Image forming apparatus having a control unit to control and move a read unit

The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material; an original read unit for reading an original at a read position facing a conveyance path in which the recording material and the original are to be conveyed selectively, and a control unit for switching a position of the original read unit to a position different from the read position during a period in which the recording material is being conveyed along the conveyance path.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, a laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as “LBP”), and a facsimile machine, which includes an original read apparatus as typified by an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as “ADF”) unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, in this type of image forming apparatus, an original conveyance path of the original read apparatus and a recording material conveyance path of an image forming unit are provided independently of each other. Specifically, a sheet feeding unit for an original or a recording material, a guide member serving as a predetermined conveyance path, multiple conveyance rollers, a drive force transmission unit for the conveyance rollers, a motor serving as a drive source, a driving circuit of the motor, a sheet discharging unit, and other components are arranged in each of the original conveyance path and the recording material conveyance path.

Such arrangement inevitably leads to complication of the overall mechanism configuration of the image forming apparatus and increase in cost and size thereof. To solve those problems, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-232467 discloses an original read unit arranged in a double-sided conveyance path of the recording material, which extends from the sheet feeding unit to the sheet discharging unit, to thereby use one common path for both the original conveyance system and the recording material conveyance system. Thus, a simple configuration and reduction in cost and size of the image forming apparatus are attained.

In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-232467, however, the original read unit is arranged in the double-sided conveyance path of the recording material, and hence, when the original is present in the double-sided conveyance path, the double-sided print operation cannot be executed. Therefore, during the original read operation, the print operation needs to be stopped, and as a result, the productivity decreases when printing an image of the original that has undergone the read operation. Further, a recording material as well as the original passes across an original read surface of the original read unit, and hence the original read surface is liable to be blotted. Still further, a time period to correct a white reference value of the original read unit is limited. As a result, stable print performance cannot be obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, a purpose of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving productivity when printing an image of an original that has undergone a read operation, and obtaining stable print performance.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material, a conveyance path in which a recording material and an original are to be conveyed selectively, an original read unit for reading an original at a read position facing the conveyance path, and a control unit for controlling the read position of the original read unit, wherein during a period in which the recording material is being conveyed along the conveyance path, the control unit switches a position of the original read unit to a position different from the read position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below.

First Embodiment

Image Forming Apparatus

FIG. 1Ais a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus1according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus1includes, at the center thereof, a rotatable photosensitive drum10serving as an image bearing member, and a developing roller11provided to be along and come contact with the photosensitive drum10and configured to rotate while carrying toner on the developing roller11. When a print signal is received, a light emitting section21of an optical unit2irradiates a surface of the rotating photosensitive drum10with laser light. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum10that is irradiated with the laser light. When the toner carried on the rotating developing roller11is fed to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum10, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum10.

On the other hand, recording materials S received in a first sheet feeding unit30are conveyed one by one to a conveyance roller pair40by a cassette (hereinafter referred to as “CST”) pickup roller31and a separation device32. The conveyance roller pair40conveys each of the recording materials S to a transfer roller15while synchronizing the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum10with the position of the leading edge of the recording material S. The toner image is transferred onto the recording material S due to a bias and pressure applied to the transfer roller15. Further, the transfer roller15conveys the recording material S to a fixing unit50. The fixing unit50fixes the toner image to the recording material S due to heat from a rotatable heating roller51and pressure of a rotatable pressure roller52opposed to the heating roller51. The recording material S having the toner image fixed thereto is conveyed to a discharge roller pair60. In a case of a single-sided print operation, the discharge roller pair60conveys the recording material S directly outside the image forming apparatus1, and the recording material S is stacked on a first sheet discharging unit70. Further, the image forming apparatus1is controlled by a control unit800to be described with reference toFIG. 2A.

FIG. 1Bis an explanatory diagram illustrating a double-sided print process. A double-sided flapper61switches the conveyance path after the passage of the trailing edge of the recording material S. After that, the discharge roller pair60rotates in a reverse direction to convey the recording material S to a double-sided conveyance path80(first conveyance path). Note that, an original G and the recording material S are selectively conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path80. The recording material S thus switched back is conveyed to an original read unit100via a conveyance roller pair41. Note that, the original read unit100is configured to read front and back surfaces of the original G. After that, the recording material S is conveyed to a conveyance roller pair42and the conveyance roller pair40, and conveyed again to the transfer roller15. Then, a toner image is transferred and fixed to the recording material S, and the recording material S is stacked on the first sheet discharging unit70.

