JP2008199295A - Image scanner, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image scanner capable of preventing the discharge defect of an original to be discharged to a discharge tray, and to provide an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: An original detection sensor 26 detects the size of the original, and the result is outputted to a printer controller 35. A positioning part detection sensor 44 detects the positions of a first original width guide 34 and a second original width guide 39 with respect to the discharge tray 28, and the result is outputted to the printer controller 35. Then, it is decided whether a relation between the size of the original and the positions of the first and second original width guides 34, 39 with respect to the discharge tray 28 is appropriate or not. When it is decided that the relation is not appropriate, an error is displayed in a liquid crystal display part 27A and a speaker 49 outputs arbitrary alarm sound. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads an image of an original, and an image forming apparatus that reads an image of an original and forms the read image on a sheet.

Among conventional image reading apparatuses and image forming apparatuses, a document tray for setting a document, a document automatic transport device for transporting a document on the document tray to an arbitrary image reading portion, and a document automatic transport device In some cases, a paper discharge tray for discharging the printed document is provided. Here, for example, in the paper discharge tray, in order to prevent the discharged original document from jumping out of the paper output tray, a pair of original stoppers for restricting movement of the original in the discharge direction and a pair of restrictions for restricting movement of the original in the width direction. A document width guide is provided. In particular, in an image reading apparatus or an image forming apparatus that incorporates a high-speed scanner of a type that reads a document image at a high speed, the document discharge speed increases dramatically, so that it functions as a document stopper that restricts movement in the document discharge direction. Becomes important.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-20568

  By the way, in the conventional image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus, when the size of the document does not match the position of the document stopper or the position of the document width guide, specifically, the position of the document stopper is more than necessary. When it is close to the apparatus side or when the separation width of the document width guide is smaller than the paper width of the document, the discharged document hits the document stopper or the document width guide, resulting in document discharge failure. In particular, in an image reading apparatus or an image forming apparatus that incorporates a high-speed scanner of a type that reads an image of a document at high speed, there is a risk that the document that hits the document stopper or the document width guide may be bent.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can prevent a discharge failure of a document discharged to a discharge tray.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an image reading apparatus having a document tray on which a document is placed and a paper discharge tray from which a document on which an image has been read is discharged, and is moved onto the paper discharge tray. An original positioning unit that positions the original discharged to the discharge tray, a first detection unit that detects the original placed on the original tray, and the original positioning unit on the discharge tray. Control for determining whether or not the relationship between the size of the document and the position of the document positioning unit with respect to the sheet discharge tray is appropriate based on the second detection unit to be detected and the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. And a notifying unit for notifying an error when it is determined to be no by the control unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus having a paper discharge tray from which a document on which an image has been read is discharged, and an operation unit that starts reading the document, and is movable on the paper discharge tray. A document positioning unit that positions the document that is provided and is discharged to the discharge tray, a detection unit that detects the document positioning unit on the discharge tray, and the size of the document that is input or selected by operating the operation unit And a control unit that determines whether or not the relationship between the size of the document and the position of the document positioning unit with respect to the paper discharge tray is based on the detection result of the detection unit and the detection unit, and when the control unit determines NO And an informing unit for informing an error.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus having a document tray on which a document is placed and a paper discharge tray from which a document on which an image has been read is discharged, and is moved onto the paper discharge tray. A document positioning unit that positions the document discharged to the discharge tray, and a drive unit that moves the document positioning unit; a first detection unit that detects the document placed on the document tray; Based on the detection results of the second detection unit for detecting the document positioning unit on the paper discharge tray and the first detection unit and the second detection unit, the document positioning unit is moved to an arbitrary position. And a control unit that controls the driving unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus having a paper discharge tray from which a document on which an image has been read is discharged, and an operation unit for starting reading of the document, and being movable on the paper discharge tray. A document positioning unit that positions the document discharged to the discharge tray, a drive unit that moves the document positioning unit, a detection unit that detects the document positioning unit on the discharge tray, and the operation unit And a control unit that controls the drive unit so that the document positioning unit moves to an arbitrary position based on the size of the document input or selected by the operation and the detection result of the detection unit. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein an image of a document read by the image reading apparatus is formed on a sheet. It is characterized by.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the document placed on the document tray is discharged to the discharge tray after the image is read. A document positioning portion is movably provided on the discharge tray, and the document discharged to the discharge tray is positioned by the document positioning portion.

