JPH0277760A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To record an original image effectively by enabling a cartridge to be replaced and loaded on one main body, and using plural kinds of methods and displaying their merits. CONSTITUTION:When an image read command is received from a host device, an original image is mounted on an original platen 1 and moved reciprocally on a rail R in the direction (a) to scan the original. The original image is irradiated by an illumination lamp L and its reflected light image is formed on a sensor array 30 by an array 2 and transferred to an image information processing part B through an interface board A. Then an image which is converted into binary data by a processing part B is stored in an image storage memory temporarily. When the cartridge including a thermal head 43 is loaded, a transfer roller 8 presses recording paper against the thermal head 42 as well as the conveyance of the recording paper. When the recording paper is pressed, the roller 8 is set in consideration of the efficiency of heat conduction to the recording material. Thus, plural kinds of methods are used and their merits are utilized for the processing to record the original image effectively.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field] The present invention relates to an image recording device that can be made multi-functional by appropriately selecting and mounting a plurality of cartridges to the main body.

[Background of the invention]

Conventionally, devices that process image information include copying devices that make copies, image reading devices that digitally convert images and process them into signals, and image writing devices that form digital images based on signalized image information. Different devices are configured according to individual functions, and it is necessary to prepare various image recording devices depending on the desired image recording format.

For example, an image recording device has been commercialized that can combine an image reading device, an image writing device, a storage device, etc., and convert image information into an image signal that can be stored, transferred, or copied. There is.

[Problems to be solved by the invention] In this type of device, by converting image information into signals, storage, transfer, and various image processing are facilitated, but on the other hand, the resolution of the reading device and writing device is limited. Because there is a limit to the degree of rotation, the image tends to be rough. For example, when copying image information,
In some cases, the quality of the copied image deteriorates considerably, causing practical problems.

Improving the resolution of the above-mentioned device in order to solve this problem would result in an increase in the size and price of the main unit, and it would be difficult to meet the cost performance required in practice for other functions such as storage and transfer. First, it was inconvenient that the features of each image recording method could not be taken advantage of.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to achieve multi-functionality, take advantage of the features of various image recording methods, and to achieve multi-functionality without increasing the size or price of the image recording method. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of recording images using various types of image recording methods.

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention provides an image recording apparatus in which a first cartridge is removably equipped with a recording means for recording an image by an electrophotographic process, in which an image is recorded by a process different from the electrophotographic process in a holding section of the first cartridge. A second cartridge provided with a recording means for recording may be replaced and installed, and a part of the apparatus may be used in common, or the operating state of a part of the apparatus may be changed to differ from the electrophotographic process. This allows images to be recorded on sheets through the process of printing.

〔Example〕

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

First, the general structure of an image forming apparatus equipped with a document conveying means according to the present embodiment will be explained based on FIG.
scans the original by reciprocating in the direction. 2 is a short-focus small-diameter imaging element array, which captures the original image G placed on the original platen 1.
is irradiated by the illumination lamp L, and the reflected light image is slit-exposed onto the photosensitive drum 3 by the array 2. Note that this photosensitive drum 3 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow around the shaft 3b. A charger 4 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 3 coated with, for example, a zinc oxide photosensitive layer or an organic semiconductor photosensitive layer 3a. The drum 3, which is uniformly charged by the charger 4, is subjected to image exposure by the element array 2 to form an electrostatic image.

This electrostatic latent image is then visualized by a developing device 5 consisting of a magnet roller 5a and a toner reservoir 5b.

On the other hand, the sheet P stored in the cassette 18 is fed onto the drum 3 after passing through a feeding roller 28 and a registration roller 9a that is driven at a timing that is synchronized with the image on the photosensitive drum 3. Then, the transfer roller 8
As a result, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 is transferred onto the sheet P.

Thereafter, the sheet 1-P separated from the drum 3 by a known separation means is led to a fixing device 10 by a kite 9, and after the toner image on the sheet P is fixed, the sheet 1-P is transferred onto an L-ray 12 by a discharge roller 11. be discharged. Note that after the toner image is transferred, the remaining toner on the drum 3 is removed by the cleaner 1.
removed by 3. The cleaner 13 includes a blade 13a and a toner reservoir] and 3b.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a slit opening for guiding the original image to the surface of the photosensitive drum 3.

