Sheet conveying device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To reduce time and effort and mistakes in a user's input and convey a sheet in the optimal control condition.SOLUTION: A document conveying device 10 is provided with a document placement unit 60 (placement unit) on which a document D can be placed, and a mark reading sensor 85 (mark reading unit) that reads a mark M formed on a surface of the document D placed on the document placement unit 60. The document conveying device is further provided with control condition registration means 100, 110 for causing the mark reading sensor 85 to read the mark M on the document D while the document D is placed on the document placement unit 60, and registering a control condition for the document conveying device corresponding to the mark M.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet transport device such as an original transport device that transports sheets such as originals, and an image forming apparatus including the same, such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine or a printing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, printers, and printing machines, document transport devices serving as sheet transport devices that transport documents as sheets have been widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which, in an image reading device (original transport device), when an original (sheet) placed on an original stacking table (mounting section) is transported, an image sensor installed in the transport path reads a mark formed on the surface of the original. Then, in Patent Document 1, optimal image processing is performed on the original based on information on the mark read by the image sensor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional sheet transport devices could not optimize the control conditions of the device until the mark formed on the sheet was read by the image sensor along the transport path, which meant that the sheet could be transported under inappropriate control conditions during that time. To solve this problem, a method is considered in which the user manually inputs the control conditions of the device before the sheet transport starts. However, in this case, problems such as the user having to take time to input the information or inputting errors may occur.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a sheet conveying device and an image forming apparatus that reduce the amount of work and errors involved in user input and conveys sheets under optimal control conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sheet conveying device of the present invention conveys a sheet In the conveying direction a sheet conveying device for conveying a sheet, the sheet conveying device comprising: a placement portion on which a sheet can be placed; a pair of side fences for determining a position in a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet placed on the placement portion; a mark reading unit that reads a mark formed on a surface of a sheet placed on the placement unit; and a control condition registration unit that reads the mark on the sheet with the mark reading unit while the sheet is placed on the placement unit, and registers a control condition of the sheet conveying device corresponding to the mark. The mark reading unit is disposed on the upper portion of the side fence so as to protrude toward the center in the width direction. It is something. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet conveying device and an image forming apparatus that reduce the time and effort required for user input and reduce the likelihood of errors, and that convey a sheet under optimal control conditions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a document transport device. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a main part of the document transport device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of a document transport device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a document on which marks are printed. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a table showing an example of control conditions set for each document. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen display on an operation display panel. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing control when a document is set. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing control when registering marks on a document. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the duplicated description will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0010] First, the overall configuration and operation of an image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a copying machine as an image forming apparatus, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a document transport device 10 (sheet transport device) thereof. 1 (and 2), a document transport device 10 serving as a sheet transport device is provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 1. Also, on the upper side of the image forming apparatus main body 1, an operation display panel 110 is provided for inputting the contents of the printing operation to be performed by the image forming apparatus 1 and displaying the status of the image forming apparatus 1. An intermediate transfer belt 8 is provided in the center of the image forming apparatus main body 1. Photoconductor drums 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K corresponding to each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are arranged side by side so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0011] 1, a charging device 4, a developing device 6, a cleaning device 5, a static electricity removal device (not shown), etc. are provided around the photoconductor drum 3K corresponding to black. Then, an image forming process (charging process, exposure process, developing process, transfer process, cleaning process, static electricity removal process) is performed on the photoconductor drum 3K, and a black image is formed on the photoconductor drum 3Y.

[0012] Around the other three photoconductor drums 3Y, 3M, and 3C, a charging device 4, a developing device 6, a cleaning device 5, a static eliminator (not shown), etc. are also provided, and images corresponding to the respective toner colors are formed. Below, the description of the imaging unit in which the other three photoconductor drums 3Y, 3M, and 3C are provided will be omitted as appropriate, and only the imaging unit in which the photoconductor drum 3K corresponding to black is provided will be described.

[0013] With reference to FIG. 1, the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 1 during normal image formation will be described. First, in the document transport device 10 (sheet transport device), the document D as a sheet is transported (fed) from the document loading section 60 as a loading section, and passes the position of the first image reading section 81. At this time, the first image reading section 81 optically reads image information on the front side of the document D passing above. Then, the optical image information read by the first image reading unit 81 is converted into an electrical signal and then transmitted to the exposure device 2 (writing unit). Then, the exposure device 2 emits a laser beam (exposure light) based on the image information of the electrical signal toward the surface of the photoconductor drum 3K.

[0014] On the other hand, the photoconductor drum 3K is rotated by the main motor in the counterclockwise direction in Fig. 1. Then, at the position of the charging device 4, the surface of the photoconductor drum 3K is uniformly charged (charging process). Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 3K reaches the irradiation position of the laser light emitted from the exposure device 2, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to yellow is formed by exposure scanning in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figure 1, which is the main scanning direction) at this position (this is the exposure process).

