JP5884533B2 - Conveying device, image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The invention disclosed in this specification relates to a technique used in a transport device that transports a transport target while detecting the transport target using a plurality of detection sensors.

  Conventionally, a transfer device in which a detection sensor is arranged in a transfer path has been used (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a transport apparatus, a detection object is used to detect which position of the transport path is transported by the transport target that is transported along the transport path, or to detect the width of the transport target. The detection sensor is composed of a swinging member (sheet lever) that swings by contacting the object to be conveyed, and a detection unit (detection switch) that detects that the swinging member swings. In the conveyance device, when the conveyance path becomes complicated and when there are a plurality of types of sheet widths to be conveyed, a plurality of detection sensors are used to detect the position and width of the conveyance object using the detection sensor. May be placed. In the prior art, when a plurality of detection sensors are arranged on the conveyance path, each swinging member is detected using an individual detection unit.

JP-A-7-76140

  In the prior art, in order to detect that each oscillating member has oscillated, the same number of detecting units as the number of oscillating members are required. Therefore, when the number of detection sensors included in the apparatus increases, not only the swinging members but also the detection units must be increased by the same number, which causes a problem that the number of detection units increases.

  The invention disclosed in this specification discloses a technique for suppressing an increase in the number of detection units.

  The transport device disclosed in this specification includes a transport unit that transports a transport target object along a transport path, and a first swing that is provided on the transport path and swings when the transport target object contacts. A first detection unit that detects a swing of the first swing member and the second swing member, and a control unit, wherein the first swing member is a swing member. As it moves, it changes from a non-detection state that is not detected by the first detection unit to a detection state that is detected by the first detection unit, and is further non-detected by further swinging when the conveyance object comes into contact. As the second swinging member swings, the state changes from a non-detection state to a detection state, and the first swinging member and the second swinging member pass through the object to be conveyed. When the first swing member is in the detection state, the second swing member The material is in a non-detection state, and the second swing member is in a detection state when the first swing member is in a non-detection state, and is provided at a different position in the transport direction of the transport object. The first detector outputs a first detection result when at least one of the first swing member and the second swing member is in a detection state, and the first swing member and the second swing member are output. When all of the moving members are in the non-detection state, the second detection result is output, and the control unit determines that the object to be conveyed is the first swing member and the second swing from the detection result of the first detection unit. A determination process for determining that the moving member has been passed is executed.

  In this transport apparatus, since the two swinging members are provided at different positions in the transport direction, the state of the two swinging members changes between the detection state and the non-detection state at different timings. Further, since the first swing member changes from the non-detected state to the non-detected state again according to the swing, the second swing member swings while the first swing member is swinging. Even if it moves, it is possible to detect a change in the state of the second swing member using the first detector. According to this transport apparatus, it is possible to detect the swing of the first swing member and the second swing member using one first detection unit, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the detection unit.

  Further, in the transport device, the first specified distance upstream of the swing member disposed on the upstream side of the transport path, of the first swing member and the second swing member in the transport path. A third swinging member that swings when the conveyance object comes into contact therewith, and a second detection unit that detects the swinging of the third swinging member, and the third swinging member Changes from a non-detection state that is not detected by the second detection unit to a detection state that is detected by the second detection unit as the second detection unit detects the second detection unit. A third detection result is output when in the detection state, and a fourth detection result is output when the third swinging member is in a non-detection state. The control unit performs the second detection in the determination process. Section outputs at least the third detection result and at least the conveyance object When the first detection unit outputs the first detection result within a first specified time calculated from the feed speed and the first specified distance, it is determined that the swing member disposed on the upstream side has swung. It is good also as composition to do.

  According to this conveyance device, the detection period of the swing member disposed on the upstream side is limited based on the detection result of the second detection unit different from the first detection unit, and the swing member disposed on the upstream side is limited. It can be determined whether or not the rocking has occurred.

  Further, the transport device includes a supply unit that supplies the transport object to the transport path, and the supply unit includes the first swing member and the second swing member in the transport path. Provided on the upstream side of the second specified distance from the swinging member disposed on the upstream side of the transport path, the control unit supplies the transport object to the transport path in the determination process. At least when the first detection unit outputs the first detection result within a second specified time calculated from the transfer speed of the transfer object and the second specified distance. The moving member may be determined to have swung.

  According to this transport device, the detection period of the swing member disposed on the upstream side is limited based on the supply timing from the supply unit, and whether or not the swing member disposed on the upstream side swings is determined. Judgment can be made.

