JP2007295625A - Scanner apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a scanner apparatus configured not to cause a sense of incongruity whose target is a personal office user using the scanner apparatus on a desktop of each person in an office, to reduce a voluminous occupancy rate when not in use so as to avoid a sense of being oppressed and to prevent dust from being intruded from a paper document insertion part of the scanner apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: An original exit side is provided with an original exiting platen which can be folded onto an upper cover when the original exiting platen is folded. The original platen is positioned such that an end of the original platen is in contact with an end of a fixed cover, and the end of the original platen is supported at both sides of the end by turning fulcrums provided on the fixed cover to configure the original platen foldable onto the upper cover. The original exiting platen and the original platen are configured to overlap each other when the original exiting platen and the original platen are folded onto the upper cover. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a scanner device that is configured so that a document table can be folded and functions as an exterior cover when folded.

  In recent years, in data processing using a personal computer, processing for handling images and graphics tends to increase significantly, and at the same time, scanner devices for image input are rapidly spreading. Such a scanner device is composed of a personal computer system, a display, a keyboard, a printer, and the like as a personal computer system, and requires a considerable installation space. For general users, a new scanner device is introduced. However, it is not uncommon for them to struggle with their location. Although the price of the scanner device has fallen considerably compared to the prior art, it is still a heavy burden.

  15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating a conventional scanner device. (A) is a figure in the use state which combined the original stand, (B) is a figure shown in the state which removed the original stand. As shown in the drawing, the document table of the conventional scanner has a dedicated document table structure and a release structure. For this reason, when not in use, there are problems such as dust mixing from the document insertion opening into the apparatus, difficult design with a sense of unity, increased apparatus height, and increased apparatus cost due to the dedicated document table structure.

  From this point of view, Patent Document 1 discloses a scanner function in which a sensor is mounted on a carriage of a printer device, and a paper conveyance mechanism of the printer device is used to feed an image original to save space and cost. An attached printer device is disclosed. However, although such a composite device can reduce the space as a whole, it is necessarily a large-capacity device as a whole because it is a composite device.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a dustproof structure for a printer. 16A and 16B are perspective views showing the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2. FIG. The illustrated dustproof structure of the printer includes a top cover mounted on the front portion of the base cover and a middle cover mounted on the rear portion. The printer has a paper feed port between the top cover and the middle cover. A lower guide plate that holds and guides the cut sheet inserted into the paper slot, and an upper guide plate attached to the upper portion of the lower guide plate by a fulcrum. The height of the top cover and the middle cover is almost the same, the height of the upper part of the lower guide plate is almost the same as the height of the middle cover, and the lower guide plate is inserted diagonally from the rear edge of the middle cover into the paper feed slot Is done. Depending on the fulcrum, the upper guide plate can be brought down on the top surface of the top cover to close the paper feed port. FIG. 16A shows a case where the upper guide plate is opened and the printer is used, and FIG. 16B shows a state where the upper guide plate is closed and used as a dust cover. Thus, by folding the guide plate, there is an advantage that it becomes smaller in volume in addition to being a dustproof lid.

  On the other hand, in recent years, there is a demand for a scanner device for a personal office user who can digitize a paper document on each individual desk in the office. In addition to being provided at a low price, such a scanner device is required not only to occupy a large occupied area on a desk but also to have no sense of incongruity. By applying the technique described in Patent Document 2 to the scanner device, it is possible to achieve a dustproof function and reduce the volume.

  However, it cannot be said that the technique described in Patent Document 2 is sufficiently satisfactory as a scanner device intended for personal office users used on each individual desk in the office. It can't be said that there is no sense of incongruity on the desk. Also, the dustproof function is insufficient.

In terms of design, it is desirable that the scanner device can be characterized not only at the time of sale in the store but also at the time of use on the desk by distinguishing from the printer device.
Japanese Patent No. 3289767 JP 2000-355145 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to solve such problems and to make the scanner device intended for a personal office user used on each individual desk in the office without a sense of incongruity.

  Another object of the present invention is to reduce the volume occupancy when not in use so as not only to avoid a feeling of pressure but also to prevent dust from entering from the paper document insertion portion. .

  Furthermore, the present invention aims at characterizing as a scanner device not only at the time of sale in a store but also when used on a desk by distinguishing it from a printer device in terms of design. Yes.

  A scanner device according to the present invention includes a fixed cover, an upper cover mounted on the fixed cover so as to form a document insertion opening, and a document table, and the document placed on the document table Is inserted from the document insertion slot and read, and then discharged from the document ejection slot. A document discharge table is provided on the document discharge port side, and is configured to be foldable on the upper cover when the document discharge table is folded. The document table is arranged so that the end portion is in contact with the fixed cover, and the end portions of the document table are supported from both sides by a rotation fulcrum provided on the fixed cover, It is configured to be foldable on the upper cover. When the document discharge table and the document table are folded on the upper cover, the document discharge table and the document table overlap each other. Further, a concave portion for accommodating the folded document table is provided on the upper surface of the upper cover, and operation buttons including a scan button and a paper jam release button are provided in the concave portion.