[0015] Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductor drum 3K reaches a position facing the developing device 6, where the electrostatic latent image is developed to form a black toner image (developing process). Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductor drum 3K reaches a position facing the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the primary transfer roller 7, and the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 3K at this position is primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8 (the primary transfer process). At this time, a small amount of untransferred toner remains on the photoconductor drum 3K.

[0016] Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductor drum 3K reaches a position facing the cleaning device 5, and the untransferred toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 3K at this position is collected into the cleaning device 5 by a cleaning blade (this is the cleaning process). Finally, the surface of the photoconductor drum 3K reaches a position facing a charge removing device, where the residual potential on the photoconductor drum 1 is removed (charge removing step). Thus, a series of image forming processes carried out on the photosensitive drum 3K is completed.

[0017] The above-mentioned image forming process is performed on the surfaces of the other photoconductor drums 3Y, 3M, and 3C in the same manner as for the black photoconductor drum 3K. That is, a laser beam based on image information is irradiated from an exposure device 2 disposed above the image forming unit toward the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 3Y, 3M, and 3C. Thereafter, the toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor drums 3Y, 3M, and 3C through the respective developing processes are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in a superimposed manner. In this manner, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0018] Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8, onto which the toner images of each color are superimposed and primarily transferred, reaches a position facing the secondary transfer roller 18. At this position, the secondary transfer facing roller 16 pinches the intermediate transfer belt 8 between itself and the secondary transfer roller 18 to form a secondary transfer nip. The four-color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are then secondarily transferred onto the sheet P conveyed to the position of this secondary transfer nip (secondary transfer process). At this time, untransferred toner that has not been transferred to the sheet P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8. Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches the position of an intermediate transfer cleaning unit (not shown), where any untransferred toner or other adhering matter adhering to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8 is removed. Thus, a series of transfer processes carried out on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is completed.

[0019] Here, referring to FIG. 1, the sheet P transported to the position of the secondary transfer nip is transported from a paper feed device 12 arranged below the image forming apparatus main body 1 via a paper feed roller 52, a pair of registration rollers 17, etc. More specifically, a plurality of sheets P, such as paper, are stored in a stack in the paper feeder 12. When the paper feed roller 52 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 1, the topmost sheet P is fed through the conveying path toward between the pair of registration rollers 17.

[0020] The sheet P conveyed to the registration roller pair 17 (timing roller pair) is temporarily stopped at the roller nip position of the registration roller pair 17 that has stopped rotating. Then, the registration roller pair 17 is rotated in synchronization with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the sheet P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip. In this way, the desired color image is transferred onto the sheet P.

[0021] Thereafter, the sheet P onto which the color image has been transferred at the position of the secondary transfer nip is sent out from the secondary transfer nip and then conveyed by a conveyor belt 19 to the position of a fixing device 20. Then, at the position of the fixing nip, the color image transferred onto the surface is fixed onto the sheet P by heat and pressure from a fixing roller and a pressure roller (fixing process). Thereafter, the sheet P passes through a conveying path and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus by a pair of discharge rollers. The sheet P discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the pair of discharge rollers is sequentially stacked on a discharge tray 31 as an output image. In this way, a series of image forming processes in the image forming apparatus 1 is completed.

[0022] When forming an image based on the image of the back side of the document D in addition to the front side, when the document D passes through the position of the first image reading unit 81 and then the position of the second image reading unit 82 in the document transport device 10, the image information of the back side of the document D passing underneath is optically read by the second image reading unit 82. Then, similar to the image formation process based on the image of the front side, the optical image information read by the second image reading unit 82 is transmitted to the exposure device 2, and the image formation process based on that is performed.

[0023] Next, the configuration and operation of the document transport device 10 as a sheet transport device will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 etc. As shown in FIG. 2, the document transport device 10 (sheet transport device) is composed of a document placement section 60 (placement section), a first image reading section 81, a second image reading section 82, a document discharge section 61 (paper output tray), a pickup roller 62, a feed belt 63, a reverse roller 64, multiple transport roller pairs 65-67, 69, 70, a transport belt 68, a discharge roller pair 71 (paper output roller pair), multiple sensors 85-87, etc.

[0024] Here, the document placement section 60 as a placement section has an open space formed upward, and is configured so that a user can place the document D from above with the front surface facing upward (configured so that a stack of multiple documents D can be stacked). With reference to Fig. 4, the document placement section 60 is provided with a pair of side fences 91, 92 for determining the position of the placed document D in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figs. 1 to 3). The document discharge section 61 is disposed below the document loading section 60, and is configured so that the document D is discharged and loaded after the image has been read by the image reading sections 81, 82 (configured so that multiple sheets of the document D can be stacked).

