JP3449181B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine,
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a multi-functional peripheral having a copy function and a printer function, and in particular, a state in which an image reading portion for reading image information of a document and an image output portion for forming and outputting an image are integrated or separated. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can be used in any of the above states.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine using a conventional electrophotographic system, as shown in FIG. 11, is an image reading portion 01 for reading image information of an original to be copied.
And an image output portion 02 that forms an image (toner image) based on the image information obtained by the image reading portion 01 and outputs the image in a state of being recorded on a recording paper or the like. The output part 02 is attached to a common body frame or the like to be integrated, and the integrated device body is covered with an exterior cover 03 so that unnecessary light or the like does not enter the inside of the device body or the structure of the device body. The structure is adopted so that the operating noise does not leak outside.

However, in the image forming apparatus having the structure in which the image reading portion and the image output portion are integrated as described above, the image reading portion and the image output portion are always in the same positional relationship, and therefore they are used. There is a problem that the form is completely fixed, and it is not possible to cope with diversifying user's use forms. For example, even if the user who is a handicapped person is inconvenient to use due to the height of the working unit such as the image reading unit or the installation angle, it is necessary to improve the usability on the image forming apparatus side. I couldn't. Also, when copying a wide variety of originals, all users are forced to work while standing in front of the image forming apparatus for a long time, and they cannot work while sitting on a chair. Also, I didn't want to do other work at my work desk in parallel during the copying work.

On the other hand, in recent years, as an image forming apparatus of a digital image processing system, as shown in FIG. 12, an image reading portion 01 and an image output portion 02 are completely divided,
When the image reading portion (apparatus) 01 is used in an integrated form with the image output portion (apparatus) 02, the image reading apparatus 01 is commercialized on a dedicated installation table 04. . In particular, in the case of this image forming apparatus, since it is possible to use the image reading apparatus 01 in a state of being separated from the image output apparatus 02, the usage pattern can be changed to some extent.

However, in the image forming apparatus having such a divided structure, the installation base 04 on which the image reading apparatus 01 is installed is specially manufactured according to a standard different from that of the apparatus main body. Surprisingly, the ratio to the total cost becomes large, and the image reading device 01 and the image output device 02 have their own outer covers 05,
There is a problem in that the cost is also increased because the structure must be covered with 06 to prevent unwanted intrusion of light and the like and leakage of operating noise.

By the way, in the case of this image forming apparatus, the image output apparatus 02 is of a type in which the recording sheet or the like after the image formation is discharged to the upper surface side for output, the image output is not necessary. The image reading device 0 is provided on the upper surface of the device 02.
No. 1 cannot be placed and used as it is. Also,
In the image forming apparatus of any of the above types, if sufficient light shielding measures are not taken in the image reading apparatus or the image output apparatus, the image cannot be read or formed satisfactorily due to invasion of unnecessary light. However, the image quality is deteriorated.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to separate an image reading device and an image output device even if they are integrated. Provided is an image forming apparatus which can be selected and used even in the state of being used, and in particular, when it is used in an integrated state, an installation stand for installing the image reading apparatus is unnecessary and cost can be reduced. To do.

Another object of the present invention is to provide sufficient light shielding when an image reading device and an image output device are used in an integrated state without the need to completely cover either one of them with an exterior cover. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily and reliably take measures.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can easily take a light shielding measure for the image output device when the image reading device and the image output device are used in a separated state. Especially.

[0010]

This <br/> onset bright to achieve the above object, there is provided a means for solving] includes an image reading apparatus for reading image information of an original, an image based on image information input from at least the image reading apparatus An image output device for output is divided and configured, and the image reading device is configured to be used in both a state of being integrated with the image output device and a state of being separated from the image output device , And before
Insert the bottom of the image reading device into the image output device.
The image reading is performed by forming a concave portion to be combined with each other.
Form the bottom of the device into a shape that fits in the recess, and
Fit the bottom of the image reading device into the recess of the image output device.
Image output from at least the recess when they are combined
The image forming apparatus has a structure in which light is prevented from entering the inside of the apparatus.

