JP2004191540A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus provided with a reading unit hardly receiving the influence of heat of a fixing device. <P>SOLUTION: After reading operation by the reading unit 126 was completed, the reading unit 126 reaches a reverse position G. Thereafter, the reading unit 126 stops at the reverse position G for only a prescribed stop time T once. It stops once, then the reading unit 126 moves up to only a prescribed movement distance L in the direction of an arrow C, and stops for only the prescribed stop time T once. The reading unit 126 returns to a home position while repeating once stopping and movement. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that reads an image recorded on a document (reads an image of the document) and forms the read image on a recording medium such as recording paper has been used. Some of such image forming apparatuses have a mode (printer mode) in which an image input from an external information processing apparatus (for example, a personal computer or the like) is formed on a recording medium.
[0003]
An example of the above type of image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
[0004]
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a conventional image forming apparatus.
[0005]
The image forming apparatus 10 is roughly divided into a reading unit 20 that reads a document and an image forming unit 40 that forms an image read by the reading unit 20 on a recording medium.
[0006]
The reading unit 20 is arranged on an upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. The reading section 20 includes a platen glass 22 on which a document is placed, and a document pressure plate 24 for pressing down and fixing the document placed on the platen glass 22 from above. Below the platen glass 22, a reading unit 26 for reading an image of a document is arranged. A document abutment plate 28 against which the document is abutted is fixed to one longitudinal end of the platen glass 22.
[0007]
The image forming unit 40 is disposed below the reading unit 20. The image forming unit 40 includes a laser scanner 42 to which information carrying an image read by the reading unit 26 is input. The signal input to the laser scanner 42 is converted into laser light, and the laser light is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 44 via a scanner mirror or a turning mirror (not shown) rotating at high speed. The photosensitive drum 44 is uniformly charged by the charger 46, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 44 irradiated with the laser beam. This electrostatic latent image is developed with the developer supplied from the developing roller 48 to form a developed image.
[0008]
On the other hand, a recording medium such as recording paper is fed from a cassette 50 by a feed roller 52, and is conveyed to a transfer unit 58 by a conveyance roller 54 and a registration roller 56. In the transfer device 58, the developed image on the photosensitive drum 44 is transferred to the conveyed recording medium. The recording medium to which the developed image has been transferred is transported to the fixing device 62 by the transport device 60. The fixing device 62 includes a fixing roller 62a and a pressure roller 62b. The recording medium is conveyed while being sandwiched between the two rollers 62a and 62b, and the developed image is fixed on the recording medium. The recording medium on which the developed image has been fixed in this manner is discharged by the discharge roller 64 and stacked on the discharge tray 66.
[0009]
The above-mentioned fixing device 62 is a fixing device of a heat fixing system that conveys a recording medium while heating it. Generally, in the image forming apparatus using such a heat fixing method, as shown in FIG. 10, the reading unit 26 is used from the viewpoints of usability such as document setting workability or paper discharge processing performance of a user and space saving. The home position is often set above the fixing device 62. For this reason, the reading unit 26 is easily affected by the heat generated from the fixing device 62.
[0010]
In recent years, LEDs are often used as the light source of the reading unit 26 from the viewpoints of space saving, high durability, and stability of light quantity. When an LED is used, the lead wire connecting the LED to the substrate is integrated with the light source chip. Therefore, in order to release the heat generated from the light source chip, the lead wire is required to have high heat dissipation. The limit of the temperature around the lead wire is, for example, 40 to 50 ° C. because the lead wire itself may radiate heat, and the limit temperature is slightly lower than that of other electric parts.
[0011]
The image forming apparatus 10 includes a copy mode in which an image of a document is read by the reading unit 26 and the image is formed on a recording medium, and an image input from an external information processing device (for example, a personal computer) is formed on the recording medium. Printer mode. In either the copy mode or the printer mode, the reading unit 26 is waiting at a home position located above the fixing device 62 as shown in FIG.
[0012]
In the copy mode, the reading unit 26 starts scanning in the direction of arrow A with reference to the document abutting plate 28 to read the image of the document. Accordingly, while the reading unit 26 is scanning in the direction of the arrow A in the copy mode, the reading unit 26 is less affected by the heat received from the fixing unit 62.
[0013]
Meanwhile, in a digital copying apparatus, when an image of the same document is formed (copied) on a plurality of recording media, the image of the document is read only once, and image information carrying this image is stored in a memory (not shown). ), And forms an image on a recording medium based on the image information stored in the memory. Therefore, when an image of the same document is formed on a plurality of recording media, the reading unit 26 reads the document only once, and after the reading unit 26 reads the document, the reading unit 26 immediately reverses. To return to the standby position (home position). Therefore, the influence of the heat received by the reading unit 26 from the fixing unit 62 is small in the copying operation of a small number of sheets of about one or two sheets, but when the number of copies is large, the reading unit 26 receives the heat of the fixing unit 62. There is a problem that the impact is great.
[0014]
On the other hand, in the analog type copying apparatus, the reading unit 26 is scanned and one reading operation is performed every time an image is formed on one recording medium (one copying operation). Therefore, even when an image of the same document is formed on a plurality of recording media, the document reading operation of the reading unit 26 is performed a plurality of times. For this reason, regardless of the number of recording media on which images are formed, the influence of the heat that the reading unit 26 receives from the fixing device 62 is small.
[0015]
In addition, in the printer mode, the reading unit 26 is in a state of waiting at a predetermined home position above the fixing device 62, so that there is a problem that the reading unit 26 is very easily affected by the heat of the fixing device 62. .
[0016]
As described above, the reading unit 26 is easily affected by the heat of the fixing unit 62 when the same original image is formed on a plurality of recording media in a digital system or when the printing operation is performed in the printer mode. When the heat is transmitted to the reading unit 26, the light amount of the LED of the reading unit 26 is changed, and there is a problem that an image read by the reading unit 26 has an adverse effect such as uneven density.
[0017]
In order to solve such a problem, the reading unit 26 and the fixing device 62 may be configured to be far apart from each other. However, with such a configuration, the image forming apparatus becomes large. In order to solve the above problem, it is conceivable to mount a device for cooling the reading unit 26 inside the image forming apparatus, but the internal structure of the image forming apparatus becomes complicated.