[0025] Further, on the transport path from the document placement unit 60 to the document discharge unit 61, there are provided, in order from the upstream side in the transport direction, a pickup roller 62, a feed belt 63, a reverse roller 64, a first transport roller pair 65 (abutting roller pair), a second transport roller pair 66, a third transport roller pair 67, a transport belt 68, a fourth transport roller pair 69, a fifth transport roller pair 70, and a discharge roller pair 71. These transport members 62-72 function as transport means that transport the document D placed on the document placement unit 60 toward the positions of the first image reading unit 81 and the second image reading unit 82, and transport the document D after image reading toward the document discharge unit 61.

[0026] In addition, in the transport path formed by these transport members 62 to 71, as shown in FIG. 2, a number of guide plates for guiding the transport of the original D are installed approximately parallel to each other on the side facing the front surface of the original D and on the side facing the back surface of the original D.

[0027] Here, the multiple transport members 62-72 are driven by a transport motor 90 (see FIG. 3(A)) to transport the document D at a predetermined transport speed (constant speed) between the positions of the first image reading unit 81 and the second image reading unit 82. In this embodiment, the transport motor 90 is a variable speed motor, and is configured so that the rotation speed can be varied by control by the control unit 100. The transport speed of the document D is appropriately varied by controlling the transport motor 90 by the control unit 100, which will be described in detail later.

[0028] The first image reading unit 81 is arranged to face the front side of the original D on the transport path between the transport belt 68, and the second image reading unit 82 is arranged to face the back side of the original D on the transport path between the fourth transport roller pair 69 and the fifth transport roller pair 70. The discharge roller pair 71 is disposed at the document discharge port, which is the most downstream position in the transport direction among the multiple transport members 62 to 71. The document D, whose image has been read at the first image reading unit 81 or the second image reading unit 82, is transported by the discharge roller pair 71 and discharged (stacked) toward the document discharge unit 61.

[0029] In addition, in the document transport device 10, a plurality of document detection sensors are installed along the transport path of the document D. These document detection sensors are reflective photosensors, and are used to detect the presence or absence of a jam (document jam) of the document D in the transport path, and to control the transport timing to the image reading units 81 and 82, the reading timing of the image reading units 81 and 82, and the like. Further, the document placement section 60 has a plurality of size detection sensors arranged in parallel along the feeding direction on the upstream side in the feeding direction (the right side in FIG. 2, which is a fixed placement section portion other than the lifting placement section 60a). These size detection sensors are reflective photosensors, and are used to optically detect the rear end (the end portion on the upstream side in the feeding direction) of the document D placed on the document placement section 60 to detect the size of the document D. Further, the document placement section 60 has a feeler 75 and a set detection sensor 87 disposed downstream in the feeding direction (on the left side in Figs. 2 and 3, near the reference wall against which the leading edge of the document D abuts). The set detection sensor 87 is a reflective photosensor that optically detects the rotational position of the feeler 75, and is used to detect whether or not the document D is set on the document placement section 60. Further, a proper position detection sensor 86 is provided near the pickup roller 62. This proper position detection sensor 86 is for detecting the height position of the uppermost document D placed on the document placement unit 60. Further, near the pickup roller 62 and downstream in the feeding direction of the document placement section 60, a mark reading sensor 85 is provided as a mark reading section. This mark reading sensor 85 (mark reading section) is an area sensor or the like, and is for reading a mark M (see FIG. 5) printed on the surface of the document D (sheet) placed on the document placement section 60, which will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9, etc.

[0030] Hereinafter, the basic operation of the document transport device 10 configured as above will be described with reference to FIG. 2 etc. First, when the document D (at least the document D with an image formed on its front surface) is loaded on the document placement section 60 with its front surface facing up so that its leading edge (leading edge in the feeding direction, leading edge in the transport direction) hits the reference wall (see FIG. 3(C)), the elevation placement section 60a of the document placement section 60 rises (rotating clockwise about the rotation axis 60a1 from the standby position shown by the dashed line to the feeding position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2). Then, when an instruction to read the image of the document D (copy instruction) is given by operating the operation display panel 110 (see FIG. 1), the document D is transported by the pickup roller 62 from the uppermost document D on the document placement section 60 toward the nip between the feed belt 63 and the reverse roller 64. At this time, there is a possibility that multiple sheets of original document D are transported toward the nip between the feed belt 63 and the reverse roller 64, but due to the FRR-type separation between the feed belt 63 and the reverse roller 64, only the uppermost original document D is separated and sent to the downstream transport path.

