JP6922942B2 - Image reader and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image reader and an image forming system.

Conventionally, among image readers that measure the color of paper, those that change the height of the transport roller according to the paper thickness of the paper and read the paper at the optimum depth of focus regardless of the paper thickness of the paper have been proposed. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-153580

However, the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 can not be read the paper in optimal depth of focus.

The present invention has been made to solve a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device and an image forming system capable of improving color measurement accuracy.

In order to achieve the above object, the image reader according to the present invention is arranged with a colorimeter that measures a color of an image formed on a paper conveyed along a transfer path and a colorimeter facing the colorimeter, and the measurement is performed. It is arranged between the second background member that reflects the light emitted from the chromometer, the colorimeter, and the second background member, and passes between the colorimeter and the second background member. A guide member for guiding the paper and a regulating member arranged to face the colorimeter and restricting the movement of the paper are provided, and the regulating member is the paper at a color measuring position of the colorimeter. There is arranged downstream with respect to the direction in which the first member disposed on the upstream side with respect to the direction to be conveyed, the paper colorimetry position of the colorimeter is conveyed, and against the transport path comprising a second member provided on the same side as the first member, and a pressing member for pressing together the first member and the second member to the guide member Te is intended.
Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, it is preferable that at least two of the first members are provided.
Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, it is preferable that two of the first members are provided and one of the second members is provided.
Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the first member and the second member are rolling members, respectively.

According to this image reading device, the regulating member regulates the movement of the paper that fluctuates between the colorimeter and the second background member, and the color measurement accuracy can be improved.

Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention , at least two of the first members are provided, and a position deviated from a region passing through the color measuring position of the colorimeter in a region along the paper conveying direction. It is preferably arranged in.

According to this image reader, the first member is arranged at a position deviated from the area passing through the color measurement position of the colorimeter, so that the image formed on the paper is damaged by the first member before color measurement. Since the colored object forming the image is not damaged, it is possible to avoid fluctuations in the color measurement result due to the scratches on the image.

Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, at least two of the first members are arranged to face each other, and at least one of the second members is provided, and the area along the paper transport direction is included. It is preferable that the colorimeter is arranged in a region passing through the color measurement position of the colorimeter.

According to this image reader, at least two first members are arranged so as to face each other at positions deviated from the region passing through the color measurement position of the colorimeter, and the second member determines the color measurement position of the colorimeter. At least one is placed in the area through which it passes. Therefore, since the variation in the angle direction of the paper is regulated by at least three points, the color measurement can be performed while surely suppressing the variation in the angle of the paper.

Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, it is preferable that each of the first member and the second member is composed of rollers that move as the paper is conveyed as the rolling member.

According to this image reading device, each of the first member and the second member is composed of rollers that move as the paper is conveyed, so that the paper is smooth even if the paper rushes into the first member or the second member. Since the paper is conveyed to the paper, the paper can be conveyed smoothly while restricting the movement of the paper.

Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, it is preferable that each of the first member and the second member is composed of a driving roller that conveys the paper as the rolling member.

According to this image reader, each of the first member and the second member is composed of a drive roller that conveys the paper, so that the movement of the paper fluctuates between the colorimeter and the second background member. Even if it is regulated, since the transporting force for transporting the paper acts on the upstream side and the downstream side of the color measurement position of the colorimeter, the paper can be smoothly transported while restricting the movement of the paper.

Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the pressing member has an adjustable load for pressing the first member and the second member against the guide member according to the rigidity of the paper.

According to this image reading device, the load for pressing the first member and the second member against the guide member can be adjusted according to the rigidity of the paper, so that the target load can be applied to the paper. It is possible to transport the paper P without clogging in the middle while surely regulating the movement of the paper P.

Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, the guide member is arranged so as to face the colorimeter, and the first guide member for guiding the paper along the transport direction of the paper and the first guide. disposed opposite the member, the paper and a second guide member for guiding along the conveying direction of the sheet, the regulating member is arranged to face the first guide member, it Is preferable.

According to this image reading device, since the regulating member is arranged so as to face the first guide member, the first member and the second member can be simultaneously pressed against the first guide member by the pressing member. The contact point between the first member and the first guide member and the contact point between the second member and the first guide member can suppress the fluctuation of the paper in the angular direction due to the transportation of the paper.

Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, the guide member is arranged so as to face the colorimeter, and the first guide member for guiding the paper along the transport direction of the paper and the first guide. disposed opposite the member, the paper and a second guide member for guiding along the conveying direction of the sheet, the regulating member is disposed opposite to the second guide member, it Is preferable.
Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the regulating member is integrally provided with the second background member.
Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, a scanner for reading an image formed on the paper and a first background member arranged facing the scanner and reflecting light emitted from the scanner are further provided. It is preferable to prepare.
Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the colorimeter is arranged on the downstream side of the scanner.

According to this image reading device, since the regulating member is arranged so as to face the second guide member, the first member and the second member can be simultaneously pressed against the second guide member by the pressing member. The contact point between the first member and the second guide member and the contact point between the second member and the second guide member can suppress fluctuations in the angle direction of the paper due to the transport of the paper.

Further, in the image reading device according to the present invention, the scanner is provided at a position for reading an image formed on the front surface of the paper and a position for reading an image formed on the back surface of the paper, respectively. It is preferable that the reading result read by the above and the color measurement result measured by the colorimeter are associated with each other.

