KR100788660B1 - Image scanning/printing apparatus and image scanning/printing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosed image input / output device corresponds to a width of paper as it is placed in parallel with the document glass, the platen placed in parallel with the document glass, and the paper placed thereon, and is placed between the document glass and the platen in the sub-scanning direction. And an image input / output module including an array inkjet head for printing an image on paper and a scanning unit for line scanning for reading an image from an original.

Description

Image scanning / printing apparatus and image scanning / printing method

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a conventional image input and output device.

2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image input-output device according to the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the image input-output device according to the present invention.

4 is a perspective view showing an example of an apparatus for moving the image input-output module in the sub-scanning direction.

5 illustrates an example of a nozzle unit.

6 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the image input-output device according to the present invention.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10 ...... Original 20 ... Platen

21 ...... Air vent 22 ...... Fan

25 ...... Belt 30 ...... Inkjet Head

31 ...... Nozzle section 32 ...... Nozzle row

33 ...... Nozzle 40 ...... Scan Unit

50 ...... Image I / O module 60 ...... Transfer unit

61 ...... Feed Roller 62 ...... Idle Roller

70 Discharge Unit 71 Discharge Roller

72 ...... Star wheel 80 ...... Paper cassette

81 ... pick-up roller 82 ... multi-purpose tray

90 ...... Carriage 91 ...... Shaft

92 ...... Motor 93 ...... Timing Belt

P ...... Paper D ...... Original

The present invention relates to an image input / output module and an image input / output device and method employing the same, and more particularly, to an image input / output module and an image input / output device and method employing an array inkjet head as an output module.

1, the shuttle type inkjet head 2 and the scanning unit 3 are mounted on the carriage 1 reciprocated in the main scanning direction M. As shown in FIG. The paper P and the document D are conveyed through a common conveyance path by a common conveyance unit 4. When inputting an image from the document D, the conveying unit 4 conveys the document D in the sub-scanning direction S. As shown in FIG. When the carriage 1 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction M, the scanning unit 3 reads an image from the document D. As shown in FIG. When printing an image on the paper P, the conveying unit 4 conveys the paper P in the sub-scanning direction S. As shown in FIG. When the carriage 1 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction M, the inkjet head 2 discharges ink onto the paper P to print an image.

The image input-output device as described above has the advantage of simplifying the device because the paper P and the document D are conveyed by the common transfer unit 4 through a common transfer path. Have

First, it is very difficult to maintain the scan accuracy because the scanning unit 3 and the document D are moved in the main scanning direction M and the sub scanning direction S, respectively, while reading images from the original D. .

Second, since the conveying unit 4 is generally designed by conveying paper P, the thicknesses of the conveyable paper P and the document D are very limited. In general, the thickness of the document (D) is so varied that when the document (D) or the scratched document (D) that is outside the transferable thickness range is transferred, the feeding accuracy is lowered.

Third, in the case of performing a copying function, an image must be printed on the paper P once the at least one page of image information is completely read from the document D. Therefore, a memory having a very slow copying speed and capable of storing at least one page of image information should be provided. In particular, in the case of a color image, a large amount of image information is required, which requires a lot of memory, and causes a price increase of the image input / output device.

In recent years, research has been conducted to implement high speed printing by employing an array inkjet head having a nozzle unit having a length corresponding to a width of a paper. An object of the present invention is to provide an image input / output module employing an array inkjet head as a printing module. It is another object of the present invention to provide a low cost, small size image input / output device and method. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image input / output device and method capable of high quality printing and scanning.

The image input-output device of the present invention for achieving the above object, the document glass is placed; A platen placed side by side with the document glass, on which paper is placed; An image is placed between the document glass and the platen and conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, the nozzle having a length corresponding to the width of the paper, and an array inkjet head for printing an image on the paper, and reading the image from the document. It includes; an image input and output module having a scanning unit.

In one embodiment, the image input and output device, the transfer unit for transferring the paper onto the platen; And a discharge unit for discharging the paper on which printing is completed. While the printing is performed by the array inkjet head, the paper is in a state in which its tip is bitten by the discharge unit, its end is bitten by the transfer unit, and its ends are bitten by the discharge unit and the transfer unit, respectively. It is one state.

In one embodiment, the platen is a belt circulating in the sub-scanning direction.

The image input-output device may further include a negative pressure providing unit positioned below the platen and providing a negative pressure to prevent the paper from being lifted from the platen.

