JP6898581B2 - Image forming device and control program of image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control program for the image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on an envelope and a control program for the image forming apparatus.

In recent years, the applications of image forming devices such as copiers and printers have expanded, and it is required to support printing not only on plain paper but also on various media such as envelopes.

Envelopes, unlike plain paper, have flaps to close the envelope. Conventionally, various techniques have been proposed in which flaps of envelopes are detected and appropriate processing is performed on the envelopes. For example, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, in an envelope with a flap closed, a technique is proposed in which the position of the flap inside the envelope surface is detected by a sensor or the like to prevent an error in setting the front and back of the envelope. .. Further, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, a technique is proposed in which the thickness of an envelope is detected by a sensor, the open / closed state of the flap is determined, and transport control and print control are performed according to the flap state.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-92841 JP-A-2007-152644

However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the front and back of the envelope with the flap open cannot be determined because the front and back of the envelope are determined by the position of the flap in the envelope surface. Further, the invention described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that the front and back sides of the envelope cannot be determined, although the control is performed according to the envelope in the open state of the flap.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a control program of the image forming apparatus for determining the front and back sides of an envelope with the flaps open and preventing setting mistakes. To do.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) A transport path for transporting an envelope having a flap for closing the seal of the bag-shaped main body, and
Detection in which the light emitting element irradiates at least a part of the envelope with light along the transport direction of the envelope, and the light receiving element detects the amount of reflected light from the position irradiated by the light emitting element in the envelope. An image including a unit, a control unit that determines the front and back of the envelope based on a profile indicating a correspondence between a position where light is irradiated onto the envelope by the light emitting element and the amount of reflected light detected at the position. Forming device.

(2) The detection unit detects the amount of reflected light from the front end to the rear end of the envelope along the transport direction, and the control unit detects the amount of reflected light of the envelope from the front end to the rear end based on the profile extending from the front end to the rear end. The image forming apparatus according to (1) above, which determines the front and back sides.

(3) The control unit refers to the profile and determines whether or not there is a step due to a change in the amount of reflected light, and if there is no step, it is determined that the envelope faces the detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2) above, wherein when there is a step, it is determined that the envelope faces the back surface of the detection unit.

(4) The image forming apparatus according to (3) above, wherein when the profile has the step, the control unit determines the position of the flap with respect to the main body of the envelope based on the position where the step appears. ..

(5) If the profile does not have the step, the control unit determines whether or not there is an inclination due to a change in the amount of reflected light, and if there is an inclination, the envelope is based on a position where the inclination appears. The image forming apparatus according to (3) or (4) above, which determines the position of the flap with respect to the main body portion of the above.

(6) The detection unit has a plurality of sensors arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and the control unit has the envelope based on the profile obtained by one sensor included in the plurality of sensors. When the front and back sides of the envelope are determined and the profile obtained by the one sensor is referred to, and the profile has neither the step nor the inclination, the planar shape of the envelope is determined based on the reflected light amount detected by the plurality of sensors. The image forming apparatus according to (5) above, which identifies and determines the position of the flap with respect to the main body of the envelope.

(7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the detection unit is provided on the transport path.

(8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6) above, which further has an accommodating portion for accommodating the envelope, and the detecting unit is provided in the accommodating portion.

(9) The accommodating unit further has a moving means for raising the detection unit relative to the envelope, and the control unit may refer to the profile when the accuracy of the profile is low. If it cannot be determined whether or not there is a step due to the change in the reflected light amount, it is determined whether or not there is an inclination due to the change in the reflected light amount, and if there is an inclination, the detection unit is used by the moving means. When the amount of reflected light does not increase due to the increase of the detection unit, it is determined that the envelope faces the detection unit, and the amount of reflected light increases due to the increase of the detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to (8) above, which determines that the envelope faces the back surface of the detection unit.

(10) A transport path for transporting an envelope having a flap for closing the seal of the bag-shaped main body, and
Detection in which the light emitting element irradiates at least a part of the envelope with light along the transport direction of the envelope, and the light receiving element detects the amount of reflected light from the position irradiated by the light emitting element in the envelope. Department and
It is a control program of an image forming apparatus having
To cause a computer to perform step (a) of determining the front and back of the envelope based on a profile showing the correspondence between the position where the light emitting element irradiates the envelope with light and the amount of reflected light detected at the position. Control program.

(11) In the step (a), the front and back sides of the envelope are determined based on the profile of the reflected light amount from the front end to the rear end of the envelope along the transport direction. Control program.

(12) The step (a) refers to the profile and determines whether or not there is a step due to a change in the amount of reflected light, and if there is no step in the step (b), the step is described. A step (c) for determining that the envelope faces the detection unit, and a step (d) for determining that the envelope faces the detection unit when there is a step in the step (b). ), And the control program according to (10) or (11) above.

(13) When the profile has the step in the step (b), the above (e) further includes a step (e) of determining the position of the flap with respect to the main body of the envelope based on the position where the step appears. The control program according to 12).

(14) When there is no step in the profile in the step (b), there is a step (f) for determining whether or not there is a tilt due to a change in the reflected light amount, and there is a tilt in the step (f). The control program according to (12) or (13) above, further comprising a step (g) of determining the position of the flap with respect to the main body of the envelope based on the position where the inclination appears.

(15) In the step (a), the front and back sides of the envelope are determined based on the profile obtained by one sensor included in the detection unit, which is a plurality of sensors arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. When the profile has neither the step nor the inclination, the planar shape of the envelope is specified based on the amount of reflected light detected by the plurality of sensors, and the envelope is identified. The control program according to (14) above, further comprising a step (h) of determining the position of the flap with respect to the main body portion of the above.

(16) When the accuracy of the profile is low and it is not possible to determine whether or not there is a step due to the change in the reflected light amount even with reference to the profile, whether or not there is a gradient due to the change in the reflected light amount. The step (i) for determining the above, the step (j) for relatively raising the detection unit by the moving means when there is the inclination, and the step (j) when the amount of reflected light does not increase due to the rise of the detection unit. A step (k) of determining that the envelope faces the detection unit, and a step of determining that the envelope faces the back surface of the detection unit when the amount of reflected light increases due to the rise of the detection unit. The control program according to any one of (10) to (15) above, further comprising (l) and.