According to this image reading device, the paper is conveyed along the conveying path, the front and back surfaces of the paper are read by a scanner, and the image formed on the paper is measured by a colorimeter for a short time. You can measure the color of the paper with. Further, the reading result read by the scanner and the color measurement result measured by the colorimeter are associated with each other to form a correlation between the reading result of the scanner and the color measurement result of the colorimeter. Therefore, the color measurement result can be interpolated.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the image forming system according to the present invention includes the image reading device described above and an image forming device for forming an image on the paper.

According to this image forming system, the color measurement accuracy can be improved as in the case of the image reading device.

Further, according to this image forming system, it is possible to construct a highly accurate feedback system at the time of maintenance as a whole system.

According to the present invention, the color measurement accuracy can be improved.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the image formation system 1 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image forming apparatus 5 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image reading apparatus 7 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the BB'direction of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a top view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the arrangement structure of the pressing member 756 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows another example of the arrangement structure of the pressing member 756 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing along the CC'direction of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a top view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a front view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 1751 in the conventional example. It is sectional drawing which follows the AA' direction of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 1751 in the conventional example. It is a top view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 1751 in the conventional example. It is a figure which shows an example of the arrangement structure of the pressing member 1756 in a conventional example. It is a figure which shows another example of the arrangement structure of the pressing member 1756 in a conventional example. It is a figure which shows an example of the light which irradiated the paper P in the conventional example.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a paper feeding device 3, an image forming device 5, an image reading device 7, and a paper ejection device 8. The paper feeding device 3 feeds the paper P to the image forming device 5. The image forming apparatus 5 forms an image on the paper P fed from the paper feeding device 3. The image reading device 7 reads the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming device 5 and executes various processes. The paper ejection device 8 includes a paper ejection tray 9, and ejects the paper P conveyed from the image reading device 7 to the paper ejection tray 9.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 5 is an example of a color copier, and acquires image information by reading a color image formed on a document T. The image forming apparatus 5 forms a color image by superimposing colors based on the acquired image information. The image forming apparatus 5 can be applied not only to a color copier but also to a color printer or a facsimile apparatus, a multifunction device thereof, or the like.

The image forming apparatus 5 includes an image forming apparatus main body 11. An image reading unit 12 for color and an automatic document feeder 14 are arranged on the image forming apparatus main body 11. The image forming apparatus main body 11 includes a control unit 41, an image processing unit 43, an image forming unit 60, a paper feeding unit 20, and a conveying unit 30, although details will be described later.

The automatic document feeder 14 is arranged on the image reading unit 12. The automatic document feeder 14 automatically feeds one or a plurality of documents T in the automatic paper feeding mode. In the automatic paper feed mode, the document T placed on the automatic document feeder 14 is fed, and the image reading unit 12 reads the image printed on the document T.

The automatic document feeder 14 includes a document placing section 141, a roller 142a, a roller 142b, a roller 143, a roller 144, a reversing section 145, and a paper ejection tray 146. One or a plurality of original documents T are placed on the document placing section 141. Rollers 142a and 142b are provided on the downstream side of the document placing portion 141. A roller 143 is provided on the downstream side of the roller 142a and the roller 142b. Further, a positioning detection unit 81 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the roller 143.

When the automatic paper feed mode is selected, the document T fed out from the document placing unit 141 is conveyed by rotating the document T in a U shape by the roller 143. When the original T is placed on the original placing portion 141 and the automatic paper feeding mode is selected, it is preferable that the recording surface of the original T faces upward.

After being read by the image reading unit 12, the document T is conveyed by the roller 144 and discharged to the paper ejection plate 146. By transporting the document T to the reversing section 145, the automatic document feeding device 14 can make the image reading unit 12 read not only the recording surface of the document T but also the back surface side of the recording surface of the document T.

The positioning detection unit 81 detects the document T on which the image is printed. The positioning detection unit 81 is composed of, for example, a reflective photo sensor. When the document T is detected, the positioning detection unit 81 raises an output signal, and when the document T is not detected, the output signal falls, and the result is transmitted to the control unit 41. That is, the output signal maintains a constant value during the period when the document T passes through the positioning detection unit 81.

The image reading unit 12 operates to read the color image formed on the document T, that is, the color image printed on the document T. The image reading unit 12 is provided with a one-dimensional image sensor 128. In addition to the image sensor 128, the image reading unit 12 includes a first platen glass 121, a second platen glass 122, a light source 123, mirrors 124, 125, 126, an imaging optical unit 127, and optics (not shown). It has a drive unit.

The light source 123 irradiates the document T with light. The optical drive unit (not shown) moves the document T or the image sensor 128 relatively in the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction is a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction when the arrangement direction of the plurality of light receiving elements constituting the image sensor 128 is the main scanning direction.

Therefore, the document T is conveyed by the automatic document feeder 14, and the image on one side or both sides of the document T can be scanned and exposed by the optical system of the image reading unit 12. The incident light reflecting the image reading operation is read by the image sensor 128. In the Plato mode, the image sensor 128 outputs the RGB color system image reading signal Sout obtained by reading the document T. The Plato mode automatically prints an image printed on a document T placed on a platen glass such as the first platen glass 121 and the second platen glass 122 by driving an optical drive unit (not shown). To read.

