JP2001063175A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance both operability and visibility of an operating unit of an image forming apparatus by dividing the unit of the apparatus in a depth direction, and increasing in inclining angle of the unit of the depth side as compared with that of the unit of this side in the apparatus having many multifunctional keys in the unit. SOLUTION: Keys of operator's high using frequency such as ten keys 315, function keys 316, a start key 318a and the like to operate functions of a facsimile apparatus are disposed in an operating unit 105a of this side of the image forming apparatus, and an inclining angle of the unit 105a is set to about 6 deg. by considering that the key operations can be optimally conducted. Keys of operator's low using frequency such as a one-touch key 317 for designating a transmitting destination of the facsimile by a one-touch operation, various type LEDs 320a or the like and a display unit are disposed in an operating unit 105b of a depth side of the apparatus, and an inclining angle of the unit 105b is set to about 30 deg. by particularly considering visibility of the display unit. With such a constitution, operability and visibility of the operating unit can be improved together.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has an image reading apparatus for reading a document on which image information is described, a function of copying image information output from a facsimile apparatus or a computer as well as a function of copying an ordinary sheet material. The present invention relates to an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional device having a multi-function and a large number of keys on an operation unit as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-43705, the frequency of use is increased in order to improve the visibility and operability of the operation unit. The image forming apparatus is configured such that keys having a low key length can be collectively stored in the apparatus main body, and is rotated from the main body at the time of use so as to be on the same surface as an operation surface of an operation portion provided with frequently used keys. It has been known.

[0003]

However, in the above image forming apparatus, the provision of the rotatable operation section as described above complicates the apparatus and causes a problem of increasing the cost. Was.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus having an inexpensive and simple configuration and having improved visibility and operability of an operation unit.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having the following configuration to achieve the above object. (1) an image reading unit that reads a document on which image information is described, an image forming unit that records the image information on a sheet material,
An operation unit for operating a plurality of image forming modes is provided. The operation unit has an inclination angle with the front side of the image forming apparatus facing down, is disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus, and is frequently used. A first operating unit having an operating member, and a second operating unit disposed on the back side of the image forming apparatus and having an infrequently used operating member, wherein the tilt angle of the second operating unit is Is larger than the inclination angle of the first operation unit. (2) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the first operation unit is substantially horizontal. (3) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the frequently used operation member is a start key, a stop key, a numeric keypad, or the like. (4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the display unit is an LCD, an LED, or the like. (5) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the operation unit is disposed on one side of the apparatus, and the feeding and discharging directions of a document and a sheet material are set in the image forming direction. An image forming apparatus configured to be substantially parallel to a depth direction of the apparatus and capable of accessing either a sheet feeding port or a sheet discharging port of a document and a sheet material from the front side of the image forming apparatus. . (6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein at least a part of the image reading unit or the image forming unit is disposed below the second operation unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: (7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein a display unit that requires visibility from a distance is disposed on a front side of the image forming apparatus. Image forming apparatus. (8) The image forming apparatus according to (7), wherein the display unit requiring visibility from a distance is a tally lamp. (9) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the image forming means is an electrophotographic process using a laser beam. (10) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), and a communication unit configured to transmit an image received from a communication line to the image forming apparatus to form the received image. Facsimile machine. (11) An image reading and recording apparatus comprising: the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8); and means for recording the image read by the image reading means in the image forming apparatus.

[0006]

That is, according to the present invention, in a multifunctional device having a large number of keys on the operation unit, the operation unit of the device is divided in the depth direction, and the operation unit on the rear side is larger than the inclination angle of the operation unit on the near side. Are configured to have a larger inclination angle. In addition, a frequently used key is arranged on the front operation unit, and a display unit requiring visibility and a less frequently used key are arranged on the back operation unit. With the above configuration, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which both the operability and the visibility of the operation unit are improved.