In one embodiment, the image input and output device, the guide member is installed in the sub-scan direction to guide the movement in the sub-scan direction of the image input and output module; And a motor for moving the image input / output module in the sub-scanning direction.

In an embodiment, the image input / output device may further include a paper feed cassette on which the paper is loaded, wherein the paper feed cassette is positioned below the platen to form a C-shaped paper feed path.

In an embodiment, the image input / output device may further include a paper feed cassette on which the paper is loaded, and the paper feed cassette is installed in an empty form to form an L-shaped paper transfer path.

The image input-output module of the present invention for achieving the above object comprises an array inkjet head having a nozzle portion having a length corresponding to the width of the paper and printing the image on the paper; And a scanning unit for reading an image from the original toward the opposite side of the inkjet head.

The image input-output method of the present invention for achieving the above object, the image input and output device having a platen and platen, an array inkjet head and a scanning unit and having an image input and output module positioned between the platen and platen An image input / output method, comprising: reading image information from an original placed on the document glass using a scanning unit while transferring the image input / output module in a sub-scanning direction; Converting the read image information into print information; And printing an image on a sheet of paper on the platen by using the inkjet head according to the printing information.

An image input / output method of the present invention for achieving the above object comprises an image input / output device including a document glass, a platen, an array inkjet head, and a scanning unit, and an image input / output module positioned between the document glass and the platen. An image input / output method comprising the steps of: reading a page amount of image information from an original placed on a document glass using a scanning unit while transferring the image input / output module in a sub-scanning direction; Converting the read image information into print information; And printing an image on paper in accordance with the print information by using the image input / output module.

In an embodiment, the printing of the image on the paper may include printing the image on the paper while transferring the image input / output module in a direction opposite to the scanning direction after the scanning is completed.

In one embodiment, the printing of the image on the paper may include printing the image on the paper while moving the image input / output module to the original position after the scanning is completed and transferring the image input / output module to the sub-scanning direction again.

In one embodiment, the printing of the image on the paper may include printing the image on the paper while positioning the image I / O module at a predetermined position and transporting the paper in the sub-scanning direction after the scanning is completed.

In one embodiment, the paper may be fed in advance to the platen before the step of reading image information from the original. The paper has any one of a state in which its tip is bitten by the discharge unit, its end is bitten by the transfer unit, and its both ends are bitten by the discharge unit and the transfer unit, respectively.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an embodiment of the image input-output device according to the present invention, respectively. 2, the image input / output device includes a transparent document table 10 on which a document D is placed, a platen 20 on which a sheet of paper P is placed, and an image input / output module 50. As shown in FIG. The document glass 10 and the platen 20 are located next to each other, and the image input / output module 50 is located between the document glass 10 and the platen 20. The image input / output module 50 includes an inkjet head 30 for discharging ink on paper P to print an image, and a scanning unit 40 for reading image information from the document D. As shown in FIG. The scan unit 40 and the inkjet head 30 face in opposite directions to each other.

Although the inkjet head 1 shown in FIG. 1 discharges ink onto the paper P while being reciprocated in the main scanning direction M, the inkjet head 30 of the present embodiment corresponds to the width of the paper P. FIG. The nozzle part 31 which has the length of the main scanning direction M is provided. 5 illustrates an example of the nozzle unit 31. 5, a plurality of nozzle rows 32 inclined with respect to the main scanning direction M are repeatedly arranged in the main scanning direction M. As shown in FIG. The interval of the main scanning direction M of the nozzles 33 becomes the resolution of the inkjet head 30. Although not shown in the drawing, the inkjet head 30 is provided with an ink cartridge in which ink is stored, and discharge means (for example, a piezo element and a heater) communicating with each nozzle 33 and providing pressure for discharging ink. And a flow path for supplying ink to the chamber from the ink cartridge. Since the chamber, the discharge means, the flow path and the like are well opened to those skilled in the art, detailed description thereof will be omitted. The nozzle part 31 shown in FIG. 5 is only an example, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the shape of the nozzle part 31 shown in FIG. 5.

As the scanning unit 40, a contact type image sensor (CIS) or a charge coupled device (CCD) capable of inputting a line image can be employed. Since CIS and CCD are well known to those skilled in the art, their detailed structure and operation will be omitted.