According to the image forming apparatus, the amount of reflected light from the envelope is detected along the transport direction of the envelope, and the front and back sides of the envelope are determined based on the profile showing the correspondence between the detected position and the amount of reflected light. By making a determination based on the profile, the image forming apparatus can prevent an error in setting the front and back of the envelope regardless of the bent state of the flap.

It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structure of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of each part of an envelope, and the detection position on an envelope. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the detection position on an envelope, and the amount of reflected light. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the accommodating part of the modification 1. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the processing of the image forming apparatus of the modification 2. It is a figure for demonstrating the detection position on the envelope of the modification 3. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the processing of the image forming apparatus of the modification 3. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of the envelope orientation addition determination shown in step S309 of FIG. 9 is a subroutine flowchart showing a procedure for processing an envelope orientation addition determination shown in step S309 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the processing of the image forming apparatus of the modification 4. It is a figure for demonstrating the amount of reflected light of the envelope with the flap facing in the width direction.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

First, a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 has a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation panel 14, a paper feeding unit 15, a conveying unit 16, and an image forming unit 17 as hardware configurations. And has a detection unit 18. These are connected to each other via a signal line such as a bus for exchanging signals. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 may be composed of an image forming apparatus main body 10a and a paper feeding device 10b for feeding a recording medium into the image forming apparatus main body 10a.

The control unit 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each of the above units and performs various arithmetic processes according to a program.

The storage unit 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and various data in advance, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area, a hard disk that stores various programs and various data, and the like. Consists of.

The communication unit 13 is an interface for communicating with a PC (Personal Computer) or the like via a network such as a LAN, and receives, for example, a print job from a PC operated by a user.

The operation panel 14 has a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like, and is used for displaying various information and inputting various instructions.

The paper feed unit 15 has an accommodating unit (paper feed tray) 151 and a paper feed roller 152. The storage unit 151 stores a plurality of recording media such as an envelope 20. The paper feed roller 152 feeds the recording media one by one to the transport path 161 on the downstream side, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feeding unit 15 may have a plurality of accommodating units 151.

The transport unit 16 has a transport path 161, a plurality of transport roller pairs arranged along the transport path 161 and a drive motor (not shown) for driving the transport roller pair. The transport unit 16 transports the recording media fed one by one from the paper feed unit 15 to the image forming unit 17, which will be described later, along the transport path 161.

The image forming unit 17 forms an image on a recording medium such as an envelope 20 by using a well-known image forming process such as an electrophotographic method including each step of charging, exposure, development, transfer and fixing.

The detection unit 18 is a sensor such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and has an optical element such as a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and a lens array. As shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 18 is provided on the transport path 161. When the envelope 20 is transported by the transport unit 16 at the position of the detection unit 18, the detection unit 18 irradiates at least a part of the envelope 20 with light by the light emitting element, and the light receiving element transmits the light from the envelope 20. The amount of reflected light (hereinafter referred to as "reflected light amount") is detected.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, one detection unit 18 is provided on the downstream side of the confluence point where the transport paths from each accommodating unit 151 meet, but each accommodating unit 18 is on the upstream side of the confluence point. It may be provided one by one for 151. That is, the detection unit 18 may be provided so that the envelope 20 fed from the paper feeding unit 15 passes through the detection unit 18 at least once.

Further, the detection unit 18 may be provided at a position where the front end of the envelope 20 does not yet reach the image forming unit 17 when the rear end of the envelope 20 having the maximum length exits the detection area of the detection unit 18. desirable.

(How to judge the front and back of an envelope)
Next, a method of determining the front and back sides of the envelope 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of each part of the envelope and the detection position on the envelope. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the detection position on the envelope and the amount of reflected light.

In the drawings below, the transport direction of the envelope 20 is the X direction, and the width direction of the envelope 20 orthogonal to the transport direction is the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the envelope 20 has a bag-shaped main body 21 and a flap 22 for closing the seal of the main body 21. Further, the envelope 20 has a crease between the main body 21 and the flap 22 so that the flap 22 can be bent. The flap 22 closes the seal of the main body 21 by being bent along the crease.

Envelopes 20 are expected to come in a variety of sizes. Therefore, the detection unit 18 of the present embodiment determines the position near the center of the envelope 20 in the width direction (Y direction), for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, in order to correspond to the envelopes 20 having various widths. It is provided to detect. However, there may be a bonded portion (not shown) of the envelope 20 near the center of the back surface of the envelope 20 in the width direction. Therefore, it is desirable that the detection unit 18 is provided at an appropriate position so as not to detect the amount of reflected light at the step of the bonded portion and make the detection result unstable.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the flap 22 has the thickness of one sheet of paper constituting the envelope 20, while the main body 21 has a thickness of at least two sheets of paper. Therefore, the thicknesses of the main body 21 and the flap 22 are different.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the detection unit 18 is preliminarily adjusted so as to focus on the main body portion 21, and when the main body portion 21 is irradiated with light, the maximum amount of reflected light (hereinafter, “” It is configured to detect (called "maximum reflected light amount"). In the following, it is assumed that the envelope 20 is transported with the flap 22 at the front end or the rear end of the envelope 20 in the transport direction (X direction).

As shown in FIG. 4, the envelope 20 shown in FIG. 3 can be transported in the state shown in any of (a) to (d) depending on the combination of the front and back states of the envelope 20 and the presence or absence of bending of the flap 22. .. (A) and (b) indicate a state in which the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 18, and (c) and (d) indicate a state in which the envelope 20 faces the back surface toward the detection unit 18. Further, (a) and (c) show a case where the flap 22 is open and the flap 22 is not bent along the crease. (B) and (d) show a state in which the flap 22 is opened and the flap 22 is bent along the crease.

In the following, the relationship between the detection position of the detection unit 18 on the envelope 20 (that is, the position of irradiating the light on the envelope 20) and the detected reflected light amount in each of the cases (a) to (d) will be described. explain. In the following, the distance between the detection unit 18 and the main body 21 is referred to as a “first distance”, and the distance between the detection unit 18 and the flap 22 is referred to as a “second distance”. On the main body 21, the first distance is constant. Further, as described above, since the detection unit 18 is adjusted in advance so as to focus on the main body portion 21, the focal length of the detection unit 18 is equal to the first distance.

In the case of (a), the second distance is constant as well as the first distance, and the first distance and the second distance are equal. Therefore, the reflected light amount is the maximum reflected light amount regardless of the detection position on the envelope 20.