  Here, the document placed on the document tray is detected by the first detection unit, and the document positioning unit on the discharge tray is detected by the second detection unit. Based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, the control unit determines whether the relationship between the size of the document and the position of the document positioning unit with respect to the paper discharge tray is appropriate. As a result, if the control unit determines NO, the notification unit reports an error.

  As described above, when the position of the document positioning unit is not appropriate with respect to the size of the document on the document tray, an error can be notified to the user. In response to this notification, the user appropriately sets the document positioning portion to an appropriate position, thereby preventing document discharge failure.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the operation unit is operated by the user or the like and the size of the document is input or selected, the image of the document is read and then discharged to the discharge tray. . A document positioning portion is movably provided on the discharge tray, and the document discharged to the discharge tray is positioned by the document positioning portion.

  Here, the document positioning portion on the paper discharge tray is detected by the detection portion. Based on the document size input or selected by the operation of the operation unit and the detection result of the detection unit, the control unit determines whether or not the relationship between the document size and the position of the document positioning unit with respect to the discharge tray is appropriate. The As a result, if the control unit determines NO, the notification unit reports an error.

  As described above, when the position of the document positioning unit is not appropriate for the size of the document input or selected by the operation unit, an error can be notified to the user. In response to this notification, the user appropriately sets the document positioning portion to an appropriate position, thereby preventing document discharge failure.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the document placed on the document tray is discharged to the paper discharge tray after the image is read. A document positioning portion is movably provided on the discharge tray, and the document discharged to the discharge tray is positioned by the document positioning portion.

  Here, the document placed on the document tray is detected by the first detection unit, and the document positioning unit on the discharge tray is detected by the second detection unit. Then, based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, the drive unit is controlled by the control unit so that the document positioning unit moves to an arbitrary position.

  As described above, since the document positioning unit is automatically controlled so as to be in an optimum position with respect to the size of each document on the document tray, it is possible to prevent document discharge failure.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the operation unit is operated by the user or the like and the size of the document is input or selected, the image of the document is read and then discharged to the discharge tray. . A document positioning portion is movably provided on the discharge tray, and the document discharged to the discharge tray is positioned by the document positioning portion.

  Here, the document positioning portion on the paper discharge tray is detected by the detection portion. The drive unit is controlled by the control unit so that the document positioning unit moves to an arbitrary position based on the size of the document input or selected by operation of the operation unit and the detection result of the detection unit.

  As described above, since the document positioning unit is automatically controlled so as to be in an optimum position with respect to the size of the document input or selected by operation of the operation unit, it is possible to prevent document discharge failure.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is provided, and an image of a document read by the image reading apparatus is formed on a sheet. Also in this image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent document discharge failure.

  Next, an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus will be described.

  First, the external configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading device 11. The image reading apparatus 11 includes a document table 15. The document table 15 includes a scanner 29 (see FIG. 4) that is provided so as to be able to scan and reads an image (information) of the document. A document pressing cover 17 is attached to the upper surface of the document table 15 so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the upper surface of the document table 15. An operation unit 27 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the document table 15. When the user or the like operates the operation unit 27, image reading of a document is started. The operation unit 27 includes a liquid crystal display unit 27A (notification unit) for displaying arbitrary information, a plurality of input buttons 27B, and the like. Further, on the upper surface of the document pressing cover 17, an automatic document conveying device 19 for conveying the document to an arbitrary image reading portion is attached.

  A document tray 21 on which documents are placed is attached in the vicinity of the automatic document feeder 19. The document tray 21 is provided with a document regulation guide 24 that regulates the document by moving in the width direction on the document tray 21. Further, the document tray 21 is provided with a document detection sensor 26 (first detection unit, not shown in FIG. 1, see FIG. 4) for detecting a document. In other words, the document detection sensor 26 includes an optical sensor that detects the position of the document restriction guide 24, and specifies the size of the document from the position of the document restriction guide 24. The document detection sensor 26 may be a contact sensor (or pressure sensor) that detects a document by contacting the document set on the document tray 21. That is, the document detection sensor 26 detects the edge of the document set in the document tray 21 in the paper width direction, and specifies the size of the document based on the detection result. The detection result by the document detection sensor 26 is output to the printer controller 35 (see FIG. 4, control unit).

