Image reading device and image forming system

Abstract

To enable color measurement of any image among multiple images formed on the paper along the transport width direction, and to improve work efficiency when performing jam removal and other tasks around the color measurement unit. [Solution] The image reading device is provided within the main body of the device and is arranged to overlap a part of the transport path in a plan view. It includes a support frame extending in the transport width direction, a colorimeter mounted on the support frame so as to be movable in the transport width direction, a drive unit for moving the colorimeter in the transport width direction, and a drive control unit that controls the drive unit to move the colorimeter to a retracted position above the area away from the transport path and towards the rear of the main body of the device before a part of the transport path is opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] An image reading apparatus of an image forming apparatus or an image forming system may include a color measurement unit that measures the color of an image formed on a sheet in order to adjust the color characteristics of the image (see Patent Document 1, etc.). In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the color measurement unit is disposed on the downstream side of the fixing unit, and the color measurement unit can be changed to a first posture parallel to the conveyance path that conveys the sheet on which the image has been formed in the conveyance direction, and a second posture that intersects the conveyance path.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the color measurement unit cannot move in the conveyance width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. Therefore, when images such as a plurality of patch images are formed on the sheet along the conveyance width direction, the color measurement unit cannot measure an arbitrary image among the plurality of images.

[0005] On the other hand, by arranging a support frame extending in the transport width direction so as to overlap a part of the transport path in a plan view or side view, and by providing a colorimeter on the support frame so as to be movable in the transport width direction, it is possible to measure the color of any image. However, in this case, when jamming around the colorimeter or performing maintenance on the image reading device, the colorimeter will be located in the area between the transport path and the support frame, and the colorimeter will become an obstacle to these operations. As a result, there is a concern that the work efficiency when performing jamming around the color area will decrease.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an image reading device and an image forming system that enable color measurement of any image among a plurality of images formed on paper along the transport width direction, and that improve work efficiency when performing jam processing around the color measurement unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is: A transport path is provided inside the box-shaped main body of the device to transport the image-formed paper in the transport direction, A support frame is provided within the main body of the device, positioned so as to overlap a part of the transport path in a plan view, and extending in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, A colorimeter is provided on the support frame so as to be movable in the transport width direction, and measures the color of any image among a plurality of images formed on the paper along the transport width direction. A drive unit for moving the color measuring unit in the transport width direction, The system includes a drive control unit that controls the drive unit to move the colorimeter to a retracted position above the area that is away from the transport path and towards the rear of the main body of the device, before a portion of the transport path is opened.

[0008] One aspect of the image forming system of the present invention is An image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper, The system comprises the above-mentioned image reading device installed downstream of the image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to measure the color of any image among a plurality of images formed on the paper along the transport width direction, and to improve work efficiency when jamming around the color measurement unit or performing maintenance on the image reading device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the image reading device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic partial side view of the image reading device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram along the VV line in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram along the VI-VI line in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram along the line VII-VII in Figure 5. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing how the support frame rotates upward around its pivot axis, thereby opening up a portion of the transport path. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic partial side view of an image reading device according to another embodiment of this invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the holding frame rotates downward around its pivot axis, thereby opening a portion of the transport path. [Figure 11] This is a control block diagram of the image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the series of processes in the image forming system when jamming occurs around the colorimeter. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a series of processes of an image forming system when performing maintenance processing of an image reading device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining another series of processes of an image forming system when performing maintenance processing of an image reading device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the specification and claims of the present application, the upstream side refers to the upstream side in the paper conveyance direction, and the downstream side refers to the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction. The conveyance width direction is a direction orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction, and in this embodiment, it is the front-rear direction. In the drawings, "front" indicates the front direction, "rear" indicates the rear direction, "left" indicates the left direction, "right" indicates the right direction, "up" indicates the upward direction, and "down" indicates the downward direction.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of an image forming system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment is a system that forms an image on a sheet S and reads the image formed on the sheet S. The image forming system 10 includes a tandem type image forming device 12, an image reading device 14 installed downstream of the image forming device 12, and a post-processing device (not shown) installed downstream of the image reading device 14.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 12 is an apparatus that forms an image on paper S using an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 12 transports the image-formed paper S to the image reading apparatus 14. The image reading apparatus 14 is an apparatus that reads the image formed on paper S. The image reading apparatus 14 transports the image-formed paper S to the post-processing apparatus. The post-processing apparatus performs post-processing on the image-formed paper S. Examples of post-processing include decal processing, stapling, punching, folding, and binding.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 12 comprises a box-shaped apparatus body (apparatus body for the image forming apparatus) 16, which constitutes the base frame of the image forming apparatus 12. An image reading unit 18 for reading images from an original document is provided at the top of the apparatus body 16. The image reading unit 18 optically scans an original document D placed on a contact glass, or an original document D being transported on a contact glass. The image reading unit 18 optically reads the scanned image of the original document using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 20 and generates image data. In addition, an image processing unit 22 is provided at the top of the apparatus body 16 for performing image processing such as shading correction and compression on the image data from the image reading unit 18.

[0017] Above the document reading unit 18 in the main body 16 of the device, there is a document transport unit 24 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder). The document transport unit 24 transports the document D set in the document tray onto the contact glass of the document reading unit 18. Also, on the front side of the upper part of the main body 16, there is an operation display unit 26 that functions as both an operation unit and a display unit. The operation display unit 26 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touchscreen. The operation display unit 26 has various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and as an operation unit, it accepts various input operations from the user. As a display unit, the operation display unit 26 displays various operation screens, image status, and the operating status of each function.

