JPH04221663A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to image recording apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimiles, and the like.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of image recording apparatuses such as copying machines and printers are used. For example, image forming methods include a powder development method, a thermal transfer printing method, an inkjet printing method, etc., and each method is used for monochrome images and color images.

[0003] In conventional image recording apparatuses, devices for each type are manufactured separately, and if it is desired to use an inkjet printing method and a thermal transfer printing method, at least two printers must be prepared. Furthermore, if you require color printing in addition to a black and white printer, you will need to prepare an additional printer for color printing or replace it with a device that can be used for both black and white and color. Therefore, there was a problem in that the user was required to spend a lot of money, and the manufacturer had to manufacture a large number of devices.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present applicant has proposed a base unit, which is not yet known, in which at least an electrical control device is housed in one case, and a paper feed cassette is detachable. an image forming unit in which each component that forms an image based on an image signal is housed in one case;
a display unit, the image forming unit is removably stacked on the base unit, and the image forming unit is operated by an electrical control device and a mechanical drive device to record an image on recording paper or to display the image forming unit. We proposed an image recording device that displays images on the unit.

[0005] In the above-mentioned image recording apparatus proposed by the present applicant, when recording on a recording paper by an image forming unit, the recording state of the recording paper is not known until the recording paper is obtained, and it is not possible to adjust the image arrangement, etc. The problem was that I couldn't do it.

[0006]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The present invention provides an image recording device that can confirm the content, arrangement, size, etc. of an image and then correctly record it on recording paper by developing the above-mentioned invention of the present applicant. The task is to do so.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention solves the above problems by providing a base unit in which an electrical control device for controlling image information signals, etc. is housed in one case, a paper feeding device is provided, and a base unit based on image signals. It has an image forming unit in which each component that forms an image is housed in one case, and a display unit that displays the image formed by the image forming unit, and at least one image forming unit is stacked on the base unit. the display unit is arranged to face the image forming unit and forms an L-shaped unit together with the base unit;
A transfer body is disposed on a base unit, the transfer body is disposed opposite to a display belt provided on a display unit and on which an image is formed by each image forming unit, and recording paper fed from a paper feed device of the base unit is arranged. The problem was solved by an image recording device characterized in that an image is transferred from the display belt when passing through a contact position between the transfer member and the display belt.

[0008]

According to the present invention, an image is formed on the display belt of the display unit by the image forming unit, and the image can be confirmed visually. The image on the display belt that has been confirmed and can be recorded is transferred to a recording paper in an inverted state by a transfer member directly or via an intermediate transfer member.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The details of the present invention will be explained based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

Various image recording devices basically have a paper feeding section that stores and supplies recording paper, an image forming section that records an image on the fed recording paper, and a control section for controlling the paper feeding section and the image forming section. The image forming section further includes a writing section that writes an image based on an image signal, and an image processing section that processes the written image so that it can be recorded on recording paper. When an image recording device that can be seen is broken down into several component parts, a combination as shown in FIG. 1 is obtained.

FIG. 1A is the most basic one, and includes a base unit 1 including an electric control device and a drive device if necessary, a paper feed unit 2 including a paper feed cassette, and constituent members for forming an image. This is a type in which each unit of the first image forming unit 3 is detachably assembled. In this case, the paper feed unit 2 can be incorporated into the base unit 1 to form one unit, and only the paper feed cassette can be formed to be detachable from the base unit 1. The type shown in FIG. 1A is called the A-1 type.

[0012] In the image forming unit, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a latent image forming body such as a photoconductor, and the image is visualized using a powdery image forming material (powder developer) such as toner, and the developed image is recorded. In an image forming method such as an electrophotographic method in which images are transferred onto paper, it is necessary to fix the developed image on the recording paper after the transfer. This fixing device is connected to the first image forming unit 3.
However, the fixing unit 4 may be provided as one unit separately from the image forming unit as shown in FIG. 1B.
It is possible to form a structure in which the image forming unit is detachably assembled to the image forming unit. Configuring the fixing unit 4 separately is advantageous when using a plurality of image forming units, which will be described later, and conveying the recording paper through each of the image forming units. When the fixing unit 4 is provided separately, the image forming unit does not need to include a fixing device, so the image forming unit can be modified to a configuration without the fixing device. This modified combination of the second image forming unit 3a and the fixing unit 4 is of the type shown in FIG. 1B, and this type is referred to as the A-2 type.

When the latent image forming body in the image forming unit 3 or 3a is a photoreceptor, an optical device such as a laser scanning optical device can be used as the image writing device. When using a writing optical system such as an LED array or a liquid crystal shutter as this writing device, it can be easily incorporated into the image forming unit, so it can be applied as the A-1 type or A-2 type. In a configuration in which a He-Ne laser or a semiconductor laser is used for scanning, it is convenient to configure the writing unit as one unit and to configure it so that it can be separately attached to and detached from the image forming unit. In this case, there is no need to provide a writing device in the image forming unit. The type shown in FIG. 1C is a combination of the writing unit 5 and the third image forming unit 3b modified so that no writing device is provided. This type is called the A-1a type. Similarly, as a modification of the second image forming unit 3a, the configuration shown in FIG. 1D is obtained by combining the fourth image forming unit 3c, which excludes the writing device, and the writing unit 5. This is A-2 shown in Figure 1B.
This is a modification of the type and is called the A-2a type.

The models shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D each have one image forming unit 3, 3a, 3b, and 3c, and have a configuration based on a normal monochrome image recording device.
It is necessary to use two or more image forming units in order to form a monochromatic image or a multicolor image of two or more colors, or to use different image forming methods. For this purpose, as a modification of the A-1 type shown in FIG. 1A, a type in which a plurality of first image forming units 3 are stacked as shown in FIG. 1E can be considered. In the figure, an example in which two first image forming units 3 are stacked is shown as a representative example, but the number is not limited to two. The same applies to other examples. The type shown in FIG. 2A is called the A-1' type.