  A paper discharge tray 28 is formed below the document tray 21 (on the upper surface of the document pressing cover 17) and in the vicinity of the automatic document feeder 19. The document set on the document tray 21 is supplied to an arbitrary image reading portion by the automatic document feeder 19 to read the image, and is then discharged to the discharge tray 28. Note that the image of the document is read by the scanner 29 at an arbitrary image reading portion.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the paper discharge tray 28 is provided with a document stopper 30 (document positioning unit) for positioning the document with respect to the document transport direction (discharge direction). That is, the first long groove portion 32 extending along the document transport direction is formed on the upper surface of the paper discharge tray 28. A document stopper 30 is provided in the first long groove portion 32. The document stopper 30 is formed in an L shape in a side view and is inserted into the document stopper main body 30A located on the paper discharge tray 28 and the first long groove portion 32, and the document stopper main body 30A is formed into the first long groove portion 32. And a document stopper support portion (not shown) that supports the document stopper body 30A so as to be movable along the document. For this reason, the document stopper 30 can be moved along the first long groove portion 32, and when reading a small-size document image, the document stopper 30 is moved to the automatic document feeder 19 side, and a large-size document is read. When reading this image, the document stopper 30 can be moved to the side opposite to the automatic document feeder 19 side. In the present embodiment, the document stopper 30 can be moved manually.

  The paper discharge tray 28 is provided with a first document width guide 34 (document positioning unit) for positioning the document with respect to the paper width direction of the document. That is, a second long groove portion 37 extending along the paper width direction of the document is formed on one side in the width direction of the upper surface of the paper discharge tray 28. The second long groove portion 37 is provided with the first document width guide 34 described above. The first document width guide 34 is inserted into the first document width guide main body 34A, which is formed in an L shape in a side view and located on the sheet discharge tray 28, and the second long groove portion 37, and is inserted into the first document width guide 37. The first document width guide support portion (not shown) that supports the first document width guide main body 34A so that the main body 34A can move along the second long groove portion 37 is configured. Therefore, the first document width guide 34 can move along the second long groove portion 37, and when reading a small-size document image, the first document width guide 34 is moved to the central portion side of the discharge tray 28. When the image of a large document is read, the first document width guide 34 can be moved to the end side of the discharge tray 28. The first document width guide main body 34A is formed with a guide inclined portion 34B for guiding the document discharged from the automatic document feeder 19 to the document stopper 30 side. The guide inclined portion 34B is formed to be inclined so that the distance between the first document width guide 34 and the second document width guide 39 increases at a constant rate as the automatic document feeder 19 is approached. For this reason, the document discharged from the automatic document feeder 19 is easily guided between the first document width guide 34 and the second document width guide 39 by contacting the guide inclined portion 34B. In the present embodiment, the first document width guide 34 can be moved manually.

  The paper discharge tray 28 is provided with a second document width guide 39 (document positioning unit) for positioning the document with respect to the paper width direction of the document. That is, a third long groove portion 41 extending along the paper width direction of the document is formed on one side in the width direction of the upper surface of the paper discharge tray 28. The third long groove portion 41 is provided with the above-described second document width guide 39. The second document width guide 39 is inserted into the second document width guide main body 39A, which is formed in an L shape in a side view and located on the sheet discharge tray 28, and the third long groove portion 41, and is inserted into the second document width guide 41. A second document width guide support portion (not shown) that supports the second document width guide body 39A so that the main body 39A can move along the third long groove portion 41 is configured. Therefore, the second document width guide 39 can move along the third long groove portion 41, and when reading a small-size document image, the second document width guide 39 is moved to the center side of the discharge tray 28. When reading an image of a large document, the second document width guide 39 can be moved to the end side. The second document width guide main body 39A is formed with a guide inclined portion 39B for guiding the document discharged from the automatic document feeder 19 to the document stopper 30 side. The guide inclined portion 39B is formed to be inclined so that the distance between the first document width guide 34 and the second document width guide 39 increases at a constant rate as the automatic document feeder 19 is approached. For this reason, the document discharged from the automatic document feeder 19 is easily guided between the first document width guide 34 and the second document width guide 39 by contacting the guide inclined portion 39B. In the present embodiment, the second document width guide 39 can be moved manually. The first document width guide 34 and the second document width guide 39 are interlocked by a pinion gear (not shown).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a document stopper 30, a first document width guide 34, and a second document width guide 39 are detected in the discharge tray 28, and the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the like. A positioning part detection sensor 44 (second detection part, detection part) for specifying the position of the second document width guide 39 on the paper discharge tray 28 is provided. In other words, the positioning unit detection sensor 44 includes an optical sensor that detects the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39, and the document stopper 30 and the first document width guide 34. The size of the original that can be stored is specified from the position of the second original width guide 39. The detection result by the positioning unit detection sensor 44 is output to the printer controller 35.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a casing 45 is provided below the document table 15. A plurality of paper feed cassettes 13 are arranged in the housing unit 45. Each sheet cassette 13 stores sheets for forming an image of a document read by the scanner 29.