[0018] An image forming unit 28 is provided in the upper part of the main body 16 of the device, which forms images by electrophotography. The image forming unit 28 has four image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for forming images using colored toners of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) components based on image data. The four image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K are arranged along the vertical direction.

[0019] The image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for the Y, M, C, and K components have similar configurations. For the sake of illustration and explanation, common components are indicated by the same reference numeral, and when distinguishing them, Y, M, C, or K is added to the reference numeral. In Figures 1 and 2, reference numerals are assigned only to the components of the image forming unit 30Y for the Y component, while reference numerals are omitted for the components of the other image forming units 30M, 30C, and 30K.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming unit 30 includes a photosensitive drum 32 and surrounding it are a charging unit 34, an exposure unit 36, a developing unit 38, and a drum cleaning unit 40.

[0021] The photoreceptor drum 32 is a negatively charged organic photoreceptor, for example, made of aluminum, with an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer, and a charge transport layer sequentially laminated on the circumferential surface of a conductive cylindrical body. The photoreceptor drum 32 rotates at a constant peripheral speed driven by a rotary motor (not shown).

[0022] The charging unit 34 uniformly charges the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 32 with negative polarity. The exposure unit 36 ​​emits laser light as scanning light and scans the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 32 while exposing it, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 32. The amount of laser light emitted from the exposure unit 36 ​​is modulated according to the image data of each YMCK color.

[0023] The developing unit 38 is, for example, a developing unit using a two-component developing method. The developing unit 38 forms a toner image by making an electrostatic latent image visible on the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 32 by depositing toner of each color component onto the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 32. The drum cleaning unit 40 cleans the remaining toner that remains on the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 32 after the primary transfer. The drum cleaning unit 40 has a drum cleaning blade or the like that slides against the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 32.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, a transfer unit 42 for transferring a toner image onto paper S is provided in the upper part of the main body 16 of the device. The transfer unit 42 has an endless intermediate transfer belt 44, a plurality of support rollers 46, a primary transfer roller 48, a secondary transfer roller 50, and a belt cleaning unit 52.

[0025] The intermediate transfer belt 44 extends in the vertical direction and is stretched over a plurality of support rollers 46. The intermediate transfer belt 44 circulates through the rotation of the plurality of support rollers 46. At least one of the plurality of support rollers 46 is a drive roller connected to a rotary motor (not shown), and the other support rollers 46 are driven rollers (free rollers).

[0026] The primary transfer roller 48 is positioned on the inner circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 44, facing the photoreceptor drums 32 for each color component. The primary transfer roller 48 works in cooperation with the photoreceptor drums 32 to clamp the intermediate transfer belt 44. A primary transfer nip CN is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the primary transfer roller 48 and the outer circumferential surface of the photoreceptor drums 32 for transferring the toner image from the photoreceptor drums 32 to the intermediate transfer belt 44.

[0027] The secondary transfer roller 50 is positioned on the outer circumferential side of the intermediate transfer belt 44, facing a predetermined support roller 46. The secondary transfer roller 50 works in cooperation with the predetermined support roller 46 to grip the intermediate transfer belt 44. A secondary transfer nip TN is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the secondary transfer roller 50 and the outer circumferential surface of the predetermined support roller 46 for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 44 to the paper S.

[0028] As the intermediate transfer belt 44 passes through the primary transfer nip CN, the toner image of the photoreceptor drum 32 is sequentially superimposed onto the intermediate transfer belt 44 and primary transferred. Specifically, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 48, and a charge with the opposite polarity to the toner is applied to the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 44 (the side that contacts the primary transfer roller 48), thereby electrostatically transferring the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 44.

[0029] Subsequently, as the paper S passes through the secondary transfer nip TN, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 44 is secondary transferred to the paper S. Specifically, by applying a secondary transfer bias of the same polarity as the toner to a predetermined support roller 46 and applying a charge of the same polarity as the toner to the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 44, the toner image is electrostatically transferred to the paper S, and an image can be formed on the paper S.

[0030] The belt cleaning unit 52 removes residual transfer toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 44 after secondary transfer. The belt cleaning unit 52 has a cleaning blade that slides against the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 44.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, a fixing unit 54 for fixing the toner image to the paper S is provided at the exit side of the secondary transfer nip TN inside the main body 16 of the device. The fixing unit 54 has a heating roller 56, a fixing roller 58, an endless fixing belt 60, and a pressure roller 62.

[0032] The heating roller 56 has a hollow cylindrical core made of, for example, aluminum, iron, or SUS (stainless steel), and a heating device, such as a halogen lamp, provided inside the core. The fixing roller 58 is positioned opposite the heating roller 56. The fixing roller 58 has a hollow cylindrical core made of, for example, aluminum, iron, or SUS, and a surface layer provided on the outer surface of the core, made of, for example, silicone rubber or silicone sponge. The fixing belt 60 is stretched between the heating roller 56 and the fixing roller 58 and is circumferential. The fixing belt 60 has a base material made of, for example, polyimide resin.

[0033] The pressure roller 62 is positioned on the outside of the fixing belt 60, facing the fixing roller 58, and presses toward the fixing roller 58 with a predetermined fixing load. The pressure roller 62 has a hollow cylindrical core made of, for example, aluminum, iron, or stainless steel, an elastic layer made of, for example, silicone rubber, provided on the outer surface of the core, and a surface layer made of, for example, a PFA tube, provided on the surface of the elastic layer. A fixing nip FN is also formed between the fixing roller 58 and the pressure roller 62 for transporting the paper S while heating and pressurizing it.

