JP6152709B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

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

In a printing apparatus such as a stencil printing apparatus that has a paper feed section and a paper discharge section that are exposed or unfolded on the outside of the side of the apparatus, the paper is stacked on the paper feed section and paper discharge section so that Distortion and tilt may occur.
As a result, the housing of the image reading unit as well as the printing apparatus main body is distorted, which causes a problem that the read image is also distorted and the image quality is significantly lowered.

Conventionally, when distortion has occurred in the data read by the image reading unit, it has been dealt with by processing the image processing to correct the image distortion.
For example, in Patent Document 1, a correction pattern is extracted from a plurality of image data acquired by reading a distortion detection chart on which a correction pattern is formed, and the extracted same correction patterns are compared with each other in a reading area. A reading distortion amount corresponding to each reading position is calculated, and the image data is corrected based on the calculated value.
By such a method, it is possible to correct reading distortion at the time of image reading with high accuracy and to eliminate deterioration of image quality.

However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 corrects the read image by processing it by image processing and does not correct the distortion of the image reading unit itself, thus solving the root cause of image distortion. Absent.
Therefore, the problem of improving the reading quality of the image reading unit cannot be solved sufficiently.
In view of the above-described present situation, the present invention provides a printing apparatus that improves the quality of a read image by correcting the distortion (tilt) of the image reading unit itself due to the stacking of sheets, instead of performing image processing on the read image. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 1 includes an apparatus main body, an image reading unit that reads an original image provided on the apparatus main body, and a stack that stacks sheets provided on the apparatus main body. A load amount detecting means for detecting the load amount of the paper stacked on the stack portion, a correction means for correcting distortion of the image reading portion caused by the paper on the stack portion, the load amount and the The correction unit uses the distortion amount based on the storage unit that stores related data that correlates the distortion amount of the image reading unit, the load amount detected by the load amount detection unit, and the related data. Correction amount determining means for determining a correction amount according to (1).

  With the configuration as described above, according to the present invention, in a printing apparatus in which image distortion occurs due to distortion of the image reading unit due to stacking of paper, the distortion of the image reading unit is corrected to improve the quality of the read image. It becomes possible to do.

The figure explaining the whole structure of the stencil printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The control system block diagram in the stencil printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure showing the distortion detection method of the image reading part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure showing the distortion of the image reading part detected by reading the chart for distortion detection. The figure explaining the height adjustment mechanism of the image reading part installation surface in the stencil printing device concerning an embodiment of the invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a first processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a second processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a third processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sixth processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a stencil printing apparatus as an example of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The stencil printing apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 2, a plate making unit 3, a plate discharging unit 5, a paper discharge unit 6 provided in a casing constituting the exterior of the apparatus main body 1 A, and an operation panel (not shown) provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 1 A. And an image reading unit 7 mounted on the upper part of the apparatus main body 1A.

[Print section]
The printing unit 2 is provided at the center inside the stencil printing apparatus 1 (apparatus main body 1A), and includes a plate cylinder 10, a clamper 10a, a support shaft 11, an ink supply means 12, a printing pressure roller 16, and the like.
The plate cylinder 10 is provided with a porous cylindrical metal thin plate and a mesh screen wound around the outer periphery thereof, and has a clamper 10a for locking the leading end portion of the stencil sheet at a part of the outer periphery.
The plate cylinder 10 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 11 that also serves as an ink supply pipe, and is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow by a driving means (not shown).

In addition, an ink supply unit 12 including an ink roller 13 and a doctor roller 14 is disposed inside the plate cylinder 10.
The ink supplied from the support shaft 11 forms an ink reservoir 15 in the vicinity of the ink roller 13 and the doctor roller 14, and the ink in the ink reservoir 15 passes through the proximity of the ink roller 13 and the doctor roller 14. The ink roller 13 is supplied in layers on the peripheral surface.
The printing roller 16 is controlled to be pressed by a printing pressure driving means (not shown) in time with a predetermined area of the plate cylinder 10. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 10 and the ink roller 13 come into contact with each other, so that ink is supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 10 and oozes out from the opening portion of the plate cylinder 10 and is transferred onto the paper.