The toner image is formed of a heat-fixable toner made of resin or the like, and is conveyed and heat-fixed by a heat-fixing roller 10, and then discharged to the outside of the machine by a discharge roller II. When the image recording cartridge based on the analog electrophotographic method shown in FIG. 1 is installed, a high-definition copy image can be obtained as is well known. here,
Cartridge ■ based on analog electrophotography is a photosensitive drum 3. Charger 4. Developing device5. It consists of a cleaner 13 and a cover 14 that integrally connects them.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the upper part 17 of the main body is opened around the rotating shaft 19 so that the image recording cartridge can be replaced. Here, the cartridge can be pulled out to the front side perpendicular to the plane of the paper, and if another cartridge is to be installed, it must be pushed in by performing the reverse operation. At this time, the guide portion 14b of the cartridge cover 14 and the guide rail 15 provided on the upper part 17 of the main body slide, so that the cartridge can be replaced smoothly. Further, a shaft corresponding to the drum shaft 3b is also provided in other image recording cartridges, and this shaft is used to position the cartridge with respect to the main body.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which the image recording cartridge is replaced by the method described above to perform image recording using an image recording method different from the analog photographic method. In this embodiment, an image reading line sensor array 30 is placed at a position corresponding to the image exposure position of the photosensitive drum 3 in the cartridge (2).
A document image is imaged onto the sensor array 30 using the array 2, which is an imaging element of the main body, and a light source. This Image League cartridge (2) is integrally formed with a cover 14 having substantially the same shape as the aforementioned cartridge (2), and is mounted in a regular position by a shaft 3b. In addition, the cartridge (2) of this embodiment has an I10 interface because it is necessary to transfer image information to and from an external device, and also has an I10 interface to transfer information such as image reading timing control to the main body controller of the image recording device main body. It has an electrical connection part that exchanges the information.

The operation of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 3 will be explained.

As described above, by installing the Image League cartridge (2), the image recording device of this embodiment has the function of an image reading device that reads, transfers, and saves original images. Since it is a terminal device such as a personal computer, it receives a series of operation commands from an external device of the host.In addition to semiconductor storage elements, internal storage means include magnetic disks,
Various storage devices such as magnetic tape, IC cards, and laser cards can be used, and if these internal storage devices cannot be accommodated in the cartridge,
Functions may be expanded by separately providing it externally. Next, the operation will be explained. First, when an image reading command is received from the host device, a document image is placed on the document table 1 as in FIG. 1, and the document is scanned by reciprocating on the rail R in the direction of arrow a. The original image is illuminated by the illumination lamp L, and its reflected light image is formed on the sensor array 30 by the short focus and small diameter imaging element array 2.

The image information formed on the sensor array 30 is sent to the interface port A in synchronization with encoder pulses or frequency-divided pulses of the drive motor (not shown) of the original platen 1.
The image information is transferred to the image information processing section B via. The image processing section B binarizes the analog image information inputted in this way, and performs operations such as temporarily storing it in the image storage memory described above as necessary. The information obtained in this way is finally transferred in accordance with the interface specifications with the host device.

The outline of the operation when the image reader is configured has been described above, but the details of the control of the electrical system will be described later.

FIG. 4 shows an example in which a cartridge (2) containing a thermal head 43 whose purpose is different from that shown in FIG. 3 described above is installed. In this example, the main body functions as a thermal printer, receives print information from an external device such as a host computer, and records the information on thermal paper stored in the cassette 18. When the main body is used as a thermal printer, the transfer roller 8 is used not only as a means for transporting recording paper but also as a means for pressing the recording paper against the thermal head 42, as shown in the figure. The pressure applied by the transfer roller is usually set in consideration of the quality of the transferred image, such as image voids and transfer rate. On the other hand, when it is used as a pressure means for a thermal head, it is set in consideration of the heat transfer efficiency to the recording material. Here, if the optimal pressing force setting is different for each image recording method, a pressing force adjusting means may be provided to change the setting depending on the cartridge.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the thermal printer, in which a thermal transfer sheet 55 is installed inside the cartridge (2) and used as a thermal transfer printer.

In this case, the recording paper in the cartridge 18 can be plain paper as in the case of the analog electrophotographic cartridge (2).

Above, we have provided an overview of the application to thermal printers, but the details of electrical system control will be discussed later.

Figure 6 shows the image reader function shown in Figure 3 and the image reader function shown in Figure 4.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge (2), which has both of the thermal printer functions shown in the figure, installed. In this case, in addition to the functions already mentioned, it can also be configured as a digital copying machine, which binarizes the analog image information read by the image reading line sensor 30 and drives the thermal head 43 according to the binarization method. This makes it possible to reproduce digitally copied images.

[Outline of Electrical Control System] As already mentioned, the present invention is intended to meet various needs by developing optional cartridges. Based on this concept, the cartridge (2) is a cartridge for a conventional electrophotographic process, the cartridge (2) is a cartridge for an image scanner, and the cartridge (4) is a cartridge for a thermal transfer or thermal type printer having a thermal head. By the way, these optional developments allow the main unit to share functions that could not be achieved with conventional analog copiers, such as serving as a means of inputting images to external devices such as a personal computer, or as a means of recording information from external devices. This can be easily achieved by simply replacing the cartridge.