[0018]
By the way, the image forming apparatus has a document fixed reading mode in which the reading unit is moved to read the image of the document, and the document is passed while the document is passed over the reading unit fixed to the other longitudinal end of the platen glass. There is a type that can select both original reading modes for reading an image. Such an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
[0019]
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus (composite image forming apparatus) having a fixed original reading mode and a moving original reading mode. In this figure, the same components as those shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0020]
The image forming apparatus 200 includes a reading unit 20 that reads a document, an image forming unit 40 that forms an image read by the reading unit 20 on a recording medium, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 210 that automatically feeds a document. They are roughly divided into The reading unit 20 and the image forming unit 40 are the same as the reading unit 20 and the image forming unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
[0021]
The automatic document feeder 210 includes a document placement tray 214 on which a plurality of documents 212 are placed, a document detection sensor 216 for detecting that a document is loaded on the document placement tray 214, and a document placement tray. A sheet feed roller 218 that feeds the document 212 placed on the document 214 while separating it one by one, and a pair of registration rollers 220 a that corrects the skew of the document fed separately and transports the document to the platen glass 22. 220b, a platen roller 222 for transporting the document while bringing the image surface of the document close to the platen glass 22, a transport guide table 224 for guiding the document passed over the platen glass 22, a reversing roller 226 for reversing the document, A discharge document tray 228 on which the processed documents are stacked (stacked), and a discharge roller for conveying the document to the discharge document tray 228. And a and La 230.
[0022]
The reading operation of reading the image of the document when the image forming apparatus 200 is in the document fixed reading mode is substantially the same as the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
[0023]
When the image forming apparatus 200 is in the document fixed reading mode, the user opens the automatic document feeder 210 (rotates it in the same manner as the document pressure plate 24 shown in FIG. 10) and copies the document with the image surface facing down. It is placed (set) on the platen glass 22 by abutting against the butting plate 28. After the document is set, the reading unit 26 is closed by closing the automatic document feeder 210 or sending a copy start command from an operation panel (not shown) with the automatic document feeder 210 open. Moves by a distance L2 from the home position. Thereafter, the reading unit 26 is guided by the guide shaft 27 in the direction of the arrow A (that is, from the fixing / discharge side toward the paper supply side), with the abutting position of the document abutting plate 28 as the reading start position of the reading unit 26. Direction), and illuminates the document surface with an LED (not shown). The reflected light reflected from the illuminated document surface of the document 212 is condensed on a contact image sensor (not shown) by a lens array (not shown) and an image on the document is read.
[0024]
When the image forming apparatus 200 is in the original flowing reading mode, the originals are stacked on the original placing tray 214 with the image side facing down. The loaded document is detected by the document detection sensor 216. Thus, it is detected that the originals are stacked on the original placing tray 214. A document detection signal is transmitted from a document detection sensor 216 to a control unit (not shown). After this document detection signal is input to the control unit, the control unit instructs a drive source (not shown) to move reading unit 26 to a position facing platen roller 222 in automatic document feeder 210. Emits.
[0025]
On the other hand, after a document is placed on document placing tray 214, a copy start command is transmitted from an operation panel (not shown), and reading unit 26 starts moving from the home position in the direction of arrow A. After moving the reading unit 26 by the distance L1, the reading unit 26 arrives at the reading position S in the document flow reading mode and stops. In conjunction with the movement of the reading unit 26, the originals 212 stacked on the original placing tray 214 are fed while being separated one by one by a paper feed roller 218 in order from the uppermost original. The skew of the original fed while being separated is corrected by the pair of registration rollers 220a and 220b, and the original is conveyed toward the platen roller 222. In order to convey the document while bringing the image surface of the document close to the platen glass 22, both ends of the platen roller 222 are in contact with the upper surface of the platen glass 22 and a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the platen roller 222 and the upper surface of the platen glass 22 is provided. Is provided.
[0026]
Prior to the document 212 being conveyed to the platen roller 222, the reading unit 26 is moved to a position S on the opposite side of the platen roller 222 with the platen glass 22 therebetween. The document 212 conveyed by the platen roller 222 is illuminated by the LED of the reading unit 26. The reflected light from the document surface of the illuminated document 212 is condensed on a contact image sensor (not shown) by a lens array (not shown), and the image of the document is read.
[0027]
Therefore, when the user selects the original fixed reading mode, reading starts after the reading unit 26 has moved by the distance L2, so that a quick reading operation is possible. However, when the user selects the document flow reading mode, the reading operation is started after the reading unit 26 has moved by the distance L1, so that there is a problem that it takes time to start reading. Further, since the home position of the reading unit 26 is located above the fixing device 62 as described above, there is a problem that the thermal effect from the fixing device 62 is large.
[0028]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an image forming apparatus including a reading unit that is not easily affected by heat of a fixing device.
[0029]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, a first image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a platen glass, and a photoconductor on which a developed image of the image read by the reading unit is formed. A transfer unit that transfers a developed image formed on the photoconductor to a recording medium; and a fixing unit that fixes the image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer unit to the recording medium by heat. And reading the image of the document while moving the reading unit from a predetermined home position defined at one end in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass toward the other end in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass. An image forming apparatus for transferring and fixing a developed image of a transferred image to a recording medium,
(1) When the reading unit returns to the home position after reading the image of the original while moving the reading unit toward the other end in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass, the reading unit performs a predetermined operation toward the home position. It is characterized in that it moves by a movement distance, temporarily stops for a predetermined stop time, and returns to the home position while repeating this movement and temporary stop.
[0030]
here,
(2) The reading unit first stops at a first stop position closer to the other longitudinal end of the platen glass than above the photoconductor, and after the first stop, repeats the movement and the temporary stop. It may return to the home position while doing so.
[0031]
Also,
(3) When the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the reading unit performs the predetermined operation more than when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is less than the predetermined number. May be temporarily stopped by extending the stop time.
[0032]
further,
(4) When the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the reading unit performs the moving operation more than when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is less than the predetermined number. The distance may be shortened to increase the number of times of the temporary stop.
[0033]
Furthermore,
(5) temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the home position,
(6) When the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the reading unit sets the predetermined stop time longer than when the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, and temporarily sets the predetermined stop time. What stops,
Alternatively, the moving distance may be shortened to increase the number of times of the temporary stop.
