Image reading apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

To improve reading accuracy by an image reading part moving in the width direction of paper.SOLUTION: The image reading device 30 includes the image reading section 32, which is movable in the sheet-width direction perpendicular to the sheet-transport direction and reads image information from a sheet, the reference member 321, which moves in the sheet-width direction together with the image reading section 32 and forms a reference surface r1 when the image reading section 32 reads the image information, and a position facing the image reading section 32 and the reference member 321 when the image reading section 32 reads the image information. And an opposing part 351 provided over the whole area of the reading range W1 in the paper widthwise direction of the image reading part 32, and a pressing part 352 for pressing the opposing part 351 in a direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the reference surface r1, wherein the pressing part 352 brings the paper positioned on the opposing part 351 into contact with the reference member 321 when the image reading part 32 reads the image information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a color measurement device is known that includes a color measurement unit that moves in the width direction of the paper and measures the color of the paper placed on a backing member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 098528 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The color measurement device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which there is a gap between the color measurement unit and the paper (especially thin paper) placed on the backing member, which can cause the paper to be unstable in position relative to the color measurement unit, resulting in a decrease in the color measurement accuracy of the color measurement unit.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device and an image forming system that can improve the reading accuracy of an image reading unit that moves in the width direction of a sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the image reading device according to claim 1 is An image reading device that reads image information on paper after image formation, an image reading unit that is movable in a paper width direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction and that reads image information on the paper; a reference member that moves together with the image reading unit in the paper width direction and forms a reference surface when the image reading unit reads the image information; an opposing portion provided at a position opposing the image reading portion and the reference member when the image reading portion reads the image information, the opposing portion being provided across the entire reading range of the image reading portion in the paper width direction; a pressing portion that presses the opposing portion in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane; Equipped with The pressing portion causes the paper positioned on the facing portion to abut against the reference member when the image reading portion reads the image information.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the image reading device described in claim 1, the facing portion is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the reference plane as the image reading portion moves, The sheet conveying device further includes a first restricting member that is located on an end side of the facing portion in the paper width direction and restricts the inclination of the facing portion.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the image reading device described in claim 2, an upper surface of the facing portion is located at a first position higher than the reference surface when the facing portion is not facing the reference member, and is located at a second position lower than the first position when the facing portion is facing the reference member; The first restricting member abuts against the facing portion when the facing portion is not facing the reference member.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the image reading device described in claim 2, The first restricting member is located at a position lower than the reference surface.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the image reading device described in claim 2, When the reference member is positioned at the center of the reading range in the paper width direction, the shortest distance of the gap between the first regulating member and the opposing portion is 1 / 294 or less of the length of the reading range in the paper width direction.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is the image reading device described in claim 1, The pressing portions are arranged in a plurality in the paper width direction.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the image reading device described in claim 1, The reference member has first inclined portions at both ends in the paper width direction, the first inclined portions being inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the reference surface.

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is the image reading device described in claim 1, The reference member has a surface that comes into contact with the paper sheet and includes a reducing portion that reduces sliding resistance during movement in the paper sheet width direction.

[0014] The invention described in claim 9 is the image reading device described in claim 1, a control unit that controls a moving unit that moves the image reading unit in the paper width direction and a conveying unit that conveys the paper, During the process of reading the image information for the same paper, the control unit moves the image reading unit and the reference member using the moving unit to a position where the paper is not sandwiched between the reference member and the opposing unit, and transports the paper using the transport unit.

[0015] The invention described in claim 10 is the image reading device described in claim 9, The control unit calibrates the image reading unit in a state where the image reading unit and the reference member are positioned so as not to sandwich the paper.

[0016] The invention described in claim 11 is the image reading device described in claim 1, a control unit that changes the facing unit between a first state in which the facing unit widens a paper transport path and a second state in which the facing unit forms the paper transport path; The control unit holds the facing unit in the first state when the paper enters a reading position of the image reading unit.

[0017] The invention described in claim 12 is the image reading device described in claim 1, The facing portion is forming a transport path for the paper; The sheet conveying unit has second inclined portions at both ends in the sheet conveying direction, the second inclined portions being inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the sheet conveying direction.

[0018] The invention described in claim 13 is the image reading device described in claim 1, The facing portion includes a second regulating member that regulates the inclination of the facing portion with respect to the paper transport direction.

[0019] The image forming system according to claim 14, an image forming device for forming an image on the paper; the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is disposed downstream of the image forming device in the paper transport direction; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the image reading unit that moves in the width direction of the paper. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion indicated by A in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a side view of the portion indicated by A in FIG. 1 when the backing portion is in a second state. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chart image. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference member of the image reading unit. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8]2 is a side view of the portion indicated by A in FIG. 1 when the backing portion is in a first state. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the posture of the facing portion when the reference member is positioned on the calibration member. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the orientation of the facing part when the reference member is on the background member and is located on the positive X-axis side of the center of the background member. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the attitude of the opposing part when the reference member is positioned at the center of the reading range in the paper width direction. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing the orientation of the facing part when the reference member is on the background member and is located on the negative X-axis side of the center of the background member. FIG. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the posture of the facing part when the reference member is not positioned on the background member. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for image reading processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image reading apparatus and an image forming system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0023] [Image formation system configuration] Fig. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming system 1. In the following description, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are the directions shown in Fig. 1. In the following description, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are respectively referred to as the paper width direction, the paper transport direction, and the up-down direction.