  In the transport apparatus, the control unit performs a switching process for switching a detection target of the first detection unit, and after the specified time has elapsed, the control target is moved from a swinging member disposed on the upstream side. It is good also as a structure switched to the rocking | swiveling member arrange | positioned downstream. According to this conveying apparatus, after determining whether or not the swing member disposed on the upstream side swings by switching the detection target based on the specified time, the swing member disposed on the downstream side is determined. It can be determined whether or not the rocking has occurred.

  Further, in the above transport device, the second swing member may change from the non-detection state to the detection state as it swings, and may maintain the detection state even if it is further swung. According to this transport apparatus, whether the detection state detected by the first detection unit is based on the first swing member or the second swing member based on the period during which the first detection unit outputs the first detection result. Can be determined.

  Further, in the transport apparatus, the first swing member may be provided on the upstream side of the transport path with respect to the second swing member. According to this transport device, even if the second swing member is disposed in the vicinity of the first swing member, the first swing member is not detected until the second swing member swings. The first swinging member and the second swinging member that are disposed in proximity to each other can be detected using one first detection unit.

  The conveyance device disclosed in the present specification is also provided with a conveyance unit that conveys a conveyance object along a conveyance path, and a first swinging unit that is provided on the conveyance path and swings when the conveyance object comes into contact therewith. A rocking member and a second rocking member; and a first detection unit that senses rocking of the first rocking member and the second rocking member, wherein the first rocking member rocks. Accordingly, the non-detection state that is not detected by the first detection unit changes to the detection state that is detected by the first detection unit, and further changes to the non-detection state by swinging. As the member swings, the member changes at least from the non-detection state to the detection state, and the first swing member and the second swing member are provided at different positions in the transport direction of the transport object. The first detection unit includes the first swing member and the The first detection result is output when at least one of the two swing members is in the detection state, and the second detection result is output when both the first swing member and the second swing member are in the non-detection state. May be configured to output. According to this transport apparatus, it is possible to detect the swing of the first swing member and the second swing member using one first detection unit, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the detection unit.

The invention disclosed in this specification is also embodied in an image forming apparatus including the above-described transport device. An image forming apparatus disclosed in the present specification adjusts the above-described conveying device, an image forming unit that forms an image on the conveyance object conveyed by the conveying device, and an image forming start time of the image forming unit. And at least one of the first oscillating member and the second oscillating member abuts on the transport object when the transport object is transported in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The image forming unit is provided on the downstream side of the transport path of the first swing member and the second swing member, and the adjustment unit is the first detection unit. The image formation start time is adjusted based on the detection result.

  According to this image forming apparatus, an increase in the number of detection units can be suppressed in the image forming apparatus that detects the timing at which the conveyance object passes using the detection unit and adjusts the image formation start time based on the detection result. . Further, by adjusting the image formation start time from the timing when the conveyance object passes, an image can be appropriately formed on the conveyance object.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes a setting unit that sets image forming conditions of the image forming unit, and the second swing member is located at a position different from the first swing member in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The setting unit sets the image forming condition based on a detection result of the first detection unit. According to this image forming apparatus, the size of the conveyance object in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction is detected from the swing of the swing member using the detection unit, and the image forming conditions are set from the detection result. An image can be appropriately formed on the object.

  According to the transport device disclosed in this specification, an increase in the number of detection units can be suppressed.

Cross section of printer The figure which shows the position of each structure in the scanning direction D2. Side view of sensor before registration Side view of paper width sensor Perspective view of paper width sensor and post-registration sensor Time chart of detection signals SG1 to SG4 Printer block diagram Flowchart showing the printing process of the first embodiment 10 is a flowchart illustrating print processing according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows arrangement of the detection sensor of the printer

<Embodiment 1>
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

1. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a printer 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 is a direct transfer tandem laser printer that forms a monochrome image using a single color toner, and is configured in a casing 12. The printer 10 is an example of a transport device and an image forming apparatus.

  A supply tray 14 is provided on the inner bottom of the casing 12, and a sheet material 16 such as paper is stacked on the supply tray 14. The supply tray 14 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the casing 12. When the sheet material 16 is supplied to the supply tray 14 by the user and stored in the casing 12, the sheet material 16 is pressed against the pickup roller 20 by the pressing plate 18. When the pickup roller 20 rotates, the sheet material 16 is conveyed to the supply roller 22 and the registration roller 24 along the conveyance path 28. The sheet material 16 is conveyed to the image forming unit 30 after skew correction is performed by the registration roller 24. The supply tray 14 is an example of a supply unit, and the sheet material 16 is an example of a conveyance object.