In the case of (b), the second distance increases as the detection unit 18 moves away from the fold line (toward the right in FIG. 4). As the second distance increases, the deviation from the focal length also increases, so that the amount of reflected light decreases. Therefore, the amount of reflected light reaches the maximum amount of reflected light on the main body 21 regardless of the detection position, and decreases as the detection position moves away from the fold line on the flap 22. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4B, the inclination corresponding to the bending of the flap 22 appears as the change in the amount of reflected light.

In the case of (c), as described above, since the flap 22 is usually thinner than the main body 21, the second distance increases by a certain amount from the first distance, which is the focal length. Therefore, the amount of reflected light is the maximum amount of reflected light on the main body 21 regardless of the detection position, and the amount of reflected light on the flap 22 is a certain amount less than the maximum amount of reflected light regardless of the detection position. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4C, a step corresponding to the difference in thickness between the main body 21 and the flap 22 appears as a change in the amount of reflected light.

In the case of (d), the amount of reflected light changes in a complicated manner as if the above (b) and (c) were combined. First, as in (c), the second distance increases by a certain amount from the first distance, which is the focal length, due to the difference in thickness between the main body 21 and the flap 22, so that the amount of reflected light decreases once. However, the second distance decreases as the detection unit 18 moves away from the fold line, and at the position p1 shown in FIG. 4, it becomes equal to the first distance, which is the focal length. Therefore, the amount of reflected light increases while the detection unit 18 is from the fold line to p1, and the amount of reflected light decreases as the detection unit 18 moves from p1 to p2. Therefore, the amount of reflected light reaches the maximum amount of reflected light on the main body 21 regardless of the detection position, and on the flap 22, the amount of reflected light changes in a complicated manner as the detection position moves away from the fold line, and finally decreases. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4D, as the change in the amount of reflected light, both the step corresponding to the difference in thickness between the main body 21 and the flap 22 and the inclination corresponding to the bending of the flap 22 are both present. appear. In the example shown in FIG. 4D, the amount of reflected light at p1 has returned to the maximum amount of reflected light, but the reflected light is affected by the inclination of the flap 22 and actually reaches the maximum amount of reflected light. May not return.

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 determines the front and back sides of the envelope 20 based on which of the above features (a) to (d) the reflected light amount from the envelope 20 detected by the detection unit 18 has. To do. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 18 when a step does not appear in the profile. On the other hand, the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 18 when a step appears in the profile, as shown in FIGS. 4 (c) and 4 (d). The image forming apparatus 10 may determine that there is a step when, for example, the difference in the amount of reflected light at the detection positions adjacent to each other along the transport direction of the envelope 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

(Control method according to this embodiment)
Subsequently, a control method of the image forming apparatus 10 for executing the process of determining the front and back of the envelope 20 as described above will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus.

The algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is stored as a program in the storage unit 12, and is executed by the control unit 11.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the envelope 20 corresponding to the print setting of the print job is conveyed at the position of the detection unit 18, the detection unit 18 first conveys the envelope 20 at regular intervals along the transfer direction of the envelope 20. Then, the amount of reflected light from the front end to the rear end of the envelope 20 is detected (step S101).

Subsequently, the control unit 11 acquires information on the amount of reflected light detected in step S101, and acquires a profile based on the detection position of the detection unit 18 and the amount of reflected light detected at each detection position (step S102). .. That is, the control unit 11 acquires a profile of the amount of reflected light from the front end to the rear end of the envelope 20. The control unit 11 may store the information of the reflected light amount detected in step S101 in the storage unit 12, and may create a profile of the reflected light amount after the detection of the envelope 20 is completed. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may create a profile while acquiring information on the amount of reflected light.

Subsequently, the control unit 11 refers to the profile acquired in step S102 and determines whether or not there is a step due to a change in the amount of reflected light (step S103). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the change in the amount of reflected light caused by the difference in thickness between the main body unit 21 and the flap 22 as described above appears in the profile as a step.

When there is no step in the profile (step S103: NO), the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 18 (step S104).
When there is a step in the profile (step S103: YES), the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 18 (step S105).

Subsequently, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the determination result of the front and back sides of the envelope 20 and the image formation surface in the print setting of the print job match (step S106).

If they match (step S106: YES), the control unit 11 ends the process. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that there is no mistake in setting the front and back sides of the envelope 20.

If they do not match (step S106: NO), the control unit 11 causes the transport unit 16 to stop the transport of the envelope 20 to warn the user (step S107). The control unit 11 warns the user by displaying a warning on the operation panel 14 or transmitting a warning to the user's PC or the like via the communication unit 13. Then, the control unit 11 ends the process. In this case, the control unit 11 has determined that the front and back sides of the envelope 20 are set incorrectly.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 10, the amount of reflected light from the envelope 20 is detected along the transport direction of the envelope 20, and the envelope 20 is based on a profile showing the correspondence between the detected position and the amount of reflected light. Judge the front and back. By making a determination based on the profile, the image forming apparatus 10 can prevent an error in setting the front and back of the envelope 20 regardless of the bent state of the flap 22.

Further, the image forming apparatus 10 detects the amount of reflected light from the front end to the rear end of the envelope 20 along the transport direction of the envelope 20. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 determines the front and back sides of the envelope 20 based on the profile extending from the front end to the rear end of the envelope 20. Therefore, since the image forming apparatus 10 determines the entire envelope 20, the front and back sides of the envelope 20 can be determined regardless of whether the flap 22 is at the front end or the rear end of the envelope 20 in the transport direction.

Further, the image forming apparatus 10 refers to the profile and determines the front and back sides of the envelope 20 based on whether or not there is a step in the change in the amount of reflected light. When the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 18 with the back surface facing, a step appears in the change in the amount of reflected light regardless of the bent state of the flap 22, so that the image forming apparatus 10 captures the characteristics of this portion and the envelope 20 You can judge the front and back.

Further, the detection unit 18 is provided on the transport path 161. Since the image forming apparatus 10 only needs to detect the amount of reflected light when the envelope 20 conveys the position of the detection unit 18, it is not necessary to move the detection unit 18. Further, when the image forming apparatus 10 already has a sensor corresponding to the detection unit 18, the sensor may also be used as the detection unit 18. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 can realize the present embodiment without preparing a complicated configuration.