[0024] 1 and 2, the image forming system 1 includes a paper feeder 10, an image forming device 20, an image reading device 30, and a post-processing device 40. The paper feeder 10, the image forming device 20, the image reading device 30, and the post-processing device 40 are arranged in this order toward the downstream side in the paper transport direction. Therefore, paper is transported continuously from the paper feeder 10 to the post-processing device 40 via the image forming device 20 and the image reading device 30. The paper feeder 10, the image forming device 20, the image reading device 30, and the post-processing device 40 are interconnected so as to be able to perform data communication with one another.

[0025] (Paper feeder) The paper feeder 10 supplies stored paper to the image forming apparatus 20. The paper feeder 10 includes a first control unit 11, a transport unit 12, and a paper feed unit 13.

[0026] The first control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU of the first control unit 11 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, loads them into the RAM, and performs centralized control of the operations of each unit of the sheet feeding device 10 according to the loaded programs. For example, the first control unit 11 transports paper from one of the paper feed trays 131 to 133 of the sheet feeding unit 13 to the image forming device 20 according to the job.

[0027] The transport unit 12 includes a transport path 121 and transport rollers (not shown). The transport path 121 connects the paper feed unit 13 to the image forming device 20. The transport rollers transport paper to the transport path 121. The paper feed unit 13 has paper feed trays 131 to 133 that store paper according to predetermined paper types (paper types), sizes, etc.

[0028] (Image forming device) The image forming device 20 is located downstream of the paper feed device 10 in the paper transport direction and upstream of the image reading device 30 in the paper transport direction. The image forming device 20 acquires image data by reading an image from a document or by receiving the image data from an external device (not shown). The image forming device 20 forms an image based on the acquired image data. After forming the image, the image forming device 20 transports the paper to the image reading device 30.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 20 includes an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, a document image reading unit 23, an image forming unit 24, a second control unit 25, a storage unit 26, a communication unit 27, and an image processing unit .

[0030] The operation unit 21 includes, for example, a touch panel formed to cover the display screen of the display unit 22, numeric buttons, a start button, and various other operation buttons. The operation unit 21 outputs an operation signal to the second control unit 25 based on an operation by the user.

[0031] The display unit 22 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) etc. The display unit 22 displays various screens in accordance with instructions of a display signal input from the second control unit 25.

[0032] The document image reading unit 23 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF), a scanner, etc. The document image reading unit 23 reads the image of the document and outputs the image data obtained to the second control unit 25.

[0033] Based on the acquired image data, the image forming unit 24 forms an image on a sheet of paper conveyed from the paper feeder 10. In this embodiment, the sheet of paper is a sheet. The image forming unit 24 includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, an intermediate transfer belt 242, a secondary transfer roller 243, and a fixing unit 244.

[0034] The photosensitive drums of this embodiment include photosensitive drums that individually correspond to the colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), for example. That is, the photosensitive drums include photosensitive drums 241Y, 241M, 241C, and 241K. After uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 241Y, the image forming unit 24 scans and exposes it with a laser beam based on yellow image data to form an electrostatic latent image. Next, the image forming unit 24 applies yellow toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 241Y to develop it. The photosensitive drums 241M to 241K form images in the same way as the photosensitive drum 241Y, except that they handle different colors, so their description will be omitted.

[0035] The image forming unit 24 transfers the toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drums 241Y to 241K onto the intermediate transfer belt 242. This transfer onto the intermediate transfer belt 242 is a primary transfer. That is, the image forming unit 24 forms a color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 242 by superimposing the toner images of four colors. The image forming unit 24 transfers the color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 242 all at once onto a sheet of paper by a secondary transfer roller 243. This transfer onto the sheet of paper is a secondary transfer. The fixing unit 244 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller heats the paper onto which the color toner image has been transferred. The pressure roller presses the paper heated by the heating roller. The color toner image is fixed to the paper by the heating and pressure applied by the fixing unit 244.

[0036] The second control unit 25 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU of the second control unit 25 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, loads them into the RAM, and performs centralized control of the operations of the various units of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the loaded programs.

[0037] The storage unit 26 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 26 stores data such as program data, various setting data, and image data in a manner that allows the second control unit 25 to read and write the data. The storage unit 26 stores information on the paper feed trays 131 to 133 and the basis weight, size, type, etc. of the paper stored therein in association with each other.

[0038] The communication unit 27 transmits and receives various data to and from external devices such as personal computers connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. The communication unit 27 includes a communication control card such as a LAN card.

[0039] The image processing unit 28 performs image processing necessary for image data before image formation. The image data includes image data stored in the storage unit 26, image data obtained by reading an original document with the original document image reading unit 23, and image data input from an external device. The image processing unit 28 transmits the image data after image processing to the image forming unit 24. The image processing includes gradation processing, halftone processing, color conversion processing, etc. The gradation processing is a process of converting the gradation values ​​of each pixel of the image data into corrected gradation values ​​so that the density characteristics of the image formed on the paper match the target density characteristics. The halftone processing is an error diffusion process, a screen process using an ordered dithering method, etc. The color conversion processing is a process of converting each RGB gradation value into each CMYK gradation value. The above-mentioned processing of the image processing unit 28 may be realized by a program executed by the CPU of the second control unit 25.

[0040] (Image reader) The image reading device 30 is located downstream of the image forming device 20 in the paper transport direction and upstream of the post-processing device 40 in the paper transport direction. Fig. 3 shows a top view of the portion of the image reading device 30 indicated by A in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows a side view of the portion of the image reading device 30 indicated by A in Fig. 1. The image reading device 30 includes a third control unit 31, an image reading unit 32, a first drive unit 33 as a moving unit, a conveying unit 34, a backing unit 35, an edge detection unit 36, a paper detection unit 37, a calibration unit 38, and first restriction members 39a and 39b (see FIGS. 9 to 13). The image reading device 30 measures the color of the chart image on the paper conveyed from the image forming device 20, and acquires the color measurement results.

