JP6859946B2 - Paper transfer device and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a paper transport device and an image forming device for transporting paper.

Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus that conveys paper and prints an image on the conveyed paper. Such an image forming apparatus is provided with a paper conveying device for conveying paper (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The paper transport device (sheet transport device) of Patent Document 1 has a function of correcting a misalignment of paper in a width direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction. Specifically, the paper transport device of Patent Document 1 is provided with an edge sensor (CD sensor) for detecting the edge of the paper. The edge sensor turns on when the paper is misaligned to one side in the width direction and turns off when the paper is misaligned to the other side in the width direction. That is, the edge sensor changes the output value according to the presence or absence of paper at the detection position of the edge sensor (the edge sensor turns on when there is paper at the detection position of the edge sensor). Then, the paper transport device of Patent Document 1 corrects the positional deviation in the width direction of the paper based on the output value of the edge sensor.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-175649

There are various types of paper transported by the paper transport device. For example, special paper having a specially shaped portion such as a tab or a hole is to be conveyed. In the paper transport device of Patent Document 1, when special paper is a transport target, the following inconveniences may occur.

For example, assume that the paper to be conveyed is index paper having tabs. In this case, if edge detection is performed based on the output value of the edge sensor while the detection position of the edge sensor in the paper transport direction and the position of the tab in the paper transport direction match, the position of the index paper in the width direction is accurate. It cannot be recognized, and as a result, there is a disadvantage that the positional deviation of the index paper in the width direction cannot be accurately corrected. Similar inconveniences can occur when the paper to be transported is other special paper such as loose-leaf paper having holes.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and even when the paper to be transported is special paper, a paper transport device capable of accurately correcting the positional deviation in the width direction of the paper and the paper transport device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the paper transport device according to the first aspect of the present invention has a roller member that transports paper by niping and rotating the paper at a predetermined position on the paper transport path, and a roller member that transports the paper. An edge for detecting the edge of the paper at the drive unit driven in the width direction orthogonal to the direction and the edge detection position which is a position downstream of the predetermined position in the paper transport direction and one side in the width direction. When the amount of paper conveyed from the sensor and the predetermined position reaches a preset target amount, the rotation of the roller member is stopped, and the drive unit is controlled based on the output value of the edge sensor to move the roller member in the width direction. It is provided with a control unit that performs a misalignment correction process for moving and correcting the position of the paper in the width direction. Then, when the paper is a special paper having a special shape portion at the tip end portion in the paper transport direction, the control unit increases the target transport amount as compared with the case where the paper is not the special paper.

The image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned paper conveying apparatus.

In the configuration of the present invention, the paper to be transported by the paper transport device is a special paper having a special shape portion at the tip portion in the paper transport direction (index paper having a tab at the tip portion in the paper transport direction or the index paper in the paper transport direction). In the case of loose leaf paper having a hole at the tip (such as loose leaf paper), the target transport amount is larger than when the transport target paper is not special paper. That is, when the paper to be conveyed is special paper, the amount of protrusion of the tip of the paper from a predetermined position when the misalignment correction processing is performed is larger than when the paper to be conveyed is not special paper. .. Therefore, when the paper to be transported is a special paper having a special shape portion at the tip portion, the misalignment correction processing is performed in a state where the position of the special shape portion of the special paper in the paper transport direction matches the edge detection position. (The misalignment correction process is performed while the special shape portion of the special paper is located downstream of the edge detection position in the paper transport direction). As a result, the misalignment in the width direction of the paper can be accurately corrected regardless of the type of the paper to be conveyed (even if the paper to be conveyed is special paper).

According to the configuration of the present invention, even when the paper to be conveyed is special paper, the positional deviation in the width direction of the paper can be accurately corrected.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the paper transporting apparatus (multifunction machine) by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the structure of the transport part of the paper transport device by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the transport part of the paper transport device by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the position deviation correction processing performed by the transport control part of the paper transport apparatus according to one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the position of the tip part of the plain paper when the transport control part of the paper transport apparatus according to one Embodiment of this invention performs the position deviation correction processing of the plain paper. It is a figure which shows the special paper (index paper) which can be conveyed by the paper transfer apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the special paper (loose-leaf paper) which can be conveyed by the paper transfer apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the inconvenience which may occur when the protrusion amount (target transfer amount) from the resist position of the tip part of special paper is small. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting method of the target transport amount set by the transport control part of the paper transport apparatus according to one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the transfer amount setting process performed by the transfer control part of the paper transfer apparatus according to one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the position of the tip part of the special paper when the transport control part of the paper transport apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention performs the misalignment correction processing of a special paper.

