JPS6276961A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate transporting and transmission operation of the equipment by constituting it in such a manner that a picture reading part and a transmission part are separated from a reception part, the reading part and the transmission part are arrayed neighboring each other on the same plane using a fixation cover, and covering them and fixing them integrally. CONSTITUTION:The titled equipment, in general classification, consists of the picture reading part 1, the transmission part 2, and an acoustic coupler 3 that is a means to connect the part 2 and a transmission system. The part 1 includes an operation part 4 consisting of a power source button 4a, read button 4b, reset button 4c, and a transmission button 4d, and a display part 5 consisting of display lamps 5a-5d that correspond to the respective buttons 4a-4d. The part 1 and the part 2, in this case, are electrically connected by a cable 6 unable to be attached and detached. The power supply from the part 2 to the part 1, the control of the part 1, and the transmission of a picture signal from the part 2 to the part 1, are executed through this cable 6. An output signal from the part 2 can be supplied to a reception part (not mentioned here) through a cable 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus having a structure suitable for portability in which an image reading section and a transmitting section are separated from a receiving section.

[Technical background of the invention and its problems] A facsimile machine reads an image on the document surface, modulates it, transmits it via a transmission system (mainly a telephone line is used), and receives the received signal on the receiving side. It is a system that demodulates and records it as an image, and devices that have both transmitting and receiving functions are generally put into practical use. Therefore, although conventional facsimile machines have been made smaller due to recent advances in integrated circuit technology, most of them are stationary.
Cell phones were generally not available.

On the other hand, as an example of a portable facsimile device,
It is known that a cylinder is used to read and record images. This involves wrapping a sheet-like original around a cylinder, and then rotating the cylinder while reading the image on the original surface.When receiving, the cylinder is wrapped with electrical discharge destruction recording paper, and then the cylinder is rotated in the same way as when sending. However, the electrical discharge from the recording needle destroys the conductive layer on the surface of the recording paper to produce color recording.

However, in principle, this conventional portable facsimile device can only transmit sheet-like originals, and cannot send originals such as books, notebooks, or newspapers. Furthermore, since the operation of winding the original or recording paper around the cylinder is complicated, there is a problem particularly when urgent transmission is to be performed.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and is easy to carry, can send not only sheet-like originals, but also originals in any other shape, and is easy to operate. The purpose is to provide a facsimile device that is easy to use.

(Summary of the Invention) In order to achieve this object, the present invention includes an image reading unit that reads an image on a document surface and outputs an image signal, and a mobile phone that processes the image signal from the image reading unit and is suitable for transmission. A transmitting section for converting a modulated signal into a modulated signal is housed in a first case and a second case, respectively, and further, when these cases are arranged next to each other on the same surface, both cases are placed in one place, and It is characterized by having a fixing cover for integrally fixing.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the facsimile device according to the present invention is for sending only,
Compared to devices that can both transmit and receive, it is much smaller and lighter, making it suitable for carrying. That is, considering the nature of facsimile, which primarily uses telephone lines to transmit information, portability is particularly required during transmission. For example, salespeople, research personnel, newspaper reporters, etc.
An example of this is when sending a manuscript such as a report or an article to an office, etc. In addition, in general, when carrying a device, the person carrying the device is often outdoors and their whereabouts are unknown. It doesn't make much sense to do that.

Further, according to the present invention, since the image reading section is configured separately from the transmitting section, the #J image reading section can also be used as a handy scanner. Therefore, it is possible to transmit documents other than sheet-like documents, such as books and newspapers, which were impossible to transmit using conventional stationary and portable facsimile machines. Further, transmission can be performed without requiring complicated operations such as wrapping the document around a cylinder.

Further, when the facsimile device according to the present invention is not in use, the first and second cases housing the image reading section and the transmitting section are covered with a fixing cover and fixed integrally, so that the entire facsimile device has a flat shape. It can be done. Therefore, it is easy to carry the device by storing it in a bag or the like.

Moreover, since the outer shape becomes a neat shape, it is advantageous for storage. Furthermore, it goes without saying that this fixing cover has the effect of preventing dust and foreign matter from entering the image reading section and the transmitting section.