[0041] The third control unit 31 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU of the third control unit 31 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, loads them into the RAM, and performs centralized control of the operations of the various units of the image reading device 30 according to the loaded programs.

[0042] The image reading unit 32 is provided downstream of the image forming device 20 in the paper transport path, and is capable of reading the paper after an image has been formed on it before the paper is discharged to the outside. The image reading unit 32 is capable of reading only a partial area in the paper width direction, perpendicular to the paper transport direction. The image reading unit 32 is moved in the paper width direction (X-axis direction) by the first drive unit 33, and reads the image information of the paper by measuring the color of the chart image formed on the paper transported along the paper transport path. Fig. 3 shows the reading range W1 of the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction. The image reading unit 32 is movable in the paper width direction from a standby position L1 to a retracted position L2. The standby position L1 is located in an area outside the paper passage range R on the rear side in the paper width direction (positive X-axis direction side). The retracted position L2 is located in an area outside the paper passage range R on the front side in the paper width direction (negative X-axis direction side). The paper passage range R is the paper transport area.

[0043] A description will be given of a chart image formed on paper S by image forming apparatus 20. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the chart image. The chart image is a calibration chart made up of a plurality of patches P whose combinations of gradation values ​​are determined in advance. The chart image shown in FIG. 5 is an image configured by arranging a plurality of patch rows, each row consisting of a plurality of patches P aligned in a line along the paper width direction, in parallel in the paper transport direction. 5 illustrates a case where the patch P is square, but the patch P may be of other shapes such as rectangle. The shape and dimensions of each patch P are the same. Each patch P or each patch row may be formed without gaps, or may have gaps. It is preferable that the combination of gradation values ​​that indicates the hue of each patch P is different for each patch P.

[0044] The image forming unit 24 of the image forming device 20 forms a chart image on one side of a sheet of paper S. The image reading unit 32 is equipped with a spectrophotometer and measures (reads) the color of each patch P of the chart image formed by the image forming unit 24. Therefore, the image reading unit 32 can measure colors with higher accuracy than an image reading unit configured with a color scanner. The image reading unit 32 individually measures all patches P of the chart image and outputs the results to the third control unit 31. The third control unit 31 compares the gradation values ​​of each patch P defined in the image data of the chart image with the gradation values ​​measured by the image reading unit 32. Next, the third control unit 31 creates a color profile based on this comparison and sends it to the image forming apparatus 20. The second control unit 25 corrects the hue by referring to the color profile when the image forming unit 24 forms an image.

[0045] 6, a reference member 321 is provided on the bottom surface (surface facing the negative Z-axis direction) of the image reading unit 32. That is, the reference member 321 moves together with the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction. The reference member 321 is a flat, substantially rectangular member. The reference member 321 has an opening 321a that allows the spectrophotometer of the image reading unit 32 to face the paper S through the reference member 321. The opening 321a has, for example, a circular shape. The lower surface of the reference member 321 is flat, and forms a reference plane r1 when the image reading unit 32 reads image information on the paper. The reference member 321 abuts against the paper S at the reference plane r1. The reference plane r1 is parallel to the XY plane. By providing a reference member 321 on the image reading unit 32, the reference member 321 prevents the paper from floating up when the image reading unit 32 moves in the paper width direction on the paper, so that the image reading unit 32 can move smoothly on the paper.

[0046] An inclined surface f1 is provided on the lower surface of the reference member 321 in a portion other than the reference surface r1. In other words, the reference member 321 has an inclined surface f1 (first inclined portion) that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the reference surface r1 at both ends in the paper width direction (X-axis direction). This reduces the occurrence of paper jams due to the movement of the image reading unit 32 and reduces the reference member 321 scratching the surface of the paper on which the image is formed. The image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 may be formed integrally.

[0047] The reference member 321 may have a sliding sheet (for example, a high-density polyethylene sheet) on the reference surface r1 to reduce friction. In other words, the reference member 321 may have a reducing portion (sliding sheet) on the surface (reference surface r1) that comes into contact with the paper to reduce the sliding resistance during movement in the paper width direction. This improves the surface sliding property of the reference member 321 relative to the paper, further reducing damage to the surface of the paper on which the image is formed.

[0048] The first driving unit 33 slides the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction so that the image reading unit 32 is positioned at a desired reading position when the image reading unit 32 individually measures a plurality of patches P that are regularly arranged in the paper width direction in a chart image formed on paper. The driving source of the first driving unit 33 is, for example, a stepping motor.

[0049] The transport section 34 has a paper transport path that connects the image forming device 20 to the post-processing device 40, and a plurality of transport rollers that extend in the paper width direction and transport paper on the paper transport path. The plurality of transport rollers include transport roller 34a located upstream in the paper transport direction from image reading unit 32, and transport roller 34b located downstream in the paper transport direction from image reading unit 32. Transport roller 34a and transport roller 34b are driven by, for example, a stepping motor or the like.

[0050] The transport section 34 includes an upper transport guide 341, which is a substantially rectangular flat plate member disposed between the image reading section 32 and the transport roller 34b in the paper transport direction. The upper transport guide 341 forms a paper transport path together with a backing guide 353c, which will be described later. The upper transport guide 341 is disposed above the paper transport path (on the positive Z-axis direction side).

[0051] Fig. 7 shows a top view of the backing portion 35. In Fig. 7, a backing guide 353a and a frame member 354, which will be described later, are omitted. The backing portion 35 includes a facing portion 351, a pressing portion 352, a backing guide 353, a frame member 354, a rotation fulcrum shaft 355, a second driving portion 356, and the like.

