Image processing apparatus and image processing method

Abstract

This invention provides an image processing apparatus and an image processing method. The image processing apparatus includes an alignment roller, a first conveying roller, and a second conveying roller. The alignment roller is disposed in a conveying channel for a sheet body that is the object of image processing, and corrects the tilt of the sheet body by colliding with the leading edge of the sheet body in a stopped state. The first conveying roller is located upstream of the alignment roller in the conveying channel and is disposed at a position where a first annular space for flexing the sheet body is sandwiched between the first and alignment rollers. The first conveying roller conveys the sheet body at a first conveying speed. The second conveying roller is located upstream of the first conveying roller in the conveying channel and is disposed at a position where a second annular space for flexing the sheet body is sandwiched between the second and first conveying rollers. The second conveying roller conveys the sheet body at a second conveying speed higher than the first conveying speed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a related art, there is known an image processing apparatus (image forming system) provided with a sheet conveying apparatus that collides a leading edge portion of a sheet (paper) with a nip portion of an alignment roller in a stopped state to perform inclination correction (paper bend correction) of the sheet, and drives the alignment roller. In the image processing apparatus of the related art, a loop roller that bends the sheet is disposed on an upstream side of the alignment roller, and when the inclination correction of the sheet is performed, whether or not to stop the drive of the loop roller or whether or not to decelerate the loop roller is controlled in accordance with a paper type.

[0003] In the structure of the above related art, in a case where the basic conveying speed is fast, a long sheet is conveyed in a short time, and thus when the inclination correction of the sheet is performed, the flexure (loop) of the sheet easily becomes unstable, and there is a possibility that the sheet is damaged. SUMMARY

[0004] An object of the present application is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method in which the flexure of a sheet easily becomes stable when inclination correction of the sheet is performed.

[0005] An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present application includes an alignment roller, a first conveying roller, and a second conveying roller. The alignment roller is disposed in a conveying path of a sheet that is an object of image processing, and corrects an inclination of the sheet by colliding a leading edge of the sheet in a stopped state. The first conveying roller is located on an upstream side of the alignment roller in the conveying path, and is disposed at a position that sandwiches a first loop space for flexing the sheet with the alignment roller. The first conveying roller conveys the sheet at a first conveying speed. The second conveying roller is located on an upstream side of the first conveying roller in the conveying path, and is disposed at a position that sandwiches a second loop space for flexing the sheet with the first conveying roller. The second conveying roller conveys the sheet at a second conveying speed that is higher than the first conveying speed.

[0006] The image processing method of another aspect of the present application includes: driving an alignment roller configured in a conveyance passage of a sheet body that is an object of image processing, to correct a tilt of the sheet body by colliding with a leading edge of the sheet body in a stopped state; driving a first conveyance roller located upstream of the alignment roller in the conveyance passage and configured at a position sandwiching a first loop space for flexing the sheet body with the alignment roller, to convey the sheet body at a first conveyance speed; and driving a second conveyance roller located upstream of the first conveyance roller in the conveyance passage and configured at a position sandwiching a second loop space for flexing the sheet body with the first conveyance roller, to convey the sheet body at a second conveyance speed higher than the first conveyance speed.

[0007] According to the present application, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method in which flexing of a sheet body is easily stabilized when a tilt correction of the sheet body is performed.

[0008] This specification suitably refers to the accompanying drawings by way of simplifying the content summarizing the concepts described in the following detailed description. The intention of this specification is not to limit the important features and the essential features of the subject matter recited in the claims, and furthermore, is not to limit the range of the subject matter recited in the claims. In addition, the subject matter recited in the claims is not limited to the embodiments that solve some or all of the disadvantages recited in any part of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of the image processing apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the image processing apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main part of the image processing apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main part of the image processing apparatus of the comparative example.

[0013] Figure 5 is a graph schematically showing the extension amount of the loop in the acceleration period of the alignment roller for the image processing apparatus of the comparative example.

[0014] Figure 6 is a graph schematically showing the extension amount of the loop in the acceleration period of the alignment roller for the image processing apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 7is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image processing apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of the image processing apparatus of Embodiment 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples of embodying the present application, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present application.

[0018] (Embodiment 1)

[0019] [1] Overall structure of image processing apparatus

[0020] First, the overall structure of the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2

[0021] As an example, the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is a multifunction peripheral having a scanning function of acquiring image data from an original, a printing function of forming an image from the image data, a facsimile function, a copying function, and the like. The image processing apparatus 10 can be a printer, a scanner, a facsimile apparatus, a copier, or the like, as long as it has an image processing function including at least one of a function of forming an image and a function of acquiring image data.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2 , the image processing apparatus 10 is roughly divided into a main body 1 (main body unit) and an extension device 2 (enhancement unit). The main body 1 has an image processing function (at least one of a function of forming an image and a function of acquiring image data). The "extension device" in the present application is an optional device that is detachably connected to the main body 1, and is an enhancement unit that adds various extension functions to the image processing apparatus. The main body 1 and the extension device 2 are used in an electrically and mechanically connected state.

[0023] That is, the image processing apparatus 10 takes the function of the main body 1 as a basis, and by combining a desired extension device 2 with the main body 1, it is possible to realize various extension functions desired by the user. In other words, the image processing apparatus 10 includes the main body 1 having an image processing function, and the extension device 2 is detachably connected to the main body 1. As specific examples of the extension device 2, there are a stapler, a folder, an inserter, a booklet creaser, a letter creaser, and the like. These extension devices 2 are, for example, "post-processing apparatuses" that perform post-processing such as stapling processing on a sheet on which an image has been formed by the main body 1.

[0024] ​In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 includes, as an example, a finisher (post-processing apparatus) having a function as a stapler as the expansion device 2, and further includes any expansion device 2 selected from a folder, an inserter, a booklet maker, a letter folding machine, and the like. That is, the image processing apparatus 10 can connect one or more expansion devices 2 with respect to one main body 1.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1 , the main body 1 includes a first conveying section 11, an image reading section 12, an image forming section 13, a paper feeding section 14, an operation display section 15, and a control section 16. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 , the main body 1 includes a housing 101. The first conveying section 11, the image reading section 12, the image forming section 13, the paper feeding section 14, the operation display section 15, and the control section 16 are provided to the housing 101.