A-2, A-1a, shown in FIGS. 1B to 1D,
Each type of A-2a can be similarly modified to a type using a plurality of image forming units 3a, 3b, and 3c. A modification to FIG. 1B is as shown in FIG. 1F,
This type is called the A-2' type. Similarly, the modification to FIG. 1C is as shown in FIG. 1G, and the modification to FIG. 1D is as shown in FIG. 1H, and these are called A-1'a type and A-2'a type, respectively.

When a plurality of fourth image forming units 3c are provided, the writing unit 5 is individually assembled to each fourth image forming unit 3c as shown in FIG. 1H. It is also possible to incorporate one writing unit 5' for the image forming unit 3c as a common writing unit as shown in FIG. 1I. This type is called the A-2'b type. Similarly, the example shown in FIG. 1G can also have a configuration in which the writing units 5 are assembled individually. This model is A-1'b
It is called a type.

In the image recording apparatus of the type shown in FIGS. 1A to 1I, the recording paper fed from the paper feed cassette 2 passes through the feeding path provided in each image forming unit 3, 3a, 3b, and 3c. Although guided upward, a plurality of image forming units 3
, 3a, 3b, and 3c, the recording paper conveyance means are combined into one unit to constitute the conveyance unit 6, and the base unit 1 and the image forming units 3, 3a, 3b,
3c can be configured to be attachable and detachable.

FIGS. 1J to 1N show examples of using the image recording apparatuses of the type shown in FIGS. 1E to 1I, respectively, in which individually constructed transport units 6 are used. In this case, FIG. 1J is similar to FIG.
This is a modification to the A-1' type shown in Figure 1K, and Figure 1F
This is a modification to the A-2' type shown in Figure 1L and Figure 1G.
This is a modification to the A-1'a type shown in Figure 1M.
This is a modification to the A-2'a type shown in H, and FIG. 1N is a modification to the A-2'b type shown in FIG. 1I. Figure 1K,
In the models shown in FIGS. 1M and 1N, an example is shown in which a transport fixing unit 6' is used in which the transport unit 6 and the fixing unit 4 are configured as one unit, but it is of course possible to use the transport unit 6 and the fixing unit 4 as separate units.

In the example of FIGS. 1J to 1N, the transport unit 6,
Since the transport fixing unit 6' is constructed separately, each of the image forming units 3, 3a, 3b, and 3c can be modified to a structure in which the recording paper transport portion is omitted. In Figure 1J, Figure 1
As a modification of the first imaging unit 3 shown in FIG. In FIG. 1L, the imaging unit 3a' is a seventh imaging unit 3b' as a modification of the third imaging unit 3b in FIG. 1G, and in FIGS. An eighth image forming unit 3c' is provided as a modification of the fourth image forming unit 3c.

The external appearance of each of the above-mentioned structural units can be constructed as schematically shown in FIG.

FIG. 2A shows the transport unit 6, which includes an upper paper discharge tray 6a and a side paper discharge tray 6b for discharging recording paper.
It is possible to switch the discharge of recording paper between the upper paper discharge tray 6a and the horizontal paper discharge tray 6b.

FIG. 2B shows a transport fixing unit 6', which is an integral structure of the transport unit 6 and fixing unit 4 of FIG. 2A. The upper paper discharge tray 6a and the lateral paper discharge tray 6b can be formed similarly to the transport unit 6.

FIG. 2C shows the fixing unit 4, FIG. 2D shows the first image forming unit 3 or the second image forming unit 3a,
FIG. 2E shows the image forming body 3 as a modification of the image forming units 3 and 3a.
An example is shown in which the image forming unit 3' and the conveying section 3'' are separable.The image forming body 3' can be used as the fifth image forming unit 3' such as the example shown in FIG. 1J.Each image forming unit 3b, 3c can also be configured to be divisible in the same way.

FIG. 2F shows the base unit 1 and paper feed unit 2.
An example is shown in which these are integrated.

FIG. 2G shows the writing unit 5, which includes a rotating polygon mirror for scanning a He-Ne laser or a semiconductor laser, and a rotating polygon mirror for scanning a He-Ne laser or a semiconductor laser.
A member for FF control, an fθ lens, a reflection mirror, etc. are incorporated, and the laser light emitted from the exit opening 5a of the case of the writing unit 5 passes through the third image forming unit 3b, as shown by the arrow.
It is introduced into the fourth image forming unit 3c.

While FIG. 2G shows a writing unit that is individually assembled to each image forming unit, as shown in FIG. 1I, it is configured as one writing unit 5' that can be used in common for a plurality of image forming units. The result is shown in Figure 2H. In the writing unit 5', a plurality of openings 5a can be provided so that laser light can be emitted at positions corresponding to each image forming unit.

An example of a more detailed structure of each unit will be explained.

The base unit 1 has a case 11 provided with a paper feed port 12 as shown in FIG. A substrate 13 and a drive motor 14 forming a circuit of a drive system for moving the system within the image forming unit, and a mechanical drive device 15 for transmitting the driving force of the drive motor 14 to the image forming unit 3 are stored. .

The mechanical drive device 15 is provided with, for example, a first bevel gear 16a, and the first bevel gear 16a is provided with, for example, a bevel gear provided in the image forming unit 3 placed on the base unit 1. It meshes with gear 17. The second bevel gear 16b meshes with a bevel gear provided in the image forming unit 3 further above.

In the image forming unit, the bevel gear 17 is connected to the transmission shaft 1.
8, and from the transmission shaft 18 through an acceleration/deceleration mechanism 19 including a combination of a worm 19a, a worm gear 19b, other mechanisms, and a transmission ON/OFF mechanism 19c such as a clutch or solenoid, each rotation of a roller, etc. communicated.

In each of the image forming units 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, etc., similarly to the base unit 1, there is a transmission shaft 15b connectable to the transmission shaft 15a for transmitting drive to the image forming unit placed above. A bevel gear 16b and the like are provided on the transmission shaft.

The above example is just one example, and any structure can be used as long as it is capable of transmitting drive from one unit to another.