[Plate making part]
In the example of FIG. 1, a plate making unit 3 is provided on the upper right side of the printing unit 2.
The plate making unit 3 includes a stencil sheet roll 20, a platen roller 22, a thermal head 23, a cutter 24, a plate feeding roller pair 25, and the like.
The stencil sheet 21 of the rolled stencil sheet roll 20 is pressed against the thermal head 23 by the platen roller 22 to be heated and perforated, and is fed and conveyed toward the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 10 by the pair of feed rollers 25.
The plate-making stencil sheet is wound around the outer periphery of the plate cylinder 10 by the clamp system 10a being clamped at its tip, and is cut by a cutter 24 to a length of one plate.

[Paper Feeder]
A sheet feeding unit 4 is provided below the plate making unit 3.
The sheet feeding unit 4 includes a sheet feeding tray (stacking unit) 30 on which sheets before printing are stacked, sheet feeding rollers 31 and 32, a separation pad 33, a pair of registration rollers 34, and the like.
The paper feed tray 30 is attached to the inside of the casing side plate (not shown) so as to be movable in the vertical direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction, and a pair of side fences 35 that align the width direction of the paper P are synchronized with each other. It is configured to be movable.
Above the paper feed tray 30, paper feed rollers 31 and 32 having high frictional resistance members on their respective surfaces are arranged and driven to rotate by a driving means (not shown). When the paper feed tray 30 is raised, the paper P is pressed against the paper P at a predetermined pressure by the paper feed roller 31, and the paper is separated one by one by the paper feed rollers 31, 32 and the separation pad 33 to form a registration roller pair 34. Transport. The registration roller pair 34 is rotationally driven at a predetermined timing by driving force means (not shown), and conveys the sheet between the plate cylinder 10 and the printing pressure roller 16.
The paper feed unit 4 is provided with a paper feed stack amount detection means (not shown). This paper feed stack amount detection means may be a mechanism for detecting the weight of the stacked paper.

[Discarding part]
A plate discharging unit 5 is provided at the upper left of the printing unit 2.
The discharged plate portion 5 includes an upper discharged plate portion 40, a lower discharged plate portion 41, a discharged plate box 42, a compression plate 43, and the like.
The upper plate discharging unit 40 and the lower plate discharging unit 41 have driving rollers 44 and 47, driven rollers 45 and 48, and endless belts 46 and 49, respectively, and endless when the driving rollers 44 and 47 are rotated by driving means (not shown). The belt moves.
The stencil box 42 is detachably provided in the main body of the stencil printing apparatus 1, and stores used stencil sheets conveyed by the upper stencil discharge unit 40 and the lower stencil discharge unit 41 therein.
The compression plate 43 is supported in a vertically movable manner by an elevating means (not shown), and pushes the used stencil sheet conveyed by the upper plate discharging unit 40 and the lower plate discharging unit 41 into the plate discharging box 42. Yes.

[Output section]
A paper discharge unit 6 is provided below the plate discharge unit 5.
The paper discharge unit 6 includes a peeling claw 50, a paper discharge transport unit 51, a paper discharge storage unit 52, and the like.
The printed paper is peeled from the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 10 by the peeling claw 50.
The peeling claw 50 is swingably supported on the side plate of the printing apparatus main body by a support shaft, and is moved by the rotation of the plate cylinder 10 at a position where the tip thereof is close to the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 10 by a swing means (not shown). Is selectively swung to a position where it does not interfere with the clamper 10a and the like. The paper discharge conveyance unit 51 includes a driving roller 53, a driven roller 54, an endless belt 55, and a suction fan 56.

The driving roller 53 and the driven roller 54 are rotatably supported by a unit side plate (not shown), and the driving roller 53 is rotationally driven by a driving means (not shown).
An endless belt 55 having a plurality of apertures is stretched between the driving roller 53 and the driven roller 54. The driving roller 53 is driven by the driving means, and the printed paper is fed by the suction fan 56 below the endless belt. The sheet is conveyed to the paper discharge storage unit 52 while being suctioned upward.
The paper discharge storage unit (stacking unit) 52 includes a paper discharge tray 57 on which printed paper conveyed by the paper discharge conveyance unit 51 is stacked, a side fence 58 for aligning printed paper, and a pair of end fences 59. ing. The side fence 58 is configured to be movable toward and away from the sheet width direction, and the end fence 59 is configured to be movable in the sheet conveyance direction.
The paper discharge unit is provided with a paper discharge stack amount detection means (not shown). The discharged paper stack amount detection means may be a mechanism for detecting the weight of the stacked paper.