[0052] The facing portion 351 is provided at a position facing the positions of the image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 when measuring the color of a chart image formed on the paper S. The facing portion 351 is provided across the entire reading range W1 of the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction. The facing portion 351 includes a background member 351a, an end member 351b, restriction shafts 351c and 351d (see FIGS. 9 to 13), a second restriction member 351f, and the like.

[0053] Since the background member 351a is a member that forms the background of the paper S, it is preferable that the surface of the background member 351a that faces the reference member 321 is white or black. As shown in FIG. 4, the top surface g1 (the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the background member 351a is flat, and the background member 351a comes into contact with the paper S on this top surface g1. The background member 351a has inclined surfaces g2 (second inclined portions) that extend from both ends of the upper surface g1 in the paper transport direction and are inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the upper surface g1. Because the background member 351a has the inclined surfaces g2, the paper S being transported can be smoothly guided onto the background member 351a. This reduces the occurrence of paper jams during paper transport and damage to the paper by the background member 351a.

[0054] 9 to 13 are schematic diagrams showing the image reading unit 32, the reference member 321, the backing portion 35, and the first regulating members 39a and 39b as viewed from the positive Y-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the background member 351a can be tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the reference surface r1 of the reference member 321 as the image reading unit 32 moves.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, the end members 351b are provided at both ends of the background member 351a in the paper width direction (X-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 4, a second regulating member 351f is inserted into the notch B of the end member 351b. The second regulating member 351f abuts against the background member 351a at the end in the positive Z-axis direction, thereby regulating the inclination of the background member 351a with respect to the paper transport direction. This stabilizes the position of the background member 351a relative to the reference member 321, and stabilizes the position of the paper S relative to the reference member 321, thereby improving the reading accuracy of the image reading unit 32. When the paper is transported, stabilizing the position of the background member 351a relative to the paper transport path improves the paper transportability.

[0056] End member 351b on the negative X-axis side is provided with restriction shaft 351c that protrudes in the negative X-axis direction on the negative Z-axis side of upper surface g1, as shown in Fig. 9. End member 351b on the positive X-axis side is provided with restriction shaft 351d that protrudes in the positive X-axis direction on the negative Z-axis side of upper surface g1, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0057] The pressing portion 352 is a spring or the like provided along the Z-axis direction and is expandable and contractible in the Z-axis direction. The pressing portion 352 constantly presses the background member 351a in a direction toward the reference member 321 (positive direction of the Z-axis). The direction toward the reference member 321 is perpendicular to the reference surface r1. As a result, when the chart image formed on the paper S is measured by the image reading unit 32, the pressed background member 351a can bring the paper S positioned on the background member 351a into contact with the reference member 321. This stabilizes the attitude of the paper S relative to the reference member 321, thereby improving the reading accuracy of the image reading unit 32. As shown in FIG. 7, the backing portion 35 of this embodiment includes a plurality of pressing portions 352 arranged at predetermined intervals in the paper width direction.

[0058] The backing guide 353 includes backing guides 353a, 353b, and 353c. 4, the backing guides 353a and 353b are generally rectangular flat plate members that are arranged between the transport roller 34a and the image reading unit 32 in the paper transport direction, and form a paper transport path. The backing guide 353a is arranged on the upper side (positive Z-axis direction side) of the paper transport path, and the backing guide 353b is arranged on the lower side (negative Z-axis direction side) of the paper transport path. 4, the backing guide 353c is a substantially rectangular flat plate member that is arranged between the image reading unit 32 and the transport roller 34b in the paper transport direction, and forms a paper transport path together with the upper transport guide 341. The backing guide 353c is arranged below the paper transport path (on the negative Z-axis side).

[0059] The frame members 354 are provided at both ends of the end member 351b and the backing guide 353 in the paper width direction (X-axis direction). The frame member 354 has the opposing portion 351 and the backing guide 353 fixed thereto. The rotation support shaft 355 is provided on the upstream side of the frame member 354 in the paper transport direction (negative Y-axis direction side).

[0060] Under the control of the third control unit 31, the second drive unit 356 rotates the cam 356a that is in contact with the frame member 354, thereby rotating the backing unit 35 around the rotation fulcrum shaft 355. In this way, the second drive unit 356 changes the state of the backing unit 35. In other words, the third control unit 31 switches the state of the backing unit 35 between a first state and a second state using the second drive unit 356. The third control unit 31 functions as a control unit. The state of the backing unit 35 includes the attitude (angle) and position of the backing unit 35.

[0061] The second state of the backing portion 35 is the state shown in FIG. In the second state of the backing portion 35, the upper transport guide 341 and the backing guides 353a, 353b, and 353c are substantially parallel to each other in the XY plane. In the second state of the backing portion 35, the facing portion 351 forms a paper transport path.

[0062] The first state of the backing portion 35 is the state shown in FIG. 8, in which the backing portion 35 is rotated counterclockwise from the second state by a predetermined opening angle around the rotation fulcrum shaft 355. In the first state of the backing portion 35, the opposing portion 351 and the backing guide 353c are positioned lower (negative Z-axis direction side) than in the second state, so that the portion of the paper transport path that faces the reference member 321 in the Z-axis direction is open downward.

[0063] The edge detector 36 is provided upstream of the transport roller 34a in the paper transport direction. The edge detection unit 36 ​​detects the position of the sheet S in the sheet width direction. More specifically, the edge detection unit 36 ​​detects the position of one side edge sl in the sheet width direction. The edge detection unit 36 ​​outputs the detection result of the position of the sheet S to the third control unit 31. The edge detection unit 36 ​​is a linear image sensor such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). As shown in Fig. 3, the edge detection unit 36 ​​is arranged so that its linear detection range is parallel to the paper width direction and faces the paper S being transported.

