JP2003163774A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate use of a scanner part by preventing cost increase of an LBJ multipath having a flat-bed scanner and scale increase of an image processor. <P>SOLUTION: The flat-bed scanner arranged on the upper part of the LBJ is detachably constituted. In addition, the flat-bed scanner is constituted so as to be arranged at a slant to the front side by using height difference between LBP and BJ by arranging the LBP on the rear side of the image processor and arranging the BJ in the front side of the image processor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which has not only a function as a copying machine or a facsimile, but also a function as a printer and a scanner when connected to a host computer. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus equipped with a flatbed scanner that reads an image by moving a document sensor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus which has a copying function or a facsimile function by itself and can be used as a printer or a scanner when connected to a personal computer, particularly an image processing apparatus equipped with a flatbed scanner is put on the market. However, in these image processing apparatuses, the reading section is arranged above the recording section, and the reading section is fixed to the apparatus so that the document table on which the document is placed is horizontal.

In these devices, a heavy original such as an encyclopedia may be placed on the original table of the reading section, or the original may be pressed against the original table so that the central portion of the spread book does not float. The reading unit has a sturdy structure so that it can endure it, and the chassis that supports the reading unit as well as the recording unit has a sturdy structure.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned configuration, since the reading unit has a box-shaped structure, it is relatively easy to construct it robustly. The supporting chassis is configured so that the recording section is hollow so that no force is applied to the recording section.In order to make it sturdy, the chassis becomes large and a strong material is used. However, there is a drawback that the cost will increase due to such problems.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to increase the size and cost of the chassis that covers the recording unit and supports the reading unit. It is to provide a non-image processing device.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a paper feed which is arranged at the rear of the apparatus and conveys a placed recording medium to a recording section for forming an image on the recording medium. Section, a discharge port for discharging the recording medium on which an image has been formed in the recording section to the front side of the apparatus, and a recording medium conveyance path extending from the paper feeding section to the discharge port. In the image processing device, the recording section, the recording section exterior section that covers the recording section, and the reading section that reads the document placed on the transparent document table while the image sensor moves. The reading unit is arranged at a position that is in contact with the exterior unit and is the uppermost front part of the apparatus, and is capable of performing a reading operation at the position and a reading operation in a state where the reading unit is detached from the position. To do.

Further, preferably, when the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus, the paper discharge port of the recording unit is arranged at a position higher than a height of the reading unit. To do.

Further, preferably, the reading unit has a pressure plate for bringing a document placed on a transparent document table into close contact with the document table, and when the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus, It is characterized in that the upper surface of the pressure plate also serves as a paper discharge tray of the recording section.

Further, a paper feed unit, which is arranged at the rear of the apparatus and conveys the placed recording medium to a first recording unit for forming an image on the recording medium, and an image is formed by the first recording unit. A transport unit that transports the recording medium to a second recording unit that forms an image on the recording medium, and a discharge port that discharges the recording medium on which the image is formed by the second recording unit to the front of the apparatus. And the first recording unit and the second recording unit arranged above the conveyance path of the recording medium from the paper feeding unit to the paper ejection port,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a recording unit exterior portion that covers the first recording unit and the second recording unit; and a reading unit that reads a document placed on a transparent document table while an image sensor moves. The reading unit is arranged at a position that is in contact with the exterior unit and is the uppermost front part of the apparatus, and is capable of performing a reading operation at the position and a reading operation in a state where the reading unit is detached from the position. And

Further, preferably, when the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus, the paper discharge port is arranged at a position higher than the height of the reading unit.

Further, preferably, the reading unit has a pressure plate for bringing a document placed on a transparent document table into close contact with the document table, and when the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus, It is characterized in that the upper surface of the pressure plate also serves as a paper discharge tray of the recording section.

Preferably, the height of the first recording portion is higher than that of the second recording portion.

Preferably, the first recording unit is an electrophotographic recording system and the second recording unit is an inkjet recording system.

With the above construction, the reading unit can be easily removed. Therefore, when a force is applied to the reading unit when reading an original, the reading unit is detached from the main body of the apparatus and used. It is possible to prevent the load from being applied to anything other than the own weight of the reading unit. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the strength of the exterior portion of the recording unit more than necessary, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, by removing the reading unit from the apparatus main body,
Even when placed on the front side of the main body of the device, the discharge port for the recording paper comes to a position higher than the pressure plate of the reading unit, so when the recording paper is discharged, it is possible to prevent it from hitting the reading unit and causing a jam. it can.

