch (not shown), a photo interrupter (not shown), and the like that are turned on and off as the shaft 238 of the second arm 231b rotates. If the reading mode position detection sensor 49 is on, the reading unit 231 is in the image pickup possible position, and if the reading mode position detection sensor 49 is off, the reading unit 231 is in the image pickup storage position. That is.

  Here, the case where the stacking tray 11a, the discharge extension tray 52, and the reading unit 231 are closed and stored on the apparatus main body 1a side will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the image forming apparatus 1 is a compact printer in a state where the stacking tray 11a, the discharge extension tray 52, and the reading unit 231 are closed on the apparatus main body 1a side, as shown in FIGS. It can be used as In this state, the sheet P is fed to the image forming unit 10 only from the sheet feeding cassette 211a. When a sheet of a size and type different from the sheet P in the sheet feeding cassette 211a is to be used, the stacking is performed. The tray 11a is used in a state where it is opened from the apparatus main body 1a.

  Further, when the discharge extension tray 52 is opened as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the length of the sheet P is longer than a predetermined length and it is desired to improve the sheet stackability on the discharge stacking unit 51. Sometimes, the discharge extension tray 52 can be used in a closed state as shown in FIGS.

  When reading the subject S as well as a normal printer, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stacking tray 11a is rotated to the stacking position and the reading unit 231 is erected at the image pickup possible position. In the state. In the present embodiment, the stacking tray 11a is supported to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body 1a. However, the stacking tray 11a as the stacking means is not limited to this and can be slidably supported. . In that case, it functions similarly.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a state where the stacking tray 11a is rotated to the stacking position and the reading unit 231 is erected at the imageable position, the reading display lamp 235 shown in FIG. The start button 236 can be operated. However, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, when the reading unit 231 is closed to the apparatus main body 1a to the imaging storage position, the reading unit 231 covers and hides the reading display lamp 235 and the reading operation start button 236 from above. End up. Therefore, the reading display lamp 235 cannot be viewed and the reading operation start button 236 cannot be operated.

  For this reason, in the state of FIGS. 4 and 5 in which the reading unit 231 is housed, there is no possibility of erroneously performing a reading operation, and the reading operation can be performed only when the reading unit 231 is in the reading mode position. Therefore, there is no possibility that the reading operation is performed in a state where the position of the reading unit 231 is deviated from the reading mode position and the reading range is shifted or the focus is not adjusted.

[Control system]
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a control system for the reading operation in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system for the reading operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 46 provided in the apparatus main body 1 a includes a document detection sensor 47, a reading unit 231, an operation unit 61, a reading mode position detection sensor 49, and a reading operation start button 236. Each signal is input. Further, the control unit 46 outputs each signal to the reading unit 231, the USB memory 48, the image forming unit 10, the feeding roller 11b, the feeding roller 211b, and the reading display lamp 235. The reading operation start button 236 functions under the control of the control unit 46 so that the reading operation can be instructed only when the reading display lamp 235 emits light.

  When the signal from the document detection sensor 47 provided on the stacking tray 11a is transmitted, the control unit 46 performs the reading operation (imaging operation) by the reading unit 231 based on the ON / OFF state of the reading mode position detection sensor 49. Determine if it is possible. Further, the control unit 46 outputs a lighting command to the reading display lamp 235 in the on state based on the on / off state of the reading mode position detection sensor 49, and the reading display lamp in the off state. A non-lighting command is output to 235.

  When the signal from the reading operation start button 236 is transmitted, the control unit 46 outputs an operation command to the reading unit 231, and information from the reading unit 231 according to the input status (setting) from the operation unit 61. Is input to the USB memory 48. Alternatively, the control unit 46 outputs a command for inputting information from the reading unit 231 to the image forming unit 10 and outputs an operation command to the image forming unit 10.