  According to the present invention, a scanner device intended for a personal office user used on each individual desk in an office can be configured without a sense of incongruity.

  In addition, the present invention can be configured not only to reduce the volume occupancy when not in use and avoid a feeling of pressure, but also to prevent dust from entering from the paper document insertion portion.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be characterized as a scanner device not only at the time of sale in a store but also when used on a desk by distinguishing it from a printer device in terms of design.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on examples. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a scanner device premised on the present invention in a state where an exterior cover is opened, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the same scanner device as FIG. 1 in a state where the exterior cover is closed. is there.

  In the illustrated scanner device, an upper cover is mounted on the fixed cover so as to form a document insertion slot. The upper cover is normally disposed on the fixed cover and closed, but can be opened when a paper jam occurs. On the upper surface of the upper cover, a recess having a shape corresponding to the outer cover is provided to accommodate the outer cover. The upper surface of the fixed cover has a smooth curved surface shape from the paper discharge side to the paper insertion side, and the concave portion thereof has a generally curved surface shape as a whole.

  When the scanner is used, the exterior cover is opened to form a document table. A document to be scanned is placed on a document table, and is fed as usual, and is read.

  When the apparatus is not used, as shown in FIG. 2, the exterior cover constituting the document table is closed to prevent dust and foreign matter from entering the apparatus. This exterior cover is also configured to have a smooth curved shape, and when it is closed, it enters into the recess of the upper cover, and its upper surface forms a curved shape that is continuous with the upper surface of the upper cover.

  In this way, folding the document table when not in use enables a unity design, reduces the installation space by reducing the size of the apparatus, and reduces the cost by reducing the number of components.

  In the configuration shown in the figure, a power button, a scan button, a paper jam release button, and the like are provided in the recess of the upper cover. In this way, the operation buttons are not required outside the apparatus, and a design that cannot be seen when not in use is possible.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of the scanner device constructed according to the present invention, and is a side view showing the document ejecting table opened together with the document table. FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the same scanner device as in FIG.

  In this example, in addition to the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a document discharge table is attached to the document discharge port side. Similar to the above-described example, when the document is not used, the document table is closed, and dust and foreign matter can be prevented from entering the apparatus. When not in use, the document discharge table is further closed so as to cover the document table, and this document discharge table constitutes an exterior cover. This document discharge table is also configured to have the same smooth curved shape as the document table, and when it is closed, the document discharge table is configured to overlap the upper surface of the document table with no gap.

  When the scanner is used, the document discharge base constituting the exterior cover is opened, and then the document table is opened. A document to be scanned is placed on a document table, fed in a normal manner, read, and then discharged onto a document discharge table.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a power on / off operation is performed in accordance with opening and closing of the document table. Protrusions are provided at appropriate positions on the document table, for example, the position A or B indicated by dotted circles in FIG. 5, and a switch is provided at a position corresponding to when the document table is closed. The position A of the illustrated example is a tip side far from the support side of the document table, and the position B is a position close to the support side of the document table. By providing the switch operating projection provided on the document table side and the switch operated by the projection in the upper cover recess, the power supply is turned on and off as the document table is opened and closed. can do.

  The projection for operating the switch can be provided on the document discharge table instead of the document table. In this way, by configuring the power supply to be turned on / off in accordance with the opening / closing of the document table or the document discharge table, it is possible to save labor when not in use.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the paper jam release button is moved to the operable position only when the document table is released. The paper jam release button can be provided in the upper cover recess as shown in FIG. The paper jam release button can be operated only when the document table is opened. 6A assumes a state in which the document table is folded and closed in the upper cover recess, and FIG. 6B assumes an open state. By making the document table fulcrum portion into a cam shape, the jam release button can be moved to the operable position only when the document table is completely opened.

  7 to 9 are diagrams for explaining the support structure of the document table. FIG. 7 is a top view of the entire scanner device as viewed from above, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support portion of the document table viewed obliquely from the rear, and FIG. 9 is a diagram of the device with the document table opened. It is sectional drawing of the original stand support part cut | disconnected by the center part on either side. The document table end has a convex curved curve, while the corresponding fixed cover end has a concave shape so that the convex end of the document table can be stored when the document table is opened. In this manner, the document table and the fixed cover are arranged so that the end portions are in contact with each other, and the end portions of the document table are supported from both sides by the rotation fulcrum portions provided on the fixed cover. The rotation fulcrum portion is configured by providing a protrusion on the fixed cover and correspondingly providing a hole in the document table.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the document table is provided with a travel guide (see FIG. 1) so that the paper travel is smoothly guided with the document table open. Yes. The x mark in the figure indicates the rotation fulcrum. In addition, a stopper is integrally provided at the tip of the document table at a position away from the fulcrum, and when the document table is released, the document table is held directly by the end of the fixed cover so as to maintain strength. ing.

  FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example for explaining the support structure of the document table. (A) is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the overall configuration, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the support configuration of the document table. As shown in the drawing, by forming the handle on the side of the document table outer cover, it becomes possible to improve the transportation of the apparatus when not in use. At the same time, this handle functions as a stopper. When the document table is released, the handle becomes a strength holding member, and the supporting strength of the document table can be maintained.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the document table is driven by a motor. By operating the button or the document table, the motor can be operated, and the gear structure formed on the rotation fulcrum portion can be opened and closed without directly touching the document table. This improves the user operability. In addition, when the paper pick is missed, it is possible to change the original table angle by the motor, whereby the paper can be aligned again, and the pick miss is reduced.

  The button to be operated is a power switch, which can be opened and closed without touching the document table directly in conjunction with the power on / off of the apparatus. As a result, the scanner power can be turned on / off and the document table and document discharge table can be opened / closed, thereby improving operability and saving labor.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a configuration in which the document table is driven using a paper transport motor. FIG. 12A shows the operation during forward rotation of the motor, and FIG. 12B shows the operation during reverse rotation of the motor. When the motor rotates in the forward direction, a motor driving force is transmitted to the paper feeding gear via the planetary gear. When the paper transport motor is rotated in the reverse direction, the driving force is transmitted to the document table gear via the planetary gear. This eliminates the need for an operation when closing the document table without using a dedicated motor for opening and closing the document table.

  Moreover, it can replace with such a planetary gear structure, and can perform the same operation | movement also with the one-way clutch structure as illustrated in FIG. The driving force can be transmitted to the paper feeding gear or the document table gear according to the rotation direction of the motor.

  In this way, when the apparatus is not used for a certain period of time, the document table can be closed by the drive source, and the power can be turned off. This prevents dust contamination and saves energy. Further, the apparatus can be turned on / off in conjunction with the power on / off of the PC, and can be opened and closed without directly touching the document table by the motor and gear of the rotation fulcrum.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a document table latch configuration. A spring is arranged at a fulcrum portion of the document table fixed by a latch or the like, and the latch is released by pushing the document table, and the document table is opened by the spring. This eliminates the need to directly operate the document table.

It is a perspective view which shows the scanner apparatus which this invention presupposes in the state which opened the exterior cover. It is a perspective view which shows the same scanner apparatus as FIG. 1 in the state which closed the exterior cover. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the scanner apparatus comprised based on this invention, and is a side view shown in the state which opened the original discharge stand with the original stand. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the same scanner device as in FIG. 3 with the document table and the document discharge table closed. It is a figure explaining the structure which performs a power on / off operation | movement with opening and closing of a platen. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a paper jam release button is moved to an operable position only when a document table is released. It is a figure explaining the support structure of a document stand, and is the top view which looked at the whole scanner apparatus from the top. It is the perspective view which looked at the support part of the original stand from diagonally behind. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a document table support section cut at a central portion on the left and right sides of the apparatus with the document table opened. It is a figure which shows another example explaining the support structure of a document stand. It is a figure explaining the structure which drives a platen with a motor. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a configuration in which document table driving is performed by using a paper conveyance motor, in which FIG. 1A illustrates an operation during forward rotation of the motor, and FIG. Yes. It is a figure explaining making the operation | movement similar to FIG. 12 perform by a one-way clutch structure. It is a figure explaining a document stand latch structure. It is a figure which illustrates the conventional scanner apparatus, (A) is a figure in the use state which combined the original stand together, (B) is a figure which shows the state which removed the original stand. It is a perspective view which shows the structure disclosed by patent document 2. FIG.

Claims (10)

The document has a fixed cover, an upper cover mounted on the fixed cover so as to form a document insertion slot, and a document table. A document placed on the document table is inserted from the document insertion slot. A scanner device that is discharged from a document discharge port after being read,
A document discharge table is provided on the document discharge port side, and when the document discharge table is folded, the document discharge table is foldable on the upper cover.
The document table is arranged so that the end portion is in contact with the fixed cover, and the end portions of the document table are supported from both sides by a rotation fulcrum provided on the fixed cover, It is configured to be foldable on the top cover,
The document discharge table and the document table are configured to overlap with each other when the document discharge table and the document table are folded on the upper cover.
A scanner device consisting of The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein a stopper for holding the document table during use is provided at an end of the document table at a position away from the rotation fulcrum. The scanner device according to claim 2, wherein a handle is formed on the exterior side of the document table and the handle functions as the stopper. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion for accommodating the folded document table is provided on an upper surface of the upper cover, and an operation button including a scan button and a paper jam release button is provided in the concave portion. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein a power on / off operation is performed in accordance with opening and closing of the document table. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein the document table is opened and closed by operating an operation button or a document table via a gear and a motor formed on the rotation fulcrum. The scanner device according to claim 6, wherein the operation button is a power switch, and interlocks with the power on / off of the device to open and close the document table. 8. The scanner device according to claim 7, wherein the motor is driven by performing a power on / off operation of the device in conjunction with power on / off of the PC. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein a power on / off operation is performed in accordance with opening and closing of the document discharge table. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein the upper cover disposed on the fixed cover and closed is open when a paper jam occurs.

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