[Embodiments of the invention]

An outline of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 shows an example of transmitting a sheet-like original mA, and FIG. 2 shows an example of transmitting today's date.

As shown in the figure, this facsimile apparatus is broadly divided into an image reading section 1, a transmitting section 2, and an 11 coupler 3 serving as means for coupling the transmitting section 2 and a transmission system. The image reading section 1 includes an operation section 4 consisting of a power button 4a, a reading button 4b, a reset button 4C, and a send button 4d, and a display section 5 consisting of display lamps 58-5d corresponding to the buttons 48-4d. There is. In this example, the image reading section 1'' and the transmitting section 2 are electrically connected via a cable 6 which cannot be attached or detached.
Supplying power from the transmitting unit 2 to the image reading unit 1 via the
Control of the image reading section 1 and transfer of image signals from the image reading section 1 to the transmitting section 2 are performed. Also,
Considering portability, A is used as a power supply means for the transmitter 2.
In addition to the C power cord 7, a rechargeable T battery pack 8 such as a NiCd battery is also provided, and both of these can be attached to and detached from the receiver 2. The battery bag 8 is appropriately charged by a charger 9. Furthermore, the output signal of the transmitter 2 can also be supplied to a subsequent receiver via the cable 10. This cable 10 can be attached or detached at either end on the transmitting section 2 side or on the receiving section side.

Next, the 81m configuration of the image reading section 1 and the transmitting section 2 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image reading section 1, II! Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the transmitter 2;
The figure is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A with the image reading section 1 and the transmitting section 2 superimposed as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow B-8, and FIG. is the same <C-C arrow sectional view.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5 to 7, the image reading unit 1 has a first case 11 with an open bottom, and an image sensor 12 is installed above the case 11.
A rod lens 13 (gradient index lens) called Selfoc lens (product name) is arranged on the front (lower side) of the image sensor 12.The image sensor 12 uses, for example, amorphous silicon for the photoelectric conversion film. It is a one-dimensional image sensor that is constructed by arranging photoelectric conversion elements in an array in a single unit, and has an array approximately equal to the width of a document (for example, the width of an A4 size document), which is called a contact image sensor. .The lens 13 is connected to this image sensor 12.
, the image of the document surface is formed in a one-to-one size,
This constitutes a so-called equal-magnification imaging system. Also, the first case 1
1, and installed in the sockets 15a and 15b as a light source for illuminating the document surface so as to be located near the light emitting end of the rod lens 13 in the image sensor 12 and parallel to the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements in the image sensor 12. fluorescent light 14
is provided.

Furthermore, the image sensor 12. 1. 1 on shafts 17a and 17b provided parallel to the O-rad lens 13 and the fluorescent lamp 14 and at a predetermined interval from each other. Paper feed rollers 17a for transporting originals so as to slightly protrude from the opening of the first case 11.

) 17b is supported. Also, the first case 1
Another axis 1 parallel to the axes 16a and 16b above in 1
6c, and a rotary encoder (not shown) for detecting the amount of document transport is attached to this shaft 16c. Ladder wheels 18a to 18c are attached to one end side of the shafts 16a to 16c, and a ladder chain 19 is suspended over these ladder wheels 18a to 18c.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to 7, the transmitting section 2 has a second case 21 that is separate from the first case 11 that is connected to the image reading section 1. Inside the second case 2, there is a shaft 16a in the first case 11,
Shafts 22a and 22b are provided at positions opposite to 16b,
Paper feed rollers 23a, 23 are attached to these shafts 22a, 22b.
b is supported. Note that in this example, paper feed 0-ra 2
3a and 23b each have a plurality of songs, and the axis 22 at predetermined intervals.
a, 22b. Also, the second case 2
A motor 24 as a drive source for automatically feeding the document is disposed within the document storage device 1 . The rotation of the motor 24 is transmitted via a gear 25 and an m wheel 26, 27 connected to the shaft of the motor 24 to a gear 28 provided coaxially with the paper feed roller 17a in the seventh case 21. . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the paper feed row 517a is further provided with a gear 29a coaxially on the opposite side to the gear 28.
Rotation is transmitted from this gear 29a to the shaft 16c supporting the rotary encoder via gears 29b and 29c.