[0007]

(Embodiment 1) An example in which a first embodiment according to the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Here, the description will be made in the following order. Overview of the entire facsimile machine Configuration of operation unit Configuration of image reading unit for reading image information Configuration of cassette paper feed unit Configuration of image forming unit for recording received information Configuration of control unit Concept of image formation

(Overview of Facsimile Apparatus) First, an overview of an entire facsimile apparatus will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus constructed according to the present invention with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the same facsimile apparatus.

First, an outline of the entire facsimile apparatus will be described. 1 and 2, reference numeral 101 denotes an apparatus main body;
Is a document table configured to be able to stack a plurality of documents S, 103 is an image reading unit that reads image information of the document S, 104 is a recording device main body composed of a laser beam printer, 105 is a display unit and input An operation unit including keys and the like; 106, a document discharge tray; 110, a laser scanner; 111, an image forming unit; 112, a cassette paper feed unit; 120, an upper discharge unit;
Is an upper discharge tray, 126 is a lower discharge tray, 115 is a discharge flapper that switches the transport path between the upper discharge unit 120 side and the lower discharge unit 125 side, and 116 performs maintenance of a control board in the facsimile machine. It is a light cover that opens and closes at the time.

(Construction of Operation Unit) The operation unit 105 is configured to have a slope such that the front side of the apparatus is downward. The numeric keypad 31 is provided on the operation unit 105a on the front side of the apparatus.
5. Function keys 316, start key 318a, stop key 31 for operating functions of the facsimile machine
Keys such as 8b that are frequently used by the operator are arranged, and the inclination angle of the operation unit is configured to be about 6 ° in consideration of performing the key operation as optimally as possible.

The operation unit 105b at the back of the apparatus includes a one-touch key 317 for specifying a facsimile transmission destination with one touch, various LEDs 320a for displaying a transmission mode, an image mode, and the like, and an LED link for operating in conjunction with the LEDs 320a. Keys and a display unit, such as a key 318c, an option key 318d for operating an optional function, and an LCD 319 for displaying various messages, are arranged. The angle is configured at about 30 °.

As described above, the operation unit 105 is divided in the depth direction, and the inclination angle of the operation unit 105b on the rear side is larger than the inclination angle of the operation unit 105a on the front side. A frequently used key is arranged on the front operation unit 105a, and a display unit that requires visibility and a less frequently used key are arranged on the back operation unit 105b. With the above configuration, both the operability and the visibility of the operation unit can be improved.

The tally lamp 320b for notifying a distant operator of the communication state or the occurrence of a fault is a kind of display unit. When the tally lamp 320b is arranged on the operation unit 105b, when viewed from a distance, the document table 102 and the document discharge Since it is hidden by the tray 106, the upper discharge tray 121, etc., it is arranged on the front side of the apparatus.

(Structure of Image Reading Unit for Reading Image Information) The image reading unit 103 includes a pair of separation rollers 103a that press the originals S stacked on the original mounting table 102 with each other.
The sheets are separated one by one and conveyed to the close contact image sensor 103c by the conveying roller pair 103b pressed against each other. Further, the original S is contacted with the original pressing unit 103 d by the contact type image sensor 1.
After reading the image information of the document S while pressing and bringing the document S into close contact, the document is discharged onto the document discharge tray 106 by the pair of document discharge rollers 103e pressed against each other.

Drive unit 130 of image reading section 103
Are arranged in a space vacated by tilting the operation unit 105b. As a result, the dead space in the apparatus can be effectively used, and the width of the apparatus can be minimized.

The document mounting table 102 is provided with a slider 102a slidable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of transport of the document S (the width direction of the document S), and the document stacked on the document mounting table 102 by the slider 102a. Both sides of S can be aligned. The original S
In the case of a long document, by opening the extension document tray 102b, it is possible to prevent the rear end of the document S from protruding from the document table 102 and hanging down.