Further, a second image forming apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object,
(7) A reading unit for reading the image of the document placed on the platen glass, and a developed image of either the image read by the reading unit or the image input from the predetermined information processing device is formed. A photoconductor, a transfer unit that transfers a developed image formed on the photoconductor to a recording medium, and a fixing unit that fixes the image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer unit to the recording medium by heat, Reading the image of the original while moving the reading unit from a predetermined home position defined at one end in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass above the fixing unit toward the other end in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass, In an image forming apparatus for transferring and fixing a developed image of the read image on a recording medium,
(8) When a developed image of an image input from the predetermined information processing device is formed on the photoconductor, the reading unit may be located at a position above the photoconductor in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass. The printer is stopped at the printer mode position on the end side.
[0034]
here,
(9) After the image input from the predetermined information processing device is formed on a recording medium, the reading unit moves by a predetermined moving distance from the printer mode position toward the home position and stops by a predetermined amount. The vehicle may temporarily stop for a time and return to the home position while repeating this movement and temporary stop.
[0035]
Also,
(10) When an image input from the predetermined information processing device is continuously formed on a predetermined number or more of recording media, the reading unit determines that the number of recording media on which the image is continuously formed is equal to the number of recording media. The predetermined stop time may be longer than when the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number, and the image may be temporarily stopped.
[0036]
further,
(11) When an image input from the predetermined information processing device is continuously formed on a predetermined number or more of recording media, the reading unit determines that the number of recording media on which the image is continuously formed is equal to the number of recording media. The moving distance may be made shorter and the number of times of the temporary stop may be increased as compared with the case where the number is less than a predetermined number.
[0037]
Furthermore,
(12) a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the reading unit;
(13) When the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the reading unit sets the predetermined stop time longer than when the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, and then temporarily stops the reading. It may stop.
[0038]
According to a third image forming apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object, a reading unit for reading an image of a document placed on a platen glass and a developed image of the image read by the reading unit are formed. A photoconductor, a transfer unit that transfers a developed image formed on the photoconductor to a recording medium, and a fixing unit that fixes the image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer unit to the recording medium by heat, A fixed document reading mode for reading an image of a document while moving the reading unit from one end in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass to the other end in the longitudinal direction above the fixing unit, and the longitudinal direction of the platen glass and the like. The image of the original is read in either one of the two original flow reading modes in which the image of the original is read while the original is passed above the reading unit fixed to the end. Read by an image forming apparatus for fixing by transferring the developed image of the read image on a recording medium,
(14) The reading unit is located below a central portion in a longitudinal direction of the platen glass when the reading unit does not perform a reading operation of reading an image of a document. is there.
[0039]
here,
(15) The fixing section includes a heating element that is heated while adjusting its temperature. The fixing section heats the heating element only when forming an image and adjusts the temperature. An on-demand system that does not heat the heating element may be used.
[0040]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
[0041]
The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0042]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic structure of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
[0043]
The image forming apparatus 100 is a digital multifunction peripheral, and is roughly divided into a reading unit 120 that reads a document and an image forming unit 140 that forms an image read by the reading unit 120 on a recording medium.
[0044]
The reading unit 120 is arranged on an upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The reading unit 120 includes a platen glass 122 on which a document is placed, and a document pressure plate 124 for pressing down and fixing the document placed on the platen glass 122 from above. Below the platen glass 122, a reading unit 126 that reads an image of a document is arranged. The reading unit 126 includes a contact image sensor 126a (hereinafter, referred to as CIS) that reads an image of a document, an LED that illuminates the image of the document via the platen glass 122, a CIS holder 126b that holds the CIS 126a, and a CIS holder 126b. A fixed slider 126c. Further, the reading unit 126 includes a guide shaft 127 for guiding the slider 126c in the scanning direction (the direction of arrow A), and a drive source and a drive transmission belt for moving the slider 126c in the scanning direction and the opposite direction (these are shown in the drawing). Is also provided. A document abutment plate 128 against which a document is abutted is fixed to one longitudinal end of the platen glass 122.
[0045]
Image forming section 140 is arranged below reading section 120. The image forming unit 140 includes a laser scanner 142 to which information carrying an image read by the reading unit 126 is input. The signal input to the laser scanner 142 is converted into a laser beam, and the laser beam is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 144 via a scanner mirror or a return mirror (not shown) rotating at a high speed. The photosensitive drum 144 is uniformly charged by the charger 146, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 144 irradiated with the laser beam. This electrostatic latent image is developed with the developer supplied from the developing roller 148 to form a developed image. Note that an operation panel 102 for instructing various operations is arranged at a front portion of the image forming apparatus 100. The controller 170 controls various components and members such as the reading unit 126 based on an instruction input from the operation panel 102.
[0046]
A recording medium such as recording paper is fed from a cassette 150 by a feed roller 152, and is conveyed to a transfer roller 158 by a conveyance roller 154 and a registration roller 156. The transfer roller 158 transfers the developed image on the photosensitive drum 144 to the conveyed recording medium. The recording medium on which the developed image has been transferred is transported to the fixing device 162 by the transport device 160. The fixing device 162 includes a fixing roller 162a and a pressure roller 162b. The recording medium is conveyed while being sandwiched between these two rollers 162a and 162b, and the developed image is fixed on the recording medium. The fixing roller 162a has a built-in heat source such as a fixing heater. When the recording medium is conveyed while being sandwiched between the two rollers 162a and 162b, the developed image is fixed by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium. Is done. The recording medium on which the developed image has been fixed in this manner is discharged by the discharge roller 164 and stacked on the discharge tray 166.
[0047]
The image forming apparatus 100 includes a copy mode in which an image of a document is read by a reading unit 126 and the image is formed on a recording medium, and a printer that forms an image input from an external information processing apparatus (for example, a personal computer) on the recording medium. Mode.
[0048]
The reading operation in the copy mode will be described.
[0049]
In the copy mode, the user opens the document pressure plate 124 by rotating it in the direction of arrow B as shown in FIG. It is placed (set) on the glass 122. After this setting, a copy start (copy start) command is input from the operation panel 102 while the document pressure plate 124 is closed in the direction opposite to the arrow B direction or kept open. The controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 based on this command. When the image forming apparatus 100 is not operating, the reading unit 126 is located at a home position defined above the fixing device 162 and at one longitudinal end of the platen glass 122 (an upper portion of the fixing device 162). ing.