[Operation Panel / Image Reading Unit]
An operation panel (not shown) and an image reading unit 7 are provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 1A constituting the exterior of the stencil printing apparatus 1.
The image reading unit 7 is installed via an installation surface 72 on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1A.
Further, the image reading unit 7 includes a contact glass 60 on which an original is placed, a pressure plate 61 provided so as to be able to come in contact with and away from the contact glass 60, and reflection mirrors 62, 63, 64, 65 for scanning and reading the original image. Yes.
The image reading unit 7 includes a fluorescent lamp 66, a focusing lens 67 for focusing the scanned image, an image sensor 68 such as a CCD for processing the focused image, and a plurality of document size detection sensors 69 for detecting the size of the document. And an image memory 70 for storing the read image data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system in the stencil printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit Ctr of the stencil printing apparatus 1 includes the printing unit 2, the plate making unit 3, the paper feeding unit 4, the plate discharging unit 5, the paper discharge unit 6, the image reading unit 7, and the operation unit (operation unit). Panel) 8 to input / output data and control each operation unit.
The control unit Ctr includes a CPU 100 that executes a control program for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and a memory module (storage unit) 104 including a ROM 104a and a RAM 104b.

In addition to the print control unit 101 that controls the printing operation of the stencil printing apparatus 1, the CPU 100 includes, as control programs, processing units such as a distortion detection unit (distortion detection unit) 102 and a correction amount calculation unit (correction amount determination unit) 103. Run.
The ROM 104a stores in advance data indicating the relationship between the amount / weight of paper loaded on the paper feed unit 4 and paper discharge unit 6 (each paper stacking amount) and distortion (tilt) of the image reading unit 7. .
For example, from the difference between the weight of the paper loaded on the paper supply unit 4 and the weight of the paper discharge unit 6, it can be estimated to which side the apparatus main body 1A is distorted and inclined.
The correction of lifting the side that is lowered by the inclination or the correction that lowering the rising side is performed to correct the distortion of the housing of the image reading unit 7 and to change the posture of the image reading unit 7. It is possible to keep it level.

The distortion detection unit 102 detects distortion (inclination) of a read image obtained by reading a distortion detection chart (to be described later) with the image reading unit 7.
The correction amount calculation unit (correction amount determination unit) 103 calculates (determines) the distortion correction amount of the image reading unit 7 by the distortion adjustment mechanism 87 from the inclination of the read image detected by the distortion detection unit 102. In addition, the distortion correction amount of the image reading unit 7 by the distortion adjustment mechanism 87 is calculated (determined) from the relationship between each paper stack amount stored in the ROM 104 a and the distortion correction amount of the image reading unit 7.

The stencil printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a paper stacking amount detection unit (loading amount detection unit) 105 such as a weight sensor that detects the weight of the paper stacked on the printing device 1.
As described above, the paper stacking amount detection unit 105 includes a paper feed stacking amount detection unit 105a stacked on the paper feeding unit 4, and a paper discharge stacking amount detection unit 105b that detects the weight of the paper stacked on the paper discharge unit 6. And.
The stencil printing apparatus 1 further includes an initial activation detection means 106 that detects the initial activation of the printing apparatus, and an apparatus movement detection means 107 that detects movement of the printing apparatus 1 due to a change in installation location or the like.
The distortion of the image reading unit 7 is corrected based on the state of the installation surface at the time of initial installation using the first activation detection unit 106. When the movement of the printing apparatus 1 is detected by the apparatus movement detection unit 107, the installation location after the movement is detected. The distortion of the image reading unit 7 according to the state is detected and corrected, and the distortion is corrected by changing the installation location. As the device movement detecting means 107, for example, an acceleration sensor can be used.

