JP2009232013A - Image reading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading apparatus which is easily operated by various users and has a comparatively simple configuration. <P>SOLUTION: The image reading apparatus 1 includes a reading part 6 having an image sensor or the like to read out an image concerned with a document in a body part 2. The image reading apparatus 1 further includes a movable document table 3. The document table 3 has a document setting part for setting a document and is allowed to be moved to/from the body part 2 and the reading part 6. Preferably, the document table 3 may be horizontally slid to/from the reading part 6 and a tiltd angle from the body part 2 may be also changed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus such as an MFP.

  In many image reading apparatuses (MFPs and the like) having a scanner unit, a scanner unit for reading a document is provided on the upper part of the image reading apparatus. Further, such an image reading apparatus is usually arranged on the assumption that the operator operates with the operator standing on the floor. Therefore, the scanner unit is arranged at a height near the waist of the operator in the standing posture.

  Therefore, for a small person or a person on a wheelchair, the scanner unit is present at a relatively high position, and the eye position is close to the document placement surface, or from the document placement surface. Are often on the lower side. Therefore, it is not easy to access the document placement surface, and the operability is not sufficient.

  As a technique for solving such a problem, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1, for example. Patent Document 1 describes that a relatively upper image reading unit moves in a horizontal direction and tilts with respect to a relatively lower image forming unit.

JP 2004-85762 A

  However, in such a technique, the entire image reading unit for reading a document (the entire reading unit including an image reading image sensor or the like) moves, so that the apparatus becomes large. In particular, when an electric moving mechanism for moving the entire reading unit is further provided, the cost becomes very high.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus that can be easily operated by various users and has a relatively simple configuration.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 is an image reading apparatus, comprising a main body part, a reading part provided on the main body part for reading an image relating to the original, and an original placement for placing the original. And a movable document table that is movable with respect to the main body and the reading unit.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the document table is slidable in the horizontal direction.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, the document table is slidable in the horizontal direction and can be changed in inclination angle with respect to the main body. And

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the image reading apparatus further comprises guide means for guiding the document table, and the guide means includes a horizontal portion for guiding the document table in the horizontal direction and the guide unit. And a skew feeding part for guiding the document table in an oblique direction.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the image reading device is provided connected to the original platen and moves with respect to the reading unit together with the original platen. An operation panel that can be used is further provided.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the document table has a first transparent member at a portion where the document is placed, The reading unit includes a second transparent member, and the second transparent member is present at a position facing the first transparent member in a state where the document table is stored on the main body side. It is characterized by.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, a document provided so as to cover the document table when the document table is housed on the main body side. A pressing member; and the document table is provided between the document pressing member and the reading unit, and is movable with respect to both the document pressing member and the reading unit. .

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, the image reading apparatus further includes a handle portion used when the operator performs an operation of pulling out the document table to the near side. It is characterized by that.

  According to the first to eighth aspects of the invention, since the movable document table that is movable with respect to the main body and the reading unit is provided, the image reading apparatus that can be easily operated by various users is relatively simple. It is possible to realize with a simple configuration.

  In particular, according to the third aspect, the manuscript table can be slid in the horizontal direction and the tilt angle with respect to the main body can be changed, so that the operability can be further improved.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 5, since the operation panel moves together with the document table, the access performance to the operation panel is improved.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 7, it is possible to place the document on the image reading apparatus without opening the document table upward.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 8, the operator can easily pull out the document table, and the operability can be further improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. Configuration>
1 to 5 are views showing an image reading apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a top view of the image reading apparatus 1, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the image reading apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a top view virtually illustrating a state in which the document pressing member 5 (described later) is removed. 4 is a diagram showing a II cross section of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a II-II cross section of FIG. In each figure, a common XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is attached for reference.

  The image reading apparatus 1 is configured as a so-called multi function peripheral (also abbreviated as MFP). The image reading apparatus 1 is also referred to as an image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a reading unit 6 and an image forming unit 7. The reading unit 6 and the image forming unit 7 are provided inside the main body unit 2 of the image reading apparatus 1, respectively.

  The image forming unit 7 is configured as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The image forming unit 7 is provided below the reading unit 6.