The contact type image sensor 103c irradiates the image information surface of the original S with light from an LED array as a light source, and forms an image of the reflected light reflected from the image information surface on the sensor element by a self-focal lens (trademark). It reads image information.

(Configuration of Cassette Paper Feed Unit) The cassette paper feed unit 112 is provided at the bottom of the apparatus main body 101. The sheet materials P1 stacked on the sheet feeding cassette 112a are separated and conveyed one by one by a sheet feeding roller 112b and a separation roller pair 112c.

After the separated sheet material P1 is corrected for the skew of the sheet material P1 by the registration roller pair 112d,
The top end position is detected by the TOP sensor 112e, and the sheet is fed so that the front end of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 111a and the front end of the sheet material P1 coincide with each other. It is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 111a.

(Configuration of Image Forming Unit) Recording Apparatus Main Body 104
Emits image light from a laser scanner 110 based on an image signal output from a control board 300 of the facsimile apparatus, irradiates the image light to a photosensitive drum 111a of an image forming unit 111, and outputs the image light to the surface of the photosensitive drum 111a. Then, the electrostatic latent image is converted into a toner image by the developing unit 111c, and the toner image is transferred to the sheet material P1 fed from the cassette sheet feeding unit 112 to the image forming unit 111.

The photosensitive drum 111a is provided with a charging means 111b.
The developing unit 111c and the cleaning unit 111d are integrated into the process cartridge 111e together with the developing unit 111c, and are configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 101.

Photosensitive drum 111a of image forming section 111
A transfer charger 111f is disposed at a lower portion, and a thermal fixing device 114 is disposed on a sheet conveying path downstream of the photosensitive drum 111a.

After the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 111a is transferred to the sheet material P1 by the transfer charger 111f, the sheet material P1 is conveyed along the recording sheet conveying portion 113, and the toner image is fixed by the heat fixing device 114. Is done. The sheet material P <b> 1 is moved by a discharge flapper 115 disposed thereafter to a paper path toward an upper discharge port 122 provided on the upper left side of the apparatus main body 101 and a lower paper discharge port 127 provided on the lower left side of the apparatus main body 101. The recording paper transport path is switched to the heading paper path. The recording paper P1 is selected by the switching operation of the paper discharge flapper 115 between the upper paper discharge tray 121 disposed on the upper left side of the apparatus main body 101 and the lower paper discharge tray 126 disposed below the upper paper discharge tray 121. Paper is discharged. The discharge flapper 115 performs a switching operation according to a signal from the control unit.

The apparatus body 101 has a cartridge cover 1
17, the recording cartridge 111e can be pulled out of the apparatus main body 101 and replaced when the cartridge cover 117 is opened. The cartridge cover 117 is provided with an interlock mechanism, and whether the cartridge cover is open or the recording cartridge 111e is
Is not set, the recording apparatus main body 104 does not operate. Also, the recording cartridge 1
The drum exposure prevention shutter 111i provided in the cartridge cover 117e is linked to the setting of the recording cartridge 111e in the apparatus main body 101.
Is opened and the shutter 111i is opened when the recording cartridge 111e is set in the apparatus main body, and the recording cartridge 1 is opened.
When the shutter 11e is removed from the apparatus main body 101, the shutter 111i is closed to prevent unnecessary exposure of the photosensitive drum 111a.

If a jam occurs during recording, the sheet material P staying inside can be taken out by opening any one of the cartridge cover 117, the front cover 118, and the paper discharge cover 123. I have.

The partition 119 is a duct for separating the laser scanner 110 and the recording apparatus main body 104, and the laser scanner 110 adversely affects the laser scanner 110 due to heat generated from the recording apparatus main body 104 by flowing air through a fan (not shown). This prevents the water vapor evaporated from the sheet material P from condensing and dropping on the sheet material P.