[0026] The first conveying section 11 conveys a sheet Shl (refer to Figure 3 ) that is an object of image formation or image reading along a first conveying passage Ll (refer to Figure 3 ). As will be described in detail later, the first conveying section 11 conveys the sheet Shl that is an object of image processing (image formation or image reading) in order using one or more pairs of rollers arranged on the first conveying passage Ll formed in the main body 1. Here, the sheet Shl conveyed by the first conveying section 11 is paper as an example, but is not limited to paper, and can be a resin film or the like, for example.

[0027] The image reading section 12 reads an image from a document (sheet Shl) and outputs image data corresponding to the read image. The image reading section 12 includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like.

[0028] The image forming section 13 forms an image on the sheet Shl in an electrophotographic manner in accordance with the image data output from the image reading section 12. In addition, the image forming section 13 forms an image on the sheet Shl in accordance with the image data input from an information processing apparatus outside the image processing apparatus 10 such as a personal computer. The image forming section 13 has four image forming units corresponding to four colors of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and the like. The image forming section 13 can also be a structure that forms an image on the sheet Shl in an image forming manner other than the electrophotographic manner such as an inkjet manner, for example.

[0029] The image forming section 13 forms an image on the sheet body Shl using toner as a developer. In the case where the image forming section 13 forms an image in an inkjet manner, ink (another example of a developer) is supplied instead of toner. As the toner supplied to the image forming section 13, for example, there are toners of a plurality of colors of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). The sheet body Shl on which an image is formed in the image forming section 13 is conveyed by the first conveying section 11 to the expansion device 2 as a post-processing device, so that post-processing (post-treatment) is performed.

[0030] The paper feeding section 14 supplies the sheet body Shl to the image forming section 13. The paper feeding section 14 has a paper cassette, a manual tray, a sheet body conveying passage, a plurality of conveying rollers, and the like. The image forming section 13 forms an image on the sheet body Shl supplied from the paper feeding section 14.

[0031] The operation display section 15 is a user interface in the image processing device 10. The operation display section 15 has a display section such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information according to a control instruction from the control section of the main body, and an operation section such as a switch or a touch panel that inputs various information to the control section of the main body according to an operation of a user. In addition, the image processing device 10 can include, for example, a sound output section and a sound input section as a user interface on the basis of or instead of the operation display section 15.

[0032] The control section 16 generally controls the image processing device 10. In the present embodiment, the control section 16 controls at least the first conveying section 11 of the main body 1 and the second conveying section 22 of the expansion device 2. Specifically, the control section 16 controls a conveying speed of the sheet body Shl in the first conveying section 11, a conveying speed of the sheet body Shl in the second conveying section 22, and whether or not to convey (stop) the sheet body Shl, and the like.

[0033] The control section 16 has a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories as a main structure. In the image processing device 10, the functions of the control section 16 are realized by executing a program by the one or more processors. The program can be stored in the memory in advance, can be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet, or can be provided by storing in a non-transitory storage medium readable by a computer system such as an optical disk. The one or more processors are constituted by one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit. Further, the computer system referred to herein includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. The control section 16 includes a memory used as a temporary storage (work area) of various processes executed by the control section 16. The control section 16 can be a control section provided independently of a main control section that generally controls the image processing device 10.

[0034] Further, the main body 1 includes a storage section and a communication section, etc. The storage section includes one or more nonvolatile memories, and stores information such as a control program for causing the control section 16 to execute various processes in advance. The communication section is an interface that performs data communication between the image processing apparatus 10 and an external apparatus connected through a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network), etc.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the expansion device 2 that is the organizer among the plurality of expansion devices 2 is directly connected to the main body 1, and the other expansion devices 2 are indirectly connected to the main body 1 by being connected to the expansion device 2 that is the organizer. That is, in a case where the main body 1 is regarded as a "parent", the expansion device 2 that is the organizer can be regarded as a "child", and the other expansion devices 2 can be regarded as "grandchildren". Thus, by combining an arbitrary device such as a folder or an inserter, etc. as the other expansion device 2 (grandchild enhancement unit) with respect to the expansion device 2 that is the organizer (child enhancement unit), it is possible to add an arbitrary function to the organizer. However, the plurality of expansion devices 2 basically adopt a common structure only in the range described below.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 1, the expansion device 2 has an expansion function section 21 and a second conveyance section 22. In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the expansion device 2 includes a housing 102. The expansion function section 21 and the second conveyance section 22 are provided to the housing 102. Here, the housing 102 can centrally provide the plurality of expansion devices 2 in one housing 102, or can be configured to be able to be divided (separated) for each expansion device 2. Figure 1 Figure 2 The expansion function section 21 realizes a function (post-processing) that the expansion device 2 adds to the main body 1. That is, if the expansion device 2 is a stapler, the expansion function section 21 performs stapling processing, and if the expansion device 2 is a folder, the expansion function section 21 performs sheet body folding processing.

[0037] The second conveyance section 22 conveys the sheet body Shl that is the object of the post-processing along a second conveyance passage L2 (refer to Fig. 3). As described in detail later, the second conveyance section 22 sequentially conveys the sheet body Shl that is the object of the post-processing by one or more pairs of rollers arranged on the second conveyance passage L2 formed in the expansion device 2.

[0038] The second conveyance section 22 conveys the sheet body Shl that is the object of the post-processing along a second conveyance passage L2 (refer to Fig. 3). As described in detail later, the second conveyance section 22 sequentially conveys the sheet body Shl that is the object of the post-processing by one or more pairs of rollers arranged on the second conveyance passage L2 formed in the expansion device 2. Figure 3

[0039] ​​That is, the second conveying section 22 conveys the sheet body Shl discharged from the main body 1 to the extension device 2 by the first conveying section 11 of the main body 1 along the second conveying passage L2 in the extension device 2. Therefore, the first conveying passage LI of the main body 1 and the second conveying passage L2 of the extension device 2 are continuous, and the sheet body Shl is conveyed from the first conveying passage LI to the second conveying passage L2. In other words, the conveying passage LlO (refer to Figure 3 ) includes the first conveying passage LI and the second conveying passage L2, and the sheet body Shl is conveyed by the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 22 along the conveying passage LlO.

[0040] The connection work between the main body 1 and the extension device 2 is performed by a user (including a construction worker such as a service person). That is, the user, for example, electrically connects a desired extension device 2 to the main body 1. In this way, the user performs the connection work of the main body 1 and the extension device 2 in cooperation with the structure (combination) of the extension device 2 connected to the main body 1.

[0041] [2] Correction of inclination of sheet body

[0042] In the image processing apparatus 10 described above, if the sheet body Shl conveyed by the second conveying section 22 is inclined, the sheet body Shl in the inclined state is subjected to the post-processing performed by the extension device 2. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 10, it is useful to adopt a means for correcting the inclination of such a sheet body Shl.