Therefore, conventional stand-alone
(one) copy machine, the interface between the main body and cartridge, and the cartridge and computer or FAX
An interface with external devices such as lines and communication lines is required.

From this perspective, below we will first show a block diagram of the electrical system of the main body, and then show a time chart of its operation as an analog copying machine, which is the basic function of the present invention. The following is a block diagram of the entire system when the optional cartridge ■ as an image reader is installed and an image reader is configured, a time chart of the interface signal between the main unit and the optional cartridge, and then a diagram of the main unit controller and the optional cartridge side. Details of control are shown based on a control flowchart of the controller. After that, a similar explanation will be given for the printer cartridge (2) and further for the reader printer cartridge (2).

[Main body configuration] Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of the main body. The large units include a DC power supply 101, a controller 102 that mainly performs main body sequence management and interfaces with optional cartridges, a display operation section 103, a high voltage unit 104 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, and a DC motor. A motor controller 105 that controls a constant speed, a fluorescent lamp driver 106 and a dimming circuit 107 that turn on a fluorescent lamp with a predetermined amount of light, and various DC loads (the motor 1
10, fluorescent lamp 108 (corresponding to the illumination lamp L in Fig. 1),
Solenoids 116-119) and sensors (111-119)
115. 120-121). Two switches 120 and 121 are provided in the sensor to identify the type of cartridge. Therefore, four types of cartridges can be identified by these ON-OFF combinations. The role of each DC load or sensor will be discussed from time to time in the operation explanation.

FIG. 8 shows details of the display operation section 103 of the main body of the image recording apparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention. Four lights are provided on the left side portion 122 to indicate which type of cartridge is currently installed. If neither cartridge is installed, none of the lamps will light up. In that case, “
A message such as "Please install the cartridge" may be displayed.

The warning and advice display section 123 notifies the user of the status of the optional cartridges (1) to (2) by displaying text based on the self-diagnosis results of the main body in each mode and the interface. In the case of an electrophotographic cartridge, there are the following: 1. Occurrence of a jam, 2. Presence or absence of transfer paper, 2. Whether the fixing temperature is in standby mode, and 2. Sequence abnormality. Regarding the image reader cartridge ■, ■ whether the cartridge side is powered on, ■ whether the desired communication with the M$U (microprocessor) on the cartridge side has occurred, and ■ whether the cartridge is being faxed via an external device such as a computer or a modem. Displays whether it is connected to the line, etc.

Further, in the case of the printer cartridge (2), items such as (2), (2), and (2) fan for the cartridge (2) mentioned above and (2), (2), and (2) for the cartridge H are mentioned.

The same applies to the case of cartridge (2).

Next, the display 1.24 displays the setting of the number of copies to be made in the copy mode. Further, the key 125 is a plus key for setting the number of copies, and the key 126 is a clear key for clearing the number of copies set by the key 125. Further, the key 127 is a copy start key when the electrophotographic cartridge I is installed. Further, the volume 141 is a density adjustment volume when the cartridge I is installed, and changes the bias voltage applied to the developing device 5.

[Software Overview] An overview of the MPU program in the main controller is shown in Figure 5 (
Shown in a). It is roughly divided into six blocks. In the diagnostic program, as shown in Figure 16, JAM,
It monitors the presence or absence of transfer paper, abnormality in the heater control system, abnormality in the main body sequence, discrimination of cartridge type, detection of system power down in the case of an optional cartridge system, abnormal communication with the main body MPU, system abnormality, etc.

The operating unit display processing program displays the system status on the display unit 2 shown in FIG. 11 above based on the results of the diagnostic program.
Output characters to 3.

In the operation unit key manual processing program, the plus key 125. in FIG. 8 is selectively effective only especially for the electrophotographic cartridge I. The copy number display 124 is controlled by input from the clear key 126. In the fixing temperature control program, only in the case of the electrophotographic cartridge mode, energization to the heater 109 is controlled based on input from the temperature sensor (thermistor) IO so that the fixing temperature is maintained at a predetermined temperature. Further, in the case of the cartridge mode (1) to (2), the power supply to the heater 109 is cut off. The flow of the heater control described above is shown in FIG. 15(b).