  In addition, a paper discharge portion 47 for discharging a paper on which an image is formed is formed between the document table 15 and the housing portion 45.

  Here, the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured as a so-called multi-function machine having a facsimile function and a copy function, and includes an MPU 12, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 14, a MODEM 16, a ROM 18, a RAM 20, A printer I / F 33 to which an image memory (DRAM) 23, a CODEC (encoder / decoder) 25, an operation unit 27, a scanner 29, a personal computer (PC) 31 are connected, and a speaker 49 (notification unit) And.

  The MPU 12 controls each unit constituting this apparatus. The NCU 14 controls the connection with the telephone line network (PSTN), receives the data of the received manuscript, and detects the function of sending a dial signal corresponding to the telephone number (including the FAX number) of the other party and the incoming call. It has a function for. MODEM 16 is an ITU (International Telecommunication Union) -T recommendation T.30. 30 based on the facsimile transmission control procedure according to 17, V. 27ter, V.I. The transmission data is modulated and the received data is demodulated in accordance with 29. Alternatively, in addition to these, V.P. 34, modulation of transmission data and demodulation of reception data are performed.

  The ROM 18 stores a program for controlling this apparatus. The RAM 20 temporarily stores data and the like. The image memory 23 temporarily stores received data and image data read by the scanner 29. In order to transmit the read image data, the CODEC 25 encodes (encodes) the MH, MR, MMR method, etc., and decodes (decodes) the received image data. The operation unit 27 is used by the user to instruct FAX transmission / reception, printing (paper printing), and the like. In particular, it is possible to start reading a document image by operating the operation unit 27. Further, the size of a document (for example, A3 size, A4 size, B3 size, B4 size, B5 size, etc.) from which an image will be read can be input or selected by the input button 27B of the operation unit 27. The scanner 29 reads the image data of the original when performing FAX transmission.

  The printer of this apparatus includes a printer controller (control means) 35 that controls each part of the printer. The printer controller 35 includes a RAM (storage means) 36.

  Further, a toner density sensor 98 is electrically connected to the printer controller 35, and the toner density (not shown) inside the developing device (not shown) detected by the toner density sensor 98 (in the developer composed of toner and carrier). The detection result of the ratio occupied by the toner is output.

  The printer controller 35 has a built-in RAM 36 for storing a program for executing a predetermined control when the manuscript image reading operation is performed by the operation unit 27. That is, the RAM 36 stores the document size, the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 discharge tray 28 based on the detection results of the document detection sensor 26 and the positioning unit detection sensor 44. A program for determining whether or not the relationship with the position is appropriate is stored. For example, when a document of a size detected by a detection result of the document detection sensor 26 (or a document of a size input or selected by the operation unit 27) is discharged to the discharge tray 28, the detection by the positioning unit detection sensor 44 is detected. It is determined whether or not the current document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 detected based on the result can be stored in the document storage size determined by the positions with respect to the paper discharge tray 28. As a criterion for this determination, the size of the document and the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34 and the second document width guide 39 which are specified based on the detection result by the positioning unit detection sensor 44 with respect to the discharge tray 28. A table showing the correspondence relationship between and is used.

  In addition to the configuration in which the size of the original is specified on the original detection sensor 26 side, only the presence or absence of the original is detected by the original detection sensor 26, and the detection result is transmitted to the printer controller 35. The document size may be specified based on a table or a program.