In this means, the reading method of the image reading apparatus and the image forming method of the image output apparatus are not particularly limited, and any method may be used. The part of the image output device to which the image reading device is incorporated is usually the upper surface of the image output device.

In this means, the image output device
The recess that is formed usually surrounds the bottom and its perimeter.
However, only a specified part around the bottom is removed.
It may be a surrounding form. For example, at the bottom of a square
The bottom surface of the bottom is normally surrounded by four sides
However, it may be a concave portion surrounded by three or two surfaces.
In this way, when forming a recess that surrounds a part of the bottom,
Is the bottom of the image reading device.
Must be configured to exist. Also, this recess
About the dedicated components other than the components that make up the image forming device
It may be formed of a member. However, in this case,
There is a slight disadvantage in terms of cost due to the use of dedicated members.
It

In the apparatus having this structure,
It may be used in an integrated state with the image output device.
Or it can be used in a separated state.
It is possible to diversify the state. Also, use it in the integrated state.
If the image reading device and the image output device are combined,
Since it has a structure that allows it to be installed, an image reading device is installed.
Therefore, the installation base such as the conventional technique for doing so becomes unnecessary .

Further, in the apparatus having this configuration, the image reading
When using the device and the image output device in an integrated state
The bottom of the image reading device into the recess of the image output device.
Simply assemble and merge, and the image is displayed at the mating part.
The bottom of the reading device blocks the recess of the image output device,
Part of both devices will overlap.
This allows the image output device to pass through at least the recess.
The light that tries to enter the interior of the device is blocked. Also,
The operating noise of the image output device should leak out through the concave part of the
To some extent it is prevented .

The present invention also relates to the above-mentioned image forming apparatus.
The recess formed in the image output device is
It is formed by the body frame and outer cover of
It

In this case, the recess usually has its bottom face as a main part.
It is composed of a body frame, and its peripheral surface is composed of an exterior cover.
However, the present invention is not limited to this .

Further, the present invention provides any one of the above-mentioned images.
In the image forming device, the image reading device
The image when using it separated from the output device
Cover the part of the output device that the image reading device combines.
Is equipped with a light-shielding cover
It

Further , the present invention reads the image information of the original document.
Image reading device and at least this image reading device.
An image that outputs an image based on the image information input from the device
It is divided into an output device and configured to read the image.
A state in which the device is integrated with the image output device and its image
It can be used both when separated from the image output device.
And the image reading device outputs the image.
Image output when used in a state separated from the device
Cover the part of the device that the image reading device merges.
It is equipped with a light-shielding cover that is attached as described above .

In this means, as long as the light-shielding cover has at least a light-shielding property and can be attached so as to cover the portion of the image output device where the image reading device is combined, its shape, structure, etc. Not particularly restricted about. It should be noted that from the viewpoint of preventing the leakage of the operating sound of the image output device as much as possible, it is desirable that the cover has a sound insulating property.

In each of the devices having the light-shielding cover , when the image reading device and the image output device are used in a separated state, the light-shielding cover is attached to the portion of the image output device where the image reading device is incorporated. By the attachment, the light blocking cover blocks light that tries to enter the inside of the image output device through the portion.

Further, the onset Ming, an image forming apparatus having a light-shielding cover as described above, when the structure to combine with the bottom of the image reading device is fitted in a recess formed in the image output device, the light shielding The cover has a structure to be fitted into the recess to be attached, and a part of the cover to be fitted into the recess is formed in a shape similar to the shape of the bottom of the image reading apparatus.

In the apparatus of this structure, when the image reading apparatus and the image output apparatus are used in a separated state, the light-shielding cover is fitted into the concave portion of the image output apparatus and attached, so that the fitting portion is fitted. The fitting portion of the light-shielding cover closes the concave portion of the image output device, and a part of the cover and a part of the device overlap. As a result, at least the light that tries to enter the inside of the image output device through the recess is blocked. Further, it is possible to prevent the operating sound of the image output device from leaking to the outside through the recess to some extent.