In the above embodiment, an example of the processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 has been described. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Various changes and improvements are possible as follows.

The image forming apparatus 10 detects the amount of reflected light from the front end to the rear end of the envelope 20 along the transport direction of the envelope 20. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Since the image forming apparatus 10 may create a profile while detecting the amount of reflected light, the processing of steps S101 and S102 starts when the detection of the amount of reflected light is started from the front end of the envelope 20 and the step of the profile is confirmed. May be terminated. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 can appropriately reduce the processing load while detecting the step difference in the profile.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the front and back surfaces of the envelope 20 are set incorrectly, the image forming apparatus 10 warns the user. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. When the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the front and back surfaces of the envelope 20 are set incorrectly, the image forming surface may be changed by changing the page setting of the image data or the like and exchanging the front and back data. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 can output the envelope 20 printed on the correct printing surface without having the user reset the envelope 20, so that the convenience of the user can be improved.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the front and back sides of the envelope 20 are set incorrectly, the image forming apparatus 10 may warn the user and eject the envelope 20 to a purge tray (not shown) or the like without forming an image. .. This allows the user to reuse the envelope 20.

Further, the detection unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 is adjusted in advance so as to focus on the main body 21. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The detection unit 18 may focus on the flap 22 in the state (c) of FIG. 4, for example. Then, in the case of (c), the reflected light amount becomes the maximum reflected light amount on the flap 22, and the reflected light amount becomes a certain amount less than the maximum reflected light amount on the main body 21, but there is a step due to the change in the reflected light amount. The points that appear are common. In this way, the image forming apparatus 10 can determine the front and back sides of the envelope 20 even when the main body 21 is not focused.

Further, the image forming apparatus 10 may apply the determination of the front and back sides of the present embodiment to the envelope 20 in the state where the flap 22 is closed. When the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 18 with the flap 22 closed, no change appears in the profile. On the other hand, when the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 18 with the flap 22 closed, the flap 22 overlaps the main body 21, so that a step appears in the profile. This result is similar to the profile when the flap 22 is open and the flap 22 is not bent along the creases. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 can also determine the front and back sides of the envelope 20 with the flap 22 closed.

Further, depending on the shape of the envelope 20, there may be a bonded portion formed along the width direction of the envelope 20 near the lower portion (bottom portion) of the back surface of the envelope 20. Since the detection unit 18 can detect the amount of reflected light across the bonded portion, the control unit 11 may determine the bonded portion as a step based on the profile of the reflected light amount. However, the bonded portion usually exists only on the back surface of the envelope 20, and there is also a step corresponding to the difference in thickness between the main body portion 21 and the flap 22 near the upper portion of the back surface of the envelope. Therefore, even if the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the bonded portion is a step, it does not affect the determination result of the front and back surfaces of the envelope 20. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 can correctly determine the front and back sides of the envelope 20 regardless of the presence or absence of the bonded portion.

Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, when the image forming apparatus 10 has a manual feed tray, the image forming apparatus 10 may also determine the front and back sides of the envelope 20 to be fed from the manual feed tray.

(Modification example 1)
Hereinafter, a modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the detection unit is provided on the transport path 161. In the first modification, the detection unit is provided in the accommodating unit 251.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the accommodating portion of the modified example 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the detection unit 28 of the modified example 1 is provided in the accommodating unit 251. When the image forming apparatus 10 has a plurality of accommodating units 251, one detection unit 28 is provided in each accommodating unit 251. The detection unit 28 has the same configuration as the detection unit 18, and detects the amount of reflected light from the envelopes 20 located at the top of the stacked envelopes. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 further includes a moving means 252 for moving the detecting unit 28 within the accommodating unit 251.

The envelope 20 can be stored in the storage unit 251 in the same state as the above-described embodiment shown in any one of FIGS. 4A to 4D. The image forming apparatus 10 executes the same processing as in FIG. 5 even when the detecting unit 28 is provided in the accommodating unit 251. However, in the first modification, as in the above embodiment, the detection unit 28 does not move relative to the envelope 20 due to the transportation of the envelope 20. Therefore, when executing the process of step S101 of FIG. 5, the detection unit 28 needs to detect the amount of reflected light while moving on the envelope 20 by the moving means 252 along the transport direction of the envelope 20. .. In this case, the control unit 11 may function as a movement means control unit that controls the movement means 252.

As in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 may create a profile at the same time as detecting the amount of reflected light. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 can start detecting the reflected light amount from one end of the envelope 20, and when the step of the profile is confirmed in the vicinity of the one end, the detection of the reflected light amount and the acquisition of the profile can be completed.

Further, the detection unit 28 may be composed of a plurality of sensors arranged so as to cover the envelope 20 from the front end to the rear end along the transport direction of the envelope 20. In this case, the detection unit 28 can detect the amount of reflected light from the front end to the rear end of the envelope 20 at once. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 can detect the amount of reflected light even when the moving means 252 is not provided.

(Modification 2)
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the image forming apparatus 10 determines the front and back sides of the envelope 20 with reference to the profile of the reflected light amount. In the second modification, the image forming apparatus 10 combines the profile of the reflected light amount with other means to determine the front and back sides of the envelope 20.

When the image forming apparatus 10 refers only to the profile of the reflected light amount, it is desired that the profile of the reflected light amount has high accuracy. For example, (d) in FIG. 4 is distinguished from (b) by a small change in the amount of reflected light between the fold line and p1. However, the image forming apparatus 10 cannot distinguish between (b) and (d) when such a small change in the reflected light amount cannot be detected or the small change cannot be profiled due to the problem of accuracy. It ends up. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 of the modification 2 is configured so that the front and back sides of the envelope 20 can be determined even when the accuracy of detection or profile is low. The modified example 2 is applied when the detection unit 28 is provided in the accommodating unit 251 as in the modified example 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus of the second modification.

The algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is stored as a program in the storage unit 12, and is executed by the control unit 11. Since steps S101, S102 and S104 to S107 in FIG. 7 are the same processes as those in the same step number in FIG. 5, description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 11 refers to the profile acquired in step S102 and determines whether or not there is a change in the amount of reflected light (step S201). In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 determines with high accuracy whether or not there is a step in the profile, but in the modified example 2, it simply determines whether or not there is any change in the profile.