[0034] As the pressure roller 62 rotates due to the drive of the rotary motor, the fixing belt 60 follows and rotates. As the fixing belt 60 rotates, the heating roller 56 and the fixing roller 58 follow and rotate. This allows the paper S to be transported while being heated and pressurized at the fixing nip FN, thereby fixing any unarrived toner images to the paper S.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, a paper feeding section 64 for feeding paper S is provided at the bottom of the main body 16 of the device. The paper feeding section 64 has multiple paper trays 66 that can accommodate multiple sheets of paper S. Each paper tray 66 can accommodate a type of paper S that is pre-set according to basis weight, size, etc.

[0036] Downstream of the fixing unit 54 within the main body 16 of the device, there is a paper discharge unit 68 for discharging the image-formed paper S to the outside of the main body 16. The paper discharge unit 68 has a pair of paper discharge rollers 70. The rotation of the pair of paper discharge rollers 70 allows the image-formed paper S to be discharged to the outside of the main body 16.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, a main transport path 72 is provided between the paper feeding section 64 and the paper discharge section 68 within the main body 16 of the device. The main transport path 72 is the path for transporting the paper S when forming a toner image on the surface of the paper S. The main transport path 72 is the path for transporting the paper S via a plurality of transport roller pairs, including a registration roller pair 74, a secondary transfer nip TN, and a fixing nip FN. In addition, a reversal transport path 76 for reversing the front and back sides of the paper S is provided near the paper feeding section 64 within the main body 16 of the device. The reversal transport path 76 is the path for transporting the paper S when forming a toner image on the back side of the paper S, and is connected to the main transport path 72.

[0038] The paper sheets S placed in the paper feed tray 66 are fed out one by one from the top and transported by the main transport path 72 towards the secondary transfer nip TN. At this time, the tilt of the paper sheets S is corrected by the registration roller pair 74 and the transport timing of the paper sheets S is adjusted. Then, at the secondary transfer nip TN, the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 44 is transferred all at once to one side (front or back) of the paper sheets S, and at the fixing nip FN, the toner image is fixed to the paper sheets S. After that, the paper sheets S with the formed image are discharged from the paper discharge section 68 to the outside of the main body 16 of the device.

[0039] The specific configuration of the image reading device 14 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 3 to 10. Figure 4 is a schematic partial side view of the image reading device 14 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram along the VV line in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram along the VI-VI line in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram along the VII-VII line in Figure 5. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing how the support frame 100 rotates upward around the pivot axis 102 to open a part of the transport path 88. Figure 9 is a schematic partial side view of the image reading device 14 according to another embodiment of this embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the holding frame 124 rotates downward around the pivot axis 136 to open a part of the transport path.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the image reading device 14 according to the first embodiment is a device that reads an image formed on a sheet of paper S, as described above. The image reading device 14 includes a box-shaped device body (device body for the image reading device) 78, and the device body 78 constitutes the base frame of the image reading device 14. The front side of the device body 78 has an opening 78a.

[0041] The main body of the device 78 is provided with a door body 80 that opens and closes the opening 78a. An opening / closing sensor 82 may be provided at an appropriate position on the main body of the device 78 as an opening / closing detection unit to detect the opening and closing of the door body 80. The opening / closing sensor 82 is a magnetic sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door body 80 using, for example, a magnetic switch. Note that the opening / closing sensor 82 may be omitted from the configuration of the image reading device 14.

[0042] A frame 84 is provided inside the main body 78 so as to be retractable in the front-rear direction, and the frame 84 is supported so as to be movable in the front-rear direction by a guide rail (not shown) fixed to the main body 78. In addition, a solenoid lock 86 may be provided at an appropriate position on the main body 78 as a frame locking part for fixing the frame 84 to the main body 78 when it is housed inside the main body 78. Note that the frame locking part is not limited to a solenoid lock 86, and other parts can be modified as appropriate.

[0043] The frame 84 is provided with a transport path 88 for transporting the image-formed paper S in the transport direction. In other words, the transport path 88 is provided within the main body 78 of the device via the frame 84. The transport path 88 extends in a straight line from its inlet end to its outlet end. The inlet end of the transport path 88 is connected to the outlet end of the main transport path 72 of the image forming apparatus 12, and the outlet end of the transport path 88 is connected to the inlet end of the transport path (not shown) of a post-processing device (not shown).

[0044] The transport path 88 has a plurality of lower guide plates 90 that support the back (bottom) surface of the image-formed paper S, and the plurality of lower guide plates 90 are arranged along the transport direction. The transport path 88 also has a plurality of upper guide plates 92 that can contact the front (top) surface of the image-formed paper S, and the plurality of upper guide plates 92 are arranged along the transport direction. Each upper guide plate 92 faces the corresponding lower guide plate 90.

[0045] The frame 84 is provided with multiple pairs of transport rollers 94 for transporting the image-formed paper S in the transport direction along the transport path 88. In other words, multiple pairs of transport rollers 94 are provided within the main body 78 of the device via the frame 84. The frame 84 is provided with a transport motor (not shown) for rotating the multiple pairs of transport rollers 94.

