KR0184225B1 - Ink cartridge exchanging device and method for a printer - Google Patents

Abstract

1. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A technique for replacing ink cartridges in an image input / output device.

2. The problem to be solved by the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an image input / output device and an ink cartridge exchange control method capable of easily replacing an ink cartridge while a scanner unit having an optical system is fixed.

3. Summary of Solution to Invention

A top plate for pressing the original; Contact glass; An optical unit for inputting an image of an original; A scanner unit in which an optical unit moving hole is formed; A cover having an optical unit moving hole formed therein, an operating unit formed at an upper side thereof, and a hinge formed at a lower end of the side bent to open and close; It provides an image input and output device including a main body located below the operation unit. In addition, the first step of detecting whether the cover is opened; A second step of checking whether the optical unit is in the initial position when the cover is opened, moving the optical unit to the initial position and stopping the optical unit driving motor; A third step of checking whether the ink cartridge is in the replacement position to move the ink cartridge to the replacement position and to stop the ink cartridge drive motor; It provides an ink cartridge replacement control method comprising a fourth step of confirming that the user closes the cover after replacing the ink cartridge.

4. Important uses of the invention

Applied to an image input / output device that allows the ink cartridge to be easily replaced while the scanner unit is fixed without the need for additional space.

Description

Image input-output device for easy ink cartridge replacement and control method

The present invention is easy to replace the ink cartridge that can facilitate the replacement of the ink cartridge used for the output of the image in the image input and output device having a function such as a copier, a facsimile, a printer, a scanner or a combination of two or more functions An image input-output device and a method of controlling the same.

In general, an image input / output device has a scanner function for inputting an image and a printer function for outputting an image, and is connected to a computer to implement a combination of functions such as a facsimile, a printer, a scanner, a copy machine, and the like. According to the developing method, there are largely an ink cartridge method, a laser method, a thermal method, and the like, and in recent years, an ink cartridge method which is easy to colorize and inexpensive manufacturing cost is widely used.

However, a conventional conventional image input / output device using an ink cartridge has a function of outputting an image by providing a paper feeding portion 6 and a discharge portion 7 in the lower main body 2 as shown in FIG. The scanner unit 5 for inputting an image is located, but includes a top plate 4 that presses the document on the upper side of the scanner unit 5 so that the scanning of the document is accurately performed. The operation unit 8 is provided, and the ink cartridge used for outputting the image is placed inside the main body 2 of the image input / output device 1.

Therefore, when all the ink cartridges are exhausted and replaced, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper cover 3, which integrates the upper plate 4 and the scanner unit 5, is opened upward as shown in FIG. ) Replace the ink cartridge (not shown) inside, and when the replacement of the ink cartridge is completed, the upper cover 3 is closed and used again.

However, the conventional image input / output device as described above has to open and close the top cover 3, which is integral with the top plate 4 and the scanner unit 5, in order to replace the ink cartridge, so that the hinge 9 has the top cover. The position must be fixed so that (3) is in an open state, and the upper cover (3) must have a function of preventing sudden closure by its own weight, and thus its manufacturing cost is high, the configuration is complicated, and the size of the hinge Since it must be large, it becomes a big obstacle to the miniaturized design of the product. In addition, due to the accumulation of the impact generated in the process of opening and closing the upper cover 3, the optical unit, etc. built in the scanner unit 5 is deformed and inputted. The image is directly adversely affected, and there is an inconvenience in that the user opens and closes the heavy upper cover 3 every time the ink cartridge is replaced.

The present invention does not require a separate additional space in replacing the ink cartridge, in order to overcome the above-described problems, it is possible to easily replace the ink cartridge in the fixed state of the scanner unit equipped with the optical system Instead of the expensive and expensive hinge, the hinge is used to simply hold the position, and the ink cartridge exchangeable image input / output device that can be easily replaced by the user can be easily replaced by the ink cartridge. The purpose is to provide.

