JP2696221B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for obtaining an inverted image in which a normal image is inverted.

2. Description of the Related Art It is widely practiced in this type of industry to obtain an inverted image obtained by inverting a normal image and use the inverted image in, for example, creating an animated drawing.

Heretofore, a thermal transfer method as shown in FIG. 7 has been employed for producing such animated drawings and the like.

First, in FIG. 1 (I), an original (original) O on which an image is drawn and a transparent transfer material S 'also called a cell will be described. Etc. are prepared. Such a document O and a transfer material S ′ are stacked on each other with a carbon sheet (thermal transfer film) C interposed therebetween, passed through the transfer machine 33 while being positioned by the tap 31 and carried on the carrier sheet 32. .

On the transfer material S 'after passing through the transfer machine 33, an inverted image is obtained which is inverted from the image (normal image) of the original O as shown in FIG. After the original image (original document) is copied onto the cell (transfer material) in this manner, the color is painted in the line drawing as shown in FIG. For the sake of convenience, in the figure, a portion to be painted is indicated by a shaded portion. Such a process is a so-called “painting” process. And after this, (II
Photo-engraving is performed using the images shown in I) to produce moving images and the like.

Such a thermal transfer system forms a reverse image on a predetermined transfer material (cell), and this system has the following disadvantages.

1) The carbon sheet can be used only once.

2) Lines are easily cut, and the correction cost is high.

3) It takes time and effort to sandwich the carbon paper, so that a preparation work before passing the paper through the transfer machine takes time, and a long heat transfer time is required.

Purpose The purpose of the present invention is not to use the thermal transfer method described above,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily forming a reverse image in a short time.

Configuration In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a light-transmitting platen on which a document is placed on the upper surface, such as a light-transmitting platen, which is detachably fixed and mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, and in the mounted state, An opposing portion is separated from the platen, and a light box disposed above the platen, and is provided inside the light box, and a document is placed on the upper surface of the platen so that an image is placed on the upper surface of the platen. A document illuminating light source that illuminates the document from above when placed upside down, and a clamper that holds the document placed on the top of the platen so as not to move,
A blower fan provided in the light box, and a light amount adjustment knob attached to the light box so as to be operated from the outside of the light box, and being rotated to adjust the light amount of the document illumination light source. An image forming optical system for forming an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier by forming and projecting a light image transmitted through the document on the latent image carrier with illumination by the document illumination light source; A developing device for developing the image as a toner image, a transfer device for transferring the developed image to a transfer paper to form an inverse image on the transfer paper, and fixing the developed image on the transfer paper after the transfer An image forming apparatus for forming a reverse image, comprising:

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, a document table 2 provided on an upper portion of an image forming apparatus main body 1 is formed of a light-transmitting plate such as a transparent glass, and a light box 3 is provided so as to straddle the plate. The light box 3 is detachably fixed to the upper part of the outer cover on the front side and the rear side of the image forming apparatus main body 1 by screws or the like.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
Is provided with a document illumination light source 4 for forming a reverse image, such as a halogen lamp. Inside the light box 3, a blower fan 5, a control box 6, and the like are provided. A circuit system (not shown) for light amount adjustment control is provided in the control box 6, and the light amount of the document illumination light source 4 can be adjusted by turning the light amount adjustment knob 7 shown in FIG. It has become.

Here, the original O is placed on the original platen 2 as shown in FIG. As the document O, for example, a document in which an image is drawn on a thin sheet or a transparent sheet through which light is easily transmitted is used. In this case, the original is placed with the image surface facing upward. In this state, the document on the document table is clamped at its four corners by clampers (not shown), and is held so as not to move on the document table.

When the print button of the operation unit 21 is pressed in such a state, the document table 2 moves rightward in the figure. At this time, the light from the original illuminating light source 4 whose directivity is strengthened by the reflector 8 passes through the diffuser 9 such as frosted glass and irradiates the image surface of the original O passing therethrough. And enters the fixed imaging optical element 12, passes through it, and enters the belt-shaped photoconductor 13 as an example of a latent image carrier. The image forming optical element 12 is composed of a converging light transmitter array, and constitutes a configuration example of a coupling optical system for forming and projecting a light image passing through a document onto the photosensitive member 13.

The surface of the photoconductor 13 is already uniformly charged by the charging charger 14, and the above-described light image is projected onto the charged surface, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor. You.

This electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the developing device 15. As the developing device 15, for example, a well-known magnetic brush developing system can be used.

The visible image is transferred to the transfer paper S sent from the paper supply table 216 or the paper supply unit 16. When animated figures are produced, a cell made of a transparent resin film or the like is used as the transfer paper S. This transfer is performed by corona discharge by a transfer charger 20 as a transfer device.