As the image forming unit 3, an image forming unit 1a shown in FIG. 4 is used as an example of a powder developing system. The 1a-th image forming unit 3A has one case 21, and a paper feed port 22 and a paper discharge port 23 are formed in the case 21.

In the case of the thermomagnetic writing method, there is a heating roller 24 in the middle of a substantially linear paper path that enters from the paper feed port 22 and exits from the paper discharge port 23, and a pressure roller 2 that is pressed against the heating roller.
5 and 5 are arranged.

A latent image belt 27 is wound around the heating roller 24 and the tension roller 26. As the latent image belt, for example, a magnetic belt (for example, made of a magnetic material containing CoO2) is used. The latent image belt 27 is driven in the direction of the arrow, and an image forming process is performed by a writing head 28, a developing device 29, a cleaner 30, and an eraser 31 arranged along the traveling path of the latent image belt 27. That is, the write head 28 is activated by the write signal from the base unit 1.
records an image latent image on the latent image belt 27, and develops the latent image with the developing roller 29a of the developing device 29 to make it visible,
The developed image is transferred to the recording paper 32 passing between the heating roller 24 and the pressure roller 25 and fixed at the same time. After the transfer, residual developer is removed from the latent image belt 27 by a cleaner, and the latent image is erased by an eraser 31. In order to prevent the latent image belt 27 and other parts from being heated unnecessarily due to the heat from the heating roller 24, a heat insulating member 33 is provided next to the heating roller 24, and a heat insulating member 33 is provided next to the heating roller 24, and a heat insulating member 33 is provided to cool the latent image belt 27. A heat radiation member 34 is arranged.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the heating roller 24, the pressure roller 25, the tension roller 26, and the developing roller 29a can constitute a flat unit by arranging their respective central axes within substantially the same plane. In this case, it is advantageous for the container of the developing device 29 to also be constructed as a thin container extending along the plane in which the rollers are arranged.

The image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1A can be formed by the base unit 1 and the 1a-th image forming unit 3A. A recess 21a used as a paper ejection tray is formed on the upper surface of the case 21 of the 1a-th image forming unit 3A.

When it is desired to use a black image and a monochromatic color image by appropriately switching between them, as shown in FIG. 1E, a plurality of the same 1a image forming devices 3A are stacked one on top of the other, and one is loaded with black developer and the other is loaded with black developer. can meet the demand by accommodating developers of respective colors.

In FIG. 4, during image formation, the recording paper 32 is fed by the paper feed roller 2a from the paper feed cassette 2 in the base unit 1 disposed below the 1a image forming unit 3A. The paper is fed from the paper feed inlet 22 of the image forming unit 3A, transferred and fixed by the heating roller 24, and then sent to the paper discharge port 2.
The paper is ejected from 3. In the case of one 1a image forming unit 3A, the ejected recording paper is immediately accommodated in the recess 21a,
When two or more 1a-th image forming units 3A are stacked, the paper is passed up to the uppermost image forming unit and then ejected. When a plurality of 1a image forming units 3A are used in a stacked manner, the desired 1a image forming unit 3A is operated to form an image, and the other 1a image forming units 3A are not formed. There is a need. For this purpose, it is preferable that either or both of the pressure roller 25 and the heating roller 24 be moved to release the pressed state and prevent transfer from occurring.

When the image forming method is a thermal transfer method, the image forming unit 3 may be, for example, the 1b image forming unit 3B shown in FIG. The 1b image forming unit 3B has a case 41 provided with a paper feed port 42 and a paper discharge port 43.
has.

A printing position is provided by a thermal head 44 capable of printing one line on a substantially linear paper path from a paper feed port 42 to a paper discharge port 43, and a back roller 45 facing the thermal head 44. The ink ribbon 46 is arranged so that it can move between the recording paper being passed and the thermal head 44 in the same direction as the recording paper. Ink ribbon 46
is sent out from the supply roll 47, guided to the printing position by the first direction change roller 48 and second direction change roller 49, guided to the take-up roll 51 by the third direction change roller 50, and wound up.

The thermal head 44, the back roller 45, the supply roll 47, and the take-up roll 51 are arranged so that their axes lie substantially in the same plane, allowing the case 41 to be formed flat. Inside the case 41, as necessary,
Two pairs of transport rollers 52 and 53 are arranged in the paper passage.

The recording paper to be discharged from the paper discharge port 43 is placed in the case 4.
A switching claw 54 is used to switch between directing the paper to the recess 41a for the paper ejection tray provided in 1 and ejecting the paper to the left in the figure.
can be provided. By tilting the switching claw 54 to the right or left, the paper ejection direction can be switched. In order to direct the recording paper to the paper feed port of the image forming unit disposed above, it is possible to provide a configuration in which the center of rotation of the switching claw 54 is moved. The switching claw 54 is case 2 in Fig. 4.
1 can be provided in exactly the same manner.

The thermal head 44 has a printing position where it presses the recording paper against the back roller 45 as shown by the arrow to print.
It is formed to be movable between a standby position away from the back roller 45. For color image formation, a plurality of 1b image forming units 3B each having an ink ribbon of a desired color as the ink ribbon 46 are arranged, thereby making it possible to perform color switching printing.

In the case of the inkjet image forming method, the image forming unit 3 may be, for example, a 1c image forming unit 3C shown in FIG.

The 1c image forming unit 3C has a case 61 provided with a paper feed port 62 and a paper discharge port 63. A recording head 6 is installed in a substantially linear paper path from a paper feed port 62 to a paper discharge port 63.
4 printing positions are provided. A platen 65 and an ink absorber 66 are provided opposite the recording head 64.

An ink tank 67 is removably attached to the recording head 64, and in response to an image information signal from the base unit 1, the recording head 64 jets ink to print on recording paper. A recording head 64, a platen 65, an ink absorber 66, and an ink tank 67 are arranged in a line, and the case 61 can be formed flat. case 61
A pair of conveying rollers 68 and 69 are arranged therein as necessary.

A recess 61 a is formed in the case 61 and forms a paper discharge tray for receiving recording paper discharged from the paper discharge port 63 . The paper discharge port 63 can also be provided with a switching claw as in the example shown in FIG.