  The control unit 46 controls the operation of the feeding roller 11b and the operation of the feeding roller 211b. Further, the control unit 46 restricts the operation of the feeding roller 11b based on the detection by the reading mode position detection sensor 49 serving as a detecting unit when the image is read by the reading unit 231 (when the reading unit 231 is at an imageable position). . For this reason, when reading the subject S, the feeding roller 11b is not operated, and the subject S stacked on the stacking tray 11a is controlled not to be conveyed to the image forming unit 10. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the subject S is erroneously fed to the image forming unit 10.

  Further, after the reading operation is completed, the subject S stacked on the stacking tray 11a can be removed, and the stacking tray 11a and the reading unit 231 can be moved to the storage position and the imaging storage position, respectively. Is made compact.

  In the above-described embodiment, the reading unit 231 that can be stored in the apparatus main body 1a is in a reading mode position where the subject S stacked on the stacking tray 11a can be imaged when pulled out from the apparatus main body 1a to the imageable position. In this state, the reading display lamp 235 emits light to indicate that reading is possible, and the reading operation start button 236 is operatively exposed so that the user can support the start of the reading operation. When the reading operation start button 236 is pushed in while the reading display lamp 235 is lit, the reading operation of the subject S can be started.

  Next, the reading operation in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the reading operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.

  That is, when performing a reading operation, an operation of pulling out the reading unit 231 accommodated in the apparatus main body 1a to a reading mode position (image-capturing position) and a stacking tray 11a accommodated in the apparatus main body 1a are set to a document setting position (stacking position) The user performs the operation of pulling out. The order of these operations may be performed first.

  First, an operation for pulling out the reading unit 231 will be described. When the reading unit 231 is raised to the reading mode position by the user, the reading mode position detection sensor 49 detects that the reading unit 231 is pulled out to the reading mode position (image pickup possible position) (S101: ON). Then, based on this detection, the control unit 46 determines that the reading unit 231 is raised at the reading mode position, and outputs a lighting command to the reading display lamp 235 (S102).

  Here, an operation of pulling out the stacking tray 11a to the document setting position (stacking position) will be described. That is, after the stacking tray 11a is pulled out by the user, the subject S is set on the stacking tray 11a by the user. When the subject S is set on the stacking tray 11a, the document detection sensor 47 disposed in the vicinity of the feeding roller 11b of the stacking tray 11a is turned on to detect the subject S (S103).

  Then, based on this detection, the control unit 46 turns on the reading display lamp 235. When the reading operation start button 236 is pressed in this state (S104), the LED light 233 provided in the reading unit 231 is turned on until the photoelectric conversion is completed to illuminate the subject S (S105). ).

  While the LED light 233 is lit, information on the subject S is imaged on the two-dimensional sensor 50 via the lens 232, and the two-dimensional sensor 50 performs photoelectric conversion, and the information on the subject S is converted into an electrical signal. (S106). After the photoelectric conversion, the LED light 233 is turned off by a command from the control unit 46.

  At this time, if the position of the reading unit 231 is not appropriate and the reading range H (FIG. 2) is deviated from the subject S or the subject S is not in focus, the reading display is performed under the control of the control unit 46. The lamp 235 is not turned on. In this state, even if the reading operation start button 236 is pressed, the reading operation is not shifted, so that reading failure can be reliably prevented.

  When the reading mode position detection sensor 49 detects that the reading unit 231 has been pulled out to the reading mode position, the control unit 46 determines that the reading unit 231 is ready to perform a reading operation, and the feeding roller 11b. Control not to operate. Therefore, there is no possibility that the subject S is mistakenly conveyed to the image forming unit 10 and the subject S is soiled or damaged.