If there is no change in the profile (step S201: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S104. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 is housed in the storage unit 251 in the state shown in FIG. 4A and faces the detection unit 28.

When there is a change in the profile (step S201: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the profile has an inclination due to the change in the amount of reflected light (step S202).

If there is no inclination in the profile (step S202: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S105. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 is housed in the storage unit 251 in the state shown in FIG. 4C, and the back surface of the envelope 20 is facing the detection unit 28.

If the profile is tilted (step S202: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S203. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 is housed in the storage unit 251 in the state shown in any of (b) and (d) of FIG. 4, but at this point, the front and back sides of the envelope 20. Cannot be determined.

Subsequently, the control unit 11 moves the detection unit 28 to a position corresponding to the inclined portion of the profile (that is, on the flap 22) by the moving means 252 described in the modification 1 (step S203). It is desirable that the control unit 11 moves the detection unit 28 to a position as far as possible from the fold line of the envelope 20.

Subsequently, the control unit 11 raises the detection unit 28 by the moving means 252 at the position moved in step S203 (step S204). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the amount of reflected light detected by the detection unit 28 increases (step S205). That is, the control unit 11 increases the second distance, which is the distance between the detection unit 28 and the flap 22, and confirms the change in the amount of reflected light.

If the amount of reflected light does not increase (step S205: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S104. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 is housed in the storage unit 251 in the state shown in FIG. 4B, and the surface of the envelope 20 is facing the detection unit 28.

When the amount of reflected light increases (step S205: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S105. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 is housed in the storage unit 251 in the state shown in FIG. 4D, and the back surface of the envelope 20 is facing the detection unit 28.

As shown in FIG. 4, (b) and (d) are different in the appearance of the change of the second distance. In the case of (b), the second distance increases as the detection unit 28 moves away from the fold line. Therefore, when the detection unit 28 is raised in step S204, the second distance is further increased and the deviation from the focal length is further increased, so that the amount of reflected light is reduced.

On the other hand, in the case of (d), the second distance decreases as the detection unit 28 moves away from p1. Therefore, when the detection unit 28 is raised at the position between p1 and p2 in step S204, the reduced second distance increases and the deviation from the focal length decreases, so that the amount of reflected light increases. In the second modification, (b) and (d) are clearly distinguished based on the change in the amount of reflected light when the second distance is increased in this way.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 can determine the front and back sides of the envelope 20 by increasing the second distance and confirming the change in the amount of reflected light even when the accuracy of the detection or the profile is low.

In the second modification, the image forming apparatus 10 explained that the change in the reflected light amount was confirmed by raising the detection unit 28, but the change in the reflected light amount was confirmed by lowering the detection unit 28. May be good. In the image forming apparatus 10, when the amount of reflected light increases by lowering the detection unit 28, the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 28, and when the amount of reflected light does not increase, the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 28 on the back surface. Can be determined to be pointing.

Further, in the second modification, the image forming apparatus 10 may confirm the change in the amount of reflected light by raising or lowering the elevating plate that raises or lowers the position of the envelope 20 in the accommodating portion 251. For example, when the elevating plate is lowered, the detection unit 28 is raised relative to the envelope 20, so that the image forming apparatus 10 increases the second distance to change the amount of reflected light, as in step S204. You can check it.

(Modification example 3)
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the image forming apparatus 10 determines the front and back sides of the envelope 20. In the third modification, the image forming apparatus 10 determines not only the front and back sides of the envelope 20 but also the orientation of the envelope 20.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the detection position on the envelope of the modified example 3.

As shown in FIG. 8, the detection unit 38 of the modified example 3 is a line sensor having a plurality of sensors arranged in the width direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the transport direction (X direction) of the envelope 20. The detection unit 38 irradiates the envelope 20 with uniform light in the width direction by the light emitting element. Then, the detection unit 38 detects the amount of reflected light in the width direction from the envelope 20 by the light receiving element. The detection unit 38 detects the amount of reflected light along the transport direction (X direction) of the envelope 20, for example, from the front end to the rear end of the envelope 20. Modification 3 can be applied to both the case where the detection unit 38 is provided on the transport path 161 and the case where it is provided in the accommodating section 251. In the following, the case where the detection unit 38 is provided on the transport path 161. Will be described. Further, in the following, in order to facilitate understanding, as shown in FIG. 8, the center position of the line sensor is set to s50, the position on the foremost side is set to s0, and the position on the innermost side is set to s100. It will be explained with the numerical values.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus of the modification example 3.

The algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is stored as a program in the storage unit 12, and is executed by the control unit 11.

As shown in FIG. 9, first, when the envelope 20 corresponding to the print setting of the print job is conveyed at the position of the detection unit 38, the detection unit 38 at a constant interval along the transfer direction of the envelope 20. Then, the amount of reflected light from the front end to the rear end of the envelope 20 is detected (step S301). The control unit 11 stores the information of the detection position and the amount of reflected light detected by the plurality of sensors included in the detection unit 38 in the storage unit 12.

Subsequently, the control unit 11 creates a profile based on the detection position of the detection unit 38 and the amount of reflected light detected by one sensor (hereinafter referred to as "representative sensor") included in the plurality of sensors of the detection unit 38. Acquire (step S302). The control unit 11 acquires information on the amount of reflected light detected by the representative sensor among the amount of reflected light detected in step S301, and acquires a profile. In order to accommodate envelopes 20 of various widths, it is desirable to select a sensor located near s50 shown in FIG. 8 as a representative sensor.

Subsequently, the control unit 11 refers to the profile acquired in step S302 and determines whether or not there is a step due to a change in the amount of reflected light (step S303).

When there is a step in the profile (step S303: YES), the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 38 (step S304). Further, the control unit 11 determines the orientation of the envelope 20 based on the position where the step appears in the profile (step S305). As described above, the step difference in the profile appears due to the difference in thickness between the main body 21 and the flap 22. Therefore, when the envelope 20 is transported in the state shown in any of (c) and (d) of FIG. 4, the control unit 11 flaps the main body 21 by specifying the position of the step. The position of 22 can be specified and the orientation of the envelope 20 can be determined.

When there is no step in the profile (step S303: NO), the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 38 (step S306). Further, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the profile has an inclination due to a change in the amount of reflected light (step S307).

