JP2004101590A - Image reading and recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading and recording apparatus easily assembled, outputting a high-quality image and excellent in operability. <P>SOLUTION: The image reading and recording apparatus equipped with an image reading means for reading image information from an original, an image forming means for forming the image and recording it on a recording medium, and a control panel 1 for operating at least either the image reading means or the image forming means is equipped with a card slot part 5 being the insertion part of card type electronic equipment on the same side as the panel 1. By such constitution, the card type electronic equipment is inserted in and pulled out from the card slot part 5 in the same manner as that for operation of the panel 1, so that the operability is improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reading and recording apparatus such as a facsimile, a copying machine, and a multifunction peripheral.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of image reading / recording apparatus, for example, there is one as shown in FIG.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 18, the image reading / recording apparatus (not related to the invention disclosed in the literature) forms an image below an image reading unit 601 for reading image information from a document and writes the image on a recording medium. A recording unit 602 for recording is provided.
[0004]
Further, behind the recording unit 602, a control board 603 provided with a main body control circuit, an image processing circuit, and the like, and a power supply 604 are arranged.
[0005]
The card slot 606 is attached to the right side when the display unit of the image reading unit is viewed from the front.
[0006]
The recording paper feed direction is the direction of arrow H.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the above-described conventional technology, the following problems have occurred.
[0008]
In the image reading and recording apparatus shown in FIG. 18, when the display section of the image reading section is viewed from the front and front, a control board is provided behind the recording section and a card slot 606 is provided on the right side. The problem is that the distance between the board and the card board is long, it is difficult to assemble the line connecting the control board and the card board, and noise and the like are likely to be placed due to the presence of a plurality of components near the connection line. was there.
[0009]
Further, since the card slot is provided on the right side when the display unit of the image reading unit is viewed from the front, there is a disadvantage that the operation is difficult when operated from the front of the display unit.
[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to easily perform assembly, output a high-quality image, and have excellent operability. It is to provide a device.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an image reading unit for reading image information from a document, an image forming unit for forming an image and recording the image on a recording medium, the image reading unit and the image forming device. An operation panel for operating at least one of the means, wherein a card slot, which is an insertion portion of a card-type electronic device, is provided on the same side as the operation panel.
[0012]
Here, the card-type electronic device includes, for example, various memory cards such as a compact flash (registered trademark), a smart media (trademark), a memory stick (trademark), and an SD card, which are PC cards conforming to the PCMCIA standard. / O card and the like.
[0013]
With this configuration, a PC card or the like can be inserted into and removed from the card slot from the same side where the operation panel is operated, so that operability can be improved.
[0014]
Further, the card slot is provided on the front side of the apparatus, below the image reading unit, and above the image forming unit.
[0015]
Further, the operation panel is provided so as to protrude forward of the apparatus body, and the card slot portion is connected to a lower side of the operation panel.
[0016]
Further, the card type electronic device is characterized in that the card slot portion is arranged so that the card type electronic device can be inserted and removed so that a card surface of the card type electronic device is substantially parallel to a horizontal plane.
[0017]
Further, it is preferable that the card slot section includes a card board which is a board for the card type electronic device, and the card board is provided near a control board of a control means for controlling the operation of the device. It is.
[0018]
Since the card board is provided in the vicinity of the control board in this way, the connection line connecting the card board and the control board can be shortened. Therefore, when assembling the image reading and recording apparatus, the card board and the control board are used. Can be easily assembled, and a high-quality image can be output because noise from other components or the like is unlikely to appear on the connection line.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto unless otherwise specified. Absent.
[0020]
An image reading and recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a central sectional view. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image reading and recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a panel unit 1 as an operation panel, an image reading unit 2 as an image reading unit, a recording unit 3 as an image forming unit, It comprises a substrate section 4, a card slot section 5 which is an insertion section of a card type electronic device, and a paper feed section 6 for feeding recording paper to the recording section 3.
[0022]
First, the panel section 1 will be described.
[0023]
3 is an enlarged perspective view of the panel unit 1, FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the panel unit.
[0024]
As shown in the figure, the panel unit 1 is provided so as to protrude from the apparatus main body. The key 12 is fitted to the panel cover 11, and the panel substrate 16 is screwed to the panel cover 11 from above. The key 12a, the key 12b, and the key 12c are integrally formed at a location not shown. The tact switch 19 is soldered below the key 12 on the panel substrate 16.
[0025]
An LCD 14 is mounted on the panel substrate 16 via a spacer 15, and an LCD window 13 is mounted on the LCD 14. An electrolytic capacitor 17 is soldered to the back surface of the panel substrate.
