JP2002354201A - Image scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image scanner which stably and functionally carries a document to be read by a read part and to which the read part for both side documents is attached by a simple means to read both side documents. SOLUTION: A scanner 100 is constituted of a first read unit 1 which reads a picture on the first side of a document S placed on a platen glass 3 for sheet documents, a second detachable read unit 19 which is placed on the opposite side of the first read unit with the platen glass 3 between them and reads the second side of the document, and a guide part 28 which carries the document S from a document feed tray 300 to the first and second read units. In this scanner 100, a carrying face 16b is provided in the outside wall of the second read unit 19, and the carrying face 16b forms a part of the guide part 28.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus used in a copying machine, a facsimile, a scanner or the like in cooperation with an automatic document feeder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of image reading apparatus, scanner, or the like has been used as a means for reading image information on each side in a process of separating and transporting documents stacked on a document feed tray one by one. ADF (Auto Document Feeder)
Has been known for a long time.

ADFs are classified into the following depending on the presence or absence of document reversing means, the presence or absence of reading means, and the like. (1) Single-sided document ADF Documents stacked on the document feed tray are separated one by one,
The sheet is conveyed onto a platen, and after reading an image, it is discharged. (2) Double-sided original ADF with reversing means After reading the first side, the original is inverted, the inverted original is transported on the platen again, and the back side is read, thereby reading the second side. (3) Double-sided document ADF with reading means A reading means for reading the second side is arranged along the conveyance path of the document in the ADF device, and is combined with the reading means below the platen.
Scan both sides simultaneously while transporting the original.

[0004] Among the above three ADFs, the one-sided original ADF of (1) is the cheapest, but has the drawback that the two-sided original cannot be read automatically and the productivity is poor.

In the two-sided original ADF with reversing means (2), the original on the original feed tray is separated into one sheet, transported to a predetermined reading position, and the first side is read.
Further, since the double-sided reading is performed by reversing the original, transporting the document to a predetermined reading position, reading the second side, and discharging the sheet, there is a problem that the productivity of reading cannot be increased. Another problem is that the transport route is complicated, and the probability of damage to the original during transport is high.

[0006] Next, the double-sided original ADF with reading means (3)
Is expensive, because both optical systems are used to read both sides simultaneously in the process of transporting the original,
The productivity is much better than other ADFs.

[0007] Comparing the three ADFs, the double-sided ADF with reading means (3) is the most excellent from the viewpoint of productivity, and it is considered that this type of ADF will rapidly develop in the future.

As an example of a double-sided document reading ADF, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-127350, a first reading unit for reading the front side and a second reading unit for reading the back side are disclosed.
Are generally disposed above and below a conveyance path through which a document is conveyed, and read from an opening in a guide section. However, this type of ADF with reading means
Many of them are configured to read only double-sided originals from the beginning, so that the cost is high.

Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-193680 proposes a solution to these problems. The double-sided document reading apparatus disclosed in the above publication is configured so that both sides of a document can be read simultaneously by attaching a backside reading device instead of the apparatus cover of the single-sided document reading ADF. As a result, both sides of a document can be read while using a conventional one-sided document reading device.

[0010]

However, in the case of the above prior art, the following problems have occurred. In the double-sided reading apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 7-193680, the double-sided original reading ADF is a single-sided original reading ADF.
This is a completely separate unit, and the parts and units cannot be shared sufficiently.

In addition, large parts such as exterior covers generally require high precision and are not very suitable for holding optical parts. The case for storing the optical components is preferably black to prevent light reflection.If the case is made of a white exterior color commonly used in office machines, it is necessary to paint the inside with black, which is a cost. It will be up. Therefore, it is desirable to separate the case that houses the optical components and the outer cover, but if they are separated,
The case must be disposed between the outer cover and the guide portion, which is not preferable in terms of both cost and simplicity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object to provide an image reading apparatus having high stability and high functionality in transporting a document read by a reading unit. . It is another object of the present invention to easily provide an image reading apparatus capable of reading a double-sided original by mounting a reading unit for reading a double-sided original by simple means.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention uses an
An image reading apparatus comprising: a document feeder for feeding a sheet at a time; a reading unit for reading a document sent by the document feeder; and a guide unit for conveying a document from the document feeder to the reading unit. , A paper passing surface is provided on an outer wall of the reading unit, and the paper passing surface forms a part of the guide unit.