When the profile has an inclination (step S307: YES), the control unit 11 determines the orientation of the envelope 20 based on the position where the inclination appears in the profile (step S308). As mentioned above, the inclination of the profile is manifested by the bending of the flap 22. Therefore, when the envelope 20 is transported in the state shown in FIG. 4B, the control unit 11 specifies the position of the flap 22 with respect to the main body 21 by specifying the tilted position. The orientation of the envelope 20 can be determined.

On the other hand, when there is no step or inclination in the profile (step S307: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of determining the envelope orientation addition (step S309). If the profile obtained by the representative sensor has no step or inclination, the image forming apparatus 10 cannot determine the orientation of the envelope 20 based on the position where the step or inclination appears. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 executes an additional process to perform the envelope 20. Determine the orientation of. The details of the process of determining the envelope orientation addition will be described later.

After the front and back sides and orientation of the envelope 20 can be determined by each of the above steps, the control unit 11 matches the determination result of the front and back sides and orientation of the envelope 20 with the image formation surface and orientation in the print setting of the print job. Whether or not it is determined (step S310).

If they match (step S310: YES), the control unit 11 ends the process. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that there is no mistake in setting the front and back sides and the orientation of the envelope 20.

If they do not match (step S310: NO), the control unit 11 causes the transport unit 16 to stop the transport of the envelope 20 to warn the user (step S311). Then, the control unit 11 ends the process. In this case, the control unit 11 has determined that the front and back sides of the envelope 20 or the orientation of the envelope 20 is set incorrectly.

Subsequently, the details of the process of determining the envelope orientation addition determination in step S309 of FIG. 9 will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the process of determining the envelope orientation addition as shown in step S309 of FIG.

As described above, the process of determining the envelope orientation addition is executed only when the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 38. The plurality of sensors arranged in the range from s0 to s100 of the detection unit 38 detect different amounts of reflected light for the envelope 20 illustrated in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B shows the amount of reflected light detected by the sensors located at s50, s85, s90, s95 and s100, among the plurality of sensors of the detection unit 38. Like the sensor located at s50, the sensor located at s85 detects the maximum amount of reflected light regardless of the detection position on the envelope 20 (hereinafter, also referred to as “indicating H level”). On the other hand, the sensor located at s90 indicates the H level when the detection position is in the range from p3 to p5, and when the detection position is outside the range, the reflection from the envelope 20 cannot be detected, so that the amount of reflected light is reflected. Is not detected (hereinafter, also referred to as "indicating L level"). Further, the sensor located at s95 indicates the H level when the detection position is in the range from p3 to p4, and indicates the L level when the detection position is outside the range. Further, the sensor located at s100 indicates the L level because it is located outside the widthwise end of the envelope 20.

The control unit 11 of the third modification specifies the end position of the envelope 20 based on the change in the amount of reflected light as shown in FIG. 10 (b), and the envelope 20 as shown in FIG. 10 (c). The plane shape of the envelope 20 is specified, and the orientation of the envelope 20 is determined. Specifically, the control unit 11 specifies the end position of the envelope 20 and specifies the planar shape of the envelope 20 by a known edge determination process such as a threshold value process. Then, the control unit 11 detects a change point in which the tendency of the edge line corresponding to the end position of the envelope 20 changes. Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, the control unit 11 detects a change point c1 in which the angle between the edge line e1 and the edge line e2 adjacent thereto changes. Similarly, the control unit 11 detects the change points c2 to c6 from the edge lines e1 to e6. Then, the control unit 11 determines the orientation of the envelope 20 based on the position where these change points appear. The control unit 11 may determine the orientation of the envelope 20 by comparing, for example, the distance between c1 and c2 and the distance between c2 and c3.

FIG. 11 is a subroutine flowchart showing a procedure for processing the envelope orientation addition determination shown in step S309 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, first, the control unit 11 confirms the information of the reflected light amount detected by the plurality of sensors of the detection unit 38 stored in the storage unit 12 (step S401). The control unit 11 confirms the amount of reflected light detected by a plurality of sensors arranged in the range from s0 to s100 of the detection unit 38 for each detection position.

Subsequently, the control unit 11 specifies the position of the end portion of the envelope 20 based on the amount of reflected light confirmed in step S401 (step S402). That is, the control unit 11 specifies the planar shape of the envelope 20. Then, as described above, the control unit 11 detects the change point of the edge line corresponding to the end position of the envelope 20 specified in step S402 (step S403). Further, the control unit 11 identifies the position of the flap 22 with respect to the main body 21 based on the position where the change point detected in step S403 appears, and determines the orientation of the envelope 20 (step S404). Then, the control unit 11 returns to the process of FIG.

As described above, when the profile obtained by the representative sensor has a step or an inclination, the image forming apparatus 10 determines the orientation of the envelope 20 based on the profile. On the other hand, when the profile has no step or inclination, the image forming apparatus 10 identifies the planar shape of the envelope 20 based on the amount of reflected light detected by the plurality of sensors, and determines the orientation of the envelope 20. The image forming apparatus 10 can determine the front and back sides and the orientation of the envelope 20 without unnecessarily increasing the processing load by selecting an appropriate process according to the state of the envelope 20.

As in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 warns the user when it is determined that the front and back sides or the orientation of the envelope 20 is set incorrectly. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. When the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the envelope 20 is set incorrectly, the image forming surface may be changed by changing the page setting of the image data or the like and exchanging the front and back data. The orientation of the image may be changed by rotating it. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 can output the envelope 20 printed in the correct printing surface and orientation without causing the user to reset the envelope 20, which can improve the convenience of the user.

Further, in the process of determining the envelope orientation addition, the image forming apparatus 10 specifies the planar shape of the envelope 20 based on the amount of reflected light detected by a plurality of sensors arranged in the range from s0 to s100 of the detection unit 38. However, the modification 3 is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 10 may specify the planar shape of the envelope 20 based on the amount of reflected light detected by the sensors arranged in the range of s0 to s50 or s50 to s100 of the detection unit 38. This is because, as shown in FIG. 10A, the envelope 20 has a symmetrical shape in the width direction, and therefore, if the shape of one side of the symmetrical shapes can be specified, the orientation of the envelope 20 can be determined. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 can reduce the processing load.