[0031] Thereafter, the document D conveyed to the conveying path abuts against the nip of the first conveying roller pair 65 (abutting roller pair) that is in a stopped state of rotation, and is subjected to skew correction (oblique feed correction). The skew-corrected document D is then conveyed downstream by the first conveying roller pair 65 that has started to rotate, and is conveyed by the second and third conveying roller pairs 66 and 67, and is conveyed to the position of the first image reading unit 81 while being guided by the conveying belt 68. Then, at the position of the first image reading unit 81, the image on the front side of the document D is optically read. Thereafter, the document D from which the image has been read is transported by the fourth transport roller pair 69 to the position of the second image reading unit 82. Then, at the position of the second image reading unit 82, the image on the back side of the document D is optically read. When the image information on the back side of the document D is not to be read (when a mode for reading only the image information on the front side is set), the document D passes directly through the position of the second image reading unit 82 without reading the image by the second image reading unit 82 as described above. Thereafter, the document D is transported by the fifth transport roller pair 70 to the position of the discharge roller pair 71. Then, the document D is transported by the discharge roller pair 71 and discharged onto the document discharge section 61. When multiple originals D are loaded on the original placement section 60 and images are to be formed on those originals D, the multiple originals D on the original placement section 60 are transported continuously with intervals between them, and the series of original transport operations described above is repeated.

[0032] Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration and operation of the document transport device 10 as the sheet transport device in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 2 to 9 and so on. As previously described with reference to FIG. 2 etc., the document transport device 10 in this embodiment functions as a sheet transport device that transports the document D as a sheet. The document transport device 10 serving as a sheet transport device is provided with a document placement section 60 serving as a placement section on which a document D (sheet) can be placed.

[0033] Now, referring to Figures 3, 4, etc., the document conveying device 10 (sheet conveying device) in this embodiment is provided with a mark reading sensor 85 (85A, 85B) as a mark reading section that reads a mark M formed on the surface of a document D (sheet) placed on the document placing section 60. Specifically, the mark reading sensor 85 (mark reading section) is disposed above the lifting / lowering placement section 60a in the document placement section 60, in the vicinity of the pickup roller 62. The mark reading sensor 85 photographs the mark M (see marks M1 and M2 in FIG. 5) printed on the leading edge (leading edge in the transport direction) of the surface of the document D placed on the top of the document placement section 60 (the lifting / lowering placement section 60a is not raised), and its vicinity (photographing the mark area). As the mark reading sensor 85, an area sensor (camera) or a CCD that can recognize the shape and color of the mark M printed on the document D can be used, or a sensor such as a barcode reader can be used.

[0034] 4, in this embodiment, the mark reading sensors 85A and 85B (mark reading units) are respectively installed on a pair of side fences 91 and 92. Therefore, even if the mark M is formed on one end side in the width direction at the leading edge of the document D, even if the mark M is formed on the other end side in the width direction, or even if the mark M is formed on both ends in the width direction, reading is possible with the mark reading sensors 85A and 85B. In this embodiment, of the pair of side fences, one side fence 91 is fixed as a reference surface and does not move in the width direction, while the other side fence 92 is manually moved in the width direction so as to sandwich the original D between the one side fence 91 and the other side fence 92 in accordance with the width size of the original D.

[0035] In this embodiment, the two mark reading sensors 85A, 85B are provided on the two side fences 91, 92, respectively. However, it is also possible to provide one mark reading sensor 85 on either one of the two side fences 91, 92. Further, the position where the mark reading sensor 85 is installed is not limited to the side fences 91 and 92 . For example, the mark reading sensor 85 may be installed on the exterior portion located above the pickup roller 62 . The position of the mark reading sensor 85 is not limited to the end in the width direction, but may be located in the center in the width direction. In such a case, a mark reading sensor 85 capable of capturing an image of the entire width direction may be used. A mark reading sensor 85 that is movable in the width direction may be used. In such a case, the range in which the mark M can be identified may be widened.

[0036] 5A and 5B show examples of documents D1 and D2 of different types. As shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), different marks M1 and M2 are printed for different types of documents D1 and D2. Specifically, the document D1 shown in Figure 5 (A) is a questionnaire document of normal thickness and normal size with an image printed on both sides, and a mark M1 that identifies the type of document D1 is formed in the upper left corner (the widthwise end of the leading edge in the transport direction). Document D2 shown in FIG. 5(B) is a thin, small-sized slip with an image printed on one side, and has a mark M2 formed in the upper left corner to identify the type of document D2. In addition, the marks M1 and M2 on the documents D1 and D2 are formed in advance to match the widthwise position of the mark reading sensor 85 in the document transport device 10 (this includes not only printing using the image forming device 1, but also stamping, etc.). Furthermore, when a monochrome area sensor is used as the mark reading sensor 85, marks M of different shapes will be formed for different types of documents D, and when a color area sensor is used as the mark reading sensor 85, marks M of different shapes and colors will be formed for different types of documents D. Furthermore, when a sensor such as a barcode reader is used as the mark reading sensor 85, marks M of different barcode shapes will be formed for different types of documents D.