The platen 20 supports the rear surface of the paper P to maintain a gap between the top surface of the paper P and the nozzle unit 31. This spacing is, for example, about 0.5-2.5 mm. In order to maintain this gap while printing is performed, the image input / output device may further include a negative pressure providing portion that applies negative pressure to the back surface of the paper. As an example, the negative pressure providing unit includes an air vent 21 provided in the platen 20 and a fan 22 positioned below the platen 20. The fan 22 sucks air through the air vent 21 as shown in FIG. 2 so that the paper P does not lift from the platen 20. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, various devices such as a vacuum suction unit may be applied as the negative pressure providing unit.

At the mouth side of the inkjet head 30, a transfer unit 60 for transferring the paper P onto the platen 20 is installed. In one embodiment, the transfer unit 60 includes a feed roller 61 and an idle roller 62 that is driven by contacting the feed roller 61. On the exit side of the platen 20, a discharge unit 70 for discharging the printed paper P from the platen 20 is installed. In one embodiment, the discharge unit 70 includes a discharge roller 71 and a star wheel 72 rotated in contact with the discharge roller 71 and point-contacted to the upper surface of the paper (P).

The paper feeding cassette 80 on which the paper P is stacked is positioned below the platen 20 to form a C-shaped paper conveying path as a whole. According to such a configuration, the foot-print of the image input / output device can be reduced. In addition, a multi-purpose tray 82 may be further provided to directly supply non-standard paper P to the transfer unit 60. As shown in FIG. 3, the paper feeding cassette 80 may be installed at the side of the image input / output device in the form of a bin to form an L-shaped paper transfer path as a whole. According to such a configuration, it is possible to implement a slim image input and output device.

The image input / output module 50 is transferred in the sub scanning direction S. 4, the image input / output module 50 is mounted on the carriage 90. The carriage 90 is supported by the shaft (guide member) 91 provided in the sub scanning direction S. As shown in FIG. The carriage 90 is connected to a timing belt (or wire) 93 which is circulated by the motor 92. By such a configuration, the image I / O module 50 can be reciprocated in the sub-scanning direction S by rotating the motor 92 forward / backward. The scan unit 40 and the inkjet head 30 may be mounted on the carriage 90, respectively. In addition, the inkjet head 30 may be mounted on the carriage 90, and the scan unit 40 may be coupled to the inkjet head 30. It is also possible that the inkjet head 30 and the scan unit 40 are integrally manufactured. When the inkjet head 30 and the scan unit 40 are integrally manufactured, for example, a frame forming an appearance of a cable (not shown) and an image input / output module 50 for electrical connection with a controller (not shown) ( It is possible to share parts, such as (not shown). It is also possible to be supported by the shaft 91 directly without the carriage 90.

Now, the image input / output method according to the above-described configuration will be described.

When print information is input together with a print signal from a host computer (not shown), the pickup roller 81 pulls out the paper P from the paper feed cassette 80 and supplies it to the transfer unit 60. The transfer unit 60 transfers the paper P onto the platen 20. The front end and the end of the paper P are slightly bitten by the transfer unit 60 and the discharge unit 70, respectively, or the end of the paper P before reaching the discharge unit 70 at the front end of the paper P. The paper P is plated by the platen 20 in a state of being slightly bitten by the conveying unit 60, or in a state in which the tip of the paper P is slightly bitten by the discharge unit 70 and the end thereof is out of the conveying unit 60. It is supported to maintain a predetermined distance from the nozzle portion 31. When the motor 92 is rotated forward, the image input and output module 50 is moved in the sub-scanning direction (S). The inkjet head 30 discharges ink onto the paper P to print an image. When printing is completed, the paper P is discharged by the discharge unit 70. When the motor 92 rotates in reverse, the image input / output module 50 returns to its original position. In the printing process, it is also possible to print an image by discharging ink onto the paper P at a position where the inkjet head 30 is fixed while the paper P is conveyed toward the discharge unit 70 by the transfer unit 60. Of course it is possible.

In order to read image information from the document D, the document D is placed on the document glass 10 and the document cover 11 is closed. When the user presses, for example, the image input button 84 of the operation panel 83 or issues an image input command via the host computer, the motor 92 is rotated forward so that the image input / output module 50 moves in the sub-scanning direction. It is moved to (S). The scanning unit 40 irradiates light onto the document D, for example, detects the reflected optical signal, and reads image information recorded on the document D from the document D. The image information is transmitted to a storage device (not shown) of the host computer, for example. After the scanning is completed, when the motor 92 is reversely rotated, the image input / output module 50 is returned to the original position.