[0050]
As described above, when the copy start command is input from the operation panel 102 and the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126, the reading unit 126 is moved to the home position (that is, the abutting position of the document abutting plate 128 (the reading unit 126). 126), the LED is used to illuminate the original surface while being scanned by the guide shaft 127 in the direction of arrow A (that is, from the fixing / discharge side to the paper supply side). The reflected light from the image surface of the illuminated document is collected on the CIS 126a by a lens array (not shown). Thereby, the image of the document is read. Image information carrying the read image is rewritten to a digital signal and transmitted to the laser scanner 142.
[0051]
An image forming operation in the printer mode will be described.
[0052]
In the printer mode, an external information processing device such as a personal computer is connected to the image forming apparatus 100. Image information (digital signal) is input to the image forming apparatus 100 from the information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 100, and the image information is transmitted to the laser scanner 142. The image information transmitted to the laser scanner 142 becomes a laser beam, and is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 144 via a polygon mirror (not shown) rotating at high speed and a return mirror (not shown). By this irradiation, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 144. Toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image from the developing roller 148 to form a development image.
[0053]
On the other hand, the uppermost recording sheet out of the large number of recording sheets stacked in the cassette 150 abuts on the paper feed roller 152, and the recording paper is sent out toward the transport roller 154 as the paper feed roller 152 rotates. It is. The recording paper sent out by the paper feed roller 152 is transported by the transport roller 154 and the registration roller 156 to reach the transfer roller 158, and the developed image formed on the photosensitive drum 144 is transferred to the recording paper by the transfer roller 158.
[0054]
The fixing device 162 is an on-demand type fixing device that heats a heat source (heating body) while controlling the temperature (temperature control) only during image formation, and does not perform the temperature control heating during a standby time when the image forming operation is not performed. As described above, the fixing roller 162a has a built-in heat source such as a fixing heater. When the recording medium is conveyed while being sandwiched between the two rollers 162a and 162b, heat and pressure are applied to the recording medium. The developed image is fixed. The recording medium on which the developed image has been fixed in this manner is discharged by the discharge roller 164 and stacked on the discharge tray 166.
[0055]
The operation of the reading unit 126 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0056]
3A and 3B show the operation of the conventional reading unit. FIG. 3A is a side view of the reading unit at the reading start position, and FIG. 3B is a side view of the reading unit at the reading end position. 4A and 4B show the operation of the reading unit of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a side view of the reading unit at the reading end position, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the reading unit temporarily stopped on returning to the home position. FIG. 5A and 5B show a continuation of the operation of FIG. 4. FIG. 5A is a side view of the reading unit further stopped temporarily while returning to the home position, and FIG. 5B is a side view of the reading unit returning to the home position. It is. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reading unit.
[0057]
For comparison, the operation of the conventional reading unit will be described.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 3, the conventional reading unit 26 sequentially reads the image of the document while scanning in the direction of arrow A while being guided by the guide shaft 27 based on the reading start position. When the reading operation is completed, the reading unit 26 reverses at the reversing position G outside the image reading area, scans in the direction of arrow C (the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A), and finally reaches the home position. And stop.
[0059]
In the present embodiment, an operation is performed for the reading unit 126 to avoid the influence of heat generated in the fixing device 162 (see FIG. 2). The operation of reading the image of the original is not different from the conventional operation. The operation of the reading unit 126 is characteristic after the reading is completed.
[0060]
When a copy start command is input from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1), the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126, and an operation of reading a document image is executed as shown in FIG. 6 (S601). Is completed, the reading unit 126 reaches the reversal position G (an example of the first stop position in the present invention) (S602).
[0061]
After the reading unit 126 reaches the reversing position G, it is determined whether a copy start command has been input again from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1) (S603). When it is determined that the copy start command has been input again, the reading unit 126 is reversed (S604), and returns to the reading start position (S605).
[0062]
On the other hand, if it is determined in S603 that the copy start command has not been input, the reading unit 126 temporarily stops at the reversing position G for a predetermined stop time T (S606). During or after the elapse of the stop time T, it is determined whether a copy start command has been input again from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1) (S607). When it is determined that the copy start command has been input again, the reading unit 126 is reversed (S604), and returns to the reading start position (S605).
[0063]
On the other hand, when it is determined in S607 that the copy start command has not been input, the reading unit 126 moves by the predetermined moving distance L in the direction of arrow C and temporarily stops for the predetermined stop time T (S608). . During or after the predetermined stop time T has elapsed, it may be determined whether or not a copy start command has been input again from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1). In this case, , The same operation as described above is performed.
[0064]
After the reading unit 126 has moved by the predetermined moving distance L in the direction of arrow C in S608, it is determined whether or not it has reached the home position (S609). When it is determined that the reading unit 126 has reached the home position, this flow ends. If it is determined that the reading unit 126 has not reached the home position, the process returns to S606. The above-mentioned predetermined stop time T and moving distance L can be arbitrarily determined according to the degree of thermal influence on the reading unit 126 from the fixing device 162. It should be noted that even when the reading unit 126 is being reversed or temporarily stopped, when a copy start command is input from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1), the reading unit 126 immediately moves to the home position and starts copying. Is controlled by the controller 170.
[0065]
In the above example, the stop time T during which the reading unit 126 temporarily stops is fixed, but the stop time T may be changed based on the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed. An example of such a change will be described.
[0066]
In order to avoid the thermal effect on the reading unit 126 from the fixing unit 162, the moving distance L is fixed (that is, the number of times of movement is fixed), and the reading unit 126 is input from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1). If the number of copies (the number of continuous copies of the original) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the stop time T is increased, and if the number is less than the predetermined number, the stop time T is shortened.
[0067]
A specific example will be given. The number of times of movement is set to n times. If the number input from the operation panel 102 is 1 or more and 10 or less, the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 so that the stop time T becomes t seconds. Similarly, when the number of sheets is 11 or more and 100 or less, the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 so that the stop time T becomes 2 t seconds. Similarly, when the number is 101 or more, the reading unit 126 is controlled by the controller 170 so that the stop time T becomes 3 t seconds.