[0037] Here, in the present embodiment, the document transport device 10 is provided with a control condition registration means for reading a mark M on the document D (sheet) placed on the document loading section 60 (loading section) with a mark reading sensor 85 (mark reading section) and registering the control conditions of the document transport device 10 corresponding to the mark M. Referring to FIG. 3(A), in this embodiment, control unit 100, operation display panel 110, etc. function as such a control condition registration means. Specifically, when a user places an original D on the original placement unit 60, a mark M formed on the original D is read by the mark reading sensor 85. Information on the mark M read by the mark reading sensor 85 is sent to the control unit 100 and displayed on the operation display panel 110. In addition, an operation screen for registering control conditions for the original transport device 10 corresponding to the mark M is displayed on the operation display panel 110. Then, when the user inputs control conditions suitable for the type of original D while operating the operation screen, the mark M and the control conditions are registered and stored in the memory unit of the control unit 100 in an associated state. Incidentally, this registration operation of the mark M of the document D can be carried out not only when printing is to be performed afterwards, which involves transporting the document D, but also when only the registration of the mark M is to be performed without printing.

[0038] The above-mentioned "control conditions" are at least one of: (1) control conditions related to the transportation of the transported document D (sheet); (2) control conditions regarding whether to read an image on only one side of the transported document or to read images on both sides; and (3) control conditions related to the image reading operation of the transported sheet (first and second image reading units 81, 82). Specifically, this embodiment is configured so that the above-mentioned control conditions (1) to (3) can be set as follows. (1) Concerning the transport of the original D, it is possible to select either a normal transport speed (normal paper thickness mode) or a transport speed slower than the normal transport speed (thin paper mode (low-speed transport mode)). The latter is useful for thin originals D that are easily damaged by the transport operation. In practice, the rotation speed of the transport motor 90 is varied by the control unit 100. Furthermore, the transport timing of the document D can be selected from a normal transport timing (normal transport mode) and a transport timing with a larger interval than the normal transport timing (small size transport mode). The latter is useful for small size documents D that are easily damaged due to the transport timing. In practice, the drive timing of the transport motor 90 is varied by the control unit 100. (2) The control condition of single-sided or double-sided can be selected depending on whether an image is formed on only one side or on both sides of the document D. In practice, the control unit 100 performs an image reading operation using only the first image reading unit 81 when the document is single-sided, and performs an image reading operation using both the first image reading unit 81 and the second image reading unit 82 when the document is double-sided. (3) The control conditions of the first and second image reading units 81 and 82 are configured to be selectable from among photo mode (color mode), text mode (monochrome mode), and text / photo mode according to the image of the original D. In practice, the control unit 100 performs optical adjustments such as the duty in the first image reading unit 81 and the second image reading unit 82.

[0039] Here, such a control condition registration means is capable of registering a plurality of control conditions corresponding to a plurality of different marks M1, M2, respectively. That is, in the registration operation performed by operating the operation display panel 110 described above, different control conditions can be set (registered) for different types of documents D1, D2 (different types of marks M1, M2). As a specific example, as shown in Fig. 6, for a questionnaire document D1 (Fig. 5(A)), "double-sided", "normal transport mode", "normal paper thickness mode", and "text mode" are set. In contrast, for a slip document D2 (Fig. 5(D)), "single-sided", "small size transport mode", "thin paper mode (low-speed transport mode)", and "text / photo mode" are set.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 functions as a determination means for determining whether or not a control condition corresponding to the mark M of the document D read by the mark reading sensor 85 (mark reading unit) when the document D (sheet) is placed on the document placement unit 60 is registered in a control condition registration means (memory unit). Then, when the judgment means (calculation unit) judges that the control condition corresponding to the mark M is registered in the control condition registration means (memory unit), the document transport device 10 is controlled based on the registered control condition. On the other hand, when the judgment means (calculation unit) judges that the control condition corresponding to the read mark M is not registered in the control condition registration means (memory unit), the document transport device D is controlled based on the predetermined control condition.

[0041] As a specific example, when the document D1 shown in FIG. 5(A) is set on the document loading section 60 and its mark M1 is read by the mark reading sensor 85, the document transport device 10 is controlled for the document D1 according to the settings (registration) contents entered in the “Questionnaire” column in FIG. 6. Similarly, when the document D2 shown in FIG. 5(B) is set on the document loading section 60 and its mark M2 is read by the mark reading sensor 85, the document transport device 10 is controlled for that document D2 according to the settings (registration) contents entered in the “Voucher” column in FIG. 6. On the other hand, when an original D is set on the original placement section 60 and the mark M read by the mark reading sensor 85 is not registered in the storage section, or the mark M itself is not formed (when the mark reading sensor 85 cannot read the mark M), the original transport device 10 is controlled under preset control conditions (default standard control conditions, such as "single-sided", "normal transport mode", "normal paper thickness mode", and "character mode"). In such a case, the user can cancel the preset control conditions by operating the operation display panel 110 and manually set the desired control conditions. By carrying out such control, it becomes possible to control the document transport device 10 in a manner suitable for the type of document D.