  The image forming unit 30 includes a pair of support rollers 32 and 34, a belt 36, and a plurality of transfer rollers 37. The belt 36 is provided between the support rollers 32 and 34 and has a ring shape. The transfer roller 37 is disposed inside the ring-shaped belt 36. The support rollers 32 and 34 rotate counterclockwise, and the belt 36 moves accordingly.

  An image forming unit 40 is provided on the upper side of the belt 36. The image forming unit 40 includes a scanner unit 42 and a process unit 44. The process unit 44 includes a photosensitive drum 48, a developing cartridge 46, and the like. The developing cartridge 46 is filled with toner, and a developing roller 47 is provided. A developing bias is applied to the developing roller 47 of the developing cartridge 46, and the toner of the developing cartridge 46 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 48. The

  The scanner unit 42 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 48 of the process unit 44. The scanner unit 42 irradiates the photosensitive drum 48 of the process unit 44 with the laser light L based on each color image data sent from the RAM 66 by a central processing unit (see FIG. 7, hereinafter referred to as CPU) 62 described later. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image to be formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 is formed. A developing bias is applied from the high voltage power source to the developing roller 47 of the developing cartridge 46, and the toner of the developing cartridge 46 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image, whereby a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48.

  When the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 passes the transfer position with the belt 36, a transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 37, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 48 is transferred onto the sheet material 16. . As a result, an image is formed on the sheet material 16. The image formed on the sheet material 16 is sent to the fixing device 50, whereby the image formed on the sheet material 16 is fixed. Thereafter, the sheet material 16 is conveyed by a conveyance roller 26 to a discharge tray 38 provided on the upper portion of the casing 12. In other words, the pickup roller 20, the supply roller 22, the registration roller 24, and the conveyance roller 26 form a conveyance unit 29 that conveys the sheet material 16 placed on the supply tray 14 to the discharge tray 38 along the conveyance path 28. ing. Hereinafter, a direction along the transport path 28 is referred to as a transport direction D1, and a direction orthogonal to the transport direction is referred to as a scanning direction D2. In the transport direction D1, the supply tray 14 side is referred to as the upstream side, and the discharge tray 38 side is referred to as the downstream side.

  A plurality of detection sensors that detect the passage of the sheet material 16 are arranged on the conveyance path. The rear end sensor 52 is disposed between the pickup roller 20 and the supply roller 22 and detects whether or not the conveyance of the sheet material 16 from the supply tray 14 is started. The pre-registration sensor 54 is disposed between the supply roller 22 and the registration roller 24, and generates a detection signal SG1 that changes according to the passage of the front and rear ends of the sheet material 16.

FIG. 2 shows the positional relationship of each component in the transport direction D1 and the scanning direction D2.
The paper width sensor 56 is disposed downstream of the pre-registration sensor 54 by a distance LE1 in the transport direction D1 between the supply roller 22 and the registration roller 24, and generates a detection signal SG2. The post-registration sensor 58 is located between the registration roller 24 and the image forming unit 30, and is disposed downstream of the paper width sensor 56 by a distance LE2 in the transport direction D1, and generates a detection signal SG3. The paper discharge sensor 59 is disposed between the fixing device 50 and the transport roller 26 and detects whether or not the transport of the sheet material 16 to the discharge tray 38 has been completed. The distance LE1 is an example of a first specified distance.

  Further, the centers of the supply tray 14, the conveyance unit 29, the image forming unit 30, and the fixing device 50 in the scanning direction D <b> 2 are arranged on a common central axis Z indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 2. The detection sensors 52, 54, 58, 59 are arranged on the central axis Z, while the paper width sensor 56 is arranged at a position different from the central axis Z in the scanning direction D2.

  In the supply tray 14, the sheet material 16 is arranged on the center reference. That is, in the supply tray 14, the sheet material 16 is arranged on the central axis Z, regardless of the size of the sheet material 16. Therefore, when the sheet material 16 is conveyed by the conveyance unit 29, the conveyance is detected by the detection sensors 52, 54, 58, 59 regardless of the size of the sheet material 16. The central axis Z is an example of a position that always comes into contact with the conveyance object when the conveyance object is conveyed.