(Configuration of Control Unit)

FIG. 2Ais a block diagram of the control unit800of the image forming apparatus1, which includes a control CPU801. Referring toFIG. 2A, operations of the control CPU801and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)802in the image forming operation of this embodiment are described. The control CPU801is connected, via the ASIC802, to the light emitting section21including a polygon mirror, a motor, and a laser light emitting element. In order to form a desired electrostatic latent image by scanning the photosensitive drum10with laser light, the control CPU801outputs a control signal to the ASIC802so as to control the light emitting section21. Similarly, in order to convey the recording material S, the control CPU801controls a main motor830for driving the CST pickup roller31, the conveyance roller pair40, the photosensitive drum10, the transfer roller15, the heating roller51, and the pressure roller52. Further, the control CPU801controls a CST sheet feeding solenoid822, which is turned ON at the start of the sheet feeding operation so as to drive the CST pickup roller31, and a double-sided drive motor840for driving an original pickup roller91and the conveyance roller pairs41to44.

Further, the control CPU801controls a high voltage power supply810for controlling primary charging, developing, and transfer biases that are necessary for the electrophotographic process, and also controls the fixing unit50and a low voltage power supply811. The control CPU801monitors temperature through use of a thermistor (not shown) provided to the fixing unit50so as to control fixing temperature to be maintained at a constant value. The control CPU801is connected to a program memory803via a bus (not shown) or the like, and programs and data for executing all or part of the above-mentioned control and processing to be performed by the control CPU801are stored in the program memory803. In other words, the control CPU801executes each control by using the programs and data stored in the program memory803.

The ASIC802controls the speed of the motor inside the light emitting section21, the speed of the main motor830, and the speed of the double-sided drive motor840based on commands issued from the control CPU801. The speed control for each motor is performed by detecting tack signals (pulse signals output from the motor every time the motor is rotated) from the motor (not shown) and outputting an acceleration or deceleration signal to the motor so as to set the intervals of the tack signals to predetermined time intervals. It is therefore preferred that the control circuit be formed as a hardware circuit using the ASIC802because the control load on the control CPU801is reduced.

When the control CPU801receives a print command issued from a host computer (not shown), the control CPU801drives the main motor830, the double-sided drive motor840, and the CST sheet feeding solenoid822to convey the recording material S. When a toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum10is transferred onto the recording material S by the transfer roller15and then fixed to the recording material S by the fixing unit50, the recording material S is discharged by the discharge roller pair60onto the first sheet discharging unit70serving as a recording material stacking unit. In order to enhance alignment performance for the recording material S having the image formed thereon, there is provided a slope gently rising in a recording material discharging direction from the vicinity of a discharge port of the first sheet discharging unit70. The control CPU801controls a predetermined electric power to be supplied to the fixing unit50via the low voltage power supply811so as to generate a predetermined amount of heat which is supplied to the recording material S, thereby fusing and fixing the toner image on the recording material S.

Next, an original read operation of this embodiment is described. When the control CPU801receives a scan command issued from the host computer, the control CPU801drives a double-sided flapper solenoid820, the double-sided drive motor840, and an original feeding solenoid823. Through the drive of the original feeding solenoid823, torque of the double-sided drive motor840is transmitted to the original pickup roller91so that the original G is conveyed. Various control signals described later, such as a CISLED signal903, a CISSTART signal902, an SYSCLK signal914, an Sl_in signal912, and an Sl_select signal913, are input from the ASIC802to the original read unit100. The original read unit100outputs an Sl_out signal910to the ASIC802. The control CPU801stores, in an image memory804connected to the ASIC802, an image read by the original read unit100through various kinds of control via the ASIC802. After that, the control CPU801operates a switchback solenoid821to tilt a switchback flapper82toward a side on which the original G is guided to an original-dedicated conveyance path81(second conveyance path), and rotates the double-sided drive motor840in a reverse direction to convey the original G to a second sheet discharging unit110.