[0042] 3A to 3D are diagrams showing the operation from when an original D is placed on the original placement unit 60 until the original D is transported (fed). First, as shown in Figures 3(A) and (B), when an original D (a single original or a bundle of originals consisting of multiple originals) is set on the original placement section 60, the original D pushes the feeler 75 to rotate clockwise around the support shaft as shown in Figure 3(C), and this state is detected by the set detection sensor 87. Thereafter, the detection of the set detection sensor 87 is used as a trigger to photograph the mark M of the uppermost document D by the mark reading sensor 85. If the mark M is registered, the control conditions corresponding to the registered contents are read by the control unit 100. If the mark M is not registered, the control unit 100 reads standard control conditions that have been set in advance, or performs processing to proceed with the registration of the control conditions corresponding to the mark M (in this case, the newly registered control conditions are set). 3D, after the mark reading sensor 85 has completed photographing, the lifting / lowering placement unit 60a is raised (rotated clockwise in FIG. 3 around the rotation shaft 60a1). The lifting of the lifting / lowering placement unit 60a pushes the pickup roller 62, and when the proper position detection sensor 86 detects that the position (height position) of the top surface of the uppermost document D placed on the document placement unit 60 is a position suitable for transport, the lifting of the lifting / lowering placement unit 60a is stopped. Then, when the user presses the execute button (print start button) on the operation display panel 110 to prompt printing, the document transport device 10, which was previously described using FIG. 2, performs the transport operation of the document D and the image reading operation based on the set control conditions.

[0043] Here, in the document transport device 10 (image forming device 1) in the present embodiment, the operation display panel 110 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user of the set control conditions. That is, as described above, when the user operates the operation display panel 110 to input control information corresponding to the type of document D, the control information is displayed on the operation display panel 110 as a notification means (see FIG. 7(D)). By providing the operation display panel 110 that functions as a notification means in this manner, the task of setting the control conditions becomes easier.

[0044] In addition, as described above, the operation display panel 110 functions as a control condition registration means together with the control unit 100, but it also functions as an operation display means that can display an image of the mark M of the document D and can input control conditions according to the type of document D. That is, when an original D is placed on the original placement section 60 and a mark M on the original D is read by the mark reading sensor 85, the read image is displayed on the operation display panel 110 (see FIG. 7(B)). Then, the user inputs control information according to the type of original D from the display screen of the operation display panel 110 (see FIG. 7(D)). By providing the operation display panel 110 that functions as an operation display means in this manner, the task of setting control conditions becomes easier.

[0045] In this embodiment, the operation display panel 110 functioning as an operation display means is configured so that the image of the mark M displayed on the screen can be automatically or manually processed. Specifically, in this embodiment, after a read image of mark M on document D is displayed on operation display panel 110 as shown in FIG. 7(B), the user can manually fine-tune the read image from a display screen such as that shown in FIG. 7(C). By configuring in this way, the accuracy of reading and registering the mark M can be improved.

[0046] 7(A) to 7(D) are diagrams showing changes in the display screen of operation display panel 110 operated by the user. First, as shown in FIG. 7(A), a screen prompting the user to place the document D on the document placement unit 60 is displayed on the operation display panel 110. Thereafter, when the setting detection sensor 87 (see FIG. 3) detects the setting of the document D on the document placement unit 60, an image of the mark M captured by the mark reading sensor 85 is displayed on the operation display panel 110 as shown in FIG. 7(B). Then, the user is prompted to confirm on the display screen whether the mark M that he or she wants to set is displayed. 7(C), an image for adjusting the area showing the mark M to be registered is displayed on the operation display panel 110 so that images and characters unnecessary for registration are not shown on the mark M. Note that before the user adjusts such a mark area, the mark area may be automatically recognized by image processing (the image of the mark M displayed on the screen may be automatically processed). 7(D), a screen for registering a control condition corresponding to the desired mark M is displayed on the operation display panel 110. The user then inputs the control condition to be registered from the display screen. Although the control unit 100 stores a number of anticipated modes (control conditions) in advance, it is preferable to configure the image forming apparatus 1 (control unit 100) to be able to acquire new modes through a communication means or the like in order to be able to set new modes (e.g., cardboard mode) that are not included in those modes.

[0047] In this manner, in the document transport device 10 of this embodiment, the mark M formed on the document D is not read by the mark reading unit in the middle of the transport path, but is read at the position of the document loading unit 60, thereby reducing the problem of the document D being transported under inappropriate control conditions. Also, in such a case, instead of the user uniformly inputting the control conditions manually, the mark M on the document D in the document loading section 60 is read by the mark reading sensor 85, and the control conditions corresponding to the mark M can be registered. Therefore, when the same type of document D is subsequently set, problems such as the user having to input data in a time-consuming manner or input errors are less likely to occur.