<Device configuration>
As shown in FIG. 1, the paper transport device 100 of this embodiment is connected to the main body of the multifunction device 200. The multifunction device 200 corresponds to an "image forming apparatus".

The multifunction device 200 includes a multifunction device control unit 20. The multifunction device control unit 20 includes a CPU and a memory. The multifunction device control unit 20 performs processing for controlling each unit of the multifunction device 200. The program and data for operating the CPU of the multifunction device control unit 20 are stored in the memory of the multifunction device control unit 20.

In addition, the multifunction device 200 includes an image reading unit 21. The image scanning unit 21 reads the document and generates scanning data including the image data of the document. The image reading unit 21 includes a light source and an image sensor. The light source irradiates the document with light. The image sensor receives the reflected light reflected by the document and performs photoelectric conversion.

The light source and the image sensor are installed inside the housing of the image reading unit 21. A contact glass is installed on the upper surface of the housing of the image reading unit 21. Further, in the housing of the image reading unit 21, a document cover is installed so as to be openable and closable with respect to the contact glass. Then, the image reading unit 21 reads the document set on the contact glass.

In addition, the multifunction device 200 includes a printing unit 22. When the printing job is executed, the printing unit 22 conveys the paper from the paper feed position to the printing position, and prints an image on the paper when the conveyed paper passes through the printing position. The printed paper P (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is carried into the paper transport device 100. The printing method of the printing unit 22 may be an inkjet method or a laser method.

When the printing method of the printing unit 22 is an inkjet method, an ink head or the like is provided at the printing position of the printing unit 22. The inkjet printing unit 22 ejects ink toward the paper being conveyed and attaches the ink to the paper.

When the printing method of the printing unit 22 is a laser method, the printing unit 22 is provided with a photoconductor drum, a charging device, a developing device, an exposure device, a transfer roller, and the like. Then, a transfer nip is formed by the photoconductor drum and the transfer roller, and the transfer nip is arranged at the printing position. The laser-type printing unit 22 develops an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image to be printed into a toner image, and transfers the toner image to the paper being conveyed.

Although not shown, a paper cassette for accommodating paper is detachably installed in the multifunction device 200. In printing by the printing unit 22, the stored paper in the paper cassette is fed from the paper feeding position. When the bypass tray is installed in the multifunction device 200, the paper loaded in the bypass tray can be used for printing.

The image reading unit 21 and the printing unit 22 are connected to the multifunction device control unit 20. The multifunction device control unit 20 controls the reading operation of the image reading unit 21. In addition, the multifunction device control unit 20 controls the printing operation of the printing unit 22.

In addition, the multifunction device 200 includes an operation panel 23. The operation panel 23 includes a touch screen and hardware buttons. The touch screen displays a screen on which software buttons are arranged, and accepts a touch operation on the display screen (software button) from the user. A plurality of hardware buttons are provided on the operation panel 23. The hardware button includes, for example, a start button for accepting a start operation instructing the execution of a job from a user.

The operation panel 23 is connected to the multifunction device control unit 20. The multifunction device control unit 20 controls the display operation of the operation panel 23. Further, the multifunction device control unit 20 detects the operation performed on the operation panel 23.

The paper transport device 100 receives the printed paper P (see FIGS. 2 and 3) from the main body of the multifunction device 200, and transports the paper P. For example, the paper transport device 100 is connected to the post-processing device and carries the paper P into the post-processing device. The aftertreatment device discharges the paper P to the outside. The post-processing device performs post-processing such as punch processing, staple processing, and sorting processing on the paper P to be discharged to the outside.

The paper transport device 100 includes a transport control unit 10. The transport control unit 10 includes a CPU and a memory. The transport control unit 10 is communicably connected to the multifunction device control unit 20. The transfer control unit 10 receives an instruction from the multifunction device control unit 20 and performs a process for controlling each unit of the paper transfer device 100. The program and data for operating the transfer control unit 10 are stored in the memory of the transfer control unit 10. The transport control unit 10 corresponds to a "control unit".

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the paper transport device 100 includes a paper transport path 10P. Then, the paper transport device 100 transports the paper P along the paper transport path 10P (the paper P is advanced in the paper transport direction). Further, the paper transport device 100 includes a transport unit 11 for transporting the paper P.

The transport unit 11 includes a plurality of transport roller pairs 110 installed in the paper transport path 10P. The number of transport roller pairs 110 installed is not particularly limited. In FIGS. 2 and 3, as an example, a case where the number of transport roller pairs 110 installed is four is shown. The plurality of transport roller pairs 110 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the paper transport direction. Each transport roller pair 110 has two rollers that are in pressure contact with each other. Each transport roller pair 110 transports the paper P by niping the paper P between the rollers and rotating the paper P.