[0043] The image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment adopts a mechanical alignment mechanism as a means for correcting the inclination of the sheet body Shl. The mechanical alignment mechanism is a mechanism that performs skew correction (inclination correction) of the inclination itself of the conveyed sheet body Shl using an alignment roller 221 (refer to Figure 3 ) disposed in the conveying passage LlO.

[0044] Specifically, the mechanical alignment mechanism corrects the inclination of the sheet body Shl by causing the leading edge of the sheet body Shl conveyed in the conveying passage LlO to collide with the nip portion of the alignment roller 221 in a stopped state. The "leading edge" of the sheet body Shl referred to here is an edge on the head (front end) side in the conveying direction of the sheet body Shl, and is a portion of the conveyed sheet body Shl that first reaches (contacts) the alignment roller 221. The mechanical alignment mechanism, after thus adjusting the posture of the sheet body Shl (correcting the inclination), rotates the alignment roller 221, thereby correcting the inclination of the conveyed sheet body Shl.

[0045] However, as a related technology to this image processing apparatus 10, an image processing apparatus (image forming system) including a paper conveying device is known. This paper conveying device drives the alignment roller after correcting the tilt of the sheet (paper bending) by colliding the leading edge of the sheet with the slit of the alignment roller, which is in a stopped state. In the image processing apparatus of this related technology, a ring roller that bends the sheet is arranged upstream of the alignment roller. During the tilt correction of the sheet, the driving of the ring roller is controlled to either stop or decelerate depending on the type of paper.

[0046] Under the aforementioned related technology structure, when the basic conveying speed is high, the deflection (ring) of the thin sheet can easily become unstable when the sheet is tilted and corrected, as the long sheet is conveyed in a short time. This could lead to damage to the thin sheet.

[0047] In this embodiment, an image processing apparatus 10 is implemented that makes it easy to stabilize the deflection of the sheet body Sh1 when performing tilt correction, by utilizing the structure described below.

[0048] That is, such as Figure 3 As shown, the image processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes an alignment roller 221, a first transport roller 111, and a second transport roller 112. The alignment roller 221 is disposed in the transport channel L10 of the sheet body Sh1, which is the object of image processing, and corrects the tilt of the sheet body Sh1 by colliding with its leading edge in a stopped state. The first transport roller 111 is located upstream of the alignment roller 221 in the transport channel L10 and is disposed at a position where a first annular space Sp1 is sandwiched between it and the alignment roller 221. The first annular space Sp1 is a space for flexing the sheet body Sh1. The first transport roller 111 transports the sheet body Sh1 at a first transport speed. The second transport roller 112 is located upstream of the first transport roller 111 in the transport channel L10 and is disposed at a position where a second annular space Sp2 is sandwiched between it and the first transport roller 111. The second annular space Sp2 is a space for flexing the sheet body Sh1. The second transport roller 112 transports the sheet body Sh1 at a second transport speed higher than the first transport speed.

[0049] In summary, in this embodiment, a first conveying roller 111 is provided upstream of the alignment roller 221, and a second conveying roller 112 is provided upstream of the first conveying roller 111, conveying the sheet body Sh1 at a conveying speed (second conveying speed) higher than that of the first conveying roller 111. When the alignment roller 221 is in a stopped state, i.e., when the conveying speed is 0 (zero), it collides with the leading edge of the sheet body Sh1, adjusts the posture of the sheet body Sh1 (corrects the tilt), and then begins to rotate, thereby forming a mechanical alignment mechanism for correcting the tilt of the sheet body Sh1.

[0050] The "upstream" in the present application means the upstream of the flow of the sheet body Sh1 in the conveyance in the conveyance path L10, and is the opposite side to the downstream. That is, the sheet body Sh1 conveyed along the conveyance path L10 is conveyed from the upstream to the downstream of the conveyance path L10. In addition, the "loop" in the present application means a loop-like flexion (relaxation) formed by the flexion of the sheet body Sh1 in a case where the conveyance speed on the leading edge side of the sheet body Sh1 is lower than the conveyance speed on the trailing edge side.

[0051] That is, in a case where the conveyance speed of the conveyance roller on the upstream side (the first conveyance roller 111) is substantially equal to or higher than the conveyance speed of the conveyance roller on the downstream side (the alignment roller 221), a loop (flexion) can be generated between the first conveyance roller 111 and the alignment roller 221 due to the speed difference. Here, the conveyance speed includes "0" of the stop state of the alignment roller 221. Similarly, in a case where the conveyance speed of the conveyance roller on the upstream side (the second conveyance roller 112) is substantially equal to or higher than the conveyance speed of the conveyance roller on the downstream side (the first conveyance roller 111), a loop (flexion) can be generated between the second conveyance roller 112 and the first conveyance roller 111 due to the speed difference.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the first conveyance roller 111 is disposed at a position on the upstream side of the alignment roller 221 with the first loop space Sp1 for forming the loop (flexion of the sheet body Sh1) therebetween. Similarly, the second conveyance roller 112 is disposed at a position on the upstream side of the first conveyance roller 111 with the second loop space Sp2 for forming the loop (flexion of the sheet body Sh1) therebetween.

[0053] Therefore, the loop (flexion of the sheet body Sh1) caused by the conveyance speed difference between the alignment roller 221 and the first conveyance roller 111 is generated in the first loop space Sp1, and the loop (flexion of the sheet body Sh1) caused by the conveyance speed difference between the first conveyance roller 111 and the second conveyance roller 112 is generated in the second loop space Sp2. As a result, the flexion of the sheet body Sh1 is dispersed in two portions, the flexion amount of the sheet body Sh1 in each portion is small, and the damage of the sheet body Sh1 can be reduced. Thus, in the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, there is an advantage that the flexion of the sheet body Sh1 is easily stabilized when the skew correction of the sheet body Sh1 is performed.

[0054] In addition, the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment includes the main body 1 and the extension device 2 as a post-processing apparatus. Moreover, the sheet body Sh1 after the image processing (image formation or image reading) by the main body 1 is conveyed from the main body 1 to the extension device 2 so as to be subjected to post-processing (post-processing). Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 10, the conveyance path L10 of the sheet body Sh1 has the first conveyance path L1 formed in the main body 1 on the upstream side and the second conveyance path L2 formed in the extension device 2 on the downstream side.