[0046] An image reading unit 96 is provided above the frame 84 within the main body 78 of the device, for reading the image formed on the paper S. The image reading unit 96 is a line sensor in which CCDs are arranged in a line along the transport width direction (main scanning direction). In a plan view, the image reading unit 96 is positioned to traverse the transport path 88 along the transport width direction. The image reading unit 96 generates two-dimensional image data by reading the image formed on the paper S in accordance with the timing of the paper S's transport.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 to 8, a U-shaped connecting member 98 is provided at the rear of the frame 84, and the connecting member 98 is located at the rear of the main body of the device 78. The base end of a rectangular frame-shaped support frame 100 is connected to the connecting member 98 via a pivot shaft 102 at the rear of the main body of the device 78 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. In other words, the support frame 100 is provided inside the main body of the device 78 via the connecting member 98 and the frame 84, and the support frame 100 is rotatable in the vertical direction around the pivot shaft 102 at the rear of the main body of the device 78.

[0048] The support frame 100 extends in the transport width direction (front-to-back direction) and is positioned to overlap a portion of the transport path 88 in a plan view. The support frame 100 is configured to open a portion of the transport path 88, and by rotating upward around the pivot axis 102, it opens a portion of the transport path 88 (the upper part of a portion of the transport path 88). Here, opening a portion of the transport path 88 means making it possible for the user to perform jam processing or maintenance on the image reading device 14. In addition, as shown in Figure 4, a gripping portion 104 for gripping by the user may be provided at the front of the support frame 100.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, a damper 106 may be provided between the support frame 100 and the connecting member 98 via a bracket 108 to bias the support frame 100 upward relative to the device body 78. The damper 106 may be arranged on both the left and right sides of the support frame 100. The base of the cylinder portion 106s of the damper 106 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 98 via the bracket 108, and the tip of the rod portion 106r of the damper 106 is rotatably connected to the side of the support frame 100.

[0050] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the support frame 100 is provided with a pair of parallel guide bars 110 extending in the transport width direction. The pair of guide bars 110 are equipped with a colorimetric unit 112 that is movable in the transport width direction for measuring the color of any patch image Sg among a plurality of patch images Sg formed on the paper S along the transport width direction. In other words, the support frame 100 is equipped with a colorimetric unit 112 that is movable in the transport width direction via a pair of guide bars 110.

[0051] Multiple patch images Sg may be formed on the paper S not only along the transport width direction, but also along both the transport width direction and the transport direction. Multiple patch images Sg may include not only single-color patch images Sg of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), but also mixed-color patch images Sg of Y, M, and C.

[0052] The colorimeter 112 is a spectrophotometer that detects spectral reflectance for each wavelength from the patch image Sg of the paper S and measures the color of the patch image Sg of the paper S. However, it may also be a colorimeter that measures the density of the patch image Sg of the paper S. The colorimeter 112 generates colorimetric data of the patch image Sg by measuring the color of any patch image Sg of the paper S when the colorimeter 112 is positioned above any patch image Sg of the paper S by moving in the transport width direction.

[0053] The support frame 100 is provided with a drive unit 114 for moving the colorimeter 112 in the transport width direction. The drive unit 114 has a pair of pulleys 116 rotatably mounted on the support frame 100, and the pair of pulleys 116 are spaced apart in the transport width direction. The drive unit 114 has a rotary motor (not shown) for rotating the pair of pulleys 116. The drive unit 114 has an endless timing belt 118 wound around the pair of pulleys 116, and a portion of the timing belt 118 is integrally connected to an appropriate position on the colorimeter 112. Note that the drive unit 114 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be modified as appropriate, for example, by changing it to a mechanism using a rack and pinion or a mechanism using a linear motor.

[0054] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the colorimeter 112 can be moved to a retracted position (the position shown in Figure 8) above the area that is separated from the transport path 88 and behind the main body 78 by the drive of the drive unit 114, by moving to one side (rearward) in the transport width direction. A position sensor 120 may be provided at an appropriate position on the support frame 100 as a position detection unit to detect when the colorimeter 112 is in the retracted position (retracted). The position sensor 120 is, for example, a magnetic or optical sensor.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4, 6 to 8, a calibration member 122 for color calibration of the colorimeter 112 is provided at the base end of the support frame 100. The calibration member 122 is located in an area away from the transport path 88 and behind the main body of the device 78. In other words, the calibration member 122 is located below the retracted position of the colorimeter 112. The calibration member 122 is made of a white plate material that serves as a calibration reference. The colorimeter 112 generates color measurement data of the calibration member 122 by measuring the color of the calibration surface of the calibration member 122.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, the base end (rear end) of the holding frame 124, which holds the support frame 100 from below, is integrally connected to the connecting member 98. In other words, the holding frame 124 is provided inside the device body 78 via the connecting member 98 and the support base 84. The tip end (front end) of the holding frame 124 may be integrally connected to the support base 84. The holding frame 124 extends in the transport width direction (front-to-back direction) and is positioned to overlap a part of the transport path 88 in a plan view. The holding frame 124 has a pair of arm portions 124a that extend parallel to each other along the transport width direction.

[0057] A background member 126 extending in the transport width direction is provided on the lower side of the holding frame 124, and the background member 126 has an opposing surface 126f that faces the colorimeter 112 vertically. The opposing surface 126f of the background member 126 is the surface that serves as the reference for measuring the color of the patch image Sg of the paper S by the colorimeter 112, and the background member 126 is made of, for example, a white plate material.