By selecting the color of the ink to be stored in the ink tank 67, a plurality of 1c image forming units 3C are arranged one on top of the other, and the image forming unit that actually performs image formation according to the recording color is separated from the base unit 1. It can be selected by the command.

Inkjet image forming methods include Gould type, bulb jet type, on-demand type such as slit jet, pressurized vibration method, charge amount control type, etc.; It can be housed in a case to form a single unit. An on-demand type is advantageous in order to make the image forming unit compact.

There are other image forming methods such as an electrophotographic method, a thermal method, and a wire dot method, but all of these methods are stored in a case in a form similar to the above examples and constitute one image forming unit. can do. Explanation using drawings will be omitted here.

In addition to the above-mentioned components, each image forming unit can house a cooling fan, a detection device or circuit for good image forming, a solenoid, a small motor, etc., as necessary.

When constructing an image recording apparatus, an image forming unit 3 is stacked on a base unit 1 as shown in FIG. 1A. If necessary, another image forming unit may be superimposed on the image forming unit 3 as shown in FIG. 1E.

When stacking, it is necessary to align and fixedly connect the base unit 1 and the image forming unit 3 and between each image forming unit 3, and to connect the mechanical system and the electrical system. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the unit cases 11, 21, 41, 6
(In FIG. 7, the base unit 11 is shown as an example.) On the top surface is a first joint 8 for connecting with a unit placed on the top.
The first and second joints 82, the drive system connection port 83 for connecting the mechanical drive system, the electrical system high voltage connector 84, the electrical system signal connector 85, the third joint 86, and the fourth joint 87 are located at the same position for each unit. are provided in the same format. Each of these parts is also provided on the top surface of the image forming unit.

Cases 21, 41, 61 of each image forming unit
(Hereinafter, only 21 will be explained as a representative).
As shown in FIG.
', 82', 86', 87', and although not shown, a drive system connection port 83', an electrical system high voltage connector 84', and an electrical system signal connector 85' are formed.

[0056] Third joint 86 and fourth joint 8
A specific example of 7 is shown in FIG. Base unit 1
On the upper surface of the case 11 of the case 11 and the case 21 of each image forming unit, flat support members 86b and 87b, which are rotatably supported by support shafts 86a and 87a as joints 86 and 87, are attached to the upper surface of the case 21 of each image forming unit by means of springs or the like. It is held open by θ. A supporting member 8 is provided in the case 21 of the imaging unit as a member facing the third joint 86 and the fourth joint 87.
The sockets into which 6a and 87a are inserted are joints 86',
87'.

When placing the image forming unit 3 on the base unit 1, the support members 86a and 87a are inserted obliquely into the joints 86' and 87' which are sockets, and the image forming unit 3 is tilted and placed on the base unit 1. . The base unit 1 includes a pin 81a as a first joint 81 and a second joint 82.
hooks 81b rotatably supported by 82a,
Joints 81' and 82' formed as engagement holes (or engagement pins) into which 82b engages are provided, respectively. Since the hooks 81b and 82b are held in the engagement position by springs or the like, when the imaging unit case (for example, 21) is placed on the base 1, the hooks 81b and 82b automatically close the engagement holes 81' and 82b. 82'. When releasing the engagement, use appropriate means such as pins 81c and 82c to release the hook 81.
b, 82b to release the engagement with the engagement holes 81', 82'. Since only one example of the joint is shown, any type of joint can be used as long as it can connect and lock the image forming units or the image forming unit and the base unit.

The third and fourth joints 86 and 87 can be provided not only on the case 11 of the base unit 1 but also on the upper surface of the case 21 of each image forming unit.

A circuit constituting a control device as shown in FIG. 9 is formed on the substrate 13 (FIG. 3) in the base unit 1. In FIG. 9, the AC power input supplies AC input from the power cord to the interior of the base. A low voltage DC power supply provides DC power to each electrical circuit board and motor. The control unit drives the entire apparatus and controls image signals to the image forming unit.

The display device is a device that displays the operating status of the substrate and the image forming unit to the operator.

[0061] The operation switch is set according to the image forming unit to perform manual operation or to detect (read) characteristics of the image forming unit.

For image processing and memory control, image signals are transmitted to the thermal head or inkjet drive circuit in the image forming unit.

The motor and solenoid control the operation of the image forming unit.

[0064] a to e indicate input/output of electric signals. a supplies DC voltage to the electrical circuit within the imaging unit. b sends operating signals for solenoids within the same unit. c receives signals from sensors from within the image forming unit. d transmits an image signal. e is a connector to be connected to a falsimile, scanner, or word processor.

[0065] A to d are composed of centronics. e
is configured with RS-232C. A indicates a rotation shaft that transmits the rotational drive of the motor to the image forming unit.

[0066] In principle, each image forming unit is not provided with a drive source or a control device, but inside the image forming unit there are a cooling fan, a detection device and circuit, a solenoid, and a circuit for performing image forming properly. A small motor etc. may be incorporated.

For color image formation, a plurality of image forming units 3 of the same type of image forming method are stacked on the base unit 1, as shown in FIG. 1E. The number of layers to be stacked is determined by the number of colors to be imaged. On the recording paper fed from the base unit 1, an image of one color is formed by the first image forming unit 3, and an image of another color can be superimposed and formed by the next image forming unit 3.

When forming a full color image, three or four
It is necessary to stack two imaging units. In this case, the paper ejection direction can be selected by switching the paper ejection of the uppermost image forming unit, and the switching of the switching claws of the intermediate image forming units is selected so that the paper passes vertically.

Paper can be fed not only from the cassette but also manually from the outside.

When a plurality of image forming units 3 are placed one on top of the other on the base unit 1 to form a color image, as shown above, the recording paper is placed between the conveying rollers (for example, 35 , 36, 52, 53, 68, 69
If the recording paper is sagged or bent when being transported by a transporting means such as (e.g.), the image quality may deteriorate due to color shift in the image.

In order to solve this problem, it is convenient to transport the recording paper by a common transport means for a plurality of image forming units.