  On the other hand, since the paper width sensor 56 is arranged at a position different from the central axis Z in the scanning direction D2, for example, when a sheet material 16A having a relatively wide sheet width of A4 paper size or more is conveyed, the conveyance is detected. However, for example, when a sheet material 16B having a relatively narrow sheet width of B5 paper size or less is conveyed, the conveyance is not detected. Therefore, the sheet width of the sheet material 16 can be detected from the detection signal SG2 generated by the sheet width sensor 56.

2. Mechanical Configuration of Detection Sensor FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the detection sensor. In FIG. 3, description will be made using the pre-registration sensor 54. The detection sensor includes a photosensor FS and an actuator AC. The arrangement of the detection sensor described above indicates the arrangement of the actuator AC among the detection sensors. As shown in FIG. 3, the pre-registration sensor 54 includes a photosensor FS2 and an actuator AC3. The photosensor FS2 includes a light emitting unit LO and a light receiving unit LI mounted with a predetermined interval, and a detection signal that changes depending on whether or not the light emitted from the light emitting unit LO is received by the light receiving unit LI. SG1 is output. The actuator AC3 is a light-shielding plate material, and a part of the actuator AC3 projects into the transport path 28. Therefore, the actuator AC3 abuts on the sheet material 16 conveyed on the conveyance path 28, and rotates and swings about the rotation axis W. The actuator AC3 is an example of a third swing member, and the photosensor FS2 is an example of a second detection unit.

  In the pre-registration sensor 54, as the actuator AC3 swings, the insertion portion 80 of the actuator AC3 is inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS2 as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. As a result, the detection signal SG1 output from the photosensor FS2 changes from an off state where the light emitted from the light emitting unit LO is received by the light receiving unit LI to an on state where the light receiving unit LI does not receive the light, and the photosensor FS2 Detects the swing of the actuator AC3. Since the contact state of the actuator AC3 with the sheet material 16 changes according to the passage of the front and rear ends of the sheet material 16, the detection signal SG1 changes according to the passage of the front and rear ends of the sheet material 16. To do. The state where the insertion portion 80 of the actuator AC3 is not inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS2 is an example of a non-detection state, and the insertion portion 80 of the actuator AC3 is the light emitting portion of the photosensor FS2. A state inserted between the LO and the light receiving unit LI is an example of a detection state. Moreover, the ON state of the detection signal SG1 is an example of a third detection result, and the OFF state of the detection signal SG1 is an example of a fourth detection result.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the pre-registration sensor 54, the insertion portion 80 of the actuator AC3 is formed in a fan shape. Therefore, in the pre-registration sensor 54, the insertion portion 80 is inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS2 by the swing of the actuator AC3, and the detection signal SG1 changes from the off state to the on state. Even when the actuator AC3 further swings, the state where the insertion portion 80 is inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS2 is maintained, the sheet material 16 passes, and the actuator AC3 swings. Until the movement ends, the detection signal SG1 is maintained in the ON state (see pulse PL1 in FIG. 6).

  FIG. 4 shows the paper width sensor 56. The paper width sensor 56 includes a photo sensor FS1 and an actuator AC1. The structure of the photosensor FS1 is equal to the structure of the photosensor FS2. On the other hand, the shape of the insertion portion 82 of the actuator AC1 is different from that of the actuator AC3. Hereinafter, description of the same contents as the pre-registration sensor 54 is omitted. The actuator AC1 is an example of a first swing member, and the photosensor FS1 is an example of a first detection unit.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the paper width sensor 56, the insertion portion 82 of the actuator AC1 is formed in a strip shape. Therefore, in the paper width sensor 56, the insertion portion 82 is inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS2 by the swing of the actuator AC1, and the detection signal SG2 changes from the off state to the on state. When the actuator AC1 further swings, the insertion portion 82 passes between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS2, and the detection signal SG2 changes to the off state again (see pulse PL2 in FIG. 6). .

  The post-registration sensor 58 includes an actuator AC2 having an insertion portion 84 (see FIG. 5) having the same shape as the insertion portion 80 of the actuator AC3 of the pre-registration sensor 54. That is, in the post-registration sensor 58, the detection signal SG3 changes from the off state to the on state by the swinging of the actuator AC2. Then, the detection signal SG3 is maintained in the ON state until the sheet material 16 passes and the swing of the actuator AC2 is completed (see pulse PL4 in FIG. 6). The actuator AC2 is an example of a second swing member.