The sequence processing program is a unique program for each cartridge based on the cartridge discrimination diagnosis shown in FIG. 16 described above. The details will be described later. Finally, the serial communication program.
Here, communication with the MPU on the cartridge side is executed only in the case of option cartridges (1) to (2). Communication is performed by serial communication, and the situation is shown in FIG. 12-b. In other words, four signal lines are provided, and CBSY (Command Busy) indicates the status (
This is a signal for accessing the main body MPU to inquire about the status), and upon this input, the main body MPU stands by for serial transfer. Immediately thereafter, an 8-bit command is output from the cartridge MPU to the SC in synchronization with 5CLK (Serial C1ock). Main body side MP! decodes the command information and similarly outputs the answer to the question as 8-bit s, t at us information. At this time, 5BSY (Status
The main body MPU outputs a Busy) signal and accesses the cartridge MPU. In addition, serial clock 5CL
K is output from either MPU depending on the state at that time.

Details of communication commands and status are shown in FIGS. 14a to 14d. FIG. 14-a shows a list of commands, which are divided into two types: a command (SR command) for the option cartridge side MPU to ask the main MPU about the status, and a command (EC command) for specifying the serial clock.

SRO is a command that requests the status of the main unit prior to operations such as image scanning or printout. The response to that is 5TATUSO (
bit as shown in Figure 14-b).

indicates the presence or absence of J and AM paper in the main body, bitl indicates whether transfer paper is set in the paper feed port, and bit2 indicates whether the heater temperature is below a predetermined temperature. Based on this information, the cartridge side determines whether the operation is possible or not, and responds to instructions from an external device (such as a personal computer). That is, bit.

If is "1", it is determined that there is JAM paper in the machine, and commands from external devices are not accepted in both image scan and printout operations. Bit again
If l is "1", there is no transfer paper in the paper feed port, so this is canceled when a printout operation is requested when cartridges (2) and (4) are installed.

Also, if bit 2 is "l", the temperature of the fixing device has not yet fallen below the predetermined temperature, so if you perform a printout operation using cartridges ■ and ■ in this state, for example, if the transfer paper is thermal paper, etc. Problems may occur when. This information is intended to prevent such inconveniences from occurring. Also bit3. Bit 4 is abnormality information of the heater control system and motor control system, respectively. Bit7 is the parity bit.

SRI is a command for requesting abnormality information during image processing operation for cartridges ① and ②. During operation, the cartridge side MPU always sends commands to monitor the operation of the main body and inquires about the state of the main body. The main body side MPU sends 5TATUS information in response.

BitO of 5TATUSI becomes "J" if an abnormality occurs in the movement of the document table during image scanning. Also bi
tl becomes "1" when the fluorescent lamp (108) serving as the exposure light source does not reach a predetermined amount of light even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. bi
t7 is a parity bit.

SR2 is a command during print operation by cartridge ■ or ■, and 5 TATU in response
The S2 bit is a bit that notifies the occurrence of a jam.
l is a hit that informs you that there is no paper in the paper feed slot.

Based on the status information during the operation, the cartridge side MPU appropriately interrupts the process in response to an abnormality or warning in the main body and prepares for restart.

Above, we have explained the information communication between the cartridge and the main body, especially the serial communication. Next, we will discuss the main body and sequence for each cartridge, and the information processing on the cartridge side.
and the interface between the two will be described in detail.

[Operation and Control Flow] (1) Electrophotographic Cartridge (Cartridge ■) As already explained, FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the main body stand-alone. FIG. 11 is an operation timing chart when electrophotographic cartridge (2) is used, and FIG. 17 is a sequence control flow.

First, when the copy start key 127 in FIG. 8 is pressed,
The motor 110 begins to rotate, and the fluorescent lamp 108 also begins to light up. At the same time, the document table neutral solenoid 119 and the paper feed solenoid 116 that drives the half-moon roller are turned on.

The latter is for a predetermined time t. It is turned on for only (about 100ms),
Mechanically, only half of the outer circumference of the half-moon roller 128 is fed into the machine body. At this time, the leading edge of the paper reaches the registration roller 129.

In this state, when the light control circuit 107 detects that the fluorescent lamp light intensity has reached the first predetermined light intensity, the neutral solenoid 119 turns OFF L, and the document table starts moving toward the start position at the first speed. . Furthermore, this first
The predetermined amount of light and the first speed are set based on process conditions such as the exposure amount of the document and the sensitivity of the drum. When the start position sensor 111 is turned ON, the forward/reverse solenoid 118 is turned ON and the document table starts moving in the forward direction. After forward movement, the image tip sensor 113 is turned on, and after a predetermined time t2, the registration solenoid 117 and the paper feed solenoid 1 are turned on.
16 is ONL at the same time, the above-mentioned registration roller 129
The transfer paper that had been stopped at this point will now be conveyed again. The paper feed solenoid 116 operates for about 100 ms (as before)
t O) is turned on, and mechanically the half-moon roller 1 is turned on again.
Only half of the outer circumference of 28 is forcibly pushed out. but,
This time, since the registration roller 129 starts rotating at the same time as the paper feed roller] 28, the paper enters between the photosensitive drum 3 and the transfer roller 8 due to the conveyance force of the registration roller, and the toner image is transferred. The transfer paper onto which the original image has been transferred in this manner is further conveyed and thermally fixed by a fixing roller 10.