[0055] In other words, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a downstream unit and an upstream unit. Here, the downstream unit has an alignment roller 221, and the upstream unit has a first conveying roller 111. A conveying channel L10 is continuously formed from the upstream unit to the downstream unit. In this embodiment, as an example, the main body 1 is the upstream unit, and the extension device 2 is the downstream unit. Therefore, in this embodiment, the alignment roller 221 is disposed on the extension device 2, and the first conveying roller 111 is disposed on the main body 1. Furthermore, the conveying channel L10 is continuously formed from the first conveying channel L1 of the main body 1 to the second conveying channel L2 of the extension device 2.

[0056] According to the above structure, when the sheet body Sh1 is conveyed from the upstream side unit (main body 1 in this embodiment) to the downstream side unit (extension device 2 in this embodiment), even if the sheet body Sh1 tilts, the tilt can be corrected between the upstream side unit and the downstream side unit.

[0057] [3] Detailed structure of the conveying unit

[0058] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the conveying section (first conveying section 11 and second conveying section 22) for conveying the sheet body Sh1 will be described in more detail.

[0059] First, a first conveying unit 11 is provided on the main body 1, which serves as an upstream unit. The first conveying unit 11 has a first conveying roller 111 and a second conveying roller 112, and conveys the sheet body Sh1 along the first conveying channel L1. Figure 3 In the example, the first conveying channel L1 extends in the left-right direction in the figure, and the first conveying part 11 conveys the sheet body Sh1 from the right side of the figure toward the left side of the figure.

[0060] The first conveying roller 111 is disposed at the downstream end of the first conveying channel L1, that is, at the position where it connects to the second conveying channel L2 of the downstream unit (extension device 2 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, as an example, a pair of first conveying rollers 111 are provided in the width direction (vertical direction in the figure) of the conveying channel L10 (first conveying channel L1) in such a way that the sheet body Sh1 conveyed in the conveying channel L10 (first conveying channel L1) is sandwiched between them. The pair of first conveying rollers 111 are in contact with each other with a predetermined pressure, and by sandwiching the sheet body Sh1 between them, the sheet body Sh1 is conveyed toward the downstream side of the conveying channel L10 (the side of the alignment roller 221). As long as at least one of the pair of first conveying rollers 111 is a drive roller driven by a motor, the other can also be a driven roller.

[0061] The second conveying roller 112 is disposed in the first conveying passage LI at a position that is separated by a predetermined distance upstream from the first conveying roller 111. In the present embodiment, as an example, the second conveying roller 112 is provided in a pair in the width direction (the up-down direction in the drawing) of the conveying passage L10 (the first conveying passage LI) in a manner that sandwiches the sheet body Shl conveyed in the conveying passage L10 (the first conveying passage LI). The pair of second conveying rollers 112 are in contact with each other at a predetermined pressure, and convey the sheet body Shl toward the downstream side of the conveying passage L10 (the first conveying roller 111 side) by sandwiching the sheet body Shl therebetween. At least one of the pair of second conveying rollers 112 can be a driving roller driven by a motor, and the other can be a driven roller.

[0062] The first conveying passage LI has a width dimension (a dimension in the up-down direction in the drawing) that is slightly larger than the thickness of the sheet body Shl. Thus, the sheet body Shl conveyed in the first conveying passage LI is able to pass through the first conveying passage LI, and the advancing direction is guided by the inner side surface of the first conveying passage LI. A portion of the first conveying passage LI in which the width dimension is locally enlarged functions as a second ring space Sp2.

[0063] The second ring space Sp2 is disposed between the first conveying roller 111 and the second conveying roller 112 in the first conveying passage LI. That is, the second ring space Sp2 is located on the upstream side as viewed from the first conveying roller 111, and the second ring space Sp2 is located on the downstream side as viewed from the second conveying roller 112. In the present embodiment, as an example, the second ring space Sp2 has a shape in cross section that is triangular such that the width dimension (a dimension in the up-down direction in the drawing) is wider toward the upstream side, and the width dimension is gradually narrower toward the downstream side.

[0064] On the other hand, the second conveying section 22 is provided to the expansion device 2 as a downstream side unit. The second conveying section 22 has an alignment roller 221 and a feed sensor 222, and conveys the sheet body Shl along a second conveying passage L2. In the example of the present embodiment, the second conveying passage L2 is elongated in the right-left direction in the drawing, and the second conveying section 22 conveys the sheet body Shl from the right side in the drawing toward the left side in the drawing. Figure 3

[0065] ​The alignment roller 221 is disposed at a position in the second conveying passage L2 that is separated by a predetermined distance from the end on the upstream side. In the present embodiment, as an example, the alignment roller 221 is provided in a pair in the width direction (the up-down direction in the drawing) of the conveying passage L10 (the second conveying passage L2) in a manner that sandwiches the sheet body Shl conveyed in the conveying passage L10 (the second conveying passage L2). The alignment rollers 221 in the pair contact each other with a predetermined pressure, and thereby convey the sheet body Shl toward the downstream side of the conveying passage L10 by sandwiching the sheet body Shl therebetween. At least one of the alignment rollers 221 in the pair can be a drive roller driven by a motor, and the other can be a driven roller.

[0066] The second conveying passage L2 has a width dimension (a dimension in the up-down direction in the drawing) that is slightly larger than the thickness of the sheet body Shl. Thereby, the sheet body Shl conveyed in the second conveying passage L2 is able to pass through the second conveying passage L2, and the advancing direction is guided by the inner side surface of the second conveying passage L2. A portion in the second conveying passage L2 in which the width dimension is locally enlarged functions as the first loop space Sp1.

[0067] The first loop space Sp1 is disposed at the end on the upstream side in the second conveying passage L2, that is, at a position connected to the first conveying passage Ll of the upstream side unit (the main body 1 in the present embodiment). That is, the first loop space Sp1 is located on the upstream side as viewed from the alignment roller 221, and the first loop space Sp1 is located on the downstream side as viewed from the first conveying roller 111. Here, the first loop space Sp1 is located at a position immediately after the first conveying roller 111, at the introduction portion (the introduction port) of the sheet body Shl in the second conveying passage L2. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first loop space Sp1 has a shape in which the cross section is triangular, so that the width dimension (the dimension in the up-down direction in the drawing) is wider toward the upstream side, and the width dimension is gradually narrower toward the downstream side.