Further, by lowering the second recording unit on the front side of the first recording unit on the back side of the apparatus main body, the reading unit is disposed so as to be inclined toward the front side, so that the reading unit may be removed. Not only can it be easily attached, but when the reading unit is attached to the apparatus main body, it is difficult to apply force to the reading unit, and damage to the recording unit or the exterior part of the recording unit can be prevented.

As described above, the present invention can be summarized and summarized as follows.

(1) A paper feed unit which is arranged at the rear of the apparatus and conveys a placed recording medium to a recording unit for forming an image on the recording medium, and the recording on which an image is formed by the recording unit. A paper ejection port for ejecting a medium to the front of the apparatus, the recording unit disposed above the conveyance path of the recording medium from the paper feeding unit to the paper ejection port, and a recording unit that covers the recording unit. In an image processing apparatus including an exterior portion and a reading portion that reads an original placed on a transparent original plate while an image sensor moves, the reading portion is in contact with the exterior portion and the frontmost part of the apparatus. The image processing apparatus, which is arranged at a position such that the reading operation at the position and the reading operation detached from the position are possible.

(2) When the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus, the paper discharge port of the recording unit is arranged at a position higher than the height of the reading unit. The image processing apparatus according to (1) above.

(3) The reading unit has a pressure plate for adhering an original placed on a transparent original plate to the original plate, and when the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus, The image processing apparatus according to (2), wherein the upper surface also serves as a paper ejection ray of the recording unit.

(4) A paper feed unit, which is arranged at the rear of the apparatus and conveys a placed recording medium to a first recording unit for forming an image on the recording medium, and an image is formed by the first recording unit. A conveying unit that conveys the formed recording medium to a second recording unit that forms an image on the recording medium, and a discharge unit that discharges the recording medium on which the image is formed by the second recording unit to the front of the apparatus. A mouth, and the first recording unit and the second recording unit disposed above the conveyance path of the recording medium from the paper feeding unit to the paper ejection port,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a recording unit exterior portion that covers the first recording unit and the second recording unit; and a reading unit that reads a document placed on a transparent document table while an image sensor moves. The reading unit is arranged at a position that is in contact with the exterior unit and is the uppermost front part of the apparatus, and is capable of performing a reading operation at the position and a reading operation in a state where the reading unit is detached from the position. Image processing device.

(5) When the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus, the paper discharge port is arranged at a position higher than the height of the reading unit.
The image processing device according to item 1.

(6) The reading unit has a pressure plate for adhering an original placed on a transparent original plate to the original plate, and when the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus, The image processing apparatus according to (5), wherein the upper surface also serves as a paper discharge tray of the recording unit.

(7) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein the first recording section is taller than the second recording section.

(8) The image processing according to any one of (4) to (7), wherein the first recording unit is an electrophotographic recording system and the second recording unit is an inkjet recording system. apparatus.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2 are views showing the features of the image processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a main sectional view of a state in which the reading unit is attached to the apparatus main body, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a main cross-sectional view showing a state of being placed on the front side of the device body. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, 1 is the main body of the apparatus, 2
Is a reading unit, 3 is a first recording unit, 4 is a second recording unit, 6 is a recording paper slider, 7 is a recording paper storage unit, 8 is a recording paper feeding unit, and 9 is a recording paper feeding unit.
Is an image transfer unit, 10 is an image fixing unit, 11 is a recording paper conveying unit, 12 is a laser optical unit, 13 is a toner cartridge unit, 14 is a first scanner mounting unit, 21 is a recording paper feeding unit, and 22 is a recording unit. Paper ejecting section 23 is an ink cartridge
Reference numeral 24 is a second scanner mounting portion, 24a is a scanner stopper, 25 is a recording paper discharge port, 31 is a pressure plate, 32 is a document holder, and 33 is an image sensor.

First, the conveyance path of the recording paper will be described.

The recording paper is stored in the recording paper storage section 7 at the rear of the apparatus main body 1.
One or more sheets are stored in. The recording papers stored in the recording paper storage unit 7 are separated one by one in the recording paper supply unit 8 and conveyed to the image transfer unit 9. The recording sheet on which the image has been transferred in the image transfer section 9 is conveyed to the image fixing section 10 and the image is fixed to the recording sheet by heat. The recording paper is further transported by the recording paper transport unit 11 to the recording paper transport unit 21.
An image is formed on the recording paper by the ink cartridge 23 while controlling the paper feed amount by the recording paper feed unit 21.
Finally, the recording paper ejection unit 22 ejects the recording paper from the recording paper ejection port 25 to the front of the apparatus main body 1.