(Overview of Original Read Unit)

Next, details of the original read unit100are described with reference toFIG. 2B.FIG. 2Bis a block diagram illustrating a circuit of the original read unit100. InFIG. 2B, a contact image sensor (CIS) section901includes, for example, photodiodes arrayed for 10,368 pixels with a specific main scanning density (for example, 1,200 dpi). The CISSTART signal902is input to the CIS as a start pulse signal for the original read operation, and the CISLED signal903is a control signal for controlling a light emitting element907. A current amplifying section906controls a current to be supplied to the light emitting element907based on the CISLED signal903, and the light emitting element907irradiates the original G uniformly. A timing generator917inputs the SYSCLK signal914thereto, and generates an ADCLK signal916and a CISCLK signal915. The SYSCLK signal914is a system clock for determining an operation speed of the original read unit100, and the ADCLK signal916is a sampling clock for determining a sampling rate of an A/D converter908. The CISCLK signal915is used as a transfer clock of a CISSNS signal918corresponding to an output signal of a shift register905.

Next, the original read operation is described. When the CISSTART signal902becomes active, the CIS section901starts to accumulate electric charges based on received light, and sets data sequentially in an output buffer904. The timing generator917outputs the CISCLK signal915having, for example, a clock frequency of about 500 kHz to 1 MHz to the shift register905. In synchronization with the input CISCLK signal915, the shift register905outputs the data set in the output buffer904to the A/D converter908as the CISSNS signal918. The CISSNS signal918has a predetermined data guarantee region, and hence the A/D converter908needs to sample the CISSNS signal918after a lapse of a predetermined time period from a timing of rise of the CISCLK signal915corresponding to the transfer clock. Further, the CISSNS signal918is output from the shift register905in synchronization with both a rising edge and a falling edge of the CISCLK signal915corresponding to the transfer clock. Therefore, the ADCLK signal916corresponding to the sampling clock of the CISSNS signal918is generated by the timing generator917so as to have a frequency which is twice as high as a frequency of the CISCLK signal915. The CISSNS signal918is sampled at a rising edge of the ADCLK signal916. The timing generator917performs frequency division on the input SYSCLK signal914corresponding to the system clock so as to generate the ADCLK signal916and the CISCLK signal915corresponding to the transfer clock. The phase of the ADCLK signal916is delayed by an amount corresponding to the above-mentioned data guarantee region as compared to the CISCLK signal915corresponding to the transfer clock.

The A/D converter908converts the CISSNS signal918into a digital signal, which is output to an output interface909as a CISSNS_D signal919. The output interface909outputs the CISSNS_D signal919at a predetermined timing as the Sl_out signal910which is serial data. In this case, during a period from a rising edge of the CISSTART signal902corresponding to the start pulse to a timing corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels of the CISSNS_D signal919, an analog output reference voltage is output, and the signal corresponding to this period cannot be used as effective pixels.

Further, a control circuit911controls an A/D conversion gain of the A/D converter908based on the Sl_in signal912and the Sl_select signal913input from the control CPU801via the ASIC802. For example, when the contrast ratio of the image of the read original is not obtained, the control CPU801increases the contrast ratio by increasing the A/D conversion gain of the A/D converter908. In this manner, the original may be read constantly at an optimum contrast ratio.

The description is herein given by using the configuration of the apparatus in which image information of all the pixels is output as the single CISSNS signal918corresponding to the output signal, but there may be employed a configuration for performing A/D conversion simultaneously on multiple divided areas of the pixels so as to attain a high-speed original read operation. Further, the description is given by way of the embodiment that employs the CIS for the original read unit100, but as a matter of course, the CIS may be replaced with a CMOS sensor, a CCD sensor, or other sensors.

(Double-Sided Read Operation and Double-Sided Print Operation)

Next, processes of carrying out a double-sided read operation for an original and a double-sided print operation for a recording material are described. In the following description, the position at which the original read unit100faces the original-dedicated conveyance path81is referred to as “first read position”, the position at which the original read unit100faces the double-sided conveyance path80is referred to as “second read position”, and the position at which the original read unit100faces a white reference member101is referred to as “third read position”. Note that, the third read position is a position between the first read position and the second read position.

FIG. 3Ais an explanatory diagram illustrating a state at the start of reading a first surface corresponding to a front surface of the original G. The originals G received in a second sheet feeding unit90are conveyed one by one to the conveyance roller pair41by the original pickup roller91and a separation device92. On the other hand, by the time before the start of reading the first surface corresponding to the front surface of the fed original G, the original read unit100corrects a white reference value based on results of light emission and reading of the white reference member101located at the third read position, and then rotates to the second read position facing the double-sided conveyance path80. Note that, the original read unit100is configured to rotate about a predetermined position. The conveyance roller pair41conveys the original G to the original read unit100. The original read unit100already stands by at the second read position facing the double-sided conveyance path80, and information read by the original read unit100is stored in the image memory804as information on the first surface of the original G. Note that, the white reference member101is arranged to face downward for the purpose of preventing adhesion of dust. Further, a white reference plate is herein used as the reference member, but the color is not limited to white.