  The post-registration sensor 58 shares the photo sensor FS1 with the paper width sensor 56, as shown in FIG. That is, the photosensor FS1 generates the detection signal SG that is turned on when either one of the insertion portions 82 and 84 is inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS1. When neither of 82 and 84 is inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS1, a detection signal SG that is turned on is generated, and the swing of the actuators AC1 and AC2 is detected.

  Then, the photosensor FS1 generates a detection signal SG4 that is a logical sum signal of the detection signal SG2 and the detection signal SG3. FIG. 6 shows a detection signal SG4 when the sheet materials 16A and 16B are conveyed. The sheet width sensor 56 and the post-registration sensor 58 are arranged apart from each other by a distance LE2 (see FIG. 2) on which the registration roller 24 is placed in the conveyance direction D1, and the sheet width sensor 56 is moved by the conveyance of the sheet material 16A. After the insertion portion 82 passes between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS2, the insertion portion 84 of the post-registration sensor 58 is inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS2. . Therefore, the detection signal SG4 includes the pulse PL2 of the detection signal SG2 and the pulse PL4 of the detection signal SG3 in a state where the ON state does not overlap. The on state of the detection signal SG4 is an example of the first detection result, and the off state of the detection signal SG4 is an example of the second detection result.

  In the sheet width sensor 56, the insertion portion 82 is inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS2 even when the sheet material 16 passes and the swinging of the actuator AC1 is finished. The signal SG2 instantaneously changes to the on state (see pulse PL3 in FIG. 6). The rear end sensor 52 and the paper discharge sensor 59 also include a photosensor FS and an actuator AC as in the case of the detection sensor described above, but detailed description thereof is omitted.

3. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the printer 10 includes an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) 60 that controls each unit of the printer 10. The ASIC 60 includes a CPU 62, a ROM 64, a RAM 66, and a drive circuit 68, and is connected to the photo sensors FS of the detection sensors 52, 54, 56, 58, and 59 via the bus 70. Acquire the generated detection signal. In addition to this, the ASIC 60 includes a power switch and various setting buttons, an input unit 71 that receives an operation command from the user, an output unit 72 that includes an LED and displays the status of the printer 10, and the image forming unit 30 described above. , Connected to the fixing device 50.

  Various programs for controlling the operation of the printer 10 are stored in the ROM 64. The CPU 62 functions as a control unit 74, an adjustment unit 76, and a setting unit 78 according to the programs read from the ROM 64, and controls each unit. I do. The RAM 66 stores image data used for image formation by the image forming unit 30.

  The drive circuit 68 is connected to the motor M and transmits a pulse signal to the motor M based on a command from the CPU 62. When the motor M rotates in accordance with the pulse signal input from the drive circuit 68, the transport unit 29 is driven according to this, and the sheet material 16 is transported stepwise along the transport path 28. That is, when conveying the sheet material 16, the CPU 62 transmits a pulse signal to the motor M via the drive circuit 68, and the conveyance unit 29 conveys the sheet material 16 accordingly.

4). Printing Process Next, the printing process of the printer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of print processing executed by the CPU 62 in accordance with a predetermined program. The CPU 62 starts a printing process on the sheet material 16 when a printing instruction is input from the user via the input unit 71.

  When the processing is started, the CPU 62 sets the detection mode of the photosensor FS1 shared by the paper width sensor 56 and the post-registration sensor 58 to the post-registration detection mode that functions as the post-registration sensor 58 (S2), and the conveyance speed V Then, the conveyance of the sheet material 16 is started. When the detection mode of the photosensor FS1 is set to the post-registration detection mode, the CPU 62 receives the detection signal SG4 generated by the photosensor FS1 as the detection signal SG3 of the post-registration sensor 58.

  The CPU 62 waits for the detection signal SG1 to be turned on (S4: NO). When the detection signal SG1 is turned on at timing T1 (see FIG. 6) by the conveyance of the sheet material 16 (S4: YES), the CPU 62 functioning as the control unit 74 causes the leading edge of the sheet material 16 to detect the pre-register sensor 54. Judge that it passed.

  The CPU 62 switches the detection mode of the photosensor FS1 to a paper width detection mode that functions as the paper width sensor 56 (S8). When the detection mode of the photosensor FS1 is set to the paper width detection mode, the CPU 62 receives the detection signal SG4 generated by the photosensor FS1 as the detection signal SG2 of the paper width sensor 56.