(Configuration of Control Unit) FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control board 300 and a board for various options of the facsimile apparatus using the BP, and a dotted line indicates the apparatus main body 101. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU that controls the entire facsimile apparatus.
1. ROM 3 for storing a control program of the MPU 311
12. RAM 313 used as a work area for various data processing and a temporary storage unit for image information, image scaling,
An image processing unit 314 for performing resolution conversion and the like is configured.

The CPU 301 is provided with a calendar, a clock function, and the like having a well-known configuration. An area of the RAM 313 for storing important system setting information such as one-touch key destination information and software switch information is provided by a battery backup for power failure or the like. Protected from accidental disability. The control system of the facsimile machine is the CPU 3
01 and the following elements 302 to 332 are connected via an interface.

The operation unit 302 is operated by the ten key 3 as described above.
15, function key 316, one-touch key 31
7, start key 318a, stop key 318b, L
It is composed of various key switches such as an ED link key 318c and an option key 318d. The display unit 303 also includes the LCD 319, the LED 320a, the tally lamp 320b, and the like as described above.

The reading unit 304 includes a driving unit 3 such as a reading motor.
21, a reading sensor 322 for reading an image, an image processing unit 323 for shading and binarizing the read image,
It is composed of various sensors 324 and the like for detecting a document.

The recording unit 305 is a driving unit 32 such as a recording motor.
5, a recording unit 326 for controlling a laser scanner or an electrophotographic process, an image processing unit 327 for smoothing an image to be recorded, and various sensors 328 for detecting recording paper and the like.

A communication network 307 and a handset 308 are connected to a first communication control unit 306 that performs outgoing calls, incoming calls, encoding of image data, and the like.

Here, the facsimile apparatus can be used as a scanner printer of an external computer by connecting to an external computer through an optional function such as RS232C, SCSI, LAN or the like. . The printer board 330 having the function includes a RAM 333 used as a work area for image development and a temporary storage unit for image information, an image processing unit 334 for developing image data based on received print data, and the like. And the external interface 309 is connected.

Further, as another optional function, the present facsimile apparatus can increase the processing speed of communication by additionally connecting an analog communication network. The second communication control board 331 having the function is capable of calling, receiving,
A first communication control unit 306 for encoding image data and the like is configured, and a communication network 307 is additionally connected.

Further, as another optional function, the present facsimile apparatus can increase the processing speed of communication by additionally connecting a digital communication network. The digital signal control board 332 having the function includes a digital signal control unit 33 that performs outgoing calls, incoming calls, encoding of image data, and the like.
6 and the like, and a digital communication network 310 is additionally connected.

The three optional boards, the printer board 330, the second communication control board 331, and the digital communication control board 332, are detachably attached to a signal switching board 329 which is controlled by the CPU 301 and switches signals according to various functions. It is configured to be.

The communication control board 300 of the facsimile machine,
Since the signal switching board 329, the printer board 330, the second communication control board 331, and the digital communication control board 332 generate radiation noise, the electrical cover 128 made of a conductive metal connected to GND in a box shape to prevent the noise. Shielded by

Since the electrical cover 128 is made of a conductive metal in a box shape, it is strong against external impact and can secure strength. Therefore, the operation unit 105 is installed on the top surface, and the handset table is installed on the right side. , Also serves as a supporting housing.

The electrical cover 12 integrated with the operation unit 105
Reference numeral 8 denotes a document S on the right side of the main body 101 of the facsimile machine.
And a position parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet material P1. Accordingly, it is not necessary to go to the rear of the apparatus in order to perform maintenance on the control board, so that maintenance can be easily performed. At the same time, since the sheet S and the sheet P1 are located at a position where they do not obstruct the conveying path of the document S and the sheet P1, Accessibility can be secured. Also, the width of the device can be minimized.

The arrangement of the boards in the electrical equipment cover 128 depends on the communication control board 300 and the printer board 3 of the facsimile machine.
In a state where 30 is attached to the facsimile machine, the ROM 312 of the communication control board 300 and the RAM 333 of the printer board 330 of the facsimile machine are exchanged or installed in parallel at the closest position of the light cover 116 so that they can be added. I have. The signal switching board 329 is connected to the communication control board 300 of the facsimile machine and the printer board 3.
It is arranged at the center between the control boards for options such as 30. This minimizes the length of the signal lines connecting the substrates.