Further, in the process of determining the envelope orientation addition, when the image forming apparatus 10 recognizes the size of the envelope 20 in advance from the print settings or the like, the image forming apparatus 10 does not specify the plane shape of the envelope 20 and more efficiently. In some cases, the position of the flap 22 can be specified. For example, in step S401, instead of confirming the information on the amount of reflected light detected by the plurality of sensors, the image forming apparatus 10 is near s90 shown in FIG. 10 (a) (near the end position in the width direction of the envelope 20). Check the amount of reflected light detected by one sensor located in. Then, a profile is created based on the amount of reflected light of the sensor located near s90. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 compares the profile with the profile acquired in step S302. Then, it can be seen that the two profiles differ depending on whether or not the reflected light amount is detected in the region on the right side from p5. The image forming apparatus 10 may specify the position of the flap 22 based on such a difference. The image forming apparatus 10 can further reduce the processing load.

Further, in the process of determining the envelope orientation addition, the image forming apparatus 10 calculates the average value of the reflected light amount detected by the plurality of sensors of the detection unit 38 (hereinafter referred to as "average reflected light amount") for each detection position. , The orientation of the envelope 20 may be determined. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 has an average reflected light amount based on the average reflected light amount detected by a plurality of sensors arranged in the range of s0 to s100 (or s0 to s50 or s50 to s100). Create a profile for. Here, on the flap 22, among the plurality of sensors of the detection unit 38, there is a sensor that cannot detect the reflected light amount, so that the average reflected light amount changes. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 can determine the orientation of the envelope 20 based on the position where the change in the average reflected light amount appears.

Further, depending on the shape of the envelope 20, there may be a bonded portion formed along the width direction of the envelope 20 near the lower portion (bottom portion) of the back surface of the envelope 20. Therefore, in step S305, the image forming apparatus 10 may determine that there are steps at both ends of the profile, and may not be able to determine the orientation of the envelope 20 based on the positions of the steps. In such a case, the image forming apparatus 10 may execute step S309 instead of step S305, specify the planar shape of the envelope 20, and determine the orientation of the envelope 20.

(Modification example 4)
In the above embodiment, the processing of the image forming apparatus 10 has been described on the assumption that the flap 22 is located at the front end or the rear end of the envelope 20 in the transport direction. In the fourth modification, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured to be able to determine the front and back sides and the orientation of the envelope 20 even when the flap 22 is oriented in the width direction of the envelope 20.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus of the modified example 4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the amount of reflected light of the envelope whose flaps are oriented in the width direction.

The algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is stored as a program in the storage unit 12, and is executed by the control unit 11. The flowchart of the modified example 4 shown in FIG. 12 can be obtained by adding a process to the flowchart of the modified example 3 shown in FIG. Since steps S301 to S305 and S307 to S311 in FIG. 12 are the same processes as those in the same step number in FIG. 9, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in step S303 of FIG. 12, when the profile has a step (step S303: YES), the process is the same as that of the third modification.

On the other hand, when there is no step in the profile (step S303: NO), the control unit 11 does not immediately determine that the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 38, unlike the step S306 of the modified example 3. As shown in FIG. 13, even when the envelope 20 has the flap 22 oriented in the width direction (Y direction), the profile of the representative sensor located near s50 does not change. Therefore, at the time of step S303, the reason why there is no step in the profile of the control unit 11 is that the flap 22 is oriented in the width direction, or the envelope 20 is facing the detection unit 38. It cannot be determined whether it is caused. Therefore, at the time of step S303, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S307 without determining the front and back sides of the envelope 20.

Then, in step S307, when the profile is inclined (step S307: YES), the control unit 11 determines the orientation of the envelope 20 (step S308). Further, the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 38 (step S501). When the profile is inclined, the control unit 11 can determine the front and back sides and the orientation of the envelope 20 as in the modified example 3.

On the other hand, when there is no step or inclination in the profile (step S307: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of determining the envelope orientation addition as in the modification 3 (step S309). The control unit 11 performs the process of determining the envelope orientation addition as shown in FIG. 11 not only when the envelope 20 points the flap 22 in the transport direction as shown in FIG. 10A, but also as shown in FIG. Also, this is done when the envelope 20 has the flap 22 oriented in the width direction. The control unit 11 specifies the planar shape of the envelope 20 and determines the orientation of the envelope 20, as in the modified example 3.

Returning to FIG. 12, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not the envelope 20 has the flap 22 oriented in the transport direction as a result of step S309 (step S502).

When the envelope 20 is oriented in the transport direction (step S502: YES), the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 is facing the detection unit 38 (step S501). Then, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S310.

If the envelope 20 is not oriented in the transport direction (step S502: NO), that is, if the envelope 20 is oriented in the width direction, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S503. Then, the control unit 11 acquires a profile in the width direction of the detection unit 38 at an arbitrary detection position in the transport direction (for example, a position near p7 shown in FIG. 13) (step S503). More specifically, the control unit 11 acquires information on the amount of reflected light detected by each sensor arranged in the range from s0 to s100 of the detection unit 38 at the detection position near p7. Then, the control unit 11 acquires a profile in the width direction based on the positions of the sensors arranged in the range from s0 to s100 and the amount of reflected light at each position.

Subsequently, the control unit 11 refers to the profile acquired in step S503 and determines whether or not there is a step due to a change in the amount of reflected light (step S504).

When there is a step in the profile (step S504: YES), the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 38 (step S505). On the other hand, when there is no step in the profile (step S504: NO), the control unit 11 determines that the envelope 20 faces the detection unit 38 (step S501). Then, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S310.

As described above, when the profile in the transport direction has neither a step nor an inclination (step S307: NO), the control unit 11 specifies the planar shape of the envelope 20 and determines the orientation of the envelope 20 (step S309). However, when the envelope 20 has the flap 22 oriented in the width direction, the control unit 11 cannot determine the front and back sides of the envelope 20 at the time of step S309. Therefore, when the envelope 20 has the flap 22 oriented in the width direction, the control unit 11 additionally acquires a profile in the width direction (step S503), and determines the front and back sides of the envelope 20.

As described above, even when the flap 22 is oriented in the width direction of the envelope 20, the image forming apparatus 10 does not unnecessarily increase the processing load by selecting an appropriate process according to the state of the envelope 20. In addition, the front and back sides and the orientation of the envelope 20 can be determined. The image forming apparatus 10 can handle various types of envelopes 20.