The above is the recording paper conveyance path. Above the recording paper conveyance path, there is the first recording section 3 at the rear of the apparatus main body 1, in front of the recording paper storage section 7, and the first recording section. The second recording unit 4 is arranged on the front side of the unit 3. The first recording unit 3 is mainly an electrophotographic recording system based on laser beam scanning, and includes a laser optical unit 12 that scans a laser beam, a latent image drum and toner to which the laser beam scanned by the laser optical unit 12 is applied, A toner cartridge unit 13 in which a developing unit, a cleaner and the like are integrated into one unit, an image transfer unit 9 for transferring an image of toner from the toner cartridge 13 onto a recording sheet, and a toner image transferred onto the recording sheet is melted by heat. And an image fixing unit 10 for fixing the recording paper to the recording paper.

The second recording unit 4 is mainly composed of a recording paper feeding unit 21, a recording paper discharging unit 22, an ink cartridge 23 and the like. The ink cartridge 23 includes an inkjet head that ejects ink toward the recording paper from a plurality of nozzle rows by a foaming action due to heat, and the ink ejected onto the recording paper should soak into the recording paper and dry naturally. An image is formed by.

Next, the reading section 2 will be described.

The reading section 2 is a stationary original type of so-called flatbed scanner. First, the original is placed on the original table 32 made of transparent glass by opening the pressure plate 31 that opens and closes in the direction of arrow A. Next, the pressure plate 31 is closed to bring the document into close contact with the document table 32. The information of the original is read by the image sensor 33 through the original table 32.

The reading section 2 is always connected to the apparatus main body 1 by a cord (not shown), and should be detached from the apparatus main body as a unit as shown in FIG. You can At this time, the power source for driving the image sensor 33, the read image signal, and the like are exchanged with the apparatus main body 1 through the code.

Usually, the reading section 2 is attached to the apparatus main body 1, and the first scanner mounting section 14 which is a part of the exterior of the first recording section 3 and a part of the exterior of the second recording section 4. It is mounted on the second scanner mounting part 24 which is. Further, a scanner stopper 24a for easily fixing the placed reading unit 2 on the apparatus main body 1 is provided on the second scanner placing unit 24, and the reading unit 2 is removed from the apparatus main body 1. Although it is easy to remove it intentionally, the reading unit 2 comes off the device body 1 when the device body 1 is slightly vibrated or impacted, such as when the device body 1 is moved for installation. I try not to.

Next, the function of the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention is composed of
It can be used as a color copier and as a color facsimile.

By connecting to a personal computer, it can be used as a color printer and a color scanner.

First, the operation of the color copying machine will be described.

When used as a color copying machine, a document is set in the reading section 2 and a recording sheet is set in the recording sheet storage section 7. Next, on the operation panel (not shown), after setting the copy size, resolution, lightness and the like, the copy operation is started by a copy button (not shown). That is, the reading unit 2
Then, the image signal of the original read by the image sensor 33 is sent to the apparatus main body 1, and an image is formed on the recording paper by the first recording unit 3 and the second recording unit 4 according to the image signal. The first recording unit 3 is a photographic recording system and only prints black. The second recording unit 4 is an inkjet recording system, and prints colors other than black by combining three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow.

In the electrophotographic system, an image can be recorded clearly without bleeding, but when attempting color recording, the laser optical unit 12 and the toner cartridge 13 have at least 3 parts.
Since the colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow) are required, the apparatus is large and the cost is high.

Further, the ink jet system has a drawback that characters can be blurred and unclear compared to the electrophotographic system, while color recording can be performed with a low cost and compact device.

Therefore, like the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
By utilizing only the respective advantages of the two recording methods having different characteristics, it is possible to perform recording with excellent print quality at low cost.

Further, when making a black-and-white copy, the second recording section 4 does not perform recording, but simply passes the paper.

Next, the operation as a facsimile (transmission,
Reception) will be described.

When performing facsimile transmission, only the reading section 2 operates. The operation of the reading unit 2 is the same as the operation of the reading unit 2 in the copy operation.

That is, the original to be transmitted is set on the reading unit 2. Next, on the operation panel (not shown), after setting the document size, the resolution, the density, etc., the FAX number of the transmission destination is dialed. Next, a facsimile transmission operation is started by a start button (not shown). That is, the reading unit 2
Then, the image signal of the original read by the image sensor 33 is sent to the apparatus main body 1, and the image signal compressed by the apparatus main body 1 is sent to the destination facsimile machine through a telephone line or the like.

The image sensor 33 has three color light sources of red, green and blue so that a color original can be read. That is, a color image is read by separating the image of the original into three colors. When reading a black-and-white original, three colors are turned on at the same time to serve as a white light source, or only green is turned on to read in a single color.