  When the reading operation is correctly performed, the information on the subject S converted into an electric signal by the two-dimensional sensor 50 is processed as follows according to the setting state in the operation unit 61. That is, if the control unit 46 determines that the setting of the operation unit 61 in step S107 is set to the copy mode, the control unit 46 sends information about the subject S to the image forming unit 10 and performs a printing operation (S109).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the setting of the operation unit 61 in step S107 is set to the scanner mode that only reads the information of the subject S, the control unit 46 connects the information of the subject S to an interface (not shown). The recorded data is recorded in the USB memory 48 (S108). The file format written in the USB memory 48 is a general-purpose file format such as JPG, Tiff, or PDF, and is set when the scanner mode is set in the operation unit 61 in advance.

  In the scanner mode, the information about the subject S is written to the USB memory 48. However, when the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the network, the information about the subject S is connected to another terminal connected to the network. Can also be transferred.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the stacking tray 11a can be moved between the storage position closed on the apparatus main body side and the document setting position (stacking position) on which the subject S can be stacked, and the subject S can be stacked. It is configured. Further, the reading unit 231 is configured to be able to image the subject S on the stacking tray so as to face the stacking tray 11a at the document setting position. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the image forming apparatus 1 that does not impair the stackability of the sheets P without increasing the size of the apparatus main body 1a while having a configuration in which the subject S is imaged by the reading unit 231.

  In the present embodiment, the sheet feeding cassette 211a that accommodates the sheet P before being fed by the feeding roller 211b is provided in the lower part of the apparatus main body 1a, and the sheet P discharged by the discharge roller pair 41 is stacked. A stacking unit 51 is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 1a. As a result, the paper feed cassette 211a and the discharge stacking unit 51 do not jump out of the installation area of the apparatus main body 1a. Therefore, both the reading of the original and the image formation on the sheet P can be performed without increasing the size of the apparatus main body 1a. Functions can be realized. Further, since it is not necessary to move the discharge stacking unit 51 at the time of document reading, the sheet stacking property is not affected.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. That is, the first embodiment described above is based on the assumption that the sheet feeding cassette 211a and the feeding roller 211b are provided in the apparatus main body 1a. However, even if the sheet feeding cassette 211a and the feeding roller 211b are not included in the configuration. Operation in the scanner mode is possible. In the copy mode, after the reading operation is completed, the reading unit 231 is stored in the apparatus main body 1a, and the sheet P is stacked on the stacking tray 11a to perform the printing operation.

  In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a reading operation when the sheet feeding cassette 211a and the feeding roller 211b are not configured. In FIG. 8, the process up to step S107 is the same as in FIG.

  In other words, after the photoelectric conversion is performed from the START by the two-dimensional sensor 50, when the setting in the operation unit 61 is the scanner mode, the printing operation is not entered, and thus the flow chart is the same as the flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the setting in the operation unit 61 is set to the copy mode, the sheet P must be conveyed from the stacking tray 11a to the image forming unit 10 by the feeding roller 11b. Is different.

  That is, when performing the copy mode operation, the reading unit 231 that has been pulled out to the reading mode position is stored in the apparatus main body 1a, and the subject S stacked on the stacking tray 11a is removed, and the sheet P is loaded on the stacking tray 11a. The user performs the operation of setting to. As an order, either operation may be performed first.

  First, the control unit 46 causes the operation unit 61 to display a message that prompts the user to set the sheet P on the stacking tray 11a (S201). This is because the subject S must be removed from the stacking tray 11a because the subject S is set on the stacking tray 11a when the above-described reading operation is completed.

  When the control unit 46 detects that the subject S has been removed based on the detection of the document detection sensor 47 (S202 is OFF), the control unit 46 next sets the sheet P for forming an image on the stacking tray 11a. A prompt message is displayed on the operation unit 61. Then, when the document detection sensor 47 provided in the vicinity of the feeding roller 11b detects the sheet P on the stacking tray (S204 is ON), the control unit 46 proceeds to step S205.

  In step S <b> 205, the control unit 46 causes the operation unit 61 to display content for prompting the reader unit 231 to be folded and stored in the apparatus main body 1 a. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the reading unit 231 is stored in the apparatus main body 1a and the reading mode position detection sensor 49 detects that the reading unit 231 is not in the reading mode position (S206 is OFF). The control unit 46 shifts to a printing operation.