1 is a perspective view of a conventional image input and output device,

2 is a view of replacing an ink cartridge of a conventional image input / output device;

3 is a perspective view of an image input / output device according to the present invention;

4 is an ink cartridge replacement state diagram of the image input-output device according to the present invention;

5 is a detailed view of an ink cartridge replacement state of the image input-output device according to the present invention;

6 is a process flowchart of the ink cartridge exchange control method of the image input-output device according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

1: Image input / output device 2, 12: main body

3: top cover 4, 14: top plate

5,15: scanner unit 6,16: paper feed unit

7, 17: discharge unit 8, 18: operation unit

9,19: hinge 20: cover

21: contact glass 22: optical unit

23: optical unit moving hole 24: insertion hole

25: ink cartridge 26: the handle

27: bracket 28: transfer belt

29: encoder 30: cover detection sensor

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image input / output device comprising a scanner unit for inputting an image, a main body for outputting an image, and an operation unit, the top plate being fixed to be opened and closed at an upper portion and pressing an original; A contact glass on which an original is placed on an upper side, and an optical unit located below the contact glass and extending to one side to input an image of the original, wherein the optical unit can move along the original A scanner unit in which holes are formed; A cover which is positioned to be adjacent to the upper plate with the optical unit extending, but has an optical unit moving hole formed therein, an operation part formed at an upper side thereof, and a hinge formed at a lower end bent to the side; The scanner unit is fixed to the upper side and the hinge is connected to one end, and the image input and output device including a main body to form an insertion hole in which the ink cartridge is inserted into the bottom surface of the optical unit moving hole is located below the operation unit do.

In addition, the present invention and the top plate which can be opened and closed at the top; A scanner unit having a contact glass upward and an optical unit extending to one side for inputting an image of a document therein, and having an optical unit moving hole through which the optical unit can move along the original; A cover which is positioned to be adjacent to the upper plate with the optical unit extending, but has an optical unit moving hole formed therein, an operation part formed at an upper side thereof, and a hinge formed at a lower end bent to the side; A main body positioned at a lower side of the operation unit, wherein the scanner unit is fixed upward and the hinge is connected to one end thereof, and an insertion hole into which an ink cartridge is inserted is formed at a bottom of the optical unit moving hole; An ink cartridge exchange control method of an image input / output device including a cover detection sensor for detecting that the cover is opened, the method comprising: a first step of detecting whether the cover is opened; A second step of checking whether the optical unit is in the initial position when the cover is opened and operating the optical unit drive motor if the optical unit is not in the initial position to move the optical unit to the initial position, and stopping the optical unit driving motor if the cover is in the initial position; A third step of checking whether the ink cartridge is in the replacement position and operating the ink cartridge drive motor if it is not in the replacement position to move the ink cartridge to the replacement position, and stopping the ink cartridge drive motor if the ink cartridge is in the replacement position; The present invention provides an ink cartridge exchange control method of an image input / output device comprising a fourth step of checking whether a cover is closed after a user replaces an ink cartridge and ending when the cover is closed.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the image input and output device according to the present invention, Figure 4 is an ink cartridge replacement state diagram of the image input and output device according to the present invention, Figure 5 is a detailed view of the ink cartridge exchange state of the image input and output device according to the present invention, Figure 6 Is a process flowchart of the method for controlling the ink cartridge exchange apparatus of the image input-output device according to the present invention.

In the drawing, 12 is the main body, 14 is the top plate, 15 is the scanner unit, 16 is the feeding unit, 17 is the exit unit, 18 is the operating unit, 19 is the hinge, 20 is the cover, 21 is the contact glass, 22 is the optical unit, 23 is the optical unit movement. Holes, 24 are insertion holes, 25 are ink cartridges, 26 handles, 27 brackets, 28 transfer belts, 29 encoders, and 30 cover sensor.

3 and 4, the image input / output device according to the present invention includes an upper plate 14 capable of opening and closing an original to be scanned on an upper portion thereof as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and having a scanner portion 15 positioned at a lower end thereof. 15 is provided with a contact glass 21 on which an original is placed, and an optical unit 22 for inputting an image of a document located under the contact glass 21 therein, the optical unit ( 22) is made of a minimum size through a reflector because a light source for providing light to the original and a space of a certain distance in order to focus the light reflected on the original to the solid state imaging device (CCD) is required Even if it is formed to extend to one side in order to form a certain distance airspace. Therefore, the optical unit moving hole 23 through which the optical unit 22 can move along the original is formed in the scanner unit 15.