[0068]
With this control, the time required for the reading unit 126 to finally reach the home position is
t × n times = nt seconds
2t × n times = 2nt seconds
3t × n times = 3nt seconds
become. Therefore, when the number of original copies is small and the thermal influence from the fixing device 162 is small, the reading unit 126 returns to the home position quickly. On the other hand, when the number of work is large and the thermal effect from the fixing device 162 is large, the reading unit 126 returns to the home position while avoiding the thermal effect.
[0069]
In the above-described example, the moving distance L of the reading unit 126 is fixed. However, the moving distance L may be changed based on the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed. An example of such a change will be described. In this case, the stop time T is constant.
[0070]
In order to avoid the thermal effect of the reading unit 126 from the fixing device 162, the stop time T is fixed, and the number of copies (the number of copies of the document continuously) input from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1) If the number is larger than the predetermined number, the moving distance L is controlled to be short, and if the number is less than the predetermined number, the moving distance L is controlled to be long. When the reading unit 126 is controlled in this manner, the number of movements n of the reading unit 126 to move from the reversal position G to the home position increases or decreases. Therefore, a specific example will be described here based on the number of movements n. It should be noted that as the number of times of movement increases or decreases, the number of times of temporary stop also increases or decreases.
[0071]
The stop time T is fixed, and the number of movements is n. When the number of sheets input from the operation panel 102 is one or more and ten or less, the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 so that the number of movements becomes n. Similarly, if the number is 11 or more and 100 or less, the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 so that the number of movements is 2n times. Similarly, when the number is 101 or more, the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 so that the number of movements is 3n times.
[0072]
With this control, the time required for the reading unit 126 to finally reach the home position is
T × n times = nT seconds
T x 2n times = 2nT seconds
T × 3n times = 3nT seconds
become.
[0073]
By performing such control, when the number of original copies is small and the thermal influence from the fixing device 162 is small, the reading unit 126 returns to the home position quickly. On the other hand, when the number of work is large and the thermal effect from the fixing device 162 is large, the reading unit 126 returns to the home position while avoiding the thermal effect.
[0074]
In each of the above-described examples, when a copy operation is input a plurality of times continuously from the operation panel 102, or when the next copy operation is input while the reading unit 126 is performing the above-described thermal influence avoidance operation, It is also possible to control so as to determine the stop time T and the number of movements N according to the total number of copies. Therefore, the thermal effect on the reading unit 126 from the fixing device 162 can be more reliably avoided.
[0075]
An example will be described in which a detection sensor (an example of a temperature detection unit according to the present invention) for detecting the temperature of the home position is provided.
[0076]
A detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the home position is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, and based on the temperature detected by the detection sensor, when the detected temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, the stop time T is set. On the contrary, when the detected temperature is low, the movement of the reading unit 126 is controlled so as to shorten the stop time T.
[0077]
Further, the moving distance may be changed based on the temperature detected by the detection sensor. In this case, when the detected temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature, the moving distance L is shortened (the number of movements is increased, that is, the number of times of temporary stop is increased). Conversely, when the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, The movement of the reading unit 126 is controlled so as to increase the movement distance L (reduce the number of movements, that is, reduce the number of times of temporary stop).
[0078]
By performing such control, when the number of original copies is small and the temperature of the home position is low, the reading unit 126 quickly returns to the home position. On the other hand, when the temperature of the home position is high, the reading unit 126 returns to the home position while avoiding the thermal influence from the fixing device 162.
[Second embodiment]
[0079]
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 7. FIG. The second embodiment is characterized in that the reading unit operates in the printer mode.
[0080]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reading unit.
[0081]
The image forming apparatus 100 has a copy mode and a printer mode as described above. When forming an image with the image forming apparatus 100, first, it is determined whether the copy mode is the printer mode (S701). In the copy mode (S702), the flow shown in FIG. 6 is started (S703). In the printer mode (S704), image information is input to the image forming apparatus 100 from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus 100. At this time, the reading unit 126 starts moving in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 3 (S705), and stops at the reversal position G (S706). Here, the reverse position G is an example of the printer mode position according to the present invention. Since the printer mode is set, the image reading operation is not performed when the reading unit 126 moves in the direction of arrow A. Further, the position at which the reading unit 126 stops is not limited to the reversing position G, but may be on the reversing position G side (the other longitudinal end of the platen glass 122) than the position above the photosensitive drum 144 (see FIG. 2). Good.
[0082]
After the printing operation in the printer mode is completed, the reading unit 126 starts moving by reversing in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. 4 (S708), and stops at the home position (S709). By performing such control, the reading unit 126 is located on the opposite side of the fixing device 162 in the recording paper transport direction during the printing operation in the printer mode, so that the thermal effect received from the fixing device 162 can be avoided.
[0083]
An example of an operation when the reading unit 126 moves after the image forming operation is completed will be described with reference to FIG.
[0084]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the reading unit after the image forming operation is completed.
[0085]
This flow starts when the image forming operation is completed. First, it is determined whether or not there is an operation for instructing printing (from the user) from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1) (S801). When it is determined that there is no such instruction, the reading unit 126 temporarily stops at the reversing position G for a predetermined time T (S802), and thereafter moves by a predetermined moving distance L in the direction of arrow C (see FIG. 4) (see FIG. 4). S803). Subsequently, it is determined whether the home position has been reached (S804).
[0086]
When it is determined that the reading unit 126 has reached the home position, this flow ends. If it is determined that the reading unit 126 has not reached the home position, the process returns to S802. The above-mentioned predetermined stop time T and moving distance L can be arbitrarily determined according to the degree of thermal influence on the reading unit 126 from the fixing device 162. It should be noted that even when the reading unit 126 is being reversed or temporarily stopped, when a copy start command is input from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1), the reading unit 126 immediately moves to the home position and starts copying. Is controlled by the controller 170.
[0087]
If it is determined in S801 that there is an operation to instruct printing, it is determined whether the instruction is a copy mode or a printer mode (S805). If it is determined that the mode is the copy mode (S806), the reading unit 126 is reversed at the reversing position G (S807) and moved to the reading start position (S808). Subsequently, the reading unit 126 is moved according to the flow shown in FIG.