In order to enable transport by such a common transport means, the 1a image forming unit 3A, the 1b image forming unit 3B and the 1c image forming unit 3C are arranged as shown in FIG.
At the position shown by the dashed line in FIGS. 5 and 6, the image forming body including the image forming means and the conveying means, that is, the conveying roller 35
, 36 and the pressure roller 25 or the transport rollers 52 and 53 and the back roller 45 or the transport rollers 68 and 69, and a transport section that includes the platen 65 and the ink container 66.

As shown in FIG. 1E, in an image recording apparatus in which a plurality of first image forming units 3 are stacked, the transport unit 6 is arranged so as to close the opening 37 of the main body case 21', as shown in FIG. do. That is, the base unit 1 and the image forming units 3a', 3b', or 3c' are arranged side by side, and the transport unit 6 is attached so as to bridge between the base unit and the image forming units and between each image forming unit. For example, the transport unit 6 is attached to the image forming body 21' of the first image forming unit 3.

In the 1d image forming unit 3D shown in FIG. 10, the latent image belt 27 is wound around the first roller 24' and the tension roller 26'. A photosensitive belt is used as the latent image belt. The latent image belt 27 is driven in the direction of the arrow,
Image forming processing is performed by a primary charging roller 34', a writing optical system 28, a developing device 29, a cleaner 30, and an eraser 31, which are arranged along the running path of the latent image belt 27. That is, it is uniformly charged by the primary charging roller 34',
The writing optical system 2 is activated by the writing signal from the base unit 1.
8. For example, an LED array is driven to record a latent image on the latent image belt 27, and the latent image is developed and visualized by the developing roller (or sleeve) 29a of the developing device 29, and the developed image is Transfer roller 2 facing roller 24'
The image is transferred onto the recording paper 32 passing between the recording paper 5' and the recording paper 32. The recording paper 32 is sent out by the paper feed roller 2a from the paper feed cassette 2 of the base unit 1, and is transported by the transport unit 6. After the transfer, residual developer is removed from the latent image belt 27 by a cleaner 30, and residual charges are erased by an eraser 31. The latent image belt 27 can also be made of a dielectric belt or ferroelectric material on which a latent image can be formed using a stylus or a thermal head.

Each of the transfer rollers 25' can be connected to an independent power source that generates an electric field necessary for transferring the developer particles. A common power source may be used if necessary.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first roller 24', the tension roller 26', and the developing roller 29a can constitute a flat unit by arranging their respective central axes within substantially the same plane. In this case, it is advantageous for the container of the developing device 29 to also be constructed as a thin container extending along the plane in which the rollers are arranged.

[0077] When it is desired to use a black image and a monochromatic color image by switching between them as appropriate, or when it is desired to form a multicolor image, one image forming unit uses a black developer, and the other units use a multicolor developer for each color. In this case, the demand can be met by storing developers of colors corresponding to the separated colors, for example, three colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan, or four colors including black if necessary.

As shown in FIG. 11, the conveying unit 6 has a case 91, a driving roller 92 and a driven roller 93 arranged inside the case 91. A conveyor belt 94 is wound around the drive roller 92 and the driven roller 93. Although the drive motor that drives the drive roller 92 is not shown, the case 91
can be placed within.

Driven roller 93 with conveyor belt 94 in between
A potential forming roller 95 is rotatably supported opposite to. The potential forming roller 95 is connected to a potential forming power source 96. The driven roller 93 is grounded.

The conveyor belt 94 is formed as a dielectric sheet, and a voltage is applied by a potential forming roller 95 to form a pattern suitable for attracting and conveying the recording paper, such as a striped or checkered pattern with positive and negative potentials. A potential is formed.

The conveyor belt 94 is guided by a guide roller 97 between the drive roller 92 and the driven roller 93. Each guide roller 97 can have a structure that also serves as the back roller 45 in the 1b image forming unit 3B. The platen 65 and ink absorber 66 in the 1c image forming unit 3C are arranged in the case 91 of the transport unit 6, and the recording heads 44, 64 of each image forming unit 3B, 3C are
It is also possible to arrange them so that they face each other.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the recording paper 32 fed out of the paper feed cassette 2 by the paper feed roller 2a is attracted to the conveyor belt 94, which has a potential formed by the paper feed roller 95, and is conveyed to each image forming unit. 3A, 3B, 3C
, 3D recording positions, images are sequentially formed on the recording paper 32. When the guide rollers 97 are also used as the transfer rollers 25', the image is transferred from the latent image belt 27 while the recording paper 32 is pressed against each guide roller 97.

The recording paper 32 is attracted and conveyed by the conveyor belt 94, passes through a plurality of image forming units, and images are sequentially formed on the recording paper, thereby preventing misalignment of the recording paper and color misregistration.

The recording paper on which images have been formed by all the image forming units is separated from the conveyor belt 94 by the separation claw 98, and is ejected to the upper paper discharge tray 6a or to the side paper discharge tray 6b by switching the switching claw 99. The paper is ejected. The upper paper discharge tray 6a and the horizontal paper discharge tray 6b can be fixed to the case 91 or can be formed integrally with the case 91. The upper end of the case 91 is covered by a cover 100.

When the image forming unit 3 uses a powder developer as shown in FIG. 4 or 10, fixing is required. Although a fixing device can be provided in each image forming unit, in many cases, the image is fixed after the transfer of all the image forming units 3 is completed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to use a transport fixing unit 6' in which the transport unit 6 and the fixing unit 4 are integrated.

The transport fixing unit 6' is constructed by integrally providing a fixing device 105 (corresponding to the fixing unit 4 in FIGS. 1 and 2) on the transport unit 6 shown in FIG. 12. Portions of the transport unit that are the same as or correspond to the transport unit shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The conveyor belt 94 is guided by a guide roller 97 between the drive roller 92 and the driven roller 93. Each guide roller 97 can have a structure that also serves as the transfer roller 25' in the 1d image forming unit 3D.

A power source for applying voltage to the transfer roller can also be built into the case 91. The drive motor and various power sources are controlled by the CPU within the base unit 1.