FIG. 3Bis an explanatory diagram illustrating a state at the end of reading the first surface corresponding to the front surface of the original G. The original G passing across the original read unit100is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair42. The conveyance roller pair42stops its rotation at a time point when the trailing edge of the original G passes across the switchback flapper82. Thus, the original G is stopped in a state of being nipped by the conveyance roller pair42, and after a lapse of a predetermined time period, the original G is conveyed to the original-dedicated conveyance path81.

FIG. 3Cis an explanatory diagram illustrating a state at the start of reading a second surface corresponding to a back surface of the original G. At the same time when the switchback flapper82switches the conveyance path from the double-sided conveyance path80to the original-dedicated conveyance path81, the original read unit100rotates to the first read position facing the original-dedicated conveyance path81. Note that, the original read unit100in this case does not correct the white reference value, and hence the original read unit100passes across the third read position facing the white reference member101without stopping at the third read position. When the conveyance roller pair42rotates in the reverse direction, the original G is conveyed to the original read unit100along the original-dedicated conveyance path81. When the original G is conveyed to and passes across the original read unit100, information on the second surface corresponding to the back surface of the original G is stored in the image memory804. The recording materials S fed from the first sheet feeding unit30are conveyed one by one to the conveyance roller pair40. Substantially at the same time, based on the information on the second surface corresponding to the back surface of the original G that is stored in the image memory804, the light emitting section21irradiates the photosensitive drum10with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum10. Subsequently, a toner image formed based on the electrostatic latent image is transferred onto the recording material S by the transfer roller15, and then the recording material S is conveyed to the fixing unit50and the like. In this manner, the image forming operation based on the second surface of the original G is first completed. Note that, inFIG. 3C, the recording material S starts to be fed along with the start of reading the information on the second surface corresponding to the back surface of the original G, but the recording material S may be conveyed after reading the information on the second surface.

FIG. 3Dis an explanatory diagram illustrating a state at the end of reading the back surface of the original G. The original G that has undergone the original read operation is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair43and the conveyance roller pair44, and is stacked on the second sheet discharging unit110. When the trailing edge of the original G passes across the switchback flapper82, the switchback flapper82switches the conveyance path from the original-dedicated conveyance path81to the double-sided conveyance path80so that the recording material S is conveyed toward the conveyance roller pair40. Through the reverse rotation of the discharge roller pair60, the recording material S that has undergone the image forming operation based on the second surface of the original G is conveyed toward the double-sided conveyance path80that is switched by the double-sided flapper61.

FIG. 3Eis an explanatory diagram illustrating completion of the image forming operation for the recording material S. The surface of the recording material S conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path80is reversed, and the recording material S passes across the original read unit100stopping at the first read position and is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair40via the conveyance roller pair42. Accordingly, the recording material S is conveyed again toward the transfer roller15as indicated by the broken line ofFIG. 3E. The image forming operation based on the second surface of the original G is already finished for the recording material S. Based on the above-mentioned image information on the first surface of the original G that is stored in the image memory804, the image of the first surface of the original G is formed on the recording material S by the image forming unit including the optical unit2, the photosensitive drum10, the developing roller11, the transfer roller15, and the fixing unit50. Then, the recording material S is stacked on the first sheet discharging unit70.

(Single-Sided Read Operation and Single-Sided Print Operation)

Next, referring toFIGS. 4A to 4C, processes of carrying out a single-sided read operation for the original G and a single-sided print operation for the recording material S are described. As compared to the processes of carrying out the double-sided read operation for the original G and the double-sided print operation for the recording material S, which are described above with reference toFIGS. 3A to 3E, the processes of carrying out the single-sided read operation for the original G and the single-sided print operation for the recording material S are different in that the original read unit100is fixed at the position facing the double-sided conveyance path80. The state at the start of reading the first surface of the first original G is the same as the state illustrated inFIG. 3A, and description thereof is therefore omitted herein.