As the image sensor 128, a 3-line color CCD image pickup device is used. The image sensor 128 is configured by arranging a plurality of light receiving element rows in the main scanning direction. Specifically, the red (R) color, green (G) color, and blue (B) color light detection reading sensors divide the pixels at different positions in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. Then, the optical information of each of the R color, the G color, and the B color is read at the same time. For example, in the automatic paper feed mode, when the document T is inverted in a U shape by the roller 143, the image sensor 128 reads the surface of the document T and outputs an image reading signal Sout.

More specifically, the image sensor 128 is connected to the image processing unit 43 via the control unit 41 to photoelectrically convert the incident light. The analog image reading signal Sout, which has been photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 128, is subjected to analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, scaling processing, and the like in the image processing unit 43. As a result, the image reading signal Sout becomes digital image data including the R color component, the G color component, and the B color component. The image processing unit 43 uses a three-dimensional color information conversion table to convert digital image data, that is, RGB code, into Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) color image data. That is, it is converted into Dy, Dm, Dc, and Dk. The image processing unit 43 transfers the converted image data to the LED writing units 611Y, 611M, 611C, and 611K included in the image forming unit 60.

The image forming unit 60 utilizes electrophotographic process technology. The image forming unit 60 forms a color image of the intermediate transfer method. For the image forming unit 60, for example, a vertical tandem method is adopted.

Specifically, the image forming unit 60 forms a color image based on the image data transferred from the image processing unit 43, that is, Dy, Dm, Dc, and Dk. The image forming unit 60 includes an image forming unit 601Y, 601M, 601C, 601K for each color, an intermediate transfer unit 620, and a fixing unit 630 for fixing a toner image.

The image forming unit 601Y forms a Y (yellow) color image. The image forming unit 601Y includes a photosensitive drum 613Y, a charging unit 614Y, an LED writing unit 611Y, a developing unit 612Y, and a cleaning unit 616Y.

The photosensitive drum 613Y forms a Y-color toner image. The charging portion 614Y is arranged around the photosensitive drum 613Y, and uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 613Y to a negative electrode by corona discharge. The LED writing unit 611Y irradiates the photosensitive drum 613Y with light corresponding to the image of the Y color component. The developing unit 612Y visualizes the electrostatic latent image and forms the toner image by adhering the toner of the Y color component to the surface of the photosensitive drum 613Y. The cleaning unit 616Y removes the transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 613Y after the primary transfer.

Since each of the image forming units 601M, 601C, and 601K has the same configuration and function as the image forming unit 601Y except that the colors of the images to be formed are different, the description thereof will be omitted.

When the image forming units 601Y, 601M, 601C, and 601K are collectively referred to, they are referred to as the image forming unit 601. Further, when the LED writing units 611Y, 611M, 611C, and 611K are collectively referred to, they are referred to as the LED writing unit 611. Further, when the developing units 612Y, 612M, 612C, and 612K are collectively referred to, they are referred to as the developing unit 612. Further, when the photosensitive drums 613Y, 613M, 613C, and 613K are collectively referred to, they are referred to as the photosensitive drum 613. Further, when the charging units 614Y, 614M, 614C, and 614K are collectively referred to, they are referred to as the charging unit 614. Further, when the cleaning units 616Y, 616M, 616C, and 616K are collectively referred to, they are referred to as the cleaning unit 616.

The intermediate transfer unit 620 includes an intermediate transfer belt 621, a primary transfer roller 622Y, 622M, 622C, 622K, a secondary transfer roller 623, a belt cleaning device 624, and the like.

The intermediate transfer belt 621 is composed of an endless belt, and is stretched in a loop by a plurality of support rollers. At least one of the plurality of support rollers is composed of a driving roller, and the other is composed of a driven roller. For example, it is preferable that the support roller arranged on the downstream side in the belt traveling direction with respect to the primary transfer roller 622K for the K component is the drive roller. As the drive roller rotates, the intermediate transfer belt 621 travels at a constant speed in the direction of arrow Z.

The primary transfer rollers 622Y, 622M, 622C, and 622K are arranged on the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 621 so as to face the photosensitive drum 613 of each color component. The primary transfer rollers 622Y, 622M, 622C, and 622K are pressed against the photosensitive drums 613Y, 613M, 613C, and 613K with the intermediate transfer belt 621 sandwiched between them. As a result, a primary transfer nip for transferring the toner image from the photosensitive drums 613Y, 613M, 613C, and 613K to the intermediate transfer belt 621 is formed.

When the primary transfer rollers 622Y, 622M, 622C, and 622K are collectively referred to, they are referred to as the primary transfer roller 622.

The secondary transfer roller 623 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 621 so as to face one of the plurality of support rollers. The support roller arranged to face the intermediate transfer belt 621 is called a backup roller. By pressing the secondary transfer roller 623 against the backup roller with the intermediate transfer belt 621 sandwiched between them, a secondary transfer nip for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 621 to the paper P is formed.

When the intermediate transfer belt 621 passes through the primary transfer nip, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 613 is sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 621 and primarily transferred. Specifically, a toner image is obtained by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer roller 622 and applying a charge having the opposite polarity to the toner on the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 621, that is, the side in contact with the primary transfer roller 622. Is electrostatically transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 621.

When the paper P passes through the secondary transfer nip, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 621 is secondarily transferred to the paper P. Specifically, a secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 623 to apply a charge having a polarity opposite to that of the toner on the back surface side of the paper P, that is, the side in contact with the secondary transfer roller 623. The image is electrostatically transferred to the paper P. The paper P on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 630.