  The CPU 62 monitors whether or not a first specified time KT1 (see FIG. 6) obtained by adding a reference time to a value obtained by dividing the distance LE1 by the transport speed V from the timing T1 and the detection signal SG4 is turned on. Are monitored (S10, S12). When the detection signal SG4 is turned on before the first specified time KT1 has passed, as in the case of (sheet material 16A) in FIG. 6, the CPU 62 functioning as the control unit 74 (S10: NO, S12: YES), it is determined that the leading edge of the sheet material 16 has passed through the sheet width sensor 56, and it is stored that the sheet material 16 is wide (S14).

  On the other hand, the CPU 62 functioning as the control unit 74, when the detection signal SG4 is not turned on before the first specified time KT1 has passed, as in the case of (sheet material 16B) in FIG. 6 (S10: YES, S12: NO), it is determined that the sheet material 16 has not passed the paper width sensor 56, and the sheet material 16 is not stored as being wide.

  After the first specified time KT1 has elapsed (S10: YES), the CPU 62 switches the detection mode of the photosensor FS1 to the post-registration detection mode (S16). When the detection signal SG4 is turned on at timing T2 (see FIG. 6) after the first specified time KT1 has elapsed (S18), the CPU 62 functioning as the control unit 74 has passed the post-registration sensor 58 at the leading edge of the sheet material 16. Judge. The CPU 62 functions as the adjustment unit 76 and adjusts the image formation start time when the image forming unit 30 starts image formation based on the timing T2 (S20).

  Next, the CPU 62 functions as the setting unit 78 and sets image forming conditions based on whether or not the sheet material 16 is wide before the start of image formation. When the CPU 62 stores that the sheet material 16 being conveyed is wide in S14, the CPU 62 determines that the sheet material 16 is wide (S22: YES). In this case, the CPU 62 sets wide image forming conditions (S24), executes a printing operation using the image forming unit 30 (S26), and ends the printing process. As the wide image forming condition, for example, the temperature of the fixing device 50 is set to be relatively high because the sheet width is wide. Further, in order to suppress the temperature deviation of the fixing device 50, the interval in the conveyance direction D1 of the sheet material 16 that is continuously conveyed is set to be relatively narrow.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 62 does not store that the sheet material 16 being conveyed is wide in S14, the CPU 62 determines that the sheet material 16 is narrow (S22: NO). In this case, the CPU 62 sets a narrow image forming condition (S28), executes a printing operation (S26), and ends the printing process. As an image forming condition for narrow width, for example, the temperature of the fixing device 50 is set to be relatively low. Further, the interval in the conveyance direction D1 of the sheet material 16 that is continuously conveyed is set to be relatively wide.

5. Advantages of the present embodiment (1) In the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the actuator AC1 of the paper width sensor 56 and the actuator AC2 of the post-registration sensor 58 are provided at different positions in the transport direction D1. Even when both of AC2 swing, the timings at which the insertion portions 82 and 84 of the actuators AC1 and AC2 are inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS1 are different. Further, since the insertion portion 82 of the actuator AC1 is formed in a strip shape, the insertion portion 82 of the actuator AC1 is inserted between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS1, and the detection signal SG4 is turned on. Even when the state changes, when the insertion portion 82 passes between the light emitting portion LO and the light receiving portion LI of the photosensor FS1, the detection signal SG4 changes to the off state again. Therefore, after the detection signal SG4 changes to the OFF state again, the swing of the actuator AC2 can be detected using the photosensor FS1 even when the actuator AC1 is swinging (see PL2 and PL4 in FIG. 6). . According to the printer 10, the swing of both the actuators AC1 and AC2 can be detected using one photosensor FS1, and an increase in the number of photosensors FS in the printer 10 can be suppressed. .

(2) In the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the first specified time KT1 calculated by using the distance LE1 between the actuator AC1 and the actuator AC3 arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction D1 among the actuators AC1 and AC2 is used. Then, it is monitored whether the first specified time KT1 has elapsed from the timing T1 when the detection signal SG1 is turned on. Therefore, when the detection signal SG4 is turned on at the first specified time KT1, it can be determined that the actuator AC1 has swung, and the detection signal SG4 is not turned on at the first specified time KT1. If it is, it can be determined that the actuator AC1 has not swung.

(3) In the printer 10 of the present embodiment, if the photosensor FS1 is not turned on at the first specified time KT1, the actuator AC1 does not swing after the first specified time KT1. Therefore, the timing T2 at which the actuator AC2 swings can be accurately detected by switching the detection mode.