[0064] The paper detection unit 37 is provided upstream of the transport roller 34a in the paper transport direction. The sheet detection unit 37 detects the presence or absence of a sheet at a position upstream of the transport roller 34a in the sheet transport direction, where the sheet detection unit 37 is installed. The sheet detection unit 37 outputs the detection result of the sheet S to the third control unit 31.

[0065] The calibration unit 38 is located in an area on the rear side in the paper width direction (positive X-axis direction) outside the paper passage range R. The calibration unit 38 is disposed in a position directly facing the image reading unit 32 when the image reading unit 32 is calibrated. The calibration unit 38 includes a calibration member 38a, which is a plate-shaped member with a white surface and is used when calibrating the image reading unit 32.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the first restricting member 39a is provided on the housing of the image reading device 30 on the negative X-axis side of the background member 351a. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the first restricting member 39b is provided on the housing of the image reading device 30 on the positive X-axis side of the background member 351a. 9 to 13, the first regulating members 39a and 39b are provided at positions (positions on the negative Z-axis side) lower than the height (position in the Z-axis direction) H1 of the reference surface r1 of the reference member 321. This prevents the image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 from being hindered from moving in the paper width direction. When the background member 351a is tilted with respect to the reference plane r1 as the image reading unit 32 moves, the first regulating members 39a and 39b regulate the tilt angle within a predetermined range.

[0067] Next, a change in the posture of the background member 351a in the backing portion 35, which is in the second state, will be described. FIG. 9 shows the posture of the background member 351a when the image reading unit 32 is located at the standby position L1, that is, when the reference member 321 is located on the calibration member 38a. In the state shown in FIG. 9, the background member 351a does not face the reference member 321. In this state, the first restricting member 39a abuts against the restricting shaft 351c, and the first restricting member 39b abuts against the restricting shaft 351d. As a result, the upper surface g1 of the background member 351a pressed by the pressing portion 352 is held at a height H2 (first position) that is higher than the height H1 (position in the Z-axis direction) of the reference surface r1 of the reference member 321.

[0068] FIG. 10 shows the orientation of the background member 351a when the reference member 321 is located on the background member 351a and on the positive X-axis side of the center of the background member 351a. 10, the top surface g1 of the background member 351a abuts against the end r1a on the negative X-axis side of the reference surface r1 of the reference member 321 via the paper S. As a result, the background member 351a is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the reference surface r1 of the reference member 321 so that the end on the positive X-axis side is lower than the end on the negative X-axis side. In this state, the restricting shaft 351c abuts against the first restricting member 39a, which restricts the tilt angle of the background member 351a to angle D1 shown in FIG.

[0069] FIG. 11 shows the posture of the background member 351a when the reference member 321 is positioned at the center of the reading range W1 of the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction. 11, the top surface g1 of the background member 351a abuts against the entire surface of the reference surface r1 of the reference member 321 via the paper S. As a result, the background member 351a is pressed in the negative Z-axis direction by the reference member 321, and all of the pressing portions 352 contract uniformly in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the background member 351a is lower than the state shown in FIG. 9 when it is parallel to the reference surface r1. In other words, when the background member 351a faces the reference member 321, the top surface g1 of the background member 351a is located at a position (second position) lower than the height H2 (first position) when the background member 351a is not facing the reference member 321. In this state, the shortest distance W2 of the gap between first regulating member 39a and regulating shaft 351c and the shortest distance W2 of the gap between first regulating member 39b and regulating shaft 351d are equal to or less than 1 / 294 of the length of reading range W1 in the paper width direction of image reading unit 32. For example, if the length of reading range W1 in the paper width direction of image reading unit 32 is 320.2 mm, the shortest distance W2 is 0 to 1.09 mm.

[0070] FIG. 12 shows the orientation of the background member 351a when the reference member 321 is located on the background member 351a and on the negative X-axis side of the center of the background member 351a. 12, the top surface g1 of the background member 351a abuts against the end r1b on the positive X-axis side of the reference surface r1 of the reference member 321 via the paper S. As a result, the background member 351a is tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the reference surface r1 of the reference member 321 so that the end on the negative X-axis side is lower than the end on the positive X-axis side. In this state, the restricting shaft 351d abuts against the first restricting member 39b, which restricts the tilt angle of the background member 351a to angle D2 shown in FIG.

[0071] Figure 13 shows the posture of the background member 351a when the image reading unit 32 is located in the retracted position L2, that is, when the reference member 321 is not located on the background member 351a and a portion of the image reading unit 32 on the positive X-axis side is located above the background member 351a. In the state shown in FIG. 13, the background member 351a does not face the reference member 321. In this state, the restriction shaft 351c abuts against the first restriction member 39a, and the restriction shaft 351d abuts against the first restriction member 39b. As a result, the upper surface g1 of the background member 351a pressed by the pressing portion 352 is held at a height H2 (first position) that is higher than the height H1 (position in the Z-axis direction) of the reference surface r1 of the reference member 321.

[0072] (Post-treatment device) The post-processing device 40 is located downstream of the image reading device 30 in the paper transport direction, and performs post-processing on the paper transported from the image reading device 30. The post-processing device 40 includes a fourth control unit 41, a post-processing unit 42, a conveying unit 43, and a paper discharge tray 44.

[0073] The fourth control unit 41 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The CPU of the fourth control unit 41 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM and loads them into the RAM. The fourth control unit 41 comprehensively controls the operation of the post-processing device 40 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM.

[0074] The post-processing unit 42 performs post-processing on the paper conveyed from the image reading device 30. Examples of the post-processing include cutting, folding, perforating, creasing, foil stamping, varnishing, various types of bookbinding, and the like.