According to this structure, the reading section is provided, and a part of the reading section also functions as a guide, and it is possible to stably guide the conveyance of the document sent from the document feeding section. Functionality is improved.

The reading section includes a light source for illuminating a document, a reading element for reading light from the document, an imaging lens for forming light from the document on the reading element, the light source, and a reading device. It is desirable to comprise an element and a case for holding the imaging lens. Specifically, the paper passing surface is provided on an outer wall of the case, and plays a part of a guide portion.

It is preferable that the reading unit forms at least one transport rib on the paper passing surface. With the provision of the reading unit, the conveyance of the document discharged from the document feeding unit can be stably guided by the conveyance rib of the reading unit.

It is preferable that the reading section includes a conveying means for conveying a document to the sheet passing surface. By providing the reading unit, a stable conveying force can be obtained by the conveying unit of the reading unit.

It is preferable that the reading section includes a separating means for separating an original on the paper passing surface. By providing the reading unit, even if a plurality of originals are simultaneously sent from the original feeding unit by the separation unit of the reading unit, the originals can be separated and conveyed one by one.

A first reading unit for reading an image on the first side of the original placed on the original reading plate; a document feeding unit for sending out the placed originals one by one; A second reading unit for reading the second surface of the document, and a document from the document feeding unit to the first and second reading units. An image reading apparatus for reading a two-sided document almost simultaneously comprising a guide unit for conveying the paper, a paper passing surface provided on an outer wall of the second reading unit,
The paper passing surface forms a part of the guide portion.

A two-sided original ADF provided with the second reading unit
And providing a paper passing surface on the outer wall of the second reading unit,
By making the paper passing surface a part of the guide section, it is possible to stably guide the conveyance of the document sent from the document feeding section, and the function of document conveyance is improved.

The second reading section includes a light source for illuminating the document, a reading element for reading light from the document, an imaging lens for forming light from the document on the reading element, and the light source. , A reading element, and a case for holding the imaging lens. Specifically, the paper passing surface is provided on an outer wall of the case, and plays a part of a guide portion.

It is preferable that the second reading section forms at least one transport rib on the paper passing surface. The second
With this configuration, the conveyance of the document discharged from the document feeder can be stably guided by the conveyance rib of the second reading unit.

It is preferable that the second reading section includes a conveying means for conveying a document to the sheet passing surface. By providing the second reading unit, a stable conveying force can be obtained by the conveying unit of the second reading unit.

It is preferable that the second reading section has a separating means for separating an original on the paper passing surface. By providing the second reading unit, even if a plurality of documents are simultaneously sent from the document feeding unit by the separation unit of the second reading unit, the documents can be separated and conveyed one by one.

It is desirable that the members constituting the first and second reading units can be shared. By using a common member, the number of components in the entire apparatus can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

The second reading section includes the first reading section,
It is desirable to be configured to be detachable from the document feeder and the guide. By attaching the second reading unit to the single-sided document ADF later, the double-sided document ADF can be easily formed. This is also useful for making the duplex document ADF optional.

The second reading section can be detached, and a guide unit serving as a part of the guide section can be mounted instead, and the second reading section and the guide unit can be exchanged. It is desirable to have been. Thus, by mounting the guide unit, the configuration can be easily changed from the double-sided original ADF to the single-sided original ADF as needed.

[0028] It is preferable that an exterior provided for the second reading unit is provided separately from the case of the second reading unit. As a result, the case and the exterior can be configured by different members, and the material, the color, and the like optimal for the functions of the case and the exterior can be selected without being restricted by the material, the color, and the like of the case.

The exterior is provided with a fulcrum serving as a center of rotation at one end of the exterior and a handle serving as an emphasis point when being rotated at the other end, so that the second reading section can be rotated. It is desirable. By making the exterior rotatable, the second
The reading unit can be opened to adjust the inside of the apparatus, which is useful for handling a jam such as a paper jam.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, and shapes of the components described in this embodiment,
Unless otherwise specified, the relative arrangement etc.
It is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention only to them. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals are given to members described in the drawings used in the above description of the related art and members similar to the members described in the drawings described above.