Hereinafter, a method for detecting distortion of the image reading unit 7 included in the stencil printing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
Note that the configuration and control processing of the printing apparatus described below are not limited to the stencil printing apparatus. Even in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using normal toner, the image reading unit may be inclined and distorted depending on the installation location.
Further, depending on the presence of the manual feed tray, the paper discharge tray, and other post-processing apparatuses, the entire apparatus may be distorted or tilted, and the image reading unit may be distorted and the read image may be distorted.
The present embodiment is applicable to any image forming apparatus having an image reading unit.
The stencil printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is also applicable to the case where any one of the paper stacking sections for paper feed or paper discharge is provided.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a distortion detection method of the image reading unit according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively show a distortion detection chart 71.
In the distortion detection chart 71 shown in FIG. 3A, a distortion detection lattice pattern 71a is formed.
The image reading unit 7 reads the distortion detection chart 71 (reference document) and compares the read image (read image) 71b and the pattern 71a of the chart 71 as shown in FIG. The amount of distortion of the image 71b is detected.
The printing apparatus according to the present embodiment calculates a necessary correction amount from data detected using the read image of the chart 71 and corrects image distortion by correcting distortion of the image reading unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the distortion of the image reading unit detected by reading the distortion detection chart.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 7 is installed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A via installation surfaces 72 a to 72 d. The distortion of the image reading unit 7 is caused by a mismatch between the height of the plane formed by the three installation surfaces 72 and the remaining one installation surface 72. The height mismatch of the installation surfaces 72 is caused by the inclination of the apparatus main body 1A due to the sheets being stacked on the paper feed tray 30 and the paper discharge storage unit 52 of the paper feed unit 4 shown in FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, the installation surfaces 72a, 72b, 72c are on the same plane with the same height, and only the installation surface 72d has a different height.

In the stencil printing apparatus of the present embodiment, the image reading 7 is kept horizontal by finely moving at least one place of the plurality of installation surfaces 72 in the vertical direction (height direction), and distortion of the image reading unit 7 is corrected. .
Specifically, data on the relationship between the sheet stacking amount in the sheet feeding unit 4 and the sheet discharging unit 6 and the distortion amount in the image reading unit 7 is prepared in advance. Then, based on this data or based on data obtained by detecting distortion of the image reading unit 7 from the read image by the distortion detecting unit 102, the correction amount calculating unit 103 calculates a distortion correction amount.
Then, after calculating the distortion correction amount, the distortion of the image reading unit 7 is corrected by variably adjusting the height of the installation surface 72 by the distortion correcting unit 110.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the height adjustment mechanism of the image reading unit installation surface in the stencil printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the height adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment member 80 that supports the installation surface 72 and is movable in the vertical direction.
The adjusting member 80 is installed by fitting two elongated holes 80a and 80b into two fixed pins 81 and 82, and is slidable in the vertical direction of FIG.
Rack teeth 80 c are provided on one side surface of the adjustment member 80 in the vertical direction, and the rack teeth 80 c mesh with the worm gear 83.

The rack teeth 80c (adjustment member 80) slightly moves in the vertical direction as the worm gear 83 rotates as the drive shaft of the motor 84 that is the drive source rotates.
A slit disk 85 is provided on the rotation shaft of the motor, and the rotation amount of the slit disk 85 (that is, the amount of movement of the adjusting member 80) is detected by the optical sensor 86.
An adjustment mechanism 87 is configured by the adjustment member 80, the pins 81 and 82, the worm gear 83, the motor 84, and the like.
The slit disk 85, the optical sensor 86, and the like constitute a movement amount detection mechanism 88.
By providing the adjustment mechanism 87 and the movement amount detection mechanism 88 below the installation surface 72 of the image reading unit 7, a distortion correction unit that can variably adjust the height of the installation surface 72 of the image reading unit 7 is configured. Is done.