Of the plurality of transport roller pairs 110, the transport roller pair 110 installed on the most downstream side in the paper transport direction repeats rotation and rotation stop during paper transport (pauses the progress of the paper P during transport). ). In the following description, among the plurality of transport roller pairs 110, the transport roller pair 110 installed on the most downstream side in the paper transport direction is referred to as a resist roller pair 111, and the remaining transport roller pair 110 is referred to as an upstream roller pair 112. Sometimes referred to. Further, the installation position of the resist roller pair 111 is referred to as a resist position RP. The resist roller pair 111 corresponds to a "roller member". The resist position RP corresponds to the "predetermined position".

Further, the transport unit 11 includes a transport motor FM (see FIG. 1). Power is transmitted from the transfer motor FM to rotate the plurality of transfer roller pairs 110. The number of transfer motor FMs installed is not particularly limited. For example, one transport motor FM may be installed in the paper transport device 100, and a plurality of transport roller pairs 110 may be rotated by one transport motor FM. Alternatively, the same number of transfer motors FM as the transfer roller pairs 110 may be installed in the paper transfer device 100, and each transfer roller pair 110 may be rotated by a separate transfer motor FM.

Each transfer roller 110 is connected to the transfer motor FM via a transfer clutch FC (see FIG. 1). Thereby, the connection and disconnection between each transfer roller 110 and the transfer motor FM can be switched.

Here, each of the plurality of transport roller pairs 110 is movably supported in a width direction (hereinafter, simply referred to as a width direction) orthogonal to the paper transport direction. The movement of each transport roller pair 110 in the width direction is performed by the drive unit 12 (see FIG. 1). For example, a plurality of drive units 12 are installed in the paper transfer device 100, and one drive unit 12 is assigned to each transfer roller pair 110.

The drive unit 12 includes a motion conversion mechanism 120 (see FIG. 1) and a correction motor CM (see FIG. 1). The motion conversion mechanism 120 is connected to the correction motor CM and converts the rotational motion of the correction motor CM into a linear motion. For example, the transport roller pair 110 is supported by a support frame (not shown) that is movable in the width direction. Then, the power of the correction motor CM converted by the motion conversion mechanism 120 is transmitted to the support frame. As a result, the correction motor CM is driven, so that the transport roller pair 110 moves in the width direction.

Returning to FIG. 1, the transport unit 11 is connected to the transport control unit 10. The transport control unit 10 controls the transport unit 11 (controls the transport of the paper P). Specifically, the transfer control unit 10 is connected to the transfer motor FM and controls the drive of the transfer motor FM (rotates the transfer roller pair 110). Further, the transfer control unit 10 is connected to the transfer clutch FC and controls on / off of the transfer clutch FC (switches between rotation and stop of rotation of the transfer roller pair 110).

A resist sensor RS is provided in the paper transport device 100 in order to cause the transport control unit 10 to control the transport of the paper P. The resist sensor RS sets the detection position at a position upstream of the resist position RP of the paper transport path 10P in the paper transport direction (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In the following description, the detection position of the resist sensor RS is referred to as the resist detection position RD.

For example, the resist sensor RS is an optical sensor. The resist sensor RS changes the output value according to the presence or absence of the paper P at the resist detection position RD. When the paper P is present at the resist detection position RD (when the tip of the paper P reaches), the resist sensor RS outputs a value indicating the presence of the paper P.

The resist sensor RS is connected to the transport control unit 10. The transport control unit 10 detects the arrival of the leading edge of the paper P and the passing of the trailing edge of the paper P at the resist detection position RD based on the output value of the resist sensor RS. Further, when the time required for the paper P to advance between the resist detection position RD and the resist position RP elapses after the transport control unit 10 detects the arrival of the tip of the paper P at the resist detection position RD. , It is determined that the tip of the paper P has reached the resist position RP.

When the paper P is received from the main body of the multifunction device 200, the transfer control unit 10 rotates the upstream roller pair 112 with the rotation of the resist roller pair 111 stopped. The transfer control unit 10 maintains the rotation of the resist roller pair 111 stopped until a predetermined deflection forming time elapses after the tip of the paper P reaches the resist position RP. At this time, since the upstream roller pair 112 continues to rotate, the tip portion of the paper P that has reached the resist position RP in the paper transport direction (the portion of the paper P on the downstream side in the paper transport direction) is bent. To. That is, the transport control unit 10 performs a bending forming process for forming bending at the tip of the paper P. The transport control unit 10 stops the rotation of the upstream roller pair 112 when the bending formation time elapses after the tip of the paper P reaches the resist position RP. Then, the transfer control unit 10 rotates the resist roller pair 111 after forming a bend at the tip end portion of the paper P. The upstream roller pair 112 rotates in accordance with the paper P.