Hereinafter, a scanner (image reading apparatus) 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the entire configuration of a double-sided document ADF according to the embodiment of the present invention. AD in this embodiment
F denotes a scanner 100, a document reading / conveying unit 200 mounted on the scanner 100, and a book document pressed down on a platen glass, and a document S
Document feed tray for placing documents S for feeding
(Document feeding unit) 300 and a document discharge tray 400 for supporting the read document S.

Next, the scanner 100 and the document reading and conveying section 200 will be described in more detail. The scanner 100 is
A first reading unit (first reading unit) 1 is provided inside the housing 30, and a platen glass 2 for a book original is provided on an upper surface of the housing 30.
And a sheet document platen glass (document reading plate) 3. The first reading unit 1 provided in the main body of the scanner 100 is fixed at the position shown in FIG.

When reading a book document or a document in which the ADF cannot be used, the document feed tray 300 is rotated around a hinge (not shown) to open the book document platen glass 2 and then the book document platen glass 2 is opened. A document is placed, and reading is performed by reciprocating the first reading unit 1 between the broken line positions shown in FIG. 1 by a driving unit (not shown) according to the size of the document.

The first reading unit 1 includes a lamp (light source) 4 and
It comprises a plurality of folded mirrors 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, a lens (imaging lens) 10, and a photoelectric conversion means (reading element) 11 such as a CCD. The document reading / conveying section 200 includes a pickup roller 12 for taking out the documents S on the document feed tray 300 one by one, a separating section 13 for preventing double feeding of the taken out documents, and a platen glass 3 for a sheet document. Roller pair 14 for guiding the sheet to the original and a transport roller for transferring the sheet original platen 3 to the original discharge tray 400
Pair 15, guide plates 17, 18 for guiding the original,
And a second reading unit (second reading unit) 19.

Similarly to the first reading unit 1, the second reading unit 19 includes a lamp 20 and a plurality of folded mirrors-2.
1, 22, 23, 24, 25, a lens 26, and a photoelectric conversion means 27 such as a CCD. These are housed in a case 16. Although the description is omitted here, the image data read by the photoelectric conversion means 27 is subjected to a series of reading operation control and image processing by a control board or the like (not shown).

A series of reading operations in the scanner 100 will be described. When the document S is stacked on the document feed tray 300, the pickup roller 12 is moved to the document feed tray 30.
Then, the lowermost document S on the document 0 is taken out and transported. Here, even if several originals S are sent out at the same time, the originals are separated and transported by the separating unit 13 including the separating pad (separating means) 13a and the separating roller 13b. The separated document S is transported at a predetermined speed along a first guide plate 17 and a transport surface (paper passing surface) 16b formed on the surface of the case 16. Then, the sheet is conveyed by the next conveying roller 14 toward the platen glass 3 for sheet document.

As the document S passes through the reading position of the first reading unit 1 at a predetermined speed, the first surface (the lower surface in the figure)
The reading of the image information is started. Next, as the document S passes through the reading position of the second reading unit 19, reading of image information of the second surface (upper surface in the drawing) is started. The document S that has been read is conveyed by the conveyance roller 15 to the document discharge tray 400.

When the first sheet has been conveyed, the originals S stacked on the original feed tray 300 are sequentially conveyed, and after the last original S is discharged, the operation is stopped. Driving such as paper feeding is performed by a motor (not shown).
Thus, the first reading unit 1 of the scanner 100
And the second reading unit 19 provided in the document reading / conveying section 200, the front and back of the double-sided document S can be read during a single conveying process.

Next, the main part of the scanner 100 of the present invention will be described in detail. First reading unit 1 for reading an image on the first surface of document S placed on sheet document platen glass 3
And a pickup roller 12 that sends out the placed originals S one by one, and is located on the opposite side of the first reading unit 1 with the sheet original platen glass 3 interposed therebetween, and reads the second surface of the original S. A second reading unit 19 for reading a double-sided document substantially simultaneously including a guide portion 28 for transporting the document S from the document feed tray 300 to the first and second reading units. The transfer surface 16b is provided on an outer wall of the guide portion 28, and the transfer surface 16b forms a part of the guide portion 28.