(Concept of Image Formation) Next, the basic operation of the LBP will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG.
Reference numeral 400 denotes a semiconductor laser that blinks a laser beam for image data to be recorded; 401 a polygon motor; 402, a polygon mirror rotated by the polygon motor 401;
Reference numeral 3 denotes an optical system for performing image formation, tilt correction, and the like; 404, a photodetector; 405, a folding mirror; 406, a photosensitive drum; 407, a developing device; 407, a recording paper;

In the above configuration, first, the semiconductor laser 4
The laser light emitted from 00 is reflected by the polygon mirror 402 and deflected, and is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 406 via the optical system 403 and the return mirror 405 (main scanning). At this time, the head is caught by the photodetector 404 and the irradiation position is determined. While this main scanning is completed for one line, the photosensitive drum 406 rotates one line (sub-scan). The image formed on the photosensitive drum 406 as described above is developed by the developing device 407 and the recording paper P
(408). The sheet is further conveyed along a conveyance guide 409, is fixed by a fixing device 410, and is discharged.

The photosensitive drum 406 and the developing device 4
07 and the elements of the sub-scanning system such as the fixing device 410 are synchronously driven by a recording motor (not shown), gears, belts and the like.

(Other Embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, the inclination angles of the front operation unit 105a in consideration of the optimal operability of the keys and the rear operation unit 105b in consideration of the visibility of the display unit are respectively set. Although the angle is set to about 6 ° and about 30 °, the angle may be set to any angle according to the needs of the user and the use and characteristics of each member as long as the above conditions are satisfied. In particular, the operation section 105a on the near side may not be inclined and may be horizontal.

In the above-described embodiment, the drive unit 13 of the image reading unit 103 is provided below the operation unit 105b on the back side.
Although 0 is arranged, any part of the image reading unit 103 or the image forming unit 111 may be arranged irrespective of this.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a facsimile apparatus is exemplified as an example using an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a laser beam printer may be used. It can also be used for devices.

[0047]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a multi-function device having a large number of keys on the operation unit, the operation unit of the device is divided in the depth direction, and the operation unit on the front side is more inclined than the inclination angle of the operation unit on the near side. Is configured such that the inclination angle of the operation unit is larger. In addition, frequently used keys are placed on the front operation unit,
A display unit that requires visibility and keys that are infrequently used are arranged in the operation unit on the back side. With the above configuration, both the operability and the visibility of the operation unit can be improved.

In particular, the feeding and discharging directions of the original and the sheet material are substantially parallel to the depth direction of the apparatus, and access to either the feeding port or the discharging port of the original or the sheet material is performed from the front side of the apparatus. This is effective for an apparatus that can be operated and in which the operation unit is arranged on one side of the apparatus, because the dead space of the apparatus can be reduced and the installation space of the apparatus can be suppressed.