By performing such a deflection forming process, the skew of the paper P is corrected. As will be described in detail later, depending on the type of paper P, the bending forming process may not be performed.

The drive unit 12 is connected to the transport control unit 10. The transport control unit 10 controls the drive unit 12. Specifically, the transfer control unit 10 is connected to the correction motor CM and controls the drive of the correction motor CM (moves a plurality of transfer roller pairs 110 in the width direction). The transport control unit 10 uses the drive unit 12 to perform a position shift correction process for correcting the position shift of the paper P in the width direction. Details will be described later.

Further, the paper transport device 100 includes a storage unit 13. The storage unit 13 is a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM (EEPROM or the like). The storage unit 13 is connected to the transport control unit 10. The transport control unit 10 reads information from the storage unit 13 and writes information to the storage unit 13.

<Position deviation correction processing>
Hereinafter, the positional deviation correction process performed by the transport control unit 10 will be specifically described. The misalignment correction process by the transport control unit 10 is performed regardless of the type of paper P.

As shown in FIG. 1, the paper transport device 100 includes an edge sensor ES. The edge sensor ES is connected to the transport control unit 10. The position shift correction process by the transport control unit 10 is performed based on the output value of the edge sensor ES.

The edge sensor ES is a sensor for detecting the edge of the paper P. The edge sensor ES has a detection position of the paper transport path 10P, which is a position downstream of the resist position RP in the paper transport direction and one side in the width direction (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In the following description, the detection position of the edge sensor ES is referred to as an edge detection position ED.

For example, the edge sensor ES is an optical sensor. The edge sensor ES changes the output value according to the presence or absence of the paper P at the edge detection position ED. When the paper P is present at the edge detection position ED, the edge sensor ES outputs a value indicating the presence of the paper P.

In the position misalignment correction processing by the transport control unit 10, as shown in FIG. 4, one side (outermost) in the width direction of the tip portion of the paper P in the paper transport direction (the portion downstream of the paper transport direction of the paper P). ) Is corrected so that the position in the width direction of the edge coincides with the edge detection position ED (the position in the width direction of the paper P is corrected to the target position). FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which the position of the paper P in the width direction is corrected to the target position.

The transport control unit 10 sets the target transport amount in advance in order to perform the misalignment correction process. The method of setting the target transport amount will be described later. Then, the transfer control unit 10 stops the rotation of the transfer roller pair 110 when the transfer amount of the paper P from the resist position RP reaches the target transfer amount. At this point, the tip of the paper P in the paper transport direction protrudes downstream from the resist position RP in the paper transport direction. The target transport amount is set so that the tip position of the paper P in the paper transport direction is a position downstream of the edge detection position ED in the paper transport direction.

When performing the deflection forming process, the transfer control unit 10 starts the rotation of the resist roller pair 111 after forming the deflection at the tip of the paper P in the paper transfer direction. In this case, the transfer control unit 10 stops the rotation of the resist roller pair 111 when the time required to advance the paper P by the target transfer amount elapses from the start of the rotation of the resist roller pair 111.

When the bending forming process is not performed, the transfer control unit 10 rotates both the resist roller pair 111 and the upstream roller 112 when the paper P is received from the main body of the multifunction device 200. In this case, the transport control unit 10 stops the rotation of the resist roller pair 111 and the upstream roller pair 112 when a predetermined time elapses after detecting that the tip of the paper P has reached the resist detection position RD. The predetermined time is the total time of the time required for the paper P to advance between the resist detection position RD and the resist position RP and the time required for the paper to advance by the target transport amount.

Then, the transport control unit 10 performs the misalignment correction process in a state where the tip end portion of the paper P in the paper transport direction protrudes downstream from the resist position RP in the paper transport direction. Specifically, the transport control unit 10 performs edge detection for detecting the presence or absence of paper P at the edge detection position ED based on the output value of the edge sensor ES.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the paper P is displaced to the other side opposite to one side (edge detection position ED side) in the width direction of the paper transport path 10P, the transport control unit 10 moves the edge detection position. Detects that there is no paper P in the ED (edge sensor ES outputs a value indicating the absence of paper P). In this case, the transfer control unit 10 controls the drive unit 12 and directs the plurality of transfer roller pairs 110 to one side in the width direction until the output value of the edge sensor ES changes to a value indicating the presence or absence of the paper P. Move. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 4 is obtained.