  In addition to the configuration for specifying the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34 and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28 on the positioning unit detection sensor 44 side, the document stopper 30 is detected by the positioning unit detection sensor 44. Only the presence or absence of the first document width guide 34 and the second document width guide 39 is detected, and the detection result is transmitted to the printer controller 35. The printer controller 35 causes the document stopper 30 and the first document to be detected based on a predetermined table or program. The positions of the first document width guide 34 and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28 (the size of the document that can be stored in the area defined by the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39). It may be specified.

  When the printer controller 35 determines that the relationship between the document size and the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28 is in other words, If it is determined that the size of the document is larger than the document storage size specified by the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28, the printer The controller 35 controls the operation unit 27 or the speaker 49 to notify an error. As an error notification method, an error is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 27A. For example, on the liquid crystal display unit 27A, “please check the size of the document or the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the discharge tray 28”. Characters are displayed. A predetermined warning sound is output from the speaker 49 to notify the user of an error.

  As an error notification timing, it is preferable that an error be notified immediately when the operation unit 27 is operated to start reading an image of a document.

  As another error notification method, it may be set to be controlled by the printer controller 35 so that image reading of a document is not started even when a user or the like operates the operation unit 27.

  Inside the image forming apparatus 10, a photosensitive drum 42 having a photoconductive film on its outer peripheral surface is disposed as a photosensitive member, and the photosensitive drum 42 is rotated by a drive source (not shown). A charging brush 53 is disposed around the photosensitive drum 42 as a brush roller type charger, and a predetermined bias voltage is applied to the charging brush 53 by a charging bias application circuit 54. The charging brush 53 to which the bias voltage is applied charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42 uniformly to about −750 V while rotating.

  An LED print head 50 serving as an exposure unit disposed around the photosensitive drum 42 includes a large number of LEDs arranged in parallel. The LED print head 50 irradiates light to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42 based on input image information. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed. Note that the output of the LED print head 50 is controlled by the printer controller 35.

  The developing device disposed around the photosensitive drum 42 includes a supply roller 58, a developing roller 48, a blade 60, a developing device bias application circuit 62, and the like. The supply roller 58 supplies toner from a toner case (not shown) containing toner to the developing roller 48 while charging the toner. A predetermined bias voltage (−) is supplied to the supply roller 58 by a developing device bias application circuit 62. 300V to -700V, preferably about -500V). A predetermined bias voltage (−300 V to −400 V, preferably −350 V) is applied to the developing roller 48 disposed in contact with the supply roller 58 and the photosensitive drum 42 by the developing device bias applying circuit 62. The developing device bias application circuit 62 is controlled by the printer controller 35.

  The blade 60 elastically contacts the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 48 and makes the layer thickness of the toner adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 48 uniform. A predetermined bias is applied to the blade 60 by a developer bias application circuit 62. The bias voltage (−300 V to −700 V, preferably about −400 V) is applied.

  Further, a transfer roller 40 serving as a transfer device disposed around the photosensitive drum 42 is disposed so as to come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42 across the sheet conveyance path, and is rotated by a drive source (not shown). The A predetermined bias voltage (transfer bias) is applied to the transfer roller 40 by a transfer bias application circuit 38. When a bias voltage is applied to the transfer roller 40, an inflow current flows through the transfer roller 40. The inflow current of the transfer roller 40 is detected by the current detection unit 66, and the detected current value is stored in the RAM 36 of the printer controller 35. Saved in. The transfer bias application circuit 38 is controlled by the printer controller 35.

  The fixing unit 45 disposed on the sheet delivery side of the sheet conveyance path includes a heating roller 68 having a heater 46 such as a halogen lamp, a heater driving circuit 70, a press roller 72, and the like. The heater 46 of the heating roller 68 is heated to a predetermined temperature by a heater driving circuit 70 controlled by the printer controller 35. The heating roller 68 and the press roller 72 fix the toner image on the paper by heat-pressing the paper after the transfer by the transfer roller 40.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, a memory removal brush 74 is disposed around the photosensitive drum 42. The memory removal brush 74 is for removing a toner image (memory image) remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42 along the contour of the image after transfer. The memory removal brush 74 includes a memory removal brush voltage application circuit. A predetermined bias voltage is applied by 76.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a temperature sensor 43 that detects the surface temperature of the heating roller 68. The detection result by the temperature sensor 43 can be output to the printer controller 35. The temperature sensor 43 is preferably a thermistor that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 68.