FIG. 4Ais an explanatory diagram illustrating a state at the end of reading the first surface of the first original G. The original G passing across the original read unit100is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair42. The conveyance roller pair42stops at a time point when the trailing edge of the original G passes across the switchback flapper82. Thus, the original G is stopped in a state of being nipped by the conveyance roller pair42. After a lapse of a predetermined time period, the original G is conveyed to the original-dedicated conveyance path81. There is no need to read information on the second surface of the original G, and hence the original read unit100is not rotated to the position facing the original-dedicated conveyance path81.

FIG. 4Bis an explanatory diagram illustrating a state at the start of forming an image on the first recording material S. The recording materials S fed from the first sheet feeding unit30are conveyed one by one to the conveyance roller pair40. Substantially at the same time, based on the information on the first surface of the original G that is stored in the image memory804, the light emitting section21irradiates the photosensitive drum10with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum10. Subsequently, a toner image formed based on the electrostatic latent image is transferred onto the recording material S by the transfer roller15, and then the recording material S is conveyed to the fixing unit50and the like. In this manner, the image forming operation for the first surface of the recording material S is completed. At the same time, a second original G2starts to be conveyed. Information on the second original G2that is read by the original read unit100is stored in the image memory804as information on the second original.

FIG. 4Cis an explanatory diagram illustrating a state at the end of reading a first surface corresponding to a front surface of the second original G2. The first original G and the first recording material S are discharged onto the second sheet discharging unit110and the first sheet discharging unit70, respectively. In a manner similar to the case of the original G, the second original G2passing across the original read unit100is temporarily stopped and then switched back by the conveyance roller pair42, and is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair43and the conveyance roller pair44.

The process subsequently proceeds to discharge of the second original G2and image formation for a second recording material S2(not shown) based on the information on the first surface of the second original G2, but the operation is the same as that described above, and description thereof is therefore omitted herein.

The original read unit100is fixed at the second read position facing the double-sided conveyance path80, and hence there is no need to rotate the original read unit100at the start of conveying the second original G2, with the result that the maximum throughput may be obtained.

(Flow Chart of Rotation Control for Original Read Unit)

Referring toFIG. 5, a method of rotation control for the original read unit100, which is to be performed by the control CPU801, is described. First, in Step (hereinafter referred to as “S”)1700, a power supply is turned ON. In S1701, the control CPU801controls the original read unit100to rotate to the first read position, and fixes the original read unit100at the first read position. This operation is described in a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In response to a command received from the host computer (not shown), in S1702, the control CPU801starts at least one of the image forming operation and the original read operation, and then in S1703, determines whether or not an original read condition is “for single-sided”. Note that, the original read condition herein refers to a condition of whether to read only one of the front and back surfaces of the original G (for single-sided), to read both of the front and back surfaces of the original G (for double-sided), or to avoid reading the original G. When the control CPU801determines in S1703that the original read condition is “for single-sided”, in S1705, the control CPU801determines whether or not an image forming condition is “for double-sided”. Note that, the image forming condition herein refers to a condition of whether to print an image on only one surface of the recording material S (for single-sided), to print images on both surfaces of the recording material S (for double-sided), or to avoid printing an image on the recording material S. When the control CPU801determines in S1705that the image forming condition is “for double-sided”, in S1709, the control CPU801controls the original read unit100to rotationally move between the second read position and the third read position. This control is described in a third embodiment of the present invention. After the control CPU801finishes the rotation control in S1709, in S1710, the control CPU801finishes the image forming operation and the original read operation.

When the control CPU801determines in S1705that the image forming condition is not “for double-sided”, that is, the image forming condition is “for single-sided” or “no image forming operation”, in S1708, the control CPU801controls the original read unit100to rotate to the second read position, and fixes the original read unit100at the second read position. The case where the original read condition is “for single-sided” and the image forming condition is “for single-sided” is described above. After the control CPU801fixes the original read unit100in S1708, in S1710, the control CPU801finishes the image forming operation and the original read operation. When the control CPU801determines in S1703that the original read condition is not “for single-sided”, in S1704, the control CPU801further determines whether or not the original read condition is “for double-sided”. When the control CPU801determines that the original read condition is “for double-sided”, in S1707, the control CPU801controls the original read unit100to rotate between the first read position and the second read position without stopping the original read unit100at the third read position. This operation is described above. After the control CPU801finishes the rotation control in S1707, in S1710, the control CPU801finishes the image forming operation and the original read operation. Note that, an operation to be performed in a case of correcting the white reference value using the white reference member101during the rotation control for the original read unit100between the first read position and the second read position is described in the third embodiment.