In FIGS. 10 and 12, the paper feed cassette 2
The recording paper 32 fed by the paper feed roller 2a is transferred to a conveyor belt 94 whose potential is formed by a potential forming roller 95.
The latent image belt 27 sequentially transfers the image onto the recording paper at the transfer position of the 1d image forming unit 3D. When the guide roller 97 is also used as the transfer roller 25', each guide roller 97 connects the conveyor belt 2 to the first roller 24' in the respective 1d image forming unit 3D.
7 and the recording paper 32 are arranged so as to be in pressure contact with the latent image belt 27.

The recording paper 32 that has been transferred by all the 1d image forming units 3D is separated from the conveyor belt 94 by the curvature of the drive roller 92 and the separation claw 98, and is fixed by the fixing device 105 provided in the case 91. , outlet 1
It will be discharged from 08. Although the example shown in FIG. 12 constitutes a transport fixing unit in which the fixing device 105 is integrated into the transport unit 6, the fixing device may be assembled into the transport unit 6 as a separate unit.

After the recording paper has been separated, the conveyor belt 94 is cleaned by a cleaner 101 having a cleaning blade 102, and is destaticized by a static eliminating roller 103 or a static neutralizing brush, so that the electrostatic potential is made uniform, and the potential is formed again. The process from forming the potential by the roller 95 is repeated.

The cleaner 101 includes a container 1 for storing toner, paper dust, etc. removed by the cleaning blade 102.
04 can be provided.

A switching claw 109 is provided at the ejection port 108 of the fixing device 105, and the upper ejection tray 6a and the side ejection tray 6b are integrated into the case 91 as shown in FIG. 1K or as shown in FIG. Or, if the recording paper 32 is made removable, the recording paper 32 is ejected to the upper paper ejection tray 6a or the side paper ejection tray 6b.
Switch whether or not to discharge.

As an example, the fixing device 105 is provided with a heating fixing roller 106 and a pressure roller 107, as shown in the figure.

The conveyor belt 94 is preset to an appropriate length so that it can be applied even when a large number of image forming units such as three or four stages are stacked, and when only one image forming unit is used, A part of the conveyor belt can also be used only for conveying the recording paper without facing the image forming unit. In order to avoid wastefully transporting the recording paper more than necessary, the attachment state of the transport unit 6 to the base unit 1 can be changed depending on the number of image forming units 3. For this reason, Figure 1
3, a guide rod 11a is attached to the case 11 of the base unit 1, and a guide member such as a slide ball bearing 91c provided in the case 91 of the transport unit 6 and fixing transport unit 6' is engaged with the guide rod 11a. Then, the transport unit 6 and the fixing transport unit 6' are vertically slidably guided. When a plurality of image forming units, for example two or three, are stacked, an upper paper ejection tray 6 is fixed to or integrally formed with the case 91 of the transport unit 6 and the fixing transport unit 6'.
a is placed on top of the uppermost image forming unit 3, and when only one image forming unit is stacked, a stopper (
(not shown), and the cases 91 of the transport unit 6 and the fixing transport unit 6' are held in a state in which they do not protrude below the case 11 of the base unit 1.

As shown in FIG.
A guide member 91c that is slidably attached to a guide rod 11a provided in the guide member 91c, for example, a movable case 91b whose lower part is rotatably supported by a stationary case 91a to which a slide ball bearing is fixed. I can do it. In this example, the movable case 91b is rotatably supported around the axis of a driven roller 93, and includes a drive roller 92, a motor that drives the drive roller 92, a conveyor belt 94, a guide roller 97, a cleaning blade 102, and a cleaner 101.
, the destaticizing roller 103, and the container 104 are supported by the movable case 91b and tilt together with the movable case 91b.

The fixing device 105 and the switching claw 98 are provided in the stationary case 91a.

When the movable case 91b is set to the operating position as shown by the broken line, the guide roller 97 is connected to the first roller 2 used as a transfer roller of each image forming unit 3.
4' via the latent image belt 27.

[0099] When a jam occurs in the recording paper during conveyance or when it is to be inspected, the movable case 91b is tilted and opened to the state shown by the solid line.

[0100] It is convenient if a handle is provided in order to easily open and close the movable case 91b.

Contrary to the illustrated example, it is also possible to form the movable case 92b so as to be rotatable around the axis of the drive roller 92 so that the lower part of the transport unit 6 can be opened.

By configuring the movable case 92b of the transport unit 6 so that it can be opened and closed, only the tip of the transport belt 94 can be moved during transport (arrow 1), at the exit of the paper feed cassette 2 (arrow 2), or between the fixing roller 106. This makes it easier to remove jammed paper (arrow 3).

When the assembly type shown in FIG. 1 is constructed using the unit shown in FIG. 2, an image is recorded on the conveyed recording paper. A possible method is to display images on a display without using . In this case, basically Figures 1 and 2
The assembly type shown in can be developed.

A display unit 7 shown in FIG. 14A is added to the base unit 1, paper feeding unit 2, image forming unit 3, etc. shown in FIG. 2. The display unit can be arranged in place of the assembled transport unit 6 shown in FIGS. 1J to 1N. The purpose of the conveyance unit 6 is to convey the recording paper, while the purpose of the display unit 7 is to display images, so even if there is only one image forming unit 3', 3b', the effect will be effective. be. Therefore, the assembly format using display unit 7 is shown in Figure 14.
It can be configured as shown in B to F. Figure 14B is Figure 1A
This is a modification to the A-1 type shown in Figure 14C.
This is a modification to the A-1a type shown in . Imaging unit 3
When using two or more, A- shown in Figure 1E
As a modification of type 1', it can be configured as shown in FIG. 14D,
Similarly, as a modification of the A-1a' type shown in Fig. 1G, Fig. 14E
It can be configured as shown in . Also, Figure 1G and Figure 1
As a modification based on the example shown in I, a configuration as shown in FIG. 14F can be provided.