The processing by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present invention can be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit for executing each of the above procedures, or by the CPU executing a program describing each of the above procedures. When the present invention is realized by the latter, the above program for operating the image forming apparatus 10 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, or a CD-ROM, or may be provided by the Internet. It may be provided online via a network such as. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to a memory, a hard disk, or the like and stored. Further, this program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the image forming apparatus 10 as a function of the apparatus.

10 Image forming device,
11 Control unit,
12 Memory
13 Communication Department,
14 Operation panel,
15 Paper feed section,
151, 251 containment unit,
252 means of transportation,
16 Transport section,
161 transport path,
17 Image forming part,
18, 28, 38 detectors.

Claims (10)

A transport path for transporting envelopes with flaps for closing the bag-shaped body,
Detection in which the light emitting element irradiates at least a part of the envelope with light along the transport direction of the envelope, and the light receiving element detects the amount of reflected light from the position irradiated by the light emitting element in the envelope. Department and
A control unit that determines the front and back of the envelope based on a profile indicating the correspondence between the position where the light is irradiated onto the envelope by the light emitting element and the amount of reflected light detected at the position.
Have a,
The control unit refers to the profile, determines whether or not there is a step due to the change in the amount of reflected light, and if there is no step, determines that the envelope faces the detection unit, and the above-mentioned If there is a step, it is determined that the envelope faces the back surface of the detection unit, and if there is no step in the profile, it is determined whether or not there is an inclination due to a change in the reflected light amount, and the inclination is determined. In some cases, an image forming apparatus that determines the position of the flap with respect to the main body of the envelope based on the position where the inclination appears. The detection unit detects the amount of reflected light from the front end to the rear end of the envelope along the transport direction.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the front and back sides of the envelope based on the profile extending from the front end to the rear end. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein when the profile has the step, the control unit determines the position of the flap with respect to the main body of the envelope based on the position where the step appears. The detection unit has a plurality of sensors arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and has a plurality of sensors.
The control unit
The front and back of the envelope are determined based on the profile obtained by one sensor included in the plurality of sensors.
With reference to the profile obtained by the one sensor, when the profile has neither the step nor the inclination, the planar shape of the envelope is specified based on the amount of reflected light detected by the plurality of sensors, and the envelope is of the envelope. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 to 3 , wherein the position of the flap is determined with respect to the main body. A transport path for transporting envelopes with flaps for closing the bag-shaped body,
Detection in which the light emitting element irradiates at least a part of the envelope with light along the transport direction of the envelope, and the light receiving element detects the amount of reflected light from the position irradiated by the light emitting element in the envelope. Department and
A control unit that determines the front and back of the envelope based on a profile indicating the correspondence between the position where the light is irradiated onto the envelope by the light emitting element and the amount of reflected light detected at the position.
A housing unit that houses the envelope and
Have,
The detection unit is provided in the storage unit and is provided.
The accommodating unit further comprises a moving means for raising the detection unit relative to the envelope.
The control unit
When the accuracy of the profile is low and it is not possible to determine whether or not there is a step due to the change in the amount of reflected light even with reference to the profile, it is determined whether or not there is a gradient due to the change in the amount of reflected light. When there is the inclination, the detection unit is relatively raised by the moving means.
If the amount of reflected light does not increase due to the rise of the detection unit, it is determined that the envelope faces the detection unit.
If the amount of reflected light due to the rise of the detection portion is increased, it is determined that the envelope is directed toward the back surface to the sensing unit, the image forming apparatus. A transport path for transporting envelopes with flaps for closing the bag-shaped body,
Detection in which the light emitting element irradiates at least a part of the envelope with light along the transport direction of the envelope, and the light receiving element detects the amount of reflected light from the position irradiated by the light emitting element in the envelope. Department and
It is a control program of an image forming apparatus having
A computer is made to execute the step (a) of determining the front and back of the envelope based on the profile showing the correspondence between the position where the light is irradiated on the envelope by the light emitting element and the reflected light amount detected at the position .
The step (a) is
With reference to the profile, the step (b) of determining whether or not there is a step due to the change in the amount of reflected light, and
When there is no step in the step (b), it is determined that the envelope faces the detection unit (c).
If there is a step in the step (b), the step (d) for determining that the envelope faces the back surface of the detection unit is included.
When the profile does not have the step in the step (b), the step (f) for determining whether or not there is an inclination due to the change in the reflected light amount, and
A control program further comprising a step (g) of determining the position of the flap with respect to the main body of the envelope based on the position where the inclination appears when the inclination is present in the step (f). The control program according to claim 6 , wherein in step (a), the front and back sides of the envelope are determined based on the profile of the reflected light amount from the front end to the rear end of the envelope along the transport direction. 6 or 7 further includes a step (e) of determining the position of the flap with respect to the main body of the envelope based on the position where the step appears when the profile has the step in the step (b). The control program described in. In the step (a), the front and back sides of the envelope are determined based on the profile obtained by one sensor included in the detection unit, which is a plurality of sensors arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
With reference to the profile obtained by the one sensor, when the profile has neither the step nor the inclination, the planar shape of the envelope is specified based on the amount of reflected light detected by the plurality of sensors, and the envelope is of the envelope. The control program according to claims 6 to 8, further comprising a step (h) of determining the position of the flap with respect to the main body. A transport path for transporting envelopes with flaps for closing the bag-shaped body,
Detection in which the light emitting element irradiates at least a part of the envelope with light along the transport direction of the envelope, and the light receiving element detects the amount of reflected light from the position irradiated by the light emitting element in the envelope. Department and
It is a control program of an image forming apparatus having
A computer is made to execute the step (a) of determining the front and back of the envelope based on the profile showing the correspondence between the position where the light is irradiated on the envelope by the light emitting element and the reflected light amount detected at the position.
When the accuracy of the profile is low and it is not possible to determine whether or not there is a step due to the change in the reflected light amount even with reference to the profile, it is determined whether or not there is a gradient due to the change in the reflected light amount. Step (i) and
When there is the inclination, the step (j) of relatively raising the detection unit by the moving means and
When the reflected light amount does not increase due to the rise of the detection unit, the step (k) of determining that the envelope faces the detection unit and
A control program further comprising a step (l) of determining that the envelope faces the back surface of the envelope when the amount of reflected light increases due to the rise of the detection unit.

Images