  The reading unit 6 is an image reading unit that scans a one-dimensional line sensor (image sensor) and reads an image (image data) relating to a document, and is configured as a so-called optical scanner device. The reading unit 6 is provided above the image forming unit 7, in other words, above the image reading apparatus 1. Further, a transparent member 61 (see FIG. 4) is provided at the top of the reading unit 6, and the reading unit 6 is provided in a closed space constituted by the transparent member 61 and other members.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an openable / closable document pressing member 5 is provided at the top of the reading unit 6. The document pressing member 5 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (an axis parallel to the X axis) of a hinge portion (not shown) provided on the rear end side (+ Y side). When placing the document on the document table 3 (shown by a bold line in each figure), the document pressing member 5 is rotated about the rotation axis and the front side thereof is moved upward. Retreat from position. Thus, the operator can easily place the document on the document table 3 while the document pressing member 5 is moved to the upper retracted position (not shown). As will be described later, it is possible to place the document on the document table 3 without sliding the document pressing member 5 by sliding the document table 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a document table 3 is provided below the document pressing member 5. The document table 3 is a movable document table that is movable with respect to the main body 2 and the reading unit 6. More specifically, the document table 3 is slidable in the horizontal direction. The document table 3 is also movable with respect to the document pressing member 5. The moving mechanism of the document table 3 will be described in detail later.

  The document table 3 includes a frame member 31 and a transparent member 32. The transparent member 32 is bonded and fixed to the frame member 31 in the hollow portion at the center of the frame member 31. The transparent member 32 is provided in a portion (original placement portion) where the original is placed. That is, the transparent member 32 functions as a document placement surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a convex portion 33 that is slightly higher than other portions of the frame member 31 is provided on the front side of the frame member 31, and the upper surface of the convex portion 33 is substantially omitted. A semi-cylindrical recess is provided so as to extend in the X direction. The recess functions as a handle when the operator pulls out the document table 3 toward the front, and is also referred to as a handle portion 34.

  An operation panel 4 is connected (fixedly connected) to the document table 3 on the right side of the document table 3 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the operation panel 4 can move with respect to the main body 2 and the reading unit 6 as the document table 3 moves. The operation panel 4 functions as an operation input unit that receives various operation inputs and the like, and also functions as a display unit that displays various information. The operation panel 4 may be configured such that the installation angle of the operation panel 4 can be further changed (that is, tilted with respect to the document table 3). In short, the operation panel 4 may be connected to the document table 3 in a rotatable state.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the document table 3 is arranged above the reading unit 6 in a state ST <b> 1 stored in the main body unit 2 side (hereinafter also referred to as a stored state) ST <b> 1. In the storage state ST <b> 1, the transparent member 32 of the document table 3 exists in a position parallel to the transparent member 61 of the reading unit 6 and facing the transparent member 61. In other words, the transparent member 61 exists at a position facing the transparent member 32 in the storage state ST1. Further, the document pressing member 5 is provided so as to cover the document table 3 (particularly the transparent member 32) in the stored state ST1 of the document table 3 (see also FIGS. 1 and 3). As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 4, the document table 3 exists between the reading unit 6 (more specifically, the transparent member 61) and the document pressing member 5.

  A document D to be read is placed on the transparent member 32 of the document table 3. At the time of reading, the light emitted from the light source provided in the reading unit 6 passes through the transparent members 61 and 32 and reaches the lower surface of the document D. Then, the reflected light (light reflected from the lower surface of the document D) passes through the transparent members 32 and 61 again, and is received by the one-dimensional line sensor (photoelectric conversion element) in the reading unit 6, and is converted into electrons by photoelectric conversion. It is converted into data, and image data of a linear portion corresponding to the one-dimensional line sensor is acquired. Further, by scanning the light source and the one-dimensional line sensor, two-dimensional image data regarding the document D (specifically, the lower surface thereof) is acquired.

  As shown in FIG. 3, guide rails 28 for guiding the document table 3 are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the document table 3. On the far side of the left and right side portions of the frame member 31 of the document table 3, two columnar projecting portions 35 projecting outward (specifically, a front projecting portion 35a and a rear projecting portion 35b) are provided. ing. In other words, the document table 3 is provided with a total of four projecting portions 35.