On the other hand, the document table turns off the FW/RV solenoid 118 after a predetermined period of time (t 3) has passed since the input from the image tip sensor 113.
The neutral solenoid 11 is reversed by turning FF, and when the home position sensor 112 turns on, the neutral solenoid 11
9 is ONL, then the document table stops at the home position and waits for the transfer paper to be completely ejected from the machine. In this embodiment, the time t5 from when the document table is reversed until the motor stops is determined in advance. Furthermore, the control timing of the high-voltage unit 104 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 3 is as shown in FIG. It is turned ON when Also, the document table is turned off after a predetermined time (t4) after scanning is completed and switched to reverse mode.
be done.

The above is a series of sequence controls when an electrophotographic cartridge (cartridge ■) is attached to the main body of the device (first
(See Figure 1).

(2) Image League Cartridge (Cartridge ■) Figure 9-'a shows a system block diagram for the cartridge ■. This system reads the original with an image sensor, transfers the information to an external device such as a computer,
It becomes possible to perform operations such as editing using the external device. Therefore, unlike the case of cartridge (2), there is no need for control related to conveyance of the transfer paper in the main body.

First, a system block diagram of the cartridge H will be explained according to FIG. 9-a. A block including the image sensor unit 130 and control for first binarizing analog information from the image sensor unit 130 and storing it in memory, and interface control for transferring the stored information to an external device such as a personal computer. It is composed of B blocks to be realized. The function of the image sensor unit 130 is as shown in Fig. 12c, when a start signal (S
T) is input, the clock generator output (cl
ock), pixel information V for one line. is output as analog serial information. For example, 8 pels
If the sensor is compatible with A4 documents, 8pelX
216 mm = 1728 pixel information. Actually the first
As shown in Figure 2-0, there is a slight margin. Read information V for one predetermined line. is guaranteed while the data ready output (DR) is H.

Next, the operation flow and timing diagram of the image reader function are shown in Figure 1'8-a-b (main body flow) and Figure 1.
Figures 9-a to C (cartridge side flow) and 12-
This will be explained based on diagram a (timing diagram).

When the reader cartridge ■ receives an image scan command from the external device 140, it updates the status of the main body with 5 TATUS.
Judging from the contents of O, if there is no paper jam in the main body or abnormality in the heater control system or motor control system, turn on the scan request signal (SCREQ) (Figure 19-a (
a)). Upon receiving 5CREQ, the main body controller 102 turns on the scan signal (SCAN), and turns on the motor 110 and the fluorescent lamp 108. Then, the original begins to be reversed and returns to the starting position. At this time, the drive of the document table is mechanically released by turning on the neutral solenoid 119, and the main body waits at the start position until the light amount of the fluorescent lamp 108 reaches the second predetermined light amount. When the dimming circuit 107 detects that the fluorescent lamp 108 has reached a predetermined light intensity, the main body controller 102 sends a shading correction command to the reader cartridge MPU 13'2. This command is bit 2 of 5TATUSI
(Figure 14-0)
-a figure (a)). Note that at this time, reflected light from the standard white plate is input to the image sensor 30. When the shading correction command is received from the main body, the cartridge side M
'The PU 132 starts shading correction. What is shading correction? Image reading optical system and image sensor
This is for correcting the sensitivity in the main scanning direction of the reading system including. That is, a fluorescent lamp, which is a light source, has a light intensity distribution in the axial direction, and a single focus lens array, which is an imaging lens, also has a transmittance distribution characteristic. Furthermore, the image sensor array in the image sensor unit 130 also has sensitivity variations among individual elements, and unless the sensitivity of the reading system as a whole is corrected in the main scanning direction, it is difficult to accurately judge the document density. I can't.

The shading correction process in Figure 9-a is actually performed in Figure 9-a.
This is realized by a small system having a sub-microcomputer 148 shown in FIG. The schematic flow is shown in Fig. 19-b. That is, the sub-microcomputer 148 outputs a start signal (STRT) to the image sensor unit 130, and when a data ready signal (DRDY) is returned, A/D conversion data for 1740 pixels (1 line) is output. Store in RAM 146. Next, this data and 5T
Based on the contents of ATUS3, that is, the binarization standard level information transmitted from the main unit and the A/D conversion data for the reflected light from the standard white plate sent to the stable, the binarization thread for each cell of the image sensor is calculated. Calculate the shoulder level using a predetermined calculation or table data in memory and then R
Store in AM146. In this embodiment, the reference level for binarization is determined by the volume 141 of the main body operation display section 103 (FIG. 8), that is, the density adjustment volume when using the analog copying cartridge I. This makes it possible to prevent the operation display section from becoming complicated and increasing costs. The above is the explanation of the part (b) in FIG. 19-a.