Hereinafter, control in the stencil printing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
The control described below is performed by operations of the distortion detection unit 102, the correction amount calculation unit 103, and the distortion correction unit 110 under the control of the printing apparatus main body control unit Ctr shown in FIG.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
After the printing apparatus 1 is activated (step S10), the sheet stacking amount detection unit 105 detects the stacking amount of sheets stacked on the sheet feeding unit 4 and the sheet discharge unit 6 (sheet stacking amount) (step S11).
Next, the correction amount calculation unit 103 is installed based on data (related data) on the relationship between the sheet stacking amounts in the paper feeding unit 4 and the paper discharging unit 6 and the distortion amount of the image reading unit 7 stored in the ROM 104a in advance. A correction amount for the height of the surface 72 is calculated (step S12).
Next, based on the correction amount calculated by the correction amount calculation unit 103, the distortion correction unit 110 performs distortion correction using the distortion adjustment mechanism 87 described above (step S13).
When the distortion correction by the distortion correcting unit 110 is completed, the CPU 100 (printing control unit 101) controls the image reading unit 7, the printing unit 2 and the like based on a user operation to read a document (step S14) and print (step S14). A normal printing operation such as step S15) is performed.

In this way, by correcting the distortion by calculating the distortion amount of the image reading unit 7 based on the respective sheet stacking amounts in the paper feeding unit 4 and the paper discharge unit 6, the reading distortion at the time of image reading is accurately corrected. Thus, it is possible to eliminate the distortion of the read image and the deterioration of the image quality caused by the distortion of the image reading unit 7.
Rather than relying on image processing as in Patent Document 1, the distortion correction amount of the image reading unit 7 is calculated based on the sheet stacking amount, and the distortion adjustment mechanism 87 performs distortion correction of the image reading device 7. Reading quality can be improved and image distortion can be corrected.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
After the printing apparatus 1 is activated (step S20), the distortion detection chart 71 (FIG. 3) as a reference document set in the image reading unit 7 without loading sheets on the paper supply unit 4 and the paper discharge unit 6 is displayed as an image. Reading is performed by the reading unit 7 (step S21).
The distortion amount of the read image obtained by reading the distortion detection chart 71 is not affected by the weight of the paper loaded on the paper feed unit 4 or the paper discharge unit 6, and the printing apparatus 1 itself is not affected by the inclination of the installation location. It comes from tilt and distortion.
The distortion detection unit 102 detects the distortion amount of the image reading unit 7 by the main body installation surface based on the reading result (read image) of the distortion detection chart (step S22).

Next, the paper stacking amount detection means 105 detects each paper stacking amount (paper feed stacking amount, paper discharge stacking amount) (step S23).
Then, the correction amount calculation unit 103 determines in step S23 based on the data on the relationship between each sheet stacking amount (paper feed stacking amount and paper discharge stacking amount) stored in the ROM 104a in advance and the distortion amount of the image reading unit 7. A necessary correction amount is calculated from the detected paper stacking amount (step S24).
At this time, the correction amount calculation unit 103 takes into account the distortion amount of the image reading unit 7 due to the main body installation surface detected in step S22.
Then, based on the correction amount calculated by the correction amount calculation unit 103, the distortion correction unit 110 performs distortion correction using the distortion adjustment mechanism 87 described above (step S25).
When the distortion correction by the distortion correcting unit 110 is completed, the CPU 100 (printing control unit 101) controls the image reading unit 7, the printing unit 2 and the like based on a user operation to read a document (step S14) and print (step S14). A normal printing operation such as step S15) is performed.

As described above, the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment corrects the distortion of the image reading unit 7 in consideration of the distortion caused by the paper stacking amount and the distortion of the image reading unit 7 caused by both the main body installation surface (paper). Correct the amount of distortion by adding the distortion caused by the load amount and the distortion caused by the condition of the main body installation surface).
Thereby, the distortion of the read image by the image reading part 7 can be eliminated more effectively.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
In the third processing operation, the distortion detection unit 102 detects the distortion amount of the image reading unit 7 from the read image obtained by reading the distortion detection chart.
Then, the correlation data between the distortion correction amount of the image reading unit 7 based on the detected distortion amount and each paper stacking amount (paper feed stacking amount, paper discharge stacking amount) at that time is accumulated.
Then, a distortion amount (distortion correction amount) of the image reading unit 7 is obtained from the accumulated data and each sheet stacking amount.