Further, although not shown, when the paper P is displaced to one side (edge detection position ED side) in the width direction of the paper transport path 10P, the transport control unit 10 detects that the paper P is present at the edge detection position ED. (The edge sensor ES outputs a value indicating the presence or absence of paper P). In this case, the transport control unit 10 controls the drive unit 12 to move the plurality of transport roller pairs 110 toward the other side opposite to one side in the width direction. For example, the transfer control unit 10 stops the movement of the plurality of transfer roller pairs 110 after a certain period of time has elapsed after the output value of the edge sensor ES changes to a value indicating the absence of paper P.

After that, the transfer control unit 10 controls the drive unit 12 and moves the plurality of transfer roller pairs 110 toward one side in the width direction until the output value of the edge sensor ES changes to a value indicating the presence or absence of the paper P. Let me. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 4 is obtained.

After performing the misalignment correction process, the transfer control unit 10 rotates the plurality of transfer roller pairs 110 while maintaining the positions of the plurality of transfer roller pairs 110 in the width direction at the positions after the position deviation correction process. As a result, the paper P corrected for the positional deviation in the width direction is transported from the paper transport device 100 toward the post-processing device. When the rear end of the paper P in the paper transport direction passes through the resist position RP, the transport control unit 10 returns the positions of the plurality of transport rollers vs. 110 in the width direction to the positions (initial positions) before the position deviation correction process.

<Target transport volume>
The paper transport device 100 can transport various types of paper P. For example, index paper (paper P having tabs for indexing) as shown in FIG. 6 and loose-leaf paper (paper P having holes for binding to a commercially available binder) as shown in FIG. 7 can be transported. Further, although not shown, punched paper (paper P having holes arbitrarily punched by the user with a punching device) can also be a transport target. Further, although not shown, paper P having rounded corners may also be a transport target. That is, the paper P having a specially shaped portion, which is a portion where a tab, a hole, or the like is formed, can be a transport target.

In the following description, the paper P having the special shape portion is referred to as a special paper, and the reference numeral SP is attached to the special shape portion of the special paper SP. Further, in order to distinguish between the special paper SP and the paper P that is not the special paper SP, the paper P that is not the special paper SP is referred to as plain paper and is designated by the reference numeral PP. The paper P shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is plain paper PP.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8, there may be a special shape portion SS at the tip end portion of the special paper SP in the paper transport direction (the portion on the downstream side of the special paper SP in the paper transport direction). In FIG. 8, as an example, it is assumed that the special paper SP is an index paper.

Further, as shown in the upper figure of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the position of the special shape portion SS of the special paper SP in the paper transport direction coincides with the edge detection position ED at the start of the misalignment correction process. Further, it is assumed that the special paper SP is displaced to the other side opposite to one side (edge detection position ED side) in the width direction of the paper transport path 10P.

In this case, when the misalignment correction process is performed from the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 8, a plurality of transport roller pairs are used until the tab of the index paper (special shape portion SS of the special paper SP) reaches the edge detection position ED. 110 is moved toward one side in the width direction. As a result, the state shown in the lower figure of FIG. 8 is obtained. That is, the widthwise edge of the index paper cannot be aligned with the target position.

When the special paper SP having the special shape portion SS at the tip end portion in the paper transport direction is transported, the same inconvenience may occur not only for the index paper but also for the index paper.

Therefore, the transport control unit 10 recognizes whether or not the paper P to be transported is a special paper SP having a special shape portion SS at the tip end portion in the paper transport direction. Then, when the paper P to be transported is plain paper PP, the transport control unit 10 sets the target transport amount to a predetermined reference amount. On the other hand, when the paper P to be transported is a special paper SP having a special shape portion SS at the tip in the paper transport direction, the transport control unit 10 performs the transport amount setting process for setting the target transport amount in the first mode and This is performed in any of the second modes. When the transport amount setting process by the transport control unit 10 is performed in either the first mode or the second mode, the target transport amount becomes larger than the reference amount.

Even if the paper P to be conveyed is the special paper SP, if there is no special shape portion SS at the tip end portion in the paper transport direction (if there is a special shape portion SS at the rear end portion in the paper transport direction), the target It is not necessary to make the transport amount larger than the reference amount. Therefore, even if the paper P to be transported is the special paper SP, the target transport amount may be set to the reference amount as long as there is no special shape portion SS at the tip portion in the paper transport direction.