The second reading unit 19 includes a lamp 20 for illuminating the document S, a photoelectric conversion unit 27 for reading light from the document S, and a light conversion unit 27 for forming light from the document S on the photoelectric conversion unit 27. It comprises a lens 26, a lamp 20, photoelectric conversion means 27, and a case 16 for holding the lens 26. Specifically, a transfer surface 16 b is provided on the outer wall of the case 16 and plays a part of the guide portion 28.

Here, the scanner 100 has a component structure in the unit that can share the members of the first and second reading units. By using a common member, the number of components in the entire apparatus can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

The transport surface 16b of the case 16 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. A separation pad 13a which is one of the separation units 13 and a transfer roller pair 1
An idler roller (transporting means) 14a, one of the four, is held by a spring or the like. Separation unit 13 and transport roller pair 14
Thus, even if a plurality of originals S are simultaneously sent from the original feeding tray 300, the originals S can be separated and conveyed one by one.

Further, in order to reduce the transport resistance during paper passing, a plurality of ribs (transport ribs) 16a are formed integrally with the case 16 on the transport surface 16b. The conveyance of the document S discharged from the document feed tray 300 can be stably guided by the rib 16a.

The second reading unit 19 is configured to be detachable from the first reading unit 1, the document feed tray 300, and the guide unit 28. This is a method of attaching and detaching the second reading unit 19. However, since the transport surface 16b is integrated with the case 16, no extra operation is required.
The reading unit 19 can be removed. One-sided original A
By attaching the second reading unit 19 to the DF later, it is possible to easily make the double-sided document ADF. This is also useful for making the duplex document ADF optional.

FIG. 4 is a diagram in which the double-sided document ADF according to the embodiment of the present invention is changed to a single-sided document ADF. The second reading unit 19 is removed, and the guide unit 28 is used instead.
The guide unit 34, which performs a part of the above, can be mounted, and the second reading unit 19 and the guide unit 34 can be exchanged. In this way, by attaching the guide unit 34, it is possible to change from a double-sided original ADF to a single-sided original ADF by a simple operation as needed.

An exterior 29 to be mounted on the second reading unit 19 was provided separately from the case 16 of the second reading unit 19. As a result, the case 16 and the exterior 29 can be made of different members, and the material, the color, and the like optimal for the functions of the case 16 and the exterior 29 can be selected without being restricted by the material, the color, and the like of the case 16. Since the case 16 must hold the optical component with high precision, it is desirable that the case 16 be made of a resin having good moldability such as polycarbonate.
As described above, there is no restriction on the material, color and the like of the case 16, so that the polycarbonate or the like is transported on the transport surface 16b.
And it may be molded in black.

An example of mounting the second reading unit 19 will be described with reference to FIG. The document reading / conveying unit 200 is configured to be rotatable counterclockwise in the figure around the fulcrum 33 by operating the handle 32 for paper jam processing. By this operation, the original reading and conveying unit 200 moves the first guide plate 17
And the transfer surface 16b, the processing such as paper jam can be easily performed.

That is, the exterior 29 has a fulcrum serving as a center of rotation at one end of the exterior 29 and a handle serving as an emphasis point for rotating the other end, and is configured to be able to rotate the second reading unit 19. . By making the outer case 29 rotatable, the second reading unit 19 can be opened and the inside of the apparatus can be adjusted, so that it is useful for clearing jams such as paper jams.

A double-sided original A having the second reading unit 19 is provided.
In addition to the DF, the conveyance surface 16b is provided on the outer wall of the second reading unit 19, and the conveyance surface 16b is made a part of the guide portion 28, so that the conveyance of the document S sent from the document feed tray 300 is stabilized. And the document feeding functionality is improved.

[0050]

As described above, the present invention relates to an image reading apparatus provided with a document feeding section, a reading section, and a guide section.
Since a paper passing surface is provided on the outer wall of the reading unit and the paper passing surface forms a part of the guide unit, a part of the reading unit also functions as a guide, and the document sent from the document feeding unit is provided. Can be guided stably, and an image reading apparatus having high stability and functionality in document conveyance can be provided.