After the printing apparatus 1 is activated (step S30), the paper feed stack amount detection unit 105a and the paper discharge stack amount detection unit 105b detect the paper stack amounts in the paper feed unit 4 and the paper discharge unit 6 (step S31).
When the paper stacking amount detection unit 105a and the paper discharge stacking amount detection unit 105b detect the respective paper stacking amounts in the paper feeding unit 4 and the paper discharge unit 6, the CPU 101 stores the detected values of the respective paper stacking amounts in the RAM 104a ( Accumulation) (step S32).
If the ROM 104a is a rewritable memory such as a flash memory, the detected value of each sheet stacking amount may be stored in the ROM 104a.

Subsequently, the image reading unit 7 reads the distortion detection chart installed in the image reading unit 7 (step S33), and the distortion detection unit 102 detects the distortion amount of the read image based on the read result (step S34). ).
The correction amount calculation unit 103 calculates a necessary correction amount based on the detected distortion amount (step S35), and stores it in the ROM 104a in association with the paper stacking amount at that time (step S36).
Next, based on the correction amount calculated by the correction amount calculation unit 103 in step S35, the distortion correction unit 110 corrects the distortion using the distortion adjustment mechanism 87 (step S37).
When the distortion correction by the distortion correcting unit 110 is completed, the CPU 100 (printing control unit 101) controls the image reading unit 7, the printing unit 2 and the like based on a user operation to read a document (step S38) and print (step S38). A normal printing operation such as step S39) is performed.

  With the configuration described above, data indicating the relationship between each sheet stacking amount and the distortion amount (correction amount) of the image reading unit is accumulated. After the predetermined amount of data is accumulated, it is possible to eliminate the need to read the distortion detection chart.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a fourth processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.
After the printing apparatus 1 is activated (step S40), the paper feed stack amount detection unit 105a and the paper discharge stack amount detection unit 105b detect the stack amounts of the sheets accumulated in the paper feed unit 4 and the paper discharge unit 6 (step S40). S41).
The correction amount calculation unit 103 calculates a necessary correction amount from the relationship between the sheet stacking amount accumulated in the storage unit 104 and the correction amount in step S36 of FIG. 8 (step S42), and the distortion correction unit 110 corrects the distortion. This is performed (step S43).

Here, with the distortion detection chart installed in the image reading unit 7, the image reading unit 7 reads the distortion detection chart (step S44), and based on the read result, the distortion detection unit 102 reads the read image. The amount of distortion is detected (step S45).
As a result, when there is an image distortion (Yes in step S46), the relationship between the sheet stacking amount accumulated in the storage unit and the distortion is not correct.
In this case, the distortion correction unit 110 performs distortion correction based on the distortion amount detected from the result of reading the distortion detection chart (step S48), and the correction amount at that time and the sheet stacking amount detected in step S41 are used. Store (accumulate) in the ROM 104a (step S49).
In other words, the related data relating the distortion amount and the paper stacking amount is updated according to the relationship between the detected distortion amount and the paper stacking amount at that time. At this time, the CPU 100 functions as a data update unit.

Subsequently, the CPU 100 (printing control unit 101) controls the image reading unit 7, the printing unit 2, and the like based on a user operation, and performs normal printing operations such as reading a document (step S50) and printing (step S51). Do.
Then, returning to step S41, the distortion correction based on the sheet stacking amount (step S41) and the distortion amount detection by reading the distortion detection chart (step S45) are performed and the sheet stacking amount and the distortion amount (correction amount) are also determined. The relationship data is accumulated in step S49.
This continues until no distortion occurs in the image reading unit 7 (until no distortion is actually detected in the distortion detection chart read image after correction based on the paper stacking amount).
In this process, the repetition of the processing from step S41 to step S51 is a step of improving the reliability of correction based on the paper stacking amount.
If no distortion is detected in the distortion detection chart read image as a result of the distortion correction based on the paper stacking amount (No in step S46), the relationship between the paper stacking amount stored in the ROM 104a and the correction amount is correct. Become.

The CPU 100 (print control unit 101) directly controls the image reading unit 7, the printing unit 2, and the like, and performs normal printing operations such as document reading (step S52) and printing (step S53).
In the next and subsequent printing operations, the amount of paper loading is detected (step S54), and the amount of distortion correction by the distortion adjustment mechanism 87 is calculated from the data on the relationship between the amount of paper loading and the amount of distortion correction of the image reading unit 7 (step S55).
Next, the distortion correction unit 110 performs distortion correction of the image reading unit 7 based on the distortion correction amount (step S56), and the CPU 100 (printing control unit 101) directly controls the image reading unit 7, the printing unit 2, and the like. Normal printing operations such as reading a document (step S52) and printing (step S53) are performed.