[0048] Hereinafter, in this embodiment, a control that can be executed when a plurality of documents D (sheets) are placed on the document placement unit 60 as a document stack (sheet stack) will be described. The first control is a mode in which the mark M on the topmost original D (sheet) that is transported first is read by the mark reading sensor 85 (mark reading unit), control conditions are determined based on the registered information in the control condition registration means 100, 110, and the original D and subsequent originals D (second and subsequent originals) transported thereafter are transported under the same control conditions. When such a mode is executed, the productivity of processing a stack of documents is improved because it is not necessary to read the marks M of the second and subsequent documents D. Such a mode is useful when the stack of documents is made up of the same type of documents D (documents on which the same marks M are printed).

[0049] The second control involves reading the mark M with the mark reading sensor 85 for each document D being transported, determining control conditions based on the registered information in the control condition registration means 100, 110, and executing a mode for transporting the document D under the control conditions for each document D. When such a mode is executed, even if the document stack contains a mixture of different types of documents D, it is possible to process each type of document D under optimal control conditions. This mode is useful when the document stack is made up of different types of documents D (documents printed with different marks M).

[0050] In the third control, the mark M of the uppermost document D that is transported first is read by the mark reading sensor 85, and control conditions are determined based on the registered information in the control condition registration means 100, 110, so that a mode is executed in which both that document D and documents D transported thereafter (second and subsequent documents) are transported under the same control conditions until a mark M' different from that mark M is read by the mark reading sensor 85. Then, after the different mark M' is read by the mark reading sensor 85, similarly, control conditions corresponding to the mark M' of the uppermost document D are determined, and both that document D and documents D transported thereafter are transported under the same control conditions until a mark M'' different from that mark M' is read by the mark reading sensor 85. When such a mode is executed, even if the original stack contains a mixture of different types of originals D, it is possible to efficiently process each type of original stack D under optimal control conditions. This mode is useful when the original stack is made up of a bundle of the same type of originals D (originals printed with the same mark M) and another bundle of the same type of originals D (originals printed with the same mark M) that are different from the first bundle.

[0051] Also, it is possible to configure the above-mentioned three modes (first to third control) to be switchable. Specifically, after placing a stack of documents on document placement unit 60, the user operates operation display panel 110 to select a desired mode from among three modes (first to third control). With this configuration, various original stacks can be processed flexibly and appropriately.

[0052] An example of control when the document D is set on the document placement unit 60 will be described below with reference to FIG. 8, first, when the set detection sensor 87 (see FIG. 3) detects that the document D is set on the document placement unit 60, the mark M on the document D is read by the mark reading sensor 85 (steps S1 and S2). Then, it is determined whether the read mark M matches the mark M registered in the control unit 100 (storage unit) (step S3). As a result, if it matches a registered mark M, the registered control conditions corresponding to that mark M are set and the control conditions are displayed on the operation display panel 110 (steps S4, S5). Thereafter, the document placement unit 60 (lifting placement unit 60a) is raised, and when the optimum position of the document D is detected by the appropriate position detection sensor 86, the lifting of the document placement unit 60 (lifting placement unit 60a) is stopped (steps S6 to S8). Then, it is determined whether to wait for the user to press the print start button (read start button) on the operation display panel 110 (step S9). Specifically, if the read mark M matches a registered one, it is determined whether the setting is set to proceed with printing without waiting for the print start button to be pressed. As a result, if the process does not wait for the print start button to be pressed, the printing operation (conveying and reading the document D) is performed (step S13) and this flow ends. On the other hand, if the process does wait for the print start button to be pressed, the control conditions are changed as necessary (steps S10, S11), and after the print start button (read start button) is pressed, the printing operation (conveying and reading the document D) is performed (steps S12, S13) and this flow ends. On the other hand, if there is no match with the registered mark M in step S3, a preset default control condition is automatically set (step S14). After that, the document placement section 60 (lifting placement section 60a) is raised, and when the optimum position of the document D is detected by the appropriate position detection sensor 86, the lifting of the document placement section 60 (lifting placement section 60a) is stopped (steps S15 to S17). After that, the flow from step S10 onwards is performed, and this flow ends.