[0068] The introduction sensor 222 is a sensor that detects the sheet body Shl introduced into the second conveying passage L2. In the present embodiment, as an example, the introduction sensor 222 is an optical sensor, and is disposed at a position facing the conveying passage L10 (the second conveying passage L2). Here, the introduction sensor 222 is disposed between the alignment roller 221 and the first loop space Sp1 in the second conveying passage L2. That is, the introduction sensor 222 is located on the upstream side as viewed from the alignment roller 221, and the introduction sensor 222 is located on the downstream side as viewed from the first loop space Sp1.

[0069] After the leading edge of the sheet body Shl conveyed by the first conveying section 11 is detected by the feed sensor 222 to the second conveying passage L2, until the stop time of the loop (flex of the sheet body Shl) required for the skew correction is elapsed, the second conveying section 22 stops the alignment roller 221. Thereby, the leading edge of the sheet body Shl conveyed by the first conveying section 11 collides with the alignment roller 221 in the stopped state, and the skew correction is performed by the sheet body Shl generating a loop. Thereafter, the second conveying section 22 accelerates the alignment roller 221 to the predetermined conveying speed, and conveys the sheet body Shl by the alignment roller 221.

[0070] [4] Sheet conveying operation

[0071] Next, the sheet conveying operation of the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is explained in detail by comparing with the image processing apparatus 10X of the comparative example. As shown in FIG. 8, the image processing apparatus 10X of the comparative example differs from the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment in that the second loop space Sp2 and the second conveying roller 112 are omitted from the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. Figure 4

[0072] That is, the image processing apparatus 10X of the comparative example includes the alignment roller 221 and the first conveying roller 111. The alignment roller 221 is disposed in the conveying passage L10 of the sheet body Shl as an object of the image processing, and corrects the skew of the sheet body Shl by colliding with the leading edge of the sheet body Shl in the stopped state. The first conveying roller 111 is located upstream of the alignment roller 221 in the conveying passage L10, and is disposed at a position sandwiching the first loop space Sp1 between the alignment roller 221.

[0073] In the case where the mechanical alignment correction is completed within the main body 1, the conveying roller more upstream than the alignment roller 221 is also stopped during the stop of the alignment roller 221, thereby suppressing the generation of the loop required or more. However, as shown in the comparative example, in the structure of being divided into the main body 1 and the expansion device 2, for example, if the conveying roller (the first conveying roller 111 or the like) of the main body 1 as the upstream side unit is stopped in the state where the sheet body Shl is located at the fixing device, there is a problem, and therefore the conveying roller of the main body 1 is not stopped even during the stop of the alignment roller 221 of the expansion device 2 as the downstream side unit.

[0074] Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 10X of the comparative example, the first conveying roller 111 continues the conveying of the sheet body Shl during the period in which the alignment roller 221 is brought to the stopped state until the predetermined stop time is elapsed after the leading edge of the sheet body Shl is detected by the feed sensor 222. At this time, only the loop (flex of the sheet body Shl) required for the skew correction is generated in the first loop space Sp1.

[0075] ​Thereafter, the second conveying section 22 accelerates the registration roller 221 to a predetermined conveying speed, and conveys the sheet body Shl by the registration roller 221. At this time, acceleration control is performed in which the conveying speed (rotational speed) of the registration roller 221 is gradually increased from 0 (stop state) to a predetermined speed in stages, so that the motor that drives the registration roller 221 does not become out of sync. Therefore, during the acceleration period in which the registration roller 221 is accelerating, the length of the sheet body Shl conveyed from the first conveying roller 111 on the upstream side is longer than the length of the sheet body Shl fed out from the registration roller 221. Therefore, during the acceleration period, the loop (flexure of the sheet body Shl) is elongated (increased) by an amount corresponding to the difference in length within the first loop space Sp1.

[0076] Figure 5 is a graph that schematically shows the amount of elongation of the loop during the acceleration period of the registration roller 221 for the comparative example image processing apparatus 10X. In Figure 5 , the horizontal axis is set to the elapsed time from the start point of the acceleration period (i.e., the release of the stop state of the registration roller 221), and the vertical axis is set to the conveying speed.

[0077] During the acceleration period, the conveying speed VI of the registration roller 221 gradually increases with the passage of time, and eventually reaches a predetermined speed V2. The predetermined speed V2 is the same as the conveying speed of the first conveying roller 111 on the upstream side of the registration roller 221. As an example, if the predetermined speed V2 is set to 600 [mm / s], as shown in Figure 5 , during the acceleration period, the loop is elongated by an amount corresponding to the difference between the conveying speed VI of the registration roller 221 and the conveying speed (predetermined speed V2) of the first conveying roller 111 on the upstream side within the first loop space Sp1. Therefore, at the end point of the acceleration period, a slightly longer loop is produced in the first loop space Sp1 by the loop required for skew correction plus the length of the loop corresponding to the oblique region Al. Figure 5

[0078] As a result, a larger loop space (first loop space Sp1) is required between the registration roller 221 and the first conveying roller 111. In the case where this loop space is small, as shown in Figure 4 , the sheet body Shl is greatly flexed, so there is a possibility that the sheet body Shl will be damaged by a crease or the like. Conversely, if this loop space is increased, the press-in to the registration roller 221 required for skew correction becomes insufficient, resulting in a decrease in the correction accuracy of the tilt of the sheet body Shl.

[0079] ​In this regard, in the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the second conveying section 22 causes the alignment roller 221 to be in a stopped state for a period until a predetermined stop time elapses after the leading edge of the sheet body Shl is detected by the feed sensor 222, and the first conveying roller 111 continues to convey the sheet body Shl. In the present embodiment, the conveying speed (first conveying speed Vl l) of the first conveying roller 111 is reduced (decelerated) from a state where it is equal to the conveying speed (second conveying speed V12) of the second conveying roller 112 at the same time as the alignment roller 221 is stopped. However, the first conveying roller 111 is not stopped, but is merely decelerated.

[0080] At this time, a loop (flexure of the sheet body Shl) of a length required for the skew correction is generated in the first loop space Spl. Further, a loop (flexure of the sheet body Shl) of a length corresponding to the difference between the conveying speed (first conveying speed Vl l) of the first conveying roller 111 after the deceleration and the conveying speed (second conveying speed V12) of the second conveying roller 112 located upstream thereof is generated in the second loop space Sp2. In summary, in the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, since the second loop space Sp2 is provided, a loop is generated not only in the first loop space Spl, but also in the second loop space Sp2.