[0088]
If it is determined in S805 that the printer mode is set (S810), it is determined whether the reading unit 126 is located at the reverse position G (S811). When the reading unit 126 is returning to the home position, it is determined that the reading unit 126 is not located at the reverse position G. At this time, the reading unit 126 is moved to the reverse position G (S812). Subsequently, the printer mode is executed (S813), and after the printer mode ends, the flow shifts to S802.
[0089]
If it is determined in step S811 that the reading unit 126 is located at the reverse position G, the printer mode is immediately executed (S813), and after the printer mode ends, the process proceeds to step S802.
[0090]
By controlling the reading unit 126 as described above, the reading unit 126 performs a printing operation while avoiding the thermal influence from the fixing device 162, and performs another copying operation immediately after the printing operation is completed. However, the reading unit 126 can be quickly returned to the home position, and the copying operation can be started. Even if the reading unit 126 is temporarily stopped (S802) or is moving by the distance L (S803), if the next copying operation is input from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1), the reading unit 126 Can be immediately returned to the home position, and the reading unit 126 can be controlled to execute the next copying operation immediately after reaching the home position.
[0091]
In the above example, the stop time T during which the reading unit 126 temporarily stops is fixed, but the stop time T may be changed based on the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed. An example of such a change will be described.
[0092]
In order to avoid the thermal effect on the reading unit 126 from the fixing unit 162, the moving distance L is fixed (that is, the number of times of movement is fixed), and the reading unit 126 is input from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1). If the number of copies (the number of continuous copies of the original) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the stop time T is increased, and if the number is less than the predetermined number, the stop time T is shortened.
[0093]
A specific example will be given. The number of times of movement is set to n times. If the number input from the operation panel 102 is 1 or more and 10 or less, the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 so that the stop time T becomes t seconds. Similarly, when the number of sheets is 11 or more and 100 or less, the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 so that the stop time T becomes 2 t seconds. Similarly, when the number is 101 or more, the reading unit 126 is controlled by the controller 170 so that the stop time T becomes 3 t seconds.
[0094]
With this control, the time required for the reading unit 126 to finally reach the home position is
t × n times = nt seconds
2t × n times = 2nt seconds
3t × n times = 3nt seconds
become. Therefore, when the number of original copies is small and the thermal influence from the fixing device 162 is small, the reading unit 126 returns to the home position quickly. On the other hand, when the number of work is large and the thermal influence from the fixing device 162 is large, the reading unit 126 returns to the home position while avoiding the thermal influence.
[0095]
In the above-described example, the moving distance L of the reading unit 126 is fixed. However, the moving distance L may be changed based on the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed. An example of such a change will be described. In this case, the stop time T is constant.
[0096]
In order to avoid the thermal effect of the reading unit 126 from the fixing device 162, the stop time T is fixed, and the number of copies (the number of copies of the document continuously) input from the operation panel 102 (see FIG. 1) If the number is larger than the predetermined number, the moving distance L is controlled to be short, and if the number is less than the predetermined number, the moving distance L is controlled to be long. When the reading unit 126 is controlled in this manner, the number of movements n of the reading unit 126 to move from the reversing position G to the home position increases or decreases. Therefore, a specific example will be described here based on the number of movements n. It should be noted that as the number of times of movement increases or decreases, the number of times of temporary stop also increases or decreases.
[0097]
The stop time T is fixed, and the number of movements is n. When the number of sheets input from the operation panel 102 is one or more and ten or less, the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 so that the number of movements becomes n. Similarly, if the number is 11 or more and 100 or less, the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 so that the number of movements is 2n times. Similarly, when the number is 101 or more, the controller 170 controls the reading unit 126 so that the number of movements is 3n times.
[0098]
With this control, the time required for the reading unit 126 to finally reach the home position is
T × n times = nT seconds
T x 2n times = 2nT seconds
T × 3n times = 3nT seconds
become.
[0099]
By performing such control, when the number of original copies is small and the thermal influence from the fixing device 162 is small, the reading unit 126 returns to the home position quickly. On the other hand, when the number of work is large and the thermal effect from the fixing device 162 is large, the reading unit 126 returns to the home position while avoiding the thermal effect.
[0100]
In each of the above-described examples, when a copy operation is input a plurality of times continuously from the operation panel 102, or when the next copy operation is input while the reading unit 126 is performing the above-described thermal influence avoidance operation, It is also possible to control so as to determine the stop time T and the number of movements N according to the total number of copies. Therefore, the thermal effect on the reading unit 126 from the fixing device 162 can be more reliably avoided.
[0101]
An example will be described in which a detection sensor (an example of a temperature detection unit according to the present invention) for detecting the temperature of the home position is provided.
[0102]
A detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the home position is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, and based on the temperature detected by the detection sensor, when the detected temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, the stop time T is set. On the contrary, when the detected temperature is low, the movement of the reading unit 126 is controlled so as to shorten the stop time T.
[0103]
Further, the moving distance may be changed based on the temperature detected by the detection sensor. In this case, when the detected temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature, the moving distance L is shortened (the number of movements is increased, that is, the number of times of temporary stop is increased). Conversely, when the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, The movement of the reading unit 126 is controlled so as to increase the movement distance L (reduce the number of movements, that is, reduce the number of times of temporary stop).
[0104]
By performing such control, when the number of original copies is small and the temperature of the home position is low, the reading unit 126 quickly returns to the home position. On the other hand, when the temperature at the home position is high, the reading unit 126 returns to the home position while avoiding the thermal influence from the fixing device 162.
[Third embodiment]
[0105]
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0106]
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. In this figure, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0107]
The image forming apparatus 300 includes a reading unit 120 that reads a document, an image forming unit 140 that forms an image read by the reading unit 120 on a recording medium, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 310 that automatically feeds a document. They are roughly divided into The reading unit 120 and the image forming unit 140 are the same as the reading unit 120 and the image forming unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. The structure of the automatic document feeder (ADF) 310 is the same as that of the automatic document feeder 210 shown in FIG.
[0108]
When compared with the automatic document feeder 210 shown in FIG. 11, the feature of the image forming apparatus 300 lies in the reading unit 326. The position (home position (standby position)) Q when the reading unit 326 does not perform the reading operation is determined below the center of the platen glass 122 in the longitudinal direction (the directions of arrows F and G).