[0075] The conveying section 43 includes a plurality of roller pairs, and conveys the paper conveyed from the image reading device 30 to the post-processing section . Next, the conveying section 43 discharges the paper that has been subjected to post-processing by the post-processing section 42 onto the paper discharge tray 44 .

[0076] [Image formation system operation] Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 will be described. The image reading process executed by the image reading device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the image reading process. At the start of the image reading process, the image reading unit 32 is disposed at the standby position L1, and the backing unit 35 is in the second state.

[0077] (Image reading processing) The third control unit 31 of the image reading device 30 causes the image reading unit 32 to read the surface of the calibration member 38a. Next, the third control unit 31 calibrates the image reading unit 32 by performing a calibration process to calculate a calibration value based on the read image read by the image reading unit 32 (step S1). Next, the third control unit 31 controls the second drive unit 356 to open the backing unit 35 downward by a predetermined opening angle and maintain the backing unit 35 in the first state (step S2). That is, the third control unit 31 maintains the facing unit 351 in the first state when the paper S enters the reading position of the image reading unit 32. Next, the third control unit 31 causes the conveying unit 34 to convey the paper S on which the chart image has been formed and which has been conveyed from the image forming device 20, to the image reading device 30. Next, the third control unit 31 obtains a detection result indicating that the paper detection unit 37 has detected the paper being conveyed (step S3). Next, the third control unit 31 causes the conveying unit 34 to convey the paper a predetermined conveying distance, and then temporarily stops conveying the paper (step S4). The predetermined conveying distance is the distance the paper is conveyed from when the paper detection unit 37 detects the presence of paper until the first line of the chart image on the paper to be read reaches the reading position of the image reading unit 32. The first line of the chart image is the first line of the patch P.

[0078] Next, the third control unit 31 controls the second drive unit 356 to rotate the cam 356a, thereby rotating the backing unit 35 clockwise around the rotation fulcrum shaft 355. As a result, the third control unit 31 changes the backing unit 35 from the first state to the second state (step S5). Next, the third control unit 31 acquires the result of detection of the position of the paper S in the paper width direction by the edge detection unit 36. Next, the third control unit 31 acquires the position of the chart image formed on the paper S in the paper width direction based on the detection result of the position of the paper S in the paper width direction (step S6).

[0079] Next, the third control unit 31 controls the first drive unit 33 to move the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction from outside the paper passing range R. Next, based on the position of the chart image in the paper width direction acquired in step S6, the third control unit 31 moves the image reading unit 32 to a reading start position for the patch P. Next, while controlling the first drive unit 33 to move the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction, the third control unit 31 causes the image reading unit 32 to read the patch P of the first row in the chart image on the paper (step S7).

[0080] In step S7, the third control unit 31 reads the first patch P of one row of patches P using the image reading unit 32, and then moves the image reading unit 32 to the reading position of the next patch P. The next patch P is the patch P adjacent to the first patch P in the paper width direction. Next, the third control unit 31 reads the next patch P using the image reading unit 32. Thereafter, the third control unit 31 repeats moving the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction and reading the patches P using the image reading unit 32 until one row of patches P has been read. When the image reading unit 32 moves to the reading position of the adjacent patch P in the paper width direction, the third control unit 31 controls the movement distance of the image reading unit 32 by adjusting the number of steps of the stepping motor, which is the drive source of the first drive unit 33, the movement distance of the stepping motor, etc. In step S7, the image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 move in the paper width direction while sandwiching the paper S between them and the background member 351a pressed by the pressing unit 352.

[0081] In step S7, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the pressing unit 352 brings the paper S located on the background member 351a into contact with the reference surface r1 of the reference member 321. That is, in a state in which the background member 351a and the reference member 321 are in contact with each other via the paper S, the image reading unit 32 reads the patch P. This makes it possible to stabilize the position of thin paper, which is particularly difficult to stabilize, relative to the reference member 321. This makes it possible to improve the reading accuracy for thin paper.

[0082] 10 and 12, in step S7, the first regulating members 39a and 39b regulate, within a predetermined range, the inclination angle of the background member 351a relative to the reference plane r1 that accompanies the movement of the image reading unit 32. This makes it possible to stabilize the position of the paper relative to the image reading unit 32 regardless of the assembly accuracy of the parts of the image reading device 30, and to maintain the reading accuracy of the image reading unit 32.

[0083] After one line of patches P is read by the image reading unit 32, the third control unit 31 controls the first drive unit 33 to move the image reading unit 32 to outside the paper passage range R (step S8). If the line of the patches P read in step S7 is an odd-numbered line, the third control unit 31 moves the image reading unit 32 to the retracted position L2 in step S8. If the line of the patches P read in step S7 is an even-numbered line, the third control unit 31 moves the image reading unit 32 to the standby position L1 in step S8.

[0084] Next, the third control unit 31 determines whether the line of the patch P read in step S7 is the last line to be read on the paper (last line to be read) (step S9). If the line of patch P read in step S7 is not the last line read on the paper (step S9; NO), the third control unit 31 determines whether the current position of the image reading unit 32 is the standby position L1 (step S10). If the current position of the image reading unit 32 is the retracted position L2 (step S10; NO), the third control unit 31 shifts the image reading process to step S12.

[0085] On the other hand, if the current position of the image reading unit 32 is the standby position L1 (step S10; YES), that is, if the reference member 321 is located on the calibration member 38a. In this case, the third control unit 31 calibrates the image reading unit 32 (step S11), similar to step S1. When the reference member 321 is located on the calibration member 38a, the image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 are located in positions where they do not sandwich the paper. Next, the third control unit 31 causes the conveying unit 34 to convey the paper S until the patch P of the next row to be read reaches the reading position of the image reading unit 32 (step S12). That is, during the reading process of image information on the same paper, the third control unit 31 causes the moving unit (first driving unit 33) to move the image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 to a position where the paper is not sandwiched between the reference member 321 and the opposing unit 351, and then causes the conveying unit 34 to convey the paper.