[0023]

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

1 and 2 show a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This digital copying machine includes an image reading device 1 for reading image information of a document, and an image output for forming a toner image based on the image information input from the image reading device 1 and then transferring the toner image to a recording sheet for output. It is configured by being divided into the device 3. Further, the image reading device 1 and the image output device 3
Both of them are, as shown in FIG.
The outer cover 2, 5 covering a predetermined circumference of each of the base portions 10, 30 constitutes a main part thereof.

The main body 10 of the image reading apparatus 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the main body frame 1 molded into a predetermined shape
The following components are attached to the unit 1. The components are mainly a platen 12 for placing an original, a platen cover 13 for opening and closing the surface of the platen 12, an illumination lamp 14 for illuminating the surface of the original placed on the platen 12, and an original. C for receiving the reflected light as image information and converting it into an electric signal
An optical system 1 including a light receiving device 15 such as a CD, a mirror for guiding reflected light from a document to the light receiving device 15, a lens, and the like.
6, a moving mechanism (not shown) for scanning the illumination lamp 14 and the optical system 16 along the lower side of the platen 12, a liquid crystal screen 17a and various switches for instructing and setting the operation of the reading device 1 and the image output device 3 The operation panel 17 and the like are composed of 17b. If necessary, the main body 10 may be provided with an automatic document feeder for automatically feeding a document onto the platen 12. Further, the main body 10 is
The surroundings are covered with the main body frame 11, the exterior cover 2 and the platen cover 13 to shield light and sound.

In the image reading apparatus 1, a predetermined document is placed on the platen 13 and then the operation panel 18 is used.
After setting the copy conditions etc. with, start button 18b
By pressing, the exposure lamp 15 and the optical system 17 scan the document by a moving mechanism (not shown), and the image information of the document is optically read by the light receiving device 16. At the time of this reading operation, since the necessary part of the image reading device 1 is covered with the outer cover or the like, unnecessary light does not enter the inside of the main body 10 from the outside,
The reading operation is performed normally. Further, the image information read by the light receiving device 16 is converted into an electric signal and then transmitted to the image signal processing device 43 of the image output device 2 described later via the connection cable 19.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body portion 30 of the image output apparatus 3 is constructed by attaching the following various components to a main body frame 31 formed in a predetermined shape. There is. The components are, as components related to the image forming process, a photosensitive drum 32 that rotates in the direction of arrow a, a charger 33 that charges the photosensitive drum 32, and a laser beam LB that scans the charged photosensitive drum according to image information. A laser type exposure device 34 for exposing to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing device 35 for developing the latent image formed by the exposure of the exposure device 34 with toner, and a photosensitive drum 32 formed by the developing device 35. A transfer device 36 that transfers the toner image to the recording sheet P, a cleaning device 37 that removes toner and the like adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 after the transfer, a fixing device 38 that fixes the toner image of the transferred recording sheet, and the like. There is.

As other components, a plurality of paper trays 40a to 40a, which are attached to the front side of the apparatus so as to be pulled out and accommodate various recording sheets, are provided.
40d, sheet conveying paths R1 to R4 constituted by a plurality of roll pairs and guide members, and a recording sheet for conveying the recording sheet to a transfer position between the photosensitive drum 32 and the transfer device 36 at a predetermined timing and in a correct conveying posture. A registration device 41, a sheet transport belt 42 for transporting the transferred recording sheet to the fixing device 38, and the like. Among the sheet conveying paths, R1 is a conveying path that conveys the recording sheet from the paper tray 40 to the transfer position between the photosensitive drum 32 and the transfer device 36, and R2 is a discharge port after the recording sheet after the transfer is conveyed to the fixing device 38. R3 is a conveyance path for conveying to 39, R3 is a conveyance path for reversal for conveying the front and back surfaces of the recording sheet after fixing, R4
Is a conveyance path for re-conveying the reversed recording sheet to the transfer position. In FIG. 2, reference numerals 44a to 44d denote sheet feeding devices for feeding the recording sheets one by one from the sheet trays 40a to 40d to the sheet conveying path R1.