The belt cleaning device 624 includes a belt cleaning blade or the like that is in sliding contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 621. The belt cleaning device 624 removes the transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 621 after the secondary transfer.

The fixing unit 630 includes a heating roller 631, a pressure roller 632, a heating unit 633, and a temperature detection unit 83, and fixes the toner image transferred by the image forming unit 60 on the paper P.

Specifically, the heating unit 633 is provided inside the heating roller 631 and intermittently heats the heating roller 631. The pressurizing roller 632 is arranged to face the heating roller 631 and pressurizes the heating roller 631. The temperature detection unit 83 is provided around the heating roller 631 and detects the temperature of the heating roller 631. The sampling period of the temperature detection unit 83 is, for example, 100 ms.

In the fixing unit 630, the heating unit 633 heats the heating roller 631 according to the detection result of the temperature detecting unit 83 that detects the temperature of the heating roller 631. The fixing portion 630 forms a fixing nip between the heating roller 631 and the pressure roller 632 by pressing the heating roller 631 and the pressure roller 632 against each other.

The fixing unit 630 fixes the transferred toner image on the paper P through the action of the pressure by the pressure roller 632 and the heat of the heating roller 631. An image is printed on the paper P fixed by the fixing unit 630. The paper P on which the image is printed is discharged to the outside of the machine by the paper ejection roller 304, and is conveyed to, for example, the image reading device 7. The paper P on which the image is printed may be loaded on the output tray 305 without being conveyed to the image reading device 7.

The paper feed unit 20 includes a paper feed cassette 200, a feed roller 201, and the like. The paper cassette 200 accommodates the paper P. The delivery roller 201 takes in the paper P stored in the paper feed cassette 200 and sends it out to the transport unit 30.

The transport unit 30 has a transport path 300, and transports the paper P according to the transport path 300. The transport path 300 includes a paper feed roller 302A, a transport roller 302B, 302C, 302D, a resist roller 303, and the like.

The transport path 300 transports the paper P fed from the paper feed unit 20 to the image forming unit 60. When the image is formed on the back surface of the paper P as well, after the image is formed on the front surface of the paper P, the paper P is recirculated by the branching portion 306 through the circulation paper passage 307A, the reverse transfer passage 307B, and the re-formation. The paper is conveyed in the order of the paper feed transfer path 307C.

The image forming apparatus 5 executes various processes via the control unit 41. For example, the image reading signal Sout output from the image reading unit 12 is transmitted to an image memory or an image processing unit 43 (not shown) via the control unit 41. The image memory includes, for example, a hard disk or the like.

Specifically, the control unit 41 is mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and an I / O interface (not shown). The control unit 41 reads various programs according to the processing contents from the ROM or a storage unit (not shown), expands them in the RAM, and cooperates with the expanded various programs to operate each unit of the image forming apparatus 5. Control.

That is, the control unit 41 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 5, and can be realized by a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O interface (not shown). Various functions are realized when the control unit 41 executes a predetermined control program.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the image reading device 7 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image reading device 7 is arranged on the downstream side of the image forming device 5 and reads an image printed on one side or both sides of the paper P. The image reading device 7 obtains an image correction amount based on the reading result such as the color, position, and magnification of the image printed on the paper P, and feeds back the obtained image correction amount to the image forming device 5.

The image reading device 7 includes a control unit 51, scanners 701a and 701b, a colorimeter 703, a first background member 705a and 705b, a second background member 705c, a transport roller 731, a transport path 700, and the like. The transport path 700 is a path through which the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 5 is passed, and the paper P is transported by driving the transport roller 731.

When the image reading device 7 receives the paper P supplied from the image forming device 5, the image reading device 7 causes the scanners 701a and 701b or the colorimeter 703 to detect the image formed on the paper P. The image detection result is output to the control unit 51 of the image reading device 7.

The control unit 51 controls the operation of the image reading device 7, and can be realized by a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O interface (not shown). Various functions are realized when the control unit 41 executes a predetermined control program. The control unit 51 executes various processes based on the image detection result, and transmits the execution result to the control unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 5.

The scanners 701a and 701b are arranged so as to face the paper P through which the transport path 700 is passed. The first background member 705a is arranged so as to face the scanner 701a and reflects the light emitted from the scanner 701a. The scanner 701a receives light including light reflected from the first background member 705a and reads an image formed on the paper P. The first background member 705b is arranged to face the scanner 701b and reflects the light emitted from the scanner 701b. The scanner 701b receives light including light reflected from the first background member 705b and reads an image formed on the paper P.

Specifically, the scanner 701a reads the back surface of the paper P. The reading result of the back surface of the paper P is used, for example, to check the deviation between the front and back sides of the image formed on the paper P, or to check the presence or absence of an unexpected image. The scanner 701b reads the surface of the paper P. The image formed on the paper P, for example, the patch 801 shown in FIG. 6 described later, is read.

When any one of the scanners 701a and 701b is not particularly distinguished, it is referred to as a scanner 701.