[0086] Next, the third control unit 31 returns the image reading process to step S7, and controls the first drive unit 33 to move the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction, while reading the patch P of the next line to be read by the image reading unit 32. The third control unit 31 repeats the subsequent processes.

[0087] On the other hand, if the line of patch P read in step S7 is the last line to be read on the paper (step S9; YES), the third control unit 31 transports the paper S using the transport unit 34, ejects the paper S to the post-processing device 40 (step S13), and ends the image reading process.

[0088] [effect] As described above, the image reading device 30 of this embodiment is an image reading device that reads image information on paper after an image has been formed on it. The image reading device 30 is movable in the paper width direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction, and includes an image reading section 32 that reads image information on the paper. The image reading device 30 includes a reference member 321 that moves in the paper width direction together with the image reading unit 32 and forms a reference plane r1 when the image reading unit 32 reads image information. The image reading device 30 is provided at a position facing the image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 when the image reading unit 32 reads image information, and is provided with an opposing portion 351 that is provided across the entire reading range W1 of the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction. The image reading device 30 includes a pressing portion 352 that presses the facing portion 351 in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane r1 (Z-axis direction). The pressing portion 352 causes the paper positioned on the facing portion 351 to abut against the reference member 321 when the image reading unit 32 reads image information. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the posture of the paper relative to the reference member 321. This makes it possible to improve the reading accuracy of the image reading unit 32, which moves in the width direction of the paper.

[0089] In the image reading device 30 of this embodiment, the facing portion 351 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the reference plane r1 as the image reading unit 32 moves. The image reading device 30 includes first regulating members 39a and 39b that are located on the end sides of the facing portion 351 in the paper width direction and that regulate the inclination of the facing portion 351. Therefore, the position of the paper relative to the image reading unit 32 can be stabilized regardless of the assembly accuracy of the parts of the image reading device 30. This allows the image reading unit 32 to read image information with high accuracy.

[0090] In the image reading device 30 of this embodiment, the upper surface of the facing portion 351 (the upper surface g1 of the background member 351a) is located at a first position that is higher than the reference plane r1 when the facing portion 351 is not facing the reference member 321. When the facing portion 351 is facing the reference member 321, the upper surface of the facing portion 351 is located at a second position that is lower than the first position. When the facing portion 351 is not facing the reference member 321, the first restricting members 39a and 39b come into contact with the restricting shafts 351c and 351d of the facing portion 351. Therefore, the upper surface of the facing portion 351 pressed by the pressing portion 352 can be prevented from interfering with the transport of the paper, the movement of the image reading portion 32 and the reference member 321 in the paper width direction, and the like.

[0091] In the image reading device 30 of this embodiment, the first restricting members 39a and 39b are located at a position lower than the reference plane r1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first regulating members 39a and 39b from interfering with the movement of the image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 in the paper width direction.

[0092] In the image reading device 30 of this embodiment, when the reference member 321 is positioned at the center of the paper width direction in the reading range W1, the shortest distance W2 of the gap between the first regulating members 39a, 39b and the regulating axes 351c, 351d provided on the opposing portion 351 is less than 1 / 294 of the length of the reading range W1 in the paper width direction. Therefore, the reference member 321 is located on the background member 351a and on the positive X-axis side or the negative X-axis side of the center of the background member 351a, and the tilt angle of the background member 351a can be kept within a predetermined range.

[0093] In the image reading device 30 of this embodiment, a plurality of pressing sections 352 are arranged in the paper width direction. Therefore, the background member 351a can be pressed evenly in the direction toward the reference member 321 in the paper width direction.

[0094] In the image reading device 30 of this embodiment, the reference member 321 has first inclined portions (inclined surfaces f1) at both ends in the paper width direction, which are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the reference surface r1. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of paper jams due to the movement of the image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 damaging the surface of the paper on which the image is formed.

[0095] The image reading device 30 of this embodiment includes a reducing portion (sliding sheet) on the surface (reference surface r1) of the reference member 321 that comes into contact with the paper, which reduces the sliding resistance during movement in the paper width direction. Therefore, the surface slidability of the reference member 321 relative to the paper can be improved, and scratches on the surface of the paper on which the image is formed can be further reduced.

[0096] The image reading device 30 of this embodiment includes a moving unit (first driving unit 33) that moves the image reading unit 32 in the paper width direction, and a control unit (third control unit 31) that controls a conveying unit 34 that conveys the paper. During the process of reading image information on the same sheet of paper, the control unit causes the moving unit to move the image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 to a position where the sheet is not sandwiched between the reference member 321 and the opposing portion 351, and then causes the conveying unit 34 to convey the sheet. Therefore, the paper transportability can be improved.

[0097] In the image reading device 30 of this embodiment, the control unit (third control unit 31) calibrates the image reading unit 32 in a state where the image reading unit 32 and the reference member 321 are positioned so as not to sandwich a sheet of paper. Therefore, since the image reading unit 32 can be calibrated during the process of reading image information on the same paper, the image information on the paper can be read with high accuracy.

[0098] The image reading device 30 of this embodiment is equipped with a control unit (third control unit 31) that changes the opposing unit 351 between a first state in which the paper transport path is widened and a second state in which the transport path is formed. The control unit holds the facing unit 351 in the first state when the paper enters the reading position of the image reading unit 32. Therefore, the paper can be transported in a state where the paper transport path is widened (first state), and therefore the paper transportability can be improved.