The second reading unit for reading double-sided originals can be detachably attached to the first reading unit for single-sided reading, the original feeding unit, and the guide unit, and the second reading unit is retrofitted. Therefore, the image reading apparatus capable of reading a double-sided document can be easily provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second reading unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of jamming a double-sided document ADF and attaching / detaching a second reading unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration in which the double-sided document ADF according to the embodiment of the present invention is changed to a single-sided document ADF.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 first reading unit 2 platen glass for book document 3 platen glass for sheet document 4 lamp 5 folding mirror 6 folding mirror 7 folding mirror 8 folding mirror 9 folding mirror 10 lens 11 photoelectric conversion means 12 pickup roller 13 separation unit 13a separation pad 13b Separation roller 14 Transport roller (pair) 14a Idler roller 15 Transport roller (pair) 16 Case 16a Rib 16b Transport surface 17 First guide plate 18 Second guide plate 19 Second reading unit 20 Lamp 21 Folding mirror 22 Folding mirror 23 Folding mirror Reference Signs List 24 folding mirror 25 folding mirror 26 lens 27 photoelectric conversion means 28 guide portion 29 exterior 30 housing 32 handle 33 fulcrum 34 guide unit 100 scanner 200 transport unit 300 document feed Ray 400 transport unit S original document discharge tray 500 document reading

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06T 1/00 420 H04N 1/00 108Q 5C062 H04N 1/00 108 1/12 Z 5C072 F term (Reference) 2H076 AA02 AA07 AA46 AA58 BA15 BA24 BA47 BA58 3F049 AA10 CA01 DA12 LA02 LA05 LB02 3F101 FA05 FB02 FD02 FE02 FE08 LA02 LA05 LB02 3F343 FA03 FB02 FB04 FC05 FC10 GA02 GB02 GC01 GD01 HA06 JD04 JD08 JD09 KB08 KBD LAB BA07 BB02 BC05 BC09 BC11 BC18 BC20 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB02 AB32 AD02 AD05 AD06 5C072 AA01 BA13 CA02 DA02 DA04 EA05 NA01 XA01

Claims (15)

[Claims] A document feeder for sending the placed documents one by one; a reading unit for reading the document sent by the document feeder; and a document from the document feeder to the reading unit. An image reading apparatus comprising a guide unit for conveying a sheet, wherein a sheet passing surface is provided on an outer wall of the reading unit, and the sheet passing surface forms a part of the guide unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit includes a light source for illuminating the document, a reading element for reading light from the document, an imaging lens for forming light from the document on the reading element, and the light source. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a reading element; and a case for holding the imaging lens. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one transport rib is formed on the sheet passing surface. 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transport unit configured to transport a document to the sheet passing surface. 5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a separating unit for separating a document on the sheet passing surface. 6. A first reading unit for reading an image on a first side of a document placed on a document reading plate, a document feeding unit for sending out the placed documents one by one, A second reading unit which is located on the opposite side of the document reading plate with respect to the reading unit for reading, and reads the second surface of the document; and the first and second reading from the document feeding unit. An image reading apparatus for reading a double-sided document substantially simultaneously comprising a guide section for transporting a document to a section, wherein a sheet passing surface is provided on an outer wall of the second reading section, and the sheet passing surface forms a part of the guide section Image reading device. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second reading unit includes: a light source for illuminating the document; a reading element for reading light from the document; an imaging lens for forming light from the document on the reading element;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a case for holding the light source, the reading element, and the imaging lens. 8. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least one transport rib is formed on the sheet passing surface. 9. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a transport unit configured to transport a document to the sheet passing surface. 10. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a separating unit for separating a document on the sheet passing surface. 11. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein members constituting said first and second reading units can be shared.
An image reading device according to any one of the above. 12. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second reading unit is configured to be detachable from the first reading unit, the document feeding unit, and the guide unit. The image reading device according to claim 1. 13. The second reading unit can be detached, and a guide unit serving as a part of the guide unit can be mounted instead, and the second reading unit and the guide unit can be exchanged. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image reading apparatus is configured to: 14. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an exterior mounted on the second reading unit. 15. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein one end of the outer package is provided with a fulcrum serving as a center of rotation, and the other end is provided with a handle serving as a point of emphasis when the second reading unit is rotated. The image reading device according to claim 14, wherein