The image reading device 7 is operated by either an in-line method or an offline method. The in-line method is configured to directly feed the image-formed paper P supplied from the image-forming device 5 to the image reading device 7. On the other hand, the offline method is not configured to directly feed the image-formed paper P supplied from the image forming device 5 to the image reading device 7, but the image forming device 5 and the image reading device 7 are used. Each is configured independently. In the present embodiment, the following description will be given on the premise of the inline method, but the offline method may be used.

The colorimeter 703 is arranged on the downstream side of the scanner 701. The colorimeter 703 is arranged so as to face the paper P through which the transport path 700 is passed. The second background member 705c is arranged so as to face the colorimeter 703 and reflects the light emitted from the colorimeter 703. The colorimeter 703 measures the image formed on the paper P by incident the light including the light reflected from the second background member 705c. For example, the colorimeter 703 guarantees the absolute value of the color of the image formed on the paper P by measuring the color of the patch 801.

Specifically, the colorimeter 703 irradiates visible light toward patch 801 from a visible light source (not shown). The colorimeter 703 acquires the spectral spectrum of the reflected light of the visible light reflected by the second background member 705c. The colorimeter 703 executes an operation on a predetermined color system based on the acquired spectral spectrum, and derives the tint of the patch 801.

The color measurement result of patch 801 is generated as a color value ΔE, that is, a color measurement value, which is numerical data represented by a predetermined color system, for example, Lab color space data or XYZ color space data, and is generated by the control unit 51 or It is output to the control unit 41.

The color measurement range of the colorimeter 703, that is, the viewing angle is set to be narrower than the reading range of the scanner 701 and narrower than the width of the patch 801 along the paper width direction. Specifically, the lens portion that acquires the reflected light of the patch 801 is, for example, about 4 mm.

As described above, since the colorimeter 703 measures the color only in a certain viewing angle range, it can reproduce the color information with higher accuracy than the scanner 701.

The control unit 51 corrects the color information of the patch 801 read by the scanner 701 based on the color measurement value of the patch 801 measured by the colorimeter 703. Specifically, the control unit 51 associates the color information of the patch 801 measured by the colorimeter 703 with the color information of the patch 801 read by the scanner 701. If the color information of the patch 801 by the colorimeter 703 and the color information of the patch 801 by the scanner 701 are associated with each other, the color measurement result of the colorimeter 703 can be reflected in the reading result of the scanner 701. An accurate correction amount can be obtained.

That is, the paper P is transported along the transport path 700, the front surface and the back surface of the paper P are read by the scanner 701, and the image formed on the paper P is measured by the colorimeter 703 for a short time. The color of the paper P can be measured with. Further, the reading result read by the scanner 701 and the color measurement result measured by the colorimeter 703 are associated with each other, so that the reading result of the scanner 701 and the color measurement result of the colorimeter 703 are correlated. Since the relationship can be formed, the color measurement result can be interpolated.

The image processing unit 43 optimizes the image to be formed by the image forming unit 60 based on the correction amount calculated by the control unit 51. The image optimization process executed by the image processing unit 43 includes front / back position adjustment, density adjustment, color tone adjustment, and the like of the image to be printed on the paper P. Therefore, the image processing unit 43 can correct the color, position, or magnification of the image formed on the paper P according to the reading result of the paper P of the image reading device 7. Therefore, the image forming system 1 can construct a highly accurate feedback system at the time of maintenance as a whole system.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 according to the first embodiment of the present invention along the BB'direction. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement configuration of the pressing member 756 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement configuration of the pressing member 756 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the guide member 741 is arranged between the colorimeter 703 and the second background member 705c. The guide member 741 guides the paper P passing between the colorimeter 703 and the second background member 705c. The guide member 741 includes a first guide member 741a and a second guide member 741b. The first guide member 741a is arranged so as to face the colorimeter 703 and guides the paper P along the transport direction of the paper P. The second guide member 741b is arranged so as to face the first guide member 741a, and guides the paper P along the transport direction of the paper P.

The regulating member 751 is arranged so as to face the colorimeter 703 and regulates the movement of the paper P. The regulating member 751 is provided integrally with the second background member 705c. Therefore, the restricting member 751 can maintain a certain distance between the paper P and the second background member 705c, and the durability of the second background member 705c due to the paper P rubbing against the second background member 705c. It can prevent deterioration.

When the regulating member 751 presses the paper P, the movement of the paper P is restricted. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the regulation member 751 is arranged so as to face the first guide member 741a. The regulating member 751 includes a first member 752a, 752b, a second member 754, and a pressing member 756.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first members 752a and 752b are arranged on the upstream side of the color measurement position X of the colorimeter 703, and are composed of rolling members. When any of the first members 752a and 752b is not particularly distinguished, it is referred to as the first member 752.

At least two first members 752 are provided. The first member 752 is arranged at a position deviated from the region passing through the color measurement position X of the colorimeter 703 in the region along the transport direction of the paper P. At least two of the first members 752 are arranged so as to face each other. For example, the first member 752a and the first member 752b are arranged so as to face each other.

As shown in FIG. 6, the second member 754 is arranged on the downstream side of the color measurement position X of the colorimeter 703 and is composed of a rolling member. At least one second member 754 is provided. The second member 754 is arranged in a region that passes through the color measurement position X of the colorimeter 703 in the region along the transport direction of the paper P.