[0058] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, at least one of the upper arm portions 124a may be provided with a plurality of positioning pins 128 as a positioning part for positioning the support frame 100 relative to the holding frame 124. Each positioning pin 128 can engage with an engagement hole 100h provided in the support frame 100. Note that the positioning part is not limited to a plurality of positioning pins 128, and other appropriate modifications are possible.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, a magnet 130 may be embedded in at least one of the arm portions 124a as a support frame locking portion for fixing the support frame 100 to the holding frame 124. The magnet 130 can be magnetically attached to the lower surface of the support frame 100. Note that the support frame locking portion is not limited to a magnet 130, and other appropriate modifications are possible.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, a first paper sensor 132 may be provided upstream of the colorimetric unit 112 in the transport path 88 as a first paper detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of paper S. The first paper sensor 132 is, for example, a reflective or transmissive photo sensor and detects the leading edge of the paper S just before it passes below the colorimetric unit 112. A second paper sensor 134 may be provided downstream of the colorimetric unit 112 in the transport path 88 as a second paper detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of paper S. The second paper sensor 134 is, for example, a reflective or transmissive photo sensor and detects the leading edge of the paper S just after it has passed below the colorimetric unit 112.

[0061] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the configuration of the image reading device 14 according to another aspect of this embodiment will be briefly described. Figure 9 is a schematic partial side view of the image reading device 14 according to another aspect of this embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the holding frame 124 rotates downward around the pivot axis 136 to open a part of the transport path 88.

[0062] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in another embodiment of this design, the base end (rear end) of the support frame 100 is integrally connected to the connecting member 98. The front end (front end) of the support frame 100 may be integrally connected to the frame 84.

[0063] The base end of the retaining frame 124 is connected to the connecting member 98 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction via the pivot shaft 136 on the rear side of the device body 78. The retaining frame 124 is rotatable in the vertical direction about the pivot shaft 136 on the rear side of the device body 78. In addition, the retaining frame 124 is positioned so as to overlap a part of the transport path 88 in a plan view. The retaining frame 124 is capable of opening a part of the transport path 88, and is configured to open a part of the transport path 88 (the lower part of a part of the transport path 88) by rotating downward about the pivot shaft 136 on the rear side of the device body 78.

[0064] The control configuration of the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a control block diagram of the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0065] As shown in Figure 11, the image forming system 10 includes a control unit 138 that controls the image processing unit 22, operation display unit 26, image forming unit 28, transfer unit 42, fixing unit 54, paper feeding unit 64, solenoid lock 86, image reading unit 96, colorimetric unit 112, drive unit 114, etc. The control unit 138 is responsible for controlling the entire image forming system 10. The control unit 138 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 140, ROM (Read Only Memory) 142, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 144. The control unit 138 is connected to a storage unit 146, a communication unit 148, an open / close sensor 82, a position sensor 120, a first paper sensor 132, and a second paper sensor 134, etc.

[0066] The CPU 140 provides overall control over the operation of the image forming system 10. The CPU 140 reads various control programs and setting data stored in the ROM 142, stores them in the RAM 144, and executes the programs to perform various calculations. The RAM 144 provides the CPU 140 with working memory space and stores temporary data. The CPU 140 also refers to various data stored in the storage unit 146 when performing various calculations. The storage unit 146 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive.

[0067] The control unit 138 transmits and receives various data to and from external devices (e.g., personal computers) connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication unit 148. The control unit 138 receives, for example, image data transmitted from an external device and forms a toner image on the paper S based on this image data (input image data). The communication unit 148 is composed of, for example, a communication control card such as a LAN card.

[0068] The control unit 138 (CPU 140) performs the functions of the "jam detection unit," "drive control unit," "notification unit," and "lock release unit" as described in the claims by executing various control programs. The main components of the control unit 138 are as follows.

[0069] The control unit 138 corrects image misalignment, color misalignment, etc., based on the image data output from the image reading unit 96. The control unit 138 also performs color adjustment, gamma adjustment, toner density adjustment, etc., on the image based on the color measurement data of the patch image Sg (see Figure 6) of the paper S output from the color measurement unit 112. The control unit 138 calibrates the color measurement characteristics (output values) of the color measurement unit 106 based on the color measurement data of the calibration member 122 output from the color measurement unit 112.

[0070] The control unit 138, acting as a jam detection unit, detects the presence or absence of jams around the colorimeter 112 based on the detection results from the first paper sensor 132 and the second paper sensor 134. Specifically, the control unit 138 determines whether the second paper sensor 134 has detected the presence of paper after a predetermined elapsed time has passed since the first paper sensor 132 detected the leading edge of the paper S. If the second paper sensor 134 has detected the presence of paper after a predetermined elapsed time has passed since the first paper sensor 132 detected the leading edge of the paper S, the control unit 138 detects that there are no jams around the colorimeter 112. If the second paper sensor 134 has detected that there are no paper after a predetermined elapsed time has passed since the first paper sensor 132 detected the leading edge of the paper S, the control unit 138 detects that there are jams around the colorimeter 112. The predetermined elapsed time is the time that is expected to pass from the time the first paper sensor 132 detects the leading edge of the paper S until the second paper sensor 134 detects the paper S, or a time slightly longer than that.

[0071] The control unit 138, acting as a drive control unit, may control the drive unit 114 to retract the colorimeter 112 to a retracted position before a portion of the transport path 88 is opened if a jam is detected around the colorimeter 112. The control unit 138, acting as a notification unit, may notify the user by displaying on the operation display unit 26 that a jam has been detected around the colorimeter 112 after the colorimeter 112 has been retracted to the retracted position.