  As shown in FIG. 6, these projecting portions 35 are guided by the groove portions of the guide rail 28 having a “U” shape in cross section, whereby the slide operation of the document table 3 is realized. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of ball bearings 29 are embedded in a straight line (in the Y direction) on the upper side and the lower side of the groove portion of the guide rail 28, respectively. These ball bearings 29 are in contact with the protrusions 35. As a result, the document table 3 is guided more smoothly by the guide rail 28. A ball bearing may be further provided between the outer end face F1 of the left and right protrusions 35 and the inner side face F2 of the groove of the guide rail 28.

  Further, the document table 3 can be slid in the horizontal direction with respect to the reading unit 6 and can also change an inclination angle with respect to the main body unit 2. Specifically, after the document table 3 moves horizontally with respect to the reading unit 6, the inclination angle with respect to the main body unit 2 is changed from 0 (zero) degrees to an angle θ (for example, about 30 degrees). It is possible to incline with respect to a horizontal plane (see FIG. 8 to FIG. 11) so that the near side is located below.

  Therefore, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, the guide rail 28 has a horizontal portion 28a extending parallel to the horizontal plane, and a skewed portion 28b inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The inclined portion 28b is inclined so that the front side (−Y side) is located relatively downward. When the document table 3 is pulled out by the operator's operating force, the projecting portion 35 is guided in the horizontal direction along the horizontal portions 28a of the left and right guide rails 28 (see FIG. 3), and the document table 3 is in a horizontal state. Move forward while maintaining Thereafter, when the projecting portion 35 is guided in the oblique direction along the skewed portion 28b of the guide rail 28, the document table 3 moves in a state where it is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. More specifically, the document table 3 moves to the front side (−Y side) while gradually moving the front end side (−Y side) downward. As a result, the document table 3 is pulled forward (−Y side) to the position shown in FIG. 7, and pulled out to the front so as to protrude from the main body 2 (also referred to as a pulled-out state ST <b> 2). . In this embodiment, in the drawn-out state ST2, the document table 3 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the front end side is located below the rear end side.

<2. Operation>
8 to 10 are diagrams showing the movement operation of the document table 3. 5 and 8 to 10 and the like, for the sake of convenience, the lower side of the image reading apparatus 1 (image forming unit 7 and the like) and the operation panel 4 are not shown, and the document table 3 and the like are shown in a simplified manner. ing.

  First, the state transition from the housed state ST1 (see FIGS. 3 and 5, etc.) to the drawn-out state ST2 (see FIGS. 7, 10, etc.) will be described. In this state transition, the document table 3 moves with respect to the main body 2, the document pressing member 5, and the reading unit 6.

  In the storage state ST1 in FIG. 5, when the operator inserts a fingertip into the handle portion 34 and applies a force to the document table 3 to pull the document table 3 toward the front (a force in the -Y direction), as shown in FIG. The table 3 moves in the horizontal direction toward the near side (−Y side) (left side in FIG. 8) while being guided by the horizontal portion 28 a of the guide rail 28. In this state, both the front side (−Y side) protruding portion 35a and the rear side (+ Y side) protruding portion 35b are guided and moved by the horizontal portion 28a. Since the image reading apparatus 1 is provided with the handle portion 34, the document table 3 can be easily pulled out, and the operability is further improved.

  When the front protruding portion 35a reaches the skew feeding portion 28b, the document placement surface of the document table 3 starts to tilt obliquely as shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the document table 3 advances further to the front side (−Y side) while being skewed with respect to the horizontal plane. When the front protrusion 35a reaches the front end of the guide rail 28, as shown in FIG. The movement of the table 3 is restricted and the document table 3 stops. In the pulled-out state ST2, the document table 3 is supported by the front protruding portion 35a contacting the U-shaped front end of the guide rail 28, and the rear protruding portion 35b is also skewed with respect to the guide rail 28. Supported by the portion 28b. In more detail, the protrusion part 35b is each supported by the upper rail or the lower rail in the skew part 28b. Thus, the document table 3 is inclined at an angle θ (for example, about 30 degrees) with respect to the horizontal plane by the total of the two guide rails 28 and the total of four protrusions 35 disposed on the left and right sides of the document table 3. And it hold | maintains in the state which protruded from the main-body part 2 (refer FIG. 7 and FIG. 10).

