JP3137271B2 - Image copier - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a reading section for reading image information of a document by photoelectric conversion, a primary signal processing section for correcting an image signal from the reading section, and a correction processing for the primary signal processing section. A secondary signal processing unit for editing and processing the processed image signal, a writing unit for converting the processed image signal from an electric signal to an optical signal again, and an image forming unit for forming a recorded image corresponding to the optical signal An image processing apparatus including: a timing control unit that controls the timing of the entire apparatus; an application processing unit that performs application processing other than copying; an operation unit that inputs and displays an operation to each unit; and a user access memory unit It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image copying apparatus of the above-mentioned type having various functions such as a facsimile machine and a printer, in addition to being capable of copying an image of a document, has been well known.

The image signal photoelectrically converted by the reading unit of such an image copying apparatus is a high-speed clock signal containing data information. However, such an image signal is vulnerable to external noise and is affected by the noise. Cheap. At the same time, the image signal is emitted as radio noise outside the image copying apparatus, which may adversely affect peripheral devices. Therefore, in this type of image copying apparatus, it is necessary to block external noise from outside the apparatus so that the noise does not reach elements such as a control board and cables inside the apparatus, and to control a control board and cables inside the apparatus. One of the important issues is how to reduce noise generated from elements.

[0004] On the other hand, in the conventional image copying apparatus, circuits constituting each part such as a signal processing unit and a control unit are connected by a long connection cable such as a harness. It is easy to receive external noise. The longer the cable length, the stronger the tendency. Therefore, in the past, noise reduction components (ferrite cores, beads, etc.) were used frequently between shielded cables and between the cables and on the board to prevent external noise emission and block external noise. Such measures require enormous costs.

[0005] In addition, since the image signal is high-speed and has a very small current, if the connection cable (harness or board pattern) is long, the signal becomes dull, the S / N ratio is reduced, and the deterioration is liable to occur. I do.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image copying apparatus which eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, reduces the length of the cable between the parts, suppresses image signal dulling, and is low-cost and resistant to noise. To provide.

[0007]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, in an image copying apparatus of the type described at the beginning, a reading unit, a writing unit and a primary signal processing unit are connected to a grounded conductive signal. The secondary signal processing unit, the timing control unit, and the application processing unit are housed in a flexible housing and are arranged close to each other on the upper part of the image copying apparatus main body, and the image recording apparatus is provided below the housing and It is disposed inside a conductive frame of the device body, and at least one of the secondary signal processing unit, the timing control unit, and the application processing unit, and the primary signal processing unit penetrates the housing, and It is connected to a front portion of the main body of the image copying apparatus by a relay board arranged substantially vertically, and the operation unit and the user access memory unit arranged on the front side of the main body of the image copying apparatus are connected to each other via the relay board. Place Part or propose a structure connected to the control unit.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image copying apparatus according to the present invention as viewed from the rear side, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view as viewed from the right side of FIG. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a signal flow of the image copying apparatus.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an original placing table 2 made of contact glass is fixedly mounted on an upper portion of an image copying apparatus main body 1, and an original 3 is placed on the placing table 2, That is, as shown in FIG.
Read by.

The reading section 4 shown as an example in FIG. 1 includes a light source 5, first to third mirrors 6, 7, 8, an imaging lens 9, and a photoelectric conversion scanning element 10. The first mirror 6, and the second and third mirrors 7, 8 scan and move leftward in FIG. At this time, the light from the light source 5 illuminates the document 3, and the reflected light is reflected by the first to third mirrors 6.
The light is reflected at 7 and 8, passes through the imaging lens 9, and enters the photoelectric conversion scanning element 10. Thus, the image of the original 3 is formed on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion scanning element 10. The optical information incident on the photoelectric conversion scanning element 10 is photoelectrically converted and extracted as an electric signal for each pixel. Thus, the image information of the original 3 is photoelectrically converted and read. As the photoelectric conversion scanning element 10, for example, a CCD or amorphous silicon is used.

The photoelectrically converted image signal is sent to a primary signal processing section (circuit) 111 (FIG. 3) on the primary signal processing board 11 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where it is corrected. .
“Correction processing” does not change the content of the image information (original data information) itself, but means that the image signal is corrected so as to enhance the image quality of the finally obtained recorded image. For example, shading correction, which is an electrical correction for removing image density unevenness, and noise and signal levels are corrected to improve the signal level so as to approach the raw data S
The / N ratio correction, the γ correction, which is the correction of the image density with respect to the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion scanning element 10 (the correction of the input / output characteristics), and the like are the image signal correction processing here.

The image signal processed by the primary signal processing unit 111 is usually sent as it is to the writing unit 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, where it is converted from an electric signal to an optical signal again. .