  In other words, the control unit 46 rotates the feeding roller 11 b to feed the sheet P toward the image forming unit 10, and the discharge roller pair 41 transfers the sheet P on which the toner image is transferred and fixed by the image forming unit 10. In this way, the paper is discharged to the discharge stacking unit 51 to complete the printing operation.

  According to the present embodiment described above, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and the stacking tray 11a can be imaged with the subject S set and when the sheet P is set (image formation). The following effects can also be obtained by using differently for printing. In other words, the printing operation can be performed even when the sheet feeding cassette 211a and the feeding roller 211b are not provided, depending on the usage depending on the case.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. That is, in the first and second embodiments described above, the configuration example provided with the stacking tray 11a used both for sheet stacking and subject stacking has been described. However, in the present embodiment, dedicated to stacking the subject. A configuration example including the stacking tray 11S used will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which an original stack tray 11S that is opened and closed is provided. In the present embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same configuration and function is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the stacking tray 11S as the stacking unit is used exclusively for stacking the subject S imaged by the reading unit (imaging unit) 231 and is supported on the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a so as to be opened and closed. Has been. Similar to the stacking tray 11a described above, the stacking tray 11S is supported by the apparatus main body 1a and is configured to be movable between a storage position stored on the apparatus main body side and a stacking position where the subject S can be stacked. However, the sheet cannot be conveyed from the stacking tray 11S to the image forming unit 10, and the sheet P is fed from only the paper feeding cassette 211a provided in the apparatus main body 1a to the image forming unit 10 by the feeding roller 211b. Will be transported.

  According to the present embodiment, the stacking tray 11S that can be stored on the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a is provided, and the information of the subject S is read from above by the two-dimensional sensor 50, thereby reading the document without enlarging the apparatus main body 1a. be able to. In the present embodiment, there is only one means for conveying the sheet P to the image forming unit 10, but the subject S stacked on the stacking tray 11S is mistakenly conveyed to the image forming unit 10 and stains the subject S. There is an advantage that there is no risk of damage or damage.

  Further, since the stacking tray 11S is read-only, the stacking tray 11S and the reading unit 231 can be linked to each other, and the reading unit 231 can be linked to move to the reading position when the stacking tray 11S is opened. It is. Alternatively, the reading unit 231 can be accommodated in the apparatus main body 1a in conjunction with the loading tray 11S when the stacking tray 11S is closed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the sheet feeding cassette 211a and the discharge stacking unit 51 do not jump out of the installation area of the apparatus body 1a, and the apparatus body 1a can be enlarged. Absent. Further, it is possible to realize both functions of reading the original and forming an image on the sheet P, and it is not necessary to move the discharge stacking unit 51 when reading the original, so that the sheet stackability is not affected. . Further, since the reading unit 231 is arranged so as to be housed in the apparatus main body 1a, the reading unit 231 does not jump out of the apparatus main body 1a when the reading unit 231 is not used, and therefore the apparatus main body 1a is not enlarged.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when the reading unit 231 is set to the reading mode position (image-capturing position), the reading display lamp 235 is lit to indicate that reading is possible. A sense of security can be given to existing users. Furthermore, since the reading operation start button 236 appears at an operable position when the reading unit 231 is set to the reading mode position, the user who is trying to read does not have to hesitate to operate.

  Further, when the reading unit 231 is stored, the reading operation start button 236 is hidden, so that the user does not erroneously operate the reading operation start button 236. Further, since the reading operation start button 236 functions only when the reading unit 231 is in the reading mode position and the reading display lamp 235 is lit, the user does not fail to read the subject S.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state during imaging by the reading unit 241 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 with the stacking tray 11a open. FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the stacking tray 11a and the reading unit 241 are closed. FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view showing the reading unit 241 in the reading mode position, and FIG. 15 is an enlarged side view showing the reading unit 241 in the imaging storage position. In the present embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same configuration and function is omitted.