[0072] The control unit 138, acting as a drive control unit, may control the drive unit 114 to retract the colorimeter 112 to a retracted position before a portion of the transport path 88 is opened when the opening / closing sensor 82 detects that the door body 80 has been opened. In this case, the control unit 138, acting as a lock release unit, may release the solenoid lock 86 from fixing the frame 84 after the colorimeter 112 has retracted to the retracted position.

[0073] The control unit 138, acting as a drive control unit, may control the drive unit 114 to retract the colorimeter 112 to a retracted position before a portion of the transport path 88 is opened when the maintenance mode is selected by user input. In this case, the control unit 138, acting as a lock release unit, may release the solenoid lock 86 from fixing the frame 84 after the colorimeter 112 has retracted to the retracted position. Maintenance mode is a mode for performing maintenance on the image reading device 14.

[0074] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, a series of processes performed by the image forming system 10 when jamming occurs around the colorimeter 112 will be briefly described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a series of processes performed by the image forming system 10 when jamming occurs around the colorimeter 112.

[0075] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when jamming occurs around the colorimeter 112, the control unit 138 detects the presence of jamming around the colorimeter 112 (step S101 in Figure 12). Next, the control unit 138 determines whether the colorimeter 112 is in the retracted position based on the detection result from the position sensor 120 (step S102 in Figure 12). In other words, the control unit 138 determines whether the position sensor 120 has detected that the colorimeter 112 is in the retracted position.

[0076] If the colorimeter 112 is not in the retracted position (case NO in step S102 of Figure 12), the control unit 138 controls the drive unit 114 to retract the colorimeter 112 to the retracted position (step S103 of Figure 12). After the completion of step S103 of Figure 12, the control unit 138 returns to step S102 of Figure 12. On the other hand, if the colorimeter 112 is in the retracted position (case YES in step S102 of Figure 12), the control unit 138 notifies that jamming has been detected around the colorimeter 112 (step S104 of Figure 12).

[0077] Referring to Figures 11 and 13, a series of processes performed by the image forming system 10 when performing maintenance on the image reading device 14 will be briefly described. Figure 13 is a flowchart of the series of processes performed by the image forming system 10 when performing maintenance on the image reading device 14.

[0078] As shown in Figures 11 and 13, when the user opens the door 80 during maintenance of the image reading device 14, the opening / closing sensor 82 detects that the door 80 is open (step S201 in Figure 13). Next, the control unit 138 determines whether the colorimeter 112 is in the retracted position based on the detection result from the position sensor 120 (step S202 in Figure 13).

[0079] If the colorimeter 112 is not in the retracted position (case NO in step S202 of Figure 13), the control unit 138 controls the drive unit 114 to retract the colorimeter 112 to the retracted position (step S203 of Figure 13). After the completion of step S203 of Figure 13, the control unit 138 returns to step S202 of Figure 13. On the other hand, if the colorimeter 112 is in the retracted position (case YES in step S202 of Figure 13), the control unit 138 releases the solenoid lock 86 from fixing the frame 84 (step S204 of Figure 13).

[0080] Referring to Figures 11 and 14, a separate series of processes performed by the image forming system 10 when performing maintenance on the image reading device 14 will be briefly described. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing a separate series of processes performed by the image forming system 10 when performing maintenance on the image reading device 14.

[0081] As shown in Figures 11 and 14, when performing maintenance on the image reading device 14, the maintenance mode is selected by user input (step S301 in Figure 14). Next, the control unit 138 determines whether the colorimeter 112 is in the retracted position based on the detection result from the position sensor 120 (step S302 in Figure 14).

[0082] If the colorimeter 112 is not in the retracted position (case NO in step S302 of Figure 14), the control unit 138 controls the drive unit 114 to retract the colorimeter 112 to the retracted position (step S303 of Figure 14). After the completion of step S303 of Figure 14, the control unit 138 returns to step S302 of Figure 14. On the other hand, if the colorimeter 112 is in the retracted position (case YES in step S302 of Figure 14), the control unit 138 releases the solenoid lock 86 from fixing the frame 84 (step S304 of Figure 14).

[0083] According to the configuration of the image reading device 14 in this embodiment, as described above, the support frame 100 extends in the transport width direction and is arranged to overlap a part of the transport path 88 in a plan view. The support frame 100 is provided with a colorimetric unit 112 that is movable in the transport width direction. Therefore, it is possible to measure the color of any patch image Sg among the multiple patch images Sg formed on the paper S along the transport width direction.

[0084] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the control unit 138 controls the drive unit 114 to retract the colorimeter 112 to a retracted position before a portion of the transport path 88 is opened. This prevents the colorimeter 112 from becoming an obstacle when jamming around the colorimeter 112 or performing maintenance on the image reading device 14. It also prevents the colorimeter 112 from becoming dirty or damaged by the user when jamming around the colorimeter 112 or performing other such operations.

[0085] Therefore, according to the image reading device 14 of this embodiment, it is possible to measure the color of any patch image Sg, and to improve work efficiency when jamming around the color measurement unit 112 or performing maintenance on the image reading device 14.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the image reading device 14 in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 138 controls the drive unit 114 to retract the colorimeter 112 to a retracted position when jamming is detected around the colorimeter 112. Therefore, when performing jamming treatment around the colorimeter 112, it is possible to avoid the colorimeter 112 becoming an obstacle to the jamming treatment work.