[0109]
In the image forming apparatus 300, when the fixed document reading mode is selected, the reading unit 326 moves from the home position in the direction of arrow F and reaches the fixed document reading mode start position R. After this arrival, the reading unit 326 reverses and starts reading scanning in the direction of arrow G.
[0110]
On the other hand, when the moving document reading mode is selected in the image forming apparatus 300, the reading unit 326 moves from the standby position Q in the direction of the arrow G, reaches the moving document reading mode reading position S, and thereafter starts reading.
[0111]
The distance from the standby position Q of the reading unit 326 to the original fixed reading mode start position R is equal to the distance from the standby position Q to the original moving reading mode reading position S (L1−L2) / 2. Therefore, as compared with the case of the image forming apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 11, the time required to start reading in the fixed original reading mode is slightly increased, but the time required to start reading in the moving original reading mode is significantly longer. To be improved. As a result, the reading operation can be started quickly regardless of whether the original fixed reading mode or the moving original reading mode is selected.
[0112]
Further, when the image forming apparatus 300 is a composite image forming apparatus having a printer mode, the platen glass 122 which is away from the fixing device 162 which is a heat source is used in both the original copy mode and the printer mode. The reading unit 326 is located below the center in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the reading unit 326 is less affected by the heat received from the fixing device 162, and it is not necessary to perform an avoiding operation for avoiding the thermal effect.
[0113]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, the reading unit returns to the home position while repeating the above movement and temporary stop, so that the temperature around the home position drops before returning to the home position. Therefore, the reading unit is prevented from being adversely affected by the heat of the fixing unit. The reading unit may be stopped at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass until the temperature around the home position decreases. In this case, when the next image forming instruction is given, the reading unit is stopped. It takes time to move from the other end in the longitudinal direction to the standby position (a position near the home position). On the other hand, when the reading unit gradually returns to the home position while repeating the above movement and temporary stop, the reading unit is gradually approaching the home position. Even if it does, it can move to the standby position quickly.
[0114]
Here, the reading unit first stops at a first stop position closer to the other longitudinal end of the platen glass than above the photoconductor, and after the first stop, repeats the movement and the temporary stop. However, in the case of returning to the home position, the reading unit is first stopped at the first stop position far from the home position, so that the reading unit is more reliably prevented from being adversely affected by the heat of the fixing unit.
[0115]
Further, the reading unit is configured such that when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the reading unit is more than the predetermined number of recording media on which images are continuously formed. In the case of temporarily stopping the recording for a longer time, when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the amount of heat generated by the fixing unit increases, and the temperature around the home position decreases. Although higher, the reading unit returns to the home position over a relatively long period of time, thus more reliably preventing the reading unit from being adversely affected by the heat of the fixing unit. When the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is less than the predetermined number, the reading unit is returned to the home position relatively quickly.
[0116]
Further, when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the reading unit may move the moving distance more than when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is less than the predetermined number. In the case where the number of pauses is increased by shortening the number of recording media, when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the amount of heat generated by the fixing unit increases and the vicinity of the home position is increased. Although the temperature rises, the number of times the reading unit temporarily stops increases and returns to the home position for a relatively long time, so that the reading unit is more reliably prevented from being adversely affected by the heat of the fixing unit. When the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is less than the predetermined number, the reading unit is returned to the home position relatively quickly.
[0117]
Still further, the reading unit includes a temperature detecting unit that detects a temperature of the home position, and when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the reading temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature. In the case where the predetermined stop time is longer and the stop is performed once, or the moving distance is shortened and the number of times of the temporary stop is increased, the reading unit receives the heat received from the fixing unit. Since the influence can be more accurately detected, the reading unit is more reliably prevented from being adversely affected by the heat of the fixing unit. When the temperature of the home position is low, the reading unit is returned to the home position relatively quickly.
[0118]
Further, in the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, a mode (printer mode) in which a developed image of an image input from a predetermined information processing apparatus is formed on a photosensitive member and the developed image is formed on a recording medium. Sometimes, the reading unit is stopped at the printer mode position and is separated from the home position (above the fixing unit), so that the reading unit is reliably prevented from being adversely affected by the heat of the fixing unit. Therefore, the fixing unit and the home position can be brought closer. Further, since a cooling unit for cooling the reading unit becomes unnecessary, the structure of the image forming apparatus can be simplified.
[0119]
Here, after the image input from the predetermined information processing device is formed on a recording medium, the reading unit moves by a predetermined moving distance from the printer mode position toward the home position and stops by a predetermined stop. If the reading unit returns to the home position while temporarily stopping for a time and repeating this movement and temporary stop, the reading unit returns to the home position while repeating the above movement and temporary stop. The temperature around the home position drops. Therefore, the reading unit is prevented from being adversely affected by the heat of the fixing unit.
[0120]
Further, when the image input from the predetermined information processing device is continuously formed on a predetermined number of recording media or more, the reading unit determines that the number of recording media on which the image is continuously formed is the predetermined number. When the predetermined stop time is longer than when the number of sheets is less than the number of sheets and the recording is temporarily stopped, when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the amount of heat generated by the fixing unit However, since the reading unit returns to the home position over a relatively long time, the reading unit is more reliably prevented from being adversely affected by the heat of the fixing unit. When the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is less than the predetermined number, the reading unit is returned to the home position relatively quickly.
[0121]
Further, when the image input from the predetermined information processing device is continuously formed on a predetermined number or more of recording media, the reading unit determines that the number of recording media on which the image is continuously formed is the predetermined number. In the case where the moving distance is shortened and the number of times of the temporary stop is increased as compared with the case where the number is smaller than the number of sheets, the fixing unit is generated when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is equal to or more than a predetermined number. Although the amount of heat to be generated increases and the temperature around the home position increases, the number of times the reading unit temporarily stops increases and returns to the home position for a relatively long time, so that the reading unit is adversely affected by the heat of the fixing unit. Is more reliably prevented. When the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is less than the predetermined number, the reading unit is returned to the home position relatively quickly.
[0122]
Still further, the apparatus further comprises a temperature detecting unit for detecting a temperature of the reading unit, wherein the reading unit detects that the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit is higher than a predetermined temperature. In the case where the predetermined stop time is longer and the stop is performed once, or the moving distance is shortened and the number of times of the temporary stop is increased, the reading unit receives the heat received from the fixing unit. Since the influence can be more accurately detected, the reading unit is more reliably prevented from being adversely affected by the heat of the fixing unit. When the temperature of the reading unit is low, the reading unit is returned to the home position relatively quickly.