With this configuration, the accuracy and reliability of the relationship between the paper stacking amount accumulated in the storage unit and the distortion correction amount of the image reading unit are repeatedly reviewed to improve accuracy. Thus, distortion correction of the image reading unit 7 can be performed.
Further, after the accurate data indicating the relationship between the paper stacking amount and the distortion correction amount of the image reading unit is completed, it is not necessary to read the distortion detection chart, and the complexity for the user can be eliminated.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.
In this processing operation, when the printing apparatus 1 is activated for the first time, the distortion of the image reading unit 7 is corrected by reading the distortion detection chart.
After the printing apparatus 1 is activated (step S60), the first activation detection unit 106 confirms whether or not the current activation is the first activation (step S61).
When it is the first activation (Yes in Step S61), the control unit Ctr notifies the operation panel 8 of reading the distortion detection chart (Step S62).

For example, the user is instructed to install and read the distortion detection chart on the operation panel 8.
In order to correct the distortion of the image reading unit 7 due to the state of the installation plane 72, the distortion detection chart is read by the image reading unit 7 with the distortion detection chart installed in the image reading unit 7 (step S63). ), The distortion amount of the read image is detected by the distortion detector 102 (step S64).
When the distortion amount of the image reading unit 7 is detected by the distortion detection unit 102, the correction amount calculation unit 103 calculates a necessary correction amount (step S65).
Then, based on the correction amount calculated by the correction amount calculation unit 103, the distortion correction unit 110 performs distortion correction of the image reading unit 7 using the distortion adjustment mechanism 87 (step S66).
Thereafter, the CPU 100 (print control unit 101) shifts to a normal operation such as reading a document (step S58) and printing (step S59) (step S67).

If it is not the first activation (No in step 61), then the CPU 100 (print control unit 101) shifts to a normal operation such as reading a document (step S58) and printing (step S59) (step S67).
With this configuration, the distortion of the image reading unit 7 can be corrected at the first activation of the printing apparatus 1, and the image reading quality in the image reading unit can be improved.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the sixth processing operation of the stencil printing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.
In this processing operation, when the movement of the printing apparatus 1 is detected by the movement detection unit, the user is notified to read the distortion detection chart by the image reading unit 7.

After starting the printing apparatus 1 (step S70), the apparatus movement detection means 107 confirms whether the printing apparatus 1 has been moved (step S71).
When the apparatus movement detection unit 107 detects the movement of the printing apparatus 1, the operation panel 8 (FIG. 2) notifies the user to read the distortion detection chart (step S72). This is because there is a possibility that the state of the installation plane 72 has changed due to the movement of the printing apparatus 1, so that it is necessary to correct the distortion caused by the state of the installation plane 72.
With the distortion detection chart installed in the image reading unit 7, the image reading unit 7 reads the distortion detection chart (step S73), and the distortion detection unit 102 detects the distortion amount of the read image (step S74). .
After the image distortion amount is detected by the distortion detection unit 102, the correction amount calculation unit 103 calculates a necessary correction amount (step S75).
Based on the correction amount calculated by the correction amount calculation unit 103, the distortion correction unit 110 corrects the distortion (step S76).

If the apparatus movement detection unit 107 has not detected the movement of the printing apparatus 1, the CPU 100 (printing control unit 101) shifts to a normal operation such as reading a document (step S77) or printing (step S78).
With this configuration, even when the printing apparatus 1 is moved, the distortion of the image reading unit 7 can be corrected and the image reading quality in the image reading unit can be improved.