  First, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 1 described with reference to FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, but the reading unit 231 in FIG. It is different in that it is changed like 241.

  That is, in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 10, a reading unit 241 as an imaging unit is rotatably supported above a front stacking tray 11a (see FIG. 11) in the apparatus main body 1a. The reading unit 241 in FIG. 10 shows a state where the reading unit 241 is in the imaging storage position. The reading unit 241c facing the front of the image forming apparatus 1 at the imaging storage position is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction in FIG. The reading unit 241c is integrally provided with a reading operation unit 241e extending in a substantially rectangular shape on the discharge stacking unit 51 side. The reading operation unit 241e includes a reading display lamp (display means, light emitting unit). ) 245 and a reading operation start button (reading operation start unit) 246 are arranged.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the reading unit 241 includes a reading unit 241c, a first arm unit 241a that supports the reading unit 241c, and a first arm unit 241a connected to the first arm unit 241a by a connecting shaft 247. And a second arm portion 241b capable of relative rotation. A reading unit 241c integrally provided with a reading operation unit 241e is fixedly connected to the upper portion of the first arm unit 241a. Further, the lower second arm portion 241b has a shaft portion 248 protruding in the axial direction (left-right direction in FIG. 11) at the lower portion thereof. The second arm portion 241b is rotatably supported at both ends of the shaft portion 248 by the pair of support convex portions 249, and is rotatably supported with respect to the apparatus main body 1a. The first and second arm portions 241a and 241b as moving means are configured such that the reading unit 241c can be moved and adjusted to a position where the entire subject S stacked on the stacking tray 11a can be imaged.

  The reading unit 241 is rotated by a first part of the connecting shaft 247 between the first arm part 241a and the second arm part 241b and a second part of the shaft part 248 between the second arm part 241b and the support convex part 249. It is supported movably. That is, the shaft portion 248 below the second arm portion 241b is connected to the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1a, and the second arm portion 241b is supported by the second arm portion 241b so as to be rotatable about the shaft portion 248. Yes.

  Inside the reading unit 241c, a two-dimensional sensor 50 configured by two-dimensionally arranged image sensors for reading information on the subject S is fixed in a state along the longitudinal direction of the reading unit 241c. A lens 242 is attached to the center of the surface of the reading unit 241c that can face the stacking tray 11a, and LED lights 243 as illumination units are attached to both sides of the lens 242.

  The lens 232 forms an optical axis O (see FIG. 12), and is configured to form an image of the subject S on the two-dimensional sensor 50. The two-dimensional sensor 50 performs so-called photoelectric conversion, which converts the formed image of the subject S into electronic information, and outputs the signal to the control unit 46 (see FIG. 6). LED lights 243 provided integrally on both sides of the lens 242 in the reading unit 241c emit light under the control of the control unit 46 to illuminate the subject S stacked on the stacking tray 11a. Note that the two-dimensional sensor 50, the LED light 243, the reading display lamp 245, and the reading operation start button 246 in the reading unit 241 of the present embodiment are controlled by a control system similar to the control system of the first embodiment described in FIG. It is controlled similarly.

  11, 12 and 14 show a state in which the reading unit 241 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1a and set at the reading mode position (image pickup possible position). In this state, the shaft portion 248 and the connecting shaft 247 are fixed by a light lock mechanism (not shown). This light lock mechanism (not shown) is configured to suppress the rotation of the shaft portion 248 and the connecting shaft 247 like a ratchet, and does not rotate until a certain rotational moment is applied. Held in position. Accordingly, the reading unit 241 is maintained in an upright state that does not rotate toward the discharge stacking unit 51 from the position of FIG. 12 at the image pickup possible position, and is maintained in the folded state of FIG. 13 at the image pickup storage position. The