[0099] In the image reading device 30 of this embodiment, the facing portion 351 forms a transport path for the paper. The background member 351a of the facing portion 351 has second inclined portions (inclined surfaces g2) at both ends in the paper transport direction, which are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the paper transport direction. Therefore, the transported paper can be smoothly guided onto the background member 351a, thereby reducing the occurrence of paper jams during paper transport and the background member 351a damaging the paper.

[0100] In the image reading device 30 of this embodiment, the facing portion 351 includes a second regulating member 351f that regulates the inclination of the facing portion 351 with respect to the paper transport direction. Therefore, by stabilizing the attitude of the background member 351a relative to the reference member 321, it is possible to stabilize the attitude of the paper relative to the reference member 321. This improves the reading accuracy of the image reading unit 32. When the paper is being transported, by stabilizing the attitude of the background member 351a relative to the paper transport path, it is possible to improve the transportability of the paper.

[0101] The image forming system 1 of this embodiment includes an image forming device 20 that forms an image on a sheet, and an image reading device 30 that is disposed downstream of the image forming device 20 in the sheet transport direction. Therefore, it is possible to read the paper after an image has been formed by the image forming device 20 before the paper is discharged to the outside, and it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the image reading unit 32 that moves in the paper width direction.

[0102] The description of the above embodiment is an example of the image reading device and image forming system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above embodiment, the image reading device 30 is described as having one image reading unit 32, but this is not limiting. The image reading device 30 may be provided with a plurality of image reading units 32.

[0103] It goes without saying that the detailed configurations and operations of the components of the image reading device 30 and the image forming system 1 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Image forming system 10 Paper feeder 11 First Control Section 12 Conveyor 13 Paper feed section 20 Image forming device 21 Control section 22 Display section 23 Document image reading unit 24 Image forming unit 25 Second Control Section 26 Memory section 27 Communications Department 28 Image processing section 30 Image reader 31 Third Control Section 32 Image reading unit 321 Reference Member 321a opening 33 First drive unit (moving unit) 34 Conveying section 34a Transport roller 34b Transport roller 35 Backing section 351 Opposite part 351a Background material 351b End members 351c,351d Regulatory axis 351f Second restricting member 352 Pressing part 353 Backing Guide 354 Frame members 355 Rotating fulcrum axis 356 Second Drive Unit 356a Cam 36 Edge detection unit 37 Paper detection unit 38 Proofreading Department 38a Calibration material 39a, 39b 1st regulation member 40 Aftertreatment device 41 4th Control Section 42 Post-processing section 43 Conveyor f1 Slope (first slope) g1 top surface g2 Inclined surface (second inclined part) L1 standby position L2 evacuation position P patch R Paper feed range r1 Reference plane S paper

Claims

1. An image reading device that reads image information on paper after image formation, an image reading unit that is movable in a paper width direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction and that reads image information on the paper; a reference member that moves together with the image reading unit in the paper width direction and forms a reference surface when the image reading unit reads the image information; an opposing portion provided at a position opposing the image reading portion and the reference member when the image reading portion reads the image information, the opposing portion being provided across the entire reading range of the image reading portion in the paper width direction; a pressing portion that presses the opposing portion in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane; Equipped with The pressing section causes the paper positioned on the facing section to abut against the reference member when the image reading section reads the image information.

2. the facing portion is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the reference plane as the image reading portion moves, The image reading device according to claim 1 , further comprising a first regulating member positioned on an end side of the facing portion in the paper width direction, the first regulating member regulating the inclination of the facing portion.

3. an upper surface of the facing portion is located at a first position higher than the reference surface when the facing portion is not facing the reference member, and is located at a second position lower than the first position when the facing portion is facing the reference member; The image reading device according to claim 2 , wherein the first regulating member abuts against the facing portion when the facing portion is not facing the reference member.

4. The image reading device according to claim 2 , wherein the first regulating member is located at a position lower than the reference surface.

5. 3. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein the shortest distance of the gap between the first regulating member and the opposing portion when the reference member is positioned at the center of the reading range in the paper width direction is 1 / 294 or less of the length of the reading range in the paper width direction.

6. The image reading device according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the pressing portions are arranged in the paper width direction.

7. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the reference member has first inclined portions inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the reference surface at both ends in the paper width direction.

8. The image reading device according to claim 1 , further comprising a reducing portion on a surface of the reference member that comes into contact with the paper, the reducing portion reducing sliding resistance during movement in the paper width direction.

9. a control unit that controls a moving unit that moves the image reading unit in the paper width direction and a conveying unit that conveys the paper, The image reading device of claim 1, wherein the control unit, during the reading process of the image information for the same paper, moves the image reading unit and the reference member using the moving unit to a position where the paper is not sandwiched between the reference member and the opposing unit, and transports the paper using the transport unit.

10. The image reading device according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit calibrates the image reading unit in a state where the image reading unit and the reference member are positioned so as not to sandwich the paper.

11. a control unit configured to change the facing unit between a first state in which the facing unit widens a paper transport path and a second state in which the facing unit forms the paper transport path; The image reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit holds the facing unit in the first state when the paper enters the reading position of the image reading unit.

12. The facing portion is forming a transport path for the paper; 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising second inclined portions inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the paper transport direction at both ends of the paper transport direction.

13. The image reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the facing portion includes a second regulating member that regulates an inclination of the facing portion with respect to the paper transport direction.

14. an image forming device for forming an image on the paper; the image reading device according to claim 1 , which is disposed downstream of the image forming device in the paper transport direction; An image forming system comprising:

Images