[0081] Thereafter, the second conveying section 22 accelerates the alignment roller 221 to a predetermined conveying speed, and conveys the sheet body Shl by the alignment roller 221. At this time, acceleration control is performed in which the conveying speed (rotational speed) of the alignment roller 221 is raised from 0 (stopped state) to a predetermined speed in stages, so that the motor that drives the alignment roller 221 does not become out of sync. Therefore, during the acceleration period in which the alignment roller 221 is being accelerated, the length of the sheet body Shl conveyed from the first conveying roller 111 on the upstream side is longer than the length of the sheet body Shl fed out from the alignment roller 221. Therefore, during the acceleration period, the loop (flexure of the sheet body Shl) is extended (increased) by an amount of length corresponding to the difference in length in the first loop space Spl.

[0082] Further, in the present embodiment, the first conveying roller 111 starts to accelerate at the same time as or with a certain degree of time difference from the alignment roller 221. That is, the first conveying speed Vl l of the first conveying roller 111 is decelerated in conjunction with the stop of the alignment roller 221, and acceleration of the first conveying speed Vl l is performed in conjunction with the acceleration of the alignment roller 221. The first conveying speed Vl l is accelerated to the first conveying speed Vl l (i.e., the second conveying speed V12) before the deceleration (i.e., before the stop of the alignment roller 221). Therefore, during the acceleration period of the alignment roller 221, the loop (flexure of the sheet body Shl) is extended (increased) by an amount of length corresponding to the difference between the first conveying speed Vl l and the second conveying speed V12 in the second loop space Sp2.

[0083] Figure 6is a graph schematically showing the extension amount of the loop in the acceleration period of the alignment roller 221 for the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. In Figure 6 , the horizontal axis is set to the elapsed time from the start point of the acceleration period (i.e., the release of the stop state of the alignment roller 221), and the vertical axis is set to the conveyance speed.

[0084] In the acceleration period, the conveyance speed VI of the alignment roller 221 gradually rises with the passage of time, and eventually reaches the second conveyance speed V12. Also, in the acceleration period, the first conveyance speed V11 of the first conveyance roller 111 gradually rises with the passage of time, and eventually reaches the second conveyance speed V12. In the present embodiment, the first conveyance speed V11 starts to accelerate at the point in time at which the conveyance speed VI of the alignment roller 221 reaches the first conveyance speed V11. As an example, the second conveyance speed V12 is set to 600 [mm / s], and the first conveyance speed V11 after deceleration is set to 400 [mm / s].

[0085] In this case, as shown in Figure 6 , in the acceleration period, due to the difference between the conveyance speed VI of the alignment roller 221 and the conveyance speed (first conveyance speed V11) of the first conveyance roller 111 on the upstream side, in the first loop space Sp1, the loop is extended by an amount of length corresponding to the difference, i.e., an amount of the oblique region Al l of Figure 6 . Also, in the acceleration period, due to the difference between the conveyance speed (first conveyance speed V11) of the first conveyance roller 111 and the conveyance speed (second conveyance speed V12) of the second conveyance roller 112 on the upstream side, in the second loop space Sp2, the loop is extended by an amount of length corresponding to the difference, i.e., an amount of the oblique region A12 of Figure 6 .

[0086] Therefore, at the end point of the acceleration period, a loop of a length required for skew correction is generated in the first loop space Sp1, and a loop of a length corresponding to the oblique region Al l is added to the loop. Also, a loop of a length corresponding to the difference between the first conveyance speed V11 and the second conveyance speed V12 at the time of deceleration is generated in the second loop space Sp2, and a loop of a length corresponding to the oblique region A12 is added to the loop.

[0087] As is apparent from a comparison between Figure 6 and Figure 5 , the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment can suppress the extension length of the loop generated in the acceleration period to be shorter than the image processing apparatus 10X of the comparative example. That is, the extension length of the loop can be shortened by the difference between the oblique region Al and the oblique regions Al l, A12. Furthermore, the loops of lengths corresponding to the oblique regions Al l, A12 are dispersedly generated in the first loop space Sp1 and the second loop space Sp2, so the loop generated in the loop space of one portion is greatly shortened compared to the comparative example.

[0088] As a result, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has an advantage that the flexion of the sheet Shl is easily stabilized when the inclination correction of the sheet Shl is performed.

[0089] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the conveyance speed of the first conveyance roller 111 (the first conveyance speed Vl l) is variable. That is, the first conveyance roller 111 is capable of changing the first conveyance speed Vl l. Thereby, the length of the loop generated in the first loop space Spl and the length of the loop generated in the second loop space Sp2 can be appropriately adjusted respectively according to the first conveyance speed Vl l.

[0090] Further, in the present embodiment, the first conveyance roller 111 changes the first conveyance speed Vl l according to the conveyance speed Vl of the alignment roller 221. That is, the first conveyance speed Vl l is changed in synchronization with the conveyance speed Vl of the alignment roller 221. Specifically, the first conveyance speed Vl l is decelerated in cooperation with the stop of the alignment roller 221, and is accelerated in cooperation with the acceleration of the alignment roller 221. Thereby, the first conveyance roller 111 functions in a buffer manner between the alignment roller 221 and the second conveyance roller 112, and is capable of effectively shortening the loop.

[0091] Especially in the present embodiment, during the acceleration period until the alignment roller 221 reaches a predetermined conveyance speed (the second conveyance speed Vl2) from the stopped state, the flexion length of the sheet Shl generated in the first loop space Spl due to the difference in the conveyance speed between the alignment roller 221 and the first conveyance roller 111 is longer than the flexion length of the sheet Shl generated in the second loop space Sp2 due to the difference between the first conveyance speed Vl l and the second conveyance speed Vl2. That is, by adjusting the first conveyance speed Vl l during the acceleration period, the flexion of the sheet Shl is suppressed to be small. Figure 6 The structure in which the oblique area Al l in the first loop space Spl is larger than the oblique area A12 in the second loop space Sp2. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the loop in the second loop space Sp2 to be small, and it is possible to suppress the second loop space Sp2 itself to be small.

[0092] Further, in the present embodiment, the second conveyance roller 112 accelerates the second conveyance speed Vl2 after the sheet Shl passes through an image processing section (the image reading section 12 and / or the image forming section 13) which performs image processing on the sheet Shl. That is, the conveyance speed (the second conveyance speed Vl2) of the second conveyance roller 112 is not fixed, but is capable of being accelerated within a range which does not affect the image processing section of the main body 1. Thereby, it is possible to shorten the time required until the sheet Shl is discharged (to the expansion device 2).

[0093] Hereinafter, the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. Figure 7An example of the steps of the operation related to the conveyance of the sheet Shl in the image processing method executed by the image processing apparatus 10 (mainly the control section 16) will be described. Here, Figure 7 The steps S1, S2,... in the flowchart shown indicate the numbers of the processing steps executed by the image processing apparatus 10.