In the above configuration, when reading an image on a sheet document A, the first case 11 of the image reading section 1 is placed with its opening facing downward, as shown in FIGS. and superimpose it on the second case 21 of the transmitting section 2. In this state, the paper feed rollers 17a and 17b on the image reading section 1 side
and the paper feed rollers 238, 23b on the transmitting section 2 side, and when the power button 4a and the reading button 4b are pressed, the motor 24 is energized and driven via the cable 6. Rotation is transmitted along the path from gears 25-26-27-28 to paper feed roller 17a, and roughly via ladder chain 19 to ladder wheels 18a-18C-1.
The paper feed rollers 17a and 17b rotate as the rotation is transmitted through the path 8b. In this way, the document A is transferred between the paper feed rollers 17a, 17b and the paper feed rollers 23a, 23b.
At the same time, the fluorescent lamp 14
By lighting up, the surface of the original mA is illuminated. In this process, the image on the document A is optically read by the image sensor 12 via the rod lens 13, and the image sensor 12 outputs an image signal. This image signal is sent to the transmitter 2 via the cable 6.

FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the circuit section of the transmitting section 20 in relation to the image reading section 1. The image sensor 12 in the image reading section 1 has a control circuit 30 mainly composed of a CPU, controlled by the device 32,
The image signal is sent to the control circuit 30. The timing generator 32 controls the image sensor 12 based on the output signal from the rotary encoder 31 installed in the image reading section 1.
It generates a control signal to the control circuit 30 and a clock signal and control signal to the control circuit 30. Note that the control circuit 30 is also supplied with a detection signal from a paper feed detection switch 33 that detects that the document A is being transferred.

The image signal from the image sensor 12 is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter in the control circuit 30, and then
The image is transferred to the image memory 34. Image memory 34 is RAM
For example, it stores image signals for two consecutive lines. The control circuit 30 extracts the image signal stored in the image memory 34, performs signal processing such as data compression and encoding in the same manner as conventional facsimile machines, and then
It is sent to the modem circuit 35. The modem circuit 35 converts the image signal input from the control circuit 30 into a phase modulation signal, quadrature amplitude modulation, or other modulation signal suitable for transmission, and further amplifies it appropriately and sends it to the acoustic coupler 3.

The acoustic coupler 3 is connected to a telephone (not shown) and converts the modulated signal input from the modem circuit 35 into an acoustic signal. As a result, the modulated signal is sent from the telephone to the telephone line (mainly public telephone line), and is sent to the other party's facsimile terminal.
It is sent to the t position.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, if the original to be transmitted is today, the image reading section 1 is mechanically separated from the transmitting section 2.
Move like an arrow over the page you want to send today. Thereby, the image of that page is similarly read by the image sensor 12. The subsequent processing of the image signal output from the image sensor 12 is exactly the same as in the case of the sheet-like original A described above.

FIG. 9 shows how the image reading units 1 and 2 are integrally fixed by the fixing cover 36.
and the transmitter 2 are placed side by side on a suitable flat surface such as a table or desk, and the fixing cover 36 is placed over the top. In this case, the image reading section 1 faces the opening side of the first case 11 upward, and the transmitting section 2 faces the paper feed roller 2 of the second case 21.
3a.

It is preferable to place each one with the part 23b protruding upward.

The fixing cover 36 has a flat box shape with one side open, and protrusions 36a having a scalene triangular cross section are provided on the inner wall surfaces of its four sides as shown in FIG. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, protrusions 37a having a scalene triangular cross section are provided on the outer wall surface on three sides outside the surface where both the image reading section 1 and the transmitting section 2 face each other. Therefore, when the fixing cover 36 is placed over the image reading section 1 and the transmitting section 2 which are arranged next to each other as shown in FIG. cover 3
The protrusion 37a moves along the slope of the protrusion a of No. 6, and then the protrusion 37a comes off the slope of the protrusion 36a, and the protrusion 37a and the protrusion 36a are completely engaged. As a result, the fixing cover 36 is
As shown in Figure (b), the image reading section 1 and the transmitting section 2
Cover the top of the and fix them in an integrated form while keeping both on the same plane.