According to the printing apparatus of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to improve the illuminance nonuniformity of the light source such as the fluorescent lamp 66 in the image reading unit 7 by taking mechanical distortion of the image reading unit 7.
Further, by taking mechanical distortion of the image reading unit 7, there is an effect that the optical system in the image reading unit 7 and the focus of the image sensor 68 are made uniform.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stencil printing apparatus, 1A apparatus main body, 2 printing part, 3 plate making part, 4 paper feed part, 5 paper discharge part, 6 paper discharge part, 7 image reading part, 8 operation panel, 10 plate cylinder, 10a clamper, 11 support shaft 12 Ink supply means, 13 Ink roller, 14 Doctor roller, 16 Printing roller, 20 Stencil paper roll, 21 Stencil paper, 22 Platen roller, 23 Thermal head, 24 Cutter, 25 Plate feed roller pair, 30 Paper feed tray, 31 Paper feed roller, 33 Separation pad, 34 Registration roller pair, 35 Side fence, 40 Upper plate removal unit, 41 Lower plate discharge unit, 42 Plate release box, 43 Compression plate, 44 Drive roller, 45 Drive roller, 46 Endless belt, 50 Peeling Claw, 51 paper discharge conveyance part, 52 paper discharge storage part, 53 driving roller, 54 driven roller, 55 endless belt, 6 Suction fan, 57 Discharge stand, 58 Side fence, 59 End fence, 60 Contact glass, 61 Press plate, 62 Reflecting mirror, 66 Fluorescent lamp, 67 Focusing lens, 68 Image sensor, 69 Document size detection sensor, 70 Image memory 71 chart, 71 detection chart, 71a pattern, 71a grid pattern, 71b image, 72 installation plane, 72 installation plane, 72a installation plane, 72d installation plane, 80 adjustment member, 80a oblong hole, 80c rack tooth, 81 pin, 83 Worm gear, 84 motor, 85 slit disk, 86 optical sensor, 87 adjustment mechanism, 88 movement amount detection mechanism, 100 CPU, 101 print control unit, 102 distortion detection unit, 103 correction amount calculation unit, 104 memory module, 104a ROM, 104b RAM, 10 Sheet stacking amount detecting means, 105a feeding stacking amount detecting means, 105b discharge sheet stacking amount detecting means, 106 first start detecting means, 107 device movement detection unit, 110 distortion correcting unit

JP 2012-165220 A

Claims (7)

The device body;
An image reading unit for reading a document image provided in the apparatus body;
A stacking unit for stacking sheets provided in the apparatus body;
A load amount detecting means for detecting the load amount of the paper loaded on the load section;
Correction means for correcting distortion of the image reading unit caused by paper on the stacking unit;
Storage means for storing related data associating the load amount with the distortion amount of the image reading unit;
Correction amount determination means for determining a correction amount by the correction means using the distortion amount based on the load amount detected by the load amount detection means and the related data ;
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction unit is a mechanism that moves at least one place on an installation surface of the image reading unit with respect to the apparatus main body in a vertical direction.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
  Distortion detecting means for detecting the amount of distortion based on a read image of a reference document read by the image reading unit,
  The correction amount determination unit adds the correction amount by adding the distortion amount based on the stack amount and the related data to the distortion amount detected by the distortion detection unit in a state where no paper is stacked on the stacking unit. A printing apparatus characterized by calculating.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
  Distortion detecting means for detecting the amount of distortion based on a read image of a reference document read by the image reading unit;
  When distortion is detected by the distortion detector in a state where distortion of the housing of the image reading unit is corrected by the correction amount determined based on the load amount and the related data, the detected distortion amount and Data updating means for updating the related data according to the relationship of the load amount;
A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
  Initial activation detecting means for detecting the initial activation of the printing apparatus;
  An informing means for informing the image reading unit to read the reference document when the initial activation is detected by the initial activation detecting means;
A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
  Movement detecting means for detecting movement of the printing apparatus;
  A printing apparatus comprising: an informing means for informing the image reading unit to read the reference document when the movement detecting means detects the movement of the printing apparatus.   The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
  The stacking unit includes a paper feed stacking unit on which sheets before printing are stacked, and a paper discharge stacking unit on which sheets after printing are stacked,
  The stacking amount detecting unit detects a stacking amount of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit, and a discharge stacking unit that detects a stacking amount of sheets stacked on the discharge stacking unit. A quantity detection means;
With
  The correction amount determination unit is configured to correct the correction unit based on a sheet stacking amount in each of the paper feed stacking unit and the paper discharge stacking unit detected by the paper feed stacking amount detection unit and the paper discharge stacking amount detection unit. A printing apparatus characterized by determining a correction amount according to the method.

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