Further, as other constituent parts, an image processing device for sending out an image signal to the exposure device 34 after subjecting the image information (signal) transmitted and input from the image reading device 1 to a predetermined image processing. There are 43 mag. When the image output device 3 also has a printer function, an input device for inputting image information from an external device or various recording media is provided, and the input image information is transmitted to the image processing device 43. It may be configured to do so.

In addition, the main body 30 is structured such that the periphery thereof is covered with the main body frame 31 and the exterior cover 5 to shield light and sound. However, the upper portion of the main body portion 30 is not covered with an exterior cover as described later, and in the state as it is, light enters the inside of the main body portion 30 from the outside or the operating sound of the main body portion 30 is emitted to the outside. There is a possibility of leakage.

In the image output device 3, the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 charged by the charger 33 is exposed and scanned with the image of the original document input from the image reading device 1 by the exposure device 34 to form an electrostatic latent image. Are formed, and the latent image is developed by the developing device 35 to form a toner image. Almost at the same time, the recording sheet P is conveyed from the predetermined paper tray 50 through the conveyance path R1 and is sent to the transfer position by the registration device 41 at a predetermined timing. As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 32 is transferred to the recording sheet P side by the transfer device 36. Next, the recording sheet P after transfer is sent to the fixing device 38 by the sheet carrying belt 52 through the carrying path R2 and is subjected to a fixing process. The fixed recording sheet is discharged from the discharge port 39 as it is, or is fed to the reversal conveyance path R3 and the front and back surfaces of the sheet are reversed and then ejected. Also,
When performing double-sided copying, the reversed recording sheet is conveyed again to the transfer position through the conveying path R4. In this way, in the image output device 3, the image of the document read by the image reading device 1 is formed as a toner image and then transferred to a recording sheet and output.

In the image output apparatus 3, the recording sheet after image formation is normally discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown) attached to the discharge port 39 so as to project toward the outside of the apparatus. If necessary, a desired sheet post-processing device is connected to the discharge port 39 so that the recording sheet after image formation is sent to the sheet post-processing device and then post-processing such as stapling is performed. Good.

In this copying machine, the image reading device 1 and the image output device 2 which are divided as described above are combined (see FIG. 5) and separated (see FIG. 1).
Or FIG. 9).

That is, in the case of this copying machine, first, a concave portion 6 for fitting the image reading device 1 into a unit is formed in the upper portion of the image output device 3 as shown in FIGS. . The concave portion 6 is provided on the upper surface of the main body frame 31 of the image output apparatus 3 and the image output apparatus 3 extending so as to project upward from the upper surface of the main body frame 31.
The outer cover 5 has a bottom surface that is substantially quadrangular in plan view. Further, in this embodiment, the exterior cover 5 is arranged so as to be interposed between the four corner covers 50a to 50d having L-shaped cross sections arranged at the four corners and the respective corner covers 50a to 50d. The front, rear, left and right side covers 51a to 51d, and the respective corner covers 50a to 50d.
Are provided so as to project upward from the upper edges of the side covers 51a to 51d. Therefore, the recess 6 has corner covers 50a to 50d at the four corners.
Is protruding. Further, from the viewpoint of enhancing the effect of preventing the leakage of the operating sound of the image output device 3, the side cover 5
A sound-insulating (sound-insulating or sound-absorbing) member 53 made of a urethane elastic material or the like is attached to the inner surfaces of the upper ends of the 1c and 51d. In FIG. 1 and the like, reference numeral 52 is an opening / closing door for opening and closing when performing maintenance and inspection of predetermined components arranged in the main body 30 of the image output apparatus 3.

Further, in the case of the recess 6, the main body frame 31 constituting the bottom surface portion thereof is not covered by the exterior cover 5 and is exposed to the outside, and the main body frame 31 is not shown in some places. As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, through holes 31a and vent holes 31b are provided for mounting work and adjusting work. Therefore, when the concave portion 6 is exposed to the outside, external light enters the inside of the main body of the image output device 3 through the through hole 31a and the ventilation hole 31b at the bottom of the concave portion 6, or each of the holes. The operating noise of the device 3 is leaking from the outside.