[0087] Therefore, the image reading device 14 according to this embodiment can improve work efficiency when performing jamming treatment around the colorimetric unit 112.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the image reading device 14 in this embodiment, when the control unit 138 detects a jam around the colorimeter 112, it displays on the operation display unit 26 that a jam has been detected around the colorimeter 112 after the colorimeter 112 has moved to its retracted position. Therefore, when a jam occurs around the colorimeter 112, the user can recognize this fact early on.

[0089] Therefore, according to the image reading device 14 of this embodiment, if a jam occurs around the colorimetric unit 112, the jam processing of the image reading device 14 can be performed quickly.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the image reading device 14 in this embodiment, as described above, when the opening / closing sensor 82 detects that the door body 80 is open, the control unit 138 controls the drive unit 114 to retract the colorimeter 112 to a retracted position. Therefore, when performing maintenance on the image reading device 14, it is possible to avoid the colorimeter 112 becoming an obstacle to the maintenance work.

[0091] In particular, the control unit 138 releases the solenoid lock 86 from fixing the base 84 after the colorimeter 112 has moved to the retracted position. In other words, the control unit 138 maintains the fixed state of the base 84 by the solenoid lock 86 until the colorimeter 112 moves to the retracted position. Therefore, when performing maintenance on the image reading device 14, it is possible to better avoid the colorimeter 112 becoming an obstacle to the maintenance work.

[0092] Therefore, according to the image reading device 14 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability when performing maintenance processing on the image reading device 14.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the image reading device 14 in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 138 controls the drive unit 114 to retract the colorimeter 112 to a retracted position when the maintenance mode is selected by the user's input operation. Therefore, when performing maintenance on the image reading device 14, it is possible to avoid the colorimeter 112 becoming an obstacle to the maintenance work.

[0094] In particular, the control unit 138 releases the solenoid lock 86 from fixing the base 84 after the colorimeter 112 has moved to the retracted position. In other words, the control unit 138 maintains the fixed state of the base 84 by the solenoid lock 86 until the colorimeter 112 moves to the retracted position. Therefore, when performing maintenance on the image reading device 14, it is possible to better avoid the colorimeter 112 becoming an obstacle to the maintenance work.

[0095] Therefore, according to the image reading device 14 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability when performing maintenance processing on the image reading device 14.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the image reading device 14 in this embodiment, as described above, the calibration member 122 is located in an area away from the transport path 88 and behind the main body of the device 78. Therefore, when performing jam removal around the colorimeter 112 or maintenance on the image reading device 14, the calibration member 122 can be prevented from becoming an obstacle to these operations. When performing jam removal around the colorimeter 112 or the like, it is possible to prevent the calibration member 122 from becoming dirty or damaged by the user's hands.

[0097] Therefore, according to the image reading device 14 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve work efficiency when performing jam removal around the colorimetric unit 112 or maintenance work on the image reading device 14.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the image reading device 14 in this embodiment, as described above, the support frame 100 is configured to open a portion of the transport path 88 by rotating upward around the pivot axis 102 on the rear side of the device body 78. Therefore, a portion of the transport path 88 can be easily opened by the user simply by rotating the support frame 100 upward.

[0099] Therefore, according to the image reading device 14 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve work efficiency when performing jam removal around the colorimetric unit 112 or maintenance work on the image reading device 14.

[0100] In particular, when the support frame 100 is held in place by the damper 106 with a portion of the transport path 88 open, work efficiency can be further improved when performing jam removal and other operations around the color measurement unit 112.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the image reading device 14 in the first embodiment, as described above, the support frame 100 can be positioned relative to the holding frame 124 by the positioning pin 128 which acts as a positioning part. Therefore, the position of the support frame 100 relative to the holding frame 124 can be stabilized. As a result, the position of the colorimeter 112 can be stabilized when measuring the color of the patch image Sg on the paper S.

[0102] Therefore, according to the image reading device 14 of this embodiment, the color measurement accuracy of the colorimetric unit 112 can be improved.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the image reading device 14 in another aspect of this embodiment, as described above, the holding frame 124 is configured to open a portion of the transport path 88 by rotating downward around the pivot axis 136 on the rear side of the device body 78. Therefore, a portion of the transport path 88 can be easily opened by the user simply by rotating the holding frame 124 downward.

[0104] Therefore, according to the image reading device 14 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve work efficiency when performing jam removal around the colorimetric unit 112 or maintenance work on the image reading device 14.