For example, the operation panel 23 receives from the user the type of paper P to be conveyed (whether it is plain paper PP or special paper SP). When the user receives from the user that the type of the paper P to be conveyed is the special paper SP, the operation panel 23 displays the orientation of the special paper SP to be conveyed (the tip of the special paper SP to be conveyed in the paper transfer direction). Whether or not there is a special shape part SS in) is accepted from the user.

When the user receives from the user that the special shape portion SS is present at the tip of the special paper SP to be conveyed in the paper transfer direction, the operation panel 23 accepts a user-specified mode (conveyance amount setting processing mode).

When the user-designated mode is the first mode, the operation panel 23 displays a notification message. The notification message includes a message prompting the user to scan the special paper SP (special paper SP scheduled to be transported) to be used for printing, and a message prompting the document cover to be kept open at the time of scanning. By performing such notification, the document cover is opened by the user, and the special paper SP is set on the contact glass. Then, with the document cover open, the user performs a start operation on the operation panel 23.

When the multifunction device control unit 20 detects a start operation on the operation panel 23, the multifunction device control unit 20 causes the image reading unit 21 to read the special paper SP to be conveyed. Further, the compound machine control unit 20 performs edge detection processing on the read data (data including the image data of the special paper SP) obtained by reading by the image reading unit 21 to obtain the special paper SP from the read data. The edge is detected and the position of the special shape portion SS on the special paper SP is recognized (the position of the special shape portion SS on the special paper SP is actually measured).

At this time, the multifunction device control unit 20 recognizes the edge of the special paper SP detected by the edge detection process on the side where the special shape portion SS exists as the tip position of the special paper SP in the paper transport direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the multifunction device control unit 20 is the length in the paper transport direction from the tip position of the special paper SP in the paper transport direction to the position where the special shape portion SS does not exist (L in FIG. 9). (Indicated by) is obtained.

The multifunction device control unit 20 notifies the transfer control unit 10 of position information indicating the position of the special shape portion SS on the special paper SP. The position information includes information indicating the length in the paper transport direction from the tip position of the special paper SP in the paper transport direction to the position where the special shape portion SS does not exist. Further, when notifying the transfer control unit 10 of the position information, the multifunction device control unit 20 instructs the transfer control unit 10 to perform the transfer amount setting process in the first mode.

When the user-designated mode is the second mode, the operation panel 23 receives from the user a type selection operation for selecting the type of the special paper SP to be conveyed. The type of special paper SP that can be selected by the type selection operation is registered in advance by the manufacturer. For example, index paper, loose-leaf paper, punched paper, and the like are options. The user can arbitrarily register or delete options (types). The operation panel 23 accepts additional registration or deletion of options (types) from the user.

When the operation panel 23 receives the type selection operation from the user, the multifunction device control unit 20 notifies the transfer control unit 10 of the type information indicating the type selected by the user. Further, when notifying the transfer control unit 10 of the type information, the multifunction device control unit 20 instructs the transfer control unit 10 to perform the transfer amount setting process in the second mode.

Hereinafter, the transport amount setting process performed by the transport control unit 10 will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 starts when a paper transfer command is transmitted from the multifunction device control unit 20 to the transfer control unit 10.

For example, when the operation panel 23 receives a print job execution instruction (start operation) from the user, the multifunction device control unit 20 transmits a paper transfer command to the transfer control unit 10. Then, at this time, if the user has selected the first mode, the multifunction device control unit 20 notifies the transfer control unit 10 of the position information. If the user has selected the second mode, the multifunction device control unit 20 notifies the transfer control unit 10 of the type information.

In step S1, the transport control unit 10 determines whether or not the first condition for performing the transport amount setting process in the first mode is satisfied. As a result, when the transport control unit 10 determines that the first condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2. The transport control unit 10 determines that the first condition is satisfied if the notification of the position information is received from the multifunction device control unit 20.

When the process proceeds to step S2, the transfer control unit 10 recognizes the position of the special shape portion SS at the tip of the special paper SP to be transferred in the paper transfer direction based on the position information. That is, in the transport control unit 10, the special shape portion SS is located at the measured position of the special shape portion SS at the tip of the special paper SP scheduled to be transported in the paper transport direction (the special shape portion SS is located at the tip position of the special paper SP scheduled to be transported in the paper transport direction. Recognize the length in the paper transport direction to the position where it no longer exists).

Then, in step S3, the transport control unit 10 transports the target so that the position of the specially shaped portion SS in the paper transport direction when performing the misalignment correction process is a position downstream of the edge detection position ED in the paper transport direction. Set the amount. In other words, the transfer control unit 10 sets the target transfer amount based on the actually measured position of the special shape portion SS in the special paper SP scheduled to be transferred.