Then, the cover 20 is configured such that the optical unit 22 is positioned to be adjacent to the upper plate 14 to the extended side, but the operating unit 18 is formed on the upper side, the hinge 19 on the lower side bent to the side By configuring so as to rotate around the hinge 19, the optical unit moving hole 23 is formed in the cover 20.

The scanner unit 15 configured as described above is fixed to the upper side, the main body 12 to which the hinge 19 is connected to one side end, and the paper feed unit 16 is formed at the center of the rear side, and the discharge unit 17 at the front lower end. And an insertion hole 24 into which an ink cartridge 25 is inserted into a bottom surface of the optical unit moving hole 23, but having an insertion hole 24 below the operation unit 18. Configure it to be located.

Accordingly, when the cover 20 is opened in the direction B as shown in FIG. 4, the insertion hole 24 is positioned below the cover 20, and the ink cartridge 25 is inserted into the insertion hole 24. Since the ink cartridge is located, it is easy to replace the ink cartridge.

At this time, in the state where the ink cartridge 25 is in the standby position, in order to prevent the ink from solidifying, the nozzle portion of the ink cartridge is closely adhered with rubber or the like to maintain a vacuum or take other measures to prevent the ink from hardening. In this state, it is recommended to replace the ink cartridge when the ink hardening prevention device is separated from the ink cartridge, because it may cause a malfunction by causing excessive force on other structures that prevent the ink from solidifying. In general, since the standby position 25a of the ink cartridge becomes one side of both ends, the ink cartridge is adjacent to the side of the main body, so that the user's finger does not enter well, so that the ink cartridge has difficulty in mounting the ink cartridge. Position at a certain distance away from the standby position Setting it is preferable to.

Therefore, in the present invention, the center of the insertion hole 24 as the replacement position (25b) as shown in Figure 5, the ink cartridge 25 in the standby position (25a) is moved in the C direction as shown in the replacement position By positioning at 25b, the user can hold the handle 26 of the ink cartridge so that the user can easily replace it.

That is, the cover 20 is provided with a cover detecting sensor 30 to detect the opening of the cover 20 is opened by moving the optical unit 22 to the initial position while the ink cartridge 25 by the optical unit 22 In order to move the bracket 27 to which the ink cartridge 25 is inserted and fixed to the replacement position, the transfer belt 28 on which one side of the bracket 27 is fixed is moved to the ink cartridge drive motor. The photo sensor in the bracket 27 is moved by the drive of the encoder 29 while being moved along with the drive of the encoder 29, while being moved along the encoder 29 having a fine hole 29a formed at each dot position in the center. 29a) is countered and stopped at the position designated as the replacement position of the ink cartridge, so that the user can replace the ink cartridge after the ink cartridge 25 is positioned at the replacement position 25b so that the user can easily exchange the ink cartridge. It is possible to lose. At this time, the replacement position 25b can be set in advance at the time of designing the device, and the position of the hole 29a of the encoder 29 can be set, and is used as a counter by the photosensor in the bracket 27. The position movement becomes possible.

Therefore, when replacing the ink cartridge of the image input-output device of the present invention configured as described above, when the user opens the cover 20 on one side of the scanner unit 15, the cover detection sensor 30 detects this and the optical unit By moving the 22 to the standby position and the ink cartridge 25 to the replacement position 25b, the user can easily replace the ink cartridge, and the optical unit moving hole 23 is also formed in the configuration. Since the operation unit 18 is formed on the cover 20, and the weight of the cover 20 is light, it is possible to use the hinge 19 which generally holds only the position, and does not require a separate space, The hinge can be used, and the user can easily replace the ink cartridge.