When the shading correction is completed, the cartridge ■ side MP
The U132 sends a document scanning command EC2 (FIG. 14-a) to the main body MPU in preparation for the DMA transfer of image information for one document sheet to be started. The above is Figure 19-a (
This is an explanation of b). Upon receiving EC2, the main unit resets the shape ink correction command bit and 5CAN signal, turns off neutral solenoid 119, and turns off forward/backward solenoid 1.
18, the document table is advanced at the second speed. Note that this second predetermined light amount and second speed are controlled by the light sensitivity of the image sensor. The document table moves forward,
When the leading edge of the document reaches the exposure position, the image leading edge sensor 113 turns on.
L, the main body controller 102 is the cartridge ■ side MPU
132, the read start signal (READ) is ONL, the start signal (STRT) is ONL at the rising edge of the encoder output pulse for motor 110 speed control, and the data ready signal (DRD) of the image sensor unit 130 is output.
The STRT signal is turned off at the falling edge of Y). When the document scanning is completed, the READ signal is turned OFF, then the FW/RV solenoid 1.18 is turned OFF, and when the document table is reversed and returned to the home position, all loads are turned off. The above is Figure 18-a (b) and 1
This is the flow of control in Figure 9-b. In this way, in the image reader mode, the synchronization signal in the sub-scanning direction of the image reading line sensor during the document scanning period is obtained from the encoder pulse of the motor that serves as the document scanning drive source of the main body, or its frequency divided pulse. In addition to simplifying the software configuration by eliminating the need for a dedicated timer for synchronizing the sub-scanning direction, which is found in image reader devices, this system also reduces the precision of the speed control of the document scanning drive motor in the main body, reducing the cost of the motor control system. , it becomes possible to fully satisfy the functions even with an AC motor, which has not been used in conventional image readers and the like.

On the other hand, when the cartridge side MPU 132 receives the READ signal from the main body controller 102, it stores image information for one page of the original as binary information in the memory 136 in synchronization with the clock signal (Fig. 19-a (C)). ).

The analog output vo from the image sensor unit is binarized by a small system centered on a sub-microcomputer 148 shown in FIG. 9-b. In other words, analog output■. (
152) is the binarized reference voltage V v (n) (n
= 1-1740), that is, D
The output of the /A converter 147 is successively compared and binarized by the comparator 134 in synchronization with the c]oc k signal 151. The control flow is shown in FIG. 19-c.

The details of the actual control related to the system block diagram (FIG. 9) and control time chart (FIG. 12) when the image reader cartridge (1) is installed in the main body have been described above.

(3) Printer cartridge (cartridge ■) 1st
Figure 0-a shows a system block diagram when a printer cartridge is installed in the main body. System block diagram for the image reader cartridge described above (No. 9-a)
Parts that perform the same functions as those shown in Figure) are shown with the same symbols. In this case as well, there is a DMA controller 133, a memory 236, an I10 interface 137 centered around the MPU 132, and in addition, a thermal head 243, a thermal head driver 242) a write controller 241
etc. The thermal head driver 242 is shown in FIG. 10-b. Resolution 8 pels, width 216 mm
Thermal head 243, which has a total of 1728 dots, is divided into nine blocks and divided into nine 5TRO blocks.
Time division control is performed using the BE signal. This is to suppress the DC power supply current. The timing diagram of each signal is shown in the 13th-
Shown in Figure b. 5TROBE signal shown here, LATC
The H signal and VDDI signal are output from the write controller 241. In addition, the first line DA'TA is stored in the DMA mode from the memory 236 and is transferred to the shift register 25 in Figure 0-b.
Transferred to 0.

FIG. 13-a shows a timing diagram of the interface signals between the main body and the printer cartridge and the operation of the main body in the printer mode. The timing control shown in FIG. 13-a will be explained according to the main body control flow shown in FIG. 20 and the cartridge control flow shown in FIG. 21.

First, when a write command is sent to the cartridge unit ■ from an external device, it checks the state of the main body as shown in Fig. 21, and if it is OK, outputs a print command (second
Figure 1(a)). The main body that received the print command
10 and the paper feed 5CIL 116 are turned on, and after a predetermined time, that is, when the paper has arrived at the registration roller 1-29, the paper feed 5OL 116 is turned on again (second paper feed).

Regarding the paper feeding mechanism, we have already mentioned the cartridge■
).