On the other hand, in the case of this copying machine, in the image reading device 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the outer cover 2 covers the upper side of the main body 10 and the bottom side of the main body 10. And a bottom cover 21 that covers the. In particular, the bottom cover 21 is formed so that a part of the bottom cover 21 fits in the recess 6. That is, the side surface portion 21a of the bottom cover 21 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner peripheral portion of the recess 6, as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the side surface portion on the front surface side of the bottom cover 21 is formed with a protruding surface 21c which is fitted so as to protrude toward the front of the apparatus from between the corner covers 50a and 50b. This allows
The overall shape of the side surface portion 21a of the bottom cover is the protruding surface 21c.
Except for the above, as shown in FIG. 4, it has a quadrangular shape substantially similar to the planar shape of the concave portion 6. Further, the bottom cover 21 is
It has a bottom surface portion 21b that covers the main body portion (front portion in this example) other than the exposed main body frame 11. further,
Four support legs 22 fixed to the body frame 11 are attached to the bottom cover 21. In addition, on the side surface portion 21a on the rear surface side of the bottom cover, there is a recess-shaped portion 21d in which the connection terminal of the connection cable 19 with the image output device 3 is arranged.

FIG. 5 shows the copying machine in which the image reading device 1 and the image output device 3 are combined. As shown in FIG. 6, this united body was mounted by fitting the bottom cover 21 portion of the image reading device 1 into the recess 6 formed in the image output device 3, and was attached to the bottom surface of the bottom cover 21. It is performed by inserting the support legs 22 until they reach the surface of the main body frame 31 of the image output device 3. At this time, in this embodiment, since the upper edge of the side cover 51 on the image output device 3 side is located lower than the corner cover 50, the corner cover 50 and the corner cover 50 to which a part of the side part 21a of the bottom cover is adjacent. It is exposed to the outside from between. When the two devices 1 and 3 are combined, if necessary, the image reading device 1 can be connected to the image output device 3 by the connecting fitting 23 as illustrated in FIG.
It may be fixed to.

In this combined state, as shown in FIG. 7, the bottom cover 21 of the image reading apparatus 1 is fitted in the recess 6, and the bottom cover 21 closes the recess 6, and in particular, The side surface portion 21a of the bottom cover is
The exterior cover 5 (each corner cover 50 and each side cover 51) of the image output device 3 forming the recess 6 is in close contact with and overlaps with each other. The bottom surface 21b of the side surface portion 21c of the bottom cover is the side surface cover 5
The state is in close contact with the upper edge of 1a (the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4 corresponds to the portion in contact with the upper edge of the side cover 51a). As a result, the concave portion 6 is in a state of being covered by the bottom portion of the image reading device 1 fitted in the concave portion 6, so that external light is provided in the through hole 31 a of the main body frame 31 that constitutes the bottom portion of the concave portion 6. It does not invade into the main body 30 through the above. Further, the operating sound of the image output device 3 does not leak to the outside through the through hole 31a of the body frame 31 and the like. In particular, in this embodiment, the side cover 51c,
Since the soundproof member 53 provided at 51d exists in a state of closing the gap in the fitting portion between the bottom cover 21 and the recess 6 (see FIG. 6), an excellent sound insulating effect is obtained. Therefore, when the copier is used with the image reading device 1 and the image output device 3 combined, the image output device 3 is surely shielded from light by the image reading device 1 and is also insulated.

The copying machine in which the two devices 1 and 3 are combined can be used in the same usage mode as the conventional integrated copying machine.

In the case of this copying machine, the image reading device 1 can be used in a state of being separated from the image output device 3 as shown in FIG. However, as it is, the concave portion 6 formed in the image output device 3 as described above.
Unnecessary light enters from the inside. Not only that, the operating sound of the image output device 3 leaks out. Therefore, in this copying machine, the image reading device 1 is connected to the image output device 3
A light-shielding cover 7 is provided to cover the recess 6 when used in a state of being separated from.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the light-shielding cover 7 described above. The light-shielding cover 7 is composed of a flat plate portion 70 having a smooth upper surface, and a fitting portion 71 provided on the bottom surface side of the flat plate portion 70 and fitted in the recess 6. Further, the fitting portion 71 is formed in the same shape as the side surface portion 21a of the lower cover 21 of the image reading apparatus 1 in particular. The fitting portion 71 in this embodiment has a protruding surface 71a corresponding to the protruding surface 21c (see FIG. 4) of the lower cover 21, but in some cases, the protruding surface 71a is omitted ( Projecting surface 7
Instead of 1a, a shape as shown by a chain double-dashed line 71b in FIG. 8 may be used. In this case, the fitting portion 71 has a shape similar to that of the side surface portion 21 a of the lower cover 21.