  As described above, the document table 3 transitions from the housed state ST1 to the drawn-out state ST2.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the operator accesses the image reading apparatus 1 in the drawing state ST2.

  In the pulled-out state ST2, the document table 3 is pulled out from the main body 2 and tilted with respect to the horizontal plane, so that the document table 3 can be easily accessed from a relatively low position. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, an operator on a wheelchair can easily place the document at an appropriate position on the document table 3. In particular, since the document table 3 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, the operator can easily confirm the position on the document table 3.

  Further, since the operation panel 4 moves together with the document table 3, the access performance to the operation panel 4 is also improved. Specifically, in the drawer state ST2, the operator can perform various setting operations using the operation panel 4. In this pulled-out state ST2, the operation panel 4 is pulled out from the main body 2 and is inclined at an appropriate angle (here, an angle θ (for example, about 30 degrees) with respect to the horizontal plane). The operability for the panel 4 is high.

  When the manuscript is placed on the manuscript table by the operator, the manuscript table 3 is now moved from the drawn-out state ST2 to the housed state ST1 by an operation reverse to the above. Next, this state transition will be described.

  Specifically, the operator performs an operation of holding the document table 3 using the handle portion 34 or the like and pushing the document table 3 to the back side. In response to the operation force by the operator, the document table 3 is guided by the skewed portion 28b and the horizontal portion 28a of the guide rail 28 and moves to the back side, and the inclination angle approaches 0 (zero) degree. (FIG. 10 → FIG. 9 → FIG. 8). Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the rear protrusion 35 b reaches the U-shaped rear end of the guide rail 28, the movement of the document table 3 is restricted and the document table 3 stops. Then, the original storage state ST1 is restored.

  Further, the document table 3 moves relative to both the document pressing member 5 and the reading unit 6 even when the document table 3 is returned to the storage state ST1. Specifically, the document table 3 moves using a gap between the document pressing member 5 and the reading unit 6. As a result, the document D shifts from the drawn state ST2 to the stored state ST1 while being placed on the transparent member 32. Therefore, when placing the document D on the image reading apparatus 1, it is not necessary to push the document table 3 upward to open it.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, a gap for placing the document D is provided between the transparent member 32 and the document pressing member 5. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the document D from coming into contact with the document pressing member 5 when the document table 3 is returned to the storage state ST1. As shown in FIG. 4, a gap is also provided between the frame member 31 and the document pressing member 5. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the frame member 31 from coming into contact with the document pressing member 5 when the document table 3 returns to the stored state ST1. Similarly, a gap is also provided between the transparent member 32 and the transparent member 61, and a gap is also provided between the frame member 31 and the portion of the main body 2 immediately below (and the transparent member 61). It has been. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the transparent member 32 and the frame member 31 from coming into contact with the transparent member 61 and the main body when the document table 3 is moved.

  Thereafter, by pressing a button in the operation panel 4 (see FIGS. 7 and 11), a scanning operation using the reading unit 6 is executed. As a result, a scanned image related to the document D is generated. If the operator confirms the position of the button in advance in the state ST2 in which the document table 3 is pulled out, the button operation after returning to the storage state ST1 becomes relatively easy.

  As described above, in the drawing state ST2 of the document table 3, since the document table 3 is pulled out from the main body 2 and inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, the document table 3 is accessed even from a relatively low position. It becomes easy (see FIG. 11). Therefore, for example, an operator on a wheelchair can easily place a document at an appropriate position on the document table 3. That is, an image reading apparatus that is easy for various users to operate is realized.

  The document table 3 is moved with respect to the reading unit 6 to realize the drawing-out state ST2 of the document table 3. Here, the force for pulling out the document table 3 is smaller than the force for moving the entire reading unit 6. Therefore, according to the above-described operation, for example, it is possible to realize a state in which a document is easily placed with a relatively small force as compared with the case where the entire picker 6 is moved.