[0053] An example of control when registering a mark M on a document D will be described below with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, first, a screen (see FIG. 7(A)) prompting the user to place the document D on which the mark M is printed is displayed on the operation display panel 110 (step S20). Then, when the set detection sensor 87 (see FIG. 3) detects that the document D has been set on the document placement section 60, the mark M on the document D is read by the mark reading sensor 85 (steps S21, S22). Then, the read mark M is displayed on the screen of the operation display panel 110 (see FIG. 7(B)) (step S23). Then, on that screen (see FIG. 7(B)), it is determined whether or not reading has been confirmed (whether the OK button has been pressed) (step S24), and if not, the flow from step S22 onwards is executed. On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S24 that reading has been performed, it is determined whether or not there is a function for automatic recognition processing of the area of ​​mark M (the automatic processing process described above) (step S25). As a result, if there is an automatic recognition processing function, the process is executed (step S26), and then the recognition result of the area of ​​mark M is displayed on the screen of operation display panel 110 (step S27). On the other hand, if there is no automatic recognition processing function in step S25, then a manual setting process is executed from the screen of Fig. 7(C) (step S29), and then the recognition result of the area of ​​mark M is displayed on the screen of operation display panel 110 (step S27). Thereafter, it is determined whether the recognition result of the area of ​​the mark M is confirmed to be correct (whether the OK button is pressed) (step S28), and if not, the flow from step S29 onwards is executed. On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S28 that the recognition result is correct, the name of the control condition is registered and a storage process is executed in the control unit 100, and when the completion of the process is confirmed (steps S30 to S32), this flow ends.

[0054] As described above, the document transport device 10 in this embodiment is a sheet transport device that transports the document D (sheet), and is provided with a document placement section 60 (placement section) on which the document D can be placed, and a mark reading sensor 85 (mark reading section) that reads a mark M formed on the surface of the document D placed on the document placement section 60. Also provided are control condition registration means 100, 110 for reading the mark M of the document D with the mark reading sensor 85 in a state in which the document D is placed on the document placement section 60, and for registering a control condition of the document transport device 10 corresponding to the mark M. This reduces the amount of time and effort required for user input and reduces the chance of errors, allowing the document D to be transported under optimal control conditions.

[0055] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a document transport device 10 installed in a color image forming apparatus 1, but the present invention can naturally also be applied to a document transport device installed in a monochrome image forming apparatus. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a document transport device 10 installed in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to document transport devices installed in other types of image forming apparatus (for example, an inkjet image forming apparatus, a stencil printer, etc.). In addition, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a document transport device 10 in which a lifting and lowering loading section 60a is provided in the document loading section 60, but the present invention can naturally be applied to a document transport device in which a lifting and lowering loading section is not provided in the document loading section. In addition, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a document transport device 10 provided with a second image reading unit 82, but the present invention can naturally also be applied to a document transport device that does not have a second image reading unit. In addition, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a document transport device 10 as a sheet transport device, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the present invention can also be applied to a paper feed device 12 as a sheet transport device that transports a sheet P (paper). Even in these cases, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0056] It is clear that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and that the present embodiment may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention in addition to the modifications suggested in the present embodiment. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components are not limited to the present embodiment, and may be any number, position, shape, etc. suitable for implementing the present invention.

[0057] In this specification, a "sheet" is defined as an original D set in the original transport device 10, and includes not only ordinary paper, but also all sheet-like materials such as coated paper, label paper, OHP sheets, film, sheets with punched holes, etc., and further includes paper (sheet P) fed by the paper feed device 12 as a sheet transport device. In the present specification, etc., a "mark" is defined to include characters as well as symbols, signs, figures, emblems, seals, etc. In the present specification, etc., a "mark" includes everything that can be read by a mark reading unit, including shapes that are difficult for people to see, such as watermarks and Braille, and marks formed with components such as transparent toner and invisible ink. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main body), 10 Original transport device (sheet transport device), 60 Original placement section (placement section), 81 first image reading unit, 82 second image reading unit, 85 Mark reading sensor (mark reading unit), 100 Control unit (control condition registration means, determination means), 110 Operation display panel (operation display means, notification means, control condition registration means), D, D1, D2 manuscript (sheet), M1, M2 marks. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0059] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-127357 A

Claims

1. A sheet conveying device that conveys a sheet in a conveying direction, A placement section on which a sheet can be placed; a pair of side fences for determining a position in a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet placed on the placement portion; a mark reading unit that reads a mark formed on a surface of the sheet placed on the placement unit; a control condition registering unit for registering a control condition of the sheet conveying device corresponding to a mark read by the mark reading unit when the sheet is placed on the sheet placement unit; Equipped with The sheet conveying device, wherein the mark reading unit is disposed at an upper portion of the side fence so as to protrude toward a center portion in the width direction.

2. A sheet conveying device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the mark reading unit is respectively installed on the pair of side fences.

3. A sheet conveying device that conveys a sheet in a conveying direction, A placement section on which a sheet can be placed; a mark reading unit that reads a mark formed on a surface of the sheet placed on the placement unit; a control condition registering unit for registering a control condition of the sheet conveying device corresponding to a mark read by the mark reading unit when the sheet is placed on the sheet placement unit; Equipped with The sheet conveying device, wherein the mark reading unit is configured to be movable in a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

4. A sheet conveying device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is a document conveying device in which a document as a sheet is placed on the placement section.

5. An image forming apparatus comprising a sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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