[0026]
Next, the card slot section 5 will be described.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, the card slot section 5 is connected to the lower side of the panel section 1. When the panel section 1 is set to the front front of the apparatus main body, the card slot section 5 is arranged at the front front of the apparatus main body, like the panel section 1. Have been. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the card slot is provided below the image reading unit 2 and above the image forming unit 3. Here, below the image reading unit 2 means below the plane including the lowest point of the image reading unit 2, and above the image forming unit 3 refers to below the plane including the highest point of the image forming unit 3. It means above. By providing the card slot section 5 below the image reading section 2 and above the image forming section 3, a PC card or the like can be easily inserted into and removed from the card slot, thereby improving operability.
[0028]
The PC card is a card compliant with the PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory International Association) standard. In the present embodiment, various types of memory such as a compact flash, a smart media, a memory stick, and an SD (Secure Digital) card are used. The card is shown via an adapter corresponding to each memory card.
[0029]
Then, in the card slot section 5, an image or the like of the digital camera is read into the main body through the PC card, and these are printed directly from the recording section 3. Also, by directly connecting to the PC, the memory card is read from the PC. Can be written.
[0030]
In the card slot section 5, other card-type electronic devices can be inserted and removed as long as they have substantially the same structure as the PC card.
[0031]
Next, the image reading unit 2 will be described.
[0032]
FIG. 7 is a view of the main body when a document is set. The document is set face down on the glass 23 of the image reading section 2 and the image of the document is read.
[0033]
Further, the abutting reference white 123 is attached from the upper surface of the glass 23. The abutment reference white 123 serves as an abutment portion for the edge of the document and serves as an absolute white reference for reading from the back side through the glass 23.
[0034]
The glass 23 is pressed by the cover 125 from above.
[0035]
Further, a pressure plate 21 for holding the document floating and a pressure plate white sheet 22 composed of a sponge and a white sheet are attached via a hinge 124.
[0036]
FIG. 8 shows the internal structure of the image reading unit 2 with the glass 23 and the cover 125 removed from FIG.
[0037]
A CIS holder 27 holding a contact sensor (hereinafter, referred to as “CIS”) 24 for reading an image is guided and moves on a shaft 25. The CIS holder 27 is decelerated by a drive gear 122 using a motor 28 as a power, and is driven via a timing belt 26. The timing belt 26 is hung on a pulley 29 located on the side facing the drive gear unit 122.
[0038]
The drive gear 122 and the pulley 29 are attached to the scanner frame 120.
[0039]
Then, at the time of copying or scanning from a PC, the CIS 24 and the CIS holder 27 are driven in the direction of arrow A, and read the original through the glass 23.
[0040]
Next, the recording unit 3 and the sheet feeding unit (ASF: Auto Sheet Feeder) 6 will be described.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 2, the recording paper 100a is transported in the direction of arrow B.
[0042]
FIG. 9 is an external view in which the tray and the like are opened. In conjunction with FIG. 2, the leading end of the recording paper 100a set on the ASF base 30 and the middle plate 36 is a recording paper tray 32 and a recording paper It is held by the auxiliary tray 31. Further, the recording paper 100a is conveyed while being guided at its end by a slider 33 slidable in the left-right direction so as not to skew.
[0043]
The recording paper auxiliary tray 31 is rotatable about the hinge 31a in the direction of arrow C in FIG. The recording paper tray 32 is rotatable about the hinge 32a in the direction of arrow D, and can rotate until it hits the main body.
[0044]
FIG. 10 is an external view of a state in which the recording paper auxiliary tray 31 and the recording paper tray 32 are open similarly to FIG. 1, and FIG. 11 is a state in which the recording paper auxiliary tray 31 and the recording paper tray 32 are closed. It is an external view. The opening and closing of the recording paper tray 32 does not interfere with the opening and closing of the pressure plate 21 in FIG. 7, so that the opening and closing of the recording paper tray 32 can be performed at any angle with respect to each other.
[0045]
When the recording paper tray 32 is folded in this way, it is possible to prevent the projection from protruding when not normally used and to prevent dust and the like from entering the paper feed unit 6 and the like.
[0046]
Then, the recording paper 100a stacked as described above is pushed up by the middle plate 36 by a cam (not shown), and is separated and fed by the paper feed roller 34 and the separation roller 35. This separation mechanism is actually driven by a paper feed roller 34, and the separation roller 35 is designed not to rotate unless a predetermined torque or more is applied in the rotation direction. When entering, the force for rotating the separation roller is stronger than the force for separating the paper, so that the recording paper can be conveyed one by one.
[0047]
Then, the document separated by these rollers is transported between the transport roller 37a and the pinch roller 37b, and is transported to the recording unit 3 at a constant speed.