Each of the first member 752 and the second member 754 is composed of rollers that act as rolling members as the paper P is conveyed. Each of the first member 752 and the second member 754 may be composed of a drive roller that conveys the paper P as a rolling member.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pressing member 756 presses the first member 752 and the second member 754 against the guide member 741. The pressing member 756 is arranged at a position deviated from the axis of each of the first member 752 and the second member 754. The load of the pressing member 756 that presses the first member 752 and the second member 754 against the guide member 741 can be adjusted according to the rigidity of the paper P. Specifically, the pressing member 756 is composed of an elastic member and can urge the guide member 741. The pressing member 756 is composed of, for example, a spring member such as a coil spring or a leaf spring.

The operation and effect of this embodiment will be described with reference to conventional examples. FIG. 12 is a front view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 1751 in the conventional example. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 1751 in the conventional example along the AA'direction. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 1751 in the conventional example. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement configuration of the pressing member 1756 in the conventional example. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement configuration of the pressing member 1756 in the conventional example. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of light irradiated on the paper P in the conventional example.

In FIGS. 12 to 17, the first member 1752a and the first member 1752b are arranged on both sides of the color measurement position X of the colorimeter 703. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first member 1752a is pressed against the first guide member 741a by the pressing member 1756. The first member 1756b is pressed against the first guide member 741a by the pressing member 1756.

That is, the regulating member 1751 includes the first members 1752a and 1756b and the pressing member 1756, and the movement of the paper P in the height direction of the paper P is regulated by the first members 1752a and 1752b. When any one of the first member 1752a and 1752b is not particularly distinguished, it is referred to as the first member 1752.

Specifically, the regulating member 1751 is provided integrally with the second background member 705c, and a certain gap is formed between the second background member 705c and the paper P passing over the second background member 705c. Has been done. Therefore, the deterioration of the durability of the second background member 705c caused by the paper P rubbing against the second background member 705c is improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the regulating member 1751 regulates the movement of the paper P by two points, the first member 1752a and the first member 1752b. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the paper P is conveyed and the paper P rushes into the second background member 705c, or when the paper P is conveyed and separated from the second background member 705c, the color measurement position In the vicinity of X, a rotation angle θ'is generated in the regulating member 1751 and the second background member 705c.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the paper P is conveyed and the paper P rushes into the second background member 705c, the first member 1752 and the second background member 705c have a rotation angle θ'to the left. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, when the paper P is conveyed and the paper P is separated from the second background member 705c, the first member 1752 and the second background member 705c have a rotation angle θ'to the right.

Therefore, the correct amount of reflected light with respect to the incident light from the colorimeter 703 cannot be returned from the second background member 705c to the colorimeter 703. As a result, the colorimeter 703 cannot read accurate colors.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the amount of light incident on the colorimeter 703 is the color and material of the second background member 705c, the distance between the second background member 705c and the colorimeter 703, and so on. It changes due to the area of the second background member 705c and the like. Therefore, in order to accurately measure the color of the image formed on the paper P with the colorimeter 703, at least the distance between the colorimeter 703 and the paper P should be kept constant, and the paper P and the second background should be kept constant. It is necessary to keep the distance between the member 705c and the member 705c constant. For example, if the distance between the colorimeter 703 and the color measurement position X fluctuates by 0.5 mm, the color value ΔE that is the color measurement result of the colorimeter 703 changes by about 1.0.

Conventionally, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the guide member 741, the gap between the first guide member 741a and the second guide member 741b is set to about 2 to 3 mm, but the gap is set to about 2 to 3 mm. Within, the color value ΔE changes significantly due to the fluttering of the paper P and the like. Further, even at the reading position of the automatic document feeder 14, the gap is suppressed to about 1 mm, but in general, the colorimeter 703 by spectroscopy cannot tolerate the height fluctuation of the 1 mm paper P. Further, even if the thick paper has less transmitted light than the thin paper, when the rotation angle θ'occurs in the second background member 705c, the colorimeter 703 and the color measurement position X are caused by the fluctuation of the reflection angle of the transmitted light. If the distance between them fluctuates by 1 mm or more, the color measurement accuracy deteriorates.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the regulating member 751 regulates the movement of the paper P that fluctuates between the colorimeter 703 and the second background member 705c. Further, since the pressing member 756 is arranged at a position deviated from the axial core lines Y_1 and Y_2 passing through the axial centers of the first member 752 and the second member 754, the second background member 705c fluctuates in the rotation direction. The movement of the paper P is restricted.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the axis Y_1 of the first member 752 is the contact point between the first member 752 and the first guide member 741a among the axes of the first member 752. It is a line that passes through. On the other hand, the axis Y_2 of the second member 754 is a line that passes through the contact point between the second member 754 and the first guide member 741a among the axes of the second member 754.

Therefore, the axis Y_1 of the first member 752, the axis Y_2 of the second member 754, and the line Y_X passing through the center of gravity of the pressing member 756 are positioned at different positions. Therefore, since the first member 752 and the second member 754 press the paper P at three points in the direction opposite to the light emitted from the colorimeter 703 to the color measurement position X, the transport play of the paper P is suppressed. The color of the patch 801 can be measured while suppressing the fluctuation of the paper P in the angular direction.

That is, the contact point between the first member 752 and the first guide member 741a and the contact point between the second member 754 and the first guide member 741a regulate the rotation of the paper P due to the transportation. Therefore, the rotation angle θ is smaller than that of the conventional rotation angle θ'.