When the paper is transported in this way and reaches the paper leading edge detection sensor 114 shown in FIG. 10-a, after a predetermined time t1 (13-a
Turn on the PRINT signal in the figure). tl is the time from when the leading edge of the paper reaches the sensor 114 until it reaches the thermal head 243. At the same time as the PRINT signal turns ON, the main body transfers the encoder pulse of the motor 110 to the cartridge side as a writing synchronization signal (Fig. 13-a). Printing is thus started, and the trailing edge of the paper is removed from the sensor 114, and the PRINT signal is turned off after a predetermined time t1.

That is, this is a signal that stops the operation of the thermal head write controller 241 at the moment the trailing edge of the paper passes. However, this signal is effective when the paper is small size paper,
In the case of standard size paper, this has no particular meaning for writing (see Figure 21). After the PRINT signal is turned OFF, the motor 110 and the resist 5OL 117 are turned OFF while checking the timing at which the paper passes through the fixing roll IO and is discharged from the machine (indicated by t2 in FIG. 13-a).

The above is the explanation of the timing diagram of FIG. 13-a and the flow of FIG. 19. In this way, in the case of thermal printer mode, one of the thermal head
By controlling the writing of lines, the software configuration is simplified, unlike the case where a dedicated timer is prepared and synchronous control is performed in the sub-scanning direction, and the speed of the motor that is the drive source for the main body's conveyance system is controlled. There is no particular need for precision, and therefore the cost of the motor control system can be significantly reduced, and it is also possible to use AC motors, which have not been used in conventional printers.

On the other hand, when the cartridge (2) side receives a print signal from the main body, it sequentially prints one line of information in synchronization with the encoder pulse, and executes printing processing for -pages (FIG. 21(b)). For details of print processing, if the information from the external device 140 is code information, please refer to the 10th page.
The code → character conversion data is stored in the ROM 239 shown in FIG.
Transfer to 42.

Further, when the signal from the external device 140 is a video signal, part or all of the -degree image information is stored in the RAM 136, and the data is transferred to the thermal head driver 242 for each line information.

The above □ describes the operation and control of the system when the printer cartridge ⑶ shown in Fig. 10-a is installed in the main body.

Note that when the printer cartridge 1 is installed, the heat fixing means is turned off, and writing is enabled when the temperature is below a predetermined temperature. This can prevent the adverse effects of heating on the thermal paper and thermal transfer sheet. Also, the fluorescent lights are turned off. As a result, the power consumed by the fluorescent lamp can be allocated to the power consumed by the thermal head drive system, and the DC power supply capacity can be reduced. Furthermore, the main body high pressure control means is also turned off, thereby preventing high pressure leak phenomena and malfunctions.

(4) Reader Printer Cartridge (Cartridge ■) The reader printer cartridge ■ is basically a combination of the reader cartridge ■ and the printer cartridge ■, and the image sensor unit 130 (Figure 9-a) and the thermal head are installed inside the cartridge. 243 (1st
0-a), and the control circuit is also configured to realize both reading and writing. Furthermore, in this case, the original is scanned and the information read by the image sensor is transferred as is to the thermal head driver 242 (FIG. 1 O-a), thereby making it possible to digitally copy the original image.

By using four types of cartridges in one main body, it combines conventional analog copying functions with the function of digitally reading original images, the function of printing out text or image information from an external device, and both of these functions. A system that realizes this function becomes possible. In this embodiment, for example, in the case of the reader cartridge H shown in FIG. 9-a, the A block has an image sensor unit and the B block performs information processing control. In order to avoid
There is no problem even if only the A block is left in the cartridge, and the B block is treated as a separate unit by dividing the external two blocks.

Also, in the case of printer cartridge ■, for example, the first
It is also possible to arrange only the thermal head 243 and thermal head driver 242 shown in Figure 0-a in the cartridge, and handle the remaining control circuit as an external unit.

Furthermore, although this embodiment has been described using a thermal printer as an example of the printer cartridge, a printer using another process, such as an inkjet printer, may also be used.

In this way, by selectively installing two or more types of image recording cartridges that share the same main body but have different purposes,
It is possible to create a multi-functional image recording device that can function as an analog electrophotographic copying machine, image reader, or thermal printer. Just by replacing it, it can function as a terminal device for a host machine such as a personal computer, making it possible to easily meet a wide range of user needs.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, by replacing and installing cartridges in X main bodies,
This makes it possible to record images in a variety of ways without increasing the size or price (while taking advantage of its features).