The writing unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a laser diode (not shown) that emits a laser beam L light-modulated in accordance with a transmitted image signal (the strength of an electric signal), and a laser diode (not shown). It has a rotating polygon mirror 13 for deflecting the light L. As described above, the writing unit 12 converts an image signal into an optical signal according to the intensity of the image signal. As the writing unit, in addition to a unit using a laser diode, a unit using another laser, an LED array, A device using an LCD array or the like may be appropriately adopted.

The above-mentioned optical signal, that is, the optically modulated laser light L is guided as optical information to the image forming section 14, where a recorded image corresponding to the optical signal is formed. The image forming unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured as follows.

A drum-shaped photosensitive member 15 which is driven to rotate clockwise is supported on the image copying apparatus main body 1.
5 is charged to a predetermined polarity by the charging charger 16, and the above-described laser light L is incident on the charged surface, whereby an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the optical signal is formed on the photoconductor 1.

The latent image is visualized as a toner image by a developing device 17, and the toner image is transferred onto a recording sheet 19 fed from a paper feed unit 18 to a photoconductor 15 by a discharging action of a transfer charger 20. Transcribed. After the toner image transfer process, the toner remaining on the photoconductor 15 is removed by the cleaning device 21, and then the photoconductor 15 is subjected to a charge removing operation by a charge removing lamp 22.

After the recording paper 19 on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photoreceptor 15, it passes between a pair of fixing rollers of the fixing device 23, and at this time, the toner image is fixed on the recording paper 19 by the action of heat and pressure. Then, a recorded image (image information) as a permanent image is formed on the sheet 19.

As described above, a recorded image is formed by the image forming unit 14, and the recording paper 19 carrying such an image is shown in FIG.
As shown by an arrow A in FIG.

The above-described flow is the copy mode in which the image of the document 3 is copied as it is. When the image information of the document 3 is edited and processed, as described above, the primary signal processing unit 111 is used.
Is sent to the secondary signal processing unit (circuit) 124 (FIG. 3) on the secondary signal processing / timing control board 24 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where it is edited and processed. You. The edited image signal is again sent to the primary signal processing unit 111.
Then, the image data is sent to the writing unit 12 and converted into light and light in the same manner as described above, and a recorded image corresponding to the optical information is created in the image forming unit 14.

Here, "editing" means that the content of the image information (original data information) of the original 3 is changed and processed into different data. For example, "Erase" that removes a part of image information and leaves a certain part, "Move" that moves image information, "Editing" that leaves only the edge of solid image information and erases it, etc. It is.

Further, when an application such as a facsimile, a printer, or a data file is used as a function other than the copying as described above, the application processing unit (circuit) 125 (FIG. 3) on the application board 25 shown in FIGS. ) Is exchanged.
The facsimile function is, for example, for transmitting image information read by the reading unit 4 to the outside as described above, and the printer function is for, for example, printing out data transmitted from an external host as a recording image. . The data file function is, for example, a function of storing data read by the reading unit 4 as described above, and an application processing unit 125 is provided to perform such application processing.

The illustrated image copying apparatus is provided with a timing control section (circuit) 224 for controlling the timing of the entire apparatus in addition to the above-described components.
It is provided on the next signal / timing control board 24 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an operation unit (for example, an operation panel) 28 including a main operation unit 26 for inputting and displaying an operation and an application operation unit 27 when an application is used is provided in the main body 1 of the image copying apparatus. It is attached to. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the operation unit 28 performs operation input and display to each of the above-described units. However, since the operator performs such operation at a position on the front side of the image copying apparatus, the operability can be improved. As described above, the operation unit 28 is provided on the front side of the image copying apparatus main body 1, that is, on the right side in FIG.

Further, a user access memory section (IC card, floppy disk memory, optical disk memory section, etc.) 29 is attached to the image copying apparatus main body 1, and for example, as shown in FIG. The unit 14 is configured so that a recorded image can be obtained.

In FIG. 3, image signals flowing between the circuits are indicated by solid arrows, control signals are indicated by broken arrows, and optical information is indicated by double solid arrows. The elements surrounded by broken lines, that is, the application processing unit 125, the application operation unit 27, and the user access memory unit 29 are usually optional, and are provided only in the image copying apparatus of the user who desires them. It has become.

The configuration and operation described above are not different from the conventional image copying apparatus. At that time, as described above, the conventional image copying apparatus requires a high cost in order to reduce noise generated from each substrate and harness and to prevent the image signal from being affected by external noise. Measures had to be taken. In addition, since each signal processing unit and control unit are connected via a long harness, there is a possibility that the image signal becomes dull and the S / N ratio is reduced.