  Further, a PSS (paper detection sensor) 78 for detecting paper is disposed on the upstream side of the photosensitive drum 42 in the paper conveyance direction. The detection result of this PSS 78 is output to the printer controller 35. The conveyed sheet is detected by the PSS 78, and using this detection result as a trigger, image formation on the sheet is realized downstream in the sheet conveying direction.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a paper feed roller 80. The paper feed roller 80 is for sequentially supplying the paper stored in the paper feed cassette 13 to a paper transport path (not shown). A motor 82 as a drive source is connected to the paper feed roller 80 via a clutch 84. In a state where the paper feed roller 80 is connected to the motor 82 via the clutch 84, the driving force of the motor 82 is transmitted to the paper feed roller 80, and the paper feed roller 80 rotates.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above, the printing operation is well known. However, in general, the photosensitive drum 42 is uniformly charged to about −750 V by the charging brush 53, and the LED print head is applied to the photosensitive drum 42. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed by 50, and toner is attracted to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 42 by the developing roller 48 to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 42. Then, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 42 is transferred onto the paper by the transfer roller 40. After the transfer, the paper is heated and pressurized by the heating roller 68 and the press roller 72, and the toner image is fixed on the paper as a permanent image.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, when a document is set on the document tray 21, the document detection sensor 26 detects the size of the document. A document size detection result by the document detection sensor 26 is output to the printer controller 35. The positioning unit detection sensor 44 detects the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28. Then, the detection result by the positioning unit detection sensor 44 is output to the printer controller 35.

  In the printer controller 35, the size of the document, the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width are determined based on the detection results of the document detection sensor 26 and the positioning unit detection sensor 44 and the program stored in the RAM 36. It is determined whether the relationship of the position of the guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28 is appropriate. The details of the determination process by the printer controller 35 are as described above.

  As a result, if the printer controller 35 determines that the relationship between the document size and the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28, in other words, For example, when it is determined that the document size is larger than the document storage size specified by the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28, When the operation unit 27 is operated to start reading an image of an original, an error is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 27A, or an arbitrary warning sound is output from the speaker 49.

  As a result, the user recognizes that the size of the original does not match the size of the original that can be accommodated in the area defined by the original stopper 30, the first original width guide 34, and the second original width guide 39. be able to. Then, the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the sheet discharge tray 28 are adjusted so that the size of the document matches the size of the document that can be accommodated on the sheet discharge tray 28. As a result, it is possible to prevent document discharge failure.

  Note that the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the document size is specified by the document detection sensor 26. For example, when the size of the document from which an image is read is input or selected by the operation unit 27, the input result or the selection result is also selected. And whether or not the relationship between the size of the document and the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28 is determined based on the detection result of the positioning unit detection sensor 44. You may comprise so that it may judge.

  Further, instead of notifying the error, it may be set so that the reading of the document is not started even when the operation unit 27 is operated.

  Next, an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the same components as those in the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus including the image reading apparatus will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a drive unit 51 that moves the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 is provided. As the drive unit 51, for example, each ball screw that passes through each of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39, a gear that rotationally drives the ball screw, and a motor that transmits power to the gear. Etc. In addition, each ball screw is arrange | positioned so that the axial direction may correspond with the extending direction of each long groove part. In addition, grooves that engage with the respective ball screws are respectively formed in the attachment portions through which the ball screws of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 pass. Thus, when each ball screw is rotationally driven by the motor via the gear, the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 are in the axial direction of each ball screw (the extending direction of each long groove portion). ) The positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 relative to the paper discharge tray 28 by the positioning unit detection sensor 44 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The driving of the driving unit 51 is controlled by the printer controller 35.

  According to the present embodiment, when a document is set on the document tray 21, the document detection sensor 26 detects the size of the document. A document size detection result by the document detection sensor 26 is output to the printer controller 35. The positioning unit detection sensor 44 detects the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28. Then, the detection result by the positioning unit detection sensor 44 is output to the printer controller 35.

  In the printer controller 35, the size of the document, the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width are determined based on the detection results of the document detection sensor 26 and the positioning unit detection sensor 44 and the program stored in the RAM 36. It is determined whether the relationship of the position of the guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28 is appropriate.