Therefore, the distance between the colorimeter 703 and the paper P can be made constant, and the distance between the paper P and the second background member 705c can be made constant, so that the color measurement accuracy is improved. be able to.

Further, since the first member 752 is arranged at a position deviated from the region passing through the color measurement position X of the colorimeter 703, the image formed on the paper P is damaged by the first member 752 before the color measurement. There is no. Therefore, the colored object forming the image is not damaged, and the fluctuation of the color measurement result due to the scratch on the image can be avoided. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first members 752a and 752b are not arranged in the traveling direction of the patch 801. Therefore, the patch 801 is not damaged by the first members 752a and 752b before the patch 801 reaches the color measurement position X. Therefore, the colored object forming the patch 801 is not damaged, and the variation in the color measurement result due to the scratches on the patch 801 can be avoided.

Further, at least two first members 752 are arranged so as to face each other at positions deviated from the region passing through the color measurement position X of the colorimeter 703, and the second member 754 sets the color measurement position X of the colorimeter 703. At least one is placed in the area through which it passes. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, since a three-point plane in contact with the second guide member 741b is formed around the color measurement position X, fluctuations in the angular direction of the paper P are restricted by at least three points. NS. Therefore, the color measurement can be performed while surely suppressing the angle fluctuation of the paper P.

Further, it is assumed that each of the first member 752 and the second member 754 is composed of rollers that are driven by the transportation of the paper P. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, even if the paper P rushes into the first member 752 or the second member 754, the paper P is smoothly conveyed, so that the paper P is smoothed while restricting the movement of the paper P. Can be transported to.

Further, it is assumed that each of the first member 752 and the second member 754 is composed of a drive roller that conveys the paper P. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, even if the movement of the paper P that fluctuates between the colorimeter 703 and the second background member 705c is restricted, it is upstream of the color measurement position X of the colorimeter 703. Since the transporting force for transporting the paper P acts on the side and the downstream side, the paper P can be smoothly transported while restricting the movement of the paper P.

Further, since the load for pressing the first member 752 and the second member 754 against the guide member 741 can be adjusted according to the rigidity of the paper P, the target load can be applied to the paper P. Therefore, in FIGS. 7 and 8, even if the paper P is thick paper, a load corresponding to the thick paper is applied to both the first member 752 and the second member 754 from the pressing member 756. The same applies even if the paper P is thin paper. Therefore, the movement of the paper P can be reliably regulated, and the paper P can be conveyed without being jammed in the middle.

Further, since the regulating member 751 is arranged so as to face the first guide member 741a, the first member 752 and the second member 754 can be simultaneously pressed against the first guide member 741a by the pressing member 756. A contact point between the first member 752a and the first guide member 741a, a contact point between the first member 752b and the first guide member 741a, and a contact point between the second member 754 and the first guide member 741a are formed. .. Therefore, in the past, as shown in FIG. 14, the movement of the paper P was restricted at the color measurement position X, but in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the movement of the paper P is restricted to the upstream side of the color measurement position X. Since the movement of the paper P is regulated on the downstream side, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation of the paper P in the angular direction due to the transportation of the paper P.

Embodiment 2.
In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are added to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the arrangement configuration of the regulation member 751 is different from that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 according to the second embodiment of the present invention along the CC'direction. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the guide member 741 and the regulation member 751 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the regulating member 751 is arranged so as to face the second guide member 741b. A certain gap is formed between the second background member 705c and the second guide member 741b, and a state in which the paper P rubs against the second background member 705c is avoided.

That is, the restricting member 751 and the second guide member 741b are in a facing arrangement relationship, and the second guide member 741b and the second background member 705c are also in a facing arrangement relationship. While the member 752 and the second member 754 can be pressed against the second guide member 741b at the same time, the deterioration of the durability of the second background member 705c is improved.

Therefore, the contact point between the first member 752 and the second guide member 741b and the contact point between the second member 754 and the second guide member 741b suppress the fluctuation of the paper P in the angular direction due to the transportation of the paper P. can do.

Specifically, since the first member 752 and the second member 754 press the paper P at three points in the same direction as the light emitted from the colorimeter 703 to the color measurement position X, the same as in the case of the first embodiment. Similarly, the distance between the colorimeter 703 and the paper P can be made constant, and the distance between the paper P and the second background member 705c can be made constant, so that the color measurement accuracy is improved. Can be made to.

Although the image forming apparatus 5 and the image reading apparatus 7 according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and modifications are made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. You may.

For example, in the present embodiment, an example of an arrangement configuration in which the paper P is horizontally conveyed and the colorimeter 703 and the second background member 705c are provided above and below the paper P has been described. It is not limited to this. For example, the paper P may be conveyed vertically, and the colorimeter 703 and the second background member 705c may be arranged on the left and right sides of the paper P.

Further, an example in which the image reading signal Sout is determined by the RGB color system as digital image data (RGB code) including R color, G color, and B color components has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and L * a *. b * It may be determined by a different color system such as a color system.

Further, in the intermediate transfer unit 620, an example using the secondary transfer roller 623 has been described, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. For example, a so-called belt-type secondary transfer unit may be adopted in which a secondary transfer belt (not shown) is stretched in a loop on a plurality of support rollers including the secondary transfer roller 623.

Further, although the configuration in which the colorimeter 703 measures the color based on the spectral spectrum has been described, the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, the colorimeter 703 may be a color difference meter that measures tristimulus values.