For the facsimile transmission, only the first recording section 3 and the second recording section 4 operate for facsimile reception. This operation is the same as the recording operation in the copy operation.

That is, when an image signal is sent from the sender's facsimile machine through a telephone line or the like, the recording paper is sent from the recording paper storage 7 to the first recording unit 3 and a black image is printed on the rear table. The color image is sent to the second recording unit 4, and the color image is printed and discharged from the recording paper discharge port 25.

When the image signal at this time is only black information, the second recording section 4 does not print.

Next, the operation of the color printer will be described.

In order to operate as a printer, it must be connected to a personal computer. In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus main body 1 is provided with an interface (not shown), and is connected to a personal computer according to a standard such as IEEE1284 or USB.

The operation as a printer is the same as the recording operation in the copy operation. That is, when a signal is sent from the personal computer through an interface (not shown), the recording paper is sent from the recording paper storage unit 7 to the first recording unit 3, and a black image is printed and then sent to the second recording unit 4 on the base. A color image is printed and ejected from the recording paper ejection port 25.

When the image signal at this time is only black information, the second recording section 4 does not print.

When operating as a scanner, it must be connected to a personal computer. The connection with the personal computer is made through the same interface (not shown) as in the case of the printer.

The operation of the reading unit 2 as a scanner is the same as the reading operation in copying operation and facsimile transmission. That is, when a signal to start reading is sent from an interface (not shown) from the personal computer, the image sensor 33 reads the image of the document placed on the document table 32, and the read image signal is sent from the apparatus main body 1 (not shown). It is sent to the personal computer through the interface.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the reading unit 2 is usually mounted on the apparatus body 1 for use, but it can be detached from the apparatus body 1 for use.
Normally, a manuscript that can be brought into close contact with the manuscript table 32 only by the pressure plate 31 such as a photo, a catalog, or a copy paper is used with the reading unit 2 attached to the apparatus main body 1, and a heavy manuscript like an encyclopedia. When reading a document, when reading a document while pressing the spread book with your hand, or when you want to read the document in a place where the reading unit 2 is easy to work, remove the reading unit 2 from the device body 1 and use it. Has become.

Therefore, the first recording unit 3 and the second recording unit 4
Since the first scanner mounting portion 14 and the second scanner mounting portion 24, which also serve as the outer cover of the scanning portion 2 and on which the scanning portion 2 is mounted, need only have the strength to support the weight of the scanning portion 2, they are low cost and compact. be able to.

As the image sensor 33, a compact and lightweight contact image sensor is used to reduce the size and weight of the reading unit 2.

The reading section 2 and the apparatus main body 1 are always connected by a cord (not shown). However, if the code is a curl code, the code does not get in the way even when the reading section 2 is attached to the apparatus main body 1. First, the range in which the reading unit 2 can be detached from the apparatus body 1 is widened, which is preferable. A method of wirelessly connecting the reading unit 2 and the apparatus main body 1 is also conceivable, but a wireless device is required for the reading unit 2 and the apparatus main body 1, and the reading unit 2 can be charged with a secondary battery or the like. Since a power source must be provided, not only the cost is increased but also the weight of the reading unit 2 is increased, which is not preferable. In particular,
A rechargeable power source such as a secondary battery adversely affects the reading unit 2 due to an increase in weight.

Further, it is conceivable that the reading unit 2 is detached from the apparatus body 1 and placed in front of the apparatus body 1 to receive a facsimile or to be used as a printer. As shown, since the height of the reading unit 2 is lower than that of the recording paper discharge port 25, the recording paper discharged from the recording paper discharge port 25 does not get stuck in the reading unit 2 and jams. It is like this. Further, the upper surface of the reading unit 2 is configured so that the recording paper is smoothly guided without being caught in the middle, and the discharged recording paper can be aligned as a paper discharge tray.

Further, the reading section 2 includes the first scanner mounting section 14
However, the second scanner placement section 24 on the front side of the apparatus body 1 is lower than the first scanner placement section 14 on the back side of the apparatus body 1. Therefore, the reading unit 2 is inclined to the front side. Therefore, it is easy to operate when the document is set on the document table 32 with the reading unit 2 attached to the apparatus main body 1, and when the reading unit 2 is detached from or attached to the apparatus main body 1. Is also easy to operate.