  As a result, if the printer controller 35 determines that the relationship between the document size and the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28, in other words, For example, when it is determined that the document size is larger than the document storage size specified by the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28, The drive unit 51 is driven and controlled by the printer controller 35, and the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 are in arbitrary positions (the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide The area divided by 39 is moved to a size capable of storing a document).

  As described above, the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the first document width guide 34 are arranged so that the area defined by the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 has a size capable of accommodating the document. 2 Since the position of the document width guide 39 is automatically adjusted, it is possible to prevent document discharge failure.

  Note that the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the document size is specified by the document detection sensor 26. For example, when the size of the document from which an image is read is input or selected by the operation unit 27, the input result or the selection result is also selected. And whether or not the relationship between the size of the document and the positions of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28 is determined based on the detection result of the positioning unit detection sensor 44. The position of the document stopper 30, the first document width guide 34, and the second document width guide 39 with respect to the paper discharge tray 28 may be automatically adjusted.

  Further, in the image reading apparatus constituted by the scanner 29 alone, the size of the document and the position of the document positioning unit (document stopper 30, first document width guide 34, and second document width guide 39) with respect to the discharge tray 28 are determined. A configuration in which a printer controller 35 for controlling the relationship and a notification unit such as a liquid crystal display unit 27A are provided on the scanner 29 side may be employed.

1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part illustrating a positioning unit on a paper discharge tray of the image forming apparatus including the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a partial front view of an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an internal configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an internal block diagram of the image forming apparatus provided with the image reading apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Image reading apparatus 21 Document tray 26 Document detection sensor (1st detection part)
27 Operation unit 27A Liquid crystal display unit (notification unit)
28 Paper discharge tray 30 Document stopper (document positioning unit)
34 First document width guide (document positioning unit)
35 Printer controller (control unit)
39 Second document width guide (document positioning section)
44 Positioning part detection sensor (second detection part, detection part)
49 Speaker (notification part)
51 Drive unit

Claims (5)

An image reading apparatus having a document tray on which a document is placed and a paper discharge tray from which a document on which an image has been read is discharged,
A document positioning unit that is movably provided on the sheet discharge tray and positions the document discharged to the sheet discharge tray;
A first detection unit for detecting a document placed on the document tray;
A second detection unit for detecting the document positioning unit on the discharge tray;
A control unit that determines whether or not a relationship between a document size and a position of the document positioning unit with respect to the sheet discharge tray is appropriate based on detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit;
An informing unit for informing an error when it is determined as NO by the control unit;
An image reading apparatus comprising: An image reading apparatus having a paper discharge tray for discharging a document from which an image has been read,
An operation unit that starts reading a document;
A document positioning unit that is movably provided on the sheet discharge tray and positions the document discharged to the sheet discharge tray;
A detection unit for detecting the document positioning unit on the discharge tray;
Control for determining whether or not the relationship between the size of the document and the position of the document positioning unit with respect to the sheet discharge tray is appropriate based on the size of the document input or selected by the operation of the operation unit and the detection result of the detection unit And
An informing unit for informing an error when it is determined as NO by the control unit;
An image reading apparatus comprising: An image reading apparatus having a document tray on which a document is placed and a paper discharge tray from which a document on which an image has been read is discharged,
A document positioning unit that is movably provided on the sheet discharge tray and positions the document discharged to the sheet discharge tray;
A drive unit for moving the document positioning unit;
A first detection unit for detecting a document placed on the document tray;
A second detection unit for detecting the document positioning unit on the discharge tray;
A control unit that controls the drive unit so that the document positioning unit moves to an arbitrary position based on detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit;
An image reading apparatus comprising: An image reading apparatus having a paper discharge tray for discharging a document from which an image has been read,
An operation unit that starts reading a document;
A document positioning unit that is movably provided on the sheet discharge tray and positions the document discharged to the sheet discharge tray;
A drive unit for moving the document positioning unit;
A detection unit for detecting the document positioning unit on the discharge tray;
A control unit that controls the drive unit so that the document positioning unit moves to an arbitrary position based on the size of the document input or selected by the operation of the operation unit and the detection result of the detection unit;
An image reading apparatus comprising: The image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus for forming an image of a document read by the image reading apparatus on a sheet.

Images