JP5995568B2 - Image forming apparatus and processing unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multifunction peripheral, and a printer, and a processing unit.

  Conventional image forming apparatuses normally form an image obtained by an image forming unit on an image forming body such as an image carrier or a transfer body. For example, when an image is formed by electrophotography, the surface of an image carrier such as a photoconductor that acts as an image forming body is charged, and an image is exposed to the charged area to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is visualized (developed) as a toner image, the visualized toner image is electrostatically transferred to a recording sheet such as an intermediate transfer member or recording paper, and the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer member. When transferring to a recording sheet, it is further transferred to a recording sheet.

  In such an image forming apparatus, an image is formed based on a calibration chart image obtained by forming a calibration chart image on a recording sheet by an image forming unit and reading the calibration chart image on a conveyance path by a reading unit. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that performs a calibration process for calibrating an image formed on a recording sheet by a forming unit is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  An image forming apparatus including a sheet processing unit that performs predetermined sheet processing on a recording sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming unit is also known.

  As an image forming apparatus provided with such a sheet processing unit, for example, Patent Document 4 proposes an image forming apparatus that performs a coating process by a laminating unit on a recording sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming unit. Patent Document 5 proposes an image forming apparatus in which a fixing process is further performed by a second fixing unit on a recording sheet on which an image has been formed and fixed by an image forming unit.

JP 2005-266212 A JP 2009-86666 A JP 2005-266279 A JP 2003-103880 A JP 2011-164664 A JP 2005-96932 A JP 2005-205668 A JP 2011-105503 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-60106 JP-A-11-199128

  By the way, an image to be formed on the recording sheet by the image forming unit based on the calibration chart image obtained by forming the calibration chart image on the recording sheet by the image forming unit and reading the calibration chart image by the reading unit. In an image forming apparatus that performs calibration processing for calibration, when sheet processing is performed on a recording sheet image-formed by an image forming unit by a sheet processing unit, sheet processing by the sheet processing unit (for example, a calibration chart) In other words, the reading result of the reading process of the calibration chart image of the recording sheet that has been subjected to the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit; Reading of calibration chart image of recording sheet not subjected to sheet processing by sheet processing unit The reading results may differ by the amount of sheet processing, so not only calibration processing is performed on recording sheets that have not been subjected to sheet processing, but also calibration is performed on recording sheets that have been subjected to sheet processing. It is necessary to perform processing.

  In this regard, the image forming apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 can perform calibration processing on a recording sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, but do not perform sheet processing. Further, the image forming apparatuses described in Patent Documents 4 and 5 can perform sheet processing on a recording sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, but do not perform calibration processing.

  In addition, Patent Documents 6 to 10 disclose technologies related to the present invention in which various conveyance paths branched from a main conveyance path for conveying a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming unit are provided. .

  However, although Patent Documents 6 to 10 disclose various conveyance paths branched from the main conveyance path, nothing is disclosed about performing calibration processing or sheet processing on a recording sheet. It has not been.

  Therefore, the present invention not only performs calibration processing on a recording sheet that has not been subjected to sheet processing that may affect the calibration processing based on the calibration chart image read on the conveyance path, but also performs recording processing on which the sheet processing has been performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a processing unit that can perform a calibration process on the image forming apparatus.

The present invention, in order to solve the above problems, to provide the following images forming apparatus and a processing unit.

(1) forming a calibration chart image to images forming apparatus a recording sheet, an image forming unit that performs calibration processing to calibrate the image formed on the recording sheet based on the calibration chart image, the image forming A sheet processing unit capable of affecting the calibration processing by the calibration chart image by performing predetermined sheet processing on the recording sheet image-formed by the unit; and the recording sheet in the image forming unit A reading unit that reads the calibration chart image formed on the image forming unit, a main conveyance path that conveys the recording sheet image-formed by the image forming unit in a predetermined conveyance direction, and a branch from the main conveyance path. A sub-transport path, wherein the sub-transport path is branched from the main transport path to one side in a direction intersecting the transport direction, and the transport from the main transport path An upstream sub-transport path that once branches to the other side of the direction intersecting the direction and returns to the main transport path again, and the sheet processing unit is provided on the upstream sub-transport path, The reading section is provided on the branch sub-transport path, and the branch section of the branch sub-transport path with the main transport path is a junction with the main transport path of the upstream sub-transport path in the transport direction. An image forming apparatus that is located downstream of the image forming apparatus.

(2) processing unit for calibration chart image formed onto the recording sheet, the calibration processing image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that performs calibrating the image formed on the recording sheet based on the calibration chart image A processing unit that can be attached to and detached from a main body, wherein the calibration processing based on the calibration chart image is performed by performing predetermined sheet processing on the recording sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. A sheet processing unit that can affect the recording sheet, a reading unit that reads the calibration chart image formed on the recording sheet by the image forming unit, and a predetermined recording sheet that is image-formed by the image forming unit. A main transport path for transporting in the transport direction and a sub transport path branched from the main transport path, the sub transport path intersecting the transport direction from the main transport path A branch sub-transport path that branches to one side in the direction of travel, and an upstream sub-transport path that once branches from the main transport path to the other side of the direction that intersects the transport direction and then returns to the main transport path again. The sheet processing unit is provided on the upstream sub-transport path, the reading unit is provided on the branch sub-transport path, and a branching portion of the branch sub-transport path with the main transport path Is located downstream of the junction of the upstream sub-transport path with the main transport path in the transport direction.

When in engagement Ru images forming apparatus and the processing unit in the present invention, to perform the calibration process to the recording sheet not subjected to the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit, to the pre-type recording sheet, said upstream without performing the sheet processing by the sheet processing portion provided in the side sub-transport path to convey the recording sheet in the branch sub-passage. Thus, the calibration chart image on the recording sheet not subjected to the sheet processing can be read on the branch sub-transport path by the reading unit provided on the branch sub-transport path. On the other hand, when the calibration process is performed on the recording sheet subjected to the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit, the recording sheet is processed after the sheet processing is performed on the recording sheet by the sheet processing unit. It is transported to the branch sub-transport path. Accordingly, the calibration chart image on the recording sheet subjected to the sheet processing can be read on the branch sub-transport path by the reading unit provided on the branch sub-transport path.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus and the processing unit of the present invention, the recording sheet that has not been subjected to the sheet processing that may affect the calibration processing by the calibration chart image read on the conveyance path is described above. In addition to performing calibration processing, calibration processing can be performed on the recording sheet subjected to the sheet processing.

  In addition, since the recording sheet that performs the calibration process is transported on the branch sub-transport path that is branched from the main transport path and provided with the reading unit, the calibration process is not performed and the sheet process is performed. The recording sheet on which an image is formed by a normal image forming operation when not applied can be conveyed onto the main conveying path without the recording sheet on which the calibration processing is performed interfering. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in processing time (throughput time) from the start of conveyance of the recording sheet on which an image has been formed by the normal image forming operation to completion of conveyance after image formation.

  Furthermore, since the branch sub-transport path is branched from the main transport path, the transport distance of the recording sheet in the main transport path can be shortened as much as possible, and the processing time (throughput time) is shortened accordingly. can do.

Further, since thereby conveying the recording sheet branches before Symbol main transport path subjected to the sheet processing to the upstream auxiliary conveying path which the sheet processing unit is provided, without performing the calibration process, and the The recording sheet on which an image has been formed by a normal image forming operation when no sheet processing is performed can be transported onto the main transport path without the recording sheet being subjected to the sheet processing interfering. Therefore, a decrease in the processing time (throughput time) can be further suppressed.

In the present invention , after the recording sheet subjected to the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit in the upstream side sub-conveying path is conveyed from the merging unit to the main conveying path, the recording sheet conveying path is set to the main conveying path. A mode of switching from the transport path to the branch sub-transport path and transporting from the main transport path to the branch sub-transport path can be exemplified.

  In this specific matter, the recording sheet subjected to the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit can be transported to the branch sub-conveying path immediately from the merging part of the main transporting path, and the processing time (throughput time) correspondingly. ) Can be shortened.

In the present invention , it is possible to exemplify an aspect in which the main transport path is provided horizontally or substantially horizontally, and the upstream side sub transport path is branched downward from the main transport path.

  In this specific matter, the sheet processing unit can be provided below the main conveyance path, and accordingly, the size in the conveyance direction along the horizontal direction of the image forming apparatus can be reduced. The image forming apparatus can be made compact in the transport direction along the horizontal direction.

In the present invention , the sheet processing unit can be exemplified as being provided on the main conveyance path on the upstream side of the branching portion of the branching sub conveyance path with the main conveyance path.

  According to this specific matter, the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit can be performed on the recording sheet on the main conveyance path without detouring from the main conveyance path, and the processing time (throughput time) is shortened accordingly. Can be realized.

  In the present invention, it is possible to exemplify an aspect in which the main transport path is provided horizontally or substantially horizontally, and the branch sub-transport path is branched upward from the main transport path.

  In this specific matter, the reading unit can be provided above the main conveyance path, and accordingly, the size of the image forming apparatus in the conveyance direction along the horizontal direction can be reduced, and the image formation can be performed accordingly. It is possible to achieve compactness in the transport direction along the horizontal direction of the apparatus.

  In the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a sheet discharge unit that discharges the recording sheet from the branch sub-transport path, and the branch sub-transport path transports the recording sheet from the main transport path in a direction folded from the transport direction. And a discharge conveyance path for returning the recording sheet from the folding conveyance path to the conveyance direction of the main conveyance path and discharging the recording sheet, and the reading unit is provided on the folding conveyance path. In addition, the sheet discharge unit can be exemplified as an embodiment provided at a carry-out port of the discharge conveyance path.

  In this specific matter, the recording sheet conveyed on the branch sub-conveying path is discharged to the sheet discharging unit in a state where the size of the main conveying path of the image forming apparatus in the conveying direction is made as small as possible. it can.

  In the present invention, the image processing apparatus further includes a sheet processing unit that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body including the image forming unit, and a reading unit that is detachable from the sheet processing unit. The unit may be provided in the sheet processing unit, and the reading unit may be provided in the reading unit.

  In this specific matter, it is preferable to sell the sheet processing unit provided with the sheet processing unit as an optional unit. In this way, the sheet processing unit can be provided only to a user who needs the sheet processing unit, and the image forming apparatus is provided to a user who does not need the sheet processing unit at a price as low as possible. Is possible. Similarly, it is preferable to sell the reading unit provided with the reading unit as an optional unit. In this way, the reading unit can be provided only to a user who needs the reading unit, and an image forming apparatus can be provided to a user who does not need the reading unit at a price as low as possible. Become.

  In the present invention, the projected area of the sheet processing unit with respect to the floor and the projected area of the reading unit with respect to the floor can be exemplified as being the same or substantially the same.

  In this specific matter, the projected area of the reading unit with respect to the floor is the same as or substantially the same as the projected area of the sheet processing unit with respect to the floor, thereby increasing the occupied area of the entire sheet processing unit provided with the reading unit. Thus, the sheet processing unit can be made compact while the reading unit is provided.

  In the present invention, it is possible to exemplify a mode in which the sheet discharge unit is disposed in a projection area with respect to the floor of the reading unit.

  In this specific matter, since the sheet discharge unit is disposed in the projection region with respect to the floor of the reading unit, an increase in the occupied area of the entire sheet processing unit provided with the sheet discharge unit can be avoided, Thus, the reading unit can be made compact while the sheet discharge unit is provided.

  In the present invention, it is possible to exemplify an aspect in which the processing speed of the sheet processing unit and the processing speed of the reading unit are set slower than the conveyance speed of the recording sheet.

  In this specific matter, the processing speed of the sheet processing unit and the processing speed of the reading unit are configured to be slower than the recording sheet conveyance speed, thereby improving the recording sheet conveyance speed. Processing in the sheet processing unit and the reading unit can be reliably performed.

  In the present invention, the sheet processing unit is a coating unit that performs a film coating process for coating a film on the recording sheet that has been imaged by the image forming unit, or the recording that has been imaged by the image forming unit. The aspect comprised by the heat fixing part pressurized while heating with respect to a sheet | seat can be illustrated.

  In this specific matter, when the sheet processing unit is configured by the coating unit, the coating unit performs the coating process on the recording sheet, thereby affecting the calibration process using the calibration chart image. Even if it exerts, the image formed on the recording sheet can be accurately calibrated based on the calibration chart image. In the case where the sheet processing unit is configured by the heat fixing unit, the calibration process using the calibration chart image is affected by applying pressure while heating the recording sheet by the heat fixing unit. Even if applied, the image formed on the recording sheet can be accurately calibrated based on the calibration chart image.

  In the present invention, the distance between the processing position of the sheet processing unit for performing the sheet processing and the reading position of the reading unit for reading the calibration chart image is the conveyance direction of the recording sheet of the maximum size to be conveyed. The aspect longer than the length in can be illustrated.

  In this particular matter, the distance between the processing position of the sheet processing unit for performing the sheet processing and the reading position of the reading unit for reading the calibration chart image is the conveyance of the recording sheet of the maximum size to be conveyed. By being longer than the length in the direction, it is possible to maintain the conveyance speed of the recording sheet in the main conveyance path even if the conveyance speed of the recording sheet is different between the main conveyance path and the branch sub conveyance path. It becomes possible.

  As described above, according to the present invention, only the calibration process is performed on the recording sheet that has not been subjected to the sheet process that may affect the calibration process using the calibration chart image read on the conveyance path. The calibration process can be performed on the recording sheet subjected to the sheet process.

2 is a schematic front view mainly showing a processing unit portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a relay unit and a reading unit in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a reading unit in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating a pair of coating part shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2, Comprising: (a) is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the film for a coating provided in a pair of coating part, (b) is It is a front view which shows schematic structure of a pair of coating part. It is the schematic perspective view which represented typically the structure which both of a pair of coating parts attach or detach with respect to a relay unit main body. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating an example of a calibration recording sheet formed by the image forming apparatus main body illustrated in FIG. 4. It is the schematic perspective view which looked at the reading part part in the reading unit shown in FIGS. 1-3 from diagonally downward. FIG. 2 is a block diagram mainly showing a conveyance control system of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. In the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, one coating portion is configured to perform a coating process on one surface (front surface) of the recording sheet, and the other coating portion is disposed on the other surface (back surface) of the recording sheet. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the relay unit and reading unit which were the structure which performs a coating process with respect to it. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a relay unit and a reading unit in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram mainly showing a conveyance control system of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a relay unit and a reading unit in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram mainly showing a conveyance control system of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 13.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view mainly showing a processing unit 300A portion of the image forming apparatus 100A according to the first embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 100A according to the first embodiment includes a processing unit 300A and a discharge unit 90, and the processing unit 300A includes a relay unit 50A and a reading unit 70.

(Image forming device)
First, after describing the configuration of the relay unit 50A and the reading unit 70 in the processing unit 300A, the discharge unit 90, the image forming apparatus main body 1, the coating unit 60 provided in the relay unit 50A, and the reading unit 70 are provided. The reading unit 80 will be described in detail in order. The relay unit 50A functions as a sheet processing unit. The coating unit 60 constitutes a sheet processing unit that performs predetermined sheet processing on a recording sheet P such as paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 3 (see FIG. 4 described later) in the image forming apparatus main body 1. However, the calibration process may be affected (specifically, the image quality of the recording sheet P may change). Here, in the calibration process, a test pattern 41 (see FIG. 7 described later) such as a measurement patch, which is an example of a calibration chart, is formed on the recording sheet P by the image forming unit 3, and the reading unit 80 is a process of calibrating an image formed on the recording sheet P by the image forming unit 3 based on the test pattern 41 obtained by reading the test pattern 41 on the conveyance path of the image forming apparatus 100A.