Further, although the arrangement configuration in which two first members 752 are provided has been described, the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, the first member 752 may have an arrangement configuration in which three or more members are provided.

Further, although the arrangement configuration in which one second member 754 is provided has been described, the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, the second member 754 may have an arrangement configuration in which two or more members are provided.

Further, although an example in which the pressing member 756 is composed of a spring member has been described, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. The pressing member 756 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member capable of urging the guide member 741. For example, the pressing member 756 may have a configuration in which the guide member 741 is urged by a cam (not shown), a motor (not shown) for driving the cam, or the like.

1 Image forming system 3 Paper feeding device 5 Image forming device 7 Image reading device 8 Paper ejection device 9 Paper ejection tray 11 Image forming apparatus main body 12 Image reading unit 121 First platen glass 122 Second platen glass 123 Light sources 124 to 126 Mirror 127 Imaging Optical Unit 128 Image Sensor 14 Automatic Document Feeder 141 Document Placement Unit 142a, 142b, 143, 144 Roller 145 Reversing Unit 146 Paper Discharge Plate 20 Paper Feeding Unit 200 Paper Feed Cassette 201 Feeding Roller 30 Transporting Unit 300 Route 302A Paper Feed Roller 302B, 302C, 302D Transport Roller 303 Resist Roller 304 Paper Discharge Roller 305 Paper Discharge Tray 306 Branch 307A Circulation Passage 307B Reverse Transport Path 307C Refeed Transport Path 41 Control Unit 43 Image Processing Unit 51 Control Part 60 Image forming part 601,601Y, 601M, 601C, 601K Image forming unit 611, 611Y, 611M, 611C, 611K LED writing unit 612, 612Y, 612M, 612C, 612K Development part 613, 613Y, 613M, 613C, 613K Photosensitivity Drum 614,614Y, 614M, 614C, 614K Charging part 616, 616Y, 616M, 616C, 616K Cleaning part 620 Intermediate transfer part 621 Intermediate transfer belt 622, 622Y, 622M, 622C, 622K Primary transfer roller 623 Secondary transfer roller 624 Cleaning device 630 Fixing part 631 Heating roller 632 Pressurizing roller 633 Heating part 81 Positioning detector 83 Temperature detector 700 Transport path 701, 701a, 701b Scanner 703 Colorimeter 705 Background member 705a, 705b First background member 705c Second background Member 731 Conveying roller 741 Guide member 741a First guide member 741b Second guide member 751, 1751 Regulatory member 752, 752a, 752b, 1752, 1752a, 1752b First member 754 Second member 756, 1756 Pressing member 801 Patch P paper T Original X Color measurement position Y_1, Y_2, Y_X Axis core line

Claims (16)

A colorimeter that measures the color of the image formed on the paper transported along the transport path,
A guide member that guides the paper whose color is measured by the colorimeter, and
A regulating member that is arranged to face the colorimeter and presses the paper to regulate the movement of the paper.
With
The regulating member includes a first member arranged on the upstream side of the color measuring position of the colorimeter with respect to the direction in which the paper is conveyed.
A second member arranged on the downstream side of the color measurement position with respect to the direction in which the paper is conveyed and provided on the same side as the first member with respect to the transfer path.
A pressing member that presses the first member and the second member against the guide member via the paper, and
With
The first member and the second member are arranged so that the color measurement position is surrounded by the two first member and the second member.
Image reader. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a background member for a colorimeter, which is arranged to face the colorimeter and reflects light emitted from the colorimeter. The image reading device according to claim 2 , wherein the regulating member is provided integrally with a background member for the colorimeter. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressing member presses the first member and the second member together with the guide member via the paper. The first member is arranged at a position deviated from the area passing through the color measurement position of the colorimeter in the area along the paper transport direction.
The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. At least two of the first members are arranged so as to face each other.
The second member is arranged in a region that passes through the color measurement position of the colorimeter in the region along the paper transport direction.
The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the first member and the second member are rolling members, respectively. Each of the first member and the second member is composed of rollers that move as the paper is conveyed as the rolling member.
The image reading device according to claim 7. Each of the first member and the second member is composed of a drive roller that conveys the paper as the rolling member.
The image reading device according to claim 7. In the pressing member, the load of pressing the first member and the second member against the guide member via the paper can be adjusted according to the rigidity of the paper.
The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The guide member is arranged so as to face the colorimeter and guides the paper along the conveying direction of the paper, and the first guide member is arranged so as to face the first guide member. A second guide member that guides the paper along the transport direction is provided.
The regulating member is arranged so as to face the first guide member.
The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The guide member is arranged so as to face the colorimeter and guides the paper along the conveying direction of the paper, and the first guide member is arranged so as to face the first guide member. A second guide member that guides the paper along the transport direction is provided.
The regulating member is arranged so as to face the second guide member.
The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A scanner that reads the image formed on the paper,
A background member for a scanner, which is arranged to face the scanner and reflects light emitted from the scanner, is further provided.
The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The colorimeter is located downstream of the scanner.
The image reading device according to claim 13. The scanner is provided at a position for reading an image formed on the front surface of the paper and a position for reading an image formed on the back surface of the paper, respectively.
The reading result read by the scanner and the color measurement result measured by the colorimeter are associated with each other.
The image reading device according to claim 13 or 14. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on the paper is provided.
Image formation system.

Images