In order to copy the document D, the document D is placed on the document glass 10 and the document cover 11 is closed. When the user presses, for example, the copy button 85 on the operation panel 83 or issues a copy command via the host computer, the pickup roller 81 transfers the paper P picked up from the paper cassette 80. It is conveyed onto the platen 20 by the unit 60. The paper P is a state in which the tip and the end of the paper P are slightly bitten by the transfer unit 60 and the discharge unit 70, respectively, or before the paper P reaches the discharge unit 70 at the tip of the paper P. The end of P is slightly bitten by the transfer unit 60, or the end of the paper P is bitten by the discharge unit 70 and the end is removed from the transfer unit 60 to wait for printing to start. When the motor 92 is rotated forward, the image input and output module 50 is moved in the sub-scanning direction (S). The scan unit 40 irradiates light onto the document D and detects the reflected optical signal, for example, and includes a band including one line of image information or a plurality of line image information recorded on the document D therefrom. Read band information. The image information is converted into print information by an image processor (not shown) and input to the inkjet head 30. The inkjet head 30 discharges ink in accordance with printing information to print an image on the paper P. FIG.

Since the image processor converts the image information into print information in near real time, the scanning process and the printing process are performed simultaneously while maintaining a gap of one line or one band. Thus, near real time copying is possible. The image input / output device only needs to have a buffer memory for storing image information of at least one line or one band. Therefore, it is possible to implement an image I / O device with a lower cost than a conventional image I / O device which shares a conveyance path between an original and a paper.

While scanning or copying is being performed, only the scanning unit 40 is moved in the sub scanning direction S and the original D is in a stopped state. Accordingly, more precise scanning is possible as compared with the conventional image input / output device in which the document D and the scanning unit 40 are simultaneously moved.

In general, in the image forming apparatus employing the array inkjet head 30, the inkjet head 30 is fixed and the paper P is moved in the sub scanning direction S. FIG. In order to perform flat-bed scanning using the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, the scanning unit 40 must be moved in the sub scanning direction S. FIG. In order to perform the copying process by such a configuration, since the motor (not shown) for moving the scan unit 40 and the motor 92 for transporting the paper P are simultaneously driven, the two motors are precisely operated. It must be controlled. Therefore, the control part of a control part (not shown) is large. In addition, the vibration of the motor generated in the process of conveying the paper (P) can affect the scanning process can reduce the scanning accuracy.

In the image input / output device of this embodiment, the inkjet head 30 and the scanning unit 40 are moved together in the sub-scanning direction S, and the paper P is not transferred during the copying process, so the inkjet head 30 and the scan unit 40 are scanned. Only the motor 92 for moving the unit 40 needs to be controlled. Therefore, the control part of a control part (not shown) is few. In addition, since less vibration is generated, precise scanning is possible.

In general, the feeding accuracy of the paper P is lower than that of the inkjet head 30. Since the paper P is conveyed by the friction force between the feed roller 61, the idle roller 62, and the paper P, slippage may occur. The inkjet head 30 can be moved very precisely because it is moved by a very precise timing belt (or wire) 93 and guided by the shaft 91. In the image input / output device of the present embodiment, since the inkjet head 30 moves in the sub-scanning direction S and prints an image on the paper P, the inkjet head 30 is fixed and the paper P is the sub-scanning direction S. FIG. It is possible to realize high print quality compared to the method to be transferred in). Since the inkjet head 30 is moved together with the scan unit 40, a separate moving device for moving the inkjet head 30 in the sub-scanning direction S does not need to be provided.

When a buffer memory capable of storing one page worth of image information is provided, the scanning and printing quality can be further improved by separating the scanning process from the printing process. In more detail, while transferring the image input / output module 50 in the sub scanning direction S, image information is read from the leading end of the document D and stored in the buffer memory. When scanning to the end of the document D is completed, the input image information is converted into print information using an image processor. The image input / output module 50 prints an image on paper according to the printing information while transferring in the reverse direction of the scanning process. Of course, while reading the image information up to the distal end of the document D, the operation of converting the input image information into the print information using the image processor may be performed at the same time. As such, even if the scanning and printing processes are separated, the copying is not slowed down because the copying is completed in one round trip of the image input / output module 50. The image I / O module 50 may return to the original position after the scanning process is completed and move back to the sub-scanning direction to print an image on the paper. In addition, after scanning is completed, the image input / output module 50 is positioned at a predetermined position (for example, a position at which scanning is completed, or an original position, or any position between the two positions) and the paper P is sub-scanned. It is also possible to print an image on the paper P while feeding in the direction.