Further, the reading unit 2 is tilted even when trying to read a heavy original with the reading unit 2 attached to the apparatus main body 1 or when trying to read the original while holding the spread book by hand. By the document holder 32
The force applied to the first scanner mounting portion 14 and the second scanner mounting portion 14 is dispersed.
Since the force applied to the scanner mounting portion 24 can be weakened, there is an effect of preventing damage to the apparatus main body 1.

This is because the first recording section 3, which is generally an electrophotographic recording system, has a higher device height than the second recording section 4, which is an inkjet recording system. The first recording section 3 is arranged on the back side of the apparatus main body 1, and the second recording section 4 which is an ink jet recording system is arranged on the front side of the apparatus main body 1 to make the apparatus easy to use.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the reading unit can be easily removed, if the reading unit is subject to a force when the document is read, the reading unit should be detached from the apparatus main body before use. Thus, the exterior part of the recording part can be prevented from being hung on other than the own weight of the reading part. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the strength of the exterior portion of the recording unit more than necessary, and the cost can be reduced.

Also, by removing the reading unit from the apparatus main body,
Even when placed on the front side of the main body of the device, the discharge port for the recording paper comes to a position higher than the pressure plate of the reading unit, so when the recording paper is discharged, it is possible to prevent it from hitting the reading unit and causing a jam. it can.

Further, by lowering the second recording unit on the front side of the first recording unit on the back side of the apparatus main body, the reading unit is disposed so as to be inclined toward the front side, so that the reading unit may be removed. Not only can it be easily attached, but when the reading unit is attached to the apparatus main body, it is difficult to apply force to the reading unit, and damage to the recording unit or the exterior part of the recording unit can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main cross-sectional view of a state in which a reading unit of an image processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is attached to an apparatus main body.

FIG. 2 is a main cross-sectional view showing a state in which the reading unit of the image processing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is removed from the apparatus body and placed on the front side of the apparatus body.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 device body 2 reading section 3 First recording section 4 Second recording section 25 Recording paper exit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/10 H04N 1/10 1/107 F term (reference) 2C055 EE00 EE02 2C061 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ05 AQ06 AR01 AS02 BB02 BB35 2H071 AA03 AA04 AA34 AA35 AA39 AA46 EA08 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA30 AB02 AB17 AB22 AB38 AD05 AD06 AE03 BA02 5C072 AA01 AA03 BA01 EA04 HA02 HA13 LA02 LA07 QA14 SA03 XA01 XA05

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A paper feed unit, which is disposed at the rear of the apparatus and conveys a placed recording medium to a recording unit that forms an image on the recording medium, and the recording medium on which an image is formed by the recording unit. A discharge port for discharging the sheet to the front of the apparatus, the recording unit disposed above the conveyance path of the recording medium from the paper feed unit to the discharge port, and a recording unit exterior covering the recording unit And an image processing apparatus including a reading unit that reads a document placed on a transparent document table while the image sensor moves, the reading unit is in contact with the exterior unit and is located at the front uppermost part of the device. The image processing apparatus, which is arranged at a different position, and is capable of performing a reading operation at the position and a reading operation detached from the position. 2. The discharging unit of the recording unit is arranged at a position higher than the height of the reading unit when the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus. Item 1. The image processing device according to item 1. 3. The reading unit has a pressure plate for bringing a document placed on a transparent platen into close contact with the platen, and when the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus, the upper surface of the pressure plate. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus also serves as a paper ejection ray of the recording unit. 4. A paper feed unit, which is disposed at the rear of the apparatus and conveys a placed recording medium to a first recording unit that forms an image on the recording medium, and an image is formed by the first recording unit. A transport unit that transports the recording medium to a second recording unit that forms an image on the recording medium, and a discharge port that discharges the recording medium on which the image is formed by the second recording unit to the front of the apparatus. And covers the first recording unit and the second recording unit, and the first recording unit and the second recording unit, which are arranged above the conveyance path of the recording medium from the paper feeding unit to the paper discharge port. An image processing apparatus comprising: a recording section exterior section for concealing; and a reading section for reading an original placed on a transparent original table while an image sensor moves, wherein the reading section is in contact with the exterior section and is an apparatus. It is arranged at the foremost upper part of the An image processing apparatus, which is capable of performing a reading operation in a state of being removed from a position. 5. The discharge port is arranged at a position higher than the height of the reading unit when the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus. Image processing device. 6. The reading unit has a pressure plate for bringing a document placed on a transparent platen into close contact with the platen, and when the reading unit is removed and placed in front of the apparatus, an upper surface of the platen is provided. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image processing apparatus also serves as a paper discharge tray of the recording unit. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first recording unit has a height higher than that of the second recording unit. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first recording unit is an electrophotographic recording system and the second recording unit is an inkjet recording system.