In addition, when the ink cartridge replacement control method of the present invention configured as described above in detail with reference to Figure 6, the cover 20 through the step 101 of the cover 20 is opened by the cover sensor 30, the cover 20 Is detected, check whether the optical unit 22 is in the stand-by position (102) and if it is not in the stand-by position, operate the optical unit drive motor (not shown) (103) to operate the optical unit 22. After moving to the standby position, the optical unit drive motor is stopped (104). Then, it is checked 105 whether the ink cartridge is in the replacement position 25b, and if it is not in the replacement position, the ink cartridge drive motor is operated (106) to move the ink cartridge 25 to the replacement position 25b and drive the ink cartridge. After stopping the motor 107, the user exchanges the ink cartridge 108 and confirms that the cover 20 is closed (109) and ends when the cover is closed.

The ink cartridge exchange control method is compatible with the additional function of the image input / output device to which the ink cartridge exchange control method is applied. That is, when the ink out indicator is provided, the ink out indicator can be turned off after replacing the ink cartridge.In the case of detecting a state where a certain line output has been made by counting the number of print lines outputting ink, the ink is out of ink. When the cartridge is replaced, the method may further include the step of initially setting the number of print lines.

As described above, the image input-output device according to the present invention only needs to replace the ink cartridge by opening only the cover 20 on one side of the scanner unit 15, and also uses the optical unit moving hole in its configuration. It does not require a separate space to replace the product, and because the weight of the cover where only the control panel is located is light, the user can open and close easily, and in general, it is possible to use a hinge that holds only the position, thereby miniaturizing the size of the product. It is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost, and there is an effect of bringing convenience in use as the user replaces the ink cartridge while the ink cartridge is located at the replacement position.

Claims (3)

An image input / output device comprising a scanner unit for inputting an image, a main body for outputting an image, and an operation unit, A top plate 14 fixed to the opening and closing portion to press the document; A contact glass 21 on which the original is placed, and an optical unit 22 positioned below the contact glass 21 and extending to one side for inputting an image of the original. A scanner unit 15 in which an optical unit moving hole 23 is formed so that 22 can move along the original; The optical unit 21 is positioned to be adjacent to the top plate 14 to the extended side, the optical unit moving hole 23 is formed therein, the operation unit 18 is formed on the upper side, the lower end bent to the side A cover 20 in which a hinge 19 is formed to be opened and closed; And The scanner unit 15 is fixed to the upper side and the hinge 19 is connected to one end, and an insertion hole 24 into which the ink cartridge 25 is inserted is formed at the bottom of the optical unit moving hole 23. An ink cartridge exchange image input / output device, characterized in that it comprises a main body (12) which is located below the operation unit (18) to open the cover (20) and replace the ink cartridge (25). The method of claim 1, It characterized in that it further comprises a cover sensor 30 to detect the opening and closing of the cover 20 to position the ink cartridge 25 in the center of the insertion hole 24 when the cover 20 is opened. Image input / output device for easy cartridge replacement. An upper plate 14 that can be opened and closed at an upper portion thereof; A scanner unit 15 having a contact glass 21 and an optical unit 22 and having an optical unit moving hole 23 through which the optical unit 22 can move along an original document; The optical unit 21 is positioned to be adjacent to the top plate 14 to the extended side, the optical unit moving hole 23 is formed therein, the operation unit 18 is formed on the upper side, the lower end bent to the side A cover 20 in which a hinge 19 is formed to be opened and closed; The scanner unit 15 is fixed to the upper side and the hinge 19 is connected to one end, and an insertion hole 24 into which the ink cartridge 25 is inserted is formed at the bottom of the optical unit moving hole 23. A main body 12 positioned below the operation portion 18; In the ink cartridge exchange control method of the image input-output device comprising a cover sensor 30 for detecting that the cover 20 is opened, A first step 101 of detecting whether the cover 20 is opened; When the cover 20 is open, check whether the optical unit 22 is in the initial position. If it is not in the initial position, operate the optical unit drive motor to move the optical unit 22 to the initial position. Second steps 102 to 104 for stopping the motor; A third step of checking whether the ink cartridge 25 is in the replacement position and operating the ink cartridge drive motor to move the ink cartridge 25 to the replacement position if the ink cartridge 25 is not in the replacement position, and stopping the ink cartridge drive motor if the ink cartridge 25 is in the replacement position. Step 105 to 107; And a fourth step (108, 109) of checking whether the cover 20 is closed after the user replaces the ink cartridge 25 and ending when the cover 20 is closed. Exchange control method.