[0094] <Step S1>

[0095] In step S1, the image processing apparatus 10 determines whether the leading edge of the sheet Shl has reached the registration roller 221. If the sheet Shl discharged from the first conveyance path Ll of the main body 1 is introduced into the second conveyance path L2 of the expansion device 2, the leading edge of the sheet Shl is detected by the infeed sensor 222. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 10 determines that the leading edge of the sheet Shl has reached the registration roller 221 (S1: YES), and shifts the processing to step S2. On the other hand, if the leading edge of the sheet Shl is not detected by the infeed sensor 222, the image processing apparatus 10 determines that the leading edge of the sheet Shl has not reached the registration roller 221 (S1: NO), and shifts the processing to step S1.

[0096] <Steps S2, S3>

[0097] In step S2, the image processing apparatus 10 stops the registration roller 221. In addition, in step S3, the image processing apparatus 10 decelerates the conveyance speed (the first conveyance speed Vll) of the first conveyance roller 111. Thus, the leading edge of the sheet Shl conveyed by the decelerated first conveyance roller 111 collides with the registration roller 221 in the stopped state, and a loop is generated in the sheet Shl, and the skew correction is executed.

[0098] <Steps S4, S5>

[0099] In step S4, the image processing apparatus 10 determines whether a predetermined stop time has elapsed after the registration roller 221 is stopped. The stop time is set to the time required for generating a loop (a flex of the sheet Shl) of a length in which the skew correction is required in the first loop space Spl. If the stop time has not elapsed (S4: NO), the image processing apparatus 10 shifts the processing to step S4. If the stop time has elapsed (S4: YES), the image processing apparatus 10 shifts the processing to step S5. In step S5, the image processing apparatus 10 accelerates the registration roller 221. Thus, the registration roller 221 in the stopped state is gradually accelerated, and the sheet Shl is conveyed by the registration roller 221.

[0100] <Steps S6, S7>

[0101] In step S6, the image processing apparatus 10 determines whether the conveyance speed VI of the registration roller 221 accelerated from the stopped state reaches the first conveyance speed Vl l. If the conveyance speed VI of the registration roller 221 does not reach the first conveyance speed Vl l (S6: No), the image processing apparatus 10 shifts the process to step S5, and continues the acceleration of the registration roller 221. If the conveyance speed VI of the registration roller 221 reaches the first conveyance speed Vl l (S6: Yes), the image processing apparatus 10 shifts the process to step S7. In step S7, the image processing apparatus 10 accelerates the first conveyance roller 111. Thereby, the decelerated first conveyance speed Vl l is gradually accelerated.

[0102] <Steps S8, S9>

[0103] In step S8, the image processing apparatus 10 determines whether the first conveyance speed Vl l of the first conveyance roller 111 accelerated from the decelerated state reaches the second conveyance speed V12. If the first conveyance speed Vl l does not reach the second conveyance speed V12 (S8: No), the image processing apparatus 10 shifts the process to step S7, and continues the acceleration of the first conveyance roller 111. If the first conveyance speed Vl l reaches the second conveyance speed V12 (S8: Yes), the image processing apparatus 10 shifts the process to step S9. In step S9, the image processing apparatus 10 stops the acceleration of the registration roller 221 and the first conveyance roller 111, and fixes the conveyance speed VI of the registration roller 221 and the first conveyance speed Vl l.

[0104] With the above-described operation, it is possible to realize the image processing method in which the flexure of the sheet body Shl is easily stabilized when the inclination correction of the sheet body Shl is performed. The steps of the above-described image processing method are merely an example, and the order of the processes shown in the flowchart can be appropriately replaced Figure 7

[0105] [5] Modification

[0106] The plurality of constituent elements included in the image processing apparatus 10 can be provided in a plurality of housings. For example, the control section 16 can be provided independently from the first conveyance section 11 and the like, or can be provided in the extension device 2 or the like other than the main body 1.

[0107] In addition, in Embodiment 1, the control section 16 of the main body 1 generally controls the first conveyance section 11 of the main body 1 and the second conveyance section 22 of the extension device 2, but is not limited to this structure. For example, a control section can be provided in the extension device 2 independently from the control section 16 of the main body 1, and the second conveyance section 22 can be controlled by the control section.

[0108] ​Furthermore, the first annular space Sp1 only needs to be located between the alignment roller 221 and the first conveying roller 111, and is not limited to the structure of being set in the second conveying channel L2 of the extension device 2, but can also be set in the first conveying channel L1 of the main body 1. That is, the first annular space Sp1 can also be configured at the downstream side of the first conveying roller 111 in the first conveying channel L1.

[0109] Furthermore, the shapes of the first annular space Sp1 and the second annular space Sp2 are not limited to triangular cross-sections; they can also be various shapes such as quadrilateral or elliptical cross-sections. Additionally, the first annular space Sp1 and the second annular space Sp2 can each be divided into multiple segments. That is, for example, multiple first annular spaces Sp1 can be configured between the alignment roller 221 and the first conveying roller 111, and multiple second annular spaces Sp2 can be configured between the first conveying roller 111 and the second conveying roller 112.

[0110] Furthermore, the alignment roller 221, the first conveying roller 111, and the second conveying roller 112 are not limited to a structure where each pair is provided; one or more pairs may also be provided. In addition, multiple pairs of alignment roller 221, the first conveying roller 111, and the second conveying roller 112 may also be provided.

[0111] (Implementation Method 2)

[0112] like Figure 8 As shown, the image processing apparatus 10A of this embodiment differs from the image processing apparatus 10 of Embodiment 1 in that it includes the relay transmission unit 3. Common reference numerals are used for the same structures as in Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0113] The relay transport unit 3 is located between the main body 1 and the extension device 2, which serves as a post-processing unit. In the image processing apparatus 10A of this embodiment, the sheet material Sh1 discharged from the main body 1 is transported to the extension device 2 via the relay transport unit 3. That is, the relay transport unit 3 has the function of relaying the sheet material Sh1 from the main body 1 to the extension device 2. In this embodiment, considering the relationship between the extension device 2 and the relay transport unit 3, the extension device 2 is the downstream unit, and the relay transport unit 3 is the upstream unit. Furthermore, considering the relationship between the relay transport unit 3 and the main body 1, the relay transport unit 3 is the downstream unit, and the main body 1 is the upstream unit.