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the first image recording cartridge using analog electrophotography according to the present invention installed in the main body. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figure 1 when the upper part of the main body is released. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main body with an image reader cartridge installed. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main body with a thermal printer cartridge installed. Figure 5 is a different thermal printer cartridge than the one shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main unit when a cartridge that has both the functions of an image reader and a thermal printer is installed, Figure 7 is a block diagram of the main unit's electrical circuit, and Figure 8 shows the display and operation section of the main unit. 9-a is a block diagram of the image reader cartridge system; FIG. 9-b is a shading correction circuit diagram in FIG. 9-a; FIG. 10-a is a printer cartridge system block diagram; Figure 10-b is a thermal head driver circuit diagram, Figure 11 is a sequence timing diagram for an analog copier system, Figure 12-a is an image league system interface signal and sequence timing diagram, and Figure 12-b is a diagram from the main unit to the cartridge. Figure 12-c is an image sensor unit operation timing diagram; Figure 13-a is a printer cartridge system interface signal and sequence timing diagram; Figure 13-b is a timing diagram showing thermal head control signals; Figure 14-a, Figure 14-b, Figure 14-c, Figure 14-
Figures d and 14-e are diagrams showing transfer information between the main unit and the cartridge, Figure 15 (a) is a flowchart showing an overview of the main unit software, Figure 15 (b) is a heater control flowchart, and Figure 16 is a diagnostic program. 17 is an analog copy mode sequence processing flowchart, 18-a and 18-b are image league system control flowcharts, 19-=J, 19-b, 19 Figure -c is an image information processing flowchart, Figure 20 is a printer system control flowchart, Figure 21 (a) is a write information processing flowchart, Figure 21 (b)
21(C) is a print processing flowchart, and FIG. 21(C) is a print completion processing flowchart.
...Charger side...Developer side...Transfer roller 1o...Heat fixing roller 102...Main controller 103...Display operation section 132...
MPU 140... External device■ <5TATUS/><5rA-rus2> 74th-da ■U: paper rose pot 1 cartridge flow (α)

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) In an image recording device in which a first cartridge including a recording means for recording an image by an electrophotographic process is removably attached, a holding portion of the first cartridge is provided with a recording device that is different from an electrophotographic process. By replacing and installing a second cartridge equipped with a recording means for recording an image by a process different from the electrophotographic process, a part of the apparatus can be used in common to record an image on a sheet by a process different from the electrophotographic process. An image recording device characterized by being capable of recording. (2) In claim 1, the device has a sheet conveyance means for conveying the sheet, and the sheet conveyance means is used in common when loading the first cartridge and when loading the second cartridge. An image recording device characterized by: (3) The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sheet conveying speed of the sheet conveying means is different between when the first cartridge is installed and when the second cartridge is installed. (4) In claim 2, the recording means of the second cartridge digitally records an image line by line, and the recording means of the second cartridge digitally records the image line by line in synchronization with the operation of the drive source of the conveyance means. An image recording device characterized by performing a recording operation. (5) In claim 1, the device includes a roller member, the roller member operates as a transfer roller when the first cartridge is installed, and the roller member presses the sheet when the second cartridge is installed. An image recording device characterized in that it operates as a means. (6) In claim 1, the apparatus is characterized in that the image density adjustment when the first cartridge is installed and the image density adjustment when the second cartridge is installed are performed by a common adjustment means. Image recording device. (7) Claim 2, further comprising a detection means for detecting a sheet conveyance abnormality at a predetermined position on a sheet conveyance path of the conveyance means when the first cartridge is attached, and the detection means when the second cartridge is attached. An image recording apparatus characterized in that a start control of a recording operation is performed based on the output of the image recording apparatus. (8) The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording means of the second cartridge includes a thermal head. (9) In an image recording apparatus in which a first cartridge including a first recording means for recording an image by an electrophotographic process is removably attached, an image is formed by a process different from the electrophotographic process to the holding portion of the first cartridge. It is possible to replace and install a second cartridge equipped with a second recording means for recording images, and to change the operating state of a part of the device to record an image on a sheet using a process different from the electrophotographic process. An image recording device characterized by: (10) In claim 9, the apparatus includes a heat fixing means for fixing an image on a sheet, the heat fixing means is activated when the first cartridge is installed, and the heat fixing means is activated when the second cartridge is installed. An image recording device characterized in that a heat fixing means is rendered inactive. (11) In claim 9, the apparatus includes an exposure means for exposing a document, the exposure means is activated when the first cartridge is installed, and the exposure means is deactivated when the second cartridge is installed. An image recording device characterized by: (12) In claim 9, the apparatus includes high pressure control means for controlling the high pressure applied to the first recording means when the first cartridge is mounted, and the high pressure control means is inactivated when the second cartridge is mounted. An image recording device characterized by: (13) In claim 9, the original can be replaced by replacing a third cartridge, which is further equipped with a reading means for reading image information of the original and converting it into an electrical signal, to the holding unit. An image recording device characterized by being able to read images. (14) The image recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second recording means of the second cartridge has a thermal head.