As described above, the facsimile '3AH of the present invention has a structure in which the image reading section and the transmitting section are separated from the receiving section, and moreover, the image reading section and the transmitting section are arranged side by side on the same plane using a fixing force bar. Because it is covered and fixed in one piece, it is suitable for portability in terms of weight and shape, and can also be sent even when the original is not a sheet original, such as a book, No. 1, or newspaper. be. Furthermore, since there is no need for complicated operations such as wrapping the document around a cylinder as in conventional portable facsimile devices, the original feature of facsimile, which is rapid information transmission, can be fully utilized.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and for example, as the means for engaging the fixing cover 36 and the image reading section 1 and the transmitting section 2, a fixing method as shown in FIG. 11(a) may be used. A point-like projection 36b may be provided on the inner wall surface of the cover 36, and linear projections 37bji- may be provided on the outer wall surface of the image reading section 1 and the transmitting section 2, as shown in FIG. 11(b). Note that it is also possible to combine the point-like protrusions 36b in FIG. 11(a) with the protrusions 37a shown in FIG. 9. Further, as shown in FIG. 12(a), dotted protrusions or depressions 36c are provided on the inner wall surface of the fixing cover 36, and as shown in FIG. Recesses or dotted protrusions 37c may be provided on the wall surface. Further, instead of using such protrusions, protrusions, or depressions to engage the fixing cover 36 with the image reading section 1 and the transmitting section 2, a fixing tool made of metal or plastic may be used. Of course.

On the other hand, in the above embodiment, an acoustic coupler is used as an example of coupling means between the transmitter and the transmission system, but for example, the acoustic coupler may be built into a telephone. All you need to do is prepare a cable that electrically connects the two. Furthermore, if the telephone has the function of transmitting data input as an electrical signal to a telephone line as an electrical signal without going through the process of converting it into an acoustic signal, the above-mentioned coupling means may be a mere cable or It is sufficient if it includes connectors associated therewith. Furthermore, this coupling means only needs to be removable at least at the end of the transmission system, such as an acoustic coupler when the transmission system has a telephone at the end; It does not matter if it is configured as follows. In addition, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mode of a facsimile machine according to an embodiment of the present invention when transmitting a sheet document, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mode when transmitting a book, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the same embodiment. Picture 19g in! FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken from below of the reading section, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the transmitting section in the same embodiment, and FIG.
A sectional view taken along the line A-A in a state in which the image reading section and the transmitting section are superimposed, FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the same < B-8 arrow, and FIG. , FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram of the transmitting section in the same embodiment, and FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are perspective views and cross-sectional views showing how the image reading section and the transmitting section are integrally fixed by a fixing cover. 10 are diagrams showing the structure of the fixing cover, FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) are perspective views showing other examples of the fixing cover and the engagement means in the image reading section and the transmitting section. Figures (a) and (b) are perspective views showing still another example of the fixing cover and the engaging means in the image reading section and the transmitting section. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Image reading section, 2... Transmitting section, 3... Acoustic coupler (coupling means), 4... Operating section, 5... Display section, 6... Image reading section and transmitting section 8...Battery pack, 9...Charger, 10...Cable for connection between transmitter and receiver, 11...First case, 12...Image sensor , 13... Rod lens (equal magnification imaging system), 14... Fluorescent lamp (illumination means),
17a. 17b...Paper feed roller, 21...Second case,
23a, 23b...paper feed roller, 24...morph, 35...modem circuit (modulation means), 36...fixing cover. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue 29c Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 18c 11 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 (a) Figure 9 (b)

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) It has a first case, an image reading unit that optically reads an image on the document surface and outputs an image signal, and a second case that is configured separately from the first case. a transmitting unit that receives an image signal output from the image reading unit, processes the image signal, converts it into a modulated signal suitable for transmission, and outputs the modulated signal; and the first case and the second case. A facsimile device comprising a fixing cover for covering both cases when they are arranged side by side on the same plane and for fixing them integrally. (2) The first case and the second case are machined in a state where they are stacked on top of each other with the first case on top so that the side of the image reading unit facing the document surface is on the bottom side. The image reading unit and the transmitting unit are configured to be able to be coupled together in this state, and the image reading unit and the transmitting unit each have a part of a mechanism that transports a sheet-like original while sandwiching the document between them in this state. A facsimile machine according to scope 1.