[0105] The display unit 7 is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
As shown in FIG. 2, the roller has a case 131, and a driving roller 132 and a driven roller 133 arranged inside the case 131. A white transfer belt 134 made of a dielectric material is wound around the driving roller 132 and the driven roller 133. A drive motor that drives the drive roller 132 is located in the case 13 (not shown).
1. The transfer belt 134 is guided by a guide roller 135 between the drive roller 132 and the driven roller 133, and the guide roller 135 also serves as a transfer roller when images are directly printed on the transfer belt 134 by each image forming unit 3. I can do it.

The case 131 is formed so as to be fixed to the base unit 1 or the image forming unit 3, and an opening is formed in a portion of the case 131 facing each image forming unit 3, so that the transfer belt 134 is connected to the image forming unit 3. It is configured so that it can be exposed. Depending on the number of image forming units 3 used, openings that are not used can be covered.

A cleaner 136 is arranged inside the case 131, and a blade 137 of the cleaner 136 is attached to the transfer belt 1.
34 to clean the surface of the transfer belt 134.

A window 138 is formed on the surface of the case 131 opposite to the surface facing the image forming unit 3, so that the image printed on the transfer belt 134 can be observed from the outside. A lighting device 139, such as a lamp, is disposed inside the case 131 to facilitate observation from the outside, and a light shielding plate 140 is provided to prevent the portion of the transfer belt 134 facing the image forming unit 3 from being illuminated.

[0109] A display may be disposed in the window 138 and configured to display the image on the display in any other suitable manner, such as viewing a projection of the image on the transfer belt 134 rather than viewing it directly. If necessary, it is also possible to use the display as a display member such as a liquid crystal to display images using electrical signals.

[0110] The image on the transfer belt 134 is displayed in the window 13.
8, the transfer belt 134 can be configured to automatically move a predetermined length at predetermined time intervals by an operator's operation or by a program of a control device. The image on the transfer belt 134 displayed in the window 138 is erased by the cleaner 136, and new image information is printed again. The display unit 7 can also be arranged in a fixed position relative to the base unit 1.

[0111] When used as the display unit 7, there is no need to convey the recording paper, so the process for electrostatically adsorbing the recording paper on the transfer belt 134 becomes unnecessary.

Display unit 7 and transport unit 6
In contrast to the examples shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 in which the display unit 6 and the display unit 7 are configured completely separately, a structure may be adopted in which the transport unit 6 and the display unit 7 are used both. In this case, the window 138 can be closed with a cover, and when used as a transport unit, the window 138 is closed, and when used as a display unit 7, the cover is opened and the window 138 is closed. It is convenient to leave 138 open. In the case of a dual-purpose display unit 7, when used as a transport unit, the potential forming means for forming an electrostatic potential on the transport belt is activated, and when used as a display unit, the cleaner is activated and the potential forming means is stopped from operating. .

[0113] The above-described configuration centering on the base unit 1 and the image forming unit 3 constitutes a type of printer that records an image based on an externally applied image signal.

[0114] In order to function as a normal copying machine, it is necessary to add a reading unit for reading the image of the original.

In FIG. 17, the reading unit 8 has a case 161, a contact glass 162 for placing a document on the case 161, a thick plate 163 for holding the document, a light source 164 for illuminating the document, and a light source 164 for illuminating the document. a mirror 166 for imaging the reflected light onto an imaging device (such as a CCD) 165;
An optical system 168 including a lens 167 and the like, and an image sensor 165
A related circuit board 169 is stored.

In the reading unit 8, a thick original such as a book is placed on the contact glass 162 and the thick plate 16 is placed on the contact glass 162.
It can be read by pressing 3.

The signal from the reading unit 8 is sent to each image forming unit as a color-separated and image-processed signal of the original, and writing is performed in accordance with the timing of paper feeding from the paper feeding cassette 2.

[0118] If a known automatic document feeder (ADF) is installed in place of the thick plate 163, it is also possible to read automatically fed originals.

Although the reading unit 8 can be placed on the image forming unit 3, the structure is such that it is supported by another support frame, and the base unit 1 having a printer function and the image forming unit 3 are connected to the reading unit 8. The device can also be constructed so that it can be attached and removed as a single device.

The reading unit 8 is different from the example shown in FIG.
It is also possible to modify it as shown in example 8. In FIG.
One or more image forming units 3 (two image forming units in the figure) are connected to each other on top of the paper feed unit 2 (or on its side when turned over by 90 degrees), and on top of it (or on its side) A paper cassette 2 is connected as a unit of the paper feeding device, and a reading unit 8 is connected above (or beside) it. Although it is also possible to transport the recording paper and the original by the transport rollers provided in each image forming unit 3 and reading unit 8, the transport means can be constructed as a separate transport unit 6, and the image forming unit 3 and reading unit It is also possible to have a structure in which the unit 8 is disposed facing the unit 8 and connected to the unit 8. Transport unit 6
By configuring this, it is possible to convey the recording paper smoothly and accurately.

[0121] The reading unit 8 has a case 171, and a glass plate 179 with which the original comes into contact is attached to the case 171. The glass plate 179 is provided on the side as shown in FIG. 18, and can be configured to read the document sent from the image forming unit 3 or the paper unit 2 while it is moving.

[0122] An illumination lamp 172 illuminates the original through a glass 179, and an image sensor (CCD) captures the reflected light from the original.
etc.) Optical system 174 and image sensor 173 that form an image on 173
A related circuit board 175 and the like are stored in the case 171.

In FIG. 19, a paper feed cassette, for example, is attached to the base unit 1 as the paper feed device 2, and one or more image forming units 3, four in the example shown, are stacked on the base unit 1. be done.

The display unit 7 is integrally formed with the base unit 1 to form one L-shaped unit. The display unit 7 is configured to be detachable and is formed separately from the base unit 1, but it can also be arranged in an L-shape.

When each image forming unit 3 is arranged to face the display unit 7 and, for example, an image forming unit obtained by partially modifying the image forming unit shown in FIG. The display belt 134 is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the display belt 134, for example, the transfer belt 134.