Here, in a normal copying process, since the original O is placed with the image surface facing downward, an inverted electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor 13. When such a latent image is developed and transferred to a transfer sheet, a normal image is formed on the transfer sheet.

On the other hand, the original O is placed with the image surface facing upward,
Assuming that the light image transmitted through the original is image-formed and projected on the photoconductor 13 via the imaging optical element 12, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor at this time becomes a normal image, and When the developed image is transferred to a transfer sheet, an image of an inverse image can be obtained on the transfer sheet.

After the transfer, the transfer paper passes through a fixing device including a pair of fixing rollers 18, and at this time, a visible image on the transfer paper is fixed. Next, the transfer paper is discharged to a tray 316 outside the machine.

In this image forming apparatus, the light source 4 for forming the reverse image is turned off, the original illumination lamp 11 on the image forming apparatus main body side is turned on, and the above-described copying operation is performed. I can do it. Although ordinary copying can be performed as it is in FIG. 1, if the light box 3 is detached from the image forming apparatus main body 1 and then a pressure plate (not shown) can be attached to the attaching portion 19, a normal copying machine can be obtained. The device can be used in exactly the same way.

Here, FIG. 6 shows a process up to the creation of an inverted image, and in (I) of this figure, first, an original (original image) O on which a line drawing is drawn and a transfer paper (cell) S is prepared. The original O is placed on the original table 2 with the line screen facing upward. On the other hand, the transfer paper S is fed from the above-described paper feed table 216 or stored in the paper feed unit 16 and fed from here.

FIG. (II) shows a reverse copy paper (cell) obtained through the above-described copying process.
Coloring is performed in a subsequent step. That is, Figure (III)
The shaded area is colored. In this way, an animated image of an inverse image used for producing a moving image or the like can be obtained.

By the way, since the transfer method using carbon paper was conventionally used, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), the height of the line image section 34 is low, and when coloring is performed between them,
There was a drawback that the color protruded from the line.

On the other hand, the line image unit 34 obtained by this device
Since the toner image is formed as a fixed toner image, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the height of the line drawing also increases. Therefore,
During the coloring step, the color does not protrude, and the line drawing does not easily break. As a result, it is possible to perform subtle imprinting of a finely described portion such as a moving image.

Further, in the case of the related art, the carbon paper can be used only once and the cost is high. However, in the present embodiment, since such carbon paper is not used, a reduction in the manufacturing cost can be expected.

In addition, since the work of pinching the carbon paper once and the like is not required, this kind of work can be omitted and the working efficiency can be greatly improved. Further, in the conventional example, much time was required for the thermal transfer time. However, according to the present embodiment, an inverted image cell can be obtained in a very short time.

As described above, the illustrated image forming apparatus for forming a reverse image includes the light-transmitting document table 2 on which the document O is placed on the upper surface, and the light that is detachably fixed and mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 1. A box 3 and a document illumination light source 4 provided inside the light box 3 and illuminating the document O from above when the document O is placed on the upper surface of the document table 2 with the image surface facing upward; An image forming optical system for forming an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier by projecting a light image transmitted through the original O with the illumination of the document illumination light source 4 onto a latent image carrier composed of a photoconductor 13. A developing device 15 for developing the electrostatic latent image as a toner image, a transfer device for transferring the developed image to a transfer sheet S to form a reverse image on the transfer sheet, A fixing device for fixing a visible image on paper. With this configuration, a reverse image composed of a toner image particularly suitable for an animation image can be easily obtained.

Since the light box 3 is detachably fixed to the image forming apparatus main body, the light box 3 can be removed from the image forming apparatus main body 1 at any time when the light box 3 is unnecessary.

Moreover, as is apparent from FIGS. 1 to 3, when the light box 3 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 1, the portion facing the platen 2 is separated from the platen 2. In addition, since the original O is placed above the original platen 2, the original O can be easily placed on the original platen 2 or removed therefrom without being disturbed by the light box 3. Is enhanced.

By arranging the portion of the light box 3 facing the document table 2 at a distance above the document table 2 as described above, it is possible to easily place the document O on the document table 2 or remove it. On the other hand, if the light box 3 is located above the document table 2, when the document O is set on the document table 2, it cannot be pressed by the light box 3 and the document O moves. There is a risk that it will.

From such a viewpoint, the illustrated image forming apparatus is provided with the above-described clamper that holds the original placed on the upper surface of the original table 2 so as not to move. Thus, by arranging the light box 3 above the document table 2 and providing a clamper, the document O can be easily placed on or removed from the document table 2 and, at the time of copying the document, This can be fixedly held on the document table 2.

Further, since the illustrated image forming apparatus includes the blower fan 5 provided in the light box 3, it is possible to prevent a problem that the inside of the light box 3 provided with the document illumination light source 4 is heated to a high temperature.