In the illustrated image copying apparatus,
In order to prevent the above-mentioned disadvantages of the related art, the above-described various signal processing units, control units, and other units are arranged as follows.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the reading section 4, the writing section 12, and the primary signal processing board 11, that is, the primary signal processing section 111 are located close to each other on the upper portion of the main body 1 of the image copying apparatus. And these are housed in one housing 31,
It is supported by the housing 31. These elements 4, 12,
Reference numerals 111 are collectively arranged in a region below the document table 2 located at the uppermost part of the image copying apparatus main body 1.

The housing 31 is made of a conductive material such as a metal plate and is grounded, so that the housing 31 prevents radio noise generated from each of the elements 4, 12, 111 from being emitted outside the apparatus. And these elements 4, 12, 1
The shield member is configured to prevent external noise from adversely affecting the image signal flowing between the image signals 11.

In the flow of the image signal, the reading section 4, the primary signal processing section 111 and the writing section 12, which are closely related to each other, are arranged together, and these are shielded by one casing 31.

Since the three elements 4, 12, and 111 are collectively arranged as described above, the flow of the image signal sent between them can be reduced. Therefore, even if these are electrically connected to each other by the harness, the length of the harness can be shortened, and the radio noise emitted from the harness can be reduced, and the influence of the external noise can be reduced.

Since the elements 4, 12, and 111 are close to each other, it is also possible to connect them with each other and omit the harness. Generally, when each element is connected via a harness, radio noise is easily generated and easily affected by external noise. Conversely, when connected between boards, noise resistance is increased and generated noise can be reduced. However, this can be realized by the above-described configuration.

Also, the elements 4, 111, and 12 which are susceptible to external noise and the image signal system such as a harness connecting them are shielded by the housing 31, so that the problem of radio noise can be reduced. Can be improved. At this time, if the elements 4, 111, and 12 are dispersedly arranged, it is necessary to shield each of them with a housing and further shield the whole. By arranging the elements 4, 111 and 12 collectively, it is possible to shield them with only one housing 31. Therefore, the cost can be reduced, and the assemblability of each element can be improved.

The document table 2 needs to be arranged at the uppermost part of the image copying apparatus main body 1 in order to enhance the operability when setting the document, and the reading section 4 needs to be provided below the table. Therefore, the reading unit 4 is provided on the upper part of the image copying apparatus main body 1, and accordingly, the writing unit 12 and the primary signal processing unit 1
11 is arranged on the upper part of the main body 1 of the image copying apparatus.

Next, the aforementioned secondary signal processing section 124 and timing control section 224, ie, the secondary signal processing / timing control board 24, the application processing section 125,
That is, the application board 25 is the same as that shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 is disposed below the housing 31 and inside the frame 32 (FIG. 2) of the image copying apparatus main body 1.

The frame 32 is composed of a bottom plate 32a, a front plate 32b and a rear plate 32c which are arranged at an interval in the front and rear.
And an upper plate (not shown) on the upper part of the main body 1, which are made of a conductive material such as metal. As described above, the secondary signal processing unit 124, the timing control unit 224, and the application processing unit 125, which are noise sources and are easily affected by external noise, are arranged in the conductive frame 32. And ensure that the frame is grounded. With such a configuration, noise generated from each of the elements 124, 224, and 125 and external noise can be cut off by the frame, so that noise resistance can be improved and emission of generated noise to the outside can be reduced.

Moreover, these elements 124, 224, 12
Since the housing 31 as a shielding member is located on the upper side of 5, the shielding function is further enhanced. If necessary, a shield case 33 (FIGS. 1 and 2) made of a grounded conductive material may be provided below these elements 124, 224, and 125 to further enhance the shielding function. it can.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 2 of the image forming unit 14 is provided below the application board 125.
3. The sheet feeding unit 18 is arranged in a space below the secondary signal processing unit 111, the timing control unit 224, and the application processing unit 125 are concentrated between the primary signal processing unit 111 and the fixing device 23. Are located.

Next, the primary signal processing section 111 and the secondary signal processing section 124 are connected to each other at the extreme end by a relay board 34, and the secondary signal processing section 124 and the application processing section 125 are also connected to the same relay board 34. Connected by the shortest distance. Similarly, the timing control unit 224 also
The secondary signal processing unit 111 and the secondary signal processing unit 124 are connected via the relay board 34. Since the processing units and the control units are connected by the relay board 34, more specifically, by the pattern on the board, the flow of the image signal between them can be minimized, and a connection cable such as a harness is connected to these connections. It becomes unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to effectively reduce the occurrence of radio noise, and to effectively suppress the problem of being affected by external noise.