In the transport amount setting process of the first mode, the target transport amount is set to be larger than the reference amount. For example, the transport amount and the predetermined transport amount corresponding to the length in the paper transport direction from the tip position of the special paper SP in the paper transport direction to the position where the special shape portion SS does not exist (even if the predetermined transport amount is the reference amount). The total with (may) may be set as the target transport amount.

If the transport control unit 10 determines in step S1 that the first condition for performing the transport amount setting process in the first mode is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S4. When the process proceeds to step S4, the transport control unit 10 determines whether or not the second condition for performing the transport amount setting process in the second mode is satisfied. As a result, when the transport control unit 10 determines that the second condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S5. The transport control unit 10 determines that the second condition is satisfied if the type information is notified from the multifunction device control unit 20.

Here, the storage unit 13 stores the transport amount information 130 used in the transport amount setting process of the second mode.
Is stored in advance (see FIG. 1). The transport amount information 130 is information in which the transport amount for each type to be set as the target transport amount for each type of the special paper SP is predetermined. For example, the transport amount for each type is predetermined by the manufacturer. The user can arbitrarily change the transport amount for each type. The operation panel 23 accepts the change of the transport amount for each type from the user. When the type of special paper SP that can be selected by the type selection operation is added by the user, the transport amount for each type corresponding to the added type is added by the user.

The transport amount for each type is such that when the position shift correction processing is performed on the corresponding type of special paper SP, the position of the special shape portion SS in the paper transport direction is on the downstream side of the edge detection position ED in the paper transport direction. It is set to be the position. At least, the transport amount for each type is larger than the standard amount. It is not possible to set the transport amount for each type to be smaller than the standard amount.

When the process proceeds to step S5, the transfer control unit 10 recognizes the type (selected type) of the special paper SP to be transferred selected by the user based on the type information. Further, in step S6, the transport control unit 10 recognizes the transport amount for each type corresponding to the selected type based on the transport amount information 130, and sets the recognized transport amount for each type as the target transport amount.

If the transport control unit 10 determines in step S4 that the second condition for performing the transport amount setting process in the second mode is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S7. The transition to step S7 means that neither the position information nor the type information was notified to the transport control unit 10. That is, when the paper P to be transported is plain paper PP, or when the paper P to be transported is special paper SP but there is no special shape portion SS at the tip in the paper transport direction, the process proceeds to step S7. .. When the process proceeds to step S7, the transfer control unit 10 sets the reference amount to the target transfer amount.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the transport amount setting process by the transport control unit 10 is performed in both the first mode and the second mode, a special case for performing the misalignment correction process is performed. The target transport amount is set so that the position of the shape portion SS is located on the downstream side in the paper transport direction with respect to the edge detection position ED. Therefore, the edge position in the width direction of the special paper SP can be adjusted to the target position (the state shown in the upper figure of FIG. 11 can be corrected to the state shown in the lower figure of FIG. 11). That is, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience shown in FIG.

For example, when the transfer amount setting process is completed, the transfer control unit 10 notifies the multifunction device control unit 20 that the transfer amount setting process is completed. Upon receiving the notification, the multifunction device control unit 20 starts a print job. As a result, the printed paper P is carried from the main body of the multifunction device 200 to the paper transport device 100.

Here, when the paper P to be conveyed is a special paper SP having a special shape portion SS at the tip portion in the paper transport direction, the tip portion of the special paper SP may be bent when the bending forming process is performed. Further, when the special paper SP is an index paper, the skewing may become large due to the bending forming treatment. Therefore, when the paper P to be transported is a special paper SP having a special shape portion SS at the tip portion in the paper transport direction, the transport control unit 10 does not perform the bending forming process.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the transport control unit 10 has the special paper SP (index having a tab at the tip in the paper transport direction) in which the paper P to be transported has a special shape portion SS at the tip in the paper transport direction. In the case of paper or loose-leaf paper having a hole at the tip in the paper transport direction), the target transport amount is made larger than that in the case where the paper P to be transported is not the special paper SP. That is, when the paper P to be conveyed is the special paper SP, the resist position RP at the tip of the paper P when the misalignment correction processing is performed is more than when the paper P to be conveyed is not the special paper SP. The amount of protrusion of the paper becomes large. Therefore, when the paper P to be conveyed is a special paper SP having a special shape portion SS at the tip portion, the position of the special shape portion SS of the special paper SP in the paper transport direction coincides with the edge detection position ED. It is possible to suppress the deviation correction processing (the position deviation correction processing is performed in a state where the special shape portion SS of the special paper SP is located on the downstream side in the paper transport direction from the edge detection position ED). .. Thereby, regardless of the type of the paper P to be conveyed (even if the paper P to be conveyed is the special paper SP), the positional deviation of the paper P in the width direction can be accurately corrected.