[0114] Here, the first conveying section 11 is separately provided in the main body 1 and the relay conveying unit 3. Specifically, a third conveying channel L3 is formed in the relay conveying unit 3, and the first conveying channel L1 of the main body 1 and the second conveying channel L2 of the extension device 2 are continuously connected by the third conveying channel L3. That is, the conveying channel L10 has the first conveying channel L1, the third conveying channel L3 and the second conveying channel L2 in sequence from the upstream side.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the first conveying section 11 has a plurality of pairs of first conveying rollers 111 and a plurality of pairs of second conveying rollers 112. The plurality of pairs (three pairs in this example) of first conveying rollers 111 are arranged in the third conveying passage L3 of the relay conveying unit 3, and the plurality of pairs (four pairs in this example) of second conveying rollers 112 are arranged in the first conveying passage L1 of the main body 1. Between the plurality of pairs of first conveying rollers 111 and the plurality of pairs of second conveying rollers 112, the second loop space Sp2 is provided as in Embodiment 1. In the present embodiment, the second loop space Sp2 is arranged, for example, at the end portion of the upstream side of the third conveying passage L3, that is, at the position where the first conveying passage L1 of the upstream side unit (the main body 1 in the present embodiment) is connected. Here, the second loop space Sp2 is located at the introduction portion (introduction port) of the sheet body Shl in the third conveying passage L3, and thus the second loop space Sp2 is located immediately after the second conveying rollers 112.

[0116] In the image processing apparatus 10A of the present embodiment, the same advantages as in Embodiment 1 are also obtained in that the sheet body Shl is easily stabilized in flexure when the inclination correction of the sheet body Shl is performed.

[0117] As a modification of Embodiment 2, the alignment rollers 221 can also be provided in the relay conveying unit 3. In this case, the mechanical alignment correction is performed in the relay conveying unit 3. In addition, another extension device 2 can also be provided between the relay conveying unit 3 and the extension device 2. In addition, the second loop space Sp2 can be formed not in the relay conveying unit 3 but in the main body 1, or can be formed dispersedly in the relay conveying unit 3 and the main body 1. In addition, only one pair of first conveying rollers 111 and second conveying rollers 112 can be provided, respectively. The structure of Embodiment 2 (including the modification) can be applied in combination with each structure (including the modification) explained in Embodiment 1.

[0118] [ADDITIONAL NOTES]

[0119] Hereinafter, a summary of the invention extracted from the above embodiments is noted. In addition, each structure and each processing function explained in the following notes can be selected and combined arbitrarily.

[0120] <NOTE 1>

[0121] An image processing apparatus includes: an alignment roller configured in a conveyance passage of a sheet as an object of image processing, which corrects a tilt of the sheet by colliding with a leading edge of the sheet in a stopped state; a first conveyance roller located upstream of the alignment roller in the conveyance passage and configured at a position sandwiching a first loop space for flexing the sheet between the alignment roller, which conveys the sheet at a first conveyance speed; and a second conveyance roller located upstream of the first conveyance roller in the conveyance passage and configured at a position sandwiching a second loop space for flexing the sheet between the first conveyance roller, which conveys the sheet at a second conveyance speed higher than the first conveyance speed.

[0122] <Note 2>

[0123] The image processing apparatus according to Note 1 includes: a downstream-side unit having the alignment roller; and an upstream-side unit having the first conveyance roller, the conveyance passage being continuously formed from the upstream-side unit to the downstream-side unit.

[0124] <Note 3>

[0125] The image processing apparatus according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the second conveyance roller accelerates the second conveyance speed after the sheet passes through an image processing section that performs the image processing on the sheet.

[0126] <Note 4>

[0127] The image processing apparatus according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein a flex length of the sheet generated in the first loop space due to a difference in conveyance speed between the alignment roller and the first conveyance roller during acceleration of the alignment roller from a stopped state to a predetermined conveyance speed is longer than a flex length of the sheet generated in the second loop space due to a difference between the first conveyance speed and the second conveyance speed.

[0128] <Note 5>

[0129] The image processing apparatus according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the first conveyance roller is capable of changing the first conveyance speed.

[0130] <Note 6>

[0131] The image processing apparatus according to Note 5, wherein the first conveyance roller changes the first conveyance speed in accordance with a conveyance speed of the alignment roller.

[0132] The scope of the present application is not limited to the above, but is defined by the recitations of the claims, so it can be considered that the embodiments described in the specification are only illustrative, and not limiting. Therefore, all modifications not departing from the scope, limits of the claims, and contents equivalent to the scope, limits of the claims are included in the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising: including: an alignment roller disposed in a conveyance path of a sheet as an object of image processing, which corrects a tilt of the sheet by colliding with a leading edge of the sheet in a stopped state; a first conveyance roller located upstream of the alignment roller in the conveyance path and disposed at a position sandwiching a first loop space for flexing the sheet between the alignment roller, which conveys the sheet at a first conveyance speed; and a second conveyance roller located upstream of the first conveyance roller in the conveyance path and disposed at a position sandwiching a second loop space for flexing the sheet between the first conveyance roller, which conveys the sheet at a second conveyance speed higher than the first conveyance speed.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the image processing apparatus includes: a downstream side unit having the alignment roller; and an upstream side unit having the first conveyance roller, the conveyance path is continuously formed from the upstream side unit to the downstream side unit.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second conveyance roller accelerates the second conveyance speed after the sheet passes through an image processing section that performs the image processing on the sheet.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that during acceleration of the alignment roller from a stopped state to a predetermined conveyance speed, a flex length of the sheet generated in the first loop space due to a difference in conveyance speed between the alignment roller and the first conveyance roller is longer than a flex length of the sheet generated in the second loop space due to a difference between the first conveyance speed and the second conveyance speed.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first conveyance roller is capable of changing the first conveyance speed.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first conveyance roller changes the first conveyance speed in accordance with a conveyance speed of the alignment roller.

7. An image processing method characterized by, including: driving an alignment roller disposed in a conveyance path of a sheet as an object of image processing, which corrects a tilt of the sheet by colliding with a leading edge of the sheet in a stopped state; driving a first conveyance roller located upstream of the alignment roller in the conveyance path and disposed at a position sandwiching a first loop space for flexing the sheet between the alignment roller, which conveys the sheet at a first conveyance speed; and driving a second conveyance roller located upstream of the first conveyance roller in the conveyance path and disposed at a position sandwiching a second loop space for flexing the sheet between the first conveyance roller, which conveys the sheet at a second conveyance speed higher than the first conveyance speed.

Images