Finally, when the control CPU801determines in S1704that the original read condition is not “for double-sided”, that is, “no original read operation”, in S1706, the control CPU801controls the original read unit100to rotate to the first read position, and fixes the original read unit100at first read position. This operation is described in a second embodiment of the present invention. After the control CPU801fixes the original read unit100at the first read position in S1706, in S1710, the control CPU801finishes the image forming operation and the original read operation. After the control CPU801finishes the image forming operation and the original read operation in S1710, the control CPU801returns to the processing in S1701.

As described above, the control method for the rotation direction of the original read unit100is changed depending on the image forming condition and the original read condition, and thus the maximum throughput may be obtained under those conditions.

According to this embodiment, the productivity may be improved in the case where printing the image of the original that has undergone the read operation, and stable print performance may be obtained.

Second Embodiment

In the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that in the first embodiment except for the control of the rotation direction of the original read unit100, such as the processing in S1706ofFIG. 5. The same applies to the embodiments to be described later. This embodiment is directed to a case where the original read operation of the original read unit is not performed and the double-sided print operation is performed on the recording material.

(Double-Sided Print Operation without Original Read Operation)

Referring toFIG. 6, control of the rotation direction of the original read unit100in the case of performing only the image forming operation without using the original read unit100is described. In response to a double-sided print command received from the host computer (not shown), the recording material S is first conveyed to the transfer roller15by the conveyance roller pair40. Then, a toner image is transferred and fixed to the recording material S, and the recording material S reaches the discharge roller pair60. The double-sided flapper61switches the conveyance path after the passage of the trailing edge of the recording material S. After that, the discharge roller pair60rotates in a reverse direction to convey the recording material S to the double-sided conveyance path80. The recording material S thus switched back is conveyed to the side of the original read unit100via the conveyance roller pair41. The image information on the recording material S is not acquired, and hence the original read unit100is fixed to the first read position facing the original-dedicated conveyance path81. After that, the recording material S is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair42and the conveyance roller pair40, and conveyed again to the transfer roller15. Then, a toner image is transferred and fixed to the second surface of the recording material S, and the recording material S is stacked on the first sheet discharging unit70.

In general, paper dust generated from the recording material S under conveyance is present in the conveyance path of the image forming apparatus1. Further, for example, toner which is transferred onto the recording material S but cannot be fixed thereto is present in the conveyance path. When those dust and blot adhere to the original read unit100, the information on the original G cannot be read in this portion, which leads to a risk of failure in the original read operation. As in this embodiment, the original read unit100is caused to face the conveyance path other than the conveyance path in use, and thus the adhesion of the dust and blot to the surface of the original read unit100may be prevented. In this case, the original read unit100is caused to face the original-dedicated conveyance path81, but may be located at any position other than the position facing the double-sided conveyance path80.

As described above, the original read unit100in the case of performing only the image forming operation without using the original read unit100is prevented from facing the double-sided conveyance path80in which the recording material S is being conveyed, and thus the risk of adhesion of the dust and blot may be reduced.

According to this embodiment, the productivity may be improved in the case where printing the image of the original that has undergone the read operation, and stable print performance may be obtained.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment is directed to a case where the single-sided read operation is performed on the originals and the double-sided print operation is performed on the recording material.

(Single-Sided Read Operation and Double-Sided Print Operation)

FIG. 7Aillustrates a state in which the information on the first surface of the original G is acquired as in the processing in S1709ofFIG. 5. In this case, the original read unit100is located at the second read position facing the double-sided conveyance path80. Subsequently, as illustrated inFIG. 7B, the original G is switched back through use of the conveyance roller pair42, and is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair43and the conveyance roller pair44. At the same time, the recording material S and the second original G2start to be conveyed through use of the CST pickup roller31and the original pickup roller91, respectively. As illustrated inFIG. 7C, during a period in which the read operation for the second original G2is completed and the second original G2stands by for the switchback operation of the conveyance roller pair42, the recording material S reaches the discharge roller pair60, and also comes into a state in which the switchback operation may be performed. During a period in which the second original G2is conveyed along the original-dedicated conveyance path81through use of the conveyance roller pair42, the conveyance roller pair43, and the conveyance roller pair44, the recording material S is also conveyed again to the image forming unit via the double-sided conveyance path80. There is no need to acquire the information on the recording material S, and hence the original read unit100is not necessarily located at the position facing the double-sided conveyance path80, that is, the second read position.