  Further, such an image reading apparatus 1 can be realized with a relatively simple configuration as compared with an image reading apparatus that moves the entire reading unit 6. Specifically, the apparatus configuration can be simplified as compared with the above-described conventional technology. In particular, the apparatus configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the electric moving mechanism as described above is further provided to move the entire reading unit (the reading unit including the image sensor). Is possible.

<3. Other>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the inclined portion is provided on the front side (−Y side) of the guide rail 28 and the document table 3 is inclined is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the horizontal portion 28 a is provided on the guide rail 28. For example, the document table 3 may be moved only in the horizontal direction.

  12 and 13 are diagrams showing an apparatus according to such a modification. In FIG. 12, a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 is shown. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 12, the horizontal portion 28a (not the oblique portion 28b) is provided also on the front end side of the guide rail 28. The document table 3 is pulled out while maintaining the horizontal state, and the document table 3 is maintained in the horizontal state even in the pulled-out state ST2 where the document table 3 is most pulled out with respect to the main body 2.

  A user's operativity can also be improved by the apparatus which concerns on such a modification. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, by pulling out the document table 3, the operator's feet on the wheelchair can sink under the document table 3. Therefore, for example, the situation in which the lower pedestal portion of the image reading device is in the way and the operation of placing the document on the document placement surface from a relatively long distance has been improved, and the operation of placing the document is improved. It is possible to carry out from relatively close to the original placement surface. As shown in FIG. 13, in particular, when the document placement surface is relatively low, the operability is greatly improved even if the document table 3 is pulled out in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, when the document placement surface is relatively high, not only can the document table 3 be slid horizontally but also the inclination angle of the document table 3 with respect to the main body 2 can be changed as in the above embodiment. preferable. According to this, the operability can be further improved.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the ball bearing 29 is embedded in the guide rail 28 (see FIG. 6) is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball bearing 29 may be embedded in the protruding portion 35. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP is exemplified as the image reading apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above idea may be applied to an image reading apparatus having only a scanner function. In particular, when such an image reading apparatus is arranged at an appropriate height on a desk or the like, the same advantages as described above can be obtained.

It is a top view of an image reading apparatus. It is a side view of an image reading apparatus. FIG. 6 is a top view showing a state where a document pressing member is removed. It is a figure which shows the II cross section of FIG. It is a figure which shows the II-II cross section of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that the protrusion part of a platen is guided to a guide rail. FIG. 6 is a top view showing a state in which the document table is pulled out (drawn state). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of moving a document table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of moving a document table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of moving a document table. It is a figure which shows the state in which an operator accesses an apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the image reading apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the state in which an operator accesses the image reading apparatus which concerns on a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reading apparatus 2 Main body part 3 Document stand 4 Operation panel 5 Document pressing member 6 Reading part 7 Image forming part 28 Guide rail 28a Horizontal part 28b Skew part 31 Frame member 32, 61 Transparent member 34 Handle part 35, 35a, 35b Projection D Document

Claims (8)

An image reading device,
The main body,
A reading unit provided in the main body unit for reading an image relating to a document;
A movable document table having a document placement unit for placing the document and movable with respect to the main body unit and the reading unit;
An image reading apparatus comprising: The image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
An image reading apparatus, wherein the document table is slidable in a horizontal direction. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2,
The image reading apparatus, wherein the document table is slidable in a horizontal direction and can change an inclination angle with respect to the main body. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3.
Guiding means for guiding the document table;
Further comprising
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide means includes a horizontal portion that guides the document table in a horizontal direction and a skew portion that guides the document table in an oblique direction. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An operation panel provided connected to the document table and capable of moving with the document table relative to the reading unit;
An image reading apparatus further comprising: The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The document table has a first transparent member at a portion on which the document is placed,
The reading unit has a second transparent member,
2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second transparent member is present at a position facing the first transparent member in a state where the document table is housed on the main body side. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A document pressing member provided to cover the document table in a state where the document table is housed on the main body side;
Further comprising
The image reading apparatus, wherein the document table is provided between the document pressing member and the reading unit, and is movable with respect to both the document pressing member and the reading unit. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A handle used when an operator performs an operation of pulling out the document table to the near side;
An image reading apparatus further comprising:

Images