(4) In the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the insertion portion 84 of the actuator AC2 has a fan shape, and the period during which the detection signal SG4 is turned on due to the swing of the actuator AC2 is relatively long. On the other hand, the insertion portion 82 of the actuator AC1 has a strip shape, and the period during which the detection signal SG4 is turned on due to the swing of the actuator AC1 is relatively short. For this reason, even if the actuator AC1 and the actuator AC2 are disposed close to each other in the transport direction D1 by disposing the actuator AC1 in which the detection signal SG4 is in the ON state relatively short on the upstream side in the transport direction D1, 1 The swing of the actuators AC1 and AC2 can be detected using the two photosensors FS1.

(5) In the printer 10 of this embodiment, the image forming start time is adjusted from the timing T2 when the leading edge of the sheet material 16 passes the actuator AC2, and the image forming condition is set based on whether or not the actuator AC1 is swung. Therefore, an image can be appropriately formed on the sheet material 16.

<Embodiment 2>
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the detection signal SG1 generated by the photosensor FS2 is not used as the reference timing of the specified time. As shown in FIG. 2, in the printer 10, the paper width sensor 56 is disposed downstream of the supply tray 14 by a distance LE3 in the transport direction D <b> 1. In the present embodiment, transport from the supply tray 14 is started. The supply timing that is the timing to perform is set as a reference timing. The distance LE3 is an example of a second specified distance. In the following description, the same description as that of the first embodiment will not be repeated.

1. Print Processing FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of print processing executed by the CPU 62 in accordance with a predetermined program. The CPU 62 starts a printing process on the sheet material 16 when a printing instruction is input from the user via the input unit 71.

  When the process starts, the CPU 62 sets the detection mode of the photosensor FS1 to the sheet width detection mode (S30), starts conveying the sheet material 16, and measures the elapsed time from the supply timing. Then, the CPU 62 monitors whether the second specified time KT2 obtained by adding the reference time to the value obtained by dividing the distance LE3 by the conveyance speed V from the supply timing has passed, and monitors whether the detection signal SG4 is turned on. (S32, S12). When the detection signal SG4 is turned on before the second specified time KT2 elapses (S32: NO, S12: YES), the CPU 62 stores that the sheet material 16 is wide (S14). On the other hand, if the detection signal SG4 is not turned on before the second specified time KT2 elapses (S32: YES, S12: NO), the CPU 62 does not store that the sheet material 16 is wide.

2. Effects of the Present Embodiment In the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the second specified time KT2 calculated using the distance LE3 between the actuator AC1 and the supply tray 14 disposed upstream of the actuators AC1 and AC2 in the transport direction D1. Is used to monitor whether the second specified time KT2 has elapsed since the supply timing at which the printer 10 started conveying the sheet material 16. Therefore, when the detection signal SG4 is turned on at the second specified time KT2, it can be determined that the actuator AC1 has swung, and the detection signal SG4 is not turned on at the second specified time KT2. If it is, it can be determined that the actuator AC1 has not swung.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following various aspects are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) Although the above embodiment has been described using an apparatus having a printer function, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be a multi-function machine having a printer function and further including at least one of other functions such as a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. Furthermore, the printer function is not necessarily required. The present invention can be used for all apparatuses that carry the sheet material 16 and make various adjustments.

(2) In the above embodiment, description has been made using the paper width sensor 56 and the post-registration sensor 58 as the two detection sensors, but the present invention is not limited to this. The rear end sensor 52, the pre-registration sensor 54, and the paper discharge sensor 59 may be used as one of the two detection sensors.

  Furthermore, other detection sensors may be used. In the printer 10, as shown in FIG. 10, a manual feed path LN1 for supplying the sheet material 16 through a path different from the supply tray 14 is provided, and a manual feed sensor 90 may be arranged in the manual feed path LN1. Further, in order to perform printing processing on both sides of the sheet material 16, the printer 10 is provided with a DX path LN2 for supplying the sheet material 16 once subjected to the printing process, and a DX sensor 92 is disposed in the DX path LN2. May be. In the present invention, the photosensor FS may be shared for any two of these detection sensors.

(3) In the above embodiment, among the actuators AC1 and AC2 whose oscillation is detected by the same photosensor FS1, the insertion portion 82 of the actuator AC1 placed on the upstream side in the transport direction D1 has a strip shape. Although the description has been made using an example in which the insertion portion 84 of the actuator AC2 placed on the downstream side has a fan shape, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if there are two detection sensors that are not supposed to be turned on at the same time with respect to one sheet material 16 in the transport direction D1, any actuator AC of the two detection sensors may be either fan-shaped or strip-shaped. An insertion part may be formed.