  When performing the reading operation in the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 14, the reading operation unit 241e integrated with the reading unit 241c is pulled upward from the apparatus main body 1a and positioned at the reading mode position. Then, the reading operation start button 246 is pushed into the reading unit 241 in the pressing direction (the direction of the arrow G). Here, the pressing direction of the reading operation start button 246 is configured to be a straight line (substantially linear) overlapping the straight line connecting the connecting shaft 247 and the shaft portion 248, so the reading operation start button 246 is pushed in. However, the connecting shaft 247 and the shaft portion 248 are not easily rotated. Therefore, the reading unit 241 is less likely to wobble, the reading unit 241 is not easily displaced from the reading mode position, and the inconvenience that the reading image is deteriorated due to the out of focus is avoided. Can do.

  Further, at the reading mode position, the LED light 243 is turned on to indicate that reading is possible under the control of the control unit 46, so that the user who is trying to read can be relieved. Furthermore, since the reading operation start button 246 of the reading operation unit 241e appears at the reading mode position, the user who is trying to perform reading is closer to the user and thus does not hesitate to operate.

  Further, when the length of the sheet P stacked on the discharge stacking unit 51 is equal to or longer than a predetermined length, the sheet P discharged to the discharge stacking unit 51 is pushed by the next sheet P to be discharged and stacked. It may be extruded from the portion 51 to the downstream side. However, in the present embodiment, the discharge stacking portion 51 is provided in a portion where the reading unit 241 is supported in the apparatus main body 1a, and the first arm portion 241a or the second arm portion 241b serves as a stopper in the reading mode position of FIG. Become. Further, at the imaging storage position in FIG. 13, the back surface portion 241f of the reading operation portion 241e serves as a stopper. That is, in the reading mode position, the first arm portion 241 a or the second arm portion 241 b also serves as a stacking auxiliary member that assists in alignment of the sheets P discharged to the discharge stacking portion 51. Further, at the imaging storage position, the back surface portion 241 f of the reading operation unit 241 e also serves as a stacking auxiliary member that assists in alignment of the sheets P discharged to the discharge stacking unit 51. Thereby, the stackability of the sheet P on the discharge stacking unit 51 can be improved.

  As described above, the second arm portion 241b or the first arm portion 241a or the back surface portion 241f of the reading operation portion 241e serves as a stacking auxiliary tray for aligning the stacking of the sheets P discharged to the discharge stacking portion 51. Can do. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the sheet P from being pushed out of the discharge stacking unit 51 and impairing the stackability of the sheet P, whether or not the reading operation is performed.

  In the imaging storage position shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the first arm portion 241a is rotated around the connecting shaft 247 and overlapped with the second arm portion 241b. The connecting shaft 247 is accommodated in the recess 250 by moving. Even in this state, the shaft portion 248 and the second rotating shaft 252 are held by the light lock mechanism (not shown), and do not rotate until a certain rotational moment is applied. In this way, when the reading unit 241 is set to the imaging storage position, the reading operation start button 246 moves downward and becomes difficult to operate, so that the user can avoid erroneous operation of the reading operation start button 246 by the user. Can do.

  Further, the control unit 46 (see FIG. 6) can notify the user that the reading unit 241 is in the reading mode position and can read by emitting the LED light 243 only when the reading unit 241 is in the reading mode position. Reading operations can be performed with confidence. Then, the control unit 46 can execute the reading operation only when the LED light 243 is turned on, and when the LED light 243 is turned off, the reading operation cannot be executed even if the reading operation start button 246 is pressed. Thereby, since the position of the reading unit 241 is not correct, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the reading range H (FIG. 12) is shifted or out of focus.

  When the reading unit 241 is pulled up and positioned at the reading mode position, the reading operation unit 241e comes close to the user, so that the reading display lamp 235 can be easily viewed and the reading operation start button 246 is pushed. It becomes easy to do.