In the apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration, a display unit for notifying a distant operator of a communication state or occurrence of a trouble, such as a tally lamp, is arranged on the front side of the apparatus so that visibility from a distance can be improved. Can be kept at the same time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration sectional view of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a control system block diagram of a facsimile apparatus using the LBP according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a basic operation of the LBP according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 Device Main Body 102 Document Placement Table 102a Slider 102b Extended Document Tray 103 Configured to Load Multiple Documents S 103 Image Reading Unit for Reading Image Information of Document S 103a Separation Roller Pair 103b Transport Roller Pair 103c Adhesive Type Image sensor 103d Document pressing unit 103e Document discharging roller pair 104 Recording device body 105 composed of laser beam printer 105 Operation unit composed of display unit, input keys, etc. 106 Document discharging tray 110 Laser scanner 111 Image forming unit 111a Photosensitive drum 111b Charging unit 111c Developing unit 111d Cleaning unit 111e Process cartridge 111f Transfer charger 111i Drum exposure prevention shutter 112 Cassette paper feeding unit 112a Paper feeding cassette 112b Paper feeding roller 11 c Separation Roller Pair 112d Registration Roller Pair 112e TOP Sensor 113 Recording Sheet Conveying Section 114 Thermal Fixing Unit 115 Paper Ejection Flapper 116 Light Cover 117 Cartridge Cover 118 Front Cover 119 Partition Section between Image Reading Section and Recording Apparatus Main Body 120 Upper Output Section 121 Upper discharge tray 122 Upper discharge outlet 123 Discharge cover 125 Lower discharge part 126 Lower discharge tray 127 Lower discharge outlet 128 Electrical cover 129 Handset mounting table 130 Drive unit of image reading unit 300 For facsimile machine using LBP Communication control board 301 CPU for controlling the entire facsimile machine 302 Operation unit 303 Display unit 304 Reading unit 305 Recording unit 306 First for performing outgoing call, incoming call, encoding of image data, etc.
Communication control unit 307 Communication network 308 Handset 309 External interface 310 Digital communication network 311 MPU 312 ROM 313 RAM 314 Image processing unit for performing image scaling, resolution conversion, etc. 315 Numeric keypad 316 Function key 317 One-touch key 318a Start key 318b Stop key 318c LED interlocking key 318d Option key 319 LCD 320a Various LEDs for displaying transmission mode etc. 320b Tally lamp 321 Driving unit such as reading motor 322 Reading sensor for reading image 323 Image for shading and binarizing read image Processing unit 324 Various sensors for performing document detection 325 Driving unit such as recording motor 326 Recording unit 327 Image processing unit 328 for performing smoothing of images to be recorded Various sensors for detecting recording paper, etc. 329 Signal switching board 330 Printer board 331 Second communication control board 332 Digital communication control board 333 RAM 334 Image processing unit 335 converting print data to image data 335 Calling, receiving, image The second for encoding data
Communication control unit printer substrate 336 Digital transmission control unit printer substrate for making and receiving calls, receiving calls, encoding of image data, etc. 400 Semiconductor laser 401 Polygon motor 402 Polygon mirror 403 Optical system 404 Photodetector 405 Folding mirror 406 Photosensitive drum 407 Developing device 408 Recording paper 409 Transport guide 410 Fixing device

Claims (11)

[Claims] An image reading section for reading a document on which image information is written; an image forming section for recording the image information on a sheet material; and an operation section for operating a plurality of image forming modes. A first operation unit having an inclination angle with the front side of the image forming apparatus facing down, disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus, and having a frequently used operation member; And a second operation unit having an operation member that is infrequently used, the second operation unit being divided into a second operation unit and a second operation unit, the inclination angle of the second operation unit being larger than the inclination angle of the first operation unit. Image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first operation section is substantially horizontal. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frequently used operation member is a start key, a stop key, a numeric keypad, or the like. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is an LCD, an LED, or the like. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation section is disposed on one side of the apparatus, and a direction of feeding and discharging a document and a sheet material is set in the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus configured to be substantially parallel to a depth direction of the apparatus and capable of accessing either a sheet feeding port or a sheet discharging port of a document and a sheet material from the front side of the image forming apparatus. . 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the image reading unit and the image forming unit is provided below the second operation unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit that requires visibility from a distance is disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus. Image forming apparatus. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display unit requiring visibility from a distance is a tally lamp. 9. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image forming means is an electrophotographic process using a laser beam. 10. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising communication means for transmitting an image received from a communication line to said image forming apparatus to form said received image. Facsimile machine. 11. An image reading and recording apparatus comprising: the image forming apparatus according to claim 1; and means for recording an image read by image reading means in the image forming apparatus.