[0105] Although this embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications and changes are possible to the specific examples described above within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0106] The present invention is useful as an image reading device and image forming system that enables color measurement of any image among a plurality of images formed on paper along the transport width direction, and improves work efficiency when performing jam removal and other operations around the color measurement unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 10 Image Forming Systems 12 Image forming apparatus 14 Image reading device 14A Image reading device 16. Main unit of the apparatus (main unit of the apparatus for image forming apparatus) 18 Manuscript Reading Section 20 CCD sensors 22 Image Processing Unit 24. Manuscript transport section 26 Operation display section 28 Image forming unit 30 Image forming unit 30Y Image Forming Unit 30M Image Forming Unit 30C Image Forming Unit 30K Image Forming Unit 32 Photoconductor Drum 34 Charged parts 36 Exposure area 38. Developing Department 40 Drum Cleaning Section 42 Transfer section 44 Intermediate transfer belt 46 Support rollers 48 Primary Transfer Roller 50 Secondary transfer rollers 52 Belt Cleaning Section 54 Fixing section 56 Heating rollers 58 Fixing roller 60 Fixing belt 62 Pressure Rollers 64 Paper feed section 66 Paper feed tray 68 Paper output section 70 Paper output roller pair 72 Main transport path 74 Resist Roller vs 76 Reversal transport path 78. Main unit of the device (main unit of the image reading device) 78a opening 80 Door Body 82 Open / Close Sensor 84 mounting base 86 Solenoid Lock 88 Conveyor Route 90 Lower guide plate 92 Upper guide plate 94 Conveyor Roller Pair 96 Image reading unit 98 Connecting Member 100 Support Frame 100h Engagement hole 102 Rotary shaft 104 Gripping part 106 Damper 106s Cylinder section 106r Rod section 108 Bracket 110 Guide Bar 112 Color measurement section 114 Drive Unit 116 Pulley 118 Timing belt 120 Position Sensors 122 Calibration Member 124 Retaining Frame 124a Arm section 126 Background material 126f Opposite surface 128 Positioning pin (positioning part) 130 Magnets 132 First paper sensor (first paper detection unit) 134 Second paper sensor (second paper detection unit) 136 pivot shafts 138 Control Unit 140 CPU 142 ROM 144 RAM 146 Memory section 148 Communications Department CN primary transfer nip TN secondary transfer nip FN Fixing Nips D Manuscript S paper Sg patch image

Claims

1. A transport path is provided inside the box-shaped main body of the device to transport the image-formed paper in the transport direction, A support frame is provided within the main body of the device, positioned to overlap a portion of the transport path in a plan view, and extending in the transport width direction perpendicular to the transport direction, A colorimeter is provided on the support frame so as to be movable in the transport width direction, and measures the color of any image among a plurality of images formed on the paper along the transport width direction. A drive unit for moving the color measuring unit in the transport width direction, The drive control unit controls the drive unit to move the color measuring unit to a retracted position above the area away from the transport path and towards the rear of the device body before a portion of the transport path is opened, and comprises: Image reading device.

2. The system further includes a position detection unit that detects when the colorimeter is in the retracted position. The image reading device according to claim 1.

3. A jam detection unit that detects the presence or absence of jam around the color measurement unit, The drive control unit controls the drive unit to retract the colorimeter to the retracted position when a jam is detected around the colorimeter. The image reading device according to claim 1.

4. A first paper detection unit is provided upstream of the colorimetric unit in the transport path and detects the presence or absence of paper, The transport path further includes a second paper detection unit provided downstream of the colorimetric unit for detecting the presence or absence of paper, The jam detection unit detects the presence or absence of jam around the color measurement unit based on the detection results from the first paper detection unit and the second paper detection unit. The image reading device according to claim 3.

5. The system further includes a notification unit that notifies that jam has been detected around the colorimeter after the colorimeter has moved to the retracted position. The image reading device according to claim 3.

6. The device body has an opening on the front side, A door body that opens and closes the opening of the main body of the device, The system further includes an opening / closing detection unit for detecting the opening and closing of the door body, The drive control unit controls the drive unit to retract the color measuring unit to the retracted position when the opening of the door body is detected. The image reading device according to claim 1.

7. A stand is provided on the main body of the device so as to be retractable, A locking mechanism for fixing the frame to the main body of the device while it is housed inside the main body of the device, The system further includes a lock release unit that releases the locking mechanism from fixing the frame after the colorimeter unit has moved to the retracted position, The transport path and the support frame are each provided within the main body of the device via the frame. The image reading device according to claim 6.

8. When a maintenance mode for performing maintenance on the image reading device is selected, the drive control unit controls the drive unit to retract the colorimeter to the retracted position. The image reading device according to claim 1.

9. A stand is provided on the main body of the device so as to be retractable, A locking mechanism for fixing the frame to the main body of the device, The system further includes a lock release unit that releases the locking mechanism from fixing the frame after the colorimeter unit has moved to the retracted position, The transport path and the support frame are each provided within the main body of the device via the frame. The image reading device according to claim 6.

10. The support frame is provided with a calibration member, which is positioned in the detached area and is used for color calibration of the colorimeter. The image reading device according to claim 1.

11. The support frame is rotatable vertically about a pivot axis at the rear of the main body of the device, and is configured to open a portion of the transport path by rotating upward about the pivot axis. The image reading device according to claim 1.

12. The device further includes a damper that biases the support frame upward relative to the main body of the device. The image reading device according to claim 11.

13. A holding frame is provided on the main body of the device, extends in the direction of the transport width, and holds the support frame from below, The holding frame is provided with a background member that extends in the transport width direction and has a facing surface opposite to the color measuring section, The image reading device according to claim 11.

14. The system further includes a positioning unit for positioning the support frame relative to the retaining frame. The image reading device according to claim 13.

15. A holding frame is provided on the main body of the device, positioned so as to overlap a part of the transport path in a plan view, extending in the transport width direction, and holding the support frame from below, The holding frame is provided with a background member that extends in the direction of the transport width and has a surface facing the color measuring section, The retaining frame is rotatable vertically about a pivot axis at the rear of the main body of the device, and is configured to open a portion of the transport path by rotating downward about the pivot axis. The image reading device according to claim 1.

16. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper, Installed downstream of the image forming apparatus, the image reading device is provided as described in any one of claims 1-15. Image forming system.

Images