The latent image belt 27 wound around the first roller 24' and the tension roller 26' of the image forming unit 3 is covered with the static eliminating/charging member 34', the writing member 28, the developing device 29, and the cleaner 30 as described above. An image forming process is performed under the action, and the developed image formed on the latent image belt 27 is transferred to the transfer belt 134 passing between the transfer roller 25' and the first roller 24'. In the illustrated example, while the transfer belt 134 moves from the top to the bottom of the figure, the image is transferred by the image forming unit 3 designated at that time, and the drive roller 133 (
FIG. 16 shows an example of a driven roller).
Paper feed cassette 2 at the transfer position, which is the contact position with paper cassette 1.
The transfer belt 134 comes into contact with the recording paper 32 fed by the paper feed roller 2a, and the image on the transfer belt 134 is transferred by the transfer action of the transfer roller 141. The transferred recording paper is fixed by a heating fixing roller in the fixing device 4 (which can also be configured as a separate fixing unit), and is then discharged. After the transfer, the transfer belt 134 is cleaned by a cleaner 137, and the next image is transferred.

[0127] When visually observing the developed image transferred to the transfer belt 134 on the display unit 7, the transfer roller 141 is separated from the drive roller 133 as shown by the broken line and switched to a non-contact state with respect to the transfer belt 134. It will be done. In this case, the cleaner 137 is switched to a non-contact state. Transfer belt 1 transferred by image forming unit 3
The image No. 34 is conveyed to the display section and visually viewed from the outside.

In the example of FIG. 19, since the image is transferred from the transfer belt 134 to the recording paper, a mirror image is formed on the transfer belt 134, and the details are difficult to see when visually viewed on the display unit 7. However, it is sufficient for rough confirmation of layout positions, etc.

In order to be able to visually see the image as a normal image on the display unit 7 and also to transfer it as a normal image to the recording paper, the transfer roller 141 is not brought into direct contact with the drive roller 133 as shown in FIG. , for example, it is preferable to have a structure in which contact is made through the intermediate transfer drum 142. Since the image forming process is the same as the example shown in FIG. 11, detailed explanation will be omitted. In this case, the moving direction of the transfer belt 134 is reversed from that shown in FIG. 19, and the intermediate transfer belt 142 is arranged so as to be movable in contact with and away from the drive roller 133, thereby transferring the image on the transfer belt 134 to the recording paper. Allows you to cancel or cancel the event. Transfer to the recording paper 32 is performed by the intermediate transfer drum 14 from the transfer belt 134.
This is done by transferring the image once transferred to the recording paper 2 from the intermediate transfer drum 142 to the recording paper while being in pressure contact with the transfer roller 141. The intermediate transfer drum 142 can also be made to be able to come into contact with and separate from the transfer roller 141.

[0130] Although not shown, it is possible to provide a power source for applying voltage to the intermediate transfer drum 142 or a blade for cleaning the intermediate transfer drum 142 in order to improve the transfer efficiency. . In this case, a cleaning blade may be kept in contact with the intermediate transfer drum 142 at all times.

As the image forming unit 3, it is also possible to use an image forming unit using a thermal transfer method or an inkjet method instead of a method using a latent image member. Depending on each image forming method, the acting force may be electric field, heat, or other efficient transfer method for image transfer between the transfer site, such as between the transfer belt and transfer roller, or between the intermediate transfer drum and the transfer belt. is good.

[0132] Although the image forming unit 3 can be directly connected to the base unit 1 and the adjacent image forming unit 3,
It is also possible to adopt a structure in which a pin 141 is provided on the case 131 of the display unit 7, and a hook 142 provided on the case of the image forming unit 3 is hooked thereon to hold the pin 141.

[0133]

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, by using the display belt of the display unit as a transfer member, for example, as a transfer belt, the image can be visually observed on the display section, the output content, size, and output position can be confirmed, and the image can be transferred to the recording paper. It is possible to record images on the printer, which avoids wasting recording paper and re-recording if the output position etc. is different from the desired one.
Improved workability.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and A to N are diagrams showing changes in the combination of each component unit.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing disassembleable units of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, and A to H are diagrams showing respective units.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the base unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an imaging unit.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an imaging unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another imaging unit embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the top surface of the base unit or the image forming unit.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a state of connection between the base unit and the image forming unit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing components within the base unit.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the image forming body and the conveyance section of the image forming unit.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transport unit.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transport fixing unit.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified example of the transport fixing unit.

FIG. 14: A is a schematic external view of the display unit; B~
F is a diagram showing a change in the combination of each component unit including a display unit.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of a configuration including a display unit.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the display unit.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the reading unit.

FIG. 18 is an overall schematic diagram of an example incorporating a reading unit.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a modification to the example of FIG. 19;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Base unit 2 Paper cassette 3 Imaging unit 4 Fusing unit 6 Transport unit 134 Display belt 133 Drive roller 141 Transfer roller (transfer body)

Claims (3)

[Claims] Claim 1: A base unit in which an electrical control device for controlling image information signals, etc. is housed in one case, and a paper feeding device is provided, and each component that forms an image based on the image signal are housed in one case. The image forming unit has a stored image forming unit and a display unit that displays an image formed by the image forming unit, and at least one image forming unit is arranged to overlap the base unit, and the display unit is arranged opposite to the image forming unit. The base unit forms an L-shaped unit together with the base unit, a transfer body is disposed on the base unit, the transfer body is disposed opposite to a display belt provided on the display unit and on which an image is formed by each image forming unit, and the base unit An image recording apparatus characterized in that an image is transferred from a display belt when a recording paper fed from a paper feeding device passes through a contact position between a transfer member and a display belt. 2. A transfer body is placed in contact with the display belt via an intermediate transfer body, and after the image on the display belt is once transferred to the intermediate transfer body, the image is guided between the intermediate transfer body and the transfer body. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image is retransferred onto recording paper. 3. Either the transfer body or the intermediate transfer body, which are arranged to face the display belt, are arranged so as to be able to move apart, and are brought into contact or non-contact with the display belt depending on whether recording paper is passing or not. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that switching is performed.