Although not shown in the drawing, the operation panel 83 may further include a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) for displaying an operation state of the image input / output device. The user can know the operation state of the image input / output device (for example, which step of printing, scanning, or copying is performed, or whether the steps are completed) according to the information displayed on the display unit.

As the platen 20, it is also possible to employ a belt 25 which is circulated in the sub-scanning direction as shown in FIG. The air vent 21 is formed in the belt 25. The fan 22 sucks air through the air vent 21 to prevent the paper P from being lifted from the belt 25. When the belt 25 is employed as the platen 20, printing is waited at the position where the tip and the end thereof are out of the discharge unit 70 and the transfer unit 60, respectively. According to this, borderless printing which prints an image without a margin at both the front-end | tip of the paper P and the edge of the terminal width direction is possible.

As described above, according to the image input / output module, the image input / output device and the method according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

First, it is possible to implement an image input / output device capable of copying in near real time, and since only a buffer memory having a capacity capable of storing at least one line or one band of image information is provided, copying is possible. Implementation is possible.

Secondly, since the inkjet head and the scanning unit are moved in the sub-scanning direction while the copying process is being performed, the paper is not conveyed, so the motor control burden of the controller is small. In addition, since less vibration is generated, precise scanning is possible.

Third, since the inkjet head can be printed on the paper while the inkjet head is precisely moved in the sub-scanning direction, high print quality can be realized as compared with the conventional method in which the paper is transferred in the sub-scanning direction.

Fourth, when a buffer memory capable of storing one page of image information is provided, the scanning and printing quality can be further improved by separating the scanning process from the printing process.

Fifth, according to the arrangement of the paper feed cassette, it is possible to implement a flat-bed type I / O device with a minimum installation area and a slimmer flat-bed type I / O device.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to that described above and illustrated in the drawings, and that more modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (18)

The platen on which the manuscript is placed; A platen placed side by side with the document glass, on which paper is placed; An image is placed between the document glass and the platen and conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, the nozzle having a length corresponding to the width of the paper, and an array inkjet head for printing an image on the paper, and reading the image from the document. An image input / output module having a scanning unit for entering; A guide member installed in the sub scanning direction to guide movement of the image input / output module in the sub scanning direction; And And an motor for moving the image input / output module in the sub-scanning direction. The method of claim 1, A transfer unit for transferring the paper onto the platen; And a discharge unit for discharging the paper on which printing is completed. The method of claim 2, While the printing is performed by the array inkjet head, the paper is in a state in which its tip is bitten by the discharge unit, its end is bitten by the transfer unit, and its ends are bitten by the discharge unit and the transfer unit, respectively. An image input-output device characterized in that it is in either state. The platen on which the manuscript is placed; A platen placed side by side with the document glass, on which paper is placed; An image is placed between the document glass and the platen and conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, the nozzle having a length corresponding to the width of the paper, and an array inkjet head for printing an image on the paper, and reading the image from the document. It includes; an image input and output module having a scanning unit, And the platen is a belt circulating in the sub-scanning direction. The method of claim 4, wherein And a negative pressure providing unit positioned below the platen and providing a negative pressure so that the paper does not lift from the platen. delete The method of claim 4, wherein A paper feed cassette on which the paper is stacked; And the paper feed cassette is positioned below the platen to form a C-shaped paper feed path. The method of claim 4, wherein A paper feed cassette on which the paper is stacked; And the paper feed cassette is installed in an empty form to form an L-shaped paper feed path. The method of claim 4, wherein And an operation panel including one or more buttons for operating the image input / output device. The method of claim 9, And the display unit further comprises a display unit for displaying an operation state of the image input / output device. delete An image input / output device comprising a platen, a platen, an array inkjet head, and a scanning unit for reading image information from an original placed on the platen, and having an image input / output module positioned between the platen and the platen. As the image input / output method, Reading one or more lines of image information from the original using a scanning unit while transferring the image input / output module in the sub-scanning direction; Converting the read image information into print information; And printing an image on a sheet of paper on the platen using the inkjet head according to the printing information. delete delete delete delete The method of claim 12, And feeding paper into the platen in advance before performing the step of reading image information from the original. The method of claim 17, And the paper has any one of a state in which a tip thereof is bitten by a discharge unit, a terminal portion of which is bitten by a transfer unit, and a state in which both ends thereof are bitten by the discharge unit and the transfer unit, respectively.

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