Further, the illustrated image forming apparatus is attached to the light box 3 so as to be operated from the outside of the light box 3 as shown in FIG.
And a light amount adjustment knob 7 that is turned to adjust the light amount of the light. The operator can rotate the knob 7 to increase the light amount of the document illumination light source 4 when using a document or the like having low light transmission, thereby always obtaining a high-quality reverse image. be able to. Light intensity adjustment knob 7
Is operated outside the light box 3, so that its operability is enhanced.

By the way, in the embodiments described so far, the present invention is applied to the type in which the original table is moved. However, the present invention can also be applied to the original table fixed type as shown in FIG.

A light box 103 is mounted on the document table 102 on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 101 so as to cover the document table. In the light box 103, four document illumination light sources 104 for forming a reverse image are provided. Is provided. In the drawing, reference numeral 106 denotes a control box, 107 denotes a light amount adjustment knob, and 109 denotes a diffusion plate such as frosted glass.

In order to obtain the transfer paper (cell) of the reverse image, the document illumination lamp 111 of the image forming apparatus main body 101 is turned off and the document illumination light source 104 of the light box 103 is turned on.

In this state, while the original illumination lamp 111 and the first mirror 122 and the second and third mirrors 123 and 124 of the image forming apparatus main body 101 that are turned off move in the direction of the arrow, the light from the original illumination light source 104 emits the original. O passes through and enters the first mirror 122.

The scanning light image thus incident is transmitted to the second mirror 123,
Third mirror 124, lens 125, fourth mirror 126, fifth mirror 12
7. The light passes through the sixth mirror 128 and enters the latent image carrier formed of the drum-shaped photoconductor 113.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor 113,
This is visualized by the developing device 115, and the visualized image is transferred to one of the paper feeding units 116 and 117 or a transfer paper fed from a paper feeding table (not shown). After the transfer, the transfer paper is discharged outside the apparatus through the fixing roller pair 118.

When the document O is placed on the document table 102 with the image surface facing upward, a normal image is finally projected on the photoreceptor 113, and when the developed image is transferred to transfer paper, the image becomes a reverse image.

As described above, the present invention is also applicable to a document table fixed type and a movable exposure optical system.

Effects According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a reverse image composed of a toner image extremely simply and in a short time, and the obtained reverse image does not break a line drawing and has a large height. It is suitable for producing images. In addition, the manufacturing cost of this type can be reduced, and the working efficiency in manufacturing can be further improved.

Further, since the light box is detachably fixed to the image forming apparatus main body, the light box can be removed from the image forming apparatus main body whenever the light box is unnecessary.

In addition, when the light box is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, a portion facing the platen is separated from the platen and arranged above the platen. The document can be easily placed on the document table or removed without being disturbed, and the workability thereof can be improved.

In addition, a clamp is provided to hold the document placed on the top of the platen so that it does not move, so that even if the light box is located above the platen, the document on the platen can be immobilized. The image can be retained and a high-quality reverse image can be formed.

Further, since the image forming apparatus includes the blower fan provided in the light box, it is possible to prevent a problem that the inside of the light box provided with the document illumination light source is heated to a high temperature.

Further, the image forming apparatus has a light amount adjustment knob attached to the light box so as to be operated from outside the light box and rotated to adjust the light amount of the document illumination light source. The user can freely adjust the light amount of the document illumination light source according to the light transmittance of the document,
A high-quality reverse image can always be formed. Further, since the light amount adjusting knob is operated outside the light box, its operability is enhanced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
1 is a partially cutaway side view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the side, FIG. 3 is an internal configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 4 is an internal view of an image forming apparatus of another embodiment. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the difference in the formation height of the line image between the conventional example and the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 shows the reverse image forming process of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a conventional reverse image forming process. 1,101: Image forming apparatus main body, 2,102: Document table 3,103: Light box, 4,104: Document illumination light source 5: Blowing fan, 7: Light amount adjustment knob 15,115: Developing device, O: Document, S … Transfer paper

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] A light-transmitting platen on which a document is placed on an upper surface; and a detachably fixed and mounted to an image forming apparatus main body. A light box that is separated from the table and arranged above the platen, and a document is provided inside the light box and the document is placed on the top of the platen with the image surface facing upward. An original illumination light source for illuminating the original from above, a clamper for holding the original placed on the upper surface of the original plate so as not to move, a blower fan provided in the light box, and an outside of the light box. A light amount adjustment knob attached to the light box and rotated to adjust the light amount of the document illumination light source so that the light image transmitted through the document due to the illumination by the document illumination light source is hidden by the light box. Image bearer An image forming optical system for forming an electrostatic latent image on a latent image carrier by projecting an image on a body, a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image as a toner image, and a transfer paper An image forming apparatus for forming a reverse image, comprising: a transfer device for forming a reverse image on the transfer paper by transferring the image onto the transfer paper; and a fixing device for fixing a visible image on the transfer paper after the transfer.