If at least one of the secondary signal processing unit 124, the timing control unit 224, and the application processing unit 125 is connected to the primary signal processing unit 111 by the relay board 34, the above-described effects can be obtained. .

The relay board 34 penetrates through the hole 35 formed in the above-mentioned housing 31, and is arranged substantially vertically at a front portion in the image copying apparatus main body 1 as shown in FIG. ing. On the other hand, the operation section 28 and the user access memory section 29 are provided on the front side of the image copying apparatus main body 1 as described above.
9 is a relay board 3 with a cable 35 such as a harness.
4 and to a predetermined processing unit or control unit via the relay board 34 as shown in FIG.

Here, the operation unit 28 and the user access memory unit 29 are located on the front side of the main body 1 of the image copying apparatus, and the relay board 34 is also arranged on the front side of the main body 1, so that they are close to each other. The length (signal length) of the cable 35 that connects them and connects them can be made extremely short.

Therefore, generation of radio noise from the cable 35 can be suppressed, and noise resistance against external noise can be enhanced. Moreover, the cost increase due to the addition of noise suppression parts to the cable 35 can be prevented,
Further, even if noise suppression is applied to this cable, its length is short, so that it is possible to suppress an increase in cost.

By adopting each of the above structures, FIG.
The image signal flow shown in (1) can be concentrated in one place, and the connection between the operation unit where the signal easily flows and the signal processing unit or the control unit can be shortened as much as possible. be able to. Further, since the cable length can be shortened, it is possible to suppress the dullness of the image signal and prevent the S / N ratio from being lowered or deteriorated.

The present invention can be applied to various types of image copying apparatuses other than those shown in FIGS.

[0047]

According to the image copying apparatus of the present invention, the reading section, the writing section, and the primary signal processing section are housed in a grounded conductive casing and are mounted on the top of the image copying apparatus main body. Since they are arranged close to each other, the flow of image signals sent between these elements can be shortened, and these elements can be shielded by a single housing. This housing also improves noise resistance and reduces generated noise. Reduction can be achieved. In addition, the assemblability of each element can be improved.

Further, since the secondary signal processing section, the timing control section, and the application processing section are arranged on the lower side of the housing and inside the conductive frame of the main body of the image recording apparatus, noise from outside by the frame itself. And the effect of blocking generated noise can be obtained.

Also, at least one of the secondary signal processing unit, the timing control unit, and the application processing unit,
Since the primary signal processing unit is connected to the primary signal processing unit by a relay board that penetrates the housing and is disposed substantially vertically at a front portion in the main body of the image copying apparatus, the flow of the image signal therebetween can be minimized. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need to use a connection cable such as a harness for connection between them, thereby improving noise resistance and reducing generated noise.

Further, since the operation unit and the user access memory unit disposed on the front side of the image copying apparatus main body are connected to a predetermined processing unit or control unit via a relay board,
The distance between the operation unit and the user access memory unit and the relay board can be reduced, that is, the length of the cable connecting them can be reduced. This also enhances noise resistance and reduces noise generation. Reduction can be achieved.

Further, by shortening the cable length, it is possible to suppress the dullness of the image signal and prevent the S / N ratio from being lowered or deteriorated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an image copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view when viewed from the right side of FIG. 1, in which some elements are omitted and simplified.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a signal flow of the image copying apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image copying apparatus main body 3 Original 4 Reading part 12 Writing part 14 Image forming part 28 Operation part 29 User access memory part 31 Housing 32 Frame 34 Relay board 111 Primary signal processing part 124 Secondary signal processing part 125 Application processing part 224 Timing control unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A reading unit for reading image information of a document by photoelectric conversion, a primary signal processing unit for correcting and processing an image signal from the reading unit, and an image signal corrected and processed by the primary signal processing unit. A secondary signal processing unit for processing, a writing unit for electro-optically converting the processed image signal from an electric signal to an optical signal again, an image forming unit for forming a recorded image according to the optical signal, and timing of the entire apparatus A timing control unit that performs control, an application processing unit that performs application processing other than copying, an operation unit that performs operation input and display on each unit, and a user access memory unit. The writing unit and the primary signal processing unit are housed in a grounded conductive casing and are arranged close to each other on the upper part of the main body of the image copying apparatus. The secondary signal processing unit, the timing control unit, and the application A processing unit, disposed below the housing and inside the conductive frame of the image recording apparatus body, at least one of the secondary signal processing unit, the timing control unit and the application processing unit, The primary signal processing unit is connected to the primary signal processing unit by a relay board that penetrates the housing and is disposed substantially vertically at a front portion in the image copying apparatus main body, and is disposed at a front side of the image copying apparatus main body. An image copying apparatus wherein an operation unit and a user access memory unit are connected to a predetermined processing unit or control unit via the relay board.