FIG. 9 shows the copying machine in a state in which the image reading device 1 is separated from the image output device 3. In the copying machine shown in the figure, the image reading device 1 is detached from the image output device 3 and separated, and then the desired work table 1 is obtained.
The image output device 3 is configured to be used with the light-shielding cover 7 fitted and attached to the concave portion 6.

In this case, the image reading device 1 is installed on the work table 100 and the connection cable 19 thereof is connected to the image output device 3. Regarding the light-shielding cover 7, as shown in FIG.
The photosensitive portion 71 is mounted so as to be fitted into the concave portion 6, and is inserted until the lower surface of the flat plate portion 70 contacts the upper end of the corner cover 50. At this time, as in the case where the image reading device 1 is fitted in the recess 6, a part of the fitting portion 71 of the light shielding cover 7 is exposed to the outside from between the adjacent corner covers 50. Become.

In the state where the light-shielding cover 7 is fitted in the recess 6 and attached, the shape of the fitting portion 71 is the same as the shape of the bottom cover 21 of the image reading apparatus 1. As in the case of fitting 1 into the recess 6, the fitting portion 71 of the light-shielding cover closes the recess 6,
In particular, the fitting portion 71 (side surface portion) is in close contact with the exterior cover 5 (each corner cover 50 and each side surface cover 51) of the image output device 3 forming the recess 6 so as to overlap (FIG. 7). reference). As a result, the recess 6 becomes covered with the flat plate portion 70 of the light-shielding cover 7 by the fitting portion 71, so that external light is transmitted through the through hole 31a of the body frame 31 forming the bottom of the recess 6 and the like. Thirty
It never invades. Further, the operating sound of the image output device 3 does not leak out through the through hole 31a and the like. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side covers 51c, 51
Since the soundproofing member 53 provided in d exists in a state of closing the gap in the fitting portion 71 and the fitting portion of the recess 6 (FIG. 10), an excellent sound insulating effect is obtained. Therefore, even when the copying machine is used in a state where the image reading device 1 and the image output device 3 are separated, the image output device 3 is easily and surely shielded from light by the light-shielding cover 7 and is also insulated. It

The copying machine in the separated state is
Since the image reading device 1 can be installed and used in any place (as long as the connection cable 19 can reach it), the usage pattern can be freely selected, and the usability is significantly improved. Therefore, it is possible to arbitrarily select the usage pattern that is most convenient for the disabled user.
Further, in this copying machine, since the light-shielding cover 7 attached to the concave portion 6 of the image output device 3 has a shape having the flat plate portion 70, a document or an external device (such as a personal computer) is placed on the flat plate portion 70. Etc. can be placed arbitrarily, and the work environment is improved accordingly. Further, this copying machine can be modified so that the image reading device 1 is used again in a state of being combined with the image output device 3, if necessary, without detailed description.

[0046]

As described above, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be used with the image reading apparatus and the image output apparatus integrated or separated. The usage patterns of the image forming apparatus can be diversified, and it is possible to flexibly cope with the diversified usage patterns of users. Further, when used in an integrated state, the image reading device and the image output device are structured to be integrated, so that a conventional installation stand for installing the image reading device is unnecessary,
The cost can be reduced. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus which is easy to use and whose usage pattern is not fixed, at a relatively low cost.