In the transport amount setting process of the first mode, the target transport amount is set based on the read data obtained by reading the special paper SP scheduled to be transported. Therefore, when it is desired to use a special paper SP whose type has not been registered, if the multifunction device 200 is made to read the special paper SP in advance, the position deviation of the special paper SP in the width direction can be accurately performed. It can be corrected. That is, even when a special paper SP that has been arbitrarily processed (perforated or the like) is used, the positional deviation of the special paper SP in the width direction can be accurately corrected. Further, in the transport amount setting process in the first mode by the transport control unit 10, the target transport amount is set based on the actually measured position of the special shape portion SS in the special paper SP to be transported, so that the special shape of the special paper SP is set. It is possible to reliably suppress the position shift correction process from being performed in a state where the position of the partial SS in the paper transport direction coincides with the edge detection position ED.

In the transport amount setting process of the second mode, it is not necessary to pre-read the special paper SP scheduled to be transported. That is, the user only has to perform the type selection operation. This improves user convenience.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the paper P to be transported is a special paper SP having a special shape portion SS at the tip portion in the paper transport direction, the transport control unit 10 does not perform the bending forming process. .. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tip of the special paper SP from being bent or damaged. In addition, it is possible to suppress the skewing of the special paper SP from becoming large.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above embodiment, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a paper transport device for transporting printed paper toward a post-processing device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the paper before printing is used as a compound machine. The present invention may be applied to a paper transport device that transports paper toward the main body of the paper.

Further, a paper transport device may be installed inside the main body of the multifunction device. When the paper transport device is installed inside the main body of the multifunction device, the paper transport may be temporarily stopped and the misalignment correction process may be performed when the paper is transported from the paper feed position to the print position.

10 Transport control unit (control unit)
12 Drive unit 13 Storage unit 100 Paper transfer device 111 Resist roller pair (roller member)
130 Transport amount information 200 Multifunction device (image forming device)
ED edge detection position ES edge sensor RP resist position (predetermined position)
P paper PP plain paper SP special paper SS special shape part

Claims (4)

A roller member that transports the paper by niping and rotating the paper at a predetermined position on the paper transport path, and
A drive unit that drives the roller member in the width direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, and
An edge sensor for detecting the edge of the paper at an edge detection position which is a position downstream of the predetermined position in the paper transport direction and one side in the width direction.
When the transport amount of the paper from the predetermined position reaches a preset target transport amount, the rotation of the roller member is stopped, and the drive unit is controlled based on the output value of the edge sensor to control the roller member. A control unit that performs a position deviation correction process that moves in the width direction and corrects the position of the paper in the width direction is provided.
When the paper is a special paper having a special shape portion at the tip end portion in the paper transport direction, the control unit increases the target transport amount as compared with the case where the paper is not the special paper .
The control unit recognizes the position of the special shape portion at the tip portion of the special paper to be conveyed, and the position of the special shape portion in the paper transport direction when performing the position deviation correction processing is the edge. A paper transport device characterized in that the target transport amount is set so as to be a position downstream of the detection position in the paper transport direction. A roller member that transports the paper by niping and rotating the paper at a predetermined position on the paper transport path, and
A drive unit that drives the roller member in the width direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, and
An edge sensor for detecting the edge of the paper at an edge detection position which is a position downstream of the predetermined position in the paper transport direction and one side in the width direction.
When the transport amount of the paper from the predetermined position reaches a preset target transport amount, the rotation of the roller member is stopped, and the drive unit is controlled based on the output value of the edge sensor to control the roller member. A control unit that performs a position deviation correction process that moves in the width direction and corrects the position of the paper in the width direction is provided.
When the paper is a special paper having a special shape portion at the tip end portion in the paper transport direction, the control unit increases the target transport amount as compared with the case where the paper is not the special paper.
A storage unit for storing predetermined transport amount information for each type of transport amount to be set as the target transport amount for each type of the special paper is provided.
Based on the transfer amount information, the control unit recognizes the transfer amount for each type corresponding to the type of the special paper to be conveyed selected by the user, and the recognized transfer amount for each type is the target transfer amount. A paper transport device characterized by being set to. When the paper is plain paper other than the special paper, the control unit causes the plain paper to reach the predetermined position in a state where the rotation of the roller member is stopped, and the normal paper reaches the predetermined position. The paper transport device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the bending forming process for forming the bending is performed on the paper, but the bending forming process is not performed when the paper is the special paper. An image forming apparatus comprising the paper conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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