[0123]
Further, in the third image forming apparatus of the present invention, since the reading unit is located at a position (home position) below the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass, the reading unit is provided in both the original fixed reading mode and the original moving reading mode. Regardless of which mode is selected, the reading operation in the selected mode can be started quickly. In the case of a composite image forming apparatus having a printer mode (a mode in which a developed image of an image input from an external information processing apparatus is formed on a photosensitive member), in the printer mode, a fixing source serving as a heat source is used. Since the reading unit is located at a position away from the fixing unit (below the center in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass), the reading unit is less affected by the heat received from the fixing unit, and the avoiding operation for avoiding the thermal influence is performed. There is no need to do.
[0124]
Here, the fixing unit is provided with a heating body that is heated while adjusting its temperature, and heats the heating body only when forming an image to adjust the temperature, and when not forming an image, In the case of the on-demand type in which the heating element is not heated, the influence of the heat that the reading unit receives from the fixing unit can be further suppressed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic structure of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show the operation of the conventional reading unit. FIG. 3A is a side view of the reading unit at a reading start position, and FIG. 3B is a side view of the reading unit at a reading end position.
FIG. 4A is a side view showing the operation of the reading unit according to the present invention. FIG. 4A is a side view of the reading unit at a reading end position, and FIG. FIG.
5 (a) is a side view of the reading unit further stopped temporarily while returning to the home position, and FIG. 5 (b) is a side view of the reading unit returning to the home position, showing a continuation of the operation of FIG. It is.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reading unit.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reading unit.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the reading unit after the image forming operation is completed.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a conventional image forming apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus (composite image forming apparatus) having a fixed original reading mode and a moving original reading mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
100,300 Image forming apparatus
120 Reading unit
122 Platen glass
126,326 Reading unit
158 Transfer roller
302 controller

Claims (12)

A reading unit for reading an image of a document placed on a platen glass, a photoconductor on which a developed image of the image read by the reading unit is formed, and a transfer for transferring the developed image formed on the photoconductor to a recording medium And a fixing section for fixing the image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer section to the recording medium by heat, and a predetermined section defined at one longitudinal end of the platen glass above the fixing section. An image forming apparatus that reads an image of a document while moving the reading unit from the home position toward the other end in the longitudinal direction of the platen glass, and transfers a developed image of the read image to a recording medium to fix the image. ,
The reading unit comprises:
When the reading unit returns to the home position after reading an image of a document while moving toward the other longitudinal end of the platen glass,
The image forming apparatus moves to the home position by a predetermined moving distance, temporarily stops for a predetermined stop time, and returns to the home position while repeating this movement and temporary stop. The reading unit comprises:
It first stops at a first stop position closer to the other longitudinal end of the platen glass than above the photoconductor, and returns to the home position while repeating the movement and the temporary stop after the first stop. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The reading unit comprises:
When the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the predetermined stop time is set longer once than when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is less than the predetermined number. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus stops. The reading unit comprises:
When the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the moving distance is shorter and the stop is performed than when the number of recording media on which images are continuously formed is less than the predetermined number. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of times of execution is increased. A temperature detecting unit for detecting a temperature of the home position,
The reading unit comprises:
When the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the predetermined stop time is longer than when the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, or the moving is stopped. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of times of the temporary stop is increased by shortening a distance. 6. A reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a platen glass; and a photoconductor on which any one of a developed image of the image read by the reading unit and an image input from a predetermined information processing device is formed. A transfer unit that transfers a developed image formed on the photoconductor to a recording medium; and a fixing unit that fixes an image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer unit to the recording medium by heat. The image of the original was read while moving the reading unit toward the other longitudinal end of the platen glass from a predetermined home position defined above and at one longitudinal end of the platen glass. In an image forming apparatus for transferring and fixing a developed image of an image to a recording medium,
The reading unit comprises:
When a developed image of an image input from the predetermined information processing device is formed on the photoconductor, the platen glass is located at a printer mode position on the other end in the longitudinal direction from a position above the photoconductor. An image forming apparatus which is stopped. The reading unit comprises:
After an image input from the predetermined information processing apparatus is formed on a recording medium, the image processing apparatus moves from the printer mode position toward the home position by a predetermined moving distance, temporarily stops for a predetermined stop time, and stops moving. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus returns to the home position while repeatedly stopping the image forming apparatus. The reading unit comprises:
When the image input from the predetermined information processing apparatus is continuously formed on a predetermined number or more of recording media, the number of recording media on which the image is continuously formed is less than the predetermined number, The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined stop time is extended, and the image forming apparatus is temporarily stopped. The reading unit comprises:
When the image input from the predetermined information processing apparatus is continuously formed on a predetermined number or more of recording media, the number of recording media on which the image is continuously formed is less than the predetermined number, 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the moving distance is shortened to increase the number of times of the temporary stop. A temperature detecting unit for detecting a temperature of the home position,
The reading unit comprises:
When the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the predetermined stop time is longer than when the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, or the moving is stopped. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the number of times of the temporary stop is increased by shortening a distance. A reading unit for reading an image of a document placed on a platen glass, a photoconductor on which a developed image of the image read by the reading unit is formed, and a transfer for transferring the developed image formed on the photoconductor to a recording medium And a fixing unit for fixing the image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer unit to the recording medium by heat, and is provided above the fixing unit and from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of the platen glass. A fixed document reading mode for reading an image of a document while moving the reading unit toward the unit, and an image of the document while passing the document over a reading unit fixed to the other longitudinal end of the platen glass. The image of the original is read in one of the two modes, and the developed image of the read image is transferred to a recording medium. In the image forming apparatus to wear,
The reading unit comprises:
An image forming apparatus, wherein the reading unit is located below a central portion in a longitudinal direction of the platen glass when the reading unit does not perform a reading operation for reading an image of a document. The fixing unit,
It is equipped with a heating body that is heated while adjusting its temperature,
12. An on-demand system in which the heating element is heated to adjust the temperature only when an image is formed and is not heated when no image is formed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images