Further, when the image output device is formed with a recess for fitting the bottom of the image reading device into the unit and the bottom of the image reading device is formed into a shape that fits the recess, the image reading device When the integrated image reading device and the image output device are used, the bottom part of the image reading device is simply fitted into the concave part of the image output device to be united.
It becomes possible to block the invasion of light from the concave portion into the image output device, and as a result, it is possible to simply and surely take sufficient light-shielding measures without completely covering either one of the devices with the outer cover. be able to. Further, in this case, since the bottom of the image reading device closes the concave portion of the image output device, the operating sound of the image output device is less likely to leak to the outside through the concave portion, and the sound insulation effect is also obtained.

Further, when the concave portion formed in the image output device is formed by the main body frame and the exterior cover of the device, the concave portion can be easily formed without causing unnecessary cost increase. Further, in this case, it is not necessary to provide the exterior cover in the concave portion of the image output device.

Further, when the image reading device is used in a state of being separated from the image output device, a light-shielding cover attached so as to cover a portion of the image output device to which the image reading device is incorporated is provided. Even when the image reading device and the image output device are used in a separated state, simply by attaching the light shielding cover, the light shielding measure can be easily performed in the part of the image output device where the image reading device is combined. Can be given.

Further, when the bottom of the image reading device is fitted into the recess formed in the image output device to be united, the light-shielding cover is fitted into the recess and attached. When the portion of the cover that fits into the recess is formed in a shape similar to the shape of the bottom of the image reading device, the light-shielding cover can be simply fitted into the recess of the image output device and attached. It is possible to easily and surely take a light-shielding measure in the concave portion. Further, in this case, since the fitting portion of the cover closes the concave portion, the operating sound of the image output device is less likely to leak to the outside through the concave portion, and the sound insulation effect is also obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a copying machine (a state in which an image reading device and an image output device are separated) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a main configuration of the copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a concave portion of the image output device.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration of an image reading apparatus, in which an upper portion in the drawing shows a side surface of the apparatus and a lower portion in the drawing shows a bottom surface of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the copying machine in a state in which the image reading device and the image output device are combined.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory side view showing a state in which the image reading device is fitted in the concave portion of the image output device.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory plan view showing a state in which the image reading device is fitted in the concave portion of the image output device.

FIG. 8 shows a configuration of a light-shielding cover, in which an upper portion in the drawing shows a side surface of the cover and a lower portion in the drawing shows a bottom surface of the cover.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an aspect of a copying machine in a state where an image reading device and an image output device are separated.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory side view showing a state in which the light-shielding cover is fitted in the recess of the image output device.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a conventional image forming apparatus having an integrated structure.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a conventional separation-type image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image reading device, 3 ... Image output device, 5 ... Exterior cover, 6 ... Recessed part, 7 ... Light-shielding cover, 21 ... Bottom cover (bottom part of image reading device), 31 ... Main body frame, 7
1 ... Fitting part.

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image reading device for reading image information of an original document and at least an image output device for outputting an image based on the image information input from the image reading device, and the image reading device. Is configured so that it can be used both in a state of being integrated with the image output device and in a state of being separated from the image output device , and the image output device has a bottom portion of the image reading device.
To form a recess for fitting and joining
Form the bottom of the reader into a shape that fits in the recess
The bottom of the image reading device is attached to the image output device.
At least when the recess is fitted into the unit,
And a structure that blocks the penetration of light into the image output device.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion formed in the image output device is provided with a main body flap of the device.
An image forming apparatus comprising a frame and an outer cover . 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image reading device is separated from the image output device.
Of the image output device,
A shield that is installed to cover the part to be combined by the picking device.
An image forming apparatus comprising an optical cover . 4. Image reading for reading image information of a document
Input from the device and at least this image reading device
Image output device that outputs an image based on the image information
The image reading device is
From the state of being combined with the image output device and from the image output device
Configured for use with both the state of being separated, and the site at the time of use in a state where the image reading apparatus is separated from the image output apparatus, the image reading apparatus of the image output device are combined An image forming apparatus comprising a light-shielding cover attached so as to cover the. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein when the bottom of the image reading device is fitted in a recess formed in the image output device to be united, the light shielding cover is: An image forming apparatus having a structure to be fitted and fitted in the recess, and a portion of the cover fitted in the recess having a shape similar to the shape of the bottom of the image reading apparatus.