  Also in the above-described embodiment, the sheet feeding cassette 211a that accommodates the sheet P before being fed by the feeding roller 211b is provided in the lower part in the apparatus main body 1a, and the sheet P discharged by the discharge roller pair 41 is used. A discharge stacking portion 51 for loading is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 1a. As a result, the paper feed cassette 211a and the discharge stacking unit 51 do not jump out of the installation area of the apparatus main body 1a. Therefore, both the reading of the original and the image formation on the sheet P can be performed without increasing the size of the apparatus main body 1a. Functions can be realized. Further, since it is not necessary to move the discharge stacking unit 51 at the time of document reading, the sheet stacking property is not affected.

  Although the first to fourth embodiments described above have been described using the electrophotographic recording type image forming apparatus 1, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be used in an image forming apparatus of an ink jet recording system that forms an image on a sheet by discharging ink liquid from a nozzle. In this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus / 1a ... Apparatus main body / 10 ... Image forming part (image forming means) / 11a ... Loading tray (stacking means) / 11b ... Feeding roller (feeding means) / 11S ... Loading tray (stacking means) / 46 ... Control part (control means) / 49 ... Reading mode position detection sensor (detection means) / 231 ... Reading unit (imaging means) / 231a, 231b ... Moving means (first arm part, second arm part) / 231c ... Reading part / 233 ... LED light (illumination part) / 235 ... Reading display lamp (display means, light emitting part) / 241 ... Reading unit (imaging means) / 241a, 241b ... Moving means (first arm part, second arm) Part) / 241c ... reading part / 243 ... LED light (illumination part) / 245 ... reading display lamp (display means, light emitting part) / 246 ... reading operation start part (reading operation start button) / P ... sheet / S ... subject

Claims (14)

An apparatus main body comprising image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
A stacking means supported by the apparatus main body and movable between a storage position stored on the apparatus main body side and a stacking position where a subject can be stacked;
An imaging unit supported by the apparatus main body and capable of imaging a subject on the stacking unit at the stacking position;
An image forming apparatus. The imaging means is supported movably between an imaging storage position stored on the apparatus main body side and an imageable position where the subject on the stacking means can be imaged.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The imaging means includes
A reading unit for reading information on a subject;
Moving means for moving the reading unit to the imaging storage position and the imaging possible position;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. Comprising detection means for detecting the position of the imaging means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. Display means for displaying that imaging by the imaging means is possible;
Control means for displaying on the display means that the imaging means can capture images based on detection by the detection means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The display means is a light emitting unit that emits and displays information indicating that imaging by the imaging means is possible,
The light emitting unit is obscured when the imaging unit moves to the imaging storage position, and the light emitting unit is exposed to display that the imaging is possible when the imaging unit moves to the imageable position;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. The control means controls the imaging means to enable imaging when displaying the fact that the imaging is possible on the display means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A feeding means for feeding sheets stacked on the stacking means;
Control means for restricting the operation of the feeding means when the imaging means is in an imageable position based on detection by the detection means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The reading unit has a reading operation start unit for instructing a reading operation,
The moving means is
A first arm that supports the reading unit; and a second arm that is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body in a state of being rotatably connected to the first arm. When the means is located at the imageable position, the first arm and the second arm are configured to be substantially linear.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. A discharge stacking unit for discharging sheets is provided at a portion where the imaging unit is supported in the apparatus main body,
In the image pickup position, the first arm portion or the second arm portion also serves as a stacking auxiliary member that assists in alignment of sheets discharged to the discharge stacking portion.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. A discharge stacking unit for discharging sheets is provided at a portion where the imaging unit is supported in the apparatus main body,
In the imaging storage position, the reading unit also serves as a stacking auxiliary member that assists in alignment of sheets discharged to the discharge stacking unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The imaging unit includes an illumination unit that illuminates a subject loaded on the loading unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The stacking unit is a stacking tray that is used both for stacking sheets fed to the image forming unit and for stacking a subject imaged by the imaging unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The stacking means is a stacking tray used exclusively for stacking subjects imaged by the imaging means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

Images