In this embodiment, when the read operation for the first surface of the second original G2is finished and the recording material S is switched back for printing an image on the second surface thereof as illustrated inFIG. 7D, the original read unit100is controlled to rotate to the third read position facing the white reference member101. At the third read position, light is emitted to the white reference member101and the white reference value is corrected. Then, as illustrated inFIG. 8, by the time before the start of reading a third original G3subsequently, the original read unit100is rotated to the second read position facing the double-sided conveyance path80. As compared to the processes of carrying out the single-sided read operation for the information on the original G and the single-sided print operation for the recording material S according to the first embodiment, the recording material S immediately after the fixing operation passes in the vicinity of the original read unit100. Therefore, the ambient temperature of the original read unit100rises, leading to a risk of fluctuation in light receiving sensitivity of the CIS section901and decrease in light intensity of the light emitting element907. To eliminate the risk, the white reference value is corrected at the timing when the original read unit100is not in use, and thus the performance of the original read unit100may be calibrated.

As described above, when the information on one surface of the original is acquired through use of the original read unit and images of the information are formed on both surfaces of the recording material, the white reference value is corrected during the original read operation and the image forming operation, and thus an image forming apparatus having stable performance may be provided.

According to this embodiment, the productivity may be improved in the case where printing the image of the original that has undergone the read operation, and stable print performance may be obtained.

Fourth Embodiment

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first embodiment, the processes of carrying out the double-sided read operation for information on an original and the double-sided print operation for a recording material are executed. After the original G passes across the original read unit100, the original read unit100is rotated from the second read position facing the double-sided conveyance path80to the first read position facing the original-dedicated conveyance path81. At this time, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, the original read unit100passes across the third read position facing the white reference member101. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the original read unit100is temporarily stopped at the third read position facing the white reference member101. At the third read position, light is emitted to the white reference member101and the white reference value is corrected. Thus, similarly to the third embodiment, the performance of the original read unit100may be calibrated.

As described above, when the information on both surfaces of the original is acquired through use of the original read unit100and images of the information are formed on both surfaces of the recording material, the white reference value is corrected during the original read operation and the image forming operation, and thus an image forming apparatus having stable performance may be provided.

According to this embodiment, the productivity may be improved in the case where printing the image of the original that has undergone the read operation, and stable print performance may be obtained.

Fifth Embodiment

In the fifth embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the read operation for the original G and the print operation for the recording material S are not carried out. For example, the fifth embodiment corresponds to the case of performing the processing in S1701ofFIG. 5. The fifth embodiment has a feature in that, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the original read unit100is rotated to and fixed at the first read position that is farthest from the fixing unit50. In other words, the original read unit100is fixed at the read position other than the second read position.

In the above-mentioned fixing unit50of the image forming apparatus1, the heating roller51may be heated to about 80° C. even in a standby state in which the print operation for the recording material is not performed. This is because, in the process of fixing the toner image, the temperature of the heating roller51needs to be raised to about 170° C. and therefore the time period required to raise the temperature enough to perform printing is shortened after receiving a print command from the host computer. Therefore, the fixing unit50is heated even when the printing is not executed, and the original read unit100provided in the vicinity of the fixing unit50is also heated to some degree. As described in the third embodiment, the read performance of the original read unit100has temperature characteristics. In this embodiment, the effect of the temperature is minimized, and thus the performance of the original read unit100may be stabilized in the so-called standby state in which the read operation for the original and the print operation for the recording material are not carried out.

As described above, when the original read unit and the image forming unit are not in use, the original read unit is controlled to rotate away from the fixing unit50, and thus the temperature rise of the original read unit100is suppressed. As a result, an image forming apparatus having stable performance may be provided.

According to this embodiment, the productivity may be improved in the case where printing the image of the original that has undergone the read operation, and stable print performance may be obtained.

Note that, the embodiments are described above assuming the configuration of the image forming apparatus for forming a monochrome image, but the present invention is also applicable to a color image forming apparatus. As the color image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applicable, there is a color image forming apparatus of the type in which photosensitive drums serving as image bearing members for forming yellow, magenta, cyan, and black images are arranged in line and the images are transferred from the respective photosensitive drums onto a recording material or an intermediate transfer member. The present invention is also applicable to a color image forming apparatus of the type in which images of the respective colors are sequentially formed on a single image bearing member (photosensitive drum) so that a color image is formed on an intermediate transfer member and transferred onto a recording material.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-106110, filed May 7, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.