(4) In the above embodiment, when determining which of the actuators AC1 and AC2 has oscillated, the determination is made based on whether or not the detection signal SG4 is turned on within a reference time from a predetermined timing. The judgment criteria are not limited to this. For example, when the shapes of the insertion portions 80 and 82 of the actuators AC1 and AC2 are different, it may be determined which actuator AC1 or AC2 is swung based on the difference in shape.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the printer 10 has one ASIC 60 and an example in which various processes are executed by one CPU 62 included in the ASIC 60 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various processes may be shared by different CPUs, ASICs, and the like.

(6) Further, the program executed by the CPU 62 does not necessarily have to be stored in the ROM 64, and may be stored in the CPU 62 itself or in another storage device.

10: printer, 14: supply tray, 28: transport path, 29: transport section, 30: image forming section, 50: fixing device, 52: rear end sensor, 54: pre-registration sensor, 56: paper width sensor, 58: Post-registration sensor, 59: paper discharge sensor, 74: control unit, 76: adjustment unit, 78: setting unit, 80, 82, 84: insertion unit, 90: manual sensor, 92: DX sensor, AC: actuator, D1 : Conveyance direction, D2: scanning direction, FS: photo sensor, KT: specified time, SG: detection signal, Z: central axis

Claims (6)

A transport unit that transports a transport object along a transport path;
A first oscillating member and a second oscillating member which are provided on the conveying path and oscillate when the conveying object comes into contact;
A first detector for detecting the swing of the first swing member and the second swing member;
A control unit;
With
As the first swing member swings, the first detection unit changes from a non-detection state that is not detected by the first detection unit to a detection state that is detected by the first detection unit, and the conveyance target object comes into contact with the first swing member. By further swinging to change to a non-detection state,
The second swing member changes from the non-detection state to the detection state as it swings,
The first swing member and the second swing member are in a non-detection state while the first swing member is in a detection state while the first swing member is in a detection state when the object to be conveyed passes, The second swing member is in a detection state when the first swing member is in a non-detection state, and is provided at a different position in the transport direction of the transport object;
The first detection unit outputs a first detection result when at least one of the first swing member and the second swing member is in a detection state, and the first swing member and the second swing member are output. When any of the members is in a non-detection state, the second detection result is output,
The control unit is a transfer device that executes a determination process for determining that the object to be transferred has passed through the first swing member and the second swing member from a detection result of the first detection unit ,
Furthermore,
Among the first swing member and the second swing member in the transport path, the transport target is provided on the upstream side of the first specified distance from the swing member disposed on the upstream side of the transport path. A third oscillating member that oscillates when the
A second detector for detecting the swing of the third swing member;
With
As the third swing member swings, the third swing member changes from a non-detection state that is not detected by the second detection unit to a detection state that is detected by the second detection unit,
The second detection unit outputs a third detection result when the third swinging member is in a detection state, and outputs a fourth detection result when the third swinging member is in a non-detection state.
In the determination process, the control unit outputs at least a first specified time calculated from the transfer speed of the transfer object and the first specified distance after the second detection unit outputs the third detection result. When the first detection unit outputs the first detection result, it is determined that the swing member disposed on the upstream side swings. It is a conveying apparatus of Claim 1 , Comprising:
The control unit executes a switching process for switching a detection target of the first detection unit, and after the first specified time has elapsed, the detection target is disposed downstream from the swinging member disposed on the upstream side. A transfer device that switches to a swing member. It is a conveyance apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 2 , Comprising:
The second swing member changes from a non-detection state to a detection state as it swings, and maintains the detection state even if it is further swung. It is a conveyance apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3 , Comprising:
The transport device, wherein the first swing member is provided on the upstream side of the transport path with respect to the second swing member. A transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
An image forming unit that forms an image on the transport object transported by the transport device;
An adjustment unit for adjusting the image formation start time of the image forming unit;
With
At least one of the first oscillating member and the second oscillating member is provided at a position in contact with the transport object when the transport object is transported in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction,
The image forming unit is provided on the downstream side of the transport path of the first swing member and the second swing member,
The adjustment unit adjusts the image formation start time based on a detection result of the first detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .
A setting unit for setting image forming conditions of the image forming unit;
The second rocking member is provided at a position different from the first rocking member in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction,
The setting unit is an image forming apparatus that sets the image forming condition based on a detection result of the first detection unit.

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