  An image forming apparatus 100A illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body 1, a relay unit 50A, a reading unit 70, a discharge unit 90, and a main transport path 101. Here, the image forming apparatus 100A functions as a high-speed printing printer connected to an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer.

  The main conveyance path 101 conveys a recording sheet P on which an image has been formed by an image forming unit 3 (see FIG. 4 described later) in the image forming apparatus main body 1 in a predetermined conveyance direction X, and is relayed. A first main transport path 51 provided in the unit 50 </ b> A and a second main transport path 91 provided in the discharge unit 90 are provided.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 </ b> A, the relay unit 50 </ b> A is mounted in the horizontal direction H on the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the reading unit 70 is in the vertical direction V orthogonal to the horizontal direction H on the upper part (specifically, the upper surface) of the relay unit 50 </ b> A. Further, the discharge unit 90 is mounted in the horizontal direction H on the relay unit 50A.

  The image forming apparatus 100A includes a normal image forming mode in which a normal image is formed on a recording sheet P in the image forming unit 3 (see FIG. 4) in the image forming apparatus main body 1, a sheet processing mode in which sheet processing is performed, and an image forming unit. 3 includes a calibration mode in which a test pattern 41 (see FIG. 7 described later) is formed on the recording sheet P to adjust the image quality of the image forming unit 3. In the first embodiment, the sheet processing mode is a coating mode in which a coating process for forming a film on the recording sheet P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 3 is performed.

  In the image forming apparatus 100A, an operator such as a user selects one of the normal image forming mode and calibration (calibration), and the normal image forming mode is performed when the sheet processing mode is performed when the normal image forming mode is performed. Whether or not to form a normal image in the case where the sheet processing mode is not formed or the sheet processing mode is not selected is selected. On the other hand, when the calibration is performed, the calibration (when the sheet processing mode is performed) (Calibration) or calibration (calibration) when the sheet processing mode is not applied is selected.

  In the normal image forming mode, the image forming apparatus main body 1 forms a normal image on the recording sheet P, and relays a recording sheet on which a normal image is formed (hereinafter also referred to as “normal recording sheet”). While supplied to the unit 50A, at the time of calibration (calibration), the test pattern 41 is formed on the recording sheet P, and the recording sheet on which the test pattern 41 is formed (hereinafter referred to as “calibration recording sheet 40 (see FIG. 7)”). May be supplied from the relay unit 50A to the reading unit 70. The detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 1 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Here, the “normal image” is, for example, an image read by the image reading device 2 or an image based on image data created by application software in an external image processing device. The calibration recording sheet 40 is a recording sheet for adjusting the image quality of the image forming unit 3.

  Note that, in the image forming apparatus 100A shown in FIG. 1, the reference numerals not described among the attached reference numerals will be described later.

(Relay unit)
FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of the relay unit 50A and the reading unit 70 in the image forming apparatus 100A according to the first embodiment.

  The relay unit 50 </ b> A is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 1, relays between the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the discharge unit 90, and relays between the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the reading unit 70. Unit. The relay unit 50A includes a coating unit 60 that performs a coating process. In the first embodiment, the coating unit 60 is a pair of coating units 60 a and 60 b that respectively perform coating processing on both surfaces of the recording sheet P. That is, one coating portion 60a performs a coating process on the other surface (back surface) of the recording sheet P, and the other coating portion 60b performs a coating process on one surface (front surface) of the recording sheet P. To do. The pair of coating portions 60a and 60b will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the relay unit 50A includes a folding conveyance unit 55 that carries the recording sheet P carried out from one coating unit 60a into the other coating unit 60b.

  When the recording unit P is subjected to a coating process in the relay unit 50A, the image forming apparatus 100A supplies the recording unit P to the discharge unit 90 through the one coating unit 60a, the folding conveyance unit 55, and the other coating unit 60b. On the other hand, when the recording process is not performed on the recording sheet P, the recording sheet P from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is directly applied to the second gate unit 74 described later of the main transport path 101 (here, the first main transport path 51). Supply.

  Whether or not the coating process is performed is determined by a display operation unit (for example, a display in an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer not shown) connected to the image forming apparatus main body 1 by a selection operation or a setting operation by an operator such as a user. The display unit and an operation signal such as a keyboard and a pointing device).

  The coating unit 60 is downstream of the image forming unit 3 in the transport direction X, and from a second branch unit 71a with a main transport path 101 (here, the first main transport path 51) of a branch sub-transport path 72 described later. Is also provided on the transport path in the relay unit 50A on the upstream side.

  Specifically, the relay unit 50A further includes a first main transport path 51, an upstream side sub transport path 59, a first gate unit 54, a first branch sub transport path 721, a second gate unit 74, and a relay. And a frame 50t that supports the constituent members of the unit 50A.

  The coating unit 60 is provided in the upstream side sub conveyance path 59. Specifically, the upstream side sub conveyance path 59 is once branched from the first branch portion 51a on the first main conveyance path 51 to the other side in the direction intersecting the conveyance direction X (here, the orthogonal direction or the substantially orthogonal direction). The first main transport path 51 is returned to the first main transport path 51 and includes a first upstream sub transport path 52 and a second upstream sub transport path 53. One coating part 60 a is provided in the first upstream sub-transport path 52, and the other coating part 60 b is provided in the second upstream sub-transport path 53.

  The first main transport path 51 is configured to transport the recording sheet P on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 3 (see FIG. 4) in the image forming apparatus main body 1 in the transport direction X and then to the discharge unit 90. Yes. Here, the image-formed recording sheet means a recording sheet that has been subjected to image forming processing by the image forming process in the image forming unit 3 regardless of whether an image is actually formed.

  Specifically, one end of the first main transport path 51 is connected to the carry-in port 50a of the relay unit 50A main body, and the other end is connected to the carry-out port 50b that carries out the recording sheet P. It arrange | positions along the horizontal direction H between the exits 50b. The carry-in port 50a is provided at one end in the horizontal direction H of the relay unit 50A main body so as to face the carry-out port 1a (see FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus main body 1 and carries the recording sheet P carried out from the carry-out port 1a. It is a carry-in entrance.

  The first upstream sub-transport path 52 is configured to branch at a first branch portion 51 a on the first main transport path 51.

  Specifically, the first upstream sub-transport path 52 is provided in the first pre-coating transport path 52a provided on the upstream side in the transport direction X from the one coating part 60a and the one coating part 60a. A first coating conveyance path 52b and a first post-coating conveyance path 52c provided downstream of the one coating portion 60a in the conveyance direction X are provided.

  One end of the first pre-coating conveyance path 52a faces the first branching section 51a, and the other end is connected to the carry-in port 50c of one coating section 60a main body, and is 90 ° or substantially 90 degrees from the first main conveyance path 51. It is bent downward in the vertical direction V and extends in the vertical direction V. The carry-in port 50c is a carry-in port through which the recording sheet P is carried in provided at the upper end in the vertical direction V of the one coating part 60a main body.

  One end of the first coating conveyance path 52b is a carry-in port 50c, and the other end is a carry-out port 50d of the main body of one coating unit 60a, and the vertical direction V is between the carry-in port 50c and the carry-out port 50d. Arranged. The carry-out port 50d is a carry-out port that is provided at the lower end in the vertical direction V of the main body of one coating unit 60a and carries out the recording sheet P.

  One end of the first post-coating conveyance path 52c is connected to the carry-out port 50d of the one coating unit 60a, and the other end is positioned at the lower end 50e of the folded conveyance unit 55. It is arranged to bend in the horizontal direction H (left side in the example of FIG. 2) of 90 ° or substantially 90 °.

  The second upstream sub-transport path 53 communicates with the first upstream sub-transport path 52 and is downstream of the first branch section 51a of the first main transport path 51 in the transport direction X, and the second branch section 71a. It is set as the structure which joins in the junction part 51b of an upstream rather than.

  Specifically, the second upstream sub-transport path 53 is provided in the second pre-coating transport path 53a provided on the upstream side in the transport direction X with respect to the other coating part 60b and the other coating part 60b. A second coating conveyance path 53b and a second post-coating conveyance path 53c provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction X with respect to the other coating portion 60b are provided.

  One end of the second pre-coating conveyance path 53a faces the lower end 50f of the folded conveyance section 55, the other end is connected to the carry-in entrance 50g of the other coating section 60b, and the lower end 50f and the carry-in entrance 50g It is arranged to bend upward in the vertical direction V of 90 ° or substantially 90 °. The carry-in port 50g is a carry-in port through which the recording sheet P is carried in provided at the lower end in the vertical direction V of the other coating part 60b main body.

  The folding conveyance section 55 folds the recording sheet P conveyed in the conveyance direction X in the first post-coating conveyance path 52c and the second pre-coating conveyance path 53a at the lowest point (lower end portions 50e, 50f). Has been.

  One end of the second coating conveyance path 53b is a carry-in port 50g, and the other end is a carry-out port 50h of the other coating unit 60b, and the vertical direction V is between the carry-in port 50g and the carry-out port 50h. Arranged. The carry-out port 50h is a carry-out port that is provided at the upper end in the vertical direction V of the other coating part 60b main body and carries out the recording sheet P.

  One end of the second post-coating conveyance path 53c is connected to the carry-out port 50h, and the other end faces the merging portion 51b, extends in the vertical direction V, and is 90 ° or substantially 90 ° toward the merging portion 51b. It arrange | positions so that it may bend in the horizontal direction H (left side in the example of FIG. 2).

  The first gate portion 54 is provided in the vicinity of the first branch portion 51a, and is configured to convey the recording sheet P from the image forming apparatus main body 1 to the first main conveyance path 51 and to the upstream side sub conveyance path 59. It is set as the structure switched between.

  Specifically, the first gate portion 54 includes a first branch claw 54a. The first branch claw 54 a has a first posture (the posture shown in FIG. 2) for guiding the recording sheet P from the carry-out port 1 a of the image forming apparatus main body 1 toward the first main transport path 51, and the image forming apparatus main body 1. The recording sheet P from the carry-out port 1a is configured to take the second posture (the posture shown in FIG. 1) that guides the recording sheet P to the upstream side sub-transport path 59. The first gate unit 54 is electrically connected to a control unit 200 (see FIG. 9 described later), which is described later, so that the first posture and the second posture can be switched by an instruction signal from the control unit 200. It has become.

  In the first embodiment, the relay unit 50A includes a plurality of main conveyance roller pairs 56a to 56e, two coating registration roller pairs 57a and 57b, a plurality of upstream side sub conveyance roller pairs 58a to 58h, and curl correction. Part 110 (specifically, decurler).

  The main conveyance roller pair 56a is provided between the carry-in entrance 50a on the first main conveyance path 51 and the first branch portion 51a. The main conveyance roller pairs 56b and 56c are provided between the first branch portion 51a and the merging portion 51b on the first main conveyance path 51. The main conveyance roller pair 56d is provided between the merging portion 51b and the second branching portion 71a on the first main conveyance path 51. The main conveyance roller pair 56e is provided between the second branch portion 71a on the first main conveyance path 51 and the carry-out port 50b.

  One coating registration roller pair 57a is provided at a position closest to the upstream side in the transport direction X with respect to one coating portion 60a. The other coating registration roller pair 57b is provided at a position closest to the upstream side in the transport direction X with respect to the other coating portion 60b. The coating registration roller pairs 57a and 57b transport the recording sheet P again after the downstream end (front end) in the transporting direction X of the recording sheet P once comes into contact when the rotation is stopped and the transport of the recording sheet P is stopped. By doing so, the oblique conveyance of the recording sheet P can be corrected. Accordingly, the pair of coating portions 60a and 60b can perform the coating process in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording sheet P with the film formation timing in a state where the oblique conveyance is suppressed by the coating registration roller pairs 57a and 57b.

  The upstream side sub transport roller pair 58a, 58b is provided between the first branching portion 51a on the first upstream side sub transport path 52 and one coating registration roller pair 57a. The upstream side sub transport roller pair 58c, 58d is provided between one coating part 60a and the lower end part 50e on the first upstream side sub transport path 52. The upstream side sub transport roller pair 58e is provided between the lower end portion 50f on the second upstream side sub transport path 53 and the other coating registration roller pair 57b. The upstream side sub transport roller pairs 58f to 58h are provided between the other pair of registration rollers 57b for coating on the second upstream side sub transport path 53 and the merging portion 51b.

  The curl correction unit 110 is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction X with respect to the one coating unit 60a. Here, the curl correction unit 110 is provided between the upstream sub-transport roller pair 58b and the one coating resist roller pair 57a. ing. The curl correction unit 110 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The first branch sub-transport path 721 is configured to branch at a second branch portion 71 a with the first main transport path 51.

  Specifically, one end of the first branch sub-transport path 721 is connected to the second branch portion 71a, the other end is connected to the carry-out port 50i, and between the second branch portion 71a and the carry-out port 50i. It is bent at an upper side of the vertical direction V at 90 ° or substantially 90 °.

  The second gate unit 74 is provided in the vicinity of the second branching unit 71 a and is configured to switch between conveyance of the recording sheet P from the first main conveyance path 51 to the discharge unit 90 and conveyance to the reading unit 70. Has been.

  Specifically, the second gate portion 74 includes a second branch claw 74a. The second branch claw 74a has a first posture (the posture shown in FIG. 1) for guiding the recording sheet P from the main conveyance roller pair 56d toward the carry-out port 50b of the relay unit 50A main body, and a recording from the main conveyance roller pair 56d. The second posture (the posture shown in FIG. 2) for guiding the sheet P to the first branch sub-transport path 721 is configured. The second gate unit 74 is electrically connected to the control unit 200 (see FIG. 9), and is switched between the first posture and the second posture by an instruction signal from the control unit 200.

  In the reading unit 70 shown in FIG. 2, the reference numerals not described among the reference numerals attached will be described later.

(Reading unit)
FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of the reading unit 70 in the image forming apparatus 100A according to the first embodiment.

  The reading unit 70 is detachably attached to the upper side in the vertical direction V of the relay unit 50A, and is a unit attached to the upper part (specifically, the upper surface) of the relay unit 50A.

  The reading unit 70 is formed on the calibration recording sheet 40 (see FIG. 7) by the image forming unit 3 in order to perform a calibration process on an image formed by the image forming unit 3 (see FIG. 4) in the image forming apparatus main body 1. A reading section 80 for reading the test pattern 41 (see FIG. 7), a second branch sub-transport path 722, a third branch sub-transport path 723, and a frame 70t that supports the constituent members of the reading unit 70. Yes.

  Here, the first branch sub-transport path 721 in the relay unit 50A and the second branch sub-transport path 722 and the third branch sub-transport path 723 in the reading unit 70 are the second branch portion 71a on the first main transport path 51. A branch sub-transport path 72 that branches from one side to the other side (here, the upper side) in the direction intersecting the transport direction X is configured. The upstream side sub conveyance path 59 and the branch sub conveyance path 72 constitute a sub conveyance path 79. The reading unit 80 is provided in the branch sub-transport path 72 (here, the second branch sub-transport path 722). Details of the reading unit 80 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the reading unit 70 further includes a sheet discharge unit 75a that discharges the calibration recording sheet 40 (see FIG. 7) read from the test pattern 41 by the reading unit 80 provided in the branch sub-transport path 72. I have. The sheet discharge unit 75 a includes a storage tray 751.

  Here, the branching sub-transport path 72 further transports the recording sheet P from the second gate unit 74 on the first main transport path 51 in the relay unit 50A in the direction folded from the transport direction X and then further the first main transport path. It is set as the structure which returns to the conveyance direction X of 51, and is carried out outside. That is, the branching sub-transport path 72 has an S shape or an inverted S shape (in the example of FIG. 3, an inverted S shape) in a side view. The first branch sub-transport path 721 in the relay unit 50A and the second branch sub-transport path 722 in the reading unit 70 transport the recording sheet P from the first main transport path 51 in the direction folded from the transport direction X. A return conveyance path is configured. The third branch sub-transport path 723 in the reading unit 70 constitutes a discharge transport path that returns the recording sheet P from the second branch sub-transport path 722 to the transport direction X of the first main transport path 51 and discharges it to the outside. doing.

  In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100A performs a calibration process on the image forming unit 3 by forming the test pattern 41 (see FIG. 7) in the image forming unit 3 (see FIG. 4) in the reading unit 70. In other words, after the test pattern 41 is read by the reading unit 80 with respect to the calibration recording sheet 40, the calibration recording sheet 40 is stored in the storage tray 751 in the sheet discharge unit 75a. On the other hand, when a normal image is formed (a calibration process is not performed on the image forming unit 3), a normal recording sheet from the relay unit 50A is supplied to the discharge unit 90.

  Whether or not to perform the calibration process for the image forming unit 3 is determined by an instruction signal from a display operation unit connected to the image forming apparatus body 1 by a selection operation or a setting operation by an operator such as a user. ing. For example, the calibration process is appropriately executed as necessary by a selection screen displayed by executing the printer driver, or periodically (for example, every preset time or every preset time). It has become so. Regarding the calibration process, the storage unit 202 (see FIG. 9) stores a first reference value SD1 corresponding to the reference image in a state where the sheet process (here, the coating process) is performed, and the sheet process (here, the coating process). The second reference value SD2 corresponding to the reference image in a state in which no is performed is stored in advance. When the calibration processing sheet 40 is subjected to sheet processing (here, coating processing) and the image forming unit 3 is subjected to calibration processing, the sheet processing (here, coating processing) of the calibration recording sheet 40 is tested. The pattern 41 is read, and the read value read is compared with the first reference value SD1 to perform calibration processing. On the other hand, when the calibration process is performed on the image forming unit 3 without performing the sheet process (here, the coating process) on the calibration record sheet 40, the calibration record sheet is not subjected to the sheet process (here, the coating process). 40 test patterns 41 are read, and the read value read is compared with the second reference value SD2 in the storage unit 202 to perform a calibration process.

Specifically, the second branch sub-passage 722 has one end faces the transportable outlet 50i of the relay unit 50A body, in the example of the horizontal direction H (Fig. 3 is bent from the upper side in the vertical direction V at 90 ° or approximately 90 ° is The other end is connected to the carry-in entrance 723a of the third branch sub-transport path 723. A reading conveyance path 72 b of the reading unit 80 is provided at the downstream end of the second branch sub-conveying path 722.

  The third branch sub-transport path 723 is curved at 180 ° or substantially 180 ° from the carry-in port 723a at one end and extends in the horizontal direction H (left side in the example of FIG. 3), and the carry-out port 723b at the other end is discharged from the sheet. It arrange | positions so that the upper part of the accommodation tray 751 in the part 75a may be faced.

  In the first embodiment, the reading unit 70 includes a reading registration roller pair 77, a curl correction unit 110, one or a plurality (here, three) branching sub-conveying roller pairs 78a to 78c, and a discharge roller pair 78d. And.

  The registration roller pair 77 for reading is provided at a position closest to the upstream side in the transport direction X from the reading unit 80. When the rotation of the reading registration roller pair 77 is stopped, the downstream end (front end) in the conveyance direction X of the calibration recording sheet 40 (see FIG. 7) once comes into contact, and the conveyance of the calibration recording sheet 40 is stopped. Later, when the calibration recording sheet 40 is conveyed again, the oblique conveyance of the calibration recording sheet 40 can be corrected. Accordingly, the reading unit 80 reads the test pattern 41 in accordance with the reading timing of the test pattern 41 by the reading unit 80 in accordance with the conveyance timing of the calibration recording sheet 40 in a state in which the diagonal registration is suppressed by the reading registration roller pair 77. It can be performed.

  The curl correction unit 110 is provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction X from the reading unit 80, and is provided between the branch sub-conveying roller pair 78 a and the reading registration roller pair 77 here. The curl correction unit 110 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The branch sub-transport roller pair 78 a is provided in the vicinity of the downstream side of the carry-in entrance 722 a of the second branch sub-transport path 722 in the transport direction X.

  The branch sub-transport roller pairs 78b and 78c are provided between the carry-in entrance 723a and the carry-out exit 723b on the third branch sub-transport path 723. The discharge roller pair 78d is provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the carry-out port 723b of the third branch sub-transport path 723 in the transport direction X.

  The sheet discharge portion 75 a is provided below the carry-out port 723 b of the third branch sub-transport path 723. Thus, the calibration recording sheet 40 unnecessary for the user can be reliably placed on the storage tray 751 provided separately from the discharge storage portion 95 (see FIG. 1). A storage tray 751 provided in the sheet discharge unit 75a is disposed above the reading unit 80 and is provided above the frame 70t. The storage tray 751 has the downstream side in the transport direction X above the carry-out port 723b and the upstream side below the carry-out port 723b so that the calibration recording sheet 40 discharged outside from the carry-out port 723b is placed. It is set as the structure which inclined so that it might become.

  In the first embodiment, in the processing unit 300A, the projected area of the relay unit 50A with respect to the floor G (see FIG. 1) and the projected area of the reading unit 70 with respect to the floor G are the same or substantially the same as viewed from above (planar). is there. In other words, the area where the relay unit 50A and the reading unit 70 overlap, the area of the relay unit 50A, and the area of the reading unit 70 are the same or substantially the same. Further, the sheet discharge portion 75a is disposed in a projection region with respect to the floor G of the reading unit 70 when viewed from the upper surface (plane). In other words, the reading unit 70 is accommodated in the sheet discharge portion 75a when viewed from the upper surface (plane).

(Discharge unit)
As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge unit 90 is detachable from one side (left side in the example of FIG. 1) in the horizontal direction H of the relay unit 50A, and discharges the recording sheet P from the relay unit 50A to the outside. A discharge portion 93 that stores the recording sheet P discharged by the discharge portion 93.

  Specifically, the discharge unit 93 supports the second main transfer path 91, one or a plurality of (here, one) third sub-transfer path 92, the third gate unit 94, and the components of the discharge unit 93. And a frame body 90F. The discharge accommodating portion 95 includes a plurality of discharge trays (here, a first discharge tray 95a and a second discharge tray 95b).

Second main transfer path 91 is configured to be carried to the outside by conveying the recording sheet P taken out from the carry-out port 5 0 b of the relay unit 50A body in the conveying direction X.

  Specifically, the second main transport path 91 has one end connected to the carry-in port 90a of the discharge unit 90 main body and the other end connected to one carry-out port 90b for carrying out the recording sheet P, and the carry-in port 90a. And one of the carry-out ports 90b. The carry-in port 90a is a carry-in port that is provided at one end in the horizontal direction H of the discharge unit 90 so as to face the carry-out port 50b of the relay unit 50A and carries the recording sheet P carried out from the carry-out port 50b.

  The third sub transport path 92 is configured to branch at a third branch portion 91 a on the second main transport path 91.

  Specifically, the third sub-transport path 92 has one end facing the third branch portion 91a, and the other end transporting the recording sheet P below the one transport outlet 90b in the vertical direction V. It is connected to the outlet 90c, and is arranged to bend in the horizontal direction H (left side in the example of FIG. 2) of 90 ° or approximately 90 ° between the third branch portion 91a and the other carry-out port 90c.

  The third gate portion 94 is provided in the vicinity of the third branch portion 91a, and between the conveyance of the recording sheet P from the relay unit 50A to the second main conveyance path 91 and the conveyance to the third sub conveyance path 92. It is set as the structure switched.

  Specifically, the third gate portion 94 includes a third branch claw 94a. The third branch claw 94a guides the recording sheet P from the carry-out port 50b of the relay unit 50A main body to the second main transport path 91 and the recording sheet P from the carry-out port 50b of the relay unit 50A main body. The second posture (the posture shown in FIG. 1) leading to the third sub-transport path 92 is configured. The third gate unit 94 is electrically connected to the control unit 200 (see FIG. 9), and can switch between the first posture and the second posture by an instruction signal from the control unit 200.

  The first discharge tray 95a accommodates the recording sheet P discharged from one carry-out port 90b of the discharge unit 90 main body. The second discharge tray 95b accommodates the recording sheet P discharged from the other carry-out port 90c of the discharge unit 90 main body.

  In the first embodiment, the discharge unit 90 includes a plurality of main transport roller pairs 96a and 96b, a discharge roller pair 96c, a sub-transport roller pair 98a, and a discharge roller pair 98b.

  The main conveyance roller pair 96a, 96b is provided between the carry-in port 90a on the second main conveyance path 91 and the third branch portion 91a. The discharge roller pair 96c is provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of one carry-out port 90b in the transport direction X.

  The sub conveyance roller pair 98a is provided between the third branch portion 91a on the third sub conveyance path 92 and the other carry-out port 90c. The discharge roller pair 98b is provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the other carry-out port 90c in the transport direction X.

  Here, since the calibration recording sheet 40 is accommodated in the sheet discharge portion 75a of the reading unit 70, the discharge unit 90 discharges the normal recording sheet P.

  The image forming apparatus 100A described above operates as follows. In the following operation, an example in which the normal recording sheet P that has not been subjected to the coating process is discharged to the first discharge tray 95a, and the normal recording sheet P that has been subjected to the coating process is discharged to the second discharge tray 95b. I will explain to you.

(Image formation processing without coating or proofreading)
When a normal image is formed on the recording sheet P and neither the coating process nor the calibration process is performed, the first branch claw 54a, the second branch claw 74a, and the third branch claw 94a are switched to the first posture. Then, the normal recording sheet P from the carry-out port 1a of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is conveyed in the order of the first main conveyance path 51 → the second main conveyance path 91 (shortest route) and discharged to the first discharge tray 95a.

(Image forming process with coating but not proofreading)
When a normal image is formed on the recording sheet P and the coating process is performed but the calibration process is not performed, the first branch claw 54a and the third branch claw 94a are switched to the second posture, while the second The branch claw 74a is switched to the first posture, and the normal recording sheet P from the carry-out port 1a of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is transferred to the first main transport path 51 → the first upstream side sub transport path 52 (the first pre-coating transport path). 52a → first coating conveyance path 52b of one coating part 60a → first post-coating conveyance path 52c) → second upstream side sub-conveyance path 53 (second pre-coating conveyance path 53a → second coating of the other coating part 60b) The transport path 53b → the second post-coating transport path 53c) → the first main transport path 51 → the second main transport path 91 is transported in this order and discharged to the second discharge tray 95b.

(Image formation processing without proofing but proofreading)
When the test pattern 41 is formed on the recording sheet P and the coating process is not performed but the calibration process is performed, the second branch claw 74a is switched to the second posture, while the first branch claw 54a is changed to the first branch claw 54a. By switching to the posture, the calibration recording sheet 40 from the carry-out port 1a of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is moved from the first main transport path 51 to the branch sub-transport path 72 (first branch sub-transport path 721 → second branch of the reading unit 80. The sheet is conveyed in the order of the sub-conveying path 722 → the third branch sub-conveying path 723) → the sheet discharge unit 75a and is accommodated in the accommodating tray 751.

(Image forming process that performs both coating and calibration)
When the test pattern 41 is formed on the recording sheet P and the coating process and the calibration process are performed, the first branch claw 54a and the second branch claw 74a are switched to the second posture, and the image forming apparatus main body 1 The calibration recording sheet 40 from the unloading port 1a of the first main transport path 51 → first upstream sub transport path 52 (first pre-coating transport path 52a → first coating transport path 52b of one coating portion 60a → second 1 post-coating transport path 52c) → second upstream side sub-transport path 53 (second pre-coating transport path 53a → second coating transport path 53b of the other coating unit 60b → second post-coating transport path 53c) → first main Conveyance path 51 → branch sub-conveyance path 72 (first branch sub-conveyance path 721 → second branch sub-conveyance path 722 of reading unit 80 → third branch sub-conveyance path 723) → sheet discharge unit 75 It is conveyed in the order accommodated in the accommodating tray 751.

(Image forming device main unit)
Next, details of the image forming apparatus main body 1 of the image forming apparatus 100A according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 4 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 1 of the image forming apparatus 100A shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus main body 1 is, for example, a multifunction machine having a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. The image forming apparatus main body 1 includes an image reading device 2 that reads an image of a document, and an image forming unit 3 that forms an image based on image data read by the image reading device 2.

  The image reading device 2 includes an image reading unit 20 and a document feeding device 30 attached to the image reading unit 20 so as to be openable and closable.

  The image reading unit 20 is configured to perform reading by the document fixing method and reading by the document moving method. The image reading unit 20 includes a document table glass 21, a document reading glass 22, a light source unit 23, a mirror unit 24, and an imaging unit 25.

  The document table glass 21 is a transparent glass plate that is larger than the maximum size of the document. The document reading glass 22 is a transparent glass plate that is long in the main scanning direction.

  The light source unit 23 includes a light source 23 a that irradiates light toward the document, and a mirror 23 b that guides reflected light from the document to the mirror unit 24. The light source unit 23 is configured to move in the transport direction Y1 (sub-scanning direction). The light source 23a is composed of a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged at intervals in the main scanning direction.

  The mirror unit 24 includes a mirror 24a and a mirror 24b. The mirror unit 24 is configured to move in the transport direction Y1 at a movement speed that is ½ of the movement speed of the light source unit 23. The mirror 24a is provided so that the reflected light from the mirror 23b of the light source unit 23 can be guided to the mirror 24b. The mirror 24 b is provided so that the reflected light from the mirror 24 a can be guided to the imaging unit 25.

  The imaging unit 25 includes a condenser lens and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The imaging unit 25 is configured to capture an image of a document by forming an image of reflected light from the mirror 24b of the mirror unit 24 on a light receiving surface of the CCD via a condenser lens.

  In the image reading unit 20, light is emitted from the light source 23a while moving the light source unit 23 and the mirror unit 24 in the transport direction Y1 at the time of reading by the document fixing method. At this time, the light emitted from the light source 23 a is applied to the document placed on the document table glass 21 through the document table glass 21. Then, the reflected light from the original is incident on the imaging unit 25 via the original table glass 21, the mirror 23b of the light source unit 23, and the mirror 24a and the mirror 24b of the mirror unit 24. As a result, the image reading unit 20 can read an image of a document fixedly placed on the document table glass 21.

  Further, the image reading unit 20 emits light from the light source 23a in a state where the light source unit 23 is stopped at the reading position (position shown in FIG. 4) at the time of reading by the document moving method. At this time, the light emitted from the light source 23 a is applied to the document conveyed in the conveyance direction Y <b> 1 on the document reading glass 22 by the document feeding device 30 through the document reading glass 22. Then, the reflected light from the original is incident on the imaging unit 25 via the original reading glass 22, the mirror 23b of the light source unit 23, and the mirror 24a and the mirror 24b of the mirror unit 24. As a result, the image reading unit 20 can read an image of a document conveyed on the document reading glass 22 by the document feeding device 30.

  The document feeder 30 includes a document tray 31 on which a document is placed, a discharge tray 32 from which the document is discharged, a conveyance path 33a for conveying the document placed on the document tray 31 to the discharge tray 32, It includes a conveyance path 33b for returning the document that has passed through the reading position to the upstream side of the reading position.

  A document is placed face up on the document tray 31. A pickup roller 34 is provided in the vicinity of the document tray 31. The pickup roller 34 is provided so that the documents placed on the document tray 31 can be taken into the transport path 33a of the document feeder 30 in order from the top.

  In the vicinity of the pickup roller 34, a first separation roller 35a and a second separation roller 35b are provided. The first separation roller 35a and the second separation roller 35b are provided to prevent a plurality of originals from being conveyed to the conveyance path 33a in a state where they overlap each other (double feeding).

  The discharge tray 32 is disposed below the document tray 31, and the document is discharged face down. The conveyance path 33a is formed in a U shape when viewed from the front. A conveyance roller 36 and a discharge roller 37 are provided in the conveyance path 33a.

  In the document feeder 30, the document placed on the document tray 31 is conveyed from the document tray 31 in the conveyance direction Y2 by the pickup roller. Then, the document conveyed from the document tray 31 is separated by the first separation roller 35 a and the second separation roller 35 b, thereby being conveyed one by one to the conveyance path 33 a and passing through the reading position via the conveyance roller 36. The original image that has passed through the reading position is read by the image reading unit 20 here.

  When only the surface of the document is read, the document is discharged to the discharge tray 32 by the discharge roller 37. On the other hand, when both sides of the original are read, the original is conveyed to the upstream side of the reading position via the conveyance path 33b. Thereby, the image on the back side of the document is read by the image reading unit 20. When both sides of the original are read, the original on which the images on both sides are read is conveyed again upstream of the reading position via the conveyance path 33b. Thereafter, the document is discharged to the discharge tray 32 by the discharge roller 37. As a result, the document is discharged face down.

  The image forming unit 3 includes photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, chargers 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5b, an exposure device 6, developing devices 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, and cleaner devices 8a and 8b. , 8c, 8d, intermediate transfer belt device 9 having intermediate transfer rollers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, secondary transfer device 10, fixing device 11, paper feed tray 12a acting as a supply unit, and manual paper feed A tray 12b, a discharge tray 13 acting as a discharge unit, a sheet conveying device 14, and a relay conveying unit 15 are provided.

  The image forming unit 3 forms a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) and a monochrome image using a single color (for example, black). It is said that.

  Specifically, in the image forming unit 3, an image forming station for forming black is composed of a photosensitive drum 4a, a charger 5a, a developing device 7a, a cleaner device 8a, and an intermediate transfer roller 9a. Yes. In the image forming unit 3, an image forming station for forming cyan includes a photosensitive drum 4b, a charger 5b, a developing device 7b, a cleaner device 8b, and an intermediate transfer roller 9b. In the image forming section 3, an image forming station for forming magenta includes a photosensitive drum 4c, a charger 5c, a developing device 7c, a cleaner device 8c, and an intermediate transfer roller 9c. In the image forming section 3, an image forming station for forming yellow is constituted by a photosensitive drum 4d, a charger 5d, a developing device 7d, a cleaner device 8d, and an intermediate transfer roller 9d.

  The photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d have a photosensitive layer on the surface. The chargers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5b apply a high voltage to uniformly charge the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to a predetermined potential.

  The exposure device 6 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) including, for example, a laser diode and a reflection mirror, and exposes uniformly charged surfaces of the photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d according to image data. Then, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface.

  The developing devices 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d develop the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d with toners of K, C, M, and Y. The cleaners 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d remove and collect toner remaining on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d after being transferred to the recording sheet P after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt device 9 is disposed above the photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, and includes an intermediate transfer belt 9e, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 9f, a driven roller 9g, a tension roller 9h, and an intermediate roller. And a transfer belt cleaning device 9i.

  The intermediate transfer belt 9e is formed in an endless belt shape using a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm. The intermediate transfer rollers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, the intermediate transfer belt driving roller 9f, the driven roller 9g, and the tension roller 9h stretch and support the intermediate transfer belt 9e, and move the intermediate transfer belt 9e in the circumferential direction C. .

  The intermediate transfer rollers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are rotatably supported inside the intermediate transfer belt 9e, and are pressed against the photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d via the intermediate transfer belt 9e.

  The intermediate transfer belt 9e is provided in contact with the photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d. A color toner image (a toner image of each color) is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 9e by sequentially transferring the toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d.

  Transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d to the intermediate transfer belt 9e is performed by intermediate transfer rollers 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d that are in pressure contact with the inner side (back surface) of the intermediate transfer belt 9e. . To the intermediate transfer rollers 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, a high-voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (one)) is applied to transfer the toner image.

  The secondary transfer device 10 includes a transfer roller 10a that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 9e. The transfer roller 10a is disposed outside the intermediate transfer belt 9e so as to be adjacent to the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 9f. The intermediate transfer belt 9e and the transfer roller 10a are pressed against each other to form a nip region. Further, the transfer roller 10a of the secondary transfer device 10 has a voltage (for example, a polarity (+) opposite to the charging polarity (one) of the toner) for transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 9e to the recording sheet P. )) Is applied.

  In the image forming apparatus main body 1, the toner images formed on the surfaces of the photoconductive drums 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are stacked by the intermediate transfer belt 9e to form a color toner image corresponding to the image data. The toner images of the respective colors stacked in this way are conveyed together with the intermediate transfer belt 9e and transferred onto the recording sheet P by the secondary transfer device 10.

  The intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9i removes and collects the residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 9e without the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 9e being completely transferred onto the recording sheet P by the secondary transfer device 10. To do. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9i has, for example, a cleaning blade that is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 9e while being pressed toward the driven roller 9g. The residual toner is removed and collected by the cleaning blade.

  The fixing device 11 includes a heat roller 11a and a pressure roller 11b that sandwich and convey the recording sheet P. The temperature of the heat roller 11a is controlled to be a predetermined fixing temperature, and the recording sheet P is thermocompression bonded at the fixing nip portion together with the pressure roller 11b to melt, mix, and mix the toner image transferred to the recording sheet P. It has a function of being pressed and thermally fixed to the recording sheet P. The fixing device 11 is provided with an external heating belt 11c for heating the heat roller 11a from the outside.

  The paper feed tray 12a is a tray for storing recording sheets P, and the manual paper feed tray 12b is a tray on which the recording sheets P are placed. The discharge tray 13 is a tray on which the printed recording sheet P is placed face down when the relay conveyance unit 15 is removed. The relay conveyance unit 15 is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 1. The relay conveyance unit 15 has a plurality of conveyance rollers 15a, 15b, and 15c provided in order along the conveyance direction X, and is configured to convey the recording sheet P discharged from the discharge roller 14g to the relay unit 50A. Has been.

  The sheet conveying device 14 transfers the recording sheet P from the paper feeding tray 12a or the manual paper feeding tray 12b via the secondary transfer device 10 or the fixing device 11 to the relay conveying unit 15 or the discharge tray 13 (here, the relay conveying unit 15). It is provided so that it can be sent to. In the sheet conveying device 14, along the sheet conveying path S from the sheet feeding tray 12a, a pickup roller 14a, a first separating roller 14b, a second separating roller 14c, a conveying roller 14d, a pre-registration roller pair 14e, a registration roller pair 14f, A discharge roller 14g is provided.

  The pickup roller 14a is provided in the vicinity of the paper feed tray 12a and is a drawing roller that supplies the recording sheets P from the paper feed tray 12a one by one to the sheet conveyance path S. The first separation roller 14b allows the recording sheet P to pass between the second separation roller 14c and separates the recording sheets P one by one and conveys them to the sheet conveyance path S.

  A pickup roller 14i is provided in the vicinity of the manual paper feed tray 12b. The pickup roller 14 i is a drawing roller that supplies the recording sheets P one by one from the manual sheet feeding tray 12 b to the sheet conveyance path S.

  The conveyance roller 14d and the pre-registration roller pair 14e are small rollers for promoting and assisting the conveyance of the recording sheet P. In FIG. 4, only one conveyance roller 14 d is shown for simplification, but actually, the conveyance rollers 14 d are provided at a plurality of locations along the sheet conveyance path S.

  The pre-registration roller pair 14e is provided at a position closest to the registration direction upstream of the registration roller pair 14f, and conveys the recording sheet P to the registration roller pair 14f. The registration roller pair 14f temporarily stops the recording sheet P conveyed from the pre-registration roller pair 14e, aligns the leading end of the recording sheet P, and performs intermediate transfer in the nip area between the intermediate transfer belt 9e and the transfer roller 10a. The recording sheet P is conveyed with good timing in accordance with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 9e so that the color toner image on the belt 9e is transferred to the recording sheet P.

  The recording sheet P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed while the toner image is fixed to the recording sheet P by the heat roller 11a and the pressure roller 11b. The recording sheet P on which the toner image of each color is fixed is discharged to the relay conveyance unit 15 by the discharge roller 14g. The recording sheet P discharged to the relay conveyance unit 15 is conveyed to the relay unit 50A by the conveyance rollers 15a, 15b, and 15c.

  In the first embodiment, the conveyance speed (hereinafter referred to as process speed) of the recording sheet P when image formation is performed is specifically 330 mm / s. After the upstream end (rear end) in the conveyance direction X of the recording sheet P passes through the fixing device 11 (specifically, a detection unit (not shown) provided nearer the downstream side in the conveyance direction X than the fixing nip portion). Specifically, the conveyance speed (hereinafter simply referred to as the conveyance speed) of the recording sheet P after the trailing edge of the recording sheet P is detected by the sensor) is higher than the process speed, and specifically 627 mm / s. That is, in the image forming apparatus 100A, the recording sheet P after passing through the fixing device 11 is conveyed at 627 mm / s in the relay conveyance unit 15, the first main conveyance path 51, the second main conveyance path 91, and the discharge unit 90. It is like that.

  It is also possible to form a monochrome image using at least one of the four image forming stations and transfer the monochrome image to the intermediate transfer belt 9e of the intermediate transfer belt device 9. Similarly to the color image, this monochrome image is also transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 9e to the recording sheet P and fixed on the recording sheet P.

  Further, in the case of forming not only the front (front) surface of the recording sheet P but also both surfaces, the recording sheet P is discharged from the sheet conveying path S after the image on the surface of the recording sheet P is fixed by the fixing device 11. During the conveyance by the roller 14g, the discharge roller 14g is stopped and then reversely rotated, the recording sheet P is passed through the front / back reversing path Sr by the conveyance roller 14h, and then the recording sheet P is reversed. Is again guided to the registration roller pair 14 f, and similarly to the front surface of the recording sheet P, the toner image is transferred and fixed on the back surface of the recording sheet P, and the recording sheet P is discharged to the relay conveyance unit 15.

  The image forming apparatus main body 1 forms an image read by the image reading device 2 on the recording sheet P by the image forming unit 3 when normal image formation is performed. Then, the recording sheet P (normal recording sheet) on which a normal image is formed is supplied to the relay unit 50 </ b> A via the relay conveyance unit 15.

  Further, the image forming apparatus main body 1 forms a test pattern 41 (see FIG. 7) on the recording sheet P by the image forming unit 3 when the calibration process is performed. Then, the recording sheet P (calibration recording sheet 40) on which the test pattern 41 is formed is supplied to the relay unit 50A through the relay conveyance unit 15.

(Coating part)
Next, the coating part 60 (60a, 60b) for depositing the transparent resin material F2 (see FIG. 5A described later) on the image-formed recording sheet P will be described below.

  FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the pair of coating portions 60a and 60b shown in FIGS. Fig.5 (a) is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the film F for a coating provided in a pair of coating parts 60a and 60b. FIG. 5B is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the pair of coating portions 60a and 60b. Note that one coating unit 60a and the other coating unit 60b have substantially the same configuration except that they are configured to be inverted in the transport direction X (specifically, up and down). In (b), the structure of one coating part 60a is shown as a representative.

  Here, the coating unit 60 (60a, 60b) is configured to perform a process of depositing the transparent resin material F2 on the image-formed recording sheet P, and has the same configuration as a conventional thermal transfer printer. A transparent resin material F2 is deposited on P (see FIG. 5A).

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the transparent resin material F2 includes a release layer Fa laminated on the film substrate F1, a coating layer Fb laminated on the release layer Fa, and a coating layer Fb. It is composed of laminated adhesive layers Fc. The film substrate F1 is a transparent layer made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin having a predetermined thickness (specifically, 4.5 μm). The release layer Fa is a transparent layer made of an acrylic resin, and has a function of releasing the film substrate F1 and the coating layer Fb. The coating layer Fb is a transparent layer made of a styrene resin having a predetermined thickness (specifically, 0.5 μm), and is a main material for coating. The adhesive layer Fc is a transparent layer made of a polyamide resin (here, a resin material having a welding temperature of 120 ° C.) having a predetermined thickness (specifically, 0.4 μm to 0.6 μm). And the coating layer Fb.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the coating unit 60 (60a, 60b) includes a cartridge housing unit 61, a cartridge driving unit 62, a head unit 63, a head driving unit 64, and a conveying unit 65. Yes.

  The cartridge accommodating part 61 is configured to accommodate the film cartridge 66 in a detachable manner. For example, the cartridge housing portion 61 can be easily attached and detached from the film cartridge 66 by an operator such as a user.

  The film cartridge 66 includes a winding reel 66a, a take-up reel 66b, and a cartridge case 66c.

  The winding reel 66a is configured such that a coating film F in which a transparent resin material F2 is applied is wound on a film substrate F1. The take-up reel 66b is a film after the transparent resin material F2 in the coating film F wound around the take-up reel 66a is transferred to the recording sheet P conveyed to the first coating conveyance path 52b or the second coating conveyance path 53b. It is set as the structure which winds up the base material F1. The cartridge case 66c is configured to accommodate the winding reel 66a and the take-up reel 66b. The size of the coating film F in the width direction is larger than the size of the maximum size recording sheet P in the width direction.

  The cartridge drive unit 62 rotates the take-up reel 66b that takes up the film substrate F1 after the transfer of the transparent resin material F2 so as to move the coating film F wound around the take-up reel 66a in the transport direction X in a certain rotation direction. It is set as the structure which rotates in the direction of arrow E in FIG.5 (b).

Specifically, the cartridge drive unit 62 includes a drive rotation unit 621 and a driven rotation unit 622. The drive rotation unit 621 has a drive rotation shaft 621a, and the drive rotation shaft 621a engages with the take-up reel 66b to rotate the take-up reel 66b in the rotation direction E. The driven rotation unit 622 has a driven rotation shaft 622a. The driven rotation shaft 622a engages with the winding reel 66a and does not rotate too much with respect to the rotation of the take-up reel 66b. A load (a constant load set in advance) is applied to the rotation. Note that the drive rotation unit 621 is electrically connected to the control unit 200 (see FIG. 9), and an instruction from the control unit 200 is provided. The take-up reel 66b is rotated by the signal.

  The head unit 63 is located between a contact position that contacts the image forming surface of the recording sheet P that is transported to the first coating transport path 52b or the second coating transport path 53b and a retracted position that is at least separated from the contact position. The coating film F is heated from the film base F1 when it is reciprocally movable and located at the contact position. Note that the size of the head portion 63 in the width direction is larger than or equal to the size of the coating film F in the width direction.

  Specifically, the head part 63 includes a heater part 631 and a heater support part 632.

  The heater 631 includes a heater 631a (see FIG. 9) that heats the coating film F from the film base F1. The heater support portion 632 includes a slide mechanism 632a that supports the heater portion 631 and slides movably between the contact position and the retracted position.

  The heater 631a is connected to the control unit 200 (see FIG. 9), and generates heat when energized by an instruction signal from the control unit 200.

  The head driving unit 64 includes a pressing member 641, an urging member 642, a cam mechanism 643, and a cam driving unit 644.

  The pressing member 641 is disposed at a position corresponding to the heater portion 631 on the opposite side of the head portion 63 on the first coating conveyance path 52b or the second coating conveyance path 53b. Here, the pressing member 641 is a pressing roller, and is conveyed in the conveyance direction X of the recording sheet P conveyed to the first coating conveyance path 52b or the second coating conveyance path 53b and sandwiched between the heater section 631. It is driven to rotate with the conveyance. The biasing member 642 biases the heater support portion 632 toward the contact position (pressing member 641). Here, the urging member 642 is a winding spring, and one end is connected to the heater support portion 632 and the other end is connected to the main body frame FL of the coating portion 60 (60a, 60b). The cam mechanism 643 has a cam portion 643 a, and the heater support portion 632 urged toward the contact position by the urging member 642 by the rotation of the cam portion 643 a is retracted against the urging force of the urging member 642. It is designed to move to a position. The cam drive unit 644 is configured to rotationally drive the cam unit 643a in the cam mechanism 643.

  The cam drive unit 644 is electrically connected to the control unit 200 (see FIG. 9), and rotates the cam unit 643a according to an instruction signal from the control unit 200.

  The conveyance unit 65 includes a coating conveyance roller pair 651, a superposition member 652, and a pressure bonding member 653.

  The coating conveyance roller pair 651 is disposed on the upstream side in the conveyance direction X with respect to the pressing member 641 on the first coating conveyance path 52b or the second coating conveyance path 53b. It is designed to be transported. The overlapping member 652 is disposed in the film cartridge 66 between the pair of coating conveying rollers 651 and the pressing member 641 on the first coating conveying path 52b or the second coating conveying path 53b. The polymerization member 652 is a polymerization roller that polymerizes the surface of the coating film F to which the transparent resin material F2 is adhered and the image forming surface of the recording sheet P. The crimping member 653 is disposed on the first coating conveyance path 52b or the second coating conveyance path 53b on the downstream side in the conveyance direction X with respect to the pressing member 641, and the transparent resin material F2 is adhered by the heater 631. The recording sheet P is sandwiched from both sides. Thereby, the transparent resin material F2 attached to the recording sheet P can be brought into close contact with the recording sheet P. Here, the pressure-bonding member 653 is a pair of pressing rollers. In the case where the pressure-bonding member 653 is a pair of pressing rollers, in addition to a close-contact function for bringing the transparent resin material F2 attached to the recording sheet P into close contact with the recording sheet P, it also serves as a transport function for transporting the recording sheet P.

  In the first embodiment, the conveyance speed of the recording sheet P when performing the coating process (hereinafter also referred to as the coating processing speed) is the same as the process speed of the recording sheet P (specifically 330 mm / s). The speed is set to be equal to or lower than the speed.

  In the coating unit 60 (60a, 60b) described above, the recording sheet P conveyed to the first coating conveyance path 52b or the second coating conveyance path 53b by the coating conveyance roller pair 651 is applied to the coating film from the winding reel 65a. F is superposed by the superposing member 652 and moves to the pressing member 641. At this time, in the head part 63, the heater part 631 is arranged at the contact position by the head driving part 64 and is in a heat generating state. The recording sheet P that has reached the head portion 63 is pressed against the pressing member 641 from the film base F1 by the heater 631 and the coating film F is pressed between the pressing member 641 and the heater 631. The transparent resin material F2 on F is deposited (transferred). The recording sheet P to which the transparent resin material F2 is adhered further moves to the pressure bonding member 653, where the transparent resin material F2 is brought into close contact with the recording sheet P.

  In the first embodiment, the transparent resin material F2 is deposited on the recording sheet P. However, as a configuration of one image forming station of the image forming unit 3 shown in FIG. You may make it wear.

(Coating part attachment / detachment configuration)
In the first embodiment, in the relay unit 50A, at least one coating part 60a of the pair of coating parts 60a and 60b is configured to be detachable from the relay unit 50A main body.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing a configuration in which both of the pair of coating portions 60a and 60b are attached to and detached from the relay unit 50A main body.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the relay unit 50 </ b> A includes a storage unit 591 and a slide unit 592.

  The storage unit 591 is configured to store a pair of coating units 60a and 60b, and includes a first storage chamber 591a that stores one coating unit 60a, and a second storage chamber 591b that stores the other coating unit 60b. have. The first storage chamber 591a stores and holds one coating part 60a (specifically, it is attached with a screw). The second storage chamber 591b stores and holds the other coating portion 60b (specifically, it is attached with screws).

  The slide unit 592 is reciprocally movable in the width direction W of the recording sheet P perpendicular to the conveyance direction X, and the slide unit 592 is configured to support a first slide mechanism 592a that supports the storage unit 591 on the one coating unit 60a side. And a second slide mechanism 592b that supports the storage portion 591 on the other coating portion 60b side. The first slide mechanism 592a has a pair of slide members that slide in the width direction W, and one slide member is attached to one coating portion 60a side of the frame 50t in the relay unit 50A, and the other slide. A member is attached to one coating portion 60a side of the storage portion 591. The second slide mechanism 592b has a pair of slide members that slide in the width direction W, and one slide member is attached to the other coating portion 60b side of the frame 50t in the relay unit 50A, and the other slide. The member is attached to the other coating portion 60b side of the storage portion 591.

(Reading unit)
Next, the reading unit 80 that reads the test pattern 41 on the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed to the branching sub-conveyance path 72 when performing the calibration process on the image formed by the image forming unit 3 will be described below.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of the calibration recording sheet 40 formed by the image forming apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 100A forms the test pattern 41 on the recording sheet P by the image forming unit 3 in the calibration process mode (when the calibration process of the output at the time of image formation is performed) in the image forming apparatus main body 1, and performs calibration. The recording sheet 40 is supplied to the reading unit 70 via the relay conveyance unit 15 and the relay unit 50A.

  Here, the test pattern 41 formed on the calibration recording sheet 40 includes a black (K) image 41a formed at a predetermined interval so that the gradation changes stepwise in the width direction W, and the gradation is Cyan (C) image 41b formed at a predetermined interval so as to change in the width direction W stepwise, and magenta (C) formed at a predetermined interval so that the gradation changes stepwise in the width direction W. M) image 41c and yellow (Y) image 41d formed at predetermined intervals so that the gradation changes stepwise in the width direction W. Note that the images 41a to 41d are formed in this order on the upstream side in the transport direction X, for example, and can have a square shape with a side of 2 mm.

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100A performs calibration (image quality adjustment) of the output at the time of image formation based on the reading result received from the reading unit 80 in the reading unit 70 in the image forming apparatus main body 1. Note that the image quality adjustment refers to adjusting a change in image quality of an output image such as a change in print image quality density or a change in color tone. Specifically, the image adjustment means that a desired image can be obtained when an image (output) actually formed on the recording sheet P is different from a command value of the image forming apparatus main body 1. It means to correct the command value. For example, when the image forming apparatus main body 1 tries to form an image having a predetermined gradation, if an image darker than the predetermined gradation is formed, the image forming apparatus main body 1 thereafter determines that the image forming apparatus main body 1 has a predetermined floor. When a tone image is to be formed, an output having a predetermined gradation is formed by reducing the output.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the reading unit 80 in the reading unit 70 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as viewed obliquely from below. In FIG. 8, illustration of each conveyance path and each conveyance roller pair is omitted.

  The reading unit 80 includes a reading sensor unit 81 that reads one surface (front surface) of the calibration recording sheet 40. The reading sensor unit 81 is, for example, a colorimeter, and is configured to read the test pattern 41 (see FIG. 7) formed on the calibration recording sheet 40. For example, the reading result (color measurement result) by the reading sensor unit 81 can be a coordinate value in the L * a * b * color space.

  The reading sensor unit 81 is electrically connected to the control unit 200 (see FIG. 9), and reads the test pattern 41 of the calibration recording sheet 40 by an instruction signal from the control unit 200. .

  When the test pattern 41 is formed not only in a straight line along the transport direction X but also in a plane along the transport direction X and the width direction W, the reading unit 80 is calibrated by the reading sensor unit 81. The calibration recording sheet 40 can be reciprocated along the width direction W so that the test pattern 41 of the sheet 40 can be read.

  Specifically, the reading unit 80 further includes a belt 82 for moving the reading sensor unit 81 along the width direction W, a pair of pulleys 83 and 83 around which the belt 82 is hung, and a frame 70t (from FIG. 1). And a chassis 84 provided on one surface formed on the upper side of FIG.

  The belt 82 is bridged between a pair of pulleys 83 and 83 that are arranged to face each other in the width direction W. The pulley 83 is attached to the chassis 84.

  The reading unit 80 further includes a pair of side plates 85, 85, an upstream conveyance roller pair 86, and a downstream conveyance roller pair 87.

  The pair of side plates 85, 85 are provided on the other surface formed on the lower side of the frame body 70t. The upstream conveyance roller pair 86 and the downstream conveyance roller pair 87 are provided between the pair of side plates 85 and 85. The upstream conveying roller pair 86 is provided on the upstream side in the conveying direction X from the reading position by the reading sensor unit 81 in the pair of side plates 85 and 85. The downstream side conveyance roller pair 87 is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction X from the reading position by the reading sensor unit 81 in the pair of side plates 85 and 85. Thereby, when the test pattern 41 of the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed through the reading conveyance path 72b is read, the position of the calibration recording sheet 40 can be easily fixed.

  In the first embodiment, the reading unit 80 stops the calibration recording sheet 40 to read the test pattern 41, and the reading recording unit 40 reads the calibration recording sheet 40 other than when the reading sensor unit 81 is reading the test pattern 41. The conveyance speed (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a reading processing speed) is the same as the process speed of the recording sheet P (specifically, 330 mm / s).

(Curl correction part)
Next, the curl correction unit 110 will be described. The curl correction unit 110 provided in the relay unit 50A and the curl correction unit 110 provided in the reading unit 70 have the same configuration. The curl correction unit 110 provided in the reading unit 70 shown in FIG.

  The curl correction unit 110 has a function of correcting curl curved in the conveyance direction X of the recording sheet P. Further, the curl correction unit 110 includes a first roller (specifically, the rigid shaft 111) and a second roller (specifically, an elastic roller 112) having a diameter larger than the diameter of the rigid shaft 111. .

  The rigid shaft 111 is, for example, a metal shaft such as stainless steel. The elastic roller 112 is a silicon sponge roller disposed opposite to the rigid shaft 111.

  Specifically, the rigid shaft 111 has a diameter of, for example, 8 mm, and the elastic roller 112 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the rigid shaft 111 (about three times that of the rigid shaft 111 (for example, 25 mm)). Yes. The curl correction unit 110 is curved in the conveyance direction X of the recording sheet P when the recording sheet P is passed between the rigid shaft 111 and the elastic roller 112 with the rigid shaft 111 and the elastic roller 112 pressed against each other. Configured to correct the curl.

  In this way, by providing the relay unit 50A and the reading unit 70 with the curl correction unit 110, in the relay unit 50A, the recording sheet P whose curl has been corrected by the curl correction unit 110 is supplied to the coating unit 60. The coating process by the coating part 60 can be performed stably. In the reading unit 70, since the calibration recording sheet 40 whose curl has been corrected by the curl correction unit 110 is supplied to the reading unit 80, it is possible to suppress a decrease in reading accuracy of the reading unit 80.

(Recording sheet conveyance control)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram mainly showing the conveyance control system of the image forming apparatus 100A shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 100 </ b> A further includes a control unit 200. The control unit 200 includes a processing unit 201 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit 202 including a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). Specifically, in the image forming apparatus 100A, the processing unit 201 of the control unit 200 controls various components by loading a control program stored in advance in the ROM of the storage unit 202 onto the RAM of the storage unit 202 and executing it. It is supposed to be.

  The relay unit 50A in the image forming apparatus 100A further includes a first drive unit 501.

  The first drive unit 501 is a drive unit (specifically, a drive motor) that drives the main conveyance roller pairs 56a to 56e (see FIG. 2). The first drive unit 501 is electrically connected to the control unit 200, and rotates the main conveyance roller pairs 56 a to 56 e in response to an instruction signal from the control unit 200 to convey the recording sheet P at a conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s).

  Then, the control unit 200 has a speed higher than the conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s) of the recording sheet P conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51 at least during the coating process by the one coating unit 60a. 1 The transport speed of the recording sheet P transported on the upstream side sub transport path 52 is reduced.

  Specifically, the relay unit 50A in the image forming apparatus 100A further includes a second drive unit 502.

  The second drive unit 502 is a drive unit (specifically a drive motor) that drives the upstream side sub-conveying roller pair 58a and 58b, the curl correction unit 110, and one coating registration roller pair 57a (see FIG. 2). . The second drive unit 502 is electrically connected to the control unit 200. In response to an instruction signal from the control unit 200, the second driving unit 502 rotates the upstream side sub-conveying roller pair 58 a and 58 b and the curl correcting unit 110 to decelerate the recording sheet P from the conveying speed, thereby providing one coating registration roller. After temporarily stopping at the pair 57a, the one coating resist roller pair 57a is rotated, and the upstream side sub-conveying roller pair 58a, 58b and the curl correction unit 110 are rotated again to apply the coating processing speed ( Specifically, it is transported at a speed of 330 mm / s or less.

  Specifically, the control unit 200 decelerates the recording sheet P until the leading end of the recording sheet P conveyed to the first upstream side sub conveying path 52 reaches the one coating unit 60a, and the coating processing speed (specifically, Is set to 330 mm / s or less). More specifically, the control unit 200 decelerates the recording sheet P until the leading edge of the recording sheet P conveyed to the first upstream side sub-conveying path 52 reaches one of the registration roller pairs 57a for coating, thereby recording sheet The recording sheet P is temporarily stopped after the front end of the P comes into contact with one coating resist roller pair 57a, transported again, and coated at one coating section 60a at a coating processing speed.

  In the first embodiment, when performing the coating process, the control unit 200 is located upstream of the first branching path 51a in the transporting direction X and closer to the first branching section 51a in the first main transport path 51. After the trailing edge of the recording sheet P conveyed by the provided main conveying roller pair 56a passes through the main conveying roller pair 56a, the conveying speed of the recording sheet P conveyed on the first upstream side sub conveying path 52 is set. It is supposed to be late.

  Whether the trailing edge of the recording sheet P has passed through the main transport roller pair 56a is detected in the vicinity of the main transport roller pair 56a (specifically, on the downstream side in the transport direction X of the main transport roller pair 56a). It can be detected by a first sheet detector (specifically, a sensor) 211 (not shown in FIG. 2; see FIG. 9) such as a reflective optical sensor provided in the vicinity. The first sheet detection unit 211 is electrically connected to the input system of the control unit 200 and can send a detection signal to the control unit 200.

  In the first embodiment, the one coating portion 60a is positioned at the nip position of the main conveyance roller pair 56a provided at the upstream side in the conveyance direction X with respect to the first branch portion 51a and at a position closest to the first branch portion 51a. And the distance of the conveying path between the recording sheet P and the coating processing unit (an example of processing position) for coating the recording sheet P is the maximum size (for example, A3 size for centimeter specifications, double letter (WLT) size for inch specifications) The recording sheet P is provided so as to be longer than the maximum transport length for transporting the recording sheet P. Specifically, the position of the member corresponding to the coating processing unit of one coating unit 60a is a pair of conveyance rollers (here, one of the coating units 60a provided at the closest upstream position in the conveyance direction X with respect to one coating unit 60a). Nip position of the pair of registration rollers 57a for coating).

  In the case where the coating process is performed only on one surface (front surface) of the recording sheet P, the control unit 200 does not decelerate the recording sheet P, and the recording sheet P is conveyed at a conveying speed (specifically, 627 mm). / S).

  The relay unit 50A in the image forming apparatus 100A further includes a third driving unit 503.

  The 3rd drive part 503 is a drive part (specifically drive motor) which drives the conveyance part 65 (refer FIG.5 (b)) in one coating part 60a. The third drive unit 503 is electrically connected to the control unit 200, and rotates the conveyance unit 65 in response to an instruction signal from the control unit 200 so that the recording sheet P is coated at a coating processing speed (specifically, 330 mm / s or less).

  In the case where the coating process is performed only on one surface (front surface) of the recording sheet P, the control unit 200 does not decelerate the recording sheet P, and the recording sheet P is conveyed at a conveying speed (specifically, 627 mm). / S).

  The relay unit 50A in the image forming apparatus 100A further includes a fourth drive unit 504 and a fifth drive unit 505.

  The fourth drive unit 504 is a drive unit (specifically a drive motor) that drives the upstream side sub-conveying roller pair 58c to 58e and the other coating registration roller pair 57b (see FIG. 2). The fourth drive unit 504 is electrically connected to the control unit 200, and rotates the upstream side sub conveyance roller pairs 58 c to 58 e in response to an instruction signal from the control unit 200, thereby coating the recording sheet P with a coating processing speed (specifically, The speed is reduced from 330 mm / s or less) and temporarily stopped by the other coating registration roller pair 57b, and then the other coating registration roller pair 57b is rotated, and the upstream side sub-transport is again performed. The pair of rollers 58c to 58e is rotated to convey the recording sheet P at a coating processing speed.

  Specifically, the control unit 200 determines that the leading end of the recording sheet P conveyed to the second upstream side sub conveyance path 53 at a coating processing speed (specifically, a speed of 330 mm / s or less) is the other coating. After contacting the registration roller pair 57b, the recording sheet P is temporarily stopped, conveyed again, and coated at the coating processing speed at the other coating portion 60b.

  The fifth drive unit 505 is a drive unit (specifically a drive motor) that drives the transport unit 65 (see FIG. 5B) in the other coating unit 60b. The fifth drive unit 505 is electrically connected to the control unit 200, and rotates the conveyance unit 65 according to an instruction signal from the control unit 200 to coat the recording sheet P with a coating processing speed (specifically, 330 mm / s). Or a lower speed).

  In the first embodiment, the pair of coating units 60a and 60b has a maximum distance (for example, A3 size for the centimeter specification and double size for the inch specification). Letter (WLT size) recording sheet P is provided so as to be longer than the maximum transport length for transporting it. Specifically, the position of the member corresponding to the coating processing section of one coating section 60a is the nip position of the crimping member 653, and the position of the member corresponding to the coating processing section of the other coating section 60b is the other position. A pair of transport rollers (here, the nip position of the other pair of registration rollers 57b for coating) provided at a position closest to the upstream side in the transport direction X with respect to the coating unit 60b.

  In the first embodiment, after the coating process by the other coating unit 60b is completed, the control unit 200 conveys the recording sheet P conveyed on the second upstream side sub conveyance path 53 (specifically, 330 mm / second). s or less) is returned to the conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s) of the recording sheet P conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51.

  Specifically, the relay unit 50A in the image forming apparatus 100A further includes a sixth drive unit 506.

  The sixth drive unit 506 is a drive unit (specifically, a drive motor) that drives the upstream side sub transport roller pairs 58f to 58h (see FIG. 2). The sixth drive unit 506 is electrically connected to the control unit 200, and rotates the upstream side sub conveyance roller pairs 58f to 58h in response to an instruction signal from the control unit 200, thereby coating the recording sheet P with a coating processing speed (specifically, In reality, the sheet is accelerated from 330 mm / s or less) and conveyed at a conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s) until the leading edge of the recording sheet P reaches the first main conveyance path 51. ing.

  In the first embodiment, when the control unit 200 returns the recording sheet P transported on the second upstream sub-transport path 53 to the first main transport path 51, the control section 200 records the recording sheet in the second upstream sub-transport path 53. The conveyance speed (specifically, the recording sheet P conveyed on the second upstream side auxiliary conveyance path 53 after the rear end of P passes through the coating processing unit (specifically, the crimping member 653 in the other coating unit 60b). In this case, the speed of 330 mm / s or less is returned to the transport speed (specifically, 627 mm / s) of the recording sheet P transported on the first main transport path 51. Specifically, the control unit 200 conveys the recording sheet P before the leading end of the recording sheet P conveyed to the second upstream side sub conveying path 53 reaches the first main conveying path 51 (specifically, 627 mm / s). ) To accelerate.

  Note that whether or not the rear end of the recording sheet P has passed the coating processing section (specifically, the pressure-bonding member 653 in the other coating section 60b) is detected in the vicinity of the pressure-bonding member 653 in the other coating section 60b (specifically Specifically, the second sheet detecting unit (specifically, sensor) 212 such as a reflective optical sensor provided in the vicinity of the downstream side in the conveyance direction X of the crimping member 653 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5B. (See FIG. 9). The second sheet detection unit 212 is electrically connected to the input system of the control unit 200 and can send a detection signal to the control unit 200.

  In the relay unit 50A, an electromagnetic clutch (not shown) is provided in a drive transmission system (not shown) provided between the first to sixth driving units 501 to 506 and each pair of rollers driven by the first to sixth driving units 501 to 506. It has been.

  In the first embodiment, the control unit 200 conveys the recording sheet P conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51 at least while the reading unit 80 reads the test pattern 41 of the calibration recording sheet 40. The conveyance speed of the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed on the branch sub-conveyance path 72 is made slower than (specifically, 627 mm / s).

  Specifically, the reading unit 70 in the image forming apparatus 100 </ b> A further includes a first driving unit 701.

  The first driving unit 701 is a driving unit (specifically, a driving motor) that drives the branching sub-conveying roller pair 78a, the curl correction unit 110, and the reading registration roller pair 77 (see FIG. 3). The first drive unit 701 is electrically connected to the control unit 200. The first driving unit 701 rotates the branch sub-conveying roller pair 78a and the curl correcting unit 110 in response to an instruction signal from the control unit 200, and decelerates the calibration recording sheet 40 from the conveying speed (specifically, 627 mm / s). The reading registration roller pair 77 is temporarily stopped, and then the reading registration roller pair 77 is rotated, and the branch sub-conveying roller pair 78a and the curl correction unit 110 are rotated again to read the calibration recording sheet 40. The sheet is conveyed at a processing speed (specifically, repetition of 330 mm / s and stop).

  Specifically, the control unit 200 decelerates the calibration recording sheet 40 until the leading end of the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed to the branch sub-conveying path 72 reaches the reading unit 80 and reads the reading processing speed (specifically, Is repeated at 330 mm / s and stop). More specifically, the control unit 200 decelerates the calibration recording sheet 40 until the leading end of the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed to the branching sub-conveying path 72 reaches the reading registration roller pair 77, and records the calibration. After the leading edge of the sheet 40 comes into contact with the registration roller pair 77 for reading, the calibration recording sheet 40 is temporarily stopped, conveyed again, and the reading unit 80 reads the test pattern 41 at the reading processing speed.

  In the first embodiment, the control unit 200 reads the test pattern 41 of the calibration recording sheet 40 in the conveyance direction X in the first main conveyance path 51 in the conveyance direction X than in the second branch part 71a with the branch sub conveyance path 72. After the rear end of the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed by the main conveying roller pair 56d provided on the upstream side and in the position closest to the second branch portion 71a passes through the main conveying roller pair 56d, the branch sub-conveying path The conveyance speed of the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed on 72 is slowed down.

  Whether or not the trailing edge of the calibration recording sheet 40 has passed through the main conveyance roller pair 56d is detected in the vicinity of the main conveyance roller pair 56d (specifically, the downstream of the main conveyance roller pair 56d in the conveyance direction X). It can be detected by a third sheet detector (specifically, a sensor) 213 (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, see FIG. 9) such as a reflective optical sensor provided in the vicinity of the side. The third sheet detection unit 213 is electrically connected to the input system of the control unit 200 and can send a detection signal to the control unit 200.

  In the first embodiment, the other coating unit 60b and the reading unit 80 include a coating processing unit (an example of a processing position) that performs a coating process on the recording sheet P of the other coating unit 60b, and a test pattern 41 of the reading unit 80. Is provided so that the distance of the conveyance path to the reading processing unit 88 (an example of a reading position) is longer than the maximum conveyance length for conveying the maximum size recording sheet P. Specifically, the position of the member corresponding to the coating processing portion of the other coating portion 60 b is the nip position (see FIG. 5B) of the crimping member 653, and the member corresponding to the reading processing portion of the reading portion 80. Is a pair of transport rollers (here, the nip position of the registration roller pair 77 for reading, see FIG. 8) provided at a position closest to the upstream side in the transport direction X from the reading unit 80.

  In the first embodiment, after the reading of the test pattern 41 of the calibration recording sheet 40 by the reading unit 80 is completed, the control unit 200 transports the calibration recording sheet 40 that is transported on the branch sub-transport path 72 ( Specifically, the repetition of 330 mm / s and the stop) is returned to the conveyance speed of the recording sheet P (specifically, 627 mm / s).

  Specifically, the reading unit 70 in the image forming apparatus 100 </ b> A further includes a second driving unit 702.

  The second drive unit 702 is a drive unit (specifically a drive motor) that drives the branch sub-conveying roller pairs 78b and 78c and the discharge roller pair 78d (see FIG. 3). The second drive unit 702 is electrically connected to the control unit 200, and rotates the branching sub-conveying roller pairs 78 b and 78 c and the discharge roller pair 78 d according to an instruction signal from the control unit 200 to read the recording sheet P. It is accelerated from a processing speed (specifically, repetition of 330 mm / s and stop) and conveyed at a conveying speed (specifically 627 mm / s).

  In the first embodiment, the controller 200 transports the calibration recording sheet 40 transported on the branch sub-transport path 72 to the sheet discharge section 75a more than the reading sensor unit 81 in the branch sub-transport path 72. The rear end of the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed by the downstream conveying roller pair 87 (see FIGS. 3 and 8) provided on the downstream side in the direction X and closest to the reading sensor unit 81 is conveyed downstream. After passing through the roller pair 87, the conveyance speed of the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed on the branch sub-conveyance path 72 (specifically, repetition of 330 mm / s and stop) is the conveyance speed of the recording sheet P (specifically Specifically, it is set back to 627 mm / s).

  Whether the trailing edge of the calibration recording sheet 40 has passed through the downstream conveyance roller pair 87 is detected in the vicinity of the downstream conveyance roller pair 87 (specifically, the conveyance direction of the downstream conveyance roller pair 87). It can be detected by a fourth sheet detector (specifically, a sensor) 214 (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 8; see FIG. 9) such as a reflective optical sensor provided in the vicinity of the downstream side in X). it can. The fourth sheet detection unit 214 is electrically connected to the input system of the control unit 200 and can send a detection signal to the control unit 200.

  In the reading unit 70, an electromagnetic clutch (not shown) is provided in a drive transmission system (not shown) provided between the first drive unit 701 and the second drive unit 702 and each pair of rollers driven thereby. Is provided.

  In the first embodiment, the discharge unit 90 in the image forming apparatus 100A further includes a drive unit 901.

  The drive unit 901 is a drive unit (specifically, a drive motor) that drives the main transport roller pairs 96a to 96c and the sub transport roller pairs 98a and 98b (see FIG. 1). The drive unit 901 is electrically connected to the control unit 200, and rotates the main transport roller pairs 96 a to 96 c and the sub transport roller pairs 98 a and 98 b according to an instruction signal from the control unit 200 to transport the recording sheet P. The sheet is conveyed at a speed (specifically, 627 mm / s).

  In the first embodiment, one coating portion 60a is configured to perform a coating process on the other surface (back surface) of the recording sheet P, and the other coating portion 60b is provided on one surface (front surface) of the recording sheet P. Although the coating process is performed on the recording sheet P, the coating process is performed on one surface (front surface) of the recording sheet P as shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure which performs a coating process with respect to the other surface (back surface) of the recording sheet P. FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows an image forming apparatus 100A according to the first embodiment in which one coating portion 60a is coated on one surface (front surface) of the recording sheet P, and the other coating portion 60b is a recording sheet. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of 50 A of relay units and the reading unit 70 which were the structure which performs the coating process with respect to the other surface (back surface) of P.

  The relay unit 50A shown in FIG. 10 has a configuration in which the left and right sides of the one coating portion 60a and the other coating portion 60b are reversed in the relay unit 50A shown in FIG. 2, and the upstream side sub-transport roller pair 58h, the merging portion 51b, 2 except that the upstream side sub-conveying roller pair 58i is provided, and members having substantially the same configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The relay unit 50A shown in FIG. 10 is different from the relay unit 50A shown in FIG. 2 in the operation of the sixth drive unit 506 shown in FIG. That is, the sixth drive unit 506 shown in FIG. 9 drives the upstream side sub transport roller pair 58i in addition to the upstream side sub transport roller pair 58f to 58h.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of the relay unit 50B and the reading unit 70 in the image forming apparatus 100B according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram mainly showing the conveyance control system of the image forming apparatus 100B shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 100B according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 includes a processing unit 300B and a discharge unit 90, and the processing unit 300B includes a relay unit 50B and a reading unit 70.

  The relay unit 50B is the same as the relay unit 50A of the image forming apparatus 100A according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, but the second coating transport path 53b, the coating registration roller pairs 57a and 57b, and the upstream side sub transport roller pairs 58c to 58e. The coating unit 60 (60a, 60b) is replaced with a member constituting the sheet processing unit on the upstream side sub-transport path 59 in which the length of the transport path is shortened by removing the fourth drive unit 504 and the fifth drive unit 505. The heat fixing unit 16 is provided.

  In the relay unit 50B shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, members substantially the same as those in the relay unit 50A shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the heat fixing unit 16 is provided at the lower end portions 50e and 50f of the folding conveying unit 55, and a heat fixing unit used in a conventionally known fixing device can be applied. The following configuration can be adopted.

  That is, the heat fixing unit 16 applies a predetermined pressure while applying heat at a predetermined temperature to the recording sheet P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 3 (fixed by the fixing device 11). A first heat-fixing roller 16a that heats the recording sheet P, a second heat-fixing roller 16b that presses against the first heat-fixing roller 16a, and a first heater that heats the first heat-fixing roller 16a. (For example, a halogen heater) 16c (see FIG. 12), a second heating heater (for example, a halogen heater) 16d (see FIG. 12) for heating the second heat-fixing roller 16b, and a frame for housing the components of the heat-fixing unit 16 And a body 16e. The heat fixing unit 16 conveys the recording sheet P formed by the image forming unit 3 (fixed by the fixing device 11) at a fixing nip N between the first heat fixing roller 16a and the second heat fixing roller 16b. It is designed to be heated and pressed while being conveyed to X.

  The first heat-fixing roller 16a and the second heat-fixing roller 16b are controlled by a temperature detection unit 16f (specifically, a temperature sensor for the first and second heat-fixing rollers) under the instruction of the control unit 200 (see FIG. 12) ( Each temperature is controlled so as to reach a predetermined fixing temperature based on the detection result of FIG.

  The first heat fixing roller 16a is rotationally driven by a third drive unit 503. The second heat fixing roller 16b is driven to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the first heat fixing roller 16a, and the recording sheet P is thermocompression bonded at the fixing nip portion N together with the first heat fixing roller 16a. Accordingly, the heat fixing unit 16 further melts, mixes, and presses the toner image fixed on the recording sheet P by the fixing device 11 in the image forming unit 3, and further heats and pressurizes the recording sheet P. Can do. Further, the heat fixing unit 16 includes a pressure release unit 16g (see FIG. 12) that releases the pressure contact between the first heat fixing roller 16a and the second heat fixing roller 16b. The pressure release unit 16g is connected to the control unit 200, and maintains the pressure contact state of the first heat fixing roller 16a and the second heat fixing roller 16b under the instruction of the control unit 200 or the first heat fixing. The pressure contact state of the roller 16a and the second heat fixing roller 16b is released.

  At least during the fixing process by the heat fixing unit 16, the control unit 200 is on the first upstream side from the conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s) of the recording sheet P conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51. The conveyance speed of the recording sheet P conveyed on the sub conveyance path 52 is slow.

  The second drive unit 502 drives the upstream side sub conveyance roller pair 58a, 58b and the curl correction unit 110. In response to an instruction signal from the control unit 200, the second drive unit 502 rotates the upstream side sub-conveying roller pair 58a, 58b and the curl correcting unit 110, decelerates the recording sheet P from the conveying speed, and fixes the recording sheet P. The sheet is conveyed at a speed (specifically, a speed of 330 mm / s or less).

  Specifically, the control unit 200 decelerates the recording sheet P until the leading end of the recording sheet P conveyed to the first upstream side sub-conveying path 52 reaches the heat fixing unit 16, and the fixing processing speed (specifically, Is set to 330 mm / s or less). More specifically, the control unit 200 moves the recording sheet P until the leading edge of the recording sheet P conveyed to the first upstream side sub conveying path 52 reaches the fixing processing unit (specifically, the fixing nip portion N). The fixing process is performed at a fixing process speed (specifically, the fixing nip part N) at a fixing process speed.

  In the second embodiment, when performing the fixing process, the control unit 200 is located upstream of the first branching unit 51a in the transporting direction X in the first main transporting path 51 and at a position closest to the first branching unit 51a. After the trailing edge of the recording sheet P conveyed by the provided main conveying roller pair 56a passes through the main conveying roller pair 56a, the conveying speed of the recording sheet P conveyed on the first upstream side sub conveying path 52 is set. It is supposed to be late.

  In the second embodiment, the heat fixing unit 16 has a nip position between the main conveyance roller pair 56a provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction X with respect to the first branch portion 51a and at a position closest to the first branch portion 51a. The distance of the conveyance path to the processing position (specifically, the fixing nip portion N) for fixing the recording sheet P is the maximum size (for example, A3 size for centimeter specifications, double letter (WLT) for inch specifications). (Size) recording sheet P is provided so as to be longer than the maximum conveyance length.

  The third drive unit 503 drives the first heat fixing roller 16 a in the heat fixing unit 16. The third drive unit 503 rotates the first heat-fixing roller 16a according to an instruction signal from the control unit 200, and conveys the recording sheet P at a fixing processing speed (specifically, a speed of 330 mm / s or less). It is like that.

  In the second embodiment, after the fixing process by the heat fixing unit 16 is completed, the control unit 200 conveys the recording sheet P conveyed on the second upstream side sub conveying path 53 (specifically, 330 mm / s). Alternatively, the lower speed) is returned to the conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s) of the recording sheet P conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51.

  Specifically, the relay unit 50A in the image forming apparatus 100A further includes a sixth drive unit 506.

The sixth drive unit 506 drives the upstream side sub transport roller pair 58f to 58h. The sixth driving unit 506, control by the instruction signal from the control unit 200 rotates the upstream auxiliary conveying rollers 58F～58h, recorded on the sheet P fixing processing speed (specifically 330 mm / s or less speed ) And the recording sheet P is conveyed at a conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s) until the leading edge of the recording sheet P reaches the first main conveyance path 51.

  In the second embodiment, the control unit 200 returns the recording sheet P conveyed on the second upstream side sub conveying path 53 to the first main conveying path 51 in the second upstream side sub conveying path 53. The conveyance speed (specifically, 330 mm / s) of the recording sheet P conveyed on the second upstream side auxiliary conveyance path 53 after the trailing edge of P has passed through the fixing processing unit (specifically, the fixing nip N). Or a lower speed) is returned to the conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s) of the recording sheet P conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51. Specifically, the control unit 200 conveys the recording sheet P before the leading end of the recording sheet P conveyed to the second upstream side sub conveying path 53 reaches the first main conveying path 51 (specifically, 627 mm / s). ) To accelerate.

  Note that whether the trailing edge of the recording sheet P has passed through the fixing processing unit (specifically, the fixing nip N) is detected in the vicinity of the fixing nip N (specifically, the conveyance direction of the fixing nip N). It can be detected by a second sheet detector 212 (not shown in FIG. 11, see FIG. 12) such as a reflective optical sensor provided in the vicinity of the downstream side in X).

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of the relay unit 50C and the reading unit 70 in the image forming apparatus 100C according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram mainly showing the conveyance control system of the image forming apparatus 100C shown in FIG.

  An image forming apparatus 100C according to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 includes a processing unit 300C and a discharge unit 90, and the processing unit 300C includes a relay unit 50C and a reading unit 70.

  The relay unit 50C is the same as the relay unit 50A of the image forming apparatus 100A according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, except that the first gate portion 54, the upstream side sub-transport path 59, the coating registration roller pairs 57a and 57b, The pair of conveying rollers 58a to 58h, the second driving unit 502, and the fourth to sixth driving units 504 to 506 are removed, and the heat fixing unit 16 is replaced with the coating unit 60 (60a, 60b) as a member constituting the sheet processing unit. Is provided on the first main transport path 51.

  In the relay unit 50C shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, members substantially the same as those in the relay unit 50A shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the heat fixing unit 16 is provided between the main transport roller pair 56b and the main transport roller pair 56c. The heat fixing unit 16 shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the heat fixing unit 16 shown in FIG. 11, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  At least during the fixing process by the heat fixing unit 16, the control unit 200 sets the fixing processing speed to be higher than the conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s) of the recording sheet P conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51. The configuration is slow.

  Specifically, the first drive unit 501 rotates the pair of main conveyance rollers 56a and 56b in response to an instruction signal from the control unit 200, and decelerates the recording sheet P from the conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s). The leading edge of the sheet P is conveyed at a fixing processing speed (specifically, a speed of 330 mm / s or less) before passing through the sheet processing part (specifically, the fixing nip part N).

  The third drive unit 503 drives the first heat fixing roller 16 a in the heat fixing unit 16. The third drive unit 503 rotates the first heat-fixing roller 16a according to an instruction signal from the control unit 200, and conveys the recording sheet P at a fixing processing speed (specifically, a speed of 330 mm / s or less). It is like that.

  In the third embodiment, after the fixing process by the heat fixing unit 16 is completed, the control unit 200 sets the fixing processing speed (specifically, 330 mm / s or less) to the conveyance speed (specifically, the recording sheet P). 627 mm / s).

  Specifically, the first driving unit 501 rotates the pair of main conveyance rollers 56d and 56e in response to an instruction signal from the control unit 200, and the rear end of the recording sheet P is the sheet processing unit (specifically, the fixing nip unit N). After passing, the recording sheet P is accelerated from the fixing processing speed (specifically, a speed of 330 mm / s or less) and conveyed at a conveying speed (specifically, 627 mm / s).

  When the fixing process is not performed on the recording sheet P, the control unit 200 releases the pressure contact between the first heat fixing roller 16a and the second heat fixing roller 16b by the pressure release unit 16g, and the recording sheet P is released. The recording sheet P is set to a conveyance speed (specifically, 627 mm / s) without decelerating.

(Image formation without fixing or proofing)
When a normal image is formed on the recording sheet P and neither the fixing process nor the calibration process is performed, the second branch claw 74a and the third branch claw 94a are switched to the first posture, and the main body of the image forming apparatus The normal recording sheet P from one unloading exit 1a is conveyed in the order of the first main conveyance path 51 (unfixed processing) → second main conveyance path 91 and discharged to the first discharge tray 95a.

(Image formation processing with fixing but not proofing)
When a normal image is formed on the recording sheet P and the fixing process is performed but the calibration process is not performed, the second branch claw 74a is switched to the first posture, while the third branch claw 94a is changed to the second position. The normal recording sheet P from the carry-out port 1a of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is switched to the posture, and is conveyed in the order of the first main conveyance path 51 (fixing process) → the second main conveyance path 91 to the second discharge tray 95b. Discharge.

(Image formation processing without proofing but proofreading)
When the test pattern 41 is formed on the recording sheet P and the fixing process is not performed but the calibration process is performed, the second branch claw 74a is switched to the second posture and the carry-out port of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is carried out. The calibration recording sheet 40 from 1a is fed to the first main transport path 51 (unfixed processing) → branch sub transport path 72 (first branch sub transport path 721 → second branch sub transport path 722 of the reading unit 80 → third branch). The sheet is conveyed in the order of the auxiliary conveyance path 723) → the sheet discharge portion 75a and is accommodated in the accommodation tray 751.

(Image forming process that performs both fixing and calibration)
When the test pattern 41 is formed on the recording sheet P and both the fixing process and the calibration process are performed, the second branch claw 74a is switched to the second posture and the image forming apparatus main body 1 from the carry-out port 1a is switched. The calibration recording sheet 40 is moved from the first main transport path 51 (fixing process) to the branch sub transport path 72 (first branch sub transport path 721 → second branch sub transport path 722 of the reading unit 80 → third branch sub transport path 723. ) → Sheet is discharged in the order of the sheet discharge portion 75a and stored in the storage tray 751.

[About the first to third embodiments]
As described above, in the first to third embodiments (see FIGS. 2, 10, 11, and 13), the sheet processing unit (the coating unit 60 in the first embodiment, and the second and third embodiments). When the calibration process is performed on the recording sheet P that has not been subjected to the sheet processing by the heat fixing unit 16), in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the upstream side sub-transport path 59 with respect to the recording sheet P. In the third embodiment, the first main of the branching sub-conveying path 72 is performed on the recording sheet P without performing sheet processing by the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) provided above. The recording sheet P is branched without being subjected to sheet processing by the sheet processing section (here, the heat fixing section 16) provided on the first main transport path 51 upstream of the second branch section 71a with the transport path 51. Sub-transport path 72 To convey. As a result, the test pattern 41 on the calibration recording sheet 40 not subjected to sheet processing can be read on the branch sub-transport path 72 by the reading unit 80 provided on the branch sub-transport path 72. On the other hand, when the calibration process is performed on the recording sheet P subjected to the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16), the sheet processing unit (here, After the sheet processing is performed by the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16), the recording sheet P is conveyed to the branch sub-conveying path 72. As a result, the test pattern 41 on the calibration recording sheet 40 subjected to sheet processing can be read on the branch sub-transport path 72 by the reading unit 80 provided on the branch sub-transport path 72.

  Specifically, in the first and second embodiments (see FIGS. 2, 10, and 11), the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) is provided on the upstream side sub-transport path 59. The reading section 80 is provided on the branch sub-transport path 72, and the second branch section 71a with the first main transport path 51 of the branch sub-transport path 72 is the upstream side sub-transport path in the transport direction X. 59 is located downstream of the merging portion 51b with the first main transport path 51, and therefore the proofreading recording sheet 40 not subjected to sheet processing by the sheet processing portion (here, the coating portion 60 and the heat fixing portion 16). In the case where the calibration process is performed, the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51 is conveyed to the branch sub conveyance path 72 without being conveyed to the upstream side sub conveyance path 59. As a result, the test pattern 41 on the calibration recording sheet 40 not subjected to sheet processing can be read on the branch sub-transport path 72 by the reading unit 80 provided on the branch sub-transport path 72. On the other hand, when the calibration processing is performed on the calibration recording sheet 40 subjected to the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16), the sheet is conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51. The calibration recording sheet 40 is conveyed to the upstream side sub conveyance path 59, and the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) provided on the upstream side sub conveyance path 59 with respect to the calibration recording sheet 40. After the sheet processing is performed, the calibration recording sheet 40 is returned to the first main transport path 51 and further transported to the branch sub transport path 72. As a result, the test pattern 41 on the calibration recording sheet 40 subjected to sheet processing can be read on the branch sub-transport path 72 by the reading unit 80 provided on the branch sub-transport path 72.

  In the third embodiment (see FIG. 13), the sheet processing unit (here, the heat fixing unit 16) has a second branch with the first main transport path 51 constituting the main transport path 101 of the branch sub-transport path 72. Since it is provided on the first main conveyance path 51 upstream of the section 71a and the reading section 80 is provided on the branch sub-conveyance path 72, the sheet processing section (here, the heat fixing section 16) is used. When the calibration process is performed on the calibration recording sheet 40 that has not been subjected to the sheet process, the calibration recording sheet 40 conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51 is provided on the first main conveyance path 51. The proofreading recording sheet 40 is conveyed to the branch sub-conveying path 72 without performing sheet processing by the sheet processing unit (here, the heat fixing unit 16). As a result, the test pattern 41 on the calibration recording sheet 40 not subjected to sheet processing can be read on the branch sub-transport path 72 by the reading unit 80 provided on the branch sub-transport path 72. On the other hand, when the calibration process is performed on the calibration recording sheet 40 subjected to the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit (here, the heat fixing unit 16), the calibration recording sheet conveyed on the first main conveyance path 51. After the sheet processing is performed on the sheet 40 by the sheet processing unit (here, the heat fixing unit 16) provided on the first main transport path 51, the calibration recording sheet 40 is transported to the branch sub-transport path 72. As a result, the test pattern 41 on the calibration recording sheet 40 subjected to sheet processing can be read on the branch sub-transport path 72 by the reading unit 80 provided on the branch sub-transport path 72.

  When the sheet processing unit is configured by the coating unit 60 as in the first embodiment, the coating process is performed on the recording sheet P by the coating unit 60, thereby affecting the calibration processing by the test pattern 41. In other words, in other words, the reading process of the test pattern 41 of the calibration recording sheet 40 coated by the coating unit 60 and the calibration recording sheet 40 not coated by the coating unit 60 are performed. Even if the processing result (reading value) differs from the reading process of the test pattern 41, the image formed on the recording sheet P based on the test pattern 41 is accurately calibrated (specifically, suitable for an image subjected to a coating process). The optimum image density, gradation, or coating Optimal image density appropriate for images that do not have, it is possible to tone and) to. Further, when the sheet processing unit is configured by the heat fixing unit 16 as in the second and third embodiments, a test pattern can be obtained by applying pressure while heating the recording sheet P by the heat fixing unit 16. In other words, even if it affects the calibration process 41, the reading process of the test pattern 41 of the calibration recording sheet 40 subjected to the fixing process by the heating and fixing unit 16 and the fixing process by the heating and fixing unit 16 are performed. Even if the processing result (reading value) differs between the reading process of the test pattern 41 of the calibration recording sheet 40 that has not been corrected, the image formed on the recording sheet P based on the test pattern 41 is accurately calibrated (specifically, (Optimal image density and gradation suitable for images that have undergone fixing processing, or Optimal image density and gradation suitable for images that have not undergone fixing processing) It is possible.

  As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, sheet processing that can affect the calibration processing by the test pattern 41 read on the conveyance path (specifically, the image quality of the recording sheet P can be changed) is performed. Not only can the calibration process be performed on the recording sheet P that has not been subjected to, but also the calibration process can be performed on the recording sheet P that has undergone the sheet process.

  In addition, since the calibration recording sheet 40 that performs the calibration process is transported on the branch sub-transport path 72 that is branched from the first main transport path 51 and provided with the reading unit 80, the calibration process is not performed and the sheet The recording sheet P on which the image is formed by the normal image forming operation when the processing is not performed can be transported onto the first main transport path 51 without being disturbed by the calibration recording sheet 40 on which the calibration processing is performed. it can. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a decrease in processing time (throughput time) from the start of conveyance of the recording sheet P on which an image has been formed by a normal image forming operation to the end of conveyance after image formation.

  Furthermore, by providing the reading unit 80 on one side in the direction intersecting the transport direction X of the first main transport path 51, the direction (here, the height direction) intersecting the transport direction X of the first main transport path 51 is set. While suppressing, it is possible to suppress the product size in the transport direction X of the first main transport path 51, thereby making it possible to achieve compactness of the image forming apparatuses 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> C.

  Further, the normal image forming operation (specifically, the job operation) is not stopped even during the calibration process of the calibration recording sheet 40, and the sheet processing is performed by the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16). The test pattern 41 of the later calibration recording sheet 40 can be read.

  Furthermore, since the branching sub-transport path 72 is branched from the first main transport path 51, the transport distance of the recording sheet P on the first main transport path 51 can be shortened as much as possible, and the processing time (throughput time) is increased accordingly. ) Can be shortened.

  In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the sheet processing is performed on the upstream side sub-transport path 59 that is branched from the first main transport path 51 and in which the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) is provided. The recording sheet P subjected to the sheet processing is conveyed, so that the recording sheet P subjected to the sheet processing is subjected to the normal image forming operation when the calibration processing is not performed and the sheet processing is not performed. P can be transported onto the first main transport path 51 without obstructing. Accordingly, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in processing time (throughput time).

  Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments (see FIGS. 2, 10 and 11), in addition to the branch sub-transport path 72, the upstream side sub-transport path 59 is branched from the first main transport path 51. The conveyance distance of the recording sheet P in one main conveyance path 51 can be shortened as much as possible, and the processing time (throughput time) can be shortened accordingly.

  Further, in the third embodiment, the sheet processing unit (here, the heat fixing unit 16) is a first main transport path upstream of the second branch section 71a with the first main transport path 51 of the branch sub transport path 72. 51, the sheet processing unit (here, the heat fixing unit 16) performs sheet processing on the recording sheet P on the first main conveyance path 51 without detouring from the first main conveyance path 51. Therefore, the processing time (throughput time) can be shortened accordingly.

  In the first and second embodiments, the recording sheet P that has been subjected to sheet processing by the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) in the upstream side sub-conveying path 59 is transferred from the merge unit 51b to the first. After transporting the main transport path 51, the second gate unit 74 switches the transport path of the recording sheet P from the first main transport path 51 to the branch sub-transport path 72 to branch from the first main transport path 51. Since the sheet 72 is conveyed to the path 72, the recording sheet P subjected to the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) is immediately branched from the junction 51 b of the first main conveyance path 51. The processing time (throughput time) can be shortened accordingly.

  In the first and second embodiments, the first main transport path 51 is provided horizontally or substantially horizontally (here, horizontal), and the upstream side sub transport path 59 is located below the first main transport path 51. Since the branch sub-transport path 72 is configured to branch upward from the first main transport path 51, the reading unit 80 is provided above the first main transport path 51. In addition, the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) can be provided below the first main conveyance path 51, and accordingly, the conveyance along the horizontal direction H of the image forming apparatuses 100A and 100B. The size in the direction X can be reduced, and the compactness in the transport direction X along the horizontal direction H of the image forming apparatuses 100A and 100B can be realized accordingly.

  In the third embodiment (see FIG. 13), the first main transport path 51 is provided horizontally or substantially horizontally (here, horizontal), and the branch sub-transport path 72 extends from the first main transport path 51. Since it is configured to branch upward, the reading unit 80 can be provided above the first main transport path 51. Accordingly, the size of the image forming apparatus 100C in the transport direction X along the horizontal direction H is reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to realize the compactness in the transport direction X along the horizontal direction H of the image forming apparatus 100C.

  In the first to third embodiments (see FIGS. 2, 10, 11, and 13), the branch sub-transport path 72 folds the recording sheet P from the first main transport path 51 from the transport direction X. Return the recording sheet P from the folding conveyance path (here, the first branch sub-conveying path 721 and the second branch sub-conveying path 722) and the recording sheet P from the folding conveyance path to the conveyance direction X of the first main conveyance path 51. A reading conveyance path (here, a third branch sub-transport path 723), and the reading unit 80 is provided on the second branch sub-transport path 722 constituting the folded-back conveyance path, and discharges the sheet. Since the section 75a is provided at the exit of the discharge transport path (here, the third branch sub-transport path 723), the calibration recording sheet 40 transported on the branch sub-transport path 72 is transferred to the image forming apparatuses 100A to 100C. Direction of the first main transport path 51 It can be discharged to the sheet discharge portion 75a in a state of being small as possible the size of.

  In the first to third embodiments, the processing units 300 </ b> A to 300 </ b> C include the relay units 50 </ b> A to 50 </ b> C and the relay units 50 </ b> A to 50 </ b> C that are detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 1 including the image forming unit 3. The sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) is provided in the relay units 50A to 50C, and the reading unit 80 includes the reading unit 70. Therefore, it is preferable that the relay units 50A to 50C provided with the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) are sold as optional units. By doing so, the sheet processing unit can be provided only to a user who needs the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16), and is as cheap as possible for a user who does not need the sheet processing unit. The image forming apparatuses 100A to 100C can be provided at a price. Similarly, it is preferable to sell the reading unit 70 provided with the reading unit 80 as an optional unit. In this way, the reading unit 80 can be provided only to a user who needs the reading unit 80, and the image forming apparatuses 100A to 100C can be provided to a user who does not need the reading unit 80 at the lowest possible price. Is possible.

  In the first to third embodiments, the projected area of the relay units 50A to 50C on the floor G (see FIG. 1) and the projected area of the reading unit 70 on the floor G are the same or substantially the same. As a result, an increase in the occupied area (projected area) of the relay units 50A to 50C as a whole can be avoided, so that the relay units 50A to 50C and thus the processing units 300A to 300C can be made compact while the reading unit 70 is provided. Can be made.

  In the first to third embodiments, since the sheet discharge portion 75a is disposed in the projection region of the reading unit 70 with respect to the floor G, the relay units 50A to 50C provided with the sheet discharge portion 75a as a whole. An increase in the occupied area (projected area) can be avoided, and thus the reading unit 70 and thus the processing units 300A to 300C can be made compact while the sheet discharge portion 75a is provided.

  In the first to third embodiments, the processing speed of the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) and the reading unit 80 is configured to be slower than the conveyance speed of the recording sheet P. Thus, it is possible to reliably perform the processing in the sheet processing unit and the reading unit 80 while improving the conveyance speed of the recording sheet P. Specifically, when the sheet processing unit constitutes the coating unit 60, in the coating process (particularly, the coating process using a film), the coating process at a speed higher than the reference processing speed may cause uneven coating, etc. Where it is necessary to reduce the processing speed, in the first to third embodiments, the coating processing speed is also reduced by the conveyance speed of the recording sheet P, so that the coating performance (improvement of gloss and prevention of wrinkles) is ensured. can do. On the other hand, since the reading process of the reading unit 80 at a speed higher than the reference processing speed is liable to reduce the reading accuracy, it is necessary to reduce the conveyance speed of the calibration recording sheet 40 during the reading process of the reading unit 80. In the first to third embodiments, since the reading processing speed of the reading unit 80 is also reduced by the conveyance speed of the recording sheet P, stable reading accuracy by the reading unit 80 can be ensured. In addition, the curl correction unit 110 can ensure more stable reading accuracy by the reading unit 80.

  In the first to third embodiments, the sheet processing unit (here, the coating unit 60 and the heat fixing unit 16) performs the sheet processing (here, the nip position of the crimping member 653, the fixing nip unit N) and reading. Since the distance between the reading position (here, the reading processing unit 88) for reading the test pattern 41 of the section 80 is longer than the length in the transport direction X of the maximum size recording sheet P to be transported, the first main transport path Even if the conveyance speed of the recording sheet P is different between the first and second conveyance paths 72, the conveyance speed of the recording sheet P in the first main conveyance path 51 can be maintained.

[Other Embodiments]
In the first to third embodiments, the relay units 50A to 50C are relay units that relay between the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the discharge unit 90, but are set in advance after the image forming apparatus main body 1 and image formation. A post-processing section for performing post-processing (for example, a sorting section, a finisher section, a punch processing section for making a hole in the image-formed recording sheet P, a staple processing section for binding the image-formed recording sheet P, and an image-formed recording A relay unit that relays between the post-processing unit including a post-processing unit including at least one of the folding processing units that fold the sheet P may be used.

  In the first to third embodiments, the sheet processing unit is a post-processing unit that performs predetermined processing after image formation (for example, a sorting unit, a finisher unit, and a punch that opens a hole in an image-formed recording sheet P. A post-processing section including at least one of a processing section, a staple processing section that binds the image-formed recording sheet P, and a folding processing section that folds the image-formed recording sheet P.

  In the first to third embodiments, the sheet processing unit is a relay unit, but the sheet processing unit may be a post-processing unit.

  In the first to third embodiments, the relay units 50A to 50C and the reading unit 70 are separated from the image forming apparatus main body 1. However, the relay units 50A to 50C are integrated with the image forming apparatus main body 1. In this manner, the image forming apparatus main body 1 may be provided.

  In the first embodiment, instead of or in addition to the coating unit 60, heat fixing is performed on the upstream side in the conveyance direction X of the second branch portion 71a (for example, between the main conveyance roller pair 56b and the main conveyance roller pair 56c). A part may be provided. By doing so, the sheet processing by the heat fixing unit can be performed on the recording sheet P on the first main transport path 51 without detouring from the first main transport path 51, and the processing time (throughput time) is increased accordingly. ) Can be realized.

  In the second and third embodiments, instead of or in addition to the heat fixing unit 16, the upstream side in the transport direction X of the second branch portion 71a (for example, between the main transport roller pair 56b and the main transport roller pair 56c). ) May be provided with a coating portion.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus main body 3 Image forming part 16 Heat fixing part (an example of a sheet processing part)
40 Calibration record sheet 41 Test pattern (calibration chart image)
50A-50C relay unit (an example of a sheet processing unit)
51 1st main conveyance path (an example of a main conveyance path)
51a First branch 51b Junction 52 First upstream sub-transport path (an example of a sub-transport path)
53 Second upstream sub-transport path (an example of a sub-transport path)
59 Upstream side sub-transport path (example of sub-transport path)
60 Coating part (an example of a sheet processing part)
60a One coating part 60b The other coating part 70 Reading unit 71a 2nd branch part (an example of a branch part)
72 Branch sub-transport path (example of sub-transport path)
75a Sheet discharge unit 79 Sub-conveying path 80 Reading unit 88 Reading processing unit 653 Pressure bonding members 100A to 100C Image forming apparatus 101 Main conveying path 200 Control units 300A to 300C Processing unit 721 First branch sub-conveying path (an example of a folding conveying path 722) Second branch sub-transport path (an example of a folded transport path)
723 Third branch sub-transport path (an example of a discharge transport path)
G Floor N Fixing nip P Recording sheet

Claims (14)

An image forming unit that forms a calibration chart image on a recording sheet and performs a calibration process for calibrating an image formed on the recording sheet based on the calibration chart image;
A sheet processing unit capable of affecting the calibration processing by the calibration chart image by performing predetermined sheet processing on the recording sheet image-formed by the image forming unit;
A reading unit that reads the calibration chart image formed on the recording sheet by the image forming unit;
A main conveyance path for conveying the recording sheet image-formed by the image forming unit in a predetermined conveyance direction;
A sub-transport path branched from the main transport path,
The sub-transport path is once branched from the main transport path to a branch sub-transport path that branches to one side of the direction intersecting the transport direction, and from the main transport path to the other side of the direction intersecting the transport direction, And an upstream sub-transport path that returns to the main transport path again,
The sheet processing unit is provided on the upstream side sub conveyance path,
The reading unit is provided on the branching sub-transport path,
The branching portion of the branching sub-transporting path with the main transporting path is located downstream of the junction with the main transporting path of the upstream sub-transporting path in the transporting direction. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
After the recording sheet that has been subjected to the sheet processing by the sheet processing unit in the upstream side sub-conveying path is conveyed from the merging unit to the main conveying path, the recording sheet conveying path is changed from the main conveying path to the main conveying path. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is switched to the branch sub-transport path and transported from the main transport path to the branch sub-transport path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The main transport path is provided horizontally or substantially horizontally,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the upstream side sub-transport path is configured to branch downward from the main transport path. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing unit is provided on the main conveyance path upstream of a branching portion of the branching sub conveyance path with the main conveyance path. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein:
The main transport path is provided horizontally or substantially horizontally,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the branch sub-transport path is configured to branch upward from the main transport path. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein:
A sheet discharge section for discharging the recording sheet from the branch sub-transport path;
The branch sub-conveying path includes a folding conveyance path that conveys the recording sheet from the main conveyance path in a direction folded from the conveyance direction, and the conveyance direction of the main conveyance path for the recording sheet from the folding conveyance path. And a discharge conveyance path for discharging back to
The reading unit is provided on the folded conveyance path,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the sheet discharge unit is provided at a carry-out port of the discharge conveyance path. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein:
A sheet processing unit that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus main body including the image forming unit;
A reading unit detachably attached to the sheet processing unit,
The sheet processing unit is provided in the sheet processing unit,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the reading unit is provided in the reading unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 ,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the projected area of the sheet processing unit on the floor and the projected area of the reading unit on the floor are the same or substantially the same. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 ,
A sheet processing unit that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus main body including the image forming unit;
A reading unit detachably attached to the sheet processing unit,
The sheet processing unit is provided in the sheet processing unit,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the reading unit is provided in the reading unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein
The projected area on the floor of the sheet processing unit and the projected area on the floor of the reading unit are the same or substantially the same,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the sheet discharge unit is disposed in a projection area with respect to a floor of the reading unit. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 1 0,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a processing speed of the sheet processing unit and a processing speed of the reading unit are set slower than a conveyance speed of the recording sheet. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1,
The sheet processing unit is a coating unit that performs a film coating process for coating a film on the recording sheet imaged by the image forming unit, or the recording sheet image-formed by the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus comprising a heat fixing unit that pressurizes while heating. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 1 2,
The distance between the processing position of the sheet processing unit for performing the sheet processing and the reading position of the reading unit for reading the calibration chart image is larger than the length of the recording sheet of the maximum size to be conveyed in the conveyance direction. An image forming apparatus characterized by being long. A calibration chart image can be formed on a recording sheet, and can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body having an image forming unit that performs a calibration process for calibrating an image formed on the recording sheet based on the calibration chart image. A processing unit,
A sheet processing unit capable of affecting the calibration processing by the calibration chart image by performing predetermined sheet processing on the recording sheet image-formed by the image forming unit;
A reading unit that reads the calibration chart image formed on the recording sheet by the image forming unit;
A main conveyance path for conveying the recording sheet image-formed by the image forming unit in a predetermined conveyance direction;
A sub-transport path branched from the main transport path,
The sub-transport path is once branched from the main transport path to a branch sub-transport path that branches to one side of the direction intersecting the transport direction, and from the main transport path to the other side of the direction intersecting the transport direction, And an upstream sub-transport path that returns to the main transport path again,
The sheet processing unit is provided on the upstream side sub conveyance path,
The reading unit is provided on the branching sub-transport path,
A branching unit of the branching sub-transporting path with the main transporting path is located downstream of a joining part of the upstream sub-transporting path with the main transporting path in the transporting direction. .

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