[0048]
FIG. 12 is a diagram in which the cartridge door 133 is opened from the front. The recording unit 3 is equipped with a cartridge 39, a color ink tank 38a, and a black ink tank 38b, which integrally form a print head. The cartridge 39 prints on the recording paper by being guided by the guide shaft 134 and moving in a direction perpendicular to the recording paper feeding direction.
[0049]
The printed recording paper is discharged to a recording paper discharge tray 131 and a recording paper discharge auxiliary tray 132 by a discharge roller pair 130.
[0050]
By opening the cartridge door 133 in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 12, the user can usually replace the ink tank 38 from outside. The cartridge door 133 has a projection 133a as shown in FIG. 13, and presses the actuator 135 to block the photo-interrupter 42 mounted on the back of the control board 41. I have.
[0051]
By detecting the opening and closing of the cartridge door 133, the cartridge 39 is normally retracted to the right rear side in FIG. 12 (not shown) in order to prevent the head portion from drying. Upon detecting that the cartridge door 133 has been opened, the user moves to the position shown in FIG. 12 so that the user can replace the ink tank 38.
[0052]
When recording is not being performed, the recording paper discharge tray 131 and the recording paper discharge auxiliary tray 132 slide the recording paper discharge auxiliary tray 132 in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 131 can be stored. Further, the recording paper discharge tray 131 can be closed in the direction of arrow F, and finally can be in the state as shown in FIG.
[0053]
Conversely, to replace the ink cartridge 38 from the outside, first, open the recording paper discharge tray in the direction opposite to the arrow F in FIG. 2, bring it to the state shown in FIG. , The maintenance such as replacement can be performed. Unlike the recording paper discharge tray 131, the cartridge door 133 is opened in the horizontal direction, so that there is an advantage that a space for putting a hand in front of the cartridge 39 can be increased.
[0054]
Note that the recording unit 3 used in the present embodiment is an ink jet recording system, and means for generating thermal energy as energy used for performing ink ejection (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam). And a method of causing a change in the state of the ink by the thermal energy. According to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.
[0055]
Regarding the typical configuration and principle, it is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path holding the liquid (ink). Applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recording information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding the film boiling to the electrothermal transducer, thereby generating heat energy in the electrothermal transducer, and the recording head This is effective because a film in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal can be formed on a one-to-one basis by causing film boiling on the heat acting surface. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is in a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.
[0056]
As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.
[0057]
As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (the linear liquid flow path or the right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in each of the above-mentioned specifications, a heat acting surface A configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 or U.S. Pat. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slot is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, or an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is discharged. A configuration based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to each unit, may be adopted.
[0058]
Further, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, the length is satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification. Either the configuration or the configuration as one recording head integrally formed may be used.
[0059]
In addition, a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be electrically connected to the device main body and supplied with ink from the device main body by being attached to the device main body, or ink that is integrated with the recording head itself A cartridge type recording head provided with a tank may be used.
[0060]
It is preferable to add recovery means for the printhead, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like, which are provided as components of the printing apparatus of the present invention, since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If these are specifically mentioned, capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof, and recording Performing a preliminary ejection mode for performing another ejection is also effective for performing stable printing.
[0061]
Further, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to a printing mode of only a mainstream color such as black, and may be a printing head integrally formed or a combination of a plurality of printing heads. The device may be provided with at least one of the full colors.
[0062]
Next, the electric board unit 4 will be described.
[0063]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the entire electric board and the peripheral configuration. The power supply 45 is attached to the bottom case 300, and the recording unit 3 is attached from above. A power cord is attached to the inlet 45a of the power supply 45 from outside. Since the inlet 45a is applied with a force at the base thereof when it is inserted and removed, a force is exerted to peel it from the substrate, the power supply window 140 is attached, and the inlet 140a is directly screwed to the bottom case 300.
[0064]
FIG. 17 shows the details of the power supply unit. The power supply window end 140a enters the inlet groove 45b, and the power supply window hole 140b and the bottom case screw hole 300a are screwed.
[0065]
The relay board 44 has mounted thereon a connector 46 of the motor of the recording unit 3, a photo interrupter 47 for detecting the position of the recording paper, and a photo interrupter 48 for detecting the position of the cam that pushes down the middle plate 36. Collectively, they are connected to the control board 41. As a result, the connection with the control board 41 can be concentrated, thereby facilitating assembly.
[0066]
A middle frame 200 is mounted on the recording unit 3, and a control board 41 and the above-described card board 51 are mounted on the middle frame 200 at substantially the same height.
The control board 41 is attached to the rear of the main body when the panel section 1 is located at the front of the main body. In addition, a USB connector 43 is mounted on the control board 41, and matches the opening of the back cover in FIG.
[0067]
The control board 41 is provided with an interface for connection with the card slot section 5, and can print an image or the like written on a PC card inserted into the card slot section 5 directly from the recording section 3. I can do it.
[0068]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 15, the left surface 200a of the middle frame is higher than the substrate mounting surface. This is a position above the replacement position of the cartridge 39 when the ink tank 38 is replaced as described above, and the ceiling above the cartridge 39 is raised to secure a space for a hand.
[0069]
The left end 200b of the middle frame is at the same height as the substrate mounting surface. This is because the driving unit 122 of the reading unit 2 is protruding, and a space for accommodating the driving unit 122 is secured.
[0070]
FIG. 16 is a diagram in which the panel unit 1 is attached to FIG. 15. As described above, the panel unit 1 is disposed almost directly above the card slot unit 5, and connection with the control board 41 is facilitated. I have. In such a state in which the substrates are arranged, as shown in FIG. 14, the reading unit 2 is configured to fit from above.
[0071]
With the electric board configuration as described above, a layout with little dead space and an efficient and easy-to-use layout can be obtained. Further, the distance between the card board 51 and the control board 41 in the card slot section 5 is short and the line connecting both boards is short, so that the structure is easy to assemble and resistant to noise.
[0072]
Next, an example of the operation of the image reading and recording apparatus will be described.
[0073]
The operation is performed by operating keys on the panel unit 1 of FIG. For example, a description will be given of an operation for making a copy. First, the power key 12f is pressed. Next, a copy key is selected with the function key 12c. Then, the image quality and the recording medium are selected with the menu key, and the number of copies is set with the arrow keys 12a. The color selection key 12b is used to select a color copy or a monochrome copy. Thereafter, the pressure plate 21 is opened, and the original to be copied is set on the glass 23. When the recording paper is set on the recording paper tray 32 and the start key 12e of the panel unit 1 is finally pressed, copying can be performed.
[0074]
As described above, the keys of the panel unit 1 are arranged so that all operations can be performed naturally by operating the keys from left to right in the order in which they are operated. Copying has been described as an example of the operation method, but when scanning is selected with the first function key 12c, scanning from a PC connected through the USB 43 can be performed. When a photograph is selected, the image written on the PC card C inserted in the card slot section 5 can be directly recorded on the recording section 3.
[0075]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the operation of inserting and removing a card-type electronic device can be performed from the same side as the operation panel, so that operability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image reading and recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an operation panel unit of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an operation panel unit of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the operation panel unit of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view showing how an electric board is mounted in the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a pressure plate of an image reading unit of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is opened.
FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of an image reading unit of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an external view of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state where a tray is opened.
FIG. 10 is a rear external view of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state where a tray is opened.
FIG. 11 is a rear external view of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state in which a tray is closed.
FIG. 12 is an external view of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state where a cartridge door is opened.
FIG. 13 is a sensor arrangement diagram of a cartridge door of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an arrangement and assembly diagram of an electric board of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a plan view of an image reading and recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an electric board is attached.
FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a state where an operation panel unit is attached to FIG.
FIG. 17 is a detailed view of a power supply unit of the image reading and recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a detailed view of a power supply unit of an image reading and recording apparatus according to the related art.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Panel (operation panel)
2 reading unit (image reading means)
3 Recording unit (image recording means)
4 Electric Board Unit 5 Card Slot Unit 6 Paper Feeding Unit 21 Pressure Plate 23 Glass 31 Recording Paper Tray 32 Recording Paper Auxiliary Tray 38 Ink Tank 39 Cartridge 41 Control Board 42 Cartridge Door Photo Interrupter 43 USB Connector 44 Relay Board 45 Power Supply 100 Recording Paper 200 Middle frame 300 Bottom case 131 Recording paper discharge tray 132 Recording paper discharge auxiliary tray 133 Cartridge door

Claims (5)

Image reading means for reading image information from a document, image forming means for forming an image and recording it on a recording medium, and an operation panel for operating at least one of the image reading means and the image forming means Image reading and recording apparatus,
An image reading / recording apparatus, comprising: a card slot portion which is an insertion portion of a card type electronic device on the same side as the operation panel. 2. The image reading and recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the card slot is provided on a front side of the apparatus, below the image reading unit, and above the image forming unit. The operation panel is provided to protrude forward of the apparatus body,
The image reading / recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the card slot is connected to a lower side of the operation panel. 4. The card slot portion according to claim 1, wherein the card-type electronic device is arranged so that a card surface of the card-type electronic device is substantially parallel to a horizontal plane. 2. The image reading and recording apparatus according to claim 1. The card slot unit includes a card substrate that is a substrate for the card-type electronic device,
